Author's Note: God Damn It, how long have the fucking breaks between each scene been missing? No one should have to read through continuous 80O0 words! They've even retroactively disappeared from old stories! No wonder my hit count is so low if every chapter is such a God Damn mess!

I'm looking at re-editing everything from Dark Reign on.

Fine. Fuck it. Next item. I try to do this every year.

ANZAC

Australia New Zealand Army Corps.

The Great War. Gallipoli, 25th April, 1915.

The anvil against which two nations were forged.

Least we forget.

They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:

Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.

At the going down of the sun and in the morning,

We will remember them.

Disclaimer: I do not own Kim Possible™ or any character, location or event from that said show.

Last time on Legend of a Monkey Master

- Ron believes this adventure into monkey ridden jungle is a bad road. He expresses concern Team Possible will be set upon by giant squid.

- Lord Fiske directs Kim and Ron to study Hamlet.

- Satellite scans reveal a buried temple and a mysterious source of energy….

- Wade has begun to uncover oddities to with Lord Fiske's expedition.

- The Temple of Monkey has been unearthed.

Ch 6: Monkey's Fist

There was no stopping Lord Fiske this time. Protests from Mr Bates fell on deaf ears. He had witnessed the real time images returned by the brave mole rat, Rufus. He knew what the sinkhole had uncovered and was determined to see it with his own eyes. Never mind he lost his crutch in the slip. A new one was crafted from the abundant lumber, cloth from his expensive khaki shirt to pad it and his considerable skill as an outdoorsman.

Naturally Mr Bates followed his lord. Kim followed them. Ron, who initially yelped like a puppy with a boo-boo when the massive monkey maw appeared on screen, knew he had to collect brave little Rufus. To Kim's annoyance he returned to chanting his mantra, "bad road, bad road, bad road," under his breath.

Then everyone else followed because – well, danger aside, this was freakin' awesome!

They stood around the lip of the sinkhole, studying the doorway uncovered. Two great black obsidian eyes returned their gaze. Eyes still polished despite being for years underground, still glinted in the sunlight. Those black eyes were a void that caught your own vision and held it. Teeth of gold hung from the ceiling of the gapping maw which seemed to double as the entrance.

"Mil'lord, we cannot go down there. We could not even ask brave Rufus to. The earth is too unstable."

Lord Fiske groaned impatiently.

"We have a plan for this. We call in engineers. Use robots to explore the inner depths. But we cannot do anything more today."

"Yes," Fiske sighed. "Very well Mr Bates. You are my voice of reason as usual.

"Ronald, it is Saturday. Did we ever discuss your D-Day presentation before we left?"

Ron groaned although he had to admit it was half-hearted at best. Even Saturday class was a great step up from the idea of exploring a monkey temple.

At Lord Fiske's direction the assembled group turned back to camp. Many were reluctant, leaving it to the last second to turn and follow. Not moving unless everyone around them did so. Everyone wanted one second more to glimpse the majestic structure. And another second.

("Get this off of me!), Rufus demanded. (I've been thinking, it's cool you two want to be 'volunteer' world saving heroes. But if I'm going to be given all the rotten jobs I should get paid.")

Ron removed the miniature camera strapped to her back. She stretched in his hand; arching her back, rotating her shoulder blades. It was bliss to have the extra weight removed. If only she could ditch the GPS collar.

("Oh yeah, that's better. Hey, could you…?")

Ron stroked her back with his index finger. He could tell she enjoyed the massage by her purr. Also, she was also less snarky. Practice and experimentation taught him how she liked to be petted. Or perhaps she had grown used to his gentle touch.

("Oh Ron, that is sooo good. Hey, do I get, like, a 'Rufus snack' now?")

"Rrrrrrr-on!"

"Ahh!"

A malevolent force reached out and touched Ron. He jumped as it brushed against his lower back. Chills crisscrossed his spine, running up and down. His senses deadened. His throat closed to the point he could not draw breath.

Kim instantly removed her hand from across Ron's waist. She hadn't meant to startle him. Only soothe over his insecurities. Remind him she still had his feeling in mind. Clearly this Monkey business had him wound tight.

Thinking fast, Kim caught Rufus on re-entry after Ron had thrown her, holding the distressed little creature to her chest. Forgiving her for the odd scratch and bite, although Kim did have to intervene when, in her jittery state, Rufus attempted to gnaw off Kim's pinkie.

("Wha- what? What? Why? Why?! Why would you do that?!")

"Sorry. I didn't…," Kim said.

His airway was still locked up tight so Ron answered with frantic nodding. He intended to signal he understood. No big. It wasn't quite the same message when his eyes were near bulging out of his skull and his placating smile looked more appropriate on serial killers.

("Oh my God, my - my heart. I – I – I think I'm in shock.")

His voice came back. It was hoarse but, "No, no. I heard something call my name."

"Ah…, I said your name."

"Did you - say it as if you were a dinosaur? Rawr-on?"

"No. I defiantly did not say your name like a dinosaur."

Rufus breathed rapidly. Adrenaline caused her paws to shake and her body to feel chilled.

("I think I lost my contacts. I can't see without my contacts.")

"Did you – see a dinosaur?"

"I was just going to say we don't have to get involved with this monkey temple business, you know. Even I'm a little weirded out. Did you see that things eyes?"

"And there was this hand across my back."

("My tail fell off! Do you see this?! My tail -fell - off – oh. There it is. Still attached. My mistake, bad eyesight. It's a common condition - in Mole Rats.)

"This isn't our mission. This is our break. Let Monty and his experts handle this sitch."

"It was so cold."

"My hands aren't…! I'm taking you both back to camp now."

("Yeah. Yeah, they're a little….")

Rufus retched. Kim winced. Now she had mole rat puke over her hands.

"Oh…," Ron looked from the creature Kim held in her palm, to where the creature was meant to be. In his palm. "Sorry buddy…."

("Just – just – just – just don't talk to me. Don't talk to me for a minute. I love you, but don't talk me.")

Ron counted his blessing. Monty forgot class today after all. Likely he had other items on his mind. He and several of his senior colleagues conversed on their find all the way back to camp.

"Rivers are the highways of Laos, even today."

"You have to wonder how the ancients transported these building materials.

"Likely slave labour."

Ron only partially listened. If Mr Barkin wanted a snap test on what they'd learnt on this trip he could go ask Kim, consarn it! Adrenaline pumping misadventures before morning tea took there toll. Ron felt weariness wrap around him like a warm blanket and he was content to snooze in it. The rest of the day was his relax and enjoy. The afternoon he devoted to Rufus, whom was still sore at him.

The same weariness remained with him the rest of the day and, in the mysterious way a desperately tired person often has a rough, un-restful night so he did.

The jungle is never still. Dusk is merely a changing of the guard. A time for a new set of creatures to stir, to hunt, to feed, to commune; to thrive. Thus the jungle never sleeps. Compared to homely Middleton, the jungle was darker and the night sky, if you could see it through the tree tops, clearer. Traded was the soft music of combustion engines, block parties, a father's terrible snore – for the deafening drone of insects. It seemed like the endless chorus of insects would drive him mad. He placed his pillow over his ears and tried to pay howls and hoots belonging to the night no mind.

No sleeping position could bring comfort. Sleep exhausted him more than his waking hour adventures. His dreams were troubled. Images flicked through his mind. Intense feelings overwhelmed him. It felt real. They always withdrew before he could make sense of them.

Hit parents sending him away to camp.

Bobo screamed at him.

Huge jaw. Sharp teeth.

Classmates laughing at him. Always laughing.

Nobody wanted a loser.

Ron felt helpless. He felt alone. He felt - violated! Invaded! A bad presence. Urging him. Coercing him. Intent on driving him – away? Or toward? But he didn't want to go.

A street.

Denizens of the city. Odd clothing. Look closer.

Ghosts all. Tortured souls. Wanted something from him.

Couldn't hear their voices. Used his feelings.

Save them?

He couldn't save them. How could he ever save anyone. He was afraid. The bad presence frightened him. Kim was the hero.

Kim!

He remembered. Drakken's Lair. Spreading fire. Kim trapped atop a mixing tower. And she hadn't been alone.

Drakken was trying to kill her. But Ron couldn't get near. The poison. He was helpless. Something had hit him. In the back of the head, they'd hit him. Kim had been in danger. Ron had folded and didn't wake up. He had failed.

Kim was in danger now!

They took her. They were hurting her! The temple!

Rufus clung to him. Screeching.

The entrance. The dark eyes.

Rufus biting him.

Didn't matter. Kim urging him. Driving him on.

Or - was it the bad presence?

"Rrrrrr-ON!"

The bad presence roared his name. Ron couldn't handle it. He fled his dreams for the safety of consciousness. Unfortunately the nightmare followed.

He woke – standing up.

He placed his hands against the cold stone wall, hugging it to support his weight. He panted. Needed oxygen so badly.

He couldn't see. So it was still dark?

Stone wall? Where was his tent?

Bruises. His feet and hands were cut. There was a sharp stinging sensation on his thigh. It hurt. He brushed a hand against it and felt blood. He also felt a familiar companion. Rufus was in his pyjama pants. She had been biting him. She did so again.

"Ah!"

("Ron! Ron, are you awake?")

A groan was his response. "I'm bleeding."

("Ron, you have to wake the fuck up right now!")

Ron slouched against the stone wall until his behind rested uncomfortably on the cold stone pavers.

"Where are we?"

("Disneyland. Seriously, you don't wanna know. Just breathe. Sit here and breathe. There's a good boy. I need to think.")

"Hello? Anyone? Kim?"

Curiosity caused Ron to call out. And an increasing desire for human contact. He wasn't yet aware enough to be terrified. Rather he felt hollow. He was a vacuum ready to be filled with the terror his unconscious mind knew he really should be feeling.

"Can someone turn on the light?"

("I don't think there is one. They're not here Ron. No-one's here. But don't worry, they'll come for us. They'll find us.)"

"Where is everybody?"

Ron's voice was breaking now. Fear was beginning to fill the void.

("Ron. They will come for us,") Rufus repeated.

It dawned on Ron he was alone in the dark with Rufus. Everyone else was gone. They didn't know where he was. He didn't know where he was! He was cold. He was injured. He couldn't see the blood seeping from his small wounds. But he could feel it!

He didn't know if he wanted to run though the dark, scream for Kim or cry softly.

"A-ha-ha ha-ha ha."

It was so dark.

Ron couldn't see the monsters in the dark.

Eight hours later.

Kim held her weaponized hairdryer extended before her in her right hand, a flashlight in her left. She made her way carefully along tight corridors, scanning every corner, every side passage and offshoot room. The path beyond became a maze. Passages leading up. Passages leading down, left and right. There was no to tell which Ron had taken.

("Help! I need help!")

Rufus spotted the beam of light and ran toward it. She did not she who wielded it, only knew help from anyone would do. She squealed and squealed as only she had at her most distressed.

"Rufus!"

("Kim!")

Kim joy at seeing her mole rat friend instantly turned to trepidation. Rufus was not with Ron. Rufus was never not with Ron. The two were indivisible. The same as Ron's math problems.

"Rufus. Where is Ron?"

("This way. Please - I don't know how to help him.")

Kim trusted Rufus to lead to Ron. Her initial reaction to a mole rat living in Ron's pocket had been one of disgust she was ashamed to admit. For of all creatures Rufus did not deserve it. She had proven herself as a dependable, stalwart ally in emergencies since. She did here too.

A pitch black maze may be difficult for a human to navigate. To a mole rat this was natural habitat. Rufus never did find her contacts. It did not matter. Mole rats rely on other, stronger, less fallible senses. Senses harder to deceive.

With the power of scent she had been attempting to retrace Ron's entry as to find an exit, and help. Stumbling upon Kim was more fortunate. Rufus hadn't been sure she could have led rescuers to Ron in time.

"Ron!"

The boy flinched. His only reaction to the beam of light and the calling of his name. Kim heard the boy sniff. In a weak voice he said, "Stop it. Go away."

He was crying.

("He doesn't believe it's us.")

It was pointless to inform Kim. She did not understand. Could not understand the tortures Ron had endured this night. So unholy as to make Rufus abandon him to find desperately needed help.

Kim knelt beside Ron. He was shivering. He had journeyed deep into the cold earth in his pyjamas. He smelled of urine. It broke Kim's heart to see him in such a sorry state. It was difficult to suppress her shock.

She gently placed her trembling hands on his face and bicep. She found it hard to keep her voice steady. "Ron? Ron, it's me."

He sniffed again. This time though, her voice and gloved touch stirred him. "Kim?" he asked as though he did not believe. "For reals?"

"For reals," Kim assured him. She had fresh water, warm clothing and medical supplies with her. She lit and placed a flare on the ground for illumination and encouraged him to drink while she checked for injuries. He had minor cuts on his hands and feet. She noted the wound on his thigh. It would require disinfectant and dressing. She also needed to keep him talking both to help him - and to learn who did this to him.

"What are you doing here Ron? Did someone take you?"

"I don't know," he whimpered. "I don't know, I don't know. I woke up here."

"We found your GPS locator at the temple doorway. Did you drop it so we could find you?"

"You found me." Kim had never heard anyone so grateful before. "You found me!"

"Yes Ron," Kim agreed with him, trying to ease his disorientation. "I found you." She was rewarded with a momentary weak smile.

It faded too soon. Ron added apprehensively, "He said you would."

"He?" Kim tensed. "Ron, who is he? Is he the one who took you?"

Ron began to concentrate, breaking through the thick fog clouding his mind. In a short time he managed to arrange his thought coherently. "He told me you were going to save me and then you would…," he trailed off. "Oh no. No, no, no, no! It's a trap!"

Fearing she was losing him to inner demons once more, Kim tried to take Ron's head into her palm once more. So she was surprised when Ron took her by her shoulder instead. He looked up at her and in all serious warned, "It's a trap, Kim! He wants you!"

"Who?"

"The ghost monkey!"

Ron took her torch for getting dressed. Kim illuminated her surrounding using one of the many flares Fiske had loaded onto her equipment belt and bag.

"Wade created a map using the X-ray scans and uploaded it to my Kimmunicator, although he admits process didn't work too well through the rock and earth."

"Whatever. Just – please. Can we go home?" Ron sounded so tired.

Kim used Rufus and the Kimmunicator to retrace her path, finding Rufus more helpful in this instance. They were close to their goal when they encountered misfortune. Somehow tunnel had collapsed behind Kim.

If Team Possible were now trapped down here Kim did not know how long their supplies would last. And she certainly did not want Ron to remain any longer than possible. One night had been enough to seriously shake his psyche. Her best option was to use the Kimmunicator to call for extra help.

"Monty. I've found him. Repeat, I've found Ron. But our path is now blocked by a tunnel collapse." Kim cupped before her mouth and added, "Ron seems delirious but otherwise ok." She did not want to further upset Ron with her concerns. He was taking his ghost monkey idea very seriously.

"…cave in… tight…. peat, sit tigh…. Engine… Hanoi… the way. We… dig through… this end."

Kim frowned. Her Kimmunicator was having trouble receiving a signal through the stone temple structure. Lord Fiske's reply was terribly garbled.

"Could you repeat? Over."

Fiske talked slower.

"We… coming. Re… are come…. Sit tigh…."

"Acknowledge. Out."

Kim replaced the Kimmunicator in her pocket and mentally searched for the best way to inform Ron they would be trapped for a little while longer. She was surprised and horrified when she turned around and he wasn't there.

"Ron!"

"Over here!"

Ron was two cross-corridors back, shining the torch down a passage which led deeper into the earth. "This is the way out. We should go this way."

"That way leads further into the temple. We need to wait here for…."

"Rufus? Come back, Rufus!"

Ron ran down the corridor, shocking Kim – and Rufus who was still in Ron's pocket.

("Why are you yelling? Go back, go back!")

Ron ran after his phantom Rufus and Kim gave chase. A paving stone depressed as Ron stepped upon it. He tripped, crying as he hurt his ankle.

"Are you alright?"

"Yeah. Just a bruise. What was that?"

Before and aft great stone barriers slid up to close off escape. Kim realised they were trapped in a six metre stretch of corridor when sand began to pour from the ceiling.

"Nice choice of direction Ron."

"Me? I was following Rufus!"

("Nah-uh!"

Kim decided against arguing the point while sand threatened to choke their existence. Since the Battle with Dr Drakken, Wade had gone into overdrive updating Kim's field equipment, complementing it with new technology Joe quietly acquired from Betty Director and Global Justice Initiative. In addition to its primary role as grapple hook launcher, Wade had previously designed the hairdryer to fire hard rubber squash balls. Kim's upgraded arsenal included gas canisters, from knock out to tracking powder; and an air expanding compound for lack of a better name referred to as glue-p. She stuck her flare in the sand, loaded a pair of ball shaped canisters containing the latter substance and fired at the twin release points in the ceiling. A pink rubbery substance expanded and blocked them up for good.

"We're safe for now. Any idea how to get out?"

Ron grew distant. Distracted. He frantically began to dig and feel around in the sand. In the short time before Kim dealt to it rising sand had reached knee level so he was having trouble locating - whatever it was he was searching for.

"Can you use hairdryer to blow some of this out of the way?"

"I don't really think it does that anymore. And I do not recommend drying your hair with it."

"Then help me dig."

Finally Ron found the paver he was looking for.

"Lift this panel."

A crowbar had been included in her rescue equipment. Kim used it to dig under the paver and lift it. Underneath lay a drainage hole. Sand began to spill into this empty space.

"There's another room down there. Eventually someone would be needed to remove the bodies and reset the trap. These holes were used to clear the room of sand."

("A real winner of a job, that.")

"We couldn't fit down there," Kim argued.

("Well. Give me some rope and maybe I could – hey!")

Without warning her or asking permission Ron dug into his pocket, grabbed Rufus and dropped her down the hole.

"The gears running this trap are aged. Chew through the ropes to release us."

Horrified did not began to describe Kim's feelings. "What if she's injured?!"

Ron dismissed her concern. "The sand will provide a soft landing."

He was behaving kind of jittery. Turning his head this way and that like a bird, refusing to make eye contact. Nonetheless, his intuition proved correct. Soon the barriers entrapping them lowered. How Ron had known this? The question nagged at Kim and it wasn't the only one.

Kim recovered Rufus by lowering her grapple cable. The little lady certainly had some choice words for Ron by time Kim pulled her up. It didn't help matters Ron sincerely did not know why she was upset. In fact, Ron was far from all right. He was increasingly apprehensive and fidgety. Whatever was afflicting him, it was getting worse. Rufus chose to stay with Kim for now.

"Lets get back."

"No, lets go this way."

("No, lets really go back.")

"The way out is back this way," Kim reminded him.

"No. They're waiting for us."

Who knew what monsters Ron referred to?

"Out friends are back there," Kim reasoned, trying to take his hand. "We need to stay…."

He refused to take her hand, instead roaring, "This way!" and storming off along his own path. Not waiting to see if Kim would follow.

Kim was momentarily stunned. Never had her friend addressed her so harshly. For sweet, loveable Ron to yell at anyone was uncharacteristic. Her fears for him were rising. As were the fears of Rufus.

("I hope, when this is over, our Ron comes back.")

Kim agreed with the sentiment.

A snake pit trap, poison dart trap and a giant mousetrap later, Team Possible exited the maze and stepped into a new chamber.

The room was too big for flare or torchlight to illuminate effectively. They could not even see the end of it. Kim did notice light seemed to reflect from the walls. On closer examination she discovered they were decorated in gold, with artistic etchings carved in.

In the centre of the hall stone gargoyles stood guard. They were all depictions an elephant deity with four arms. And each arm was armed.

"Oh no. This isn't happening, this isn't happening, this isn't happening."

Ron spotted that which they guarded. And when Kim saw it she understood why Ron was wigged. Atop a modest pedestal in the centre of the room it waited. Monty Fiske described such a place a week earlier.

Kim couldn't have been sure Monty was telling the truth about the monastery. Perhaps it had been a fabrication designed as a gesture of compassion. Kim was sure now. The Idol of Yono was as terrifying as described. And it was speaking to Ron. Invading his mind. Making him do things. She was sure of it now.

She was sure it was talking to him this instant when Ron closed his eyes and held his hands over his ears, trying in vain to block out the whispers. Kim tried to comfort him. She gripped his writs and encouraged him to look into her eyes. To talk to her.

"Hey, hey, hey. It's alright. Look at me. Ron, look at me! Listen to me now!"

He continued to struggle. "No, no, no. Go away. Leave me alone."

Kim might have been hurt if he were talking to her. But he didn't even acknowledge her touch. He kept retreating from the idol, backing into one of the stone guardians.

The guardian rocked in place slid back its stone eye lids. Pink jewels glowered down at the teens.

For a moment Ron snapped back to sanity. "Um, I think I T'd something…."

The stone guardian came to life, being granted the gift of movement. It launched an attack on Ron, swinging a short sword to cleave the boy. Kim, still holding his writs, pulled him back out of the blade's path and pushed him aside. He was in no condition to confront such a beast. The gargoyle stretched its four arms, finding strength in the various weapons in the palm of each. It set its jewelled sights on Kim and stepped forward to confront her.

Kim borrowed a curse from Ron. "Oh, bad road."

Kim ducked under a axe, rolled to avoid a mace strike which shattered stone pavers. From the lower arms the creature thrust a spear at her. Kim stepped around the blow. Dropping her illuminating flare she grabbed the end of the spear and snapped the tip off with a practiced Karate chop.

"Oh man! Oh man! I knew it! I knew we'd be attacked by giant squid!"

"It's not giant squid! It's a multi-limbed elephant deity!"

Now armed, Kim shielded herself from the next three blows. Metal chimed on metal as Kim fended off axe and short sword using the spear tip. The blows hit so hard her arms almost buckled and it was hard to see where the next blow would originate in the dim light. A further complication, there were four possible directions, not two. She back-flipped away to buy herself some room.

Determined to press the advantage the stone creature charged; spreading its sword and axe arm's wide to catch Kim should she leap aside, using the broken but still sharp end of its spear as a lance. This left the body largely exposed.

Kim threw the spear tip like a javelin, aiming for the most visible target. Right between its glowing eyes.

Her throw struck home – and rebounded off the creature's stone skin.

"Oh no."

("Throw me!")

Caution to the wind, Rufus set herself in Kim's palm. Kim repeated her shot, aiming for the same target. The creature's charge broke when confronted with a mole rat clawing at its eye. It stumbled.

Rufus's touch infuriated the beast. It swiped at her. Clawed at its face trying to remove her.

("Got your nose!") Rufus taunted.

The trunk reversed like a snake, a natural predator of the naked mole rat. Wrapping its snout around her it pulled Rufus eye to eye with the beast.

("Okay. His nose has me!")

Kim loaded two glue-p rounds into her hairdryer and shot for the creature's arms. Ron free from immediate hacked to pieces danger, she loaded two more rounds and ran at the creature. She shot once at its feet to hold the creature in place.

"Hi-yah!"

Kim leapt, connecting with the creature's belly using both feet. While not injuring it, the force of the impact led the creature to stumble back. Only, it could not. Its feet were held in place. It toppled over, loosing its grip on Rufus as it did so. An arm impacted the ground at a bad angle, breaking off. Kim stood over the creature, shooting the felled gargoyle once more in the face. Glue-ping it to the floor and ensuring it would remain grounded.

Whirling on Ron, Kim commanded, "New rule. Don't – T – the gargoyles."

As with the Russian Monastery the elaborately decorated walls told a tale. Only this time the tale was etched into gold and did no depict historical battles. This time they told a history. The history of this lost city.

Kim held her flare up to the wall, attempting top locate the beginning of the story.

"You should take the idol," Ron hesitantly suggested. "Monty can have it! We wouldn't have to be here if wasn't for this stupid thing."

A sudden reversal for a boy almost ready to wet himself, again, at the sight of the artefact.

Kim did not. She glanced suspiciously at her friend, but chose not to confront him on this inconsistency. Not yet. It hurt, but she had no way to help Ron yet.

Instead she studied this history. Ron did not mind. Was even amused for her to do so. She traversed the room, using her flare to shed light on the story. She could not read the language but the imagery told her enough.

A man. Born from the egg of a stone. He brought good fortune to his people by journeying into the jungle and discovering a river, so they declared him King and together built a village next to this river. One day the village was attacked by a demon. Wishing to defend his people the King retrieved a mystical bõ, a fighting stick and traditional weapon of monkey style kung-fu, which appeared to be able to change form at will. With this weapon the King returned to defeat the demon. Over time he would leave his people and journey to defeat many great demons, dragons and other heavenly creatures to claim the treasures they guarded. Finally, the other great deities grew impatient with his antics. They banded together and captured him. The King fended off their armies for a time. He even countered their superior numbers by growing replicas from his hairs. After a fierce battle the deities won the day. The King was captured. A crown was placed upon his head to limit his abilities and he was trapped beneath a mountain.

This was a disaster for his people.

A harsh new King emerged, this one taking the form of a monkey. Or maybe the previous one set free? Kim could not tell. The new King lorded over the enslaved people as they built his magnificent city. He escaped the wrath of the divine creatures by conquering the world of man instead. Well, as it often does, history repeated itself in time. The mortals too rose against the Monkey King's tyranny, sealing him in stone from which the first original King was born.

The people of the monkey city were free. However, they remained aware of the threat the trapped Monkey King still posed. They continued to live in his city and guarded against his return.

"This is the city," Ron confirmed.

"But there isn't a river."

"There is."

Kim finally challenged him. "You know this because…?"

"Please will you take the idol back to Monty? So we can go home. I miss Mom and Dad. And Monique."

"I don't think Ron would want me to do that. And I don't think you're Ron."

Ron/the ghost monkey smirked. He didn't deny it. "Well. He did warn me you were a smart cookie."

Kim and Rufus, the ladies, eyed their possessed companion. There was a deep anger boiling beyond each set.

"You're not subtle."

"Have you ever tried to possess someone? Do you think this shit is easy? It's not! It takes a lot of concentration."

"It sounds like controlling Ron is proving to be more trouble than you anticipated. Tougher than you thought?"

"Trouble? This coward? Well, maybe a little," the ghost monkey slyly admitted. His voice was changing. Deeper than which was usual for Ron. His tone no longer portrayed his feelings openly as Ron's did. "His thought process can be – random. You just have to find the right carrot to direct it. All I had to do was convince him you were in danger. He came willingly."

That stung. It didn't help her stress levels she couldn't beat the smug smile from Ron's face. It wasn't his fault.

"Get out of him. Now."

A sentiment Rufus strongly agreed with.

The ghost monkey removed a pair of candies from Ron's pocket. Kim hadn't realised they were there. He took the wrapping off one and stuck it in his mouth, offering Kim the second.

"Lollipop?"

Kim refused.

"Why Ron?"

"Mmm…. Oh, I can see why you used to like these. We never had anything like this in the old days. I cannot wait to try chocolate ice cream."

Kim was still waiting for an answer. Ron/the ghost monkey grunted. Stubborn child.

"Because possessing you would require more effort, okay? And I wouldn't be able to touch the idol if I did. Mystical safeguards. Like these fellows," the ghost monkey patted a gargoyle on the head.

The eye lids of the stone guardian opened. Its jewel eyes began to glow.

"Oopsy."

The guardian raised a terrible sickle against Ron. The ghost monkey did not bother to move. He simply enjoyed his lollipop. Kim was hot on the draw. 7 seconds and four glue-p pellets later: "You know, I don't have any more of those!"

"Then I suggest run really, really fast when you nab the idol for me."

"I'm not touching your idol."

"Fine. But remember, your friend Ron only leaves if I do."

"That's where you're wrong. No matter what power you have over Ron, I'll….'

The ghost monkey picked up the spear tip Kim broke off earlier and held it to Ron's throat. Kim halted mid-sentence, swallowing hard. The Yono was playing for higher stakes than she realised.

"Child," he was unbelievable condescending. "I've been trapped here four millennia. With so many potential puppets upstairs, do you think I care for the fate of one boy?"

All of the remaining gargoyles came to life the moment Kim tapped the idol.

"Move!" Yono commanded.

("Go, go, go!")

On a matter of preference, Rufus stayed with Kim. Perhaps it would have been safer with Ron by the exit, but she could not stand Yono. She was ready to tear out his tongue! Which wouldn't do Ron any favours….

Elephant gargoyles encircled Kim. She snatched the idol and, using her grapple, sailed over the guardians heads. She hit the release catch on her hairdryer, detaching the rope and giving herself to gravity. At contact with the ground she rolled. Idol in one hand, flare in the other, Rufus in her pocket and upwards of 11 stone guardians attempting to dismember her, Kim fled.

Yono lead the way, deeper and deeper into the earth.

"Don't we want to be going up?"

"Yes. You would think so. Wouldn't you? Watch your step, watch your step!"

Kim scanned the ground. Pressure pads. Like the sand trap.

Each of them slowed down to carefully step around the pads. It was difficult to remain collected with the thunder of stone footfalls advancing behind them.

They passed the mine field as the first guardian entered it. As with the previous sand trap, two barriers sprang up to ensnare the creature.

"More of those?"

The Ron/Yono appeared wounded by her comment. "They're a classic! Would you hassle Su Qahn the bard? Or a BC4400 sports chariot? Twin horse power!"

Boom

The barrier trembled as a great force pounded against it. Another boom and it began to crack.

Yono used Ron's body to kick the contraption. "BAH! Cheap junk."

Kim gripped him by Ron's collar and fled.

Stone work corridor became intermixed with rock. Kim realised the path of the Yono was leading out of the Temple and into a system of caves.

"They're enchantment only continues inside the temple," Yono confirmed.

He proved correct. The pursuing guardians halted at the point the stone pavers ended. They would not set foot on solid rock. They're arms were not subject to the limitations. In a last ditch effort the creatures threw their various and many weapons after the retreating pair.

The Yono stumbled and fell in mid-stride.

Kim pushed Ron's body out of the path of a bladed crescent. Yono tripped up and fell as the blade passed uncomfortably close between them.

Braving the barrage of arms, Kim lent her hand to help the Yono to Ron's feet.

"Thank you sweetie," was her condescending reward.

Over Kim's shoulder Yono/Ron spotted a shuriken throwing star on track with them. Instinct kicked in. Ron gripped Kim in a bear hug and, spinning her around, shielding her body with his own. There was terrible yelp as the shuriken bit into his rib cage. Kim acted, dragging him behind a rock formation for cover.

Examining the wound the Yono remarked, "I bet that hurt. Here let me…."

Ron screamed as the Yono tore the shuriken from the wound. The act incensed Rufus to boiling point.

"If you're lucky, the poison expired a century of two ago."

("Hey monkey shit, that's my friend's body!")

"Hey, if you don't take better care of that body, I don't take better care of yours!"

"Just so we're on the same page, I heard about this classy joint called Vegas. Would taking Ron's body be a strike against taking care of it?"

Journeying deeper into the cave system the unmistakable sound of flowing water could be heard. Gently flowing water. Kim realised where the Yono had been leading them.

An underground river flowed beneath the city. Running in the dark, Kim almost fell in before seeing it. She could not spot the opposite bank or the cave ceiling. Her flare alone could not light this cavern. She could only imagine it was expansive enough to allow for boat travel. This had been the lifeline of the city.

Yono moved to inspect an old dock. It collapsed with a single touch of Ron's boot.

Spitefully complaining, "What? No boat waiting? Great plan so far, I liked the part where…," Kim abruptly halted when Ron keeled over on the river bank. His head dipped into the cold river.

She skidded to her knees next to him and pulled his head above water. Check if he's still breathing! He was. He was also shivering and cold to the touch.

"I'm sorry KP," he uttered, remorseful of putting his friend through hell.

At least Kim could rejoice he had at last regained his own mind.

Unless this was another cruel torture by the Yono.

Holding Ron's head in her lap, Kim said, "No. Don't be sorry. You did good. You protected me. This isn't your fault."

"Is…."

"Don't! Don't tell yourself it is because it isn't!"

Kim's grumpy expression due to his self pity helped convince Ron this wasn't a road he wanted to go down. Not right now. Switching topic he asked, "Where are we?"

"Caves. Beneath the temple. There's a river. Underground."

"How did we get here?"

"That could be a long story. What do you remember last?"

Ron considered. "I think I T'd a squid man? Can you help me up?"

Kim did. She also answered his question. "The ghost monkey you warned me about held you hostage. Forced us to liberate his idol from the temple," she pointed to where she dropped the idol and her flare.

"Uh no. No! God…," he hesitated considering adding more to that sentence. "No!"

"Don't freak out."

"I'm not freaking out."

And he wasn't. Ron was far too weary to freak out anymore. 'Freaking out' requires energy. 'Freaking out' was best fuelled by hearty tucker of Bueno Nacho. He hadn't consumed such freaky goodness for a week now.

"Ron. You're sure you don't have any idea where we are?" Kim asked.

Ron shrugged. He didn't want to know if knew what he did or did not know.

"And the ghost monkey," she added darkly, "Is he still there?"

"I – I don't…."

"Good."

Kim braced herself to throw the Yono idol into the cold, dark river. Alone here in the cave, Team Possible would be the last to lay eyes on the vile artefact.

So she was surprised when another reached out and snatched it first….

Kim spun. Standing directly behind her stood a tall boy clad in ninja gi, wrapping the Yono idol in cloth. Kim was amazed and unnerved anyone could come so intimately close without her knowledge. Then: he stood so close she could see it in his alert eyes. In the way he held himself. In the coiled power of his body underneath tight clothing. Never had she encountered anyone she recognised as more dangerous, excepting Joe and Shego.

"Should the idol have gone in the river, your friend would have been the one retrieving it," the ninja boy remarked. He left no doubt this threat would have been carried out.

"Whoa, whoa, whoa, whoa!" A new voice entered the conversation. Into the flare light stepped Junior, dressed in his customary black leather jacket with night-vision goggles around his neck. And he was not alone.

Lord Fiske and Mr Bates appeared through the fog of darkness; bound, gagged and shoved forward by Junior's second ninja companion. She induced them into a kneeling on the river bank. Kim recognised Monty's computer technician whiz. Haley held a blade against Lord Fiske's neck. Her eyes reflected the blade's cold steel. No emotion, a stark contrast to the fear evident in Lord Fiske's and Mr Bates.

Ron wisely backed behind Kim, removing a potential obstacle for her in a fight. Nonetheless, Kim recognised she was outnumbered, unarmed, possibly outmatched and her foes had the advantage of hostages. No move could be made without taking their fate into consideration.

"It would have been better for all of us if I had!" Kim retorted the ninja's remark. "Junior," she appealed to the young villain, "you're messing with a power worse than you know."

"You too with the hocus pocus warning? I didn't take you for being suckered by ghost stories Kim."

"I wasn't. Not by a ghost story. But if you don't believe the idol has any power why do you want it?"

"Oh, I don't. I only volunteered my services when I learned you were leading the opposing team."

Junior approached a very angry Kim, secure in the knowledge Kim would not act for fear Haley would harm Lord Fiske. As he stood before her, Junior searched for the words to approach that most difficult of topics. His feelings. Yes he had practiced but this still wasn't easy. Which was good. If he did not sound sure of himself it would be because he was sincere. "You left quite an impression back at our mansion. And I'm not talking about the crater!" he tried to break the tense atmosphere with a joke. "I was hoping - we could use this time…. I've never met a girl like you Kim. You have so many qualities I admire."

An unexpected development for Kim. Rufus and Ron were flabbergasted. This villain trying to connect to Kim on a personal level could very well be the most horrifying act of the day! Not certain how to respond, and with no trademark flip comebacks springing to mind, Kim chose a tried and true expression.

"Get bent!"

Junior was not offended. He was even apologetic. "I understand. This is by no means the ideal circumstance to express certain feelings. But how else can anyone…. What does it take for teen wonder-girl, Kim Possible, to know I even exist?

"Look, I'm sharing a hobby with you. And I would like to get to know your friends, I would! Ron," Junior addressed Ron over Kim's shoulder. "It's Ron, right? I'm sorry I didn't remember your name the last time we meet. And for suggesting we execute you."

"Uh…. I accept?" Shit. Without a doubt this was the most surreal thing Ron had heard ALL day. "You're seriously crushing on KP?"

"Dude, you should have known this was coming. There is no girl in the world like Kim Possible; every young guy on the planet is crushing. Pretty soon love struck puppies are going to be lining up for her phone number, unless…. I'm not stepping on any toes, am I? You two aren't…?"

Ron was shocked by the insinuation. "What! No! She's – she's, like, my best friend! That would be…! It would be," Ron searched for a term to describe how uncomfortable and intimidating the idea was.

"Wrong-sick!"

Kim did not find the term flattering. On top of everything else today, the boys playing Barbie and Ken right in front of her was really starting to fray nerves.

"Well, I don't think that's a very mature point of view, Ron. A little friendly advice, if you have even thought about it - make a move now because there are plenty of guys waiting to sweep Kim off her feet. I don't begrudge a little romantic competition. It's not like I'd nail you to a stake outside lions den by your intestines. "

"Ha, ha! Yeah! Not like you'd do that…."

Junior smirked. He wouldn't really do that to Ron. In truth, he kinda liked the poor bugger. He had a lot heart to dive into situation way above his head. And he was so easy to screw with, no wonder his papa loved this job!

"Let the old men go. We're leaving."

Junior added for courtesy's sake, "We entered via a cave a hundred metres or so back. This side of the river bank. I'll leave a flare to mark it. And please be careful because it does get slippery."

Haley cut the bounds of Monty and Bates. The ninja boy delivered a warning for all of them.

"I am Warhawk. I am the Lord Monkey's Fist. Crossing the Path of the Yono is to invite death at my hands. Consider this should we meet again."

"The girl and her companion survived," Warhawk noted.

Junior fought to hide his relief. And his cheeky smirk. "I told you she could. She can do anything."

Haley/Warmonga was less restrained, openly poking fun. "Regret the chance to prove yourself against the temple safeguards, don't you brother? Does it sting to think the Lord Monkey chose Possible over you?"

"My Lord cares for my wellbeing," Warhawk replied dutifully. "Possible survived and, further, has born witness to our designs. She is a threat to be eliminated and I will petition the Lord Monkey so."

Junior added a little reminder. "The girl and her friend live by the decree of Gemini. Imperial operation. Imperial rules."

"Your petty crush is an embarrassment, mercenary. I represent the Lord Monkey, who purchased your services. You answer to me."

"Purchased to wipe out enemies you could not. It seems there's an increasingly trend for your master to outsource. Don't forget who needs who."

"Not for much longer."

Junior did not hide his smirk this time as fingered the Beretta's concealed within his sleeves. "Well. That will be an interesting day."

Author's Note: I feel bad for putting Ron through such misery this chapter. Even I wasn't bargaining to give him this much hell! It just, sort of, came out this way when everything came together. In fact, I had to tone it down!