April 25th, 1915
From the far flung corners of the Empire they answered the call. Many would not return. Among the front rank of forces landing at Gallipoli was the
A. N. Z. A. C.
Australia New Zealand Army Corps
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.
- Laurence Binyon, For The Fallen.
Lest We Forget.
Disclaimer: I do not own Kim Possible™ or any character, location or event associated with that said show.
Last time on Legend of a Monkey Master
- Junior leads an Empire assault team against Yamanouchi.
- Ron connects with Hana and Yori both.
- Rufus invades the heart of Team Possible.
- Monique thwarted Ron's attempt to quit Team Possible.
Ch 9: Monkey-napped!/There Is No Spoon.
The hours between waking and school were not Ron's best hours. Caught between the comfort of sleep, the weariness of not sleep and the dread of class. Robotic his movements were. Acquire plate from cupboard. Acquire honey puffed rice from pantry. Pour honey puffed rice. Replace plate and take a bowl. Pour honey puffed rice. Acquire milk. Pour milk. Replace Honey puffed rice package. Replace milk. The morning ritual was nearing the most satisfying stage, eating, when his Mom came in with Hana.
"Hana, don't," she set Hana down in her high chair at the kitchen table and fixed the dangling earring the child had been trying to pull. Ron frowned at the red lipstick smudged across Hana's cheek and the powder in her hair.
"Ronald, can you watch Hana?" Mrs Stoppable asked, dampening a tea towel and cleaning Hana. "I need to get ready and I swear there is no clothing or make up I can touch without finding Hana playing with it an instant later. She's irrepressible. I don't know how she does it!"
"I had noticed," Ron was relieved he was not the only one. What he had not noticed was Hana had pinched his bowl of cereal. When Mrs Stoppable turned back from rinsing the towel the bowl slipped from the high chair. Her uniform skirt soaked in milk and honey puffs.
"Ronald!"
"It was her!"
"Emoto, yay!"
Likely, Ron was telling the truth but who could blame such a cute force of destruction? "I need to change and get to work. Keep Hana out of trouble. Give her some breakfast. Yori will be here soon."
…
Take plastic bowl from cupboard. Baby food from pantry. Spoon from….
Darn. Spoons appeared to be all in the dishwasher and it was part way through a cycle. There always seemed to be one cutlery item a family never had enough of.
"Rufus, do we have any more spoons?"
No reply.
"Rufus…?"
When was the last time he'd seen Rufus?
Probably the mole rat was still in bed. Safely housed within her luxury rat hotel Ron had purchased for her birthday/adoption day. All the conveniences a rat could want including a running wheel, spa, plumbing, and Rufus singularly made use of the Rat-King sized spring bed with feather pillows. She deserved to relax. Many days Ron did not have the heart to wake her and he would find Rufus in the same snug position at the end of the day. Ready for a meal of greens, a shower, brushing of her rat teeth and bed.
No spoons. What else could he try? The measuring spoons he used for baking? Those should be adequate. He searched the draw occupied by his baking odds and ends.
He began shifting items in the draw. "Have to be in here somewhere."
"Miru, miru!"
"Okay Han, give me a second. I can't seem to find…." Looking up, Ron could not seem to find Hana. Not in her high chair at the kitchen table where she should be. She sat on the windowsill over the sink. Fascinated by Mrs Lizewski's ginger tabby cat pawing at the outer side.
"Neko!"
"Han, how do you do that?"
Ron picked Hana up and held her before her curiosity caused injury or she escaped again. Hana's attention remained fixed on the feline outside, mewing, perhaps to be let in from the cold and given a tasty morsel. His meows Hana imitated and she reached to be set down again.
"You're getting Hana excited cat. Shoo!"
The cat remained. Begging. Ron placed Hana on the floor a moment, out of sight of the tabby, and banged forcefully on the window. The tabby got the message and fled.
Hana, utilising impressive agility for an infant in her second year, eyed the table top and jumped. She reached her destination in two bounds. Off Ron's chair and on top of the table. Hunched on her four limbs and stared expectantly at Ron. Unnervingly similar behaviour to the cat he'd shooed away.
"Ah…. Nice jumping skills there, Han. I'd have thought Mom would mention you were so springy."
Hana intended one more spring. From a crouch she launched herself and before Ron could think she was in his arms.
"Whoa!"
"I am glad the two of you are bonding."
Yori leaned against the door frame, admiring the scene. Brother and sister playing. Pleased to witness them learning about each other. A magical moment. Ron might have been pleased to see her too had she not been clad in black ninja wardrobe and holding an imposingly big sword.
She took a few steps toward Ron. Ron took a few steps back.
"Hang on! Hang on! Did I say something to offend you?"
The sword Yori held out for Ron. Presenting the sword handle first. "Not yet, Stoppable-san. Though it would be a mistake to refuse this gift."
Uncertain as to Yori's intentions but very certain he did not want to offend, Ron proposed, "Trade…?"
Ron passed Hana over. Yori gave him the sword.
The blade shone majestically once in Ron's hands. It had an aura steadily increasing in strength. Ron was unsure if he was seeing things, or it might only be he who could see it. No. Hana was fixated on the blade. As was Yori. The delight in Yori's eyes as she keenly observed the blade's reaction to its wielder.
It shortened. The blade shrunk in size. Ron wondered if had he done something wrong. Would Yori be upset? She said nothing. Continued to observe. In less time than it took for him to ask if this was an expected reaction the blade had lost all weight and fit snugly in the palm of one hand. A shovel affixed to a thin metal handle. The blade had become a tea spoon.
"Oh. That's handy. I was looking for one of those."
"The prophesy has proven to be true. Stoppable-san, you are the champion of the Monkey King."
"hmmm…. Excuse me?"
"Over seven hundred years ago the former champion of the Monkey King foretold of dark days you would need our help. To our order he entrusted his fabled weapon, the Lotus Blade, a katana of great mystical power, and knowledge of the enemy. After centuries of hibernation the enemy has been roused. Stoppable-san, it is become your fate to stand, a light, against the darkness which seeks to envelope all."
Not saying he didn't appreciate the neighbour girl's idolisation of his work with Kim. Truly, Ron was flattered. Entering his kitchen carrying a big knife? Conversing about prophesies and Monkey Kings? Some fans took it too far. Oh, geez, he had his own Junior on his hands. Only, she lived next door!
"Champion of the Monkey King! Boo-yah! Mom probably forgot to mention, it's a teachers only day. Today. At school. So I'll be home," he took Hana back into his arms and passed Yori back her tea spoon. Hana he took into the living room and set her down within the safety of her play pen. Placing a pony doll in her hands in which would probably turn to be a vain effort to keep her distracted and quiet.
"I can keep an eye on Hana for a few hours," Ron led Yori to the door, "Let you catch up on your studies. How about I bring you round a lasagne for lunch? Did I mention I'm an awesome cook?"
"Sensei was correct about you, Stoppable-san. You are funny guy." The 'blade' Yori pressed into Ron's palm and closed his fist around it. "The blade is yours by right Stoppable-san. You will need it on your journey. There is knowledge I must pass to you in time but for now it must wait. Time is on our side but it is a fleeting thing. We must recover the final Idols of the Yono before Junior can discover their hidden locations."
"Oh no! Yono! Been there, done that. I think I'll pass."
"It was not what you would call a choice, Stoppable-san."
Three of Yori's allies made their presence known. Steeping out from behind door frames or shadowed corners were they had waited patiently without a movement. All of them between Ron and an exit. Two dark clad ninja settled next to Hana to play Pony. The third retrieved her breakfast and high chair. He retrieved a spare clean tea spoon from somewhere. Hana welcomed their company like old friends.
Ron stepped to intervene. Shoo these intruders from his little sister. Yori's grip on his arm prevented him. She could tug harder than he'd have believed on their first meeting and could pinch the nerve precisely enough to cause pain to serve as a warning, not enough for him to more than grunt from the unexpected sensation. Ron was becoming convinced Yori held a great many more mysterious from him.
"Hana will be safe in our care Stoppable-san. For she is Yamanouchi. One of us. We arranged her adoption to your parents as a means to protect her. Also of getting close to you. No home for Hana could be safer than in the household of the Monkey Champion. For now, you need to leave her with us while you pursue your destiny."
…
The Kimmunicator chimed its distinctive ringtone, catching Kim lolling about near her locker, waiting for Ron. The spot they usually spent time together before class.
Wade asked the very same question Kim was wondering. "Kim, have you seen Ron?"
"No. He's running late but, well – Ron."
"Rufus invaded my home last night. Through a complicated game of charades I've narrowed down what she wants to a translation device or to use my room as her bathroom."
"Can you build her a translation device?" It was smart thinking on the part of the mole rat. Kim was quick to recognise the potential. Communication issues between the largest and smallest members hindered Team Possible. Rufus was their most able spy. But no one could understand her report.
Wade was flat. "No!"
"Ghost in the network. Hacked Global Justice, creator of a virtual Stoppable family, started a cyber-war with a country; cannot translate Rufus talk. Wade, I don't believe you."
"A. I did not start a cyber-war. B. Even human languages I could not translate without frame of reference and time. Are you familiar with the Rosetta Stone? Egyptian hieroglyphs were translated by having the same in text in Greek as a reference."
"So it can't be done."
"I could go through the laborious effort of introducing objects to Rufus one at a time and recording the pitch of her grunts. Instead," Wade continued, "I have devised an imperfect workaround. The beta testing software has already been uploaded to your Kimmunicator."
A window opened on the screen of the Kimmunicator, eclipsing a portion of Wade's head and face. Her service provider had sent an update. Activating the new program, Wade disappeared. The screen divided into two parts. The left marked, "Yes". The right portion, "No".
"What does it do?"
"You ask Rufus a question. Rufus taps the answer on screen."
"This is your super genius solution? We already play this game with Rufus using head nods."
"I'll add more options," Wade said, defensive on his idea. "Yes, no. Left, right. Food, sleep. Danger, run, hide, safe. This can only work if we keep it simple. In time I may be able to match each option to a distinct vocal from Rufus. Which may work better being her eyesight is not spectacular. Her species living underground."
"Alright," Kim could see the value of his eventual system, over the system in place already. She could not resist taking one obvious dig at his plan.
"How do you know Rufus can read?"
"How do you know she understands the nodding of heads yes or no?" Frankly, that was Ron's assumption though it had paid off. " I was woke in the dead of night and ordered about by a mole rat. I'm not going to venture a guess as to what she can or can't do. Tell Ron to pick her up so I can get some sleep."
…
Mrs Stoppable took her hour lunch break at one, indulging in a double cheeseburger she'd usually chastise Ron for gulfing down. Feeling guilty and forgoing her strong coffee for a wheatgrass smoothie from a health food stand in the mall. She picked up an extra burger and a tropical fruit smoothie for Yori. Better she take care of Hana on a full stomach. Or study if Hana was napping.
I should investigate if there are any reputable sushi restaurants in town. If Yori ate sushi. Assuming sushi was a staple of Japanese culture and not Chinese or Taiwan. She didn't want to tip her hand on how limited knowledge of Japanese was. Yori must know what a cheeseburger is, franchise food companies spread across the world faster than plague.
"Yori? Hana?"
The one to greet her at the door was beyond her expectations.
"Hana is asleep Mrs Stoppable-san. I put her down to bed half past eleven. Please come in and sit down."
The one to welcome her at the door was a young, and strikingly cut, Japanese boy. Ron's age. Dressed for Kim's martial arts tournaments. He bowed and was the epitome of politeness. Leading Mrs Stoppable into her living room.
"We have prepared a light lunch if require it."
A similary dressed man entered with a tray of salad and fruit. A third balanced a chair on one leg and dusted above the antique cabinet. Turning menial labour into an exercise.
"Why are you in my home?"
"This is awkward, Mrs Stoppable-san. Yori-san has left the country on business - and she took your son with her."
"What!"
…
"Today is a follow up topic. We've covered the issues, causes and consequence, of the American Revolution. Both today and tomorrow I want to cover the consequences for the wider international community. Revolution is seldom and isolated event. An example had been set in the new world. In time the torch of revolution would pass to France where ordinary people came out into the streets and changed their nation. Soon every power in Europe was beset by revolution. Emperors and Kings under siege by their subjects."
"Is this going to be on a test." Someone always had to ask.
"No," Barkin admitted.
"Why is it relevant?" another student said.
"Have you watched the news anytime in the past three months? International specifically?"
Ron was a no show. He had not made an appearance by her locker, at lunch, or any of the classes they shared. No cause for concern. Each year more effort was put forth by Ron to excuse himself from class than any ten other individuals. The classic tummy bug routine. Plausible after visiting a tropical climate. Being possessed by a demon monkey.
Kim approved. He could use a day off.
Joe entered his classroom. He was seldom seen by the majority of the student body. Unless a water heater or air circulation vent was playing up he tended to carry out his duties away from the student presence.
He said to Barkin, "Pardon my interruption." Nodding to Kim. "Possible."
Barkin, being a former drill sergeant, he had physique built like to Dwayne, "The Rock", Johnson, the hard as steel attitude and remained the only member of staff uninfluenced by the creepy janitor's innate intimidation aura. The twin tough guys of the school; far from being caught in a childish rivalry, the pair held a professional respect based on the unspoken agreement education came first. Removing a student from a history lesson endangered harmony between these two titans of Middleton High.
"Joe, my tolerances for Miss Possible's extracurricular activities, sponsored by you, are paper thin. To my mind, and the mind of the board of trustees, there is no emergency which can supersede Miss Possible's education." He added, "Perhaps you could convince Mr Stoppable to turn up to class?"
"If I could speak to you privately for a brief moment I be able to convince you otherwise."
Barkin granted Joe the request and stepped into the hallway. Confident Joe would not make small talk. Joe upheld his assurance to be brief, explaining the situation in two concise sentences of four words. Mr Barkin was so brief in analysing the merit of Joe's concerns.
"Ron Stoppable is missing. Kim could be next."
"Possible," Barkin returned to his classroom, "with Joe."
…
The ninja had been nothing but courteous since the kidnapping. Ron had no beef with their manners. If kidnapping were a car this experience would be the luxury B.M.W. experience of kidnapping. Very posh. Yori made every effort to put him at ease. They left without packing so Yamanouchi provided Ron with an assemble of clothes when he arrived at the airport. Classy threads so he looked the part boarding his chattered private jet. Just casual attire. He looked and felt like Prince William of England. Toiletries like a new tooth brush and shaving kit (Ron did not shave yet but having it gifted to him did make him feel manly). A light Bueno Nacho combo waiting for him once they were airborne. Light because they didn't want him feeling bloated on the plane.
Yori promised to explain everything in flight. She was greatly apologetic for the delay of an explanation as she conversed with the pilot about the flight plan or studied really old scrolls and maps. Ron was allowed to order drinks regardless of the tab, watch a film or play a video game. He had options. He felt like a little excluded having only the stewardess for company during the time Yori, his kidnapper and they only soul on board he knew, was busy. He did not want to play a video game, he had been kidnapped! His adrenaline was pumping. He needed answers. He devised questions.
Yori sat down opposite him and he launched into the attack. "You said you hated Junior. He destroyed your village."
"He did so, and I do. I am not working for Junior."
"So you work for Warhawk!" Ron thought back to the, "I am the Lord Monkey's Fist," ninja jerk. Monkeys, Yono, ninja, Junior; they all connected in his mind.
"I am not familiar with whom you speak. Junior appears to have taken on board a cult of the Yono, dedicated to releasing him from his prison. One of them stood with him as they sacked Yamanouchi and killed my people. Their presence is a mystery, although, I believe they are the driving force behind Junior's actions."
Her English had improved. He had been in her company for hours and this was the first he was picking up on it. Being this their first long talk since events that morning. "Forgive this unworthy one for his doubt, Yori-san," two could play at funny voices. He contemplated every Bruce Lee or Jackie Chan movie he'd seen. Spoke as a wise old master. "When ninja I last saw, kidnapped me they did. Plane to destination unknown, they put me."
"We have Star Wars in Japan, Yoda-san."
"Doing Yoda, I was not." Darn, I should have done Yoda.
…
"Mr and Mrs Stoppable-san. Time will be short so I shall be truthful and concise. A student I am, but not of words or numbers. I represent the Yamanouchi School for Ninjutsu and we have need of your help. Many apologies for deception on my part. It was necessary to protect our people. You see, by the hand of Junior Senior, our number have fallen of late.
Two matters of great importance I must speak to you. Ron Stoppable-san is with I. We are travelling to the far reaches of the old world in order to recover artefacts of great power before Senior. By the hand of destiny or chance, your son has become integral to our success. In Laos, his mind touched with the mind of the Yono where he fought valiantly against the invader to retain his self. This morning he grasped the sword of the Monkey King and it responded as only its champion could will. Ronald-san is champion of legend and only he can prevent the Yono's return.
The second matter is Hana. A very special little one, Hana-chan is. How special you will understand shortly. You should know Hana is under the protection of our order. Friends have given their lives to protect her. We could not provide the security and love she needs so a family we searched for. We found you. Teach her integrity. Teach her compassion. Teach her honour. I ask for you provide what we could not."
The tape ended. Kim absorbed every word. Analysed them for clues. Considered what had not been said and noted other features such as her clothing.
Yori had not stated how she knew of events in Laos – what she had not said. She was dressed like Warhawk and Haley. This could mean little, it could mean a lot. All ninja tended to dress the same she could argue. Kim had the same gear in white. Nonetheless it was a connection. A disturbing one.
Mrs Stoppable held Hana close with Mr Stoppable and Kim's mom sitting either side on the couch, supporting her. Joe quiet behind them. Wade was patched in too via the Kimmunicator. She had let the video summarise events. Now Mrs Stoppable told her story.
"I told them to go and they went. When they had gone I ran to check on Hana and call the police. They said there was nothing they could do, Yamanouchi has need of Ron to, "prevent the return of the Yono."
Joe theorised, "Likely they rerouted your outgoing calls. They'll not have retreated far."
"When I calmed enough to think, I called your Mom realising you could be next. I found strange men in my home, doing my housework and taking care of Hana. I trusted her! I let Yori into my home and I let her care for Hana. Now, she sounds like a raving lunatic and she took Ron. She wants Hana too."
"We're here now," said Mr Stoppable.
"And we have Joe," Anne insisted. "No one can take Hana while we're here."
"They sound like a cult. All wearing black karate uniforms Ron and you wear during exhibitions." Mrs Stoppable felt betrayed. Anger. Helplessness. Concern. Emotions tearing at her. She held them in check with difficulty. She was not a woman easily defeated.
"You need to know about Laos," Kim said. Yono. Junior. Ron's mind invaded. Too many correct details to be delusional. "Why the dig ended and we left early. Monty Fiske was taken and I did hand over an artefact for his release. There was more."
Joe's caught her eye. She feared he would disapprove. She could imagine him mentally debating the merits the truth at this juncture. He quietly nodded approval.
Kim also caught her mom's eye who looked mighty curious. The story Kim was about to tell contained details she had omitted during her summary of events. If there was a good time to tell her the truth, this it may as well be.
"I don't know how much Ron told you. I barely know how to explain it, the surreal happenings. Somehow, Ron wondered off in his sleep and found his way inside the temple we'd unearthed. When I found him, Ron was not himself. He was disorientated. He insisted we head deeper into the temple; would be aggressive if I suggested otherwise. It wasn't until we reached the idol I realised I wasn't talking to Ron at all. He was being controlled. Someone was in his head and that someone called himself, "Yono."
"Yono threatened to hurt Ron if I didn't retrieve the idol. We escaped with the artefact but Junior Senior was waiting for us. Junior is dangerous. Jerk son of a billionaire, having way too much fun hurting people and who's had too much of a hand in my life recently. His pet ninja had took Monty Fiske hostage and forced me to give over the idol. Once gone, Ron snapped out of his possession."
Quite a story. Unbelievable except for the fierce friendship the teller with their son. Also, further evidence on screen behind her. Paused.
It occurred to Ron's father, "Are you saying Yori is telling the truth?"
Some of it. But how much truth and how much fiction?
"I know the Yono exists. I know Junior wants the idols. Yori thinks Ron can beat both of them. Ron did overcome the Yono for a moment, to save me. Even the Yono admitted controlling Ron was difficult. Something about his thought patterns being random." It was true and she hoped those facts gave the Stoppables' heart. "I don't know anything about Hana. But they could never stop Wade."
"I can explain Hana," Wade chipped in. "Kim, could you plug me into the T.V.?"
"Or, more precisely, I can't," T.V. Wade said. It was first time the Stoppables, or even Anne, had seen Kim's mysterious website operator and (previously) adopted son. Another detail of the adventures of Team Possible the gang sat on for Ron's sake. Being an accessory to a notorious hacker in return for easy entry into collage. The parents never imagined Wade to be so young. Expecting another Betty Director lackey as they presumed Joe to be.
"Kim hoped to ask you next time she was around. We wondered if we should collect any data on Hana's background, you know, in case she asks. I'm an orphan myself so I know how it can be."
"Hana Stoppable, doesn't exist before you adopted her. Her birth certificate was registered the day before you took her home. No parents, no place of birth or date. The adoption agency you used does not exist. It was founded the week you went in, folded the next.
"Yori Toyama, does exist and leads a very typical life. Family, school, chess club, Facebook. Currently studying in America. On paper, all how she told it. Oh, and recently received controlling stock of Yamanouchi Zaibatsu. Mitsubishi's little brother. A marginally successful company worth billions. Traditional links in banking, shipping and different areas of engineering. Chemical. Mechanical. Recently making a push into computer technologies. Patron to localised heritage organisations and small dojos. Ron's kidnapper is also a very wealthy one."
…
"I am not in league with Junior and I am nothing like Warhawk."
"Good to know." Ron gave her a thumbs up.
"I represent the Yamanouchi school, a millennia old institution specialising in ninjutsu technique and theory. Not simply martial arts. I was schooled in observational techniques. How to avoid notice. How to lie by telling complete truth. Most importantly, I was taught a code of honour."
"Ultra polite manners…," Ron threw in. "I believe you are a very honourable person, Yori. Although, there was this one time you kidnapped me!"
"Regrettable," Yori agreed. She argued, "As a matter of honour, I swore to aid and defend you on your quest to defeat the Yono. Not ask your permission. No honour is lost."
Ron got the feeling Yori was enjoying their conversation. Not at his expense. Genuine amusement for Ron's dramatic tendencies.
"That's how you roll. I'm going to defeat the Yono, whether I want to or not, and you get to keep your honour."
"I am pleased you understand your place, chosen one," Yori teased. "In the past our order was said to be ruthless by those who did not understand our creed. By normal standards we are not judged wrongly. We chose carefully the deals we make, Stoppable-san, because the Yamanouchi always complete their bond. No matter what it takes or the price we must pay. Centuries may pass and we will uphold our bond."
"Aha. So you made a bond to kidnap me and make me fight the Yono," Ron deduced.
"The bargain we made with Toshimiru, the former wielder of the Lotus Blade," she referred to the tea spoon Ron kept in his pocket. He silently hoped to reverse whatever effect he caused the first time. He would periodically wonder into the plane's lavatory and will it to change back to a sword he could use to escape. He would need it, come time to face Junior and the Yono. As a pocket sized protector it was not reliable like Rufus.
He missed her companionship.
"We swore to keep his blade safe for his successor and the Yono imprisoned for eternity. The council did not believe the Yono to be true. It was a sucker deal. Our leaders understood too late we held the raw end."
"I pay you money and you do whatever I ask?" Ron surmised, not wholly impressed. He wondered if he could pay her to let him go.
"If accept the terms," Yori pointed out, "I do. As is our ancient custom. We do not choose sides."
Checking his wallet, "I have twenty three dollars and - twenty five cents," Ron considered his childhood savings account, periodically added to by his parents. "What can I get for ten thousand? You have to wait until I'm twenty-one."
"For ten thousand I could give you some minor classified document. Serve as your escort and protector for a week. For you, Stoppable-san, I'll be yours for a month."
The cheerleaders could learn flirting tips from this girl. Always the mischievous smile. Batting eyelashes. Relaxed posture and complete interest in what he had to say. Maybe he would take her up on the offer if she had not kidnapped him!
"For twenty three dollars I could find an embarrassing secret on Bonnie Rockwaller."
Instant possibilities invaded Ron's mind. "We should do that one." I may have misjudged Yori. I love this girl.
Conversation cooled as Yori waited to answer more of Ron's questions.
"Tell me about your school."
"In feudal Japan we ninja were assassins, called upon by the Shogunate to deal to with enemies quietly. We could accomplish what their armies of Samurai could not. Resolution with minimal bloodshed."
"Have you ever killed anyone?"
"No. So far I've only indulged in kidnapping," Yori teased again. She explained the ethics behind her school. "We survive as a school because we adapt to the changing world. When I claim to have mastered every weapon I mean every weapon. So we have adapted morally. Publically removing a political opponent's head is no longer a valid political statement. Everything old must struggle to find purpose in the new world or cease to exist. The services we provide usually curtail information trading, private detective work, security. Once a council presided over the merits of taking a life before a contract was accepted or rejected. There has been no council in many generations and our Sensei was never known to have countenanced a mortal contract. Though he did not shy from teaching us how. Sensei was very wise and very honourable. He upheld our heritage and gave us purpose for the future."
"Am I going to meet him?"
"No. He was executed two weeks ago. By Junior. By consensus of the remaining students, as the one Sensei entrusted this task, I command Yamanouchi in the interim. Until the threat is defeated or has defeated us."
….
The group in the living room broke up. Joe talked to Ron's dad. Both Anne and Kim gravitated to Ron's Mom and sister who needed support above all.
"I think Hana could use a fed and changing."
"I can change her," Kim offered.
"I'll look into a bottle," Anne said, "and something for us. We could all use a drink. Do you take coffee, tea, or hot chocolate?"
"Coffee," "Chocolate," for Mrs Stoppable and Kim respectively. Anne approached the men to ask if they wanted anything. Ron's Mom used this private moment to reach out to Kim.
"There was another reason I called your Mom, being honestly, I need your help Kim. I need you to save the world and bring Ron home safe."
"You know I will." To Kim, there was never a doubt she was going after Yori.
"If the Police are working for Yamanouchi…. I know you're Mom doesn't want you taking on dangerous jobs. You were first I thought to call. Before Harold," Ron's Dad, "you and Ron are so close."
A moment before Anne returned she retreated. "I shouldn't have asked."
"There is never anything wrong in asking for help," Kim assured. "Especially when what you ask me is something in which no one was ever going to stop me."
Anne caught the tail end of Kim's declaration. Had the good sense not to ask, "stop you from what?" She could work out the subject just fine and bringing it up now could only hurt the hope of an already stressed family friend. As each lady had something she wanted to say to the other but could not so long as the third was present it created an awkward atmosphere. Feeding Hana was a beneficial distraction.
"I'll inform Betty Director under discretion," Ron's Dad returned to sit with his wife and daughter. Joe made his plans. "Leave the police out of this. The picture Yori painted was your daughter has enemies. You do not want to risk Junior Senior believing an item he values is in your possession."
The Stoppables agreed.
Aside, Kim asked her mentor, "Do you know anything about Yamanouchi?" It was a fair question. Joe knew everything underhanded.
Joe was frank. "I know almost nothing of Yamanouchi, which makes them scary to me. But I know of them. I know the talk which gets passed around spy agencies. They pop up from time to time. Assassins for the Japanese Empire. Information brokers during the cold war. Rumour mill suggested they played a hand in the disappearance of Prince Wally of Rodigan. Or the theft of an amulet said to have belonged to Cleopatra, imbued with magical powers if you believe the legends."
Was there a reason not to anymore?
"They were referred to as the Y-Team because if you had a problem and if you could find them – but they would never be your friend. In fact, I'm not sad to hear Junior hammered them."
They sounded to Kim like World Empire on a smaller scale. Smart enough to stay secret.
"Can we be sure Junior really did such a thing? Ninja took the Idol of Yono in Laos. Side by side with Junior."
"Difficult to say. There's no sense to be had in taking Stoppable - unless you're the Yono. Cruel tricks and hurting people are his game."
"Where do we start looking for Ron?"
Pointless to talk her out of going, Joe reasoned. Joe wanted answers, specifically that answer, himself.
"We need to learn everything we can on Yono and the Yamanouchi. I bet I can find an old spy who knows how to contact Yamanouchi for a job. The world's foremost expert on the Idol of Yono remains Monty Fiske. We squeeze the Brit pimple for…."
Anne joined them so Joe dropped the analogy.
"Not the story you told your father and me."
"I left out only the magical details. I was waiting for the talk you promised me." If promised was the correct term. When her reason did not satisfy, Kim argued, "Could I be sure you would believe Ron was possessed by an evil monkey spirit before Yori took Ron?"
"I would have believed you. I don't know I would have believed evil spirits, I might have booked Ron in for a C.A.T. scan, but I would have believed you. It's never been your way to lie to me before. You go off on this missions, risk your life and you never tell me the truth."
"I don't want you to worry." A pathetic excuse, if honest.
"Lying to me increases my worry. I would be a poor parent if I didn't worry. Keeping you safe is my responsibility, one I'm not sure I'm living up to if I let you go after Ron."
"You couldn't stop her," Joe theorised aloud. "Did she listen when Dr Drakken took James? Ron means as much to her as he. I'll be going either way. Ron is my agent. I don't abandon my people."
"It's Ron," Kim stressed. "He's out there alone, fighting to save the world from a being far worse than Drakken. Do you expect him to fight alone? Or should his friends be there to help him?"
A half scream and a shouted, "geez!" ended discussion prematurely. Something spooked the Stoppables. Just what left the trio, breathless.
Little Hana, the special child Yori entrusted to the Stoppables, was walking across the ceiling.
It was the miracle Mrs Stoppable needed to eclipse this morning's betrayal and bring faith she would see Ron safe again. Whatever else, on this Yori was true….
A very special little one, Hana-chan is. How special you will understand shortly.