Don't you hate it when real world stuff like work gets it the way of your creative efforts modest though they may be? I had to work because I don't make any money from this. Characters are borrowed from Disney, who probably won't miss them.
Chapter 4 – Invitations
When the alarm sounded at 7:30 Ron reached over and tapped the snooze button, only to have Rufus jump onto his bed chattering and pushing at his shoulder. Groggy, Ron sat up and swung his legs over the side of the bed, holding his head in his hands. Looking at Rufus he remarked, "at least there were no dreams." Rufus chattered back. "Yeah, I know. Got things to do." 'Better get used to it,' he thought. 'Morning comes even earlier at Yamanouchi.'
Ron crawled out of his bed. Four more days and he would be on his way to Japan. So far the only clue to his planned departure was his two-week notice at Smarty Mart. His boss, Mr. Stockwell, had tried to change his mind, even offering a raise, but Ron said he had a summer opportunity he just could not pass up. Maybe he would be back in the fall.
In the back of his mind lingered the thought that once gone, he would not return to Middleton, except to visit his parents and Hana. Other than Felix and a few of the guys at the comic store, he really had no friends other than Kim. And now that Kim was out of his life Middleton meant nothing to him. He sighed deeply and reached for a box.
He began packing his memories. The plaque commemorating his success as the Mad Dog running back last fall and his talent show trophy from the year before marked the only real achievements of his four years in high school. These he placed carefully in the box along with his homecoming crown. There were a few other mementoes from missions, photos of he and Kim, and the infamous slingshot all found their way into the box. Only the photo from their junior prom found its way into the suitcase bound for Japan. The last thing he put in was the Mad Dog mask. Sadly he closed and taped the box. 'Not much to show for 18 years on this earth,' he thought to himself as he pushed it into a corner of his closet.
Next he gathered up the various gadgets and gizmos Wade had given him over the years, placing them in a second box. These he would return to Team Possible's tech wizard before his departure. Even if Kim were really out of the world saving business he should be able to find a use for them.
The emotion of the situation finally caught up with him and he sat slumped against his bed. He tried to meditate but could not find his focus. He simply sat there contemplating how far he had fallen since the excitement of graduation. 'Maybe this evening with Tara will help me get some focus back,' he thought as he sat there staring blankly at his dresser.
A quick glance at the clock brought him out of his funk. He looked at Rufus exclaiming, "Enough of this pity fiesta. It's time to get on with my life." Rufus squeaked his encouragement as Ron went to the bathroom, quickly showered and got himself ready for work. At least it was a clear, cool day so the two-mile walk would not be quite so bad.
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After a night's sleep that was little more than a long nap, Kim found her way down to the main dining room of the small Cambodian hotel housing the tour group. Not recognizing most of the items on the buffet table, she settled for what appeared to be scrambled eggs mixed with greens and sausage, a baguette accompanied by a wedge of cheese, and coffee. She sat with the tour guides, exchanging pleasantries as she ate. When she was finished, one of the guides said, "The leader of our organization wishes to give you his personal thanks. If you would come with me, please." Kim nodded, got up and followed the guide to a small meeting room.
Upon entering the room she saw Sensei seated and Yori standing in front of him speaking in Japanese, "She has refused him. Why not leave well enough alone? Let her do as she will. There are others better suited to be the Chosen One's consort."
"Perhaps. But she is his choice. Yori-chan, destiny calls each of us to different roles. Who are we to question destiny?"
"So you say, Sensei. But if Kim Possible no longer wishes to fulfill her destiny another must."
"Who might that be?" Sensei's sharp tone caused Yori to look at her feet. "You speak of things that are not your concern. She is confused by recent events, but I believe the situation will soon resolve itself. We must not interfere further. When we finish here, you will accompany her to the airport. Speak only of things that remind her how much she is needed. You may go now. Remember that honor comes from placing one's duty before one's desires."
Yori bowed slightly to her mentor, "Hai, Sensei. I shall remember," then glancing briefly at Kim she left the room.
Looking now at Kim, Sensei spoke in English, "Congratulations, Kim Possible. You have just completed your first test as a student of the Yamanouchi School. I am pleased that despite recent events you retain your skills and focus."
"OK, just what's the sitch here?" Kim asked with an edge to her voice. "Wade told me this was a rescue mission."
"Those in the temple were Yamanouchi students. Their test was to get into the temple. Yours was to bring them out. Last year the same task took Hirotaka nearly twice as long. You show great promise. I look forward to helping you sharpen your skills."
"Thanks for the offer, but I'm out of the world saving game," Kim replied.
"I understand your desire to avoid the difficult choices you will surely face in the future should you continue your battle against evil. Perhaps it is time to allow others less skilled to take your place," Sensei continued. Kim looked out the window. "I'm sure you will feel no guilt when their modest efforts fail."
Kim found she could no longer look the old man in the eye. "I guess I'll deal with that when it happens," she stated, her voice lacking conviction.
"What then of Ron Stoppable who now carries the mantle of Toshimiru? He has much yet to learn and still faces great danger. His destiny is the same, with or without you."
"The power he showed against the aliens is way beyond anything I could help with."
"Perhaps. But a ship without an anchor is soon destroyed on the rocks," Sensei replied. Kim gave him a questioning look. Sensei continued, "The Chosen One commands great power. Great power unchecked can corrupt the most noble. It is too great a burden to bear alone. I believe it is your destiny to stand with him in the future as you have in the past."
"I don't know if I can. Maybe it's too late," Kim replied.
"We do not easily avoid our destiny, Kim Possible. You should return quickly to Middleton. All is not lost. Yori will take you to the airport. Please consider what we have discussed. It would please me if you accompany The Chosen One on his return to Yamanouchi."
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Ron and Tara sat toward the back of the theatre, sharing a bucket of popcorn while watching the summer's premier action film. Tara had raised the armrest between their seats and was snuggled up close to her companion. Ron seemed not to notice as his eyes were glued to the screen, a wistful expression on his face as he watched the heroine battle her many foes. Tara recalled Bonnie's story about the fight at Port Mystic Cove Haven earlier in the spring. Glancing at her companion she mentally kicked herself for suggesting this particular movie. She had hoped this evening would get his mind off Kim Possible, but she could tell the heroine's exploits were not helping. At least she wasn't a redhead.
It was a warm, clear night. After the movie Ron suggested a bite to eat. Tara nodded, then said, "How about some takeout, then go up to Lake Middleton for a moonlight picnic?" A quick stop for a bucket of chicken later they were on their way. Officially the beach closed at dusk, but for resourceful teens there is always a way. They parked in a secluded spot away from the park entrance and hiked through the woods to the beach picnic area.
"If you hadn't already guessed, the lady pirate had me thinking about you know who." He drew a deep breath, turning to look at Tara. "It's been almost a week and she hasn't even tried to talk to me. I might as well face it. It's over. Somehow I knew it was too good to be true."
"It's her loss, Ronnie," Tara whispered as she slid across the seat, trying to snuggle close against him. There was a wistful look in his eye as he put an arm around her shoulder. They sat that way for a few minutes then she suggested they take the blanket and sit on the beach. Tara reached out and took his hand as they walked toward the water. There was no one else on the beach, but she led him to a secluded spot away from the picnic area anyway.
They lay side by side on the blanket gazing up at the stars as Ron rambled on about nothing, trying to drive the pain of the past few days out of his conscious mind. Finally he glanced at Tara. "Thanks for listening, Tara. I've really needed someone to talk to these last few days." Tara smiled and wrapped an arm around him laying her head on his chest listening to the steady beat of his heart. His fingers idly stroked her long blonde hair.
"I don't mind. It's been nice spending time with you." She wanted to say more, but bringing up Kim and the events of the past few days always caused him to pull away. Instead she shifted her body, stretching up to plant a kiss on his lips. At first he didn't respond and she started to pull back. Then his arm tightened pulling her back to him. This time he returned the kiss, opening his mouth slightly, meeting her tongue with his. She allowed her hands to roam his body, eventually finding the buttons of his shirt, releasing them one by one. When they broke their kiss she looked down. It took a moment for her to catch her breath. She and Josh had learned a lot from each other but it never affected her like this. So why was she feeling this way?
Tara's crush that began when Ron saved the cheer squad from Gill had never gone away. She kept it hidden, but even while dating Josh she still cast longing glances at Ron when nobody was looking. Her mind told her he was a lost cause, but her heart refused to believe it. Now Kim that had banished him, finally giving her a chance, she was going to take it. She knew just how to push thoughts of her red haired rival from her boy's mind. Tonight the small voice that always held her back with her boyfriends was strangely silent. She wanted this boy's mind on her, and her alone. Sitting up she quickly pulled her t-shirt over her head reached behind to unhook her bra.
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On the long trip back to the airport Kim and Yori talked about Yamanouchi, Toshimiru, various martial arts techniques, and some of their adventures. Both carefully steered the conversation away from the current situation between Kim and Ron.
For Yori, the moment of truth arrived, and she chose duty. She bowed slightly as Kim prepared to board the aircraft. "Remember what I told you in the Red Shrine. It is your choice if you wish to accept."
Kim watched Yori's face closely as she said, "What happens if I don't?"
The ninja's expression revealed nothing as she replied, "I choose to live in the world that is, not a world that might be. Your destiny is before you, Kim Possible. Claim what is yours while you still can."
Kim made a slight bow toward her companion then turned to board the aircraft. She didn't notice Yori's shoulders slump as she walked slowly back to the Land Cruiser that had brought them to the airport.
She was the only passenger on the medium sized private jet for the long flight home. Pulling a book from her backpack she decided it would be the perfect opportunity to read. After several hours, she dozed off. In her dreams she saw a freckled blonde wielding great power protecting his family and friends. Try as she might, the image of the one standing beside him eluded her.
When the jet finally landed in Middleton, she hurried to the terminal where her mom waited to take her back to the Middleton Inn. After a quick shower and change of clothes she left the suite, got her car, and drove to Ron's house. When she arrived, the place was dark. Just to be certain, she knocked on the door. When there was no answer she made a quick call to Wade confirming that Ron was still incommunicado. She went back to her car to wait for Ron or his parents to return. A few days ago she would not have hesitated to unlock the door and wait inside. Now those days seemed to be gone. Several hours passed with pleasant and unpleasant thoughts wandering randomly across her mind. Finally at three in the morning she gave up. After taping a large note that read, "Ron, call me," to the front door she started the car and headed back to the hotel. Tomorrow after work she would definitely find Ron.