Author Notes: Another week another chapter I think that's worth a few reviews don't you guys ). Seriously though thanks to everyone who have reviewed the story and even to those who are following it but have not reviewed. I hope everyone is enjoying the story. I will try to keep up the pace. I am getting better at it. Now on with the show.

Open the Door Chapter 5: A Drawing of Sides

By

Darkcloud

They were still holding on to each other. They had been for a few minutes. Kim relaxed contentedly and wondered when this moment was going to end. She frowned and pushed the thoughts to the back of her mind as if the very act of thinking them could make the dreaded moment come true. The redhead knew this couldn't last since moments of true happiness seldom due but for now she just let the young man holding her stoke her hair and hold her tightly. The new couple lay there in perfect peace for the next few minutes.

All moments pass and sadly this one must as well. The first to start to break was Kim when she realized with a creeping blush on her face that she was still wearing that ridiculous maid's outfit. Not that Ron had complained. But it was that thought that broke the moment and, with a sigh, Kim sat up and looked down at her best friend. He was just smiling.

"I don't know why your smiling you're going to have to help clean up this mess."

Ron titled his head. "It was worth it, except for, you know, the you almost dying thing."

Kim blushed again but steeled herself against losing her train of thought. Things had become a lot more serious after all if Ron was right Monkey Fist was hiding around here and he was after them or some new Mystical Monkey artifact. But come to think of it how had Ron known about this "Lotus Blade?"

"So Ron what's the sitch. How did you know it was Monkey Fist and what is the Lotus Blade anyway?"

Kim was surprised when Ron's face went white and he started to nervously look from left to right, in fact any direction that did not mean he had to look her in the eye!

"Uh, you know KP, I'm sure you were there, it was one of the times when Monkey Fist was ranting about Mystical Monkey Powers and stuff.

"No Ron I don't know, I don't ever remember him mentioning a Lotus Blade, why don't you remind me?"

"Oh wait now I remember you were off fighting his monkey ninjas! That's it! Sorry KP I guess got a little confused." Ron said with little laugh and tried to put on one of his goofy grins.

Kim didn't' buy it. Ron was hiding something! From her! The teen hero considered for a moment on whether she should push him to tell her the truth but decided to hold off. He might have a reason for not telling her. And it better be a good one she thought darkly.

"Okay Ron but if it is Monkey Fist then we'll need to find out more about why he's here and what this Lotus Blade is though I'm sure it will help him become the Mystical Monkey Master."

Ron visibly relaxed and almost sighed when he thought that Kim had bought his story.

"Hey no big KP I mean we'll just kick his but like we always do."

"Probably but not until we manage to find him."

"Are you kidding this place is huge. I've seen towns smaller than this place! Not to mention that most of these rooms are a wreck or full of junk!"

Now Kim smiled, "Well I know of one way to get started."

"What?" Ron asked perplexed.

The redhead dropped a pile of books into his arms. "By helping me clean this place up."

Ron grumbled a little but started helping clearing the books off he ground.

The small monkey ninja slammed into the wall and then lay on the ground dazed and hurt.

"Were my instructions that difficult? Was I somehow unclear? Do not be seen. Do not attempt to harm either member of Team Possible! And what do you do, you try to kill the sidekick with a pile of books!" shouted Lord Monty Fiske a.k.a Monkey Fist. The whispers and chatter of his monkey followers spoke to him through the Mystical Monkey Power. Listening to his followers could sometimes be difficult. Sometimes when he spoke to them it was like speaking with a sort of group mind, there were individuals…..just that their personalities tended to mingle. It had taken him a long time to get used to it. Or maybe he just stopped caring. But now their voices spoke out in defense whispering across his mind in annoyance.

How we're we to know she would have survived? She had discovered our plans and now has the book as we feared. It seemed most expedient to try and see her dead and we did have her Master….we do not know how she escaped our trap. She just seemed to be there one moment and few feet out of the way the next.

Lord Fiske rubbed his head in annoyance. "The girl might not have the mystical monkey power but she is not without…skills. She is a worthy ally to Stoppable and could prove a hindrance to our plans."

Then Master shouldn't we kill her to weaken the Chosen One?

Monkey Fist grimaced at the title they gave him ever since his defeat on the space station they had looked up to Stoppable. They had even tried to join him after Fiske had found himself in prison. Ron hadn't known it then but if he had accepted them he would have probably defeated Monkey Fist permanently. He needed the ninjas; they acted as a kind of lens for the power within him, increasing it beyond Stoppable's. Monte still cursed the day he had received his powers, even though he had been exposed to monkey idols longer it was Stoppable who had received the stronger dose, as of yet the boy had not thought of a way to truly access the power within him, but if he ever did…..

"No as you well know the girl holds a special place in his heart that has only become stronger. If we destroy her it could destroy him but it would be even more likely that it would awaken the power in him and if that happens before I'm ready he could destroy us."

"We see Master but now the Chosen One knows of us what shall we do?"

"They know a little but not enough to know what is going on, as long as we practice the ways of the ninja and remain unseen we should be able to continue with our search for now. After all there are only three of them….if you're counting the old man and I sincerely doubt he realizes anyone else is here."

A few hours had passed since the attack and thanks to a lot of hard work the Library was almost looking like a real room again. In fact for the most part the only thing they had left was trying to figure out away to get that old bookcase back up where it belonged. Neither of them was strong enough to actually lift the thing but they did try and after about fifteen minutes of trying gave up and sat on the floor back to back.

"You know KP I really think I have Mr. Barkin."

"You don't really mean that Ron." Kim replied with a small smile on her face.

"No but I can't say I'm happy with him right now."

"Me either but at least we can call it quits for the night."

"Humph lazy Americans always stop before the job is done?" Elder said as he appeared next to them. Both teenagers jumped and shouted at the same time. "Stop that!"

"Jinx you owe me a soda!" Kim said quickly.

"Come on KP I already owe you three soda's this week!"

"Talk faster." Interrupted Elder. "And Elder would like to know why one of his one hundred year old bookcases is face down on the floor."

Ron opened his mouth to tell truth on what had happened but Kim Interrupted him. "It was unbalanced and when we were putting up the books it fell over, I'm sorry but we weren't strong enough to move it back up."

Elder glanced around the room and inspected the library. The two teens had done a remarkable job in just a few short hours they actually must have worked very hard. "Well Elder supposes you do a decent job for one day and Elder is tired, you may go but Elder except real day of work tomorrow!"

Kim sighed. 'Yes Sir."

"One more thing."

"Yes?"

"Tomorrow both of you not have to wear either of those silly outfits on one condition."

"And what's that?" Kim replied with a note of hestitation.

"From now on he," Elder said pointing his finger at Ron "has to cook dinner for Elder while you two work here."

"It's a deal!" Kim said a note of relief in her voice. Ron however was not so easily volunteered.

"Now wait a minute, what happened to appearances?"

"Appearances important but Elder not eat that good in long time, exceptions sometimes must be made."

"Ron don't argue with Elder especially when he's being so reasonable."

"He's not volunteering you for more work."

"You love cooking."

"I don't love anything after several hours of hard labor."

"Ron I promise I'll make it up to you later but I am not working for two weeks in this!" Kim said gesturing at the maid outfit.

"I don't know KP I kinda like it." Ron replied with a grin.

"Ron!"

"Joking KP! Joking!" Ron turned back toward Elder. "Chef Ron is at your service."

"Really? Elder not standing here the whole time while you two talk. Humph no matter Elder tired of dealing with American teenagers. Both of you may leave."

Kim and Ron both looked at each other and with out another word turned fled out of the library. Elder watched them leave, he had a feeling that they would not risk coming back tonight for fear of more work. The old man turned and looked at the fallen bookcase. Stupid monkey was lucky the shelving had not been damaged. The old man bent over and then lifted and righted the massive bookcase back into place. He shook his head what happened to the day when villains just took a sword and tried to kill you? This generation and obsession with clever traps, Elder sighed to himself and left the room.

He really hated house guests.

Kim fell down on her bed exhausted and hugged her Panda-Roo tightly. Had so much really happened in one day? First the battle with Drakken, then waking up in Ron's arm's, spending the school avoided each other, sent to Elder place by Mr. Barkin, almost getting killed by a bookcase of all things and then realizing that she had real feelings for Ron. When she had gotten off his moped in front of her house she had almost just waived goodbye and ran into the house. She had stopped herself because in the back of her mind that didn't seem right anymore and turned around and given Ron a light kiss on the lips. That had felt right and from the look on Ron's face as he drove away he had agreed. But she had almost missed it! It was so easy to fall into the trap of best friend. She had no idea how to treat him as a boyfriend. The redhead took a mental step back and gave herself a break from her natural Kimmness. It had only been a day this was going to take time and a lot of hard work. It's not like she doesn't have other things to worry about right now either.

Which brought Kim to her other concerns. She had three mysteries to deal with. First there was Elder, he was obviously hiding something and didn't seem to care that they knew he was hiding it. But just because he was hiding something didn't mean he was villain however it did mean she would keep an eye on him. Next there was Monkey Fist he wasn't acting like normal, for being a ninja he usually didn't hide in the shadows or was this patient about his goals. This meant that the reason he was here must be important enough that he didn't want to risk making a mistake. That meant bad news for Ron since usually his goals revolved around being the only Monkey Master and he really thought that his current plan would achieve that goal. Kim pushed back a pang of fear, Fiske would not succeed! Ron is too important to me to let some crazy monkey ninja take him from me! she thought vehemently. Not that he's making it easier for me. She thought a small frown appearing on her face. Ron was definitely hiding something about the mystical monkey power from her. But why would he do that it's not like she couldn't keep a secret if it was important. Was it something bad? Did he think he was trying to protect her? It was her job to protect him! And what's worse she had a feeling that if she knew Ron's secret that it might shed some light on her other two mysteries. She stretched out her and then curled over to the side holding her stuffed animal protectively. Kim had scanned the book with the information to Wade and he had promised to come back with a translation and some information as soon as possible so there wasn't much more she could do today. The redhead smiled as exhaustion finally began to catch up with her. She would find out Elders secrets, she would stop Monkey Fist's plan, whatever it was and she would keep Ron safe and with her. She fell asleep confident that all would be well.

After all she could do anything.

Ron dragged himself into bed. His parents had not been happy about the time that he had shown up but had relented after he explained that it was a school thing. His mom had grumbled about Mr. Barkin's teaching methods and he had to talk her out of marching over to his place in the middle of the night and giving him a piece of her mind. As she went to bed she still was livid and he was pretty sure she might go complain to the principle tomorrow if she didn't calm down. Not that it would stop Mr. Barkin it would just make him a little meaner. It didn't matter; nothing mattered compared to what had happened today. She kissed me! He thought with delight, he had always had feelings for her and by some miracle she now seemed to return them. If that was the results of Mr. Barkin's punishments Ron would gladly take a thousand more.

"Boo-Yah!" he whispered to himself.

But with his newfound happiness came a sudden pang of guilt. It had only taken him about ten minutes after confessing his feelings for her for him to tell her his first lie. He had made a promise to keep his adventures in Japan a secret and he wasn't the type to break a promise even for Kim. But the issue was more serious now. Monkey Fist was involved and he already tried to kill Kim once! If he held back some information and Kim got hurt he would never forgive himself. He would just have to make sure that didn't happened after all unlike all the other villains they faced Lord Fiske was his responsibility. They both shared a destiny that as much as he tried to deny it could not be avoided. It was funny the one cool thing about himself that had lasted was the one thing he had gotten rid of. He had been strong, he had been cool, he had been rich and he had even been a sports star but all of those things had been temporary. Well he did also have his cooking but that had been different, more personal and he couldn't capitalize on it anyway since he wasn't allowed to cook at school anymore as long as he chose to bring Rufus to school. Come to think of it that was why he had been fired from Bueno Nacho, well if the powers that be couldn't see the value of having a naked mole rat buddy for an assistant he just would not cook for them! Ron Stoppable would not compromise his cooking style or his friends!

But the Mystical Monkey Power had been different. It was not a fad, it could not be described as some sort of mere talent and it scared him. Not because of the whole monkey thing, he had mostly come to terms with that. It scared him because the few times he had accessed it flooded him with this primal strength. Not physical strength though that was one of the benefits but it magnified parts of his personality, he had…less control. Like it was taking him over and could turn him evil, after all look at Monkey Fist. Sensei had warned him not to be confused. The power itself was neither good nor evil but it could reflect and magnify the passion and desires of the person who wielded it. If the amalgamation of those thoughts and feelings were good ultimately you would remain a good person but if you were full of greed and lust for power as was Lord Fiske the results would eventually be that of a villain. He had cautioned that it also reflected the inner desires in your heart so just because you thought of yourself as a good person didn't prove anything; it was your inner heart, your true self that would eventually show its colors. Ron had asked Sensei how he would know whether his heart was good. Sensei had replied that only time would tell.

So Ron had not even tried to use his powers, for every time he did it would bring him closer to that moment of truth. But as he had been warned it was inevitable. No matter how hard he tried every so often he would feel his skills increase he would pull of some stunt that normally left him stumbling over own two feet. Kim thought that this just showed some progress in his fighting abilities but he always felt the power calling to him asking him to let it help him but he always resisted.

But now he felt it coming, the moment of truth when he would have to open the door and see what kind of man he was deep down. If he was good then everything would be okay but what if deep down he was evil? He had been turned evil once and had almost defeated Kim! He could tell from certain conversations with KP that he had come far closer than she would care to admit, if it hadn't been for Drakken of all people who knows what he would have done. KP had told him not to worry about it, that it had been Drakken's evil that had twisted him to do those things but what if she was wrong? He sighed to himself it didn't matter he knew deep down that whatever Monkey Fist had found it would be too powerful to not call upon the power. He could almost fell the power vibrate in anticipation of being released. Good or evil I don't care as long as I don't hurt KP I WILL stop Monkey Fist and no matter what happens I WILL keep her safe he pledged to himself.

No matter what he was destined to become.

Monkey Fist brooded in his temporary lair and for the first time contemplated giving up his chosen destiny. It wasn't fair he thought he had been so careful to make sure that this plan had been kept secret, he had committed no crimes, he had done nothing draw any attention to this mansion, he had even hired a double to take his place in England and keep up appearances that everything was business as usual in case the hacker friend had been snooping but still HE had managed to find his way here. His Nemesis. Monty groaned at that, do you know the humiliation of having "the buffoon" as the other villains called him to be your arch foe? Oh sure like getting beat up by a hyper active cheerleader was any better he thought bitterly. But of course they thought he was just the sidekick, the distraction, no way could he ever be the real threat. But he knew the truth, no matter what they claim their role to be in the end it was Stoppable who was the real threat. Possible was the true sidekick to the potential of what he could become if Monty failed to stop him. He was destined to become one of the greatest forces in this world just as he was. If he Monkey Fist succeeded the whole world would bow before his might but if Stoppable succeeded the others would soon find themselves cowering in fear at the mere mention of "the buffoons" name.

But what was so infuriating was the fact that it was so easy for him! Monty had spent years gleaming the secrets of training in the art of Monkey Kung Fu! He had never managed to properly perform a single maneuver. He had altered his very DNA in order to bring him in tune with the nature of the power. The boy was afraid of monkeys. He had spent more years searching for the mystical monkey idols in order to absorb their power! The boy had used a few moments of distraction from his sidekick and absorbed the lion's share of the power and then destroyed the idols! He had finally found someone weak enough to help him steal the Lotus Blade and yet despite the fact that by all appearances he had ended up there by chance had managed to defeat him, recover the blade and personally crush his apprentice! Every time he seemed the fool but every time Monkey Fist could feel the power growing in him and he knew it was just a matter of time before the teen could no longer deny what he was.

But as much as Lord Monty Fiske longed to give up and go hide in a hole somewhere far away he knew he could not, the power was in him as well and he knew that it would push him to achieve his destiny. And Ron Stoppable's destiny was not written in stone, no one's was, he could fail and would if Monty managed to pull off his plan before the boy figured it out. Despite his apparent luck, his growing skill, the skilled allies he surrounded himself with the boy could still misstep, could still not have the strength necessary in order to achieve his destiny. Ron Stoppable could fall because Lord Monty Fiske had his own destiny to complete.

And he would not be denied.

Elder sat back and sipped his tea. All the players were getting ready but when would the breaking point come? It hadn't been hard to push their teacher's mind just a little to make him come up with the "idea" of sending Team Possible here. Elder had been surprised he was not a weak mind but it seemed he just really enjoyed handing out punishments. That Monkey Fist had arrived was not a true surprise, the Power required a test for the Chosen One and they did have a shared history but this left Elder a little worried. It would not be the first time a false Monkey Master had arrived and there was nothing that assured Young Stoppable would be strong enough to claim his destiny. In the end it was Young Possible that worried him. She was both a great strength and a great crutch to Young Stoppable. He drew on her strength and her love much like Elder did himself with his love so long ago. But he was not in harmony with himself; so he also relied on her natural abilities to the point where he tended to think he had none on his own. Every time he showed promise he attributed it to the Power not realizing that the Power was merely forcing him to call on his own natural talents. The boy had doubts and if he let them those doubts could destroy himself and those he cared about. Elder could and would try to help him overcome them but true change could only come from within.

Elder sighed, he usually tried to not care so much about these potential chosen ones since there had not been one who fully lived up to the prophecies. Not to say they had all been failures or evil, Sensei had been a great success and became a good teacher who influenced the entire world, even if the world itself did not know about it. Yet even he had not been strong enough to become the true Mystical Monkey Master. But Elder had a feeling about young Stoppable he had huge potential if he could overcome himself. In the end of course only he could decide his destiny.

Elder just prayed he was strong enough to chose wisely.

Wade had been up all night. The book had been interesting. It was in some sort variation of ancient Japanese and as of yet he had only translated a small portion of it. Normally he would have probably let the computers work on it by themselves but Kim had said it was important so he was trying to push the translation software as much as he could before he had to go to bed. Even Ron had called to give him all the information he could on the Lotus Blade to see if it would help. If anything he thought Ron seemed to want to have answers more than Kim, which was unlike him. Like Kim Wade guessed for whatever reason Ron was holding something back but he trusted Ron and was content to wait for Ron to tell him first. At least until he had enough clues to figure it out for himself. But something kept bothering him most of what he had translated so far had matched up with what Ron had told him but one small fact kept not matching up and he had run the translator three times to make sure it wasn't a computer error. The name of the weapon referred to in the book was not called the Lotus Blade.

It was called the Tiger Blade.