Chapter 5 – Contenders Part II
Drakken and his entire company watched as Ron Stoppable defeated twenty-four men. Twenty-three of them while blindfolded! He displayed skills no one thought he could – blindfolded! And Ron surviving certain death by explosives with that mysterious shield? Drakken supposed that the boy was lucky enough to be equipped with some sort of force field device designed by the technical expert of Team Possible. It never seemed to fail that Team Possible always was equipped with the right gear, no matter the mission.
During the course of the confrontation between Gemini and Ron, a call was answered by one of the henchmen. When he informed Drakken of the call, Drakken ordered it through and onscreen. The caller was Lord Montgomery Fisk.
"You have something to say, Monkey Fist?" inquired Drakken glumly.
Fist looked impassive. "I think it fair to warn you that Gemini will not triumph," he stated with certainty.
"Oh?" Drakken then looked to the screen displaying the fight. Gemini's cybernetic hand came off a moment later. Drakken huffed dragged a hand down his face in frustration. He then sighed. Looking back at Monkey Fist, he asked, "So why did you call?"
"Allow me to face young Stoppable."
Drakken doubted even Monkey Fist could 'triumph.' "How can you possibly be any better than Gemini?"
"Gemini is no master of Tai Xing Peq U'ar as I am. Ron Stoppable is only just discovering his skills, but he too is no master."
"He's beginning to look like a master to me!" Drakken argued.
Ignoring that statement, Monkey Fist's image was replaced by a virtual map of the African continent and a blinking cursor. "Direct him to this location. I will be ready and waiting for him. I will be the one who defeats him."
"Africa, huh? Let me guess. Monkey Fist."
"No doubt," Ron answered Wade.
Drakken told Ron that another challenger has volunteered to fight, again disclosing no details about the opponent. But being told of the location of the fight, it was easy to figure out. It did not surprise Ron that Drakken would quite likely keep him globetrotting without ever disclosing his location or where he was keeping Kim prisoner. But he did not despair. One way or another he would find her; he would stop Drakken's latest take-over-the-world scheme, and find and destroy that disk and Zorpox's weapons.
Ron was now en route to the jungle location as instructed. While passing over the Mediterranean Sea, a tanker aircraft offered fuel, compliments of Great Britain's Royal Air Force. "Anything for Team Possible," said the tanker's pilot. As he departed, the pilot wished Ron luck with his mission.
Hours later, after a little self-training and some rest, Ron arrived, the jet landing in a jungle glade. After disembarking the jet with Rufus, both looked around for a path. There were four possibilities. Uncertain of which path to take, Ron called Wade who ran a satellite scan of the region. The path that would take Ron southeast for a few kilometers led to a gorge with a primitive-looking bridge. A close-up observation of the area near the gorge revealed a massive tree with indications of several facilities built from jungle material made up like living spaces on thick branches. The other paths led deeper and deeper into dense jungle. Wade relayed this to Ron who took the southeast path.
Unknown to Ron, and undetected by Wade, numerous objects exited the jet and followed Ron. Drakken managed to sneak his cameras aboard the jet before it left Greece.
Ron trusted Wade about where this path would lead. Still it was not an easy task. As with many paths there were obstacles. Ron decided to recall the Lotus Blade. With it he cut through the jungle foliage that barred his way. In one area there was a deep pit, too wide to leap over. Ron considered going around it, but trees and other jungle vegetation to each side would be a lot to get around. Some trees were too far apart to leap from branch to branch.
Thanks to Rufus, Ron succeeded in getting to the other side. Rufus climbed out of his pocket and looked into the pit. After looking at the sword then back at the pit he had an idea. Getting Ron's attention and grabbing a twig, the mole rat then mimicked pole-vaulting. Looking at the Lotus Blade, Ron then changed it to a staff, but it was standard size.
"It's not going to be long enough to reach the bottom of the pit, Rufus."
Rufus shook his head arguing that Ron did not understand. Rufus then snapped his twig in two and held the two halves side-by-side. He took several steps back then began running. Ron watched him simulate a pole-vaulter's sprint. Then with his right paw, he pulled one of the halves of the twig forward.
"Oh! You're saying extend the staff long enough to reach to bottom and I can still leap across!" Rufus smiled and gave a thumbs-up. "Then hop back in, buddy, and let's get going."
After Rufus returned to his pocket, Ron took several steps back from the pit. Repositioning the staff in his hands, Ron then started running. The staff obeyed a mental command to extend, and the end opposite Ron grew in length. He then thrust the staff into the pit, pushed his feet off the ground, swung his legs forward and sailed through midair to land on the opposite side of the pit.
Rufus cheered in excitement. "Again, again!" he pleaded.
Ron smiled. "Another day, little buddy." Morphing the staff into a nunchaku, he placed the newly formed weapon into his backpack.
The jungle was thankfully void of anything predatory on this path. Their cries plus the sounds of other wildlife were distant. His mission pants and shirt both suffered tears and fraying as well before the path's end came. Ron was thankful that he still kept spare clothing available, even though it has been some time since he has had a loss-of-clothing incident. He would get them at the jet and change when he was done with Monkey Fist.
Stoppable reached the end of the path by early afternoon, jungle time. He found the tree Wade had discovered earlier. For a bit there were no signs of movement. Then a monkey, dressed in ninja garb, appeared from the lower branches climbing down the trunk of the tree. Ron watched as the monkey dashed across the ground, making its way to him. It stopped before him then pulled out a rolled up sheet of paper and handed it to Ron. As Ron began reading it, the monkey returned to the tree.
"There is no need to hide, Stoppable," Ron read. "I know you are here as I've been watching you since even before you landed. It is not due to Mystical Monkey Power that I know you are here. I get satellite TV, and you are still on it at this very moment. Climb up into the tree where you will find me."
Accepting the 'invitation' he cautiously made his way to the specified tree, keeping alert for any signs of a trap. Passage went without incident. Looking up, he saw no know signs of his arch foe. The tree was thick with foliage which made it difficult for Ron to see some of the rooms. Spotting a low branch not to far away, he decided to use that to get up onto the branches. Climbing the trunk would be some effort for him, but not for Rufus whom he called from his pocket and told him to start climbing. Ron actually did not want to chance that he might hurt his little friend in the likelihood that he would bump that area of his leg during his climb.
He and Rufus began scouting rooms built all around the lower limbs only to find no Monkey Fist. Midway up and a short distance from the center of the giant tree they came upon one with the same monkey that delivered Fisk's message standing before it. The diminutive ninja had been waiting for them. The monkey turned and gestured with a wave for them to follow as it went inside, Ron doing so after Rufus returned to his pocket. For a place in the jungle the room was well kept; much the same as Montgomery Fisk's estate back in England. Ron could see the television Monkey Fist referenced in his letter. Indeed he could see his own back, meaning a camera was behind him.
The little ninja approached an occupied antique armchair then pointed in the direction of Ron and Rufus. A furry hand reached out and waved to dismiss the messenger. Then Fisk rose from his seat wearing his customary black ninja gi and turned to face Ron, placing his arms smartly behind his back.
"I'm so pleased you came, Stoppable," Fisk greeted with a false smile.
"Cut the pleasantries, Monkey Fist. Let's just get on with this so I can find Kim."
"Not here," Fisk replied waving a finger. "We will take this outside where my monkey ninjas have worked diligently to prepare our battleground. Come."
Monkey Fist stepped outside through the door Ron entered, Ron following. While he easily descended the tree using his monkey hands and feet, Ron found a vine and casually made his descent to the ground. From here Monkey Fist led him to an open, grassy spot between the jungle forest and the gorge. The aerial cameras followed as did Fisk's minions.
As Fisk walked ahead of Ron, he turned his head slightly to address Ron. "Ever since you've taken up this quest to find your friend, your skills have proven quite impressive. But you are not yet a master," he stressed. "I'm quite eager to test your abilities." Fisk stopped and turned to face Ron. With a hand he covered his mouth to keep any lip-readers watching this scene from identifying what he next said, audible only to Ron. "And between you and me, I know your own monkey powers made that shield."
Hearing him admit this did not surprise Ron. Of all of Team Possible's adversaries, the secret of his powers were known only to Fisk.
Fisk uncovered his mouth. "Our battle begins here. We fight until one falls, and anything goes. I am well aware you have the Lotus Blade. If I defeat you I'll take it as my victory prize. In the meantime if you feel the need to use it I encourage you to do so because weapons will have a place in my challenge. This entire area is our battleground," he added with a gentle sweep of his right hand. "And while I'm quite familiar with its setup, I will not deny that even I could be caught in a trap." Fisk took a stance. "Are you ready to begin?"
Ron held out a hand. "Just one question," he interjected. "Do you know where Drakken is keeping Kim?"
"I do not, nor do I care."
"Thought so," he stated as he removed his backpack and tossed it aside. "Rufus, out."
Rufus poked his head out from Ron's pocket and looked up questioningly.
"Out of my pocket," ordered Ron casting his eyes downward, "and stay clear of the fight. Besides I need you to keep those monkeys away from my backpack and the Lotus Blade," he added quietly. After Rufus left he assumed a fighting position.
"The lot of you keep out as well!" Fisk ordered his lackeys. They each stepped back in obedience.
Fisk, deciding to make the first move, needed no "come hither" gesture from his opponent who remained still. Charging in he would strike with a simple attack to see if the boy could defend and counter. Contrary to his expectations the punch was not blocked; it connected with Ron's jaw, knocking him to the ground. Fisk had every intention of following through with that attack, but he was certain Ron would have parried it. Why he did not was puzzling.
Ron stood again and rubbed the spot that took the hit. "Okay," he said nodding. "Okay," he repeated before resuming his fighting stance.
Fisk looked at him curiously. "What do you mean by that? And why did you not defend against that attack?"
"I wanted to see how serious you are. Now I know."
Fisk smirked. "And I have so much to bring against you," he said returning to his pose. "We've barely even begun." Ron acknowledged this with a single nod.
Fisk moved in again, repeating his first attack. This time it was blocked, but Ron's counter was not a punch. Quickly locking Fisk's arm in his hands he threw his opponent over his shoulder. Fisk rolled only once and quickly stood back up. Ron charged, intending to land a flying kick, but Fisk stepped to one side and Ron missed. He barely landed when Fisk quickly moved in to strike.
He was not too surprised that his opponent was faring very well while they fought and that he was barely making progress. It was evident from Fisk's efforts that he was not blowing smoke when he said Ron was no master. His Mystical Monkey Power may now be awake, but Monkey Fist was still doing much better. Still he would not give up. Yes his monkey powers are awake, but the one reason to keep going is that Kim is counting on him and he would not let her down. At present Fisk seemed more a master than he did, but the man was not invincible. Like Ron, he was perspiring and panting.
The fight had been moving away from where it started and the cameras moved along with the fighters, ignoring Rufus and the monkeys. Rufus had intended to follow but he noticed that the monkeys began advancing toward him. He realized their apparent intent: use this opportunity to steal the Lotus Blade for their master. Knowing that the Lotus Blade was the most important item in Ron's backpack, he quickly removed it. It seemed he would play a part in this challenge as well. The monkeys could fight but they were not gifted with Mystical Monkey Power like he was. He also knew how to use the Lotus Blade.
The twelve little simians closed in and surrounded him. Holding the weapon in its present form, a nunchaku, Rufus watched them carefully. He did not know if they had an attack pattern, but that mattered very little. His own instincts helped him sense which of his opponents moved first - two of them from his left backside. He spun around, swinging the nunchaku at them and making contact. When the fight intensified with the others charging in, Rufus managed to put some of them down, whereas a few others tried again and again. But it was over soon with Rufus victorious. All the monkeys were out cold.
Now taking the nunchaku, he hauled it with him going in search of Ron and Monkey Fist. The backpack could be recovered later. He found them, having fought their way toward a marsh. Rufus could see bamboo stumps jutting out all over the shallow water. This site had obviously been prepared by Fisk's minions as part of the battleground. Monkey Fist was presently hopping along the stumps out into the marsh away from Ron.
Fisk was out quite a ways, balancing rather exceptionally on the stumps. With one hand presently placed behind his back, he waved with the other. "Care to test your footwork, boy?" he called out invitingly.
Ron carefully set one foot onto one of the stumps then placed his other foot on a second, finding the stumps to be sturdy enough and barely shaking. Learning to balance on these would takes some time, of which he had very little with Monkey Fist only a matter of steps away. With some focus on three essentials - Mystical Monkey Power, dumb skill, and positive thoughts of Kim - he quickly adapted his footing and treading the bamboo became a cinch. Looking at Monkey Fist as he drew closer he could see mild admiration in the eyes of his foe.
Ron now stood an arms length away from Monkey Fist, the impression gone. However the fight would proceed from here, Ron assured himself he would not lose as he continued focusing on the same thoughts that helped him cross the marsh to this point. He would get through this. As Fisk had just done, he shifted his feet to different stumps to adjust his stance.
Monkey Fist initiated this round with an attempted back flip kick. Ron quickly shifted his balance and arched back, avoiding the monkey feet. Fisk landed on two new stumps with his hands, and with a handspring motion he was back on his feet perfectly balanced. Stepping in towards the boy he flailed his arms rhythmically from left to right before attempting a punch. Ron successfully blocked it. Fisk tried again, throwing more than one punch. On the third thrust he succeeded in landing a hit with an open palm against his opponent's chest. Ron was in danger of losing his balance and falling over, and likely being impaled by the bamboo. Fisk merely watched to see what he would do.
Thankfully, Ron did not fall over. His right foot slid from the stump into the water. After a deep breath of relief and taking a moment to re-collect himself, he stepped out of the marsh to shake excess water and muck from his leg. Ready for Fisk again, his opponent came at him intending to punch him, but he parried it and quickly retaliated as the attacker. Although Fisk was able to block most of his punches, some actually hit him. When Fisk was able to attack, he too landed a couple of hits. There was a moment in which Ron succeeded in pulling a leg sweep from which Monkey Fist had quickly sprang back onto his feet.
The fight was moving back towards solid ground. Rufus leapt from stump to stump to keep up with Ron and Monkey Fist. He was very amazed that his human friend fared very well, giving every bit as much as getting, against his adversary. But Fisk pulled a move that practically turned into one of Rufus' many horrors; that he would lose his friend to something awful. Fisk kicked Ron in the face using part of the crane technique. He was knocked off balance very hard and toppled over. A miracle must have saved him because Ron's feet never slipped and his hands both caught a stump of bamboo. He held himself up to keep from being impaled by the stumps beneath him. As awed as he was, Rufus noticed how impressed even Monkey Fist looked.
Rufus then watched Ron stand back up, facing his foe with a new look; one seen a few times before - his serious face. The last time the "serious face" was used, Ron humbled Drakken with it when Bueno Nacho was under that villain's control. His eyes presently bore a look that Rufus hoped was not blood-lust. Monkey Fist seemed unaffected by that expression. Then mysteriously Ron began leaping around on different stumps, huffing with each step, moving in towards Monkey Fist, from one side to another, never losing his footing. After a few more quick steps, he was very near his enemy when he leapt into the air and threw out his foot. A strong and unexpected flying kick against Monkey Fist's chest sent his adversary from the bamboo back onto solid ground. Ron landed without difficulty. He then walked casually from the marsh, stump by stump, just before the man stood back up. Rufus hurried after them.
"Are you ready to quit, Monkey Fist?" Ron asked, rather winded. His serious face had faded to an impassive look.
Fisk, equally breathless and massaging the spot where Ron's foot collided, answered aggressively, "Not yet." Prepared to face Ron again he added, "Your endurance is very admirable, I admit, but we are still not finished."
After a deep sigh and a shake of his head expressing his annoyance, Ron's fight with Monkey Fist resumed despite their exhaustion. This round moved to a grassy field.
Monkey Fist soon had Ron on his back after flipping him over by getting the boy into a hand-lock, placing his foot against Ron's ribcage, falling backwards and jerking his leg which then sent the boy to the ground. After rolling over to his hands and knees he turned to face Ron, and in doing so spotted a wooden staff lying nearby. Deciding it was time to finish his adversary he went and picked it up.
After recovering from the impact, Ron watched him get up and walk away. A slight gasp escaped him when he saw what Monkey Fist held. After standing he looked around, but saw no other weapon and realized that Fisk had the only one. "Wait!" he cried to himself. He realized he had been so focused on his fight with Monkey Fist that he had forgotten about the Lotus Blade. This thought had him distracted so, that he nearly forgot about his armed opponent - and the staff that nearly hit him. His growing senses saved him and he dodged it. All he could do was dodge until chance aided him or fate finished him.
Hope was rekindled when he heard the slightest sound of familiar chatter. Ron thanked his Maker that Rufus had followed. Stealing a moment to look, he saw that his little buddy had with him the Lotus Blade and thanked his Maker again. Rufus threw it while it was still in nunchaku form. Even though his accuracy had been off and because Ron had to keep moving to avoid being hit by Monkey Fist, with Ron's monkey powers the Lotus Blade was still caught by its master. The mole rat cheered. Ron quickly transformed the nunchaku into his own staff and halted a near hit from Monkey Fist.
Though they were once again evenly matched, Fisk was certain of victory. He knew where they were and that here his adversary would fall. Ever the villain and dirty fighter, after there was some distance between them Fisk pulled out from his uniform a set of shuriken. He grinned at the sight of Ron's dismay. Dropping his staff he reached for more shuriken. Even if some could be avoided, Fisk was certain Ron could not avoid them all. He was wrong. Some missed and others were deflected by the Lotus Blade's staff form. But Ron was now standing close enough to where Fisk wanted him and he still had three shuriken remaining. Picking up his staff again with his left hand, Fisk held the last of his throwing stars between his right fingers. Then he threw them and quickly charged the boy, who leapt away from the first half of the assault. Before Ron could fully stand up, Fisk used a sweeping motion with his staff to knock Ron over.
The aerial cameras that had continued following them and transmitting this intense fight to the world, captured Ron tumbling down into a pit, one he would not have seen as it had been concealed behind tall grass. The pit was wide and deep, the surrounding wall full of rocks and crevices. The cameras captured Monkey Fist approaching the edge of the pit, even Rufus who decided to hurry down the wall to reach his friend.
Had his fall been a straight drop, he might have been unconscious. Thankfully he was not, but his body certainly ached. After opening his eyes, Ron managed to slowly sit up, supporting himself with his hands. Looking about at his surroundings, he caught sight of Rufus coming to him and smiled. He managed to stand. Rufus climbed up onto his left shoulder and snuggled against his cheek.
"Glad to see you're still with me, little buddy," he said, patting the mole rat.
Ron then looked around for a way out of the pit. As his head pivoted from right to left in his search, he never had the chance to register the sight of horror as scores of darts launched from the crevices of the wall ahead of him, piercing him and Rufus all over. Both fell dead.
But that did not happen. Rufus was on his shoulder, certainly, but that moment seemed too real. Following the rush of a bad feeling, Ron quickly stuffed Rufus into his pocket. And not a moment to soon as darts did launch.
"NO!" he cried in desperation, throwing both arms out before him.
This action was a mystery to the world. But then they saw a most inexplicable thing. After seeing thin clouds of dust appear at the pit wall, their attention was then drawn to the multitude of objects frozen around Ron which were instantly recognized as darts. They hovered about him in an arc, vertical as a wall. When last he defended himself against an incoming attack, a he was protected by a mysterious shield. This time there was nothing. All those projectiles had just... stopped.
All around the world, mouths hung open in astonishment. Countless numbers of speechless people all wondered the same thing: "Since when can he do that?"
There was but one verbal addition to this thought. "Whoa. Eat your heart out Neo," remarked Shego.
Drakken turned sharply to her. "Shego... Go file your nails!" he snapped.
Kim could only wonder, "Could it be? Are his monkey powers really... real?"
Ron had not even a chance to close his eyes before they all launched. It was a surprise even to him that the darts were stopped. As he let his arms drop to his sides, every dart fell to the ground. He watched as they landed and just looked at them.
Rufus, who poked his head out from his pocket sanctuary when this happened, now looked up at Ron, completely amazed. But no one could have been more stupefied than Monkey Fist. He was completely speechless. Involuntarily his hand dropped the staff. He fell to his knees. Never had he seen such an ability displayed by anyone.
Shuffling from around him drew Ron from his awed state. All the monkeys, now conscious, had climbed down into the pit and now stood before him. Leaning forward, they bowed, recognizing Ron as their master and turning their backs on Lord Montgomery Fisk.
An enraged Monkey Fist stood up. "One day, Stoppable!" he cried. "One day I shall defeat you, and claim my place in this world as Supreme Monkey Ruler!" He turned and was seen no more.
Ron thought of what he should say to these humbled simians. "Uh, guys. I appreciate that you've given up on your former master. But whatever it is you intend to pledge yourselves to... I release you before you can swear to it. I'm not looking to become anyone's master. I just want to find my friend Kim. I'm going to leave now," he said turning around. "Don't follow me." He walked to the pit wall and climbed out. Beginning his journey back towards the jet he looked down at Rufus. "Are they following?"
Rufus looked. "Uh-uh," he answered.
"I gotta admit, he's really good," thought Shego. She kept to herself the fraction of admiration she began to feel about Stoppable's skills. Her thoughts were disrupted by Drakken's first comment in minutes.
"That was a complete waste of time," he noted, shaking his head.
Shego spoke up. "Tell you what, Doctor D. Why don't you just put an end to this and execute your plan to take over the world?" she pressed.
She thought from his silence that he was considering her suggestion. But his expression went grim. "No," he said firmly, not even looking at her. "He thinks he's all that, but he's not." He was quiet again and began to think. An evil smile slowly formed. "Oh he's good. But he's not that good."
His cryptic remark puzzled Shego. "Boss?"
Drakken pressed a button. One of the screens switched to a new room within the lair.
"Yes, sir?" stated a henchman onscreen.
"Wake them," Drakken ordered. Then after contacting Wade, Drakken was transferred to Ron. "Are you familiar with the Petronas Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia?" Without giving Ron a chance to answer, he continued. "Go there for one more challenge, and then maybe I'll tell you where I'm holding your precious girlfriend."
Neo - With respects to the Wachowski Brothers and 'The Matrix.'
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