Chapter 3

Ron Stoppable used to be a quitter. The kind of guy that will quit as soon as something becomes even slightly difficult. And he knows it. He knows it and he doesn't care. Used to not caring.

Life is a wonderful thing, you know? It has such a nice way to make you realize things as soon as they are lost. Funny, uh?

Not in Ron's opinion if you'd ever bother to ask him. Not that he can complain at all. He is the sole responsible for the turn his life took lately. Inaction, Sensei might tell him, is worst than an action with bad consequences. In the latter case you'd have the comfort of having tried, at least.

It's with this knowledge in mind that he's climbing the steep trail the leads to the super secret ninja school known as Yamanouchi, carrying both his luggage and Yori's. What? Would you want a lady to carry all that heavy stuff herself? What kind of guy are you?

Doesn't really matter if said lady can beat the shit out of you with a hand tied behind her back in her worst day and yours best. It's a matter of principle.

Of course this doesn't make things any easier for the breathless teenager, but then again all trainings have to start somewhere. Might as well shut up, suck it up and get on with it.

"Here we are Ron-kun. Welcome back at Yamanouchi."

"Thanks *whee* it is *anf* good *whee* to be back." Said wimpy teenager drops the luggage on the floor, trying, with little results, to maintain a little dignity. Her friend after all isn't even sweating. Get you acts together Stoppable. This is just the beginning of your own trip through Hell.

"Are you all right? You look a little… how do say… under the weather." She asks with true concern in her voice. She doesn't truly realize how much of a wimp Ron truly is. Bless her innocence.

"Just *anf* fine. No *anf* worries."

"If you say so, Ron-kun. Come, let's go inside. Sensei was eager to meet you. We should not make him wait."

"Of *anf* course. That would be *anf* impolite."

"Exactly. When Sensei summons you, it's you honor to answer."

Picking the luggage and himself off the ground Ron makes his way inside, just behind the Asian beauty. Boy, the way she sway her shaped bottom has been more than incentive for the male teenager to be just a couple of steps behind her and keep up the pace.

Uh? What? He might be desperately in love with his childhood friend but hormones make no distinctions. A nice ass is a nice ass. Period. Did you think that is undying love for Kimberly would steer is thoughts away from other attractive girls? Think again.

No good looking girl is safe from the hormone fueled imagination of a randy teenager. Tara? Of course. Crystal? Constantly. Bonnie? Oh, he entertained himself plenty with the thoughts of that hot piece of ass on her knees. Revenge is a sweet thing even if it's only in his head. Let us not even talk about Shego, shall we? With that snug jumpsuit of hers…. Oh boy. Evil has never been so HOT without plasma involved.

Uh. Anyway… back on track.

The teenagers are making their way within the grounds of Yamanouchi. The vivid blue of the sky offers a deep contrast for the light pink of the cherry blossoms. The peak of the mountain is cutting the sun disc in half, sending stray rays of light in different directions, creating a pattern of colors worth of a painting. Ron Stoppable is dumb in many ways, but he can recognize beauty when he sees it. Perhaps six month in this place aren't going to be that bad after all.

"This way, Ron-kun." Calling him in a soft voice, Yori leads him toward a dojo in the farthest corner on the school. Removing their shoes, as tradition commands when entering a building in Japan, the two teens enter the building. "We are arrived, Sensei." Says the girl with a deep bow. The knowledge from his previous travel in this place allows Ron to imitate smoothly her companion in the traditional salute.

"Ah Yori-san, well done and welcome back. Welcome Stoppable-san. It is good to have you back here. I hope that your travel has been enjoyable."

Not sure if the old man was making fun of him for his obvious lack for air and his sweaty forehead, Ron opts for a diplomatic answer.

"Most enjoyable, master Sensei. It's good to be back at Yamanouchi. I'm looking forward to your tutelage for the next six months." These statements surprise both the teacher and his pupil. Ron Stoppable eager to learn is something they did not expect. Then again he did come all the way here of his own volition fully aware of what kind of life they live here.

"It's good to hear that Stoppable-san. I admit that I'm surprised of your eagerness to learn. I clearly remember that you had… issues when it comes to applying yourself for long periods of time. What prompted you to embrace this new path, if I might ask?" Blushing for the not so concealed jab at his former behavior, Ron Stoppable steels his resolve and stares in the eyes of the old teacher.

"I came to realize that I cannot ignore my own mistakes. Recently I understood that I have to stand up and fight for the things I want. I came here to entrust myself to your expert teaching methods. Please Sensei. Teach me everything you deem fit for me to learn." Replies the young student, bowing once more.

Beside him Yori is smiling with pride. The man he has chosen was indeed worth of her affection even without being the Chosen One. Seeing him standing straight, with fire burning in his eyes, fuels her infatuation even more, to the point that a soft blush spreads on her face.

Little does she knows that the passion that burns in his heart is the result of the love for another woman. Nevertheless, even if she knew it, that wouldn't change her resolve to claim his heart for herself. After all six months are a long time and the distance does wonder for the heart of a person.

The old man is beaming with pride as well. His pupil has returned to learn with a resolve that he didn't witness for a long time in his other students. Regardless of the path that he will walk in the future, the words of the young man are a balm for the heart of his teacher. So much passion. It will be wonderful to temper this boy in a man worth of being the Chosen One.

"Very well, Stoppable-san. Starting tomorrow we will see if your resolve matches your words. Today get yourself reacquainted with the school and your fellow students. Tomorrow your training will begin at the usual time."

"Yes, Sensei. Thank you, Sensei." Replies the young man rising from his bow.

"Yori-san, show your fellow student his room and make sure he's ready for tomorrow training."

"Ai, Sensei. It will be my honor. This way Ron-kun."

The two teens exit the Dojo and walks together under the sunset. It is a beautiful sight on all accounts. The fact that a beautiful girl is walking beside him put the young man in an incredible good mood. Little does he know that his companion is thinking on the same lines. They proceed silently toward the building used as dormitory. On the way to Ron's room they drop Yori's luggage in her room.

"Here we are, Ron-kun. Make yourself at home. This is going to be your room for the next sixth month. I should advise you to take a bath to wash away the stress of the travel. It's a mixed bath as you know well. It would be… advisable if you join the other male students in half an hour to avoid… embarrassing situations."

"I will. Thanks for your help Yori-san. I will put away my things and ahead there right away. Will I see you tomorrow?" he asks hopefully. Yori is the only person he really knows around here.

"Of course. Please rest yourself fully for tomorrow. You will need all your energies to keep up with your training. Dinner will be served in an hour. I'll see you later, Ron-Kun."

With those last words she turns around and returns to her room leaving Ron Stoppable alone with his thoughts. Strangely enough he's looking forward to his training.

Several flight hours away a red headed teen is returning home with her boyfriend. The young couple is standing in front of her house.

"I really had fun today, Josh. Thanks."

"Don't mention it. If anything I'm the one who should be thankful. I'm truly happy for this chance to be with you." he replies before reaching for her lips with his in a soft kiss. The resulting blush is matching the fiery color of her hairs. "I'll see you tomorrow then. Later, Kim."

"G-Good bye, Josh." She says in a whisper. Boy, she's a crushing sheep. "Sigh."

She enters inside her home where a smiling Anne Possible is waiting for her with a smile on her lips.

"I'd like to ask if you enjoyed yourself today Kim, but the look on your face is all the answer I need. Just don't let your father catch you kissing a boy on our doorstep if you care for his continued health."

"Whom? Dad's or Josh's?" she asks without trying to hide her blush. No need to deny the fact now.

"Both, my dear. If your father survives his heart attack your boyfriend is scheduled for a trip to the farthest star system known to mankind. Or the closest black hole, depending on his mood."

This causes both women to giggle.

"Tell Dad that if he does that I will let him ride one of the tweebs rockets to bring him back."

"I'll pass along that message, Kim."

The teen climbs the stairs up to her room leaving a troubled mother downstairs. In her opinion Josh is a very nice boy, intelligent, sensible and good looking. Yet he missed something: devotion. He saw that in the eyes of another young man, but the circumstances took him away from her daughter. Hopefully he will come back soon enough and maybe the distance will make the two teens realize how important they are for each other.

Maybe, just maybe things will turn for the best. Let's hope so.

Author notes:

I've put the poll for the pairing in my profile. Vote! Vote! Vote!

See ya.