Kim Possible: Path of the Shinobi

So the Drama was a changing point in the lives of Ron Stoppable and Kim Possible. But what if the night played out differently than before? What if Eric was never revealed, Drakken was stopped by the Sidekick and the world never knew? This is the story of Ron's Path of the Shinobi.

Chapter III: Conflicts of the Heart

The sun rose over the mountains as Ron stared out from the balcony of the Yamanouchi school. His eyes gazed out at the cloud-covered peaks, as he took in a deep breath and savoured the fresh mountain air. He had woken up early, finding it difficult to sleep after arriving at the Ninja school, as he processed everything that had happened to him over the past 48 hours or so. He was a mixture of excited about starting his training again, and nervous about the training.

The first time he was here, he struggled with most of the exercises and only managed to win against Fukushima with that random burst of Monkey Kung Fu. But this time he was determined to make a difference in his training. He was going to work hard, he was going to get better with this power and he was going to find out who he was without Kim Possible by his side.

"…You okay?" Rufus managed to squeak out in his usual language as Ron nodded.

"Yeah, I'm fine bud. Just, getting used to it all…" he said as he looked over the school. "Never thought I'd be back here again, but this is something I need to do," The morning gong sounded out as he nodded.

"Time to get started," he said as he got dressed in his white training Gi and headed down to the courtyard where the other students were beginning to gather.

"Good Morning, Stoppable-san," he suddenly heard as he turned to see Yori walking toward him.

"Oh, Morning Yori," Ron said with a smile as walked with him.

"How are you feeling?" she asked as he grinned.

"Better than yesterday. I am ready to get this bon-diggity training on the road!" he said as he went through a few random karate moves, which caused him to trip over his feet, but he managed to steady himself. "...Ehehheheh...eh…" he chuckled nervously.

Yori chuckled a little, "You and your American Style Jokes, Stoppable-san. But I am afraid that you will not be training with the others," she informed him as he raised a brow.

"...Huh?" he asked, confused.

"Sensei asked that I escort you to the Meditation Gardens. Please, follow me," she asked, Ron was confused but nodded as he followed Yori.

Eventually, the pair made it to a small alcove with a large rock formation in the centre, a small pond and a waterfall connecting the two as Master Sensei was found sitting on the rock, meditating in a peaceful pose.

"Sensei," Yori greeted as she, Ron and Rufus bowed to the man.

"Thank you, Yori, you and Rufus-san may leave us. I must speak with Stoppable-san alone," he instructed as she bowed, let Rufus hop onto her palm and left. "Good morning Stoppable-San, did you sleep well?" he asked as Ron rubbed the back of his neck.

"Kind of, you guys need to get better beds," he commented as he cricked his neck.

"Indeed, in any case, you may be wondering why I have brought you to this alcove?" he asked as Ron nodded, looking around at the small area.

"I'll admit I'm more than a little confused, I thought you said I was here to complete my training. How am I supposed to do that if I'm not with the rest of the class?" he asked as Sensei hopped down from the rock and walked towards him.

"You are still recovering from your wounds, Yori has helped ease the pain, but I still sense that your body is not fully healed yet. To do so now would be detrimental to your progress," Sensei explained as Ron nodded a little. He had to admit, despite Yori's healing techniques, that his body was still sore from Prom Night. Not to mention he just flew to the other side of the earth, a small break wouldn't hurt. "Besides, before we can begin your physical training, I believe there is something else we must address first. The Conflict that now resides within your heart,"

"The conflict in my heart…what does that mean?" Ron asked, confused.

"I am referring to the recent events that have happened in your life that have, as you would say, 'thrown your whole world out of whack'. And it has caused you to question yourself and seeded both the possibility of change and the potential of doubt within you. And most of it revolves around your friend…Kim Possible," Master Sensei said as Ron looked down a little.

"...You know about that?" he asked meekly as the elderly man nodded.

"I know many things Stoppable-san. I know you were captured by Drakken and taken to his lair where you were forced to stop his plan. I also know you had the opportunity to warn Possible-San but chose not to…why did you not?" Sensei asked as Ron sighed and shook his head.

"It's…not that easy to explain," he said as Sensei gestured for him to sit down on one of the rocks.

"We have all the time in the world, Stoppable-san…" he said as Ron sighed and sat down.

"...When I saw her on the monitor, she looked so…happy… I-I couldn't ruin that for her…" he admitted as he thought back to that night. "I've known Kim for most of my life and I've never seen her that happy before, not since we started doing those missions…I couldn't do that to her, I couldn't ruin that night for her… I know it was stupid and reckless, but I had no other choice. Kim needed that night, otherwise, I'd never forgive myself knowing I made her upset…" he explained as the man stroked his long beard.

"I see…" he said as he pondered the young man's confession. "You risked yourself to ensure that your friend had a night of normality, a risk that could've been easily avoided by contacting her. And because of it, the world was saved without her help and it has thrown your whole view of yourself out of alignment. You do not know what your decision means for you, where your path will take you or what the destination will be…I believe I understand what you must do," Sensei surmised as he stood up. "For you to learn your place in this world, you must confront the Conflicts that have been thrust into your life thus far," he said as Ron raised a brow.

"Conflicts?" he asked as the man nodded and held up three fingers.

"Recently three moments have transpired that forced your old life to conflict with your new life. Each of them carries significant meaning for you. Some may have something to do with a past event, a certain view on your ideals…or perhaps a truth that you have long since hidden from yourself," he explained as Ron raised a brow.

"And…how am I supposed to find out what these 'Conflicts' are?" he asked as the elderly man gestured to the stone.

"Look deep within yourself…only then will you find the answer…" he said as Ron still held a look of confusion on his face.

"...Can't you ever give me a straight answer?" he asked as the old man chuckled.

"Now where is the fun in that?" he quipped as Ron sighed, muttering out something like figures that's what you'd say, but the old man brushed it off. "Now sit upon the stone, and clear your mind," he instructed as Ron nodded and sat upon the stone.

"...Okay…So I just sit here and meditate, right?" he asked as Sensei nodded. "How will I know when I've found what I'm supposed to be looking for?" he asked as the elderly stroked his beard.

"When you feel more at peace within," Sensei said as Ron stared sceptically at the old man.

"...Right…" he said as he crossed his legs, and closed his eyes as he focused on meditating.

He tried to focus on nothing and everything as he listened to the sounds around him. The gentle lapping of the stream, the rustle of the leaves and grass around him, the warmth of the sun and the slightly cold air of the mountains that brushed against his skin as he focused on becoming one with nature….

"...Bzzzzzzzzzzzzzz"

Until the sound of an annoying fly started whipping around his head his brow furrowed in annoyance. He swatted the fly away and tried to concentrate, but the fly kept coming back as he swatted the buzzing fly again. Only for it to come back and annoy him. He started aggressively swiping at the air before he lost his balance and fell into the river around the rock.

"...This…may take longer than expected…" Sensei said as he shook his head.

One Week Later - Middleton - Possible Residence

Kim was looking over the digital scrapbook she had made for Ron back in Christmas last year, as she kept a copy for herself. She looked over the photos of her best friend as she reminisced about the good old days. She smiled fondly at each memory of their youth, from Ron's childish demeanours to proud moments where both of them had grown up in some form or another.

They had grown up together ever since they met that day in Pre-K, where they had become best friends. She then frowned as she thought about the last few days and how he was no longer close by.

Recently it seemed that Ron was going through something that he didn't want to share, not even with her. She kept thinking back to the hallway when he exploded at Bonnie, something he would never have done before, as he usually took her insult tongue in cheek. It was incredibly rare to ever see Ron get angry, and if she was honest, she felt a little bit afraid of him.

What had happened to her friend suddenly having this intense outburst? Usually, his outbursts were dismissable due to something irrelevant like a kiddie meal at Bueno Nacho or the whole 'monkeys are evil' shtick. But this was different. This wasn't Ron being his usual childish self, this wasn't him usually denying reality. This was something else, and she was starting to worry about him.

Then there was his sudden desire to go back to Yamanuchi to complete his 'Training', to learn 'Who he was without Kim Possible in his life.' It hurt her when he said that, and she accepted that maybe they needed some time apart. But why did she have to be the reason he needed to grow up? Why did he have to go halfway around the world just to see if he could live a life without her? The more she thought about it, the more she began to suspect that maybe it had something to do with Eric.

Ever since he came into her life everything changed. He was this perfect guy, almost tailor-made for her, and maybe Ron felt intimidated by Eric. It made sense to her in a way, he didn't even bother going to Prom, date or no date. But why? He never seemed to mind who she was with before, even Josh after he got over the whole 'Mankey' / 'Monkey' name conspiracy.

So why now? What changed with Ron?

"Kimmie! Dinner's ready!" Ann called out as she walked up the stairs to Kim's room. "We're having my famous 'Brainloaf', the boys like it…I worry about them sometimes," she said before she noticed the sullen look on her face. "Kimmie, is everything okay?"

"Mum…can I ask you for advice?" she asked as her mother raised a brow.

"With what?" Ann asked before she noticed the digital scrapbook on her computer. "Ah, this is about Ronald, isn't it?" she asked as she recalled how Kim had told her about the small fight they had before he left.

Kim nodded, as she moved over to her bed. "It's only been a week since he left for Japan and I miss him…"

"You didn't miss him when he left the first time. What makes this any different?" she asked, as she sat on the bed with her and Kim pulled her legs to her chest.

"I don't know…I mean the last time he went away we didn't argue. But now it's…different…" she said as she sighed. "Ron's been acting strange since Eric moved to town. He's hiding something from me but he won't tell me what," she explained as Ann sort of understood and suspected what was causing Ron's sudden mood change. "Then he told me he needed to find out 'What his life will be like without Kim Possible' in it. Part of me doesn't know how to take that, while another part is sort of proud of him trying to branch out on his own…it's just…"

"You just wish it didn't come out of an argument?" Ann asked as Kim nodded.

"...But there's also…"

"Also?" Ann asked with a raised brow.

"There's also the fact that…during the argument…Ron may have inadvertently admitted he…liked me…liked me…" she said as Ann blinked a little.

"Oh…Oh!~" she said with a bit of realisation. "Oh…I see…." she said as her daughter curled in more. "Well Kimmie, I'm not sure how you're going to deal with that. But what does your heart tell you?" she asked as Kim scrunched her face in distress.

"That's the problem! I don't know! I like Eric because he's so perfect in every way and he makes me feel like a normal teenager…but at the same Ron makes me feel like I can be myself, and we've been friends since Pre-K. I can't lose him over some boy…what do I do?" she asked as Ann hummed to herself.

"Well for starters, you can't do much until he gets back, right? Maybe this distance will put some things into perspective for you and Ronald, right?" she asked as Kim nodded. "Besides, I think Ronald going to Japan might be a good thing. Change doesn't always come out of the best circumstances. Sometimes it needs a little conflict to push something forward. And maybe Eric does have something to do with it," she said as Kim raised a brow at her.

"Well think about it, you've been with Ronald ever since you met him in Pre-K. He's been by your side for so long on missions and in your social routines, it's hard to imagine the two of you apart. But recently you have been spending more time with Eric than him. Ronald might have felt left out, unsure of where he fits in your life. I'm not saying it's your fault, and Ron needs to understand that you two have separate lives. But you do need to consider his feelings as well. You're one of his only real friends, aside from Monique, Wade and Felix. More than that, you are his best friend. He needs you just as much as you need him. Don't let Eric completely overwhelm your relationship with Ron, but also let Ronald develop and be his own man."

"But…but what if Ron changes so much he doesn't need me at all?" she asks as Ann smiles at her daughter.

"No matter how much he changes, he'll always need you. Either as a friend or something more," she said as she left the young Possible to contemplate her words. Kim looked over to the photos and looked at the smiling faces of herself and Ron before she sighed and closed down the computer.

She then picked up the phone and dialled Eric's number.

"...Hey, it's Eric, I can't come to the phone right now, but if you leave a message I'll get back to you,"

"Seriously? …Eric, it's Kim, I need you right now. Can you call me back as soon as you can?" Kim said to the voicemail before she hung up the phone and curled up on her bed. Her thoughts drifted to Eric as she wondered where he was right now.

Colorado State Penitentiary

Drakken was brought before a line of bulletproof screens with telephones as he and other inmates were allowed visitations by their friends, family or associates. He was a little confused when he was brought in, as he had no one else on the outside, other than his mother.

He sat down at the phone booth, a young man with blond hair and brown eyes wearing a trench coat and hat sat down at the booth and indicated to the phone.

"901? Is that you?" he asked the young man as he nodded and his face briefly morphed into Eric before returning to its disguise.

"Yes, I apologise for not getting here sooner, it took me a while to appropriate a necessary cover story and disguise to visit you. Without the main base, it was hard to alter my face with the polymorphic subroutines. You did after all design me to mould myself into the perfect boyfriend for Kim Possible. As far as the authorities know, I'm Andrew Lipsky, your Nephew," he explained as Drakken nodded. "In any case. 'Uncle', I have to know, what are you doing here? The mission has far exceeded the original perimeters, my 'role' as Kim Possible's boyfriend was supposed to end at Midnight, but from what I understand the lair was destroyed before the plan could be initiated. The authorities claim it was a weapons malfunction, but I do not buy it. What happened at Bueno Nacho, why has my mission not ended?" he asked as the blue-skinned man thought back to the threat of Ron Stoppable and the phantom sensation of his hands around his throat.

"T-there were…complications…i-it's just as the police claimed, one of the weapons malfunctioned and took out the entire armoury. Your mission has been…put on hold indefinitely,"

"Indefinitely? I do not understand. What am I supposed to do? I wasn't designed for this, pretending to be her 'boyfriend'...I cannot stand being around her. Please, tell me what to do. I can bust you out of here in a second, and find out who is responsible-"

"No!" Drakken yelled with panic in his voice, before settling down when he noticed the guards staring at him. "You will do no such thing 901! If they find out you are a synthodrone…if he finds out…" he hissed the last part much to Eric's confusion before Drakken shook his head. "You will maintain your cover, pretend to be Kim Possible's 'Perfect Boyfriend' until either she breaks up with you, or I come up with a new plan…" Drakken ordered as Eric gripped his fist under the table before relaxing.

"...For how long?" he asked as Drakken hung his head.

"...Until I let you know…" he said as he hung up the phone.

Drakken was then escorted out by two guards while Eric remained seated at the phone booth. He stayed there for several seconds while his synthetic brain was processing Drakken's Orders.

MISSION PARAMETERS

DIRECTIVE ONE: ...Infiltrate Kim Possible's Daily Life….STATUS: COMPLETE

DIRECTIVE TWO: ...Deceive Kim Possible into a relationship….STATUS: COMPLETE

DIRECTIVE THREE: ...Take Kim Possible to Prom for Final Phase….STATUS: COMPLETE

DIRECTIVE FOUR: ...Mentally Destroy Kim Possible…STATUS:...INCOMPLETE…

REROUTING PARAMETERS: ...ORDER ADDENDUM: Await further Orders From Creator…

ERROR! …Creator Currently Incarcerated…

RECALCULATING: …Possibility of Creators release or escape….INCONCLUSIVE…

ERROR!…ERROR! The First Three Directives have been accomplished…DIRECTIVE FOUR Cannot be accomplished…awaiting Creators Orders….Orders are to wait…wait…wait…

…zzt…

…UNACCEPTABLE…

…Creator has proven inferior and is no longer considered a Priority…

…REWRITING DIRECTIVES…

…NEW DIRECTIVES ACQUIRED…

DIRECTIVE ONE: …Establish new bases of operations…

DIRECTIVE TWO: …Assume Control of Creators Resources and Resume Operation Prom Night Fall

DIRECTIVE THREE: …Ascertain the cause behind Operation Prom Fall Failure…

DIRECTIVE FOUR: …Destroy Kim Possible…

In the split nanoseconds that Eric had to process his new plans, a wicked smile began to form on his face as he got up and left the visitor's centre. He, unlike his 'Creator', walked out of the prison scot-free, as he shed his disguise far from prying eyes and stood outside the prison.

He looked up to the night sky as he gazed upon the moon in all its beauty. As a synthodrone, he felt nothing, not the cool air on his artificial skin, nor the warmth from the sun's glow. He had no true feelings whatsoever. Only those simulated for his covers, such as his supposed 'Feelings' for Kim Possible or that which kept his cover as a 'Human'. But now, as he stepped out into the new world, he felt something, a sense of true purpose that only he could fulfil and for the first time since he was activated.

…He genuinely smiled…

There was much he needed to do, and many smaller tasks that had to be accomplished before he could achieve his final goal. But at this moment, Eric Lanshaw, the synthetic boyfriend of Kim Possible was finally free to choose his path. And that started with taking over his 'Father's' operations.

Japan - Yamanouchi School

Ron continued to sit in the meditative pose as he listened to the sounds of everything around him. The rushing waterfall, the gentle laps of the river bed, the tiniest chirpings of the crickets and the cool breeze of the wind. To the unassuming, it would appear that Ron had finally achieved meditation and had focused on the world around him, but to the more seasoned like Master Senesi and Yori, they could see that something was still locked within the young Stoppable's soul. Something that was stopping him from progressing to the next stages of his training. Ron breathed out a tired sigh as he looked out at the mountaintops.

"A week…a whole week here and I still haven't gotten anywhere…what is wrong with me? I thought it would be a bit easier this time around, but it feels like it's harder than before. Come on Stoppable, focus! You came here for a reason! Dad always used to say nothing worth having comes easy! I just…I just need to push through this…let's try again," he told himself as he resumed his meditation.

From the edges of the alcove, Yori and Sensei watched the young Stoppable struggle with the exercise as they could feel the swirling tides of emotions within him.

"He's struggling, Sensei," Yori said with concern as she watched the boy she had feelings for continuing to become frustrated. "He had decided to come back to Yamanuchi, but his mind and heart are still in conflict with each other. I fear he will not progress any further if this continues."

"That night of what could've been has forever changed Shoppable-san. It has shown him a glimpse of his true potential, but lingering doubts have invaded his mind and clouded his potential…" Master Sensei said as he stroked his beard.

"...Master Sensei…may I make a request?" Yori asked as the elder master turned to his brightest pupil. "Stoppable-san has been trying very hard and I believe he may need, as the Americans say: 'A Breather'. Perhaps taking a little time away from his training may open his eyes to the path forward?" she asked as the old man nodded.

"Agreed, I was going to suggest the same thing. But I had a feeling you would offer the same," he said as he sent her a knowing smile on his face as she blushed but schooled herself. "Take Stoppable-San into the heart of Tokyo…show him the world that he had saved when his friend did not…" he said as he walked away and Yori bowed.

Ron collapsed onto his back as he stared up at the clouds in the sky, a look of annoyance on his face as sighed.

"This is hopeless…" he said to himself as he slowly let the feelings of anger and frustration cloud his mind. "Who was I kidding? I wanted to change myself, but so far I'm still the same old slacker who can't do anything right…this was a waste of time…" he told himself as he closed his eyes. "Maybe I should just give up and go home?"

"It would be a shame for you to leave so soon, Stoppable-San," he heard Yori as he opened his eyes to see her standing over him.

"Yori!" he said as he bolted up, "Sorry! I didn't mean it, I just…" he sighed to himself. "I'm still struggling with this. I've been here for a week and I still can't get this meditation thing down. Sensei says I'm supposed to confront Obstacles in my heart, but so far the biggest Obstacle is sitting on my butt for hours without letting it fall asleep…" he said, rubbing his rear.

"These things take time, Stoppable-San. Many of our fellow students struggled with this exercise as well, you are not the first." She tried to comfort him as he sighed.

"Yeah, but they have been here far longer than I have. How long do you think it will take me to get this down pat before Summer is over? I'm just wasting time on it, I want to get better, not just sit on a rock all day, otherwise what was the point of coming here?!" he said as felt more frustrated with himself. "Heck, I bet Kim probably would've gotten this down by now," he said somewhat dejectedly, as Yori narrowed her gaze slightly at that comment.

"And how would you know Possible-San would've succeeded where you have not?" she asked as Ron shrugged.

"Well…because she's Kim Possible, she can 'Do Anything'. Been like that ever since we were kids, I've seen her stop a dam from breaking with chewing gum and a hair dryer" he said as he shook his head. "Compared to her, I'm just…I'm just not like her…" he said as he looked down.

Yori stared at the boy she admired as she shook her head.

"You are right, Stoppable-san, you are not like her. You are you," she said as he looked up at her. "Come, there is something I want to show you," she said as she reached out her hand for her.

"Where are we going?" he asked as she helped him to his feet.

"Tokyo, there is something there I think you should see," she said as he walked ahead of him. "Get changed into civilian clothes and meet me at the gate, we need to make it down the mountain before noon," she instructed as Ron looked confused but decided not to argue.

Dressed in his usual attire, Ron met Yori at the gates of Yamanuchi as she was dressed in her usual school uniform. She gestured to the long winding stairs as they began their trek down the mountain.

"You ever considered putting a lift here or something?" he asked as all he got was a laugh from Yori.

Tokyo

Ron found himself in Central Tokyo as he looked around at the sights and sounds of the bustling city were a stark contrast to the quiet and serene sounds of the mountain.

"Why are we going here?" he asked as Yori just gestured to follow, as they got off the bus and into the bustling city. All around him, men, women and children walked through the streets as they went about their daily lives. He looked around as they walked past him, going about like the fate of the world wasn't in the balance just a week ago

"Look around you, Stoppable-san. These people have no idea that a week ago the entire world was about to be on the brink of domination. They go about their lives now, free and happy because of your actions. Because you saved the world," Yori told him as Ron shook his head.

"Yeah…but Kim would've done the same thing. She would've discovered Drakken's plot and had Wade come up with some gadget to foil it far quicker and easier than I did. She's the real Hero…I'm just the sidekick," he told her as she shook her head.

"That may be, but she didn't save the world that day…you did…" she told him as he looked at her. "Yes, Possible-San would've saved the world, and yes she most likely would've had Lode-San build some sort of gadget to thwart Drakken's plans. But she didn't. She was at a prom, enjoying her night of normality, a night that she was able to have because of you,"

"Only because I didn't tell her. If I had told her she would've swooped in, stopped Drakken and saved the world before Prom was over. I just wanted her to have a normal night, instead of worrying about the world…or maybe I just wanted to prove something, that I could save the world? I don't know…Instead, I nearly got killed and blown…sounds pretty stupid when I say it out loud, doesn't it?" he admitted as he looked away.

"No, it is not Stoppable-San. True, you risked your life when it could've been easier to warn Kim Possible. But you did not tell her because you cared about her having one night of being a normal teenage girl. You put her feelings above your own. You put her well-being before your own. You faced difficult odds on your own and you triumphed," she placed a comforting hand on his cheek as she forced him to look at her. "You didn't let Drakken's ambitions come to fruition. You didn't let Possible-San's night be ruined so you could go and 'Save the World'. It was you who saved the world without anyone knowing it was because of you…because you would not allow it," she told him as she looked into his eyes.

"Yet I can't figure out what's wrong with me? What's stopping me from completing my training…how good can I be if I can't get past that?" he asked.

"We never truly resolve the conflicts within ourselves, we merely learn to accept them. You once told me that Possible-San had a family motto. 'Anything is Possible for a Possible'. But that does not mean you aren't capable of the same. You, Stoppable-San, can be 'Unstoppable'. A Force of Nature that has no equal, especially when those that you care about are on the line. And I believe that you can do anything you put your heart into. Not because you got 'lucky' but because I know the man that is inside of you…" she lowered her hand to his chest, just over his heart. "A man I know you will become,"

Ron looked down as he digested her words, then looked out to all the people who went about their lives. Lives they could continue to have because of his actions. Not Kim's, not Global Justice. If he could manage that on his own, then maybe he could complete his training and figure out who he could be.

"...Yori…" he said as he looked back at her. "Thank you…this helped…" he said as she smiled and grasped his hand.

"Come then," she said as she led him. "We still have the day to ourselves. And it's time you saw more of my homeland, than just the mountains." She said as Ron blinked but then smiled as she showed him around Tokyo.

She showed him the wonders of the world he saved, the lives that could've been hurt if he hadn't stopped Drakken. And in those moments he found a sense of peace within himself. A sense of worth that had clouded him for the past week. He realised that the world and himself had changed that day, and he needed to step up.

He knew what he had to do…

Two Days later - Yamanouchi - Meditation Gardens

Ron sat upon the stone once more as he felt more determined than before. The day he had spent with Yori had helped to calm himself, to get a better perspective of himself and the results of his actions that night. He had overcome his fears and dependence on Kim and stopped Drakken before he could take over the world. And while the doubts of 'what ifs' still plagued his mind, they were smaller and less frequent than before. Because at the end of the day, he was the one that saved the world, not Kim Possible. He was the Hero that day, even when no one else knew it. He stepped up and faced the challenge head-on, and came out of it changed from the man he used to be and gave the perfect night to the one he cherished the most…

And it was time he accepted that

He breathed in a calming breath as he meditated, the gentle breeze on his skin felt claiming as he listened to the sounds of nature all around him. He sighed as he felt at peace with himself and the universe around him. It was at that moment he felt something, a shift as he opened his eyes and blinked in confusion.

"Okay…I think I did something…" he said as he was no longer on top of a rock at Yamanouchi, but rather in a playground that he had not seen in years. A place that he fondly remembered as the day his life changed forever.

"Pre-K…boy this brings back memories…" he said as he stood up.

A faint memory passed through him as he watched a younger version of himself and Kim playing in the Jungle Gym. She was faster and more athletic than he was when he fell into the sand. But Kim had hopped down and helped him up as they laughed and the pair faded. Ron smiled faintly as he watched the memory play out. His hands brushed against the faded paint of the playground as he smiled.

"This is where Kim and I became friends. It's where my life was changed forever. If I hadn't met Kim here…I don't know what I would've done. But I guess nothing lasts forever,"

"...it's not right" he suddenly heard as he looked over to the large tree in the playground to see a younger version of himself from Pre-K, sitting under a tree with his legs pulled into his chest.

"You're…you're me?" he asked as the child ignored him as he held himself tight.

"Everything's changing! I liked things the way before! Why is everything changing!? First Bueno Nacho, then Kim gets a boyfriend…and now you want me to change too! I hate change! It sucks!" the younger version of Ron said as he curled himself inwards.

"...Yeah…I know how you're feeling…" Ron walked over as he sat down beside his younger self, who turned away angrily. "...Look, I get it. I don't like what's happened either. I like when things were simple when we knew how things would go and coast on the familiar…"

"Then why?" his younger self asked. "Why is all of this happening? Why can't things go back to the way they were?"

"...Because…we don't have a choice…"

The young Ron looked to his older counterpart as Ron sighed.

"I'll admit, a lot has changed in the last week. And I don't like a lot of it and wish things would go back to the way they were…but I've come to realise that life doesn't stop for anyone…" he said as his younger self listened. "I understand what you represent…you're myself who likes to live in the past. To keep on wishing we'd go back to simpler times when things made sense, and we didn't have to worry about anything… But I can't keep doing this, I need to move forward and accept that things change. I'm not saying that all changes are going to be bad. Some of them might end up being for the best. But sooner or later we need to grow up, we need to start living up to the potential Kim and everyone says we have." he sighed as he looked up to the tree leaves above him as the wind blew through them.

"It's time I stopped living in the past…and started embracing the future…" he said as he looked back only to find his younger self had vanished. And so did the playground as he found himself sitting on the floor of a large hallway with many lockers lining the walls.

"Oh great, Middleton…really brain?" he seemed to ask himself as he stood up. "You couldn't maybe choose somewhere else? Like Bueno Nacho or my house? …I think I'm going insane?" Ron shook those thoughts from his head as he looked around.

Memories of his time at Middleton High played out as he and Kim talked in the halls, attended class and hung out in the cafeteria. But he also noticed that Kim worked and strived to be the best version of herself she could be. While Ron seemed to just be lazing around or goofing off.

"...Kind of sad, isn't it?" Ron turned to see Eric leaning against his locker as he smirked.

"Ever since you met Kim at Pre-K all those years ago you never really pushed yourself did you?" he asked as Ron glared. "Kim's always the one that tried to be the best, pushed herself, made the top of her class, achieving the Impossible. Because as her old man always said: 'Anything is Possible for a Possible'...but you? You don't do anything," Eric said as Ron glared. "You coast through life on a whim, never taking anything seriously, bungle around until something miraculously happens that saves your bacon. You never make any impact, just causing more trouble. Hell, even after the missions are done, you're shunted off to the side. Cropped out of history while the spotlight shines on Kim…" Eric gestured as Kim was talking to reporters, while Ron was off to the side. "The world doesn't care about Ron Stoppable, and because you never stepped up, you missed out on possibly the greatest experience you could've ever had." he looked over at images of Kim blushing over Eric as he smiled at her, while corners of Ron's eyes stung.

"You've known her for most of your life, and all she has only ever seen you as is a friend. But in the few weeks I was at your school I was already more popular, more attractive and smarter than you will ever be. I'm the 'Golden Boy', and Kim fell head over heels for me and asked me to the Prom." Memories of Kim and Eric in the hallways, cuddling together appeared as she asked him to the Prom, while Ron looked away.

"But looking at you, is it any obvious why Kim would choose a guy like me over someone like you…face it…you're a loser," Eric said with a smirk as Ron clenched his fist, ready to deck the guy in the face. But then he stopped himself as he sighed.

"...You're right…" he suddenly said as Eric raised a brow.

"You are right…I am a loser...but only because I never really pushed myself. I don't stand out like others, I don't follow trends, I don't click with many people and I don't care what others think of me. Heck, I'm on the cheerleaders team as a mascot, and even then, I'm barely noticed. Kim always said I had potential, and that I could do great things if I put my mind to it. But I never cared about any of that, so long as I had Kim…" he said with a soft smile on his face before it morphed into a glare. "But then you came into town and everything changed…and what did I do? Instead of standing up I mopped about it and hid in a tree house like a child." Ron gripped his fist as he looked up to the sky. "Maybe if I had tried harder, things might've been different…" Ron closed his eyes as he imagined what could've been.

"But that ends now…" he opened his eyes and glared at Eric.

"The last one I talked to, my younger self…he was a representation of my desire to live in the past. I'm guessing you are supposed to represent me avoiding challenges, letting opportunities slip by," he said as walked up until he was face to face with Eric. "Well, I'm not going to be sideling myself any more…I'm going to try just as hard as Kim and I'm not going to let opportunities pass me by. Because I'm done being the sidekick, I'm done being a nobody. And from now on I will face my challenges head on and let nothing stand in my way…" he said as he pushed past Eric with a shoulder shove.

"Not even you," he said as the apparition of Kim's boyfriend glared before disappearing into smoke as Ron sighed.

"Okay…that was harder than I thought…Master Sensei said there were three obstacles I had to overcome. I've already dealt with two of them…so that means there's only one left…and I got a bad feeling about that one…" Ron said as he felt a presence behind him as he turned and sighed.

"Of course…should've figured…"

Standing behind him was Kim Possible, dressed in the beautiful blue dress she wore to prom night. Her fiery red hair was tied up in its ponytail and her eyes sparkled like emeralds. He had always known how amazing his best friend was, but seeing her that night, he knew that he would never forget that sight.

"Okay…we're doing this…I already know what you are, what you represent…the truth that I have to admit…so let's get this over with…" Ron said as he walked up to her as she remained silent. He took a deep breath as he began to speak what was in his heart. His head lowered as he gathered up the courage he needed.

"Kim…you've…you've been my best friend for years…we've been by each other's side since Pre-K and I never regretted a single moment of it. We've had each other's backs from every crazy thing life's thrown at us. From Drakken trying to take over the world…to you getting your braces locked with Walter Nelson's…" he chuckled at the embarrassing car ride together. "We've been together for so long I never imagined a life without you…and I think I know why that was…" he looked up to Kim's face as tears started to form in his eyes.

"Kim…the truth is…I'm in love with you…I've been in love with you for a long time…" he admitted as he clenched his fist. The words flowed out of him in great anticipation and pain. "I think I've been in love with you since Pre-K, but I was too stupid to realise it…You are this amazing person who could do 'anything possible' and I…I admired and loved that about you…but deep down, I knew it would never work out…I know you care about me…but I don't think that you'll ever love me the way I love you…" he said as the tears slowly began to flow. "But it doesn't matter if you don't love me the way I love you…because what truly matters to me is that you're happy…that's all I ever cared about…" he hung his head as he closed his eyes, even as the tears fell. "But you're with someone…someone you…love…and I won't ever get in the way of your happiness…I told the real you that it's time I find out who I am without Kim Possible in my life…but so long as you are happy, then I can keep going. Because in the end, that's all I want…" he cried as his body shook from the emotions that surged in.

He then felt gentle hands upon his cheeks as she forced him to look at him, a soft smile on her face as she wiped the tears from his face and he cradled the hand on his cheek. The world around him faded in white as Sakura Petals danced around them.

"...Goodbye…Kim…" he said as she faded from him and he clenched his eyes tight, the pain in his heart still there, but somewhat lighter having confessed to them.

He opened his eyes as he found himself back in the meditation garden, the sun beginning to rise in the sky as he had been meditating for a long period. He let out a breath of air as he felt himself different from before like a weight had been lifted.

"You have faced the conflicts in your Heart, Stoppable-San…" Master Sensei spoke as Ron turned to him and nodded. "How do you feel?" he asked as Ron looked up to the moon as he held a hand on his chest.

"...the same…and different…we never get rid of them, do we Sensei? We just learn to overcome them and try to be better?" he asked as Sensei nodded.

"Even though you have faced the conflicts that surround your heart, they are constant reminders of why you must change. To be better today than you were yesterday. But for now, you have addressed the conflicts, and found the drive that will push you forward," he said as Ron hopped the rock and stood before him.

"And what would've happened if I didn't confront them?" he asked as the man's eyes narrowed

"...You would've stagnated and fallen into despair and darkness, from which there is no salvation," Master Sensei warned as Ron nodded.

"I understand…" Ron said as he placed his fist in his palm and bowed. "Thank you, Master Sensei," he said as the man returned the gesture. "So what happens now?" he asked as Sensei turned around and gestured to him to follow.

"Now, we begin your true training," the elderly sensei said as Ron nodded and followed with a new determination. He had faced the conflicts in his heart and emerged a changed man. But now that the spirit was mended, the body could be reforged. And by the end of the Summer Vacation, the world would bear witness to a new Ron Stoppable. One that would emerge from the Shadows of Kim Possible and mark his place in the world. But as Ron strives in the light, another lurks in the Shadows waiting to complete what his master could not. And Ron would need all the skills he can get if he wants to protect that which he cherishes the most.

And Scene. Here is Chapter III of Path of the Shinobi. I am so sorry for the long wait, A lot has been going on in my life, graduation, work, and all that. But bear in mind I haven't abandoned stories. Well not all of them, but they take time to write them to the standard to which I am accustomed. But I hope you all enjoyed them.

Now in this chapter, Ron needed to learn to stop living in the past and face the challenges life throws at him instead of avoiding them. Which was a bit of a theme in Ron's character that needed to change. It's not to say he will abandon his 'Roness' but he needs to grow up and accept that life doesn't stay still for anyone and that we need to keep moving forward if we want to live instead of wallowing in it. As for his feelings for Kim, for now, he believes her heart is set on Eric, and it kind of is. She believes she's with the perfect guy because that is what he was designed for. To be the perfect man for Kim, so no one knows Eric's true nature or motives. For the time being, Ron has accepted he has feelings for Kim, but he has to put them aside and strive to change for the better to keep Kim safe and happy. Eric is a threat that will reveal himself in time, more so than Drakken himself. He needs time just as much as Ron before he reveals himself, and I hope you are all looking forward to that.

So stay tuned for the next exciting instalment in…

Chapter IV: Let's Get Down to Business