Ch.60
Ron followed the route back to where he found the flower, taking down two monkey ninja in the process.
"Still going to hide? Fukushima." Ron yelled.
From the shadows he heard Fukushima's voice. "It is called strategy, outsider."
"Oh, glad you could make it. Almost thought you ran off." Ron taunted.
Ron was aware of the two enemies watching him. Fukushima was easy to spot from the killing intent he emitted. Keeping to his back and to the left. The monkey ninja was harder to spot as it followed it's training to the letter. It concealed itself and waited for a chance to strike. Still, Ron was aware that it was above him. As it was, one of the two would strike him.
After a minute or two of tensed silence, Ron had an epiphany. If he couldn't avoid getting hit he could at least choose were he got hit. With that thought in mind he seemed to run out of strength and lowered his guard momentarily. It was a brief opening but it was the moment his enemies were waiting for. In an instant Ron felt it, the presence of death. Still, he didn't hesitate or fold under it's pressure. He caught sight of the monkey ninja jumping down to strike and Fukushima appear behind him ready to cut him in two.
Feeling the full intent of Fukushima's blow and trajectory thanks to the killing intent behind it, Ron spun left while a taking a step towards his right. This way he would still get cut across the stomach but it should be shallow enough to be deemed acceptable. His attention still on the threat above him, Ron used the sai to intercept the ninjato and his right hand to grab ahold of the monkey's neck.
Now holding the struggling monkey, Ron stood facing Fukushima. Shortly after the struggles stopped, Ron tossed the monkey aside and rushed Fukushima.
Despite his injuries Ron proved to be evenly matched with Fukushima which the dishonored ninja didn't take well. With his growing frustration Fukushima was leaving himself open and Ron was piling damage on him. Ron left cuts and bruises on Fukushima's body till the ninja started having problems standing.
"Give up Fukushima, you're beaten." Ron said hoping to persuade the ninja.
Unfortunately, Ron said the last thing Fukushima wanted to hear from him and caused the ninja to start an anger fueled attack. It was obvious that Fukushima gave up defense in his attack and Ron punished him accordingly. Ron used the sai to cut Fukushima's exposed arms and legs in every exchange. By the end of Fukushima's rampage he was barely moving as he fell flat to the floor.
Ron waited a moment to make sure it wasn't a ruse before kicking away Fukushima's sword and taking out bandages. Then he closed the distance to Fukushima and knocked the ninja out. Then Ron bandaged some of the wounds he left on Fukushima and some of his own wounds.
That done he called out with his mind. "Rufus it's time to go."
The reply sounded distant. "Where are you? Are you okay?"
"Where we found the flower." Ron answered and then explained. "I'll need your help bandaging some of the wounds. There's one on my back I can't reach."
"On my way." Rufus said and twenty minutes later showed up.
"Good to see you're okay buddy." Ron spoke up. "The flower?"
"Hidden." Rufus squeaked.
"Nice thinking." Ron complimented then asked. Can you give me a hand so we can get moving."
"Shirt off." Rufus commanded and Ron followed.
There was a moment of silence as Rufus took in the damage that prompted Ron to ask. "That bad?"
Rufus simply patted Ron's lower back in reply and helped him apply what was left of the bandages.
Finding the flower would have proved difficult if Rufus didn't know exactly where it was.
"Have to admit buddy you know where to hide things." Ron complimented as he walked with a limp. "Got to call Wade." Soon as he said the words the Kimmunicator beeped. "Go Wade."
"How are you?" Wade asked in a subdued tone.
'Guess he heard some of it.' Ron quickly concluded before answering. "A few scrapes and bruises. Nothing that won't heal."
"The same craft that dropped you off will be waiting for you at your destination." Wade said and the screen switched to a map guiding Ron south from where he was. "Three and a half miles and you'll find an airport. Hang in there."
"Wade is everything alright with Kim? Fukushima made it obvious that we weren't supposed to live past tonight." Ron asked as he limped forward.
"I'll check but Ron, who is Fukushima?" Wade asked.
"That's something I can't answer Wade, it's not my secret to share." Ron said.
"She is still at ho...scratch that she just left the house with Josh." Wade updated.
"Monkey!" Ron said and started running after picking up Rufus.
Ron was tenacious as he ran. The pain from his wounds increased and all he wanted was a break but he kept running. Just as his tired limbs were giving out on him he heard the sound of a plane's, pushing out a last burst of strength.
Thankfully Wade had managed to keep track of their approach through the jungle and the plane was ready for takeoff, all that was missing was it's passengers.
Ready to collapse Ron dropped himself in a seat and was starting to doze off teacher Xu spoke. "Start the healing technique, though you were lucky and no poison was on the weapons, you need immediate treatment."
"...okay." Ron had difficulty finding his voice to reply.
"The abundant Ki in the area should help relieve the burden that you will go through." Teacher Xu consoled.
Kim just beat the embarrassment ninjas for a second time and was currently reduced to a floating head with no mouth.
'Got to get back to Josh!' Kim thought and wrapped herself in the cape of one of the embarrassment ninjas. Josh was still standing by the mural he and other kids painted when Kim approached.
"Hey what's going on? What's with the cape?" Josh asks.
"Long story." Kim replies. As Josh gets ready to kiss her Kim interrupts. "Josh wait."
Just as Kim is about to explain how her life is in danger, she has the sudden urge to sneeze. After sneezing three times in a row she noticed she dropped the cape but to her relieve her body is back. She looks up, looking around for Ron and spots him sticking to the shadows. Smiling in his direction, Kim then turns to Josh who is holding and handkerchief.
"Thanks." Kim says to Josh as she resumes her date.
Ron made it home half an hour after saving Kim battered and bruised but above all pissed. Kim only had to do one thing to make it out okay from a near death experience and that was to stay home and avoid trouble for a day. Instead she goes on a date.
Even when all that was left of Kim was her head, she still chased after Josh. Still, now wasn't the time to talk with Kim.
Going quietly into the kitchen so as not to wake Yori up if she was asleep, Ron started pulling leftovers from the fridge. He needed the fuel to start healing the internal injuries. If anyone were to look at him he'd look fine but in reality he only applied first aid and skin care to look the part.
Quickly devouring the shares for five people and Rufus the shares for two, Ron felt a bit better. Going to the backyard to continue treatment Ron sat in the lotus position and began healing.
As he alternated between healing and gathering Ki Ron lost track of time and his body healed at a tremendous rate compared to the first time he used the technique.
Yori had been awake waiting for Ron, so when he made it home she immediately became aware but when he didn't come upstairs she worried and made her way down.
She found him in the backyard alternating between gathering Ki and using it so she understood he'd been injured. She really wanted to be mad at him for going into danger alone but she also understood his fear of loosing her. Ron had mentioned that he felt there was danger approaching her and Yori knew with that in mind he won't allow her to provide back up for him so she made the decision to follow him in secret.
"Ron-san, I also need you to be safe." Yori whispered her explanation. Then Yori sat in front of him to keep him company as he healed while making arrangements for their transportation to Shego's. Switching to Japanese she spoke to the ninja in hiding. "Go rest and return at 8am with a vehicle for our trip."
Seeing them nod, she focused on Ron.
Shego was never one to loose sleep over anything. So when she spent all night in giddy excitement and unable to fall asleep, she was frustrated with herself. She was Shego, so why was she acting like a virgin. Thinking about it she knew why. Shego was letting them in or more precisely they, Ron and Yori, were making themselves at home in her heart.
With that thought she was feeling vulnerable and exposed. She knew that they could hurt her like few others could and her excitement died down a bit. She had the impulse to call everything off but stopped short of calling. Shego wanted this to be real and she knew she was self sabotaging because she felt scared. But who was she? She was Shego and she wasn't one to let fear dominate her. So she lay on her bed and focused on the wonderful weekend she had planned.
By six she went to the bathroom and took a long shower before soaking in the bath.
By seven she was dressed and went to the kitchen and to have a light breakfast.
By seven thirty Shego was anxious as Ron's phone GPS failed to move. 'Did they forget? Or did they change their mind?' Shego wondered. When the GPS moved Shego giggled like a little girl for a moment. She was relieved.
As she followed their progress on the interstate Shego's excitement once again started building and though she didn't realize it, she was smiling.
If anyone was there to witness her smile they would probably never forget the sight, she simply looked lovely. Still with a smile on her face, Shego went to the kitchen and made some sandwiches for lunch so the three didn't have to go out to eat. Then she remembered Rufus and made a few more. The little guy could eat.
Ron opened his eyes to Yori's lovely face and felt guilty. He could tell that she figured out he was healing and decided to keep him company.
"I'm sorry." Ron whispered.
"No need to feel sorry Ron-san, you are a warrior and protector." Yori said but added. "I just wish to be there to add my strength to yours."
"I know Yori but the thought that because of my incompetence I could loose you makes me unable to relent on the subject." Ron admits.
"Very well." Yori says accepting his position and thinking that he will eventually understand her actions. "Now let us get ready, Shego-san is waiting for us."
"Okay." Ron agreed and made to stand but stumbled into the waiting Yori.
"I got you." Yori said helping Ron inside.
It didn't take Ron long to walk on his own but he didn't step away from Yori. The two showered together and dressed before a quick breakfast and then they were on the road.
Akito drove the car, for which Ron was glad though he wondered if Shego would let the ninja stay at her place.
During the drive Ron explained what happened during the mission to Yori and how it seemed that Drakken and Monkey Fist teamed up to take out Team Possible permanently. He explained his encounter with Fukushima and how in the middle of it he realized that sometimes he was going to be hit but could choose how and where.
At this Yori commented that he learned the lesson he'd been struggling with to which Ron asked. "Isn't a master supposed to avoid getting hit?"
"Even for a master there are blows that can't be avoided or are taken to inflict greater damage, even gain victory." Yori explained.
"I see." Ron said getting rid of his notion that a master wouldn't get it.
Then Ron explained how he bandaged Fukushima before leaving him in the jungle. Moving on to explain that he barely made it in time before Kim disappeared to save her life since she went on a date with Josh.
"And you know the rest. Made it home, ate something for fuel and continued healing my injuries." Ron concluded.
"I must say Possible-san is an idiot." Yori said upset. "All she needed to do was stay home or at least return when she was 'just a head' as you put it but she kept refusing. She recklessly put herself in harm's way even when she noticed she couldn't deal with the situation."
"I know and I need to talk to her about it but don't you think it's romantic?" Ron asked and explained. "It was the ultimate way to spend the last time you had with someone you love. I wound want to avoid you just to live a little longer."
"When you put it that way it's hard to argue but I prefer that you avoid me so we can have longer together." Yori admits.
"I think it would be impossible for me. You're already in my heart." Ron says.
Blushing Yori kisses him for a moment before Akito speaks up. "We've arrived."