Ch.19
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 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 when 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 wouldn't 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."
Shego was aware the moment their car made it to her driveway. After all she had been following their progress since the moment they left and her home security flashed an alert when they entered her property. Still, Shego wanted to maintain her composure and not run out to greet them like an excited little girl.
So it was with great difficulty that Shego turned off the software tracking Ron's phone and waited to answer the door.
The doorbell rang not two minutes later and when Shego opened the door the car was already driving away. Ron and Yori looked at Shego with smiles on their faces which Shego was not aware she returned in kind.
"Yori, Ron I'm glad you could make it." Shego greeted.
"Glad to be here, Shego-san." Yori said.
"Me too." Ron said with a smile.
Getting to look at Ron, Shego noticed he looked exhausted. A quick kiss with Yori and Ron as she let them in and Shego spoke. "I hope you don't mind but there's some security measures that I'll have to go through."
"I understand Shego-san, do what you have to." Yori said.
"Cool with me." Ron easily agreed.
After having their consent, Shego steeled herself and began giving her home commands. "Home, begin security scan of the guest."
"Beginning." The house announced.
"It is mostly a precaution guys but in my line of work it's necessary." Shego explains hoping they understand.
"Shego-san do not worry, we understand." Yori said remembering some of the steps the school takes to remain hidden.
"Yeah though I have one question." Ron says.
"Thanks guys." Shego says and turns to Ron. "What is it?"
"Do we have to stand?" Ron asks.
Shego realizes that they been standing by the door this whole time blushes and quickly answers. "I'm sorry, I'll give you the tour in a while for now let's go to the kitchen I made lunch.
"Booyah!" Ron says followed by his stomach growling.
As Yori laughs, Shego leads the way to the kitchen. Once her guests were seated at the table, Shego went to the fridge for the sandwiches and something to drink. Placing the sandwiches and orange juice on the table Shego went back for some cups.
"Enjoy." Shego says.
"Thanks for the food." Yori says and reaches for her food.
"Thanks." Ron and Rufus say as Ron picks for the both of them.
"No problem." Shego says and the four of them begin chatting though Rufus and Ron mostly focused on the food.
When the food ran out Rufus went back to sleep and Ron leaned back in his chair.
"That was just what I needed." Ron said.
"Glad you liked it." Shego says with a smile and begins clearing the table.
"Let me help." Ron says but Shego shakes her head.
"I'll help her Ron-san, you just relax." Yori says seeing as Ron was about to insist.
"If you guys insist." Ron says and gets comfortable.
In the kitchen while cleaning up the dishes Shego asks Yori. "Why is he so tired?"
"You don't know do you, Shego-san?" Yori asks.
"Know what?" Shego asks genuinely curious.
"Well..." Yori proceeds to explain how Ron's mission to rescue Kim played out.
"What!" Shego nearly shouts. "Monkey Fist tried to have him assassinated!"
"Yes. We had assumed Drakken and Monkey Fist had teamed up." Yori explains.
This information had Shego's head spinning. 'Did Drakken decide to step up to more lethal options?' Shego asked herself. 'Or was the mad monkey using Drakken?' Either way it seemed that soon Shego would have to pick a side.
After the conversation really since there weren't that many dishes to begin with, Shego and Yori meet up with Ron, with him carrying Rufus Shego leads the way to the livingroom. They then continue to chat and pass the time till the scan is complete.
When it is, Shego is as tense as Ron and Yori are relaxed.
"Security scan complete." Shego's house announces.
Taking a deep breath Shego speaks. "Results."
"One tracking device em..." the house begins but Shego's shout covers the rest of the words.
"How could you?! Was this part of your plan? Get me to lower my guard so that my capture goes smoothly? NOT. HAPPENING!" Shego screams igniting her powers and jumping from the couch. "I thought you were better than that!"
"Shego-san breath, there must be a misunderstanding." Yori stands slowly followed by Ron.
"Shego think, what do we get out of the elaborate ruse?" Ron asks and explains. "We could have captured you when you stayed at my place. And there was no need for you and Yori to...to...you know...have sex if what we wanted was to capture you." Ron finished with a blush.
Shego pauses. She knows that what they are saying makes sense but her house is equipped with the best and latest security tech. Again, she has to make a choice. To trust her tech or to trust them.
The moment of silence turns into minutes before Shego speaks. "Home, repeat the results of the security scan."
Shego saw the hurt look in their eyes but lifted her hand to stop them from speaking.
"One tracking device embedded in the body of the Male guest." The house heartlessly repeats.
As Shego listens to the full explanation both she and Yori turn to look at Ron who had a completely shocked expression. Shego and Yori can tell that this was news to Ron as his face morphs from shock to an unbelievable level of anger.
"House, tell me where it is!" Ron yells as he pulls his clothes off. Seeing as it didn't respond to the command he remembers Shego saying home before giving a command. "Home, tell me where the tracking device is!"
Shego sees that Ron is acting erratic and was just about to speak and he focuses on her.
"Shego, asks your house where it is!" Ron screams as he closed the distance to Shego and grabs her shoulders.
Yori walks slowly to Ron and puts a hand on his shoulder but Ron seems to flinch at her touch. Tears start running down his cheeks as he looks at Shego with a silent plea.
Shego gives in. "Home, where in the body is the tracking device embedded?"
"The device is embedded in the neck clo..." the house begins but Ron doesn't wait he rushes to the kitchen like a man possessed.
Shego with Yori right next to her, rush to the kitchen after him. They find him holding a knife.
"Ron/-san what are...?" Shego/Yori never got a chance to finish as Ron plunged the knife to his neck. "Ron/-san!"
In horror Shego and Yori stand frozen as Ron brings the knife away from his body with a piece of his flesh on it. Ron doesn't seem to register the blood loss as he grabs the piece of flesh and checks for the tracking chip. Not finding it, he brings the knife back to his neck. Shego and Yori finally move seeing that Ron was willing to carve his neck till he finds the tracking device.
Yori moved to restrain Ron's arm while Shego went straight for the knife. With it cutting her hand she yanks it out of Ron's hand that Yori is restraining behind Ron's back.
Still gripping the knife by the blade Shego yells. "Ron we need to go to a hospital, you might have damaged your spine or cut an artery."
"I want it out!" Ron yells trying to fight Yori's hold on him.
"Ron-san calm down, we'll get it out just calm down and go to the hospital with us." Yori pleads.
As Ron seems to calm Yori relaxes her hold but it turned to be a mistake as Ron's first instinct was to jab his hand into the wound and begin digging. Seeing this Shego does the only thing she can think of, she fired a concussive blast of plasma at Ron from her finger. The same concussive blast she uses to knock people out by hitting their temple.
Not stopping to think she grabs an apron from the stove and begins pressing it to the wound. Seeing the knife still in her grip, Shego tosses it to the sink and with Yori's help begins lifting Ron. Both careful not to move the apron from the wound.
Shego's hands are trembling as she and Yori dragged Ron to her garage. Stuffed him and Yori into the back seat of the nearest car and started driving to the nearest hospital. In fact, Shego didn't remember talking with Yori or telling her any instructions, just moving and Yori keeping up with her.
Once the hospital came into view Shego pulled up into the emergency section and with Yori's careful help and a bit of screaming got Ron inside. As Yori is explaining the problem and the need to remove a device form his body Shego notices the odd looks she's getting and realizes she's not in disguise.
Cursing, Shego walks out to her car and drives off, careful to loose any pursuers. On her drive home to put on her disguise and change cars Shego curses her inability to just be there. Never had she thought that she would regret becoming a villain till she was forced to step away from her side by Ron and Yori. 'Yes, my side.' She thought.
Putting on the disguise felt to slow, driving back even slower and by the time she had to park Shego was about to not give a fuck anymore, nearly not caring if her car gets towed. Still reason told her to not cause a scene and blend in. Inside she found Yori outside the emergency section pacing back and forth.
Going to Yori, Shego places a hand on her arm to get her attention. Yori turns and hugs Shego tightly. Shego hugs her just as tightly and the two spent a moment like that.
"He's going to be okay." Shego/Yori say at the same time to each other.
Seeing that, they smile as Yori brings Shego to a seat and whispers. "I took care of the surveillance, no one should know you were here."
"Thanks but I hate that I had to leave you both in the first place." Shego admits.
"You're here now, that's what matters Shego-san." Yori soothes and puts more pressure into her hand holding Shego's.
"You're right." Shego says and the two continue their wait.
A couple of hours later a doctor comes over and Yori stands to meet him, Shego right with her.
"Is Ron/-san okay?" Shego/Yori ask.
"He will live though we are not sure the full extent of the damage. That will be revealed with further test once his awake." The doctor replies.
"Doctor...?" Shego asks.
"Doctor Owen's." Doctor Owen's replies.
"Doctor Owen's what do you mean the full extent of the damage?" Shego asks.
"We know that Mr. Stoppable nicked an artery and his spine with the blade. His fingers going into the wound aggravated the spinal injury. As for the foreign matter found in his neck it was attached to the spine and to remove of it required that we surgically remove the area. This of course will affect his ability to function but we don't know the full extent."
After the explanation Yori and Shego pale though only Yori is seen to pale.
Yori asks. "Doctor Owen's, when can we see him?"
"You'll be able to go see him in around fifteen minutes. He is being moved to a room as we speak but since he inflicted the injuries on himself he has to be restrained." Doctor Owen's explained.
Shego hears fifteen minutes and feels like it's too long and from Yori's frown she's not the only one.
"I'll have a nurse come get you when he is ready." Doctor Owen's says noticing the frowns and walks away.
Time could not have gone any slower for Shego and Yori as they bore wholes into the clock. When the fifteen minute mark hit they got up and walked to the nurses station ready to ask what was taking so long. Just as they were about to ask they hear a nurse by the waiting room ask. "Mr. Stoppable's family?"
"Here, we're Stoppable's family." Shego calls out while walking over with Yori.
"Follow me please." The nurse says and leads the way to some elevators.
The trip to the room was short. They went up to the sixth floor, left out of the elevator and a right turn at the junction. His room was the third on the left. Once the nurse showed them inside she quietly left.
Inside the single patient room, Ron laid on the bed, restrained. His face pale, likely from blood loss. Shego and Yori went to his side and waited while they held each other.
Ron woke up in an unfamiliar location that he quickly understood was a hospital. He tried looking around but his body's response was twitchy and uncoordinated. Several things were noted quickly. One, he was restrained and two, his neck hurt, prompting the memories back.
In hindsight stabbing a knife into your own neck is nothing but suicidal. It's just the mere thought of having a tracking chip in his body after what his people went through cuts deeper than the knife ever could.
Now that he was thinking about it again he needed to know if it was still in his body so Ron yelled. "Nurse! Nurse!"
Two minutes of Ron making a racket and loosing his calm by the second a nurse shows up. It was a brunette Male with a slim build and approximately five nine in height. Ron tried to calm down before asking but he really found it beyond him.
"Is it out?!" Ron asked his hands still struggling with the restraints and from the wet sensation on his neck probably reopened the wound.
"I'm sorry, what?" Asked the nurse.
"The thing that was in my body, did they take it out?" Ron asked again.
The nurse understood him and spoke trying to calm him first. "I'll check the chart but first you need to remain calm or I'll be forced to sedate you."
Ron could tell that the nurse was trying to accommodate him and did his best to calm down. When he got the impulse to grab his neck under control the nurse step out of the room seemingly satisfied. It was an excruciating long minute before he came back holding the chart.
"Did they?" Ron asked.
"One moment." The nurse said flipping some pages. "The chart says that they removed foreign matter from your neck." Ron's right hand jerked towards his wound, seeing this the nurse added. "Other side, actually."
Ron understood something important from those words. He'd likely would be dead if he was alone when he found out about the chip. 'I'll have to thank Yori and Shego later, as well as apologize.'
Thinking a moment, Ron had two questions he needed answered. "My companions, are they still here?"
"They are in the waiting room since visiting hours end at eight." The nurse replied.
"When can I see what was in my body?" Ron asked his second question.
"I wouldn't be able to answer that." The nurse said.
Nodding Ron knew he had to heal and asked for the important fuel to do just that. "Can I get something to eat?"
Yori and Shego did not take well being told that visiting hours were over. Both woman cursed under their breath as they left Ron behind.
Yori suggested Shego get some sleep while she keeps watch but Shego promptly returned the offer. After a while in silence Yori asks. "Shego-san, who do you think could have done this?"
"Don't know, any villain who managed it would know exactly when team Possible was on the way and likely have succeeded by now so I'd say it was one of the good guys." Shego deduced.
"Then the government, GJ or..." Yori began listing candidates but couldn't voice the last one, team Possible. The pain it would cause Ron effectively forcing her silence.
"Yeah." Shego says seeming to understand.
By the time 7am rolled around Yori and Shego couldn't wait to see Ron, especially Yori having felt Ki gathering during the night. When she had told Shego she nearly rushed to the room only stopping when the access was blocked by the need of a key card. No elevators or doors opened without one. The two had waited eagerly the rest of the night.
Stepping into his room was much like the day before but this time he was awake and waiting for them. As Ron looked at them Yori could see his pain, anger and shame.
"I'm sorry." Ron said breaking eye contact. "I shouldn't have been so reckless and put you through that. Turns out I was even checking the wrong side."
Shego closed the distance to Ron with purposeful strides and though he seemed to expect a beating she simply hugged him. Yori followed her lead and sitting at his other side hugged him as well. Yori enjoyed the moment, having him safe and felt it ended too soon.
"Yori, Shego I need a favor." Ron said.
Moving back both Shego and Yori look at him.
"Tell me, Ron-san." Yori asks.
"What is it?" Shego asks.
"We are getting out of here. Yori I need you to find the tracking chip and the results, then wipe it from the hospital's system, we are taking them with us." Ron explained.
"Shouldn't you stay in the hospital?" Shego asked concerned for his injuries.
"No, I've already healed the damage to my spine, artery and neck. Staying will only make more questions. Shego I need you to get my things and something to write on." Ron explains and asks.
"As you wish Ron-san. Shego-san go with him to the car, I'll meet you there." Yori agreed and faded as she entered stealth mode.
As Yori left the room she heard Shego speak. "I guess it's time to check out."
To leave the hospital proved easy for Ron. Yes Shego assisted but it was more inclined to his natural ability to go unnoticed. On the way out Ron left a note explaining that he was discharging himself and to bill his insurance. Then he simply walked out.
Once in the car Ron gathered Ki to let Yori know where to find them and thirty minutes later she got into the car.
On the drive to Shego's the atmosphere between the three was solemn. No one spoke as they left Ron to his thoughts. When Shego pulled into her garage Ron spoke for the first time.
"Yori can I see the results?" Ron asked stretching out a trembling hand.
Yori silently handed her findings and the tracking chip over but Ron could see she wished to do otherwise. Ron quietly flipped through the papers his expression devoid of emotions till he couldn't hide it anymore.
"Whyyyyy!" Ron yelled as the tears streamed down his face.
It was the last people he expected to do this and thus the most painful truth. From looking at the images of the tracking chip Ron instantly recognized the logo. Wade's logo. Ron had expected some form of government conspiracy against his people before this. In fact he thought it was GJ's doing from the Ron factor days but to find out it was Wade's. It hurt.
Ron felt like he was loosing his sanity. There were certain things in his life that he saw with absolutes. His love for those close to him, his trust in them and his determination to do what's needed for them. To know that his trust and love were used in such a way made him feel violated, ashamed and exposed in ways he never thought possible.
Ron didn't realize he'd gotten out of the car, he jus needed air. The papers were on the floor as he clutched the tracking chip, he was speaking erratically and hugging himself as he moved away from Shego and Yori. When his back hit the wall he simply sat down, making himself as small as possible by hugging his knees into his chest and crying while repeatedly asking himself why.
Yori tried to approach as Shego read the results and trembling, Ron could only close his eyes. He couldn't help his instinct to avoid contact even though he knew they were not to blame. To his relief, Yori seemed to have understood that and simply sat beside him. A while later he felt Shego did the same on his other side. With their silent support Ron cried an unknown amount of time. He simply let his feelings burn themselves out till he felt better though Fury raged inside him.
When his breathing was calm he reached for Shego and Yori, bringing them into a hug.
"Thank you for everything." Ron said looking at each in turn and seeing love, pain and anger in their expressions. Remembering these were two of the most dangerous women in the world prompted him to add. "I'll handle it from here. Now let's head up and I'll make something to eat."
Shego and Yori silently agreed and upstairs they found a very concerned Rufus. Ron calmed him down promising to explain later and he would make something with extra cheese for him to make up for leaving him behind. Entering the kitchen Ron was surprised that the only thing dirty was the bloody knife in the sink.
"Cleaning bots." Shego explained.
Shego and Yori helped Ron cook in silence and by the time they were done, Rufus who had refused to leave Ron's side, showed no interest on the food still looking at Ron.
"Fine Rufus, Wade put a tracking chip in me." Ron said.
Rufus eyes went wide before he growled and started scratching at the table as he squeaked a few questions.
"I don't know if Kim has one. I also don't know if she knows about mine or if it was only used on missions." Ron replied and added. "But I intend to find out. Now stop scratching the table, we're guest here."
"Sorry." Rufus squeaked as he looked at Shego.
"Don't worry about it." Shego waved his concern off.
After the meal and cleaning the dishes Ron noticed the time and couldn't help but sigh.
"You okay?" Shego asked.
"Yeah, just realized we wasted the weekend on me." Ron replies.
"It's okay, we'll have more time in the future." Shego soothes.
"You're right." Ron agrees.
"That reminds me I have something for you." Shego says as she leaves Yori and Ron in the livingroom. Within a minute Shego came back holding two boxes. "Here." She says handing one to each Ron and Yori.
"Thanks, Shego-san." Yori says and when she opens it she couldn't help but blush. Inside the box there are birth control products such as condoms and pills. "Thanks, really."
"Just to be on the safe side." Shego says to a nodding Yori.
Luckily Ron had been to absorbed on his gift to notice Yori's if not he would have been blushing and stuttering in embarrassment. In his box Ron found an outfit. From what he could tell it was based on his mission suit but with a better aesthetic.
"You like it?" A nervous Shego asks.
Ron still unable to find his voice simply nods.
"Well, try it on then." Shego prompts and adds. "It's made from the same bullet and knife resistant fiber my suit is made off. It should keep you safe."
Excited Ron begins undressing right then and there, not that Shego and Yori minded, they were in fact happy. Stripping down to his underwear and socks, Ron pulled on some pants. They were dark grey and fitted better than his regular cargo pants but still provided some space for him. Next he pulled on an equally grey long sleeved shirt that adjusted to his body like skin. What followed was a sleeveless vest that zipped up the middle. And lastly, a pouch that strapped to his leg for Rufus.
"Don't forget the belt." Shego says.
Ron looked and found a brown belt, putting it on.
"Well, how do I look?" Ron asked.
"You look, how would you say, ah yes, mission ready Ron-san." Yori answers.
"Couldn't have said it better myself." Shego agrees.
"Shego I can't thank you enough for this gift and the concern behind it. Thank you." Ron said, touched by her care.
"Don't mention it, it was partially for my peace of mind." Shego admits.
"Still, thanks." Ron says before changing back glad to have that momentary reprieve from his current problem.
After Shego's presents and talking for about half an hour the house interrupted. "Vehicle on premises."
"That should be our ride, Shego-san." Yori says and Shego confirms it when she had the house open the display in the livingroom.
Standing Shego walks them to the door and kisses them goodbye.
"I..." Shego begins to speak but changes her mind. "I'll have something important to tell you the next time we meet."
'I'm going to quit working for Drakken.' Shego admits to herself.
Ron and Yori look at Shego for a moment before smiling and getting in the car, making her wonder if she spoke aloud.
The ride back to Middleton was uneventful and silent. To Ron, Yori's company helped sooth his building rage and he was grateful.
Had he been alone he would have most likely decided to do something stupid and even now he was having trouble stopping some of the retaliatory actions he was coming up with. Still, he needed this out of the way and taken care of. Calling Wade, Ron asked if he could meet him at his lab and in person. With Wade agreeing Ron hung up and closed his eyes.
In the lab he saw Mrs. Renton, Felix and Zita beside Wade.
"Hey Ron what's up?" Wade asked oblivious to Ron's rage.
Ron gritted his teeth and walked up to Wade, not saying a word. He grabbed Wade's hand and put the tracking chip in it. Then Ron tried not to strangle Wade and stepped back. Wade looked at his hand in confusion for a moment before realization hit. When he looked up he must have seen the rage in Ron's eyes for he stepped back trembling.
"Care to explain?" Ron asked him.
Wade nodded slowly but asked. "Did Kim finally tell you?" If possible Ron's expression got worse answering the question. "Guess not."
"She knew!" Ron said.
"She found out pretty early and was supposed to tell you." Wade said.
"Why did you put one of these in me?" Ron asked.
"I did it to keep you safe and if anything happened in the field so we could find your body." Wade answered.
Ron's eyes widened at the reply Wade just gave him, it meant the young genius was aware that they could get hurt or die in a mission. Ron was aware but didn't think the young genius knew they could get hurt or worse.
"Of course I screened out most missions that would put you against death directly but some of them slip through. So I prepared so that at least your family has something to bury." Wade explained.
"When did you chip me?" Ron asked.
"About when you entered high school." Wade answered.
"When did Kim find out about it?" Ron asked again.
"Dr. Possible's ten year college reunion. You tricked Drakken into kidnapping you instead." Wade said.
"That was freshman year, Wade." Ron yelled. "Almost three years, you would realize by now she doesn't plan to tell me!"
"I pressure her once in a while Ron, she said she was waiting for the right time to tell you." Wade confesses. "Even uses the p.d.p(puppy dog pout)."
"Has the chip ever been used outside of missions?" Ron asked. Wade trembled and Ron asked again. "Has it even been used outside of missions?"
"Yes." Wade admits. "Kim has asked me to use it to find you a couple times."
Ron clenched his fists harder. "Does Kim have one as well?" He asked.
Wade looked unsure if he should answer but did anyways. "She found out before hers was ready and forbade any inside her body, allowing only in the gadgets."
'Kim saw fit to leave me chipped but refused hers then goes as far as to use mine outside of emergencies.' Ron thought his anger building.
"When was the last time Kim asked you to use the chip?" Ron asked.
"Couple weeks ago, you studied at Tara's." Wade confirms.
'The day I felt I was followed.' Ron remembered.
"Wade I want to know what other secrets you guys are hiding from me." Ron stated.
Wade looked torn as he hesitated a moment before dealing the last blow. "Kim was the one who called the food inspector."
Ron seemed frozen at those words, even his building amounts of anger seemed to disappear. 'Kim did that.' Ron thought before saying aloud. "I see."
And he did see. His best friend since pre-k has been keeping tabs on him through a tracking chip and instead of encouraging his success she shut it down. 'What am I to you Kim?' Ron asked himself.
Sighing, Ron spoke again. "I honestly wanted to beat the crap out of you, Wade but I just lost the motivation to do even that. I just want to say that all you needed to do was explain your reasoning and asked me, I would have consented. But to chip me, a jew, without my knowledge was pretty close to the worst thing you could have done to me. So I would like some space to avoid doing something drastic."
Tearing up, Wade replied. "I'm so sorry Ron, that was never my intent. I'll leave, just let me know if you need anything."
"Yeah, the car upstairs will drive you home." Ron added.
Nodding, Wade left.
Mrs. Renton, Felix and Zita were shocked in silence when they understood what was going on. They couldn't fathom what Ron was going through but they could see that by the time conversation ended he lost something important. They couldn't help cry at the sight.
"Ron..." Felix tried to say something but words failed him.
"I'm sorry you guys had to see that." Ron apologized before adding. "I'm going to turn in for today."
"Yeah, we'll see you tomorrow." Zita replied.
"Yeah." Ron said and turned back to the lift with a silent Yori following.
Inside the house Ron went to his room with Yori and finally started crying. Yori sat on the bed with him and brought him into a hug. Ron cried his heart out at what his bestfriend since pre-k had done or thought of their friendship. Since when had the mutual support stopped. Since when did the person he trusted most started taking advantage of him. And most importantly, since when had his success became threatening to her.
Ron cried till he fell asleep in Yori's arms.
The next morning Ron and Yori got dressed in silence.
Ron then went to the kitchen and started cooking while Yori took her first doze of birth control. When she went to the kitchen Ron still looked lifeless even as he cooked which normally cheered him up.
Thus, Yori decided to intervene the first chance she got which to her delight was minutes after breakfast when Kim let herself in.
"Ron! Hurry or we'll be late for school." Kim announced as a greeting.
Yori saw Ron's conflicted look and took action. She got up and closed the distance to the approaching Kim, making sure to block the way to Ron and slapped the unsuspecting Kim across the face.
"W-what?" Kim asked touching her face.
Slap!
Returning with another slap was Yori's response. And then another before Kim registered what was going on.
The last slap seemed to have finally snapped Kim out of her confusion as she assumed a fighting stance and attacked. Yori didn't hesitate to defend herself but instead of punches and kicks she continued to slap Kim across the face.
Ron realized they were fighting and tried to intervene but Yori and Kim didn't stop. Noted to Yori's delight was that Ron mostly focused on stopping Kim.
"Ron step aside, she's the one to slap me out of nowhere." Kim demanded.
"Can't do that Kim and I need you to leave." Ron try to persuade gently, still unsure how to handle their broken friendship and confront her about it.
"Do step aside Ron-san, I will make her feel some of what you're going through." Yori pleaded.
"Leave? Why? Also let me teach her a lesson and then we can go to school." Kim said not catching onto Ron's feelings.
"I'll be going to school with Yori but I need you to leave." Ron said a little louder.
"Ron you're not making any sense. For now just step aside and we'll talk about it on the way to school. Just you and me." The oblivious Kim repeated.
"Kim. I. Need. You. To. Get. Out!" Ron was saying slowly till he finally yelled.
Ron's yell stilled all movement in the room as he looked like he was about to snap and Kim finally realized there was something wrong in the situation. Yori put her hand on Ron's shoulder, a form of silent support.
"I'll go." A shocked Kim said, turning and leaving Ron's house.
As Ron sighed Yori spoke. "I'm sorry, Ron-san."
"I know Yori." Ron said. "I know."
As Ron and Yori entered the school they were spotted by Felix and Zita who silently shared their support of Ron. Nodding Ron shared a hug with each and headed to class making sure to avoid Kim.
When Monique kissed him at lunch Ron failed to respond and the girl understood something was wrong. She proceeded to ease the story out of Ron and nearly surprised them with a string of curses. Bonnie and Tara who were at the table joined her in cursing, with Bonnie declaring she'd make Kim pay.
Ron felt touched by their concerned but got them to promise to let him handle it. The only problem was he had no idea how to handle it. On one hand he wanted to confront Kim. On the other he wanted to protect their friendship by pretending it never happened. The only problem was the more he tried to convince himself to let it go the more pain and anger he felt.
By then end of the school day Ron felt like he aged a decade. He couldn't handle keeping quiet and had to confront Kim.
Kim had been shocked when Yori slapped her, then angry when she proceeded to do it again. One of the reasons was that she knew Yori was a martial artist so the slap was a clear message. It felt to Kim like Yori was saying you're beneath me.
When the third slap finally hit, Kim attacked. She hadn't held back in her anger but Yori still managed to slap her a couple more times, refusing to throw actual attacks. Then Ron intervened.
Kim figured that Ron was going to side with her once she explained Yori slapped her but he insisted she, Kim, stop and leave instead. Kim insisted she be allowed to deal with Yori till Ron finally yelled. At that point Kim became aware Ron was angry, really angry with her. Why, because Ron never yelled at Kim like that. Ever. Thus, Kim assumed it was instigated by Yori. Now Kim decided that once she got Ron alone she would use today's incident to get Ron back on her side.
With those thoughts in mind Kim walked to school till she found Josh and promptly moved through her day.
After school practice was odd as Bonnie and Tara were glaring at her and it looked like Bonnie stopped Tara from openly attacking her. Kim chucked it up to Bonnie being up to something but when Ron never showed up Kim was once again reminded he was mad at her. I need to talk to him now.
With that thought in mind Kim quickly showered and headed to her locker. She needed Wade to locate Ron so she could talk to him. Opening the door she pressed the call button to the built in monitor as she went about collecting some books.
His image appearing on the screen Wade greeted. "What Kim?"
"Hello to you too Wade, I need a favor." Kim said after slightly chiding him.
"What do you need Kim?" Wade asked not changing his tone.
"Wade, you okay?" Kim prompted seeing as he was clearly upset.
"No Kim I'm not okay, in fact I'm feeling terrible." Wade said, adding. "You know the worst part, you probably made it worse."
"What?! How could I have made it worse? What's even going on?" Kim asked.
"Ron found out about the tracking chip and how you asked me to use it." Wade answered. "And to be completely honest with him I had to tell him about you calling the inspector on him."
Kim paled like she was bleeding out and went completely still. 'Ron knows. That's why he is mad at me. Is that why Yori slapped me this morning, she knows too?' Kim didn't notice she started shaking as she began trying to come up with a plan for damage control but came up with nothing.
"Wade I need to find and talk to Ron yesterday, where is he?" Kim asked.
"I don't know and if I did I wouldn't tell you." Wade spat.
"What do you mean you don't know he has your tracking chip." Kim demanded.
"Not anymore Kim, he handed it to me yesterday. Which makes me wonder how he removed it." Wade said.
If possible Kim went a little paler.
"But I need to find him so we can talk." Kim absentmindedly said.
"It shouldn't be hard Kim, he's standing right behind you." Wade announced before signing off.