Ch.26
Ron was so captivated when his saw his closest friends and loved ones that he nearly missed the few he didn't recognize.
Just as he was trying to come up with a greeting he saw the twins step forward and make their way towards him. Again he thinks to greet them but their serious expressions stop him from speaking.
Stopping in front of him the twins look Ron in the eye for a while before speaking.
"Ronald, congratulations..." Jim began.
"...on your recovery..." Tim adds.
"...it is nice to see you again..." Jim speaks.
"...but, can we trust you..." Tim asks.
"...with our mom's heart?" They finished together.
Ron looks them in the eye as he speaks. "As long as she'll have me I'll make her one of the happiest women alive. I swear!" Ron vows.
Tim and Jim nod before they whisper. "Please don't be like dad." After that the twins break into a smile and hug Ron. "We're really glad you're okay."
Ron smiles and looks up to see Kim standing in front of him. Ron can tell by her expression that she has something she wants get off her chest so he gives her time to find her words as the twins step to the side.
"Ron." Kim says by way of greeting.
"Kimberley." Ron acknowledges.
Kim pales when she hears the completely neutral and emotionless reply. Pushing forward she asks. "Can you look me in the eyes and tell me how you feel about my mother?"
Ron did just that. "I love Ann and I'm lucky to be graced with a fraction of her attention."
"I hope things stay that way since she's suffered enough." Kim says as she offers her hand. "I'm also glad that you recovered." Ron shakes her hand and was releasing his hold when Kim adds. "If you can find it within yourself to forgive me I'll make sure to treat you like the friend you deserved not the friend I was to you."
Ron looks deeply into Kim's eyes before replying. "I'll try."
After that, Tara ran into Ron's arms with tears in her eyes, followed by Bonnie, Ann and Monique.
"Glad you're okay Ron." Tara says as she tightens her hug.
Ron returns the hug and pats her back. "So am I, Tara."
When Tara's heartbeat settles she releases her hug and kisses Ron. Ron leans into the kiss while his expression lights up then Tara steps back to allow someone else to greet him.
Monique steps up and before she could even spread her arms fully Ron had her in a hug.
"Missed you too, baby." Monique says as she kisses Ron passionately.
Bonnie went next and to everyone's shock went for a mind breaking kiss that made Ron silly for a moment. "Missed you."
"Missed you too, Bon-Bon." Ron whispers into her ear.
Then there stood Ann, just outside of reach. Ron took the sight in with a gentle smile. He could tell she was equal parts excited and anxious though he couldn't guess why. Ann's hand was twirling the fabric of her dress as she fought to control her nerves.
Before Ann could get anymore anxious, Ron closed in on her and swept her off her feet. Spinning with Ann in his arms, Ron brings his face close to Ann's ear and whispers just what Ann needed to hear. "You're more beautiful than I remember."
Then before she can respond Ron kisses her deeply, expressing his feelings.
When they finally part a breathless Ann says. "Missed you too, Ron."
Ann steps to the side as Felix and Zita come in for a greeting with Ron taking a knee and giving Felix a firm hug.
"Glad to see you wheels." Ron says.
"Glad to see you too Ron, you have no idea how much I missed you." Felix says.
"Where's your mom?" Ron asks.
"She couldn't make it. Had a presentation on her project back in Middleton at 6am local time." Felix explains.
Standing, Ron hugs Zita. "Glad to see you too, Z."
"Happy to see you as well, Ron." Zita agrees as she hugs him.
Stepping to the side, Felix and Zita make way for Amy, Wade, Olivia and her parents.
"Amy." Ron says as he extends his hand not sure if she's comfortable with a hug.
Amy rushes in for a hug with tears in her eyes. "I was so worried. I'm really glad you recovered."
Then to the shock of everyone present she kisses Ron on the lips.
Ron was at a loss for words just like everyone but Wade who says. "That wasn't how you were going to break the news Amy."
"Sorry, I really couldn't wait any longer." Amy admits blushing deeply.
Ron's dazed as Shego steps forward and grabs Amy's hand, leading her and the ladies to the side.
"Hope that ends well." Wade says as he turns to Ron.
"Yeah." Ron agrees as he opens his arms for a hug.
Wade didn't hesitate and hugged Ron with all his strength. "I missed you man. Even studied time to see if I could help you recover."
"Missed you too man, glad you're okay." Ron says and adds. "Now can you introduce me to our guests?"
"My pleasure." Wade says and walks over to Olivia and her parents. "Ron, this is Olivia, my girlfriend and they are Angela and Oliver her parents. Olivia, Angela, Oliver, this is Ronald Dean Stoppable my friend and co-founder of Cross Industries."
"A pleasure to meet you." Ron says as he extends his hand towards Oliver and his wife and daughter.
"The pleasure is all ours." Oliver replies as he shakes Ron's hand.
"A pleasure." Angela agrees as she shakes Ron's hand.
"It's nice to finally meet you Ron." Olivia says as she extends her hand then adds. "You have no idea how many people have asked me to crack your time dilation technology."
"Oh, any luck so far?" Ron asks, curious.
"None yet." Olivia admits.
Wade's parents then stepped up and greeted Ron and after a few more minutes Shego and the rest join the gathering again. Ron nods and moves towards the couches as he chats with his guest. He introduced Shego by her maiden name, Shay Godfrey and Yori.
The local time read just past 4pm so they had plenty of time but Ron was getting hungry so he offered to cook everyone dinner. Everyone agreed having known or heard that Ron could cook. Ron checked for allergies and when he got a reply got to work.
An hour and a half later, everyone was seated at the dinner table as Ron presented his master piece. It was Italian cuisine and Ron was confident that they were going to ask for seconds. As expected seconds were asked and everyone was having a great time.
Then after dinner was over and everyone was seated in the livingroom Felix brought up the main topic for the evening. "Are you sure about going forward with the announcement tomorrow? You will be revealing to the world the face behind Cross Industries, Ron."
"I understand you're worried man but this is necessary because I'll need the help of the world moving forward." Ron states.
"What are you planning?" Zita asks.
"I'm going to change the world." Ron admits.
"Explain." Felix says.
"Please excuse us everyone." Ron says and leads Amy, Wade, Felix and Zita to the side so they can talk in private.
After Ron lead Felix, Zita, Wade and Amy away Ann took the lead in asking Shego and Yori how their time with Ron had been.
Yori blushed thinking of all the times they been intimate since Ron woke up and how wonderful it is to be by his side.
Shego thinks a moment before she speaks. "It's like a dream. Ron's attentive and caring. His everything you would look for in a guy."
"Ronnie!" Tara sighs.
"Can't wait for some Ronshine." Monique says.
"So who is he keeping company tonight?" Bonnie suddenly asks.
Monique, Tara, Bonnie, Shego, Yori and Ann exchange looks.
"I want our first time to be special." Tara says.
"So would I." Bonnie and Monique agree.
"I guess I should thank you." Ann says with a blush as they unanimously agreed to let her have Ron to herself that night.
Ron and Wade explained his plans to Felix, Zita and Amy. There was silence as Ron let the information sink in.
"Are you sure about this Ron?" Amy asked.
"Yes, things need to change." Ron affirmed.
"Okay, I'm in." Amy agreed.
Felix and Zita looked at each other before nodding. "Us too. What happened three years ago can't be allowed to happen again."
"Thank you." Ron says looking at each of them in turn.
"So when do you start on this venture?" Amy asks.
"Sometime next week, got to break into Hench Co systems first." Ron replied. Seeing her nod Ron added. "Let's head back and join everyone.
With Ron, Amy, Wade, Felix and Zita joining everyone again, the evening resumed it's festivities till late into the night when Angela, Oliver and Olivia excused themselves.
After Olivia and her parents retired for the night, Ann, like the Load's put her youngest to bed and joined the rest in the livingroom. Ann was just about to sit down when Ron stood and made his way over.
"How long do we have before you're due at work?" Ron asked.
"Two weeks, unless I make use of more vacation days." Ann said.
"Two weeks, I can think of a few things we can do in that time." Ron said.
"Oh, what do you have mind?" Ann asked.
"I was thinking a nice romantic dinner, maybe even a little dancing." Ron explained.
Dancing! Ann hadn't been dancing in a long time and the thought excited her. Yes, dancing could work. In more ways than one seeing as she could wow Ron with her moves.
"I would love to." Ann finally agreed.
"Great, after tomorrow's press conference it's you and me." Ron declared.
"Deal! Now follow me and I'll show you how much I've missed you!" Ann declared with her face flushed.
"Oh, Booyah!" Ron said understanding her meaning.
Not a minute later, Ann walked with Ron into the master bedroom, his bedroom and locked the door behind them.
"Now Ron, can you help me out of my dress?" Ann asked, smiling as Ron brushed his fingers up her arm.
Ron seemed to have something in mind as for a while all Ann felt were his fingers trailing their way to her back and the zipper. Then it happened, a gentle tug and her dress was pooling at her feet.
Ann felt her senses come alive as Ron's fingers trailed her skin.
"You've lost weight." Ron whispered his concern clear.
"Ten pounds." Ann admitted.
Ron then tugged on her bra and it fell off her frame. Ann's hands were reaching for Ron who stood behind her as his hands trailed her smooth stomach. When Ron's hands finally grabbed her breast Ann moaned her approval as her body arched and her ass rubbed Ron's erection.
"Let's go to the bed." Ann instructed as she couldn't wait any longer.
Ann felt Ron nod over her shoulder and then he princess carried her towards the custom bed adorning the center of the room.
Ann was now facing Ron on the bed as she instructed. "Off with the clothes Ron, I want to see you."
"As you wish." Ron complied and brought his shirt over his head revealing his eight pack abs and cut musculature. Then he undid the button of his pants and pushed them down to his ankles.
Ann bit her bottom lip in appreciation. Ron was a rare specimen and was gifted in ways most men would be jealous and he was going to use that gift on Ann. She couldn't wait.
Ron seemed to think the same as he step closer and leaned towards Ann.
"Let me get that for you." Ron said and reached for the band of Ann panties. Ann simply leaned back to make it easier to take them off and when they were she spread her legs apart so Ron could see the effect he was having on her. Ann was soaked.
"Hurry Ron!" Ann pleaded.
"I want to Ann but first I got to taste you." Ron declared.
Ann visibly shivered at his words and felt a fresh wave of arousal. Then she spread her legs a little further apart. Yeah, she was all for Ron's plan. And Ron did not disappoint. He kept eye contact with Ann as he kneeled at the foot of the bed. Then gently, ever so gently he began kissing his way to Ann's core.
"Nn!" Ann felt the first swipe of Ron's tongue and moaned her praises.
Ron slowly licked up after that first swipe, teasing Ann's clit before licking down. He set a steady tempo as Ron licked up, teased Ann's clit and then licked down. It was like a wonderful dream for Ann and then it happened. Ron's tongue pushed into her core and Ann had a small orgasm as he brushed her g-spot.
"Mnn!" Ann moaned and tightened her legs around Ron's head hoping to keep him in place. "Yes!" She said barely above a whisper.
Ron kept his tongue teasing Ann's g-spot and moved his right hand thumb to her clit. Then he started on a dual stimulation of Ann's clit and g-spot, doing wonders to her body. And Ann didn't last a minute under Ron's ministrations before cumming into his waiting mouth. Ron swallowed her juices while still stimulating her g-spot and clit, prolonging Ann's orgasm.
After that, Ann didn't know how long Ron kept her riding the waves so to speak but when the orgasm subsided she saw him smiling at her.
"You tasted divine." Ron declared causing Ann to blush.
"Let me return the favor." Ann offered but Ron shook his head.
"There'll be plenty of time for that down the road, right now it's all about you." Ron explained.
Ann understood that Ron was trying to make up for missing the last three years and loved him all the more for it. Still there was something he needed to hear. "It wasn't your fault that you were injured and we chose to wait."
"I know and I'm not blaming myself but celebrating how lucky I was to have you all wait for me. It was a gift that I will return for the rest of my life." Ron explained before adding. "Also I must say that's advise you should follow. I've been seeing it in your eyes since we first spoke Ann and there was nothing you could have done. In fact I'm lucky you removed the metal so carefully since it allowed my body to be healed. Anymore damage to my brain and that could have been it. No miracle for any of us."
Ann's body trembled at the thought for a moment before she commanded. "Then make love to me Ron and make me forget the last three years. Make me yours!"
Ann then saw Ron's dick twitch at her words and smiled. Thankfully for Ann, Ron wasn't one to turn such a request down. He kissed her lips with a passion that Ann returned and prepared to spear her pussy. 'Oh, how she dreamed of this moment for the last three years. And her miracle was finally here.'
That's when Ann felt the head of Ron's dick rub her pussy. It felt hot, hard and she spread her legs a little so as to make it easier. Then Ron started pushing inside her and Ann started moaning praises as she felt Ron's dick touch everything in her pussy till the head rested at her womb.
"You're so tight." Ron comments.
"And you're so big, it's like you're trying to split me in half." Ann says.
Ann then wrapped her arms around Ron's head and brought him into another kissed as he began to pull out of her. As Ron pushed in Ann began coordinating her moves to match his. Her hips rising to meet his and her muscles tightening in ways that threatened to milk an orgasm out of Ron. Ann didn't want to be the only one enjoying their reunion and the sounds of their love making would echo off of each other as their passion intensified.
Ann experienced much of what Shego and Yori had experienced weeks prior, a nonstop series of orgasms and her body reacted like she'd been in a desert and the rain finally fell. In other words Ann felt like she was a bitch in heat and needed to be bred. Ron seemed to have picked up her need as shortly after he cream pied her for who knew what time that night. But Ann was far from satiated as she switched positions, once again moving to riding Ron. She's done this a few times throughout the night and each time Ann held eye contact with Ron, seeing his expression spurred her on. Add the knowledge that she was his first love and Ann just couldn't resist riding him. She could see it in Ron's eyes, the adoration and love he held for her.
Just like Ann could see Ron's feelings for her she hoped she was expressing hers. Then without warning she bent down and latched her lips to his neck. Ann was going to do something she'd never considered doing before, she was going to mark her man. As she bit and sucked on Ron's neck her hips never stopped moving just like Ron's. The two came at the same time and Ann felt her frenzied heat start to subside as her conciousness threatened to slip.
"Mnn... let's stay... like this." Ann whispered as she lay atop of Ron with his dick still poking her womb.
"Sweet dreams, Ann." Ron replied and as she closes her eyes she feels a blanket being dragged over the two.
"... night Ron."
After finishing the night activities sometime around 5a.m. Ron entered his mindscape as he been doing since three weeks prior. Why? Simple really, Ron was using his resting time to the fullest. While his body rested, Ron trained in his mindscape. Improving, constantly evolving his fighting style and himself by integrating what he learned from Xu Ming Yue with a few of his own ideas.
Speaking of ideas, Ron had a strong inclination to add another limb to his fighting style since a while back and thanks to Xu Ming Yue he could finally make it work. There was a weapon derived from a staff that Xu Ming Yue once owned and Ron was working on replicating. It would be capable of extending and shrinking to astonishing degrees. That aside, Ron had plans to name his weapon Moon Staff to honor her.
As Ron was going through his practice with a construct of the Moon Staff, he realized how unpredictable such a weapon could be. 'Yes, this is going to work!' Ron thought as he made up his mind to make the weapon. Then Ron went to work on his side project, though so far it's proven interesting. Ron was trying to tie the healing technique to his subconscious so that it would trigger automatically everytime he was injured. He had everything worked out and it was theoretically possible but to test it he needed to be injured thus the complications. Ron didn't see the logic of self harm after the ladies had gotten on his case about it but it really needed a test and what better time then when he was not in battle?
What Ron didn't know was that Ann, Shego and Yori were observing him in his mindscape though he couldn't yet see them.
Kim woke up and wasn't to sure what to think. On the one hand her mom was the happiest she'd been in the last three years. On the other, what made her so happy was Ron, who is Kim's age and used to be her closest friend. Yeah, Kim wasn't sure what to think, but facts spoke for themselves, her mom was happy.
After doing her morning routine, Kim decided to check on the twins. It was approaching eight and it worried her that she wasn't hearing anything from them.
Looking into their room yielded nothing as they were already up and about. Looking about the estate, Kim eventually found them coming out of the lab with Wade.
"Morning Wade, tweebs." Kim greeted.
"Morning Kim." Wade replies.
"Hey sis." Jim/Tim replied in stereo.
"What were you up to?" Kim asked as the lab was strictly off limits most of the time.
"Showing the guys the lab and proving that it puts state of the art facilities in shame for using that tittle." Wade said with pride.
"And it's true it..." Tim started.
"... puts other labs to shame." Jim finished.
"Great." Kim said then mumbled to herself. "When do I get to see it?"
"What was that Kim?" Wade asked.
"No, nothing." Kim said not knowing that had she actually expressed her curiosity she'd get the tour.
The four then walked towards the livingroom since Wade wanted to show the twins something he discovered in Conquest and it was better to sit down before log-in. Kim accompanied them as far as the kitchen since she was hungry and stopped in her tracks when she saw a shirtless Ron cooking breakfast.
"Food will be ready in ten, Bebe can you send everyone a message?" Ron said without breaking stride in his preparation.
"Yes, Ron." Bebe replied.
Kim stood staring as her Neuro Linker notified her about breakfast. Still, Kim's eyes were drawn to Ron's body and her thoughts wondered. 'He really is a man now.' She thought.
"Hey Kim, can you go wake up Ann?" Ron asked then elaborated. "I don't recall her having her Neuro Linker on this morning."
Kim didn't hear Ron as she looked at his body and felt hers heat up. 'You got a boyfriend and this is your mom's boyfriend.' Kim screamed at herself trying to stop the stray thoughts.
"...Kim!" Ron raised his voice.
"What's the sitch?" Kim asked looking around for trouble.
"I asked if you can wake up Ann since she didn't have her Neuro Linker on this morning, but you stood there with a faraway look in your face." Ron said.
"Sorry was thinking of something." Kim said and thought, 'lost chances'. "Okay I'll wake mom up."
"Thanks." Ron said and continued cooking.
Kim took one last look before shaking her head and making her way upstairs. She went to Ron's room since she knew that's where her mom slept last night and knocked on the door. A minute later there was still no response so she let herself in.
Something became quickly apparent to Kim, her mom got laid. This brought a furious blush to her face which Kim tried to push pass by rushing to her mom.
"Mom, breakfast is almost ready." Kim announced standing by the bed.
Ann simply mumble something unintelligible and brought the covers over her head. Kim sighed and touched her mom's shoulder to shake her awake.
"Time to get up, mom." Kim announced as she shook Ann. A minute of this and Ann woke up. "Morning mom."
"Morning Kimmie, what's up?" Ann greeted and asked.
"Breakfast and Ron wanted me to wake you." Kim explained.
"Okay, I'll need a minute to get ready but I'll be down soon." Ann said.
"Want me to bring you anything from your room?" Kim asked.
"Some clothes and a toothbrush, please." Ann replied.
"Be right back." Kim said and went to get the things she was asked for.
Two minutes later she was sitting in the bathroom while her mom showered. "I see that you can't stop smiling, Ron must have preformed to satisfaction."
"Kimberley Ann!" Ann called out.
"Mom! As you know I'm an adult and in college." Kim clarified.
After a moment a silence Ann spoke. "It was amazing."
"Spill." Kim commanded.
"It was morning when we went to sleep and that's all I'm going to say." Ann replied.
"You can't be serious mom." Kim said in disbelief.
Sticking her head out of the shower Ann spoke. "Note happy face Kim."
"Wow!" Kim said.
"So who was the lucky boy?" Ann asked.
"Huh?" Kim asked since she didn't get the question.
"Who did you gift your virginity too, Kim?" Ann clarified.
"Believe it or not I'm still a virgin." Kim said and added. "Was planning to wait till marriage."
"That makes me so happy, Kimmie." Ann cheered.
"Don't say it so loudly, mom!" Kim interrupted.
"Sorry Kimmie, my lips are sealed." Ann promised then asked. "How are things going with that Owen's guy?"
"Oh Mike, they're great." Kim said.
"That's good isn't it?" Ann asked stepping out of the shower to dry herself.
"Yes." Kim said and added. "But recently I found myself wondering if I let the right guy(Ron she thought) slip by."
"And is there someone who comes to mind when you think of the right guy?" Ann asked.
'Ron!' Kim thought but said. "No, not really."
"Then that's your answer." Ann said, now moving to brush her teeth with the towel wrapped around her torso.
Sighing, Kim nodded. 'Yup things are getting complicated and here I am trying to fix a bridge I tore down myself.' Kim thought.
Amy woke up with a smile on her face.
Now her smile wasn't all due to having kissed Ron the night before but the talk she had with Ron's ladies. At first when Shego began leading her to the side, with all of them in tow, Amy thought they were going to mark their territory.
To her shock and delight Shego simply asked. "How long since you fell for him?"
Blushing, Amy replied. "Since I first saw him at the lake."
"I knew he caught your attention." Tara declared.
"We all knew T, she was practically mesmerized." Bonnie explained. "You couldn't look away from him for longer than ten seconds, Amy."
"I was not that obvious." Amy defended.
"Girl, had you two been alone you would have seduced him into your bed." Monique said.
"I'm missing this event entirely." Ann said.
"Amy-san here met..." Yori began catching Ann up on what the others were talking about.
"Oh, so she fell in love at first sight." Ann said.
By this point Amy was blushing deeply and Shego had yet to speak after her initial question.
"I'd say we let Amy take a shot and see if Ron shares her feelings." Shego finally broke her silence.
"...what?" Bonnie asked not believing that was Shego's approach.
"NWITFR(no way is this for real)?" Monique said.
Amy herself was shocked and staring at Shego.
Yori looked at Shego a moment before speaking. "I'll support Shego's decision."
"Why?" Tara asked what they all wondered.
"Because I'm partially to blame." Shego said, then explained. "I convinced Ron to invite them to the barbecue after we met them, which eventually led to them sharing contact information."
Amy looked like she met her lucky star and jumped onto Shego for a hug. "Thank you!"
"Yeah, yeah I get it!" Shego says as she moved Amy away. "So what do you all think?"
Amy once again held her breath. She had Shego's and Yori's support but that was two out of six. She didn't realize it but Amy was mumbling a prayer as she waited.
"Fine by me but she's not allowed to try high risk seduction." Bonnie says then explains. "No sleeping with him to get his approval."
"Okay." Amy agrees, before turning to Tara, Monique and Ann.
"I agree with Bonnie." Tara finally spoke.
Sighing, Monique spoke. "Me too."
"Don't interrupt our reunion and you have my support as well." Ann finally agreed.
"You got it." Said an excited Amy moving to hug each of them in turn.
Yes, Amy had reason for her smile that morning. A smile that widened when a message from Ron came in notifying her breakfast was almost ready.
As everyone soon started filing into the dining room, Ron asked. "Who can help set the dishes?"
There is a wave of me's and Tara, Monique, Yori, Bonnie and Shego make short work of the preparations. With Ann, Amy and Kim joining everyone else(the Load's, Olivia and her parents, the twins, Felix, Zita and Ron's ladies) around the table, Ron started bringing out the food. There was nicely cut fruit, pancakes, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and hashbrowns with OJ. Yup, Ron was aiming to please.
There was a nice atmosphere going as everyone ate and chatted. Then the meal ended and it was time for business.
"Ron it's time to make you presentable." Monique declared, reminding everyone that Ron was going to make his official world debut.
"Time, huh." Ron said and asked. "When do the stylists and designers get here?"
"The stylists should be here in ten minutes, as for the designer, you're looking at her." Monique said proudly.
"Guess you finally get a crack at my wardrobe." Ron jokes.
"You bet, we are going to make you the worlds most desirable man." Monique said.
"I don't think I want to go that far." Ron said unsure that's where he wanted things to be.
"Trust me, Ron, this is the right move." Monique assured.
"On a similar line of thought, when are you making your presentation?" Ron asked Monique.
"My presentation?" Monique asked not understanding. "What presentation?"
"Weren't you looking for investors for your brand?" Ron asked.
"Ron!" Monique said excited that he'd do that for her.
"I expect to see a full presentation and viable business plan, then we'll talk." Ron said trying to sound professional.
"You got it." Monique declared, adding. "By the end of the presentation you'll swear to only dress in my brand."
"Looking forward to it." Ron said.
Tara, who watched their conversation from the side got a faraway look for a moment before speaking up. "Ron."
"Yeah, Tara?" Ron asked.
"I would like yo..." Tara starts speaking.
Ting ting!
"He's here!" Monique calls out. "Fransua, welcome!"
Tara began to ask Ron if he'll help her with the orphanage but was cut off as the doorbell rings and Monique shouts. Ron is then quickly dragged away for his haircut. Sighing, Tara follows along.
As everyone crowded the dining room, Fransua got to work. They had debated for a while what they wanted Ron's haircut to be but ultimately settled on letting the professional choose.
Fransua cut away all hair at the sides and back, leaving the top styled in such a way that it made the ladies breathless. Fransua had done it again, Ron was reborn from his signature cowlick to a modern look.
"Pass." Rufus squeaked.
"I must agree, love the new look." Bonnie comments.
"Yeah!" Tara sighs with Ann, Amy, Shego and Yori nodding.
"Looking great Ron." Felix declares and Zita agrees.
"Love the new look." Wade comments as the twins high five.
Kim for her part swallows hard and blushes but refrains from commenting.
"I love it but now it's my turn." Monique declared after Ron wired Fransua his fee.
"I'm in your hands." Ron said as he was dragged away by Monique to her room.
A few minutes later, Ron stands looking at his reflection in the mirror and can't help but wonder what the ladies think.
"So what do you guys think?" Ron finally asked since the silence was dragging.
"Wow!" Someone said and the ladies nodded.
"Ron, you look like... like..." Felix tries to come up with the words but fails.
"A celebrity." Zita says.
"A supermodel." Amy supplies.
"Like royalty." Kim whispers.
Ron grabbed the back of his head and blushes a bit. "Thanks guys."
As everyone looks at Ron in the grey suit with a black shirt and shoes, Monique nods. 'This is my man!' She thinks.
"Now ladies, this is the important question." Ron speaks. "Do you want to step onto the world stage with me? It's going to be dangerous and I, myself think that you shouldn't but the choice is yours."
"I'm in." Shego says without hesitation.
"Me too." Yori agrees.
"So am I." Bonnie declares.
"And me." Tara says.
"As am I." Ann says.
"You know it." Monique agrees.
"If you'll have me." Amy says.
"Okay, then let's go out there and have this press conference." Ron says
"Wait, Monique do you have something that can match Ron?" Asks Ann.
"For me too!" Bonnie says and the others agree.
"I got just the dresses." Monique soothes. 'I had a feeling this was going to be the case.' She thinks. "Ron, step out with the men while us ladies get dressed."
"Okay." Ron easily agrees and leads the way out. Once outside he looks at Wade, Felix and Zita, asking. "Are you sure you guys don't want to step into the spotlight with me? And Felix what about Mrs. Renton?"
"We're sure Ron." Zita says.
"Yeah, we had plenty of time to think about it and we decided against it. Mom would say the same." Felix agrees.
"Yeah." Wade adds.
"Still, I feel like this should be our moment." Ron says.
"It is our moment, we're just not stepping into the limelight." Wade explains.
"Okay, I'll respect you wishes." Ron says, then looks to Rufus who was standing on his shoulder. "You're going to be with me right buddy?"
Rufus nods and does a thumbs up. "Uh huh."
"Thanks." Ron says.
An hour later the ladies finally step out of Monique's room wearing an array of different dresses that all compliment Ron's suit, even Kim.
Ron took a moment to find his voice and spoke his thoughts. "You all look amazing."
With smiles the ladies nodded their agreement.
Thirty minutes later Ron, Ann, Monique, Bonnie, Shego, Yori, Tara, Amy, Kim and the twins stepped out of a limousine in the Cross Industries garage where a horde of reporters were present and bombarded them with photos and questions. Amy being the CEO was at the center of the questions.
"Miss Watson, who are these people with you?" A reporter asked Amy.
"Is one of them a founder?" Another asked.
"Or the inventor behind the Neuro Linker?" Asked yet another reporter.
"Those questions and more shall be answered in the press conference, now please follow us inside and we shall begin with today's proceedings." Amy expertly answered.
With no choice but still asking the others questions, the reporters followed the group inside noting that everyone seemed to circle the man in the center.
As they entered conference room Ron noticed that the reporters that had been outside where but a minority, as the room was packed with others.
Ron watched Amy go onto the stage and begin a simple introduction. "...and so I'd like to introduce a cofounder and one the minds behind the Neuro Linker, Ronald Dean Stoppable!"
Ron took his cue and with his ladies by his side joined Amy at the podium. As he walked Ron struggled to look ahead as camara flashes and questions bombarded him. When behind the microphone Ron raised his hand and the room went quiet.
"First off, I would like to thank you all for joining us today as we launch Conquest's gold exchange." Ron said. "Now I know many if you have questions and I would like to answer them to the best of my abilities. So let us begin with the lady in..."
And thus Ron began the Q . The reporters had a ton of questions and Ron patiently answered them. First they asked if he was responsible for the time dilation that existed in Conquest and Ron explained he was. Then they asked how it worked and Ron simply said 'Trade secret'. That was followed by someone asking if the people with him were part of the inventors and Ron said they weren't before introducing each one. When asked what was his relationship with them, including wanted in eleven countries Shego, Ron smiled with pride and declared 'We're dating'. That left the room in stunned silence for a while but soon the questions resumed.
Ron answered everything that was thrown at him before finally declaring an end to the two hour long press conference.
"That was exhausting." Ron said as he sat in the limousine back to his estate.
"You did great Ron." Amy beamed.
"Yeah Ron, you were absolutely amazing." Tara agreed.
Ron looked at them and felt grateful. Then he noticed Jim and Tim seemed to have nodded off and was going to suggest they lowered their voices but he noticed the light indicating they were diving into Conquest so refrained wondering how the game was.
"I think I'll try it." Ron mumbled.
"Try what, Ron?" Asked Yori who heard him.
"I'm going to make a Conquest account." Ron said.
"Great, I'll help you train once you do." Yori offered.
"Me too." Shego added. "It's like training in real life." She explained forgetting for a moment Ron was involved in it's creation.
Smiling Ron nodded before looking at his watch. Ron had three hours before his date with Ann.
Upon his return, Ron went to the livingroom and sat comfortably before manipulating the the screen and checking the status of the Conquest download. Confirming that it was done he gave the command.
"Burst Link." Ron said and his surroundings faded, replaced by a void while the game generated his avatar based on his physical appearance.
A few moments later and Ron's surroundings brightened to a summoning platform where he was now standing. Ron stepped off the platform and met a guard that led him to the village chief who instructed him to train by sharing a basic mana cultivation technique. The techniques available in Conquest were provided by Xu Ming Yue after Ron explained his interest in slowly integrating cultivation into everyday life. In other words they are both real and he can use his own instead of like others having to hunt for a better one.
Ron knew there were hidden experts in village that if you impressed them before practicing the given cultivation technique would guide you with better ones since Wade and Felix had told him so when he said he was going to join the game. Luckily it was unnecessary since he already knew one of the strongest. Then, Ron proceeded to spend four hours cultivating and becoming a heaven grade practitioner. Now you might wonder why it was so easy in comparison to reality and that's simple, Conquest facilitated the beginning steps for you as part of the game experience. Still, it would take a normal person a day to officially become a cultivator.
Afterwards Ron went back to the village chief and showed him that he learned to cultivate and was granted permission to enter the technique hall and chose a technique for himself. Now it must be noted that the techniques available in the village were all normal unless you impressed a hidden expert. Thus prompting Ron to decline since he had access to the best available. Then Ron followed the chain quest learning various survival techniques that were needed. Once that was done he had to challenge the instructor and only by beating him could he be granted permission to leave the village. The fight was easy as the instructor merely tested basic knowledge on martial arts, so Ron easily subdued him. Finally Ron made his way to the village entrance, asked a guard for directions to the nearest city and began his journey.
Ron's destination was the official world of Conquest since the beginning is the standard tutorial to players, teaching them to cultivate and a technique before they are to start traveling and learning self defense, survival and other skills. The village also serves as a safe haven from stronger players so it's only accessible till you make it to the first city, where you join the real world of Conquest.
On the way to the city Ron officially had his character learn the stealth technique since it's such an effective skill. Then he started bringing his Tai Shing Pek Qwar over as well. Just as he got the notification that he learned his martial arts he arrived at the city, Lorehold, officially completing the tutorial and his first gaming session.
Logging off Ron stood and announced. "I made it to Lorehold, so I'll wait there for you guys to join me."
"Less than one percent make it to Lorehold city as their starter city, you aced the tutorial." Zita says.
"When can I expect you guys to meet me?" Ron asked.
"Should be soon, we have to spend sometime traveling so for now train your proficiencies and cultivation." Shego says.
"Cool but for now I have plans." Ron says and looks at Ann. "Ready?"
"Yeah, whenever you are." Ann said.
"Then let's go, we have a reservation." Ron explains and extends his hand.
Taking his hand, Ann agrees and follows Ron out to the garage where they get in a Mercedes Benz and drive to the restaurant.
Tara was sighing to herself as laid on her bed. She had wanted to talk to Ron about her orphanage all day but he was simply too busy.
'I'll log in and check on the kids.' Tara decided. "Burst Link."
Tara's orphanage in Conquest was situated in one of the biggest cities, Arclight, that represents the demi-human capital. Why did she choose Arclight? Tara wasn't sure but she didn't ignore other locations. Tara had taught the kids properly and had asked them that if they ran across any orphans to guide them to her orphanage, so the kids who were now old enough to venture out by themselves were always returning with more kids. They also did what they could to help Tara run the orphange. Some helped provide funds and some of them stayed to help provide care.
Tara was proud of what she accomplished and she wanted to share it with Ron. As she walked around the orphanage some of the younger kids called out to her hoping to play.
"Okay, we'll play hide and seek." Tara agreed when there were around fifteen kids ranging from six to twelve. "So who's going to be it?"
"You!" The kids called out in excitement.
"Very well, now remember the rules." Tara said.
"No leaving the grounds of the orphanage." The kids yelled as they scattered.
Tara did her countdown and then began searching. She started outside the three story building that was the orphanage and managed to find four kids who she had tag along. In the first floor of the orphanage she found five, three in the kitchen and two in the lecture hall. Second floor was the girls dormitories and bathrooms where she found two girls one in the dormitories under her bed and the other in the bathroom inside a bathtub. The third floor much like the second was the boy's dormitory and bathrooms with the addition of her own room. In her room Tara found the youngest, a girl barely six hiding under the covers of Tara's bed and giggling as Tara 'searched' for her.
"There you are!" Tara said after finally pulling away the covers.
Giggling the girl raised her hands for a hug and Tara gladly complied. Then Tara found the last four in the boy's dormitory and bathroom.
"Okay now I'm going to get started on dinner, who wants to help?" Tara asked.
"Me!"
"Me too!"
"And me!"
Getting a bunch of positive replies Tara made her way to the Kitchen with the group and began making dinner. The kids were enthusiastic, helping wash vegetables and the older ones helping peel and cut some of them. Then, when everything was ready, Tara asked them to get everyone.
In total the orphanage had sixty kids and seven aides that were raised there. Then the original three aides that helped Tara operate the orphanage.
After eating and chatting Tara declared. "Time for bed everyone and don't forget to clean up."
"Yes!" The kids agreed as Tara moved to help with the dishes.
Once the kids were off to bed the aides joined Tara in the lecture hall to talk finances and share news about the current state of affairs. The finances for the most part were fine but some of the news going around was troubling as a couple villages had recently been pillaged with barely a survivor. Luckily there were a few. Tara gave instructions to shelter the kids and then excused herself so she could go train.
Tara was acutely aware of the need for self defense since the Little Diablo incident. A need that was highlighted in Conquest where the players were encouraged to compete and establish their own forces, leading to certain bloodshed. Thus she was striving to get stronger in Conquest to protect the orphanage.
At breakfast, Tara explained that she was going on a journey to meet up with someone and that she be away for a while but that she would come back as soon as she can. As expected the kids cried with some of the new ones thinking she was leaving them like their parents. Tara took the time to soothe them and promised to return. Once the crying stopped, Tara started making her way to Lorehold, to Ron.
Like Tara, Bonnie, Monique, Yori, Shego, Amy, Wade, the twins, Zita and Felix began their journey to Lorehold.
Bonnie for example was closest at the human empire capital, Lunas, where her business empire was established. She settled some affairs and then boarded a carriage that was escorted by her strongest guards and headed off.
Monique was at the elf kingdom city, Terria, where she had access to the finest fabrics and cloths. She alerted her friends that she was going on a journey and departed.
Yori for her part was in the mountains to the north, where she could train without revealing her secrets. After logging in she immediately departed in a straight line to Lorehold. On her journey Yori encountered monsters but swiftly dealt with them, still training her proficiencies.
Amy for her part was playing casually though she did train her cultivation and proficiencies. Since she began her Conquest experience, she was always traveling and visiting one place or another so it was simple to change her destination.
Shego was deep in hostile territory as she found it more rewarding to train hands on. She slew a liquid stage cultivator from a faction that was at war with the human empire and started on her way to Lorehold.
Wade put the quest he and the twins started on hold and led them to Lorehold.
Zita for her part had admin rights since she was the game's creator and had practiced a high level cultivation. She mostly spent her time training and making sure no error occurs with Bebe's help. A benefit to her cultivation at the solid stage was her greatly improved physique allowing her to cover incredible distances. Thus she was the first to make to Lorehold.
Felix surprised Zita when he arrived the day after and when she asked curious to how he did it, he explained that the movement technique saw a breakthrough to advance on his journey letting him nearly double his speed.
To Felix's and Zita's surprise the next to arrive was Kim whom they did not expect to come. Kim awkwardly greeted the two and then went to the side to cultivate.
It was well past 1am when Ron brought Ann back to the estate and she could say with a hundred percent certainty that it was the most fun she's had in years.
They ate an amazing dinner and then danced their hearts out. By the end of the night Ann's feet hurt but her heart was awash in happiness. She looked over at Ron driving into the garage and spoke. "Ron thank you, really you made me feel loved again. Attractive."
"Ann you are attractive. In fact you're one the most beautiful woman I've ever met. Now come, the night still young and there's one last dance I'd like you to join me in." Ron said.
Ann blushed but her heart raced in anticipation. 'Yes, I can get used to this!' Ann thought.