Bubba's Fic Idea Vault Story #2 Ch.1 Ghost of Middleton (Unedited) (Patreon)

Ghost of Middleton

By: Bubbajack

Co-Author/Editors: Icysnowsage, First Hassan

Obligatory Disclaimer: I don’t own copyrighted material in this work. Obviously or I wouldn’t be posting it on a fanfiction site.

Time is a fickle concept. Can it go backwards or Forwards? What happens when time and space intersect outside of the norm? What does it mean to traverse the river of time? After all, It requires more force but you can move up a river so can you flow backwards in time? - Musings of a Chronomancer.

(...)

“Ron,” Kim cheered, “Your plan worked.”

“Plan? Right, plan! I totally planned that!” Ron said playing it cool as the Tempus Simia shattered on the throne room of the Supreme One aka Shego.

“You fools!” The older Shego screeched. “Do you have any idea what you’ve done! You could’ve completely destroyed the timestream!”

“So worth it.” Kim replied as a crimson rift opened up in the ceiling above them and proceeded to draw Ron and herself into it.

“What’s going on?” Ron asked worriedly.

“It might be correcting the timestream,” The older more buff Wade told them as the equally buff Jim and Tim released Rufus from his own shackle to join them in returning to his own time period.

“Might?! What if it's not?” Ron called out.

“Then it's a black hole, and we’re all screwed!” Wade called out.

“Wade, a black hole would kill us!” Ron cried out trying to swim against the gravitational pull to no avail.

“Ron,” Kim said, offering her hand, “Do you trust me?”

Taking a breath, Ron calmed and took her hand, “Always KP,” he replied, “But on the off chance this does kill us, this has been one heck of a final mission.”

“Agreed.” Kim replied.

“Also…” Ron hesitated.

“Also?” Kim echoed, meeting his chocolate brown eyes.

“I love you Kim,” Ron said, swallowing his fear of ruining their longstanding friendship. “Have for a long time now.”

Kim was stunned into silence. “Ron… I…”

“It's fine KP, you don’t have to say it, I know you're like, totally outta my league. I just wanted to get it off my chest before I faced potential oblivion… going out with no regrets. Ya know?”

Kim hugged her BFF since Pe-K, “Ron, you dork! You wait till now to confess?! That is such a Ron move.”

The blonde chuckled, as he returned the embrace, “Yeah it is isn’t it?”

Pulling back Kim kissed him on the cheek, “Well provided we don’t die, we’ll try this whole dating thing, agreed?”

“Booya!” Ron agreed with a million gigawatt smile on his face. It was the last thing Kim saw before she was sucked into the portal.

(...)

Kim was plopped on the front lawn of Middleton High. She was a little confused why a time portal dropped here of all places. She wasn’t going to complain though. She turned to ask Ron when their first date would be but she didn’t see him anywhere.

“Ron?” No response, she called again, a little more frantically, “Ron?! Can you hear me?!”

Instead of Ron, Rufus skittered up her arm and onto her shoulder chittering worriedly into her ear. “I know Rufus I’m worried too,” Taking out her Kimmunicator, she called Wade.

“Yeah Kim, I just picked up some odd energy readings at your current location. Is everything okay?” Wade asked.

“Hey Wade, I just had the craziest stitch like ever,”

Seeing how serious the cheerleading heroine was being, Wade leaned forward in his computer chair and said, “Tell me all about it.”

She did, she told him everything as she made her way home and by the time she finished, she was beyond worried, “And now I can’t find Ron anywhere Wade and it seriously has me freaking out.”

“Hmm…” Wade said.

“Hmm what Wade… let me guess you don’t believe me?”

“It’s not that… it's just… How do I explain without freaking you out more?” The boy genius began slowly.

“Wade… what happened?” Kim asked worriedly.

“Promise not to freak out?” Wade told her.

Kim swallowed, “You saying that is making me want to freak out more Wade. What’s going on?”

The boy genius took a breath. “Okay, I was monitoring your pulse the whole time you were telling me this story. You weren’t lying about any of it.”

“Duh,”Kim replied,

“Yeah… Here's the thing… you’ve never met a Ron Stoppable.”

“What?” Kim deadpanned. “But… But I’ve known him since Pre-K! I have pictures! Memories!”

Wade nodded, “You do, me using the Kimmunicator to read your emotional state and heart rate right now confirms it.” He continued, “However Ron Stoppable isn’t your sidekick.”

“Then who is?”

“Monique,” Wade replied, “She has been your friend since Pre-K, she’s been your sidekick, and she even joined the cheerleading squad with you in middle school.”

“Mo did… that, this isn’t right…” Kim said shaking her head. “It's like, it's almost as if…”

“As if in this world, Ron Stoppable didn’t exist and something, someone had to fill the void? Yeah,” Wade nodded in agreement.

“Wade… you know I’m not crazy right? That I’m not making this up?” Kim suddenly asked if she needed to know he wasn’t patronizing her waiting for the people in a padded van to come pick her up.

He gave her an offended look, “Kim, Ron or no Ron, you’ve thwarted Drakken, who tried to take over Canada, Duff Killigan, golfer who shoots exploding golf balls, Shego, and that time with Dementor and that device that could create a blackhole the size of Nevada. If you say you time traveled I believe you.”

“What about Monkey Fist? Or I guess his actual name is Lord Monte Fisk? He was a villain Ron fought and thwarted. Does he exist?”

“Are you talking about DoomFist? He was an archeologist who supposedly went insane after finding something in a digsite and then he started biologically and cybernetically turning himself into a monkey based cyborg ninja.”

“Oh wow, that sounds a lot worse then the version I know.” Kim said. “How about Gill from Camp Wannaweep?”

“You must mean Cthon. He mutated into a fish person after swimming in polluted waters at a summer camp. It drove him insane and he began slowly converting everyone in his camp. He’s basically an insane cult leader who says he’s the next step in ‘human evolution’. He was also inspired by Lovecraft and searches for Lost relics of Father Dagon and Mother Hydra. He is pretty dangerous.”

“Okay I’m sensing a theme here. All of Ron's personal villains are a lot worse. What about Senior Senior Senior.

Wade went bug-eyed and rapidly shushed her, “Shh, you don’t just mention the Kingpin over an open channel like that kim! He might be listening!”

“Kingpin?”

“Yes, hang on…” Wade did some tapping on his keyboard and her screen turned green for a moment before Wade sighed in relief. “Okay I’ve quadruple encrypted the line, we should be safe. But yes, the Kingpin of crime. He was just a normal rich guy until his son OD’d on drugs then something changed in him. He started using his fortune to take over the criminal underworld all while looking into a means to bring back the dead. Some say he found something weird in Japan near Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, but that’s just rumors.”

“Okay seriously, you take Ron out of the picture and the world gets a whole lot more dangerous why?” Kim asked no one in particular.

“Maybe there was something special about him?” Wade proposed, “Something that, whether he knew it or not, kept evil in balance in check.”

“The Ron Factor,” Kim muttered to herself.

Wade raised an eyebrow, “The what?”

“Back in my… original world I guess you could call it, Global Justice had a study called the Ron Factor that proved Ron was the reason for my success. What if it was a thing, but not only that…”

“It prevented your usual villains from going full darkside?” Wade mused. “It could be, but this is just speculation at this point.”

“Well from where I’m standing Wade, it's hard to ignore,” Kim rebutted. “Like Monkey Fist is a genetically altered monkey cyborg ninja, Gill is a crazy cult leader, and Señor Senior Senior is the Kingpin of Crime. This is, as Ron would say, “Five-hundred miles of bad road.”

“Nice, I’ma steal that,” Wade replied, “And I agree, clearly Ron was a focal point in the world and without him, things got bad. Well I mean things could be even worse. Just asking what important things do you think Ron did besides that. I need to check what is different. Anything in particular you remember?”

“Well I always shop at Club Banana, is that a thing?”

“Oh yes it's quite popular. In fact you got Monique a part time job at their Middleton location after saving their founder.”

“Uh Bueno Nacho?”

“Famous fast food joint whose Owner is shrouded in mystery and surprised the world with its best selling Naco. No one ever did figure out how the owner came up with it. He was quoted saying it came to him in a vision?”

“Weird that was Ron’s idea in the original timeline.”

“Smarty Mart? Ron loved going there.”

“Smarty Mart was bought out in the 90’s by an up and coming weapons research company DOATEC. The Owner Fame Douglas has required your aid in passing but you turned down participating in their First Dead or Alive tournament stating you had cheerleading. DOATEC has even tried scouting me before. I actually met a friend through mutual ideas. She is nice enough.”

“Noo!” Rufus cried, hearing about Smarty Mart's demise.

Kim patted the mole rat on the head, “There there Rufus,”

“Did that mole rat just talk?”

“Wade… meet Rufus, Ron’s pet, he bought him at Smarty Mart cause his dad is allergic to like, all pet fur,” Kim introduced.

“Hey Rufus.”

“Sup?” Rufus said halfheartedly, still reeling from the loss of Smarty Mart. And Ron. Ron was a loss too!

“Till Ron shows up, you can stay with me Rufus,” Kim consoled the hairless mammal,” patting him on the head.

“Thanks,” Rufus said nuzzling into her hand, “Need comfort food, need cheese!”

Kim sighed, “I could use some Bueno Nacho myself. Call you later Wade?”

The boy genius nodded, “Sure Kim I’ll keep an eye out for more of those weird energy signals chances are if Ron shows up, that energy signal will herald his arrival.”

“You rock Wade, keep me posted.” Kim told her tech guy.

“Wade over and out.”

Kim’s mind was still reeling from all the revelations as she jogged her way to Ron’s favorite eaterie.

(...)

Secret Ninja School Yamanouchi, Japan, Further Location ERROR

Master Sensei’s meditation was interrupted by an audible thrumming coming from the Lotus Blade. Walking over to the ancient weapon, the provost master peered at it, wondering what could cause such a change in the ancient weapon. Moving his honed senses towards it, he felt it. ‘The Mystical Monkey Master is in Danger, he calls out for aid, and his weapon seeks him in response,’

In a flash of blue light, the Lotus Blade disappeared from its pedestal. Yori, his most beloved student whom, though he would not say it, he saw as his own daughter, soon approached, and asked, “Sensei, I saw a sudden flash, is everything well?” Quickly noticing the ancient weapon was missing she asked, “Master, where is the Lotus Blade?”

“It has gone to be at the side of its master,” Master Sensei replied, “It has been called,” He replied, “Stoppable-san is coming into his own, booya.”

That name triggered a half forgotten memory in the girl, “Stoppable-san? And his American-style jokes?” Yori seemed confused. “Sensei, why am I remembering someone I do not recall meeting before?”

“Because, time flows not like a river, but branches off at the slightest change. It is more akin to a tree, with many branches split off into numerous directions. Some even get pruned should they die off my child,” Sensei explained.

“And this world we live in one such branch sensei?” Yori questioned.

Sensei looked at the empty stand where the Lotus Blade once stood. “That remains to be seen, my student. Only time will tell if that will be the case.”

(...)

Ron woke up having no idea where he was. But just one glance around told him that wherever it was, it was at least a good thousand miles of bad road. He looked to be in the middle of medieval Japan… if Japan was set in a horror movie. The grass looked withered and dead, the water looked brackish and unclean, the very air smelt of smoke, sulfur, and death. The sky itself was hued in a bloody red, with tumultuous clouds making it seem like he was in an asian themed Castlevania game.

“Well, something tells me I’m not in the future anymore… not enough black and green jumpsuits,” Ron noted. He got up and began walking in the direction of what looked to be a village, hoping to figure out where he was and what was going on.

He walked not hurrying but not going slow either. He didn’t want to waste energy in case he had to run at some point. As he neared the village, he heard someone hammering away on something. “Hello?” Ron called, “Anybody home?”

The hammering abruptly stopped and an older boy with red hair and amber eyes stepped out of a hut. He had hakama pants on and a cloak over his bare torso. “Eh, how’d you get past my bounded field kiddo?”

“Bounded what now?” Ron asked. “Also, you speak English how?”

The older teen waved him off, “Don’t worry about that, just get in here before you get hurt it's dangerous out there,”

“Right, I kinda got that impression from this place looking like a horror movie,” Ron replied as he entered the hut. The smell of something good cooking hit Ron’s nose which promptly reminded him he hadn’t eaten since this whole time traveling fiasco started.

Hearing his belly rumbling, the older teen chuckled, “You hungry youngster?”

“I could eat, if you have any to spare?” Ron bowed, “Stoppable Ron, nice to meet you,”

“This old man is known as Muramasa Senji,” He replied, returning the bow. “Nice to meet you Lon,”

“It's Ron,” He corrected.

“That’s what I said isn’t it?” The young man asked.

Ron just sighed, he knew from watching anime that L’s and R’s were interchangeable in Japanese. “Yeah sure. So you said something about food?”

Muramasa nodded, “Yep, just waiting for the grandkids to get back.” Muramasa replied.

“Didn’t you just say it was dangerous out there? How old are they?” Ron inquired, nervous about their safety. His heroic instincts made him want to act instead of standing here.

“Oniu is about six or so I’d say, while Taisuke is an infant. Onui carries him with her everywhere,” Muramasa replied,

“And you let them go out alone?!” Ron said, jumping to his feet, “Why’d you let them go out alone?!”

“I’m just a blacksmith, I'm no warrior,” Muramasa replied easily.

Ron scoffed, “I’m no warrior either, but I’m no coward!” Ron called back as he ran out of the hut in search of the kids.

He didn’t even make it thirty feet out of the hut before two kids came rushing towards it, along with a female samurai in a very revealing blue and red kimono and a pretty little redhead with amber eyes in a white uniform that looked too modern to fit in with the times.

“Gramps!” The little girl called breathlessly, “We’re back!” Noticing Ron she asked, “Do you have company gramps?”

“I do,” He replied, poking his head out of the cloth door flap. “A very wise young man who could teach this old man a thing or two about courage,” Noting the two guests his grandkids had brought with them, he sighed, “I sure am popular today huh?” He held the door flap open saying, “Well? What’re you waiting for? Get in here, it isn’t safe outside at night… or during the day honestly.”

(...)

“You sure can pack it away Ron-san,” Ritsuka chuckled watching the blonde boy down his third bowl.

Musashi seemed to take it as a personal challenge and was trying to at least keep up with him but was  half a bowl behind him much to her annoyance as she glared at the foreigner.

“Sorry about that Ritsuka, it's been a couple of days since I had any grub, the Ronman was starving,” He replied as he patted his belly.

Humanity's last Master just giggled, “I get it believe me, so, how did you end up here?”

“Believe me or not, time travel,”

“Really?” Ritsuka was only mildly surprised.

“Word,” Ron said, nodding seriously before he noted, “You don’t seem all that surprised.”

Ritsuka looked away sheepishly, “You have no idea,”

“Lemme guess, this is old hat for you, and you're usually the damsel who gets saved by the badasses right?” Ron guessed.

Ritsuka’s head snapped to his mouth agape, “How did you?”

“Ron Stoppable, professional sidekick, buffoon, dude in distress, self-destruct button finder, and plan foiler, at your service,” He said, giving a mocking bow.

Sighing, Rtsiuka said, “You too huh?” ‘Finally someone knows my pain!’ she thought. ‘And he’s cute too, bonus points.’

“Oh yeah, we should unionize,” Ron joked.

“Agreed,” Ritsuka replied, “Do you know how long it's been since I’ve had a vacation?” She whined, “It's been over a year! All because a conglomerate of demons decided to possess the King of Magic! You’d know him better as King Solomon. So I’ve been running back and forth through time trying to fix this mess, just recently did it mind you, only to find some of those said demons are still around causing trouble!”

“Preaching to the choir here sister!” Ron replied, before putting a hand on his shoulder, “Do you need a hug Ritsu?” He asked, giving her a nickname on the spot.

“Please?” She asked timidly. Only for Ron to open his arms and for her to practically throw herself at him. The warmth she felt was comforting and strong. Like the world around her melted away and everything was going to be alright. Honestly Ritsuka had never felt this safe before in her life except once before. She wondered why Ron reminded her of Sanzang.

“There there, it’ll be okay,” he said as he patted her back. Even as tears stained his clothes Ron made sure she was okay. That is when he felt something approaching. Something that told every sense in his body to RUN. Ron crushed that feeling and looked out the window towards the road leading up to the house. He smelled blood, lots of blood, and if Ron had to guess. The culprit was about to show himself. He didn’t know why but Ron tightened his hug around Ritsu and turned so his back shielded her.

He then spoke calmly but with authority, “Muramasa, something is coming, something bad, Turning to the samurai he said, “Musashi-chan, stay here and watch the kids, I’m gonna check it out.”

Pulling away, Ritsuka said, “No, Ron-san! It's not safe!”

Yet he just smiled at her, like he knew everything was going to be alright, “Don’t worry Ritsu, I’m a professional sidekick remember? Foiling the baddies is old hat for me,” Turning back to the not so old blacksmith he asked, “You got a sword I could… borrow?”

Just as he finished that sentence, the Lotus Blade appeared before him in a flash of blue light. It seemed to thrum with power as if waiting to be picked up. Placing Ritsuka aside he said, “Nevermind, I’m good.”

“Stoppable-san,” Muramasa asked as he stared at the Lotus Blade in wonder, “What is that thing?”

Ron just chuckled, “An old friend of mine,” taking it in hand and propping it over his shoulder, he said “I’ll be right back,”

(...)

Ron casually wandered outside feeling unusually confident. ‘Is it because I have the Lotus Blade on hand?’

The sword seemed to pulse in his hand as if trying to reassure him. Ron focused on the bloodlust he could feel closing in on him. Whoever it was, they weren’t at all being subtle about their advance. Finally a person, if it could be called that, burst through the trees. He was covered in blood, from the shaft of the spear he was wielding to his clothes, he was just coated in it. “Dude, gross,” Ron said as he stared at the man, whose black eyes were crying tears of blood.

“Where is Musashi!? Bring her out so I can have a good fight!” The monk raved with bloodlust as he twirled his spear creating a whirlwind as it carved many paths in the ground.

“She’s in the little samurai’s room dude, can I take a message?” Ron rebutted, dodging a spear strike for his head.

“Fool! I’ll just turn you into mincemeat with my spear, and then tear this place into pieces to find her!” He roared at Ron as the spearman charged forward.

“I mean sure you can try and do that, yeah,” Ron agreed, as he took the Lotus blade off his shoulder and stared the mad monk down as he got ever closer. “But, if you think I’ll go down that easily, your sadly mistaken dude,”

But the mad monk just rushed him with greater fury, “Die you novice!”

Ron had never wielded a katana before; he'd only ever returned the Lotus Blade to Yamanoichi school for safekeeping, never learning how to use it in an actual fight… Yet, now, as he was rushed down by this unknown man, he felt an unknown calm fall over him, his heart beating in time with the Lotus Blade’s thrumming. He took a breath, and let it out his eyes half lidded as they began to glow a sapphire blue. The world took on a different hue and everything seemed to flow slowly as if it was stuck in molasses or nacho cheese.

He could see it then, the malignant aura that surrounded the man, he could both see and feel the ill intent in his actions. Ron could see the path he was going to make. His intentions were as clear as the morning sun. ‘He’s going for a thrust to my heart,’ Ron thought. So thinking he ducked backwards with his hands touching the ground and pushing himself up in reaction.

The spear thrust went directly over his head, and Ron rose back, stabbing his blade upwards as he did, up under the chin and slicing through his foe's face leaving him half a head as he took to his feet in one solid motion. Ron on reflex jumped back. With a fluid motion foreign to himself, he got the blood off his sword in a flowing motion that never left his guard open. He heard a thud as the body fell to the ground.

Yet as he turned around the corpse started cackling, and he turned around to see him rising to his feet, his wound healing rapidly with steam and viscera clearing to show unblemished skin.. “HAHAHA! I thought you were a novice, but I was mistaken! You are a master disguising yourself as a novice. You dodged my thrust and sliced my face off in one fluid motion! Your human… and yet you fight like…” He shook his head, “No matter, let's see just how skilled you are! I shall treat you as an opponent worthy of my God Spear!”

He came at him again, but Ron was still in that ‘state’ . He didn't know what to call it, it's like the rest of the world had stopped, or was at least moving in slow motion. He had an eternity to watch his opponent and decide what to do. ‘What is this?’ Ron wondered as he deflected half a dozen thrusts with a flick of the Lotus Blade paying no mind to the gouges in the earth it kicked up, nor the shock it sent down his arm from the force of the blow. ‘I shouldn’t be able to fight this guy, he should be tearing me apart but…’ Ron casually flicked the speartip aside then stomped down on it. The slam and redirection of force made the mad lancer pause. That moment was all Ron needed and then he proceeded to stab the warrior in the heart this time before stepping back as blood gushed out of the wound. the Demon in human skin only smirked as he coughed up some blood. “Still not enough?” He asked as he saw the man heal from the wounds inflicted upon him again. Once the steam cleared all that was left was a broad muscled chest with no scars from the lethal strike.

“I’m afraid not, you’d have to destroy both of my spiritual cores simultaneously if you wish to kill me. Heart, and Brain, anything less and I will just heal. I would say you have to sever karma but that blade of yours seems to cut me on a conceptual level,” He tapped his head and heart with his free hand before charging in again, his technique was impeccable, something truly to be admired, no matter the strike Ron could not feel comfortable in what to expect next, yet with every third breath Ron took, he felt energy fill him and he just kept fighting. His muscles contracted, his body tensed, and the lotus blade flowed with an elegance lost to the modern world.  “Can I at least know your name? A duel to the death requires me to know my opponent. Mine is Ron Stoppable,” questioned Ron as there was a small pause in combat. Both sides smiled not in malice but understanding. Ron could tell the malice infecting the spearman was not his own but still he fought with the grace of a Saint.

“Houzin Isshun,” He replied with a manic grin on his face, “Nice to meet you, Saru. Now behold my Spear that PIERCED THE HEAVENS! Oboro Urazuki Juuichi Shiki!”

‘Saru?’ Ron thought. He watched as Isshun’s form began to lose all imperfections and started to flow from one strike to the next with no loss of momentum, accuracy, or deadliness as he reflected the spear by stepping to the side, and catching it under his arm. He proceeded to roll down the shaft of the spear, one arm over the other, his back braced on the spear with every motion he made. It was difficult and required muscles Ron never knew he had but he dodged, weaved, and danced with his partner of death until he closed the distance between the two. When he finally made it to the end, he met Isshun with a punch to the chest which sent him flying backwards down the road. Now bereft of his weapon, Ron ran after him. Hoping to have the advantage now that Isshun was bereft of his spear. Sadly Ron was mistaken about Isshun. His hand to hand skill was almost on par with his spearmanship however as Isshun’s arm shot out like a spear aimed at his eye, Ron jerked his head to the side, avoiding the strike as it scratched his face, before delivering a double blow to his chest with both of his fists, sending the man reeling back again, only to backflip kick him in the chin knocking him further off balance. Falling on his back, Isshin could only stare as Ron delivered the coup de grace. Ron leaped up into the air, and came back down on his chest feet first crushing his ribcage shattering it like glass, his fists following. This destroyed  his heart which tried to regenerate only for Ron to jump in the air, transform the Lotus blade into a spear not dissimilar to his own, and impale the man in the head as he crushed his newly regenerated heart at the same time.

“Heh, you did good… you… golden monkey,” He said as he faded away with a true smile on his face. The tears of blood were replaced with ones of happiness. The darkened red moon disappeared and the world turned back to normal with a gentle breeze flowing in the wind. Ron gave a small prayer for Isshun. He felt the warrior deserved that respect if nothing else.

The mysterious state faded away, and Ron collapsed gasping for breath, sweating buckets as he tried to get air into his heaving lungs, he also had one hell of a headache as if his skull was in a vice.

From the sidelines, Ritsuka asked, “What… what was that?”

“I don’t know for sure, but it almost looked like Isshun was fighting…” Musashi shook her head, “No, it couldn’t be.”

“What?” Ritsuka asked as she hurriedly made her way towards Ron.

“It was almost like Isshun was dueling the Great Fighting Buddha,” Musashi replied cryptically.

She didn't have time to ask, as he was now in earshot and in dire, need of help. Yet she couldn’t help but quip as she hefted one of his arms on her shoulder, “Just a sidekick huh?”

“Every dog has his day, Ritsu, booya…” Ron replied tiredly. “Is there any food left over? I’m starving.”

Humanity’s last master just rolled her eyes at his antics, “Boy’s”

(...)

Beep-Beep-beep-beep-be-Boop

“What’s the sitch Wade?” Kim said when she answered her Kimunicator.

“Kim, we just got a hit on the site,” Wade began, as he clicked on his keys, “Dr. Drakken and Shego are trying to take over Canada… again,”

“Isn’t this like the third time?” Kim complained. “What is the deal with Drakken’s obsession with Canada?”

Wade shrugged. “I honestly have no clue, I’ll call up a ride and notify Monique… are you going to be okay working with her Kim?”

“It’s no big Wade, I’ve done it since Pre-K right? So there should be no prob,” Kim said, more confident than she felt.

“If you're sure, I’ll get a ride set up,” The boy genius replied before he cut the connection on his end and left her to change into her mission gear.

Sometime later on in Canada…

Kim found herself and Monique riding horses while being guided to their destination by a couple of Canadian Mounties. “Thanks again for seeing us to the location Mr. Maple,”

“No problem eh, it's my pleasure since you were so kind as to stop those thieves from stealing that shipment of maple syrup eh. Now from what we heard, the lair or what have you is up there, eh?” He pointed to the mountain top where some light could be seen coming from a cave mouth.

“No big, and thanks again,” Kim said as she fired her grappling hook hairdryer with Monique mimicking her as they propelled themselves up the rockface.

“Girl, everything alright,” Monique said as she easily kept apace with her, “You’ve been quiet,”

“Yeah Mo, it's nothing… Just got… a lot on my mind at the moment.” Kim said as she climbed the last few feet to the cave mouth.

“You wanna talk about it girl?” Monique asked, as she came up right behind her.

Kim shook her head, “Not right now, stopping Drakken comes first, and it's so out there, I doubt you’d believe me anyway Mon.”

The other girl placed her hands on her hips and said, “Now this I gotta hear girl. After, we beat the mad scientist black to go along with his blue of course. C’mon let’s do this,” She said as she made her way into the cave, crouching low to both stay quiet and to avoid hitting her head on low hanging stalagmites.

They followed the light to a shaft coming from a ventilation system which Kim cut into using her laser lipstick and then they were crawling in the vents which for some reason, were always not only immaculately clean but also big enough for a person to crawl through in the first place.

“Lotta guards KP,” Monique noted. She counted at least a dozen patrolling the halls they just crawled past.

“Yeah, what’s Drakken up to?” Kim muttered.

“I dunno girl, but with these many bodies, it can’t be good,” Monique said. “Should we call GJ and let them handle it?”

Kim paused and thought about it before shaking her head, “No, not yet. Let’s find out what the good Doctor is up to first.”

“Your call KP,” Monique agreed. “Though Drakken being a Doc is debatable and good? Never.” The two continued to move through the vents until they found the man himself and Shego who was to Kim at least, looking a little skittish.

“Doctor D, I want to go on record for like, the twentieth time saying this is not a good idea,” the green-skinned villainess told her boss.

“Noted Shego,” The blue-skinned scientist replied coolly as a test subject was strapped into a machine that looked like a tri-pronged laser that had a large glowing golden rock for a power source. “Now if you would be so kind as to throw the switch, we can proceed with the experiment.”

Grimacing the villainess threw on a pair of dark shades, which she also handed to her boss, before hitting the button.

The diodes around the machine lit up and the barrels of the lasers heated up a moment before they finally fired, a blinding ray of golden light. When it cleared, the Hencho mook that was strapped to the table was now an eight foot tall red skinned monster with glowing golden horns jutting out of its head. The stun staff it usually carried was now also covered in the strange crystal growths at both ends, and its eyes glowed like smoldering coals.

With a bestial roar, it ripped the straps off its body and charged into the remaining mooks, who were doing their best to subdue it with their own stunsticks, even as they were thrown around like ragdolls with every swing of its new glaive-like weapon.

“Wade, are you seeing this?” Kim hissed into her Kimmunicator.

“I am, but even I’m having trouble believing it,” The genius preteen replied.

“You're forwarding this video to GJ right? Even I’m not sure if I can… wait, Drakken is talking again.”

“Success!” The blue-skinned man crowed, as he raised his infantile hands up above his head, “We have succeeded Shego! The Kingpin will be pleased with our success in our part of The Plan.”

The villainess just shook her head. “Dr. D, I think I’d like to formally hand in my resignation,” Shego looked sickened as she watched the mooks finally stun that thing into submission. “This is… messed up and not what I signed on for.”

Drakken stopped smiling and turned to her with his hands clasped behind his back. “Are you serious Shego? After all we’ve been through, you want to leave now, after we’ve started down such a… lucrative venture together?”

“I know what it's like to be considered a freak Dr. D, I can’t just sit back and watch that happen to who knows how many other people, so if you wanna keep working with the Kingpin, you’ll have to do it without me, sorry Doc.” Shego sounded genuinely remorseful, but also firm in her decision.

Drakken too seemed regretful as he bowed his head for a moment, “I see, it is a shame we had to part ways like this,” When he raised his head, his eyes were flintly, “Guards, restrain Shego.”

“Doc,” Shego said as she lit her hands up with plasma, “What’re you doing?” She asked with a warning in her tone.

“I am sorry Shego,” Drakken began, “But you know too much, the Kingpin’s directive’s were clear. Anyone who tries to leave after The Plan begins is to be… disposed of. I am so sorry, my friend. But if I don’t do this he will not only kill you, but my mother, brother, and myself once he learns I let you go. I don’t have much of a choice. Please understand.”

Shego grimaced, “You sure you wanna do this Doc?”

“I don’t,” Drakken confirmed solemnly, “But the Kingpin has made it quite clear over the years the price of failure. It is not a price I am willing to pay Shego.”

“Do you actually think even with an army of Hench Co mooks you can take me?” The former heroine asked even as they closed in with their stunsticks.

“Wade?” Kim urged.

“GJ sent a response, about fifteen minutes out via VTOL.” Wade replied,

“Too long! We’re going in!” Kim replied,

“We are?” Monique asked as Kim kicked the vent cover off and jumped down to the verdant-skinned villainess defense. “Okay guess we’re doin this! Calvary ho!”

“Well, this is awkward,” Shego said as she stood back to back with Kim against a small army of mooks.

“Tell me about it,” The teen heroine replied, “Usually we trade a few barbs, fight each, and you escape. But today…”

“Today, I owe you one Kimmie,” Shego said begrudgingly.

“Less talking, more butt kicking ladies!” Monique yelled as she did a spin kick and nailed a mook in the face. Before she picked up his dropped stunstick and used it to pole vault over the mob to their side.

“Sidekick has a point,” Shego said as she lashed out with her plasma coated hands, slashing through several stun sticks as she did so, melting their tips off.

“Partner, thanks.” Monique replied without looking, as she punched another mook in the nose, before tripping another up with a low kick.

Kim meanwhile was using her mantis kung fu to its fullest, pushing blows to the side and countering with hard strikes to vital points to the head, chin, and chest.

“Kim Possible… and friend.”

“Dude, it's Monique! Mo-Nique. It’s not that hard to remember you, walking blueberry!” The african american fashionista complained.

“Hey, hurtful!” Drakken complained, “You don’t see me calling you… you know. That one word you're not allowed to say if you aren’t of darker complexion.”

Monique punched a minion in the jaw so hard he slammed into the wall, before she nodded, “You know what, you're right. That was outta line and I apologize.”

Drakken nodded, “Apology accepted. Now men, stop getting pummelled and get them! First man to bring me them in chains gets a bonus paycheck.”

“We need to leave,” Shego said as the mooks surged forward with renewed vigor. Apparently extra money was a great motivator at Hench Co.

“We just… need to… hold out… a couple more… minutes,” Kim said between punches only to hiss as she took a prod to the back.

Monique kicked the mook in question in the back of the head and helped her downed friend. “You okay KP?”

“I’ll live despite having two million volts sent right into my kidney,” Kim huffed as she wiped some sweat from her brow.

“We’re getting overrun here ladies!” Shego called as the Hench Co troops had finally wised up and started prodding at them with their staffs at a distance, pulling back whenever Shego tried swiping at them.

“Wade, time?” Kim asked frantically.“T-minus thirty seconds!” The genius replied.

“That sounds like my cue to leave,” Drakken said to himself as he hit a button on the wall and had the successful test subject loaded onto a transport. Removing the crystal from the device he boarded his takeoff craft. “Farewell Shego, Kim Possible, and Monique I believe it was?”

“He remembered my name!” Monique said.

“A word of warning Kimberly… stay out of getting any further involved in this. I’m giving you this warning as John and Ann’s daughter,” Drakken said in an usually serious tone, “Stay away, I may not like you, but that doesn’t mean I want Ann or John to have to bury their only daughter.”

Drakken's escape ship then took off, and Kim felt a chill run down her spine. Seconds later an explosion went off and Global Justice agents flooded the lair. “Everyone get on the ground now!” the familiar voice of Agent Will Du called.

“Will, a little help?” Kim called. As she held a mook off her who was still trying to nail her with a stunstaff.

In response, the Agent hit a button on his watch and shot out a dart which electrified the man, dropping him to the floor. “Miss Possible, your hacker really needs to stop treating our servers like his personal playground. The Director told me to tell you that… though she was smiling when she said it, so it might’ve been a joke on her part.”

“Thanks for the save Will in this instance, you rock.”

“I do indeed rock,” Will agreed. Before he looked at Shego and said, “She Go, I should arrest you on multiple counts of breaking and entering, theft, assault, destruction of private property, littering, and jaywalking,”

“Jaywalking Shego, how could you?” Kim said as she tried no to chuckle.

“Bite me, princess” Shego snapped before she held out her hands, “Do what you need to Judge Dread, I know when I’m beat.”

“I am the law,” Du agreed, “But even I answer to someone, and the Director wants to speak to you… all three of you,” He motioned to the VTOL, if you would?”

“Du, you know Dread?” Monique questioned as she headed for the VTOL.

“Not just Dread,” the usually straightlaced agent replied, “Do you expect me to talk, Miss Jackson?”

“No way?!” Monique replied half squealing. “No, I expect you to die, Mr. Du.”

“Not likely,” the Agent replied as he led the way onto the VTOL and set the autopilot for the closest GJ base.

(...)

Ron awoke early with the sun streaming down his face. He looked around the humble abode he slept last night and grew queasy as what he did hit home. He killed a man. He killed a man who was no longer human. He compared the bloodshot eyes of the demon he fought to the eyes of a man who lost so much as he faded and died. Ron didn’t know who or what cursed Isshun but he would make sure they paid. That is the only honor he could pay to the man. He had to look away when he saw Musashi sleeping near him. She seemed to have slipped a nipple out of her kimono while she was sleeping. He turned to Ritsuka and saw her passed out while cuddling Onui and Tasuke. Ron being the regular caring self pulled the blanket up to cover all three of them. They all snuggled closer together.

Ron got up and walked outside. He looked down the road that led up to the house and small stacks of smoke. He thought back to all the blood that covered Isshun and realized that blood was probably from the village.

“I am telling you right now. All you are going to find down there is hell boy. I can tell you are still green where it counts. You have the might of the warrior but your spirit is still weak,” spoke old man Muramasa.

Ron was surprised to see him up so early but saw the smoke stack from the house and realized he was forging.

“Well I guess I am a fool then. I will be back. Tell the others I went to get firewood or water from the well,” spoke Ron as he walked down the road.

“Just be careful boy. You have to tend the blade carefully. Add too much heat and it will shatter. Too much cold and it will break. Be careful boy,” spoke Muramasa as Ron considered his words.

(...)

Death

That was all Ron could see. Death and corpses strewn everywhere. Men, Women, and children. None were spared the slaughter from who he guessed was Isshun. Though some of these wounds looked more like a beast or monster. He saw ripped, shredded, stabbed, and chopped up bodies. Ron admits. He vomited after seeing all the bodies. He supposed his life was kind of cushy. Villains who used stun batons, world domination through non-lethal means, enemies who were quite cordial. Ron now realized that he and Kim were just big frogs in a tiny pond within a much much crueler world.

Ron looked around for a shovel. He found one near a house and began the process of digging graves. These bodies didn’t deserve to rot, and while Ron wasn’t too religious he knew that the dead deserve respect for they have already paid the ultimate price.

“Exalted and hallowed be His great Name.

In the world which He will create anew, where He will revive the dead, construct His temple, deliver life, and rebuild the city of Jerusalem, and uproot foreign idol worship from His land, and restore the holy service of Heaven to its place, along with His radiance, splendor and Shechinah, and may He bring forth His redemption and hasten the coming of His Moshiach.

In your lifetime and in your days and in the lifetime of the entire House of Israel, sword, famine and death shall cease from us and from the entire Jewish nation, speedily and soon, and say, Amen.

May His great Name be blessed forever and to all eternity. Blessed and praised, glorified, exalted and extolled, honored, adored and lauded be the Name of the Holy One, blessed be He.

Beyond all the blessings, hymns, praises and consolations that are uttered in the world; and say, Amen.

May there be abundant peace from heaven, and a good life for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen.

He Who makes peace in His heavens, may He make peace for us and for all Israel; and say, Amen!” was the Mourner’s Kaddish Ron recited in Hebrew many times as he began the process of digging graves and burying the dead.

He started to cry when he buried a child, or a parent shielding their child with their bodies. It was a sad affair but someone must do it.

Ron felt something in his very soul speaking to him. Remember their deaths, forgive the sinner, but never forget the sin committed.

By the time the Sun was high in the sky Ron was covered from sweat and his clothes were heavy from it. He got through an eight of the village when a hand grabbed his shoulder. He turned and saw Musashi with a solemn look on her face.

“Ron-san, how long have you been out here doing this?”

“I don’t really know. The sun was just rising when I left Muramasa’s hut. Why, what made you come look for me? Charmed by my good looks?”

A slight blush colored Musashi’s cheeks, “While you aren’t conventionally handsome. No that is not why. Ritsuka was worried something or someone might target you after yesterday. So she asked me to come check on you. Even old man Muramasa lent me one of his problematic children to help,” she patted the new katana on her waist to show the sword in question.

Ron nodded along, “ It suits you well. A rambunctious child needs a wild teacher after all. Now I am probably going to be busy the rest of the day so if you want to go back and rest at Muramasa’s place you can. I…. I have to do this. Someone needs to bury these people.”

“Got a spare shovel?”

“You don’t …” Ron began only to be interrupted.

“ I want to Ron-san. Now, where is a spare shovel?” The samurai girl asked with determination and unshed tears in her eyes.

“Probably near the back of any of these still intact homes.”

“Good now keep going and continue that singing. It is oddly peaceful to me.”

Ron continued to say the Mourner’s Kaddish until the sun started to set. Musashi even joined in saying her own prayer. It took time and effort but they eventually got the whole village buried. Ron was so tired by the end, he had to lean on Musashi to make it back to the hut.

They were met as they came up the road by a worried Ritsuka who came sprinting up to them. “Ron you were missing when I woke up, are you okay?”

“I’m fine, just tired.” The blonde sidekick said breathlessly.

“You're drenched in sweat, just what were you doing all day?” Chaldea’s master inquired as she wrinkled her nose from the ripe smell the two were giving off.

“Burying bodies,” Musashi replied. Seeing her friend’s surprised look she elaborated, “Ron-san made his way into the village and had buried half a dozen people by the time I found him. I assisted him in burying the rest.”

“Oh Ron,” Ritsuka said, covering her mouth with both hands. “You didn’t need to do that.”

“I did,” He refuted, “I couldn’t just leave them there,” He ran a gloved hand down his sweat-covered face. “I could really use a bath right about now.”

“Then you're in luck,” Muramasa told him, having come from around the house, “I just finished preparing one for you.”

“Thank God,” Ron sighed in relief.

“The gods are gracious indeed,” Muramasa agreed, “And often reward service for good fortune. Leave your clothes in the house and Onui will wash them in the river.” As Ron made his way towards the house, Muramasa asked, “Did you find hell young man?”

“Yes sir… but even so, I couldn’t just walk away,” Ron replied, pausing for a moment to answer before continuing on into the house.

Muramasa found himself smiling at the response. “What an interesting young man. This old man thinks he’ll make a fine warrior if he stays the path,” He then looked at the swordswoman and her charge and said, “Well, what’re you two waiting on? You two have been here awhile and haven’t bathed either, so get a move on.”

Both girls flushed a bit at the idea of sharing a bath with the odd but likable foreigner. Musashi moved first. “Right, I could certainly use a soak after all the work today. I’ll be going first, Ristuka.”

“Umm… r-right.” The redheaded girl replied, swallowing nervously.

“Oi girlie,” Muramasa said after the samurai had gone inside, “You really okay with your friend getting ahead of you like that,” Seeing her looking at him clueless he scoffed, “Don’t play dumb with me girl, I may never have married, but I can tell the signs as clear as I can tell the temperature of steel just by looking at it. You like the boy, yes?”

I…Um…maybe?” Ritsuka muttered, while nudging her toed boot in the dirt.

“Well then are you just gonna stand there or get in there?” The swordsmith said, thumbing behind him, “I may be old, but even I know this and that can happen in the bath.

“T-this and that?!” Ritsuka said her face turning almost as red as her hair as her mind raced with all manner of thoughts at what ‘this and that’ could be in a bath setting. “E-Excuse me Muramasa-san!” She said as she raced past him and into the house.

“Hehehe, kids. They sure do make things more interesting when they’re around this age. I feel like this body has gone through something similar. Poor bastard hehehehe. Ow! What was that for?” He asked his adopted granddaughter who just kicked him in the shin.

“For messing with two maidens' pure hearts you pervy old man…and giving me more clothes to wash. I hope my future husband isn’t as stingy as you grandpa,” spoke little Onui as she walked off to wash the clothes. Tasuke gave as stern an expression as a baby could at Muramasa. It was quite cute.

The old man sighed, figuring it was not only best to leave those three alone for now, but he also needed to get back into Onui’s good graces, so he called, “Wait, up! I’ll help with the clothes.”

“Too right you will, then you’ll help me cook dinner!” She called back.

‘This child,’ the swordsmith thought ruefully with a smile on his face, ‘I can’t win either way.’

(...)

The onsen, if Ron could call it that, was a gigantic cast iron pot easily big enough for five people with a fire lit under it, and a small ladder leading to its lip. Ron eased his way into the boiling water he sighed as he felt the knots in his back from the days shoveling begin to loosen. ‘This is what I needed, booya!’ The blonde sidekick thought to himself as he sunk into the depths up to his chin, his towel hanging over the side.

“How’s the water?” A familiar voice called.

“Heavenly,” Ron replied drowsily.

“Great, I’m coming in.” it replied

“Okay…” His eyes snapped open “Wait, what?” He stared at the ladder and saw Musashi clad only in the towel she was holding in front of herself quickly ascending it. He turned away just as fast.

He didn’t hear her get in, but he did hear her call out curiously, “You can fight a man to the death but not look at a woman naked? Just where do you come from Ron Stoppable?”

“My culture has nudity taboos. It is considered disrespectful to peer upon a maiden’s form if she is not your wife. I might not agree with everything but I haven’t even started courting yet. Hell I just started trying to court my best friend before a time portal sucked me up,” bemoaned Ron.

Musashi was too busy looking at Ron’s form to pay too much attention. His clothes actually covered up a lot. His body while not buff was well muscled and lean like a swordsman or dare she say it a monkey. His chest had not six pack but flab was little to none. His arms seemed to be flexible and strong like a young tree that bends instead of breaks. His legs from what she could tell from above water were spry and strong like steel. She supposed he practiced the art of retreating more than she did to get legs like that. Musashi wondered what his “peaceful” world was like to give a man who shed no blood the body of a warrior?

“Well I was raised by a pops who wanted a son so nudity taboos were kind of thrown out the window,” remarked Musashi.

“Huh I get that. My mom wanted a girl. She kind of went overboard in treating me like a daughter. Sometimes I wonder if my parents are disappointed in me?” bemused Ron as he felt the heat soothe his muscles. It felt oddly soothing even though this heat should be stifling.

“Oh my,” Musashi giggled. “What did she do, sign you up for traditional dance?”

“No, worse, ballet.” Ron sighed, “It took me nearly a whole year, and Kim pointed out it was for girls to get me to quit. But it did make me lighter on my feet. Then there was the cooking… I do like cooking though.”

Hearing her slip into the water Musashi said, “A man who knows how to dance, cook and fight? Can you write haiku too? If so, you’d be the perfect samurai.”

“Female samurai

Named Musashi Miyamoto.

Tengan's own flower.”

Musashi found herself flushing once again. Not only did he come up with a perfect haiku on the spot, but he made it about her to boot. “Okay, you're good.”

“Thanks, it's the one type of poetry I’m not half bad at.” Ron replied.

“Room for one more?” Ritsuka called.

“The more the merrier,” musashi replied for them both.

‘Curse my luck!’ Ron thought. ‘This is almost as bad as sharing a cabin with Bobo…’ He then felt a certain part of his anatomy rise, ‘Oh boner, not now!’

Hearing the redhead ascend the ladder, she paused and asked, “Why is Ron-san not looking at us?”

“Cultural differences.” Ron replied.

Musashi was quick to explain, “For Ron, it's considered rude to look at a naked woman who isn’t his wife apparently.”

“Oh right, I forgot most people in the west suffer from gymophobia, the fear of nudity.” She explained to the samurai.

“Oh my, now this sounds serious. Ritsuka-chan, what's the best method of treatment?” Musashi asked with a smirk on her face.

“Exposure.” Ritsuka replied, smiling back.

“H-Hey now hang on a minute.” Ron called. To no avail as the two women swarmed him, flipped him around and then pressed themselves onto either side of him, chests first.

“T-This isn’t right.” Ron said shakily.

Ritsuka just laid her head on his shoulder. “Isn’t it? I think this is rather nice,” She glanced over at Musashi on his other side, “Wouldn’t you agree, Musashi-chan?”

“Mmhm, besides how're you going to get clean looking away the whole time like that?” She questioned as she proceeded to rub his chest with one hand.

“Yeah, I guess we’ll need to help you,” Ritsuka replied as she mimicked the samurai’s motions.

“I…I’m good ladies, thanks.”

Pausing in her ministrations for a moment, Ritsuka pulled her head off his shoulder and looked him in the eye as she asked, “Ron, do you dislike us? Are we not your type?”

Ron was quick to refute that, “No, no! That’s not it, you're both baddically gorgeous… especially with your hair down.”

“So you do think we’re cute,” Ritsuka said, sounding relieved, before she questioned, “Baddical?”

“It's a personal phrase of mine. It's a good thing, trust me,” The sidekick assured her.

Ritsuka hummed as if pleased, before resting her head back on his shoulder, her hand absentmindedly running up and down his chest, “You know,” She began, “if the only problem is the fact that we aren’t married, I’m sure something could be arranged.”

“You're moving a bit fast, don't you think Ritsu-chan?” Ron quipped, deciding to swallow his anxiety and break the tension with a joke.

Ritsuka bowed her head, “You're right, sorry. I’ve just… been nearly alone, the only normal human surrounded by what basically amounts to godlike beings for so long that, to find another normal person it… feels like a relief. I apologize for coming on too strong.”

Ron patted her head, dampening her crimson tresses, “It’s fine I… I get it, my best friend Kim regularly saves the world on the daily, and I’m just the sidekick.”

“But Ron-san, didn't you say you're the one who finds the self-destruct button and foils the villains' plans? So aren’t you the one who stops the villains of your world while your friend is taking all the credit for it?”

“No, I’m just there to destroy everything, KP is the one who's there for the heroics. I’m honestly fine being in the background. Fame has always gone to my head.”

“That’s no good Ron,” Musashi piped up sounding offended on his behalf, “You should take pride in your achievements. You deserve as much honor and glory as she does.”

“Easy Sahi-chan, easy,” Ron said, calming her down, “It's no big.”

“Yes it is, you who saves the day, you actually take the steps in stopping the villain while she is the one acting as the distraction yet she is getting all the recognition and you get none! It is not at all fair!”

“Musashi, is this about me, or is this about you and your dad wanting a boy?” Ron asked.

“Yes,” She replied with a bit of venom in her tone, “Both are equally unfair and just as outside of our control.” She sniffled a bit, “It's not my fault I wasn’t born with a sword between my legs, just as it wasn’t your fault you were. Neither of our parents got what they wanted and we both ended up paying for it. My father cast me out, while your mother utterly emasculated you along with that so-called ‘friend’ of yours.”

Ron hissed and held his side as if he’d been wounded, “Ouch, my pride, gee,  thanks Musashi,” Before he added, “Also, KP isn’t as bad as you're making her out to be, seriously. My mom well she did send me to a summer camp that scarred me for life and had a lake full of toxic waste… I still am uncomfortable around monkeys  and apes.”

Musashi could only laugh at the irony before her. She guessed she got off easy. She ran away from home and built up her name. It seems Ron was broken in such a way that fame, fortune, and praise are foreign to him on a fundamental level.

Ritsuka then sighed and said, “Enough of all this serious talk! We should finish bathing before we prune,” Reaching down, she picked up a wooden bucket and pulled out a bar of soap. Handing it to Ron, she said, “Ron wash my hair. Musashi, while he’s doing that you wash him, then we’ll switch.”

“Are um, you sure you want me to do that?” Ron questioned, “You might get split ends if I just use soap.”

Ritsuka just scoffed, “Ron, I’ve been shot at with bows, guns, spears, and a laser beam from space meant to incinerate the face of the planet! Split ends are the least of my worries. Now, if you would?”

“As the lady commands,” Ron said as he lathered up his hands and proceeded to run them through Ritsuka’s hair and scalp. Much to his surprise, the girl in front of him sighed in contentment and leaned into him.

“You're good at this, have you had practice?” She murmured.

“Umm, well before KP and I were teens we kinda took baths together and she let me wash her hair so… kinda? Haven’t done it for years though.” Ron admitted.

Ritsuka giggled, “Well, you sure haven’t lost your touch.” She complimented.

“Thanks, here comes the water,” He said, giving her a second to hold her breath before he dumped the bucket over her head.

“Ahh, that felt great!” She glanced back at Musashi who was rubbing the soap into Ron's hair. “Everything alright back there?” She asked.

“His hair is so rough and coarse, it's like a monkey’s pelt,” musashi complained, “What are you using on your hair Ron?”

“Umm, shampoo from a store called Smarty Mart? Cause it's cheap?” He replied.

Ritsuka shook her head, “That’s no good Ron, you could go bald young if you keep treating your hair badly you know?”

The teen gulped, “That’s no bueno.”

Ritsuka nodded, “That’s right, wait here,” She shivered as she got out of the makeshift onsen and rushed into the house. She came back out carrying the tea set.

“Is now the time for tea?” Ron asked.

Ritsuka shook her head as she got back into the bath, “We’re not gonna drink it, we’re gonna pour it on your head.” Ritsuka replied, “I’ve heard tea tree oil is good for hair, this isn’t exactly the same thing but it should still help a little bit.”

“Okay?” Ron didn’t know much about homeopathic remedies but he’d try anything over going bald. That was not a good look and Vin Diesel he was not.

Musashi poured the cold tea over his head and scrubbed it in, “He’s softening up a tad, so I guess you were right, Ritsuka-chan.”

The redhead nodded seriously. She considered one of Ron's charm points on top of his courageous personality, innate kindness, and good humor, his blonde hair; she didn’t want that to start disappearing. ‘Goodness listen to yourself Ritsuka, you sound like a doting wife… but that’s fine, right?’

She was brought out of her thoughts by Musashi calling, “Okay my turn!”

“Musashi, you left Ron's head covered in soap!” Ritsuka complained as she filled the bucket to rinse him off.

The bubbly samurai just laughed, as the blonde fumbled around blindly, “I figured I’d leave the job of rising to you. You're the principal wife after all.”

“Principal wife!? What gave you that idea?” Rituska squawked.

“You kinda just naturally took charge. Isn’t that what a principal wife does?” She replied, before adding, “Don’t you also command a small army of superhuman Servants? So isn’t it only natural for you to be in a position of command?”

“I… Those two situations are entirely different! Completely entirely different you hear me! Different!”

“I think you're protesting a little too much!” Musashi teased while Ron lathered and cleaned her hair. It honestly felt nice as if he was finding every itch and scratch she never noticed. It felt grand.

“Keep it up and we’ll see just how long you can hold your breath underwater!” Ritsuka threatened.

“Noo, the legend of Miyamoto Fujiwara Harunobu no Musashi can’t end like this!” Musashi cried out theatrically.

“Then shut it,” Ritsuka said, raising a threatening fist, the one that held her command seals, and shaking it towards the swordswoman before she washed Ron’s broad back and shoulders down with a wet cloth.

“We should get out,” Ron said as he rinsed Musashi’s strawberry blonde hair, “If Onuei and the old man are still washing our stuff, we’ll have to change into something.”

“I saw some spare kimonos that looked like they might fit us,” Ritsuka said, as she stood up, “Wait right here,” She giggled as Ron squeezed his eyes shut. “I don’t mind if you look, you know?” She called behind herself playfully as she got out.

“I mind,” Ron replied, “The Ronman is chivalrous.”

‘I swear, I’m gonna get a ring on that boy if it's the last thing I do,’ Ritsuka thought to herself determinedly as she looked around for spare clothes for the three of them to change into.

(...)

Word Count: 10,957 Number of Pages: 28 Date Completed: 12/31/2022

(...)

AN: Hello my fellow readers and writers and welcome to another addition to Bubbajack’s Idea Vault. Another day, another Ron idea is born. I hope you all enjoyed reading about it. Once again if it gets enough traction, I’ll consider turning it into a fully fledged story. But that’s up to all of you to decide via reviews honestly. That said, I’m now gonna hand the mic over to Snowy and First Hassan.

Snowy: This is a different take on Ron Stoppable. Time is always fickle and now Ron has done the impossible and smashed a priceless all powerful time manipulating monkey. If monkey’s are famous for its their ability to cause CHAOS! Now we will see if Ron can survive the Journey home.

First Hassan: