Ch.31
When Ann turned around, she saw Ron's mesmerized look and with a seductive smile extended her hand and curled her finger in a come here gesture.
Ron's body responded before he could even consider. Ann opened the shower door for him and dragged him under the spray with her. Ron didn't even registered getting wet, so focused he was on her eyes. Ann for her part didn't break eye contact with Ron and brought her hands around his neck closing the distance between their bodies.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Ann offered as they started slow dancing under the spray.
"I'm the luckiest man alive!" Ron said without a moments delay.
"What makes you think that, Ron?" Ann asked as her smile widened a little more and her heart raced.
Ron asked back. "How many men can claim to fall in love with their first crush and have her feel the same? How many are lucky enough to have her claim their first time?" Ann blushed a little and her heart skipped a beat at the memory. "How many men can fall in love with not one but seven beautiful woman and hear they each felt the same? How many men can practically die and have those women wait faithfully for his return?"
When she heard the last few questions Ann subconsciously nodded. "You're right, Ron, but it's not just you who is lucky. We share in that luck and are lucky to have your affection. Think about it Ron, what woman with three children, one even a young adult can claim to fall in love with someone her eldest's age when she's past her prime and feel so happy instead of raising her kids alone?"
Ron for his part seemed to snap out of his daze and held Ann's shoulders. "Past her prime?" Ron asked incredulous. "Ann, if you, whose only grown more beautiful since I first met you is past your prime then I'll be the first to say that you, a beauty on par with goddesses must admit to having a truly unfair advantage over everyone else!"
Ann couldn't help but giggle, kiss Ron and like a young teen experiencing love for the first time feel the butterflies dancing in her stomach. 'Ah, how lucky am I?'
~~~
Ron, Ann, Yori and Shego spent the rest of the day in each others company. For a while, they were joined by the twins and Ron remembered to ask something that was bothering him for a while.
"Jim, Tim, why aren't you guys in school?"
Ann smirked when Ron asked the fifteen year olds.
"Well, Ron..." Tim started.
"... we already graduated..." Jim added.
"... in fact, we went..." Tim continued.
"...and graduated college too..." Jim explained.
"... now we are trying to get research funds for our ideas." They said in unison.
"Already?" Ron asked.
"Yeah!" Ann sighed, adding. "They tested out of high-school and online coursed their way through college."
"Oh, congratulations you two!" Ron said with a beaming smile.
""Thank you."" They stereod.
"So, what are you guys working on?" Ron asked and added. "Not to brag, but I have a lot of money!"
"You wanna see?" They asked in unison.
"You guys definitely practice finishing each other's sentences and all." Shego said from the side.
That brought a laugh out of the twins, but they said. "No comment."
With a laugh, Ron agreed and the twins led everyone to the lab in floor B1. With the tech that Ron had in the lab, they wirelessly connected to the 3D imaging hologram tech and showed Ron one of their projects.
"We call it, Nightingale..." Jim said.
"... designed to be as fast as a rocket..." Tim added.
"...but as stealthy as an owl!" They finished, explaining. "It's a result of our research into lightspeed and subspace."
Ron's eyes were wide as he studied the schematics and 3D model, but before he could bring himself to speak Shego said. "Ronnie, I wants!"
As Ron smiled at Shego and she gave him her own p.d.p.(puppy dog pout) the twins explained.
"This is the ultimate union of comfort and combat..." Tim said.
"...we are also certain that it should never fall into the wrong hands..." Jim took over.
"... since it could singlehandedly end the world." They explained. "With a strategic placement of them, any world power could have unloaded their nuclear warheads and shot down any retaliation. The loss of life would have been unimaginable."
The adults in the room shuddered as the twins put up the simulation, watching silently how the placements would have gone had a world power decided they didn't want to share the planet anymore. It showed an estimated 2 hours for the world to have been consumed by flames with only the first to strike 'winning' or in this case surviving.
"Though we should thank you..." Tim began.
"...for ending that threat!" Jim concluded.
Into the somber mood, Jim said. "Our next project also came about because of our research..."
"...we call them carriages though the name may be subject to change and they are a blend of hover tech and luxury transport..." Tim explained as what the adults could only describe as hover cars was shown to them.
"... with the mobility of an aircraft, they can be autopiloted or not depending on user preference, though it'll have various safety features to prevent accidents that can override the user." They said together.
"But our best is the Voyager, though it's currently only a theoretical design, since we have yet to figure the engine, fuel, lightspeed and subspace capabilities." They stereod.
"Wow." Ron said.
"Yeah!" Shego said as Ann and Yori nodded.
"I do believe you have found your funding." Ron said.
Seeing the twins so happy and high fiving widened Ann's smile further. She truly could not wish for much more.
"As for the engine and fuel, I think I can help with that." Ron added after thinking a while.
"Do tell." The twins stereod.
"Simple, Ki powered engine." Ron said.
"We speculated Ki powered devices..." Jim said.
"...from the rings you've given us..." Tim added.
"...but Ki powered engine had not crossed our mind yet!" Both said.
"Had a stroke of inspiration!" Ron admitted. "Though I've yet to put the idea into action." 'Hmm I wonder?' Ron thought and asked. "Now, I got to ask, have you guys tried double checking your subspace work against someone already studying the field?"
"Someone already..." Tim started.
"...studying the field?" Jim finished.
Thinking a moment the twins failed to connect any dots. "Who?" They asked.
"Well..."
~~~
Next Morning in a Research Lab
"Dr Flanner, your theory..."
"Not theory!" Justine Flanner interrupted.
"...yes, your...work, as sound as it may be requires a budget that this lab, frankly any lab really, could never cover." The head of yet another lab announced to Justine.
Sighing, Justine thanks the head of the lab, a middle aged woman and makes her way out of the premises with cameras locked to her movements. Once she got to her car, Justine gripped the steering wheel tightly, for a moment showing signs of her displeasure, then started the drive towards the her apartment. Not 3 minutes into the drive, a call came in.
"Hello, babe, what's going on?" Justine asked her girlfriend once the line connected.
"Thought it was about the time to know wether the lab will provide the funds or not. So, what's the news?" Asked Vivian Francis Porter, Justine's girlfriend. After a minute of silence, in which Justine had to pull over to avoid a car accident as she cried quietly, Vivian spoke. "I'll meet you at home."
Soon after the call ended and Justine composed herself enough to resume driving, a call from her mom came in.
"Hey, mom, what's up?" Justine asked.
"Oh, sweetheart, you won't believe who called today trying to reach you." Mrs Flanner said excitedly.
"Mom, I really can't think of anyone. All my friends have my number." Justine said.
"He wouldn't have it sweetie." Mrs Flanner said confidently. "Anyway, I invited him to dinner so you two could catch up. Be here by 6pm sharp."
"Mom! Invited who? You still haven't told me who called!" Justine said noticing that her mom was in her own world at the moment.
"Oh! Well, it's Ronald Stoppable of course." Mrs Flanner said and hung up.
"Ron? What does he want with me?" Justine asked herself. "And since when is he back in Middleton?"
An hour's drive later, Justine pulled up on her apartment and saw that Vivian's car was already parked out front. Getting out and walking to the door, Justine opened it and called out. "Babe! I'm home."
"In the bathroom!" Vivian called back.
Justine ditched her shoes at the entrance and went towards the bathroom. "By the way, my mom called me while I was driving back and said we're expected over by 6pm."
"That's odd, she usually gives us more of a heads up." Vivian admitted.
"Yeah, apparently everything tonight is being improvised, since someone reached out to her trying to talk to me." Justine explained further.
"Yeah? Who was trying to reach out?" Vivian asked.
"Ron Stoppable." Justine said.
"No way!" Vivian said.
"It's true, apparently he's back in town and was trying to reach me." Justine said.
"Then, it's great that I prepared a bath for us." Vivian said while winking at Justine who just reached the bathroom.
"I don't know what I'd do without you." Justine said honestly.
"Here's to never finding out!" Vivian said and dragged Justine into the bathroom.
A little over an hour later they came out of the bathroom, Vivian was giggling with a spring in her step just like Justine who was showing a genuine smile. As they entered their bedroom Justine whispered. "Thanks, babe!"
"You're welcome!" Vivian replied smoothly even though she knew she wasn't meant to hear her. Justine's face took on a red hue, embarrassed that she was heard. "You're so cute when you're embarrassed!" Vivian said and kissed her.
In laughter and joy, Justine and Vivian got dressed for dinner at the Flanner's.
~~~
Back to the Night Before
Jim and Tim had been shocked when Ron casually mentioned that Justine Flanner had been studying space and had achieved some success in the field. They remembered her from high-school, but couldn't remember much about what field she studied, so they asked. "Ron, how do you know?"
"Remember the monster that rampaged through town a few years back? The one who nearly destroyed the restaurants on 4th Ave?" Ron asked and seeing them nod, continued. "It was sent through a wormhole created by Justine's project and powered by the Kimmunicator."
"It's on the mission files." Jim said and Tim added. "I remember reading about it, so thats how it was solved!"
"Yeah, now I'm going to call the Flanner's tomorrow and see if I can speak with Justine." Ron said and as he flipped through his parents phone book for the number. "I'll leave it to you guys to convince her to help with your projects!"
~~~
Next morning and somehow, Ron was convinced to stop by the Flanner's for dinner.
"So, when can we speak to Justine?" The twins asked.
"Tonight." Ron said. "We've been invited to dinner."
So it was that Ron, Ann, Yori, Shego and the twins arrived at the Flanner's 2 hours early to help make dinner, since Ron was sure that they weren't expecting so many guests. Kim for her part was going on a date with Mike.
"Ron, did you give them a heads up?" Shego asked.
"About what?" Ron asked.
"Ron, most people tend to panic when I show up places." Shego deadpanned.
"You can't blame them for not knowing how to talk to you, you're a goddess among mortals. All of my lady's are!" Ron responded.
"Thank you, Ron, but you should have warned them that an international wanted woman was going to their home." Shego said finding it hard to keep on the subject.
"That should be taken care of soon, no need to worry." Ron assured her. "Now smile, we're here."
While Ron and the twins got some groceries from the car, Ann went and rang the doorbell. Mrs Flanner opened the door and was surprised that they'd arrive so early. She greeted each of them warmly, not seeming to mind Shego's status as Ann introduced her. Then, she mentioned that Ron had the right thought in mind when he showed up early since there likely were not going to be enough food for everyone.
"Don't worry, Mrs Flanner, I've brought enough for twelve." Ron said, confident that it would be enough.
"Oh, thank you, Ron!" Mrs Flanner said then added. "Now do you mind helping in the kitchen Ann, I could use a hand?"
"Allow me." Ron offered, but was instantly shut down.
Now with Ann and Mrs Flanner in the kitchen, Ron kept Shego and Yori company, while the twins talked among themselves to see how they would pitch their idea to Justine. Like this, time flew and a lovely aroma filled the air. Ron could already picture the meal Mrs Flanner and Ann cooked, bringing a smile to his face.
It was ten minutes later and a good half hour before 6pm, that Justine arrived with Vivian. Ron was starting to wonder about Mr Flanner so he discreetly asked Ann, who told him the man passed away a year prior after a long battle with cancer. Ron nodded and payed more attention as introductions were being made.
Ron greeted Vivian and Justine warmly, easily recognizing both.
Likewise, Vivian and Justine greeted them, then under Mrs Flanner's guidance they went to the dinning room. As they enjoyed their dinner they conversed merrily. Ron was asked what he'd been upto before he reappeared at Cross Industries and Ron calmly explained that he was recieving treatment, after Drakken's take over attempt 3 years back, for an injury he recieved.
"I remember, now!" Said Mrs Flanner. "The news had said that you were injured stopping a bomb at the high-school."
"Yes." Ron said and started steering the conversation back towards how they've been.
He was told how Mr Flanner didn't survive his fight with cancer. How Justine blew through college and was looking for funding to continue her research. Then, Vivian said how she and Justine started dating and were currently living together, which prompted congratulations from Ron's group.
After dinner, they all moved to the backyard to talk and explain why Ron reached out and he promptly got to the point.
"You want me to join Cross Industries in furthering how we travel?" Justine repeated with a slight shock and a highly simplified summary.
"In short, yes." Ron said and added. "You're the one person I know for a fact has successfully created a stable portal to another layer of space, maybe even another dimension and that's precisely what we're in need of."
At this point Tim and Jim began showing the presentation they prepared to Justine, who after asking for permission, shared it with Vivian. The twins passionately explained how, with Justine's help they might be able to create ships that travel through subspace and broaden their horizons on what shares the universe with them.
Justine for her part listened without an expression, though her hand had an iron grip on Vivian's under the table. Both woman were shocked that the ones behind the project which would involve Justine were the twins and asked about it. The twins proudly showed their credentials (their doctorates) and showed her basic designs for the Nightingale and carriages.
"My technology could be used for the autopilot." Vivian whispered to Justine, but Ron, Shego, Yori and Ann heard her due to their advance senses.
Ann, Yori, Ron and Shego smiled at realizing that they had caught the attention of Dr Vivian Francis Porter, who was a highly capable roboticist.
Justine nodded lightly to Vivian then started talking. "I'll be honest with you, Ron, your offer is extremely appealing, but I'm afraid you're unaware of how costly my research is. To build a larger model requires approximately 2 billion dollars and that's just a prototype. Every lab I've visited has told me, in lots of variations, that no lab would or could afford it." Everyone noticed that Justine was shaking. She also wondered why she was pointing out the one thing that chased away her chances at finding funds, but she didn't want to get her hopes up and then have them crushed when they saw the required budget. Justine took a deep breath as she felt Vivian rub the back of her hand and continued. "Now having an estimate of how costly this endeavor is, do you wish to p-proceed?" She asked as her voice cracked at the end.
Justine was furiously thinking that Ron was about to recind his offer and her shaking was noticeably more intense when Ron simply said. "No problem, when can we start?"
Justine looked at Ron sharply, trying to find falsehood in his words, as tears were streaming down Vivian's and Mrs Flanner's faces. Pinching her tigh to see if she was asleep, Justine confirmed she was awake, but thought she must have misheard. She looked at Vivian and then at her mother, who were congratulating her, but barely registered what they said. 'Ron agreed?! He said yes, I can finally continue my research!' And with that thought she promptly fainted.
"Justine!"
"Sweetheart!"
Both Mrs Flanner and Vivian yelled and surrounded Justine, checking if she was okay and confirmed she just fainted for everyone else.
"Ronald dear, you have no idea how much this means to her, thank you!" Said Mrs Flanner highly emotional.
"Mrs Flanner, is right, Ron, this means alot to us, thank you." Vivian added her thanks.
"No need to be so serious and you're very much welcome." Ron said.
In a few minutes, Justine came to and with tears in her eyes promised Ron she'd do her best after she joins Cross Industries, under the condition that Vivian be funded also. Ron readily agreed and promised that the contracts would be ready to sign by Wednesday, once they settled on their salaries. Once they settled on a number, Ron bid them good night and excused himself.
~~~
Vivian and Justine were so extremely happy how the evening turned out that they joined Mrs Flanner for a glass of wine to celebrate. Mrs Flanner and Vivian congratulated Justine so many ways that she was red from the neck up and hiding her face behind her hair, but still Vivian and Mrs Flanner could see the wide smile on her face prompting a bit of teasing.
It was just past 10pm, when they'd called it a night. On the ride to their apartment Vivian drove and Justine quietly basked in getting the funding and working with Vivian in the future.
"Penny for your thoughts?" Vivian asked.
"Just struggling to believe that it's finally happening!" Justine said and added. "Babe, I'm getting funding and we're going to work together, it's perfect!!"
"I know what you mean." Vivian sighed in happiness. "I wonder how the lab is going to look. Also, do we each get a lab or are we sharing. This is so exciting!"
"Right!" Justine agreed.
~~~
Richard had just finished breakfast with his parents and was in the middle of the exercises that Ron taught them when his dad said. "How can exercises that look so simple be so effective. I mean I have pain in places I didn't know could get pain."
"AL it's not that bad." Said Susan, his mom. "One more set and we can move to sensing and absorbing Ki."
So it was that 2 hours later, Richard was on the verge of completing his first cycle. He encountered the blockage just as Ron had, but he was a bit more careful in how to get pass it.
Richard focused the Ki into a drill and let some pressure build as he dug his way pass the blockage. This took him an extra hour, in which his focus was pushed to the limits, but he persevered. When the cycle was completed Richard felt as though his senses expanded. Though it was a noticeable difference to before, he failed to connect to the heavenly plane and remained an Earth grade practitioner, not that it bothered him any.
It was when his senses went outward that Richard sensed his parents and Ron looking at him. Richard let the functions of the Neuro Linker activate, granting him sight and hearing, quickly noticing that his parents were worried and that Ron had astral projected over.
"Mom, dad, sorry for worrying you." Richard said quietly with his head down, but then added. "But I've completed the first cycle. I'm a cultivator!"
While his parents were stunned, Ron said. "Congratulations on becoming a cultivator Richard. In fact, besides my partners, you're ahead of everyone, you're quite the natural."
"Is that true?" Richard asked. "Even ahead of Kim?"
"Yup." Ron confirmed.
"Awesome!" Richard yelled and that's when his parents caught up in the conversation.
"That's my son!" Yelled AL and picked up Richard.
"You mean our son!" Susan quickly corrected making it a family hug.
Richard was elated and with his parents showering him in praises he couldn't contain his happiness. Then, he noticed the time and saw that he was late to join the others on the quest. "Oh, no, I'm late."
His parents chuckling, he raced to a comfortable sofa already messaging the twins. "Jim, Tim sorry for being late, I got distracted completing my first cycle."
"What, already?!" Tim/Jim messaged.
"Yeah!" Richard admitted.
"Congratulations man, you have a knack for this." Jim/Tim messaged, adding. "Even Kim is only 3/4ths of the way there. Any pointers?"
"Only one." Richard said. "You have to let your instincts guide you, it does wonders."
"Instincts." Tim/Jim repeated.
"Yeah, that's the best way I can explain it." Richard admitted.
"Thanks!" Jim/Tim said and added. "Wade said to log in at the 30min mark.
"Got it!" Richard said and started counting down the seconds. Soon it was time and he called. "Burst Link!"
Once inside the world of Conquest he spotted the rest of the team. The twins stood to the side going over their weapons, while Felix and Wade debated on the approach for the next stage of their quest. All while Rufus, who was about the size of the twins and muscular like a body builder meditated.
"Sorry, I'm late guys." Richard said.
"Oh Richard, don't worry about it and congratulations on becoming a cultivator." Wade said.
"Yeah, man, congratulations." Felix agreed.
"Yeah, you earned it." The twins stereod.
"Thanks!" Richard said and looked at Rufus who was now standing.
~~~
Middleton 24hours earlier.
Monique was the first one dropped off at home by Amy, seeing as she lived closest to Ron's. Then Tara, followed by Bonnie. Finally Amy drove home to Upperton.
She parked in the driveway of one of the houses and let herself in. Then, walked towards the bathroom, washed her hands and then met her family in the dining room.
"Amy, your home, what a surprise." Her brother who was the first to notice her said in false cheer.
"Justin, dear, how are you?" Amy responded with an equally false cheer.
"Great! We're about to have dinner, you've arrived at the perfect time." Justin replied.
"Mom, dad, how are you?" Amy asked. Her father, David and her mother, Heather, were actually happy to see her and greeted her warmly. Amy greeted them with a bright smile and then took a deep breath. "I have news!" She declared.
"Does this have something do with Cross Industries?" Justin asked.
"In a way, yes, it does." Amy confirmed, not missing the eager look that crossed Justin's face. 'Why did this idiot accept the government's offer to help them uncover Cross Industries secrets just because he is my brother? Did he really think I'd betray my morals or worse did he think I wouldn't have found out? Sigh, I'll try to persuade him one last time!'
"What is it?" Justin asked eagerly.
Ignoring him, Amy looked at her parents and taking a big breath announced. "I'm engaged to marry, Ron! Well not just me, but we all agreed to share him so it's not a problem and we're looking for your blessing!"
"What!" Justin yelled in shock and an obvious amount of anger.
"That's wonderful dear." Heather beamed.
"Great, when do we meet the young man?" David asked.
"You can't be serious." Justin yelled at his parents. Then, thinking quickly added. "Did you guys not hear her, she won't be his only wife! How can you accept this so easily?"
"Of course it's not easy!" David said in a serious tone. "But we can tell she's happy and it is thanks to her hard work that we are where we are today, so how can we stand in the way of of her happiness?"
"But..." David didn't know how to argue the point further. He had counted on Amy falling for another guy so he could coordinate with the government to threaten his safety for her cooperation, but now that avenue was ruined. 'What do I do now?' Justin thought looking from his parents to Amy, when an idea hit him. 'Amy is important to Ronald Dean Stoppable so it stands to reason that he'd be willing to give up anything for her safety!'
Seeing Justin sit down, seemingly accepting of the situation, gave Amy a bad feeling in her gut, but when her parents asked more about her engagement, she pushed it to the back of her mind.
~~~
Monique for her part had messaged her parents on the way to confirm they were home and let them know she was on her way. Thus, she wasn't surprised that her mother had cooked dinner for them. Greeting and hugging her parents, Monique washed her hands and joined them for dinner.
Not 2 seconds after Monique sat, her mom asks. "Are you dating this Ronald Dean Stoppable fellow?"
"Yes, ma'am!" Monique said with a dreamy smile.
"Were all those other women dating him as well?" Asked Monique's father.
"Almost, Kim isn't dating him." Monique clarified.
"Monique!" Her mom hissed. "We raised you better than that. Dating the same man as 6 other women. What were you thinking?"
"Now, what do you mean better than that?" Monique said back. "Mom! We love him and he loves us!"
"Monique, that type of relationship will only end in disaster." Her father said.
"Mom, dad, you have to trust me." Monique pleaded. "Ron is the sweetest guy, before he'd hurt any of us he would cut off an arm! You might not understand our relationship, but understand that he makes us happy. Besides it was us who decided to share him."
"What!!" Monique's mom/dad yelled.
"Why would you do that?" Her dad yelled.
"You deserve better than sharing you partner with others." Her mother insisted. "He's probably taking advantage of you!"
"You guys aren't understanding." Monique said trying to explain her's and Ron's relationship. "Believe it or not, this relationship makes me feel happy and to further ease your worries look." Monique showed them her left hand, specifically the ring. "He asked each of us to marry him and we're hoping for your blessing."
Monique could tell immediately that those words had surprised her parents.
"He asked for you hand in marriage?" They repeated stunned. They honestly thought Ron was taking advantage of Monique's feelings.
"Yes, he did." Monique repeated.
There were a few minutes of silence before her dad said. "We'll meet him then, arrange it please."
"There's one last thing." Monique added.
"What?" Her mom asked.
"The girls and I agreed that he'll meet our parents together, for when he asks for our hand in marriage."
~~~
When Tara got home she had an infectious smile on her face. Spotting her father heading towards the kitchen she yelled. "Daddy, I'm home!"
"Sweetie, I'm so glad to see you and you're smiling!!" Her father said upon being hugged by Tara and seeing her smile.
Just after Tara's dad had spoken, her mom came out of the kitchen and rushed Tara for a hug.
"Baby, you're smiling again!" Her mom said in tears.
"Yes!" Tara agreed, explaining. "Ron woke up, he came back to me, to us!"
"I'm so happy for you sweetheart!" Tara's mom/dad said in unison.
"Thank you!" Tara said nearly in tears herself and added. "I have something important to tell you."
"What is it dear?" Her dad asked puzzled.
"Ron proposed to us!" Tara said showing her ring.
There was a high pitched sound from Tara's mother, before she grabbed Tara in another hug and said. "I'm happy for you sweetie!!"
"Thank you!" Tara sincerely said from the bottom of her heart. "Ron also wants to meet you, we'll not just you, but all his partners parents to formally ask for our hand in marriage."
~~~
When Bonnie got home, she went strsight to get her mom, Tonnie and then her dad, Joseph bringing them to the study, now her private study after her dad gave her more power in the company.
"Bon-bon, what's wrong?" Tonnie asked.
Joseph was briefly worried that something happened to their business, but since he hadn't been alerted to anything calmed down and waited for Bonnie to speak.
Bonnie saw their worry and taking a deep breath began to speak. "I'm sure that what I'm going to say will surprise you, so first sit down." Saying till here, Bonnie waited for her parents to sit and while pacing back and forth continued. "Did you see the announcement for the currency exchange of Conquest by Cross Industries?" Seeing them nod she kept going. "Then you know that I'm dating Ronald Dean Stoppable and I'm not the only one." Joseph was about to interrupt her, but Bonnie spoke up first. "Before you freak out, know that it was our choice to share him, but that's not really important. What is important is that he asked us to marry him and he wants your blessing. I know that this might be surprising, but I really love Ron and I need this from you, please!"
After a moment of silence, in which Bonnie looked from her mother to her father, in one side pleading her mother to sooth her father and in the other, hopping Joseph doesn't blow his top, her dad spoke. "Bonnie sweetie are you sure he is the one?"
"Since we took ballet together years ago daddy." Bonnie admitted.
Sighing as if he lost his little girl, Joseph looked at his wife and nodded.
"When can we meet him?" Asked Tonnie.
"As soon as I can coordinate something with the other girls, we want him to meet our parents togehter." Bonnie explained.
"Good!" Joseph agreed and asked. "Was this why you were so adamant about buying Cross Industries shares?"
"Believe it or not, I didn't even know it was his company." Bonnie clarified with a wistful smile.
~~~
After Amy's talk with her parents and dinner was concluded Justin excused himself and went to his room. Pulling up a contact through his Neuro Linker interface, he called them. The contact was labeled 'PayDay'.
"Hello, Mr Watson." Someone greeted then asked. "Have you made any progress?"
"No, but I have Ronald Dean Stoppable's weakness." Justin declared.
~~~
Rufus as TunnelLord stared at the next objective for the territory quest that he, Wade, Felix, Jim, Tim and Richard were on. It was an amazing hidden valley rich in natural treasures.
The problem though, was the occupants. The periphery of the valley was home to leader level figures in the bandit group and from what Rufus gathered, the bandits were a coalition of groups. Their standing showcased by how close they were to the center of the valley which Rufus had yet to see.
Now, one may wonder how Rufus got to this hidden valley. For that one needs to go back to the start of this session after Richard logged in. They had just finished congratulating him when the next wave of bandits chanced upon their hiding place. The group reacted quickly with the twins initiating combat. Jim drew a blade from his belt deflecting a couple of knifes and Tim jumped head first at the thrower while he was still surprised at Jim's reflection. The rest jumped in right behind them, but Rufus faded out into stealth and chased after their messenger, who had instantly bolted with a movement technique, to get reinforcements.
"I'm chasing their scout, after you defeat them erase our tracks and hide." Rufus telepathically messaged and added. "I'll find you!"
With that, Rufus was off after the messenger scout. The fight had been surprisingly simple. Rufus slashed him across the throat, inspected the messenger and looted the scout before the man dropped dead to the ground, never to know what happened. No sooner had Rufus picked up the man's storage pouch he felt a vibration coming from inside. Looking through the contents yielded an origami bird, that the second it was out of storage, took off deeper into the territory. With no other choice, Rufus resumed pursuit, multitasking his control of stealth and air steps to try and reach the origami bird. It was just as the bird began a dive that Rufus intercepted it out of the sky, but not before being spotted by the intended recipient. An older man, that didn't seem to be as old as his appearance suggested, as he appeared next to Rufus in an instant. The man swung a palm at Rufus that seemed to command the Ki around him into restraining him. No sooner than he realized what had happened, that Rufus had a thought, solid stage cultivator.
Then, in an instinctive resistance towards the palm strike, Rufus let his cultivation come to bear and counter the restraint, avoiding the strike by a hair afterwards.
"A solid stage cultivator, eh?!" The older man nonchalantly notes still very much at ease.
Rufus knew that any altercation here would alert everyone nearby to his presence, thus, likely ruining the quest they were on, so he had to likely sacrifice his life for the quest to succeed. Still, taking out the enemy leader with him would ensure their success, so, Rufus burned the origami bird, ensuring that whatever message it carried never saw the light of day and got ready to fight. This action making the old man's countenance change, but he quickly smoothed out his features. "That'll cost you!"
No sooner had the man's voice fallen upon his ears that Rufus had moved. Focusing more on stealth and letting air steps fade Rufus entered a dive, landing on the rooftop of the man's quarters. With no hesitation, Rufus jumped backwards avoiding a strike at his back and launching a counter offensive with a few shuriken. The man caught one out of the air, but as he prepared to defend with it, his hand flared in pain. He looked down at his hand and was flabbergasted at seeing his fingers falling down. The shuriken had been a bait that Rufus set, with the lead one having just enough lead to make one believe he can use the opponents weapons against them and then punish the thought with a razor-sharp wire that cut into the hand holding it. Having come to that thought, the man was forced into a disadvantaged position and to use his Ki to deflect the rest of the shuriken, having run out of time to dodge.
"You dare!" The man roared, his voice reaching into the distance causing a commotion to break out outside the old man's residence. The man's Ki began to build for a powerful technique, the man having circulated his Ki suddenly staggered, everything going monochrome before he felt unprecedented danger, but by then it was too late to respond, as Rufus had been waiting for that exact moment. And with no hesitation whatsoever, cut the old man's head off his shoulders, thanks to a poison coating the wire.
Rufus had just landed on the floor in front of the man's room, when he sensed multiple solid stage cultivators approaching. 'Not the leader?!' Rufus briefly wondered to himself when he heard someone scream. "Caretaker Hei has fallen, seal the area!"
Hearing this, Rufus rushed into the man's room glad that the others had yet to sense him and rushed towards the backyard of the residence, when he chanced upon a hidden door after passing into the livingroom. With no better alternative he dove right in, closing it behind himself and was plunged into darkness. Instantly stilling, Rufus listened for signs of pursuit, but noted none. Not yet lowering his guard, Rufus waited gathering all the information he could.
"Who could have done this? From the moment caretaker Hei yelled to when his courtyard was in sight was shorter than 3 seconds. That certainly means that they couldn't have gotten far, yet I detect no presence to follow." Another aged man noted, who was soon acknowledged as elder Lei.
"If elder Lei so states, then it must be so." An elderly lady reaffirmed confident in elder Lei.
"Elders must be joking, if there's no presence to follow we must overturn the area as the intruder is clearly hiding." The youngest amongst them instructed and before anyone could say otherwise manipulated his Ki suddenly striking out. His attack consisted of hidden weapons that pierced through caretaker Hei's courtyard and came back clean despite having drilled three feet into the ground.
The others, seeing no reason to argue, followed his lead and began showering the area with attacks. Sensing this, Rufus decided to follow the secret passage as a means of escape, leading him to stumble upon the hidden valley.
Then, after a bit of scouting, he gleamed the truth of the bandits coalition and that something was hidden at the center of the valley.
~~~
"Everybody okay?" Wade had just called out a roll call to check if the members of the quest were okay and it took but a moment to hear back from everyone.
"We are..." Tim began.
"... good!" Jim finished.
"Same." Felix called out beginning to loot the foes he defeated.
"Oui(Yes)!" Richard announced.
"We got 3 minutes to finish looting, then, I'm setting everything ablaze." Wade said while keeping a careful eye on the horizon.
Three minutes on the dot, Wade threw around the area mini explosives, that from previous experience packed quite the punch. No sooner were they spread in the area, that explosions started covering double the diameter of the fight. Now their tracks are covered, except from expert trackers, seeing as they would have techniques especially designed for to pick up the smallest clues. That going on, the five moved further into the bandit territory.
It was two hours later, that Rufus appeared before them again and began updating them on the information he found. When they heard there was a hidden valley with natural treasures they were excited until Rufus reminded of the level of danger involved and sobered up the mood.
"This is going to be more difficult than I initially thought." Wade admitted.
"True, but the reward of success is going to be worth it." Felix argued.
"We..." Jim started.
"...agree!" Tim finished.
"Then we need a plan!" Richard added.
"I think I have just the thing!" Felix called out. "Here's what we need to do...."
As Felix explained his plans, everyone sported grins that from an outside perspective would be called evil.
"You think your up for it?" Wade asked the twins and Richard.
"Though it is risky..." Jim began.
"... I personally think our movement techniques..." Tim continued.
"... can manage!" Both finished.
Then, as one, everyone turned to Richard who answered. "Though my movement technique is not weak, my stealth proficiency is off the charts so I should be able to manage."
"Good! Then let us cleanse our future territory!" Felix declared as he, Wade and Rufus went one way while Tim, Jim and Richard went another.
~~~
Middleton 24hours Earlier First Night
Just after showering and bathing together between Yori, Shego, Ann and Ron they settled into the apartment that Ann uses and awaited the call from the rest of the ladies.
The first to call was Bonnie who declared. "My parents agreed to meet you, Ron, so all that's needed is everyone else's approval and we could pick a place and date."
Ron sighed in relief and continued chatting with Bonnie, Ann, Shego and Yori as they all shared the call. It was about ten minutes later that Tara's call came in and was added to the ongoing call.
"So what's the news?" Bonnie probed.
"They said they'll meet you guys!" Tara squealed in excitement.
There was excited squealing for a moment before the conversation picked up again. Not two minutes later, Monique called and added another positive to the ongoing news. More squealing and excited chatter as Ron kept pace with the conversation, but his eyes drifted to the time display at the corner of his view. It was thirteen minutes to midnight when Amy called.
"So?" Asked Shego the moment the call connected.
"They're on board." Amy announced.
"Booyah!" Ron yelled out, finally feeling relief in it's entirety. "Any idea when it would be good for everyone?"
A bunch of no's replied to his question before Monique said. "I'll need a few days to make a dress for the occasion."
"Moooo~niiiique!" All the ladies called out. "We need dresses too!"
"Yes, I know." Monique said with a roll of her eyes. "And Ron will need to be dressed to match and with Shego and Yori pregnant we need..."
From there the conversation shifted to fabrics, shoes and a few other topics that the ladies assured Ron were absolutely necessary for the occasion. This continued for over an hour before the long day caught up with them. A set of quick goodbyes and they disconnected the call.
Ron took the last of the three apartments with Shego and left Ann's to Ann and Yori. A few minutes after settling into a cuddle with Shego, Ron entered his mindscape and felt the presence of his stars join him. Like always the ladies appeared around one another as they explored Ron's insanely vast mindscape where they continued as usual, though the talk revolved around clothes for the upcoming meeting between everyone's parents and the respective partners. There was a mix of excitement and dread especially for Shego and Ann. With one being an international criminal and the other twice their age. The group being in Ron's mindscape, couldn't really hide it from each other, so the others quickly assured them that they'd have their backs and that not even their parents were allowed to bully them.
~~~
As the night had nearly shifted to morning, Ann realized that Shego and Yori needed a check up to see the status of their babies and asked both to accompany her to the hospital in the morning, while everyone else decided to go with Monique to get the fabric they'll need for everyone's dresses.
The Hospital trip was a mix of excitement and worry since Yori and Shego realized they had yet to go for a check up, but Ann assured them they'll be in good hands. As her primary had agreed to see them and run the test personally, plus she'll be with them every step of the way. The test results assured both women that the fetus' were healthy and there was nothing to worry about. Once they were back and passed on the news, Ron cheered along with the ladies before finding out that Mrs Flanner had insisted Ron stop by instead of giving him Justine's number.
~~~
Middleton 9pm, After dinner at the Flanner's
Ron pulled up to his parents house and noticed that they were almost the last ones to make it. The only one missing was Amy which was odd as she should have been here by now. Everyone got out of the car and joined Ron in the garage to descend to the apartments level. When the doors opened it was to a group of annoyed women, as they paced around.
"What's going on?" Shego asked upon seeing the tense atmosphere.
"Amy was supposed to join us tonight to measure the dresses, but she's not here." Monique announced.
"When is the last time you guys saw her?" Ron asked this time.
"Around lunch." Bonnie said.
"Yeah!" Tara agreed. "She got a call from her brother, who apparently needed her help, said that she'll meet us here after and dropped us off."
"That is odd." Ann said pulling her contact from the Neuro Linker and called her. "It went straight to voice mail." She announced.
"Bebe can you pull Amy's parents contact and give them a call?" Ron requested.
"No problem." Bebe agreed and called Amy's father after pulling the contact from Amy's back up files.
After ringing once, a man answered. "David Watson speaking."
"Hello, Mr Watson, this is Ronald Dean Stoppable and I'm wondering if Amy is home?" Ron greeted and introduced himself before asking. Then explained. "We've tried calling her, but after she parted with the girls to meet her brother, we haven't been able to get in touch with her."
"Oh, Mr Stoppable, give me a moment to ask my wife." David said then his wife was heard as they talked and David spoke to Ron again. "My wife is calling Justin now, one moment."
As they waited Mrs Watson side of the conversation was heard. "Justin, dear, is Amy with you?"
...
"Good, then have her join the call please. Ronald is worried about her and asked for our help finding her."
...
"What do you mean no?"
...
"You'll talk to him yourself? Justin, sweetie, is everything alright?"
...
"Wait! What? Justin what did you do? Justin! JUSTIN!"
At this point, Mr Watson's voice cut in. "Heather, honey, what did Justin say? Did something happen to Amy?"
"I don't know! He said he'll talk to Ronald himself and handle everything. Then a man's voice cut in saying that enough time was wasted and the call dropped!" Mrs Watson explained.
"Mr Watson!" Ron's voice cut in urgently, causing the man to start and answer.
"Oh, Ronald, sorry, but something is most definitely wrong!" Mr Watson said.
"Mr Watson for now tend to your wife and as soon as I have a hold of Amy I'll have her call you." Ron assured.
"O-okay, thank you Ronald!" Mr Watson said and disconnected the call.
The ladies who were looking at Ron's expression instantly picked up that something was going on while Mrs Watson was talking to Justin and as soon as the call ended they questioned.
"What's going on?" They asked in unison.
Ron quickly broke it down. "Not entirely sure, but it seems Amy is still with her brother though they're not alone and whoever is with them seems to be running out of patience."
"Do we know where?" Asked Shego.
"Bebe?" Ron asked.
"They're under Middleton in a vast underground complex." Bebe announced.
"Global Justice!" Ron and Shego said in unison.
"But why would Dr Director do something like this? It's unlike her!" Ann said.
"Why don't we find out?" Ron stated. "Tim message Wade and tell him we need eyes and ears at GJ HQ stat. Bebe connect us to Dr Director's Nuero Linker so we can ask her directly."
"Yes." Tim acknowledged moving to the side.
"Right away!" Bebe responded and everyone could hear the call go straight to voice mail.
"That's odd, there's no way Dr Director doesn't have her Neuro Linker." Shego said.
"Guys, Wade says he's on it!" Tim called out.
Just then, a call came in to Ron's Neuro Linker. "Ron, the call originates from GJ." Bebe announced.
"Hello?" Ron answers.
"Mr Stoppable..."