Kim Possible Porn Story: Way Too Old School Chapter 13

Kim Possible and related characters are the property of Walt Disney

My thanks to the reviewers: Katsumara, CajunBear73, MrDrP, Mack53B, Isamu, aedan cameron, screaming phoenix, airwalker999, BlueEyedBrigadier, Shrike176, King in Yellow, Michael Howard, whitem, Jackinbandw, bigherb81 and all the other partiers.

Extra special thanks to my Dean of Cat Herding, Brother Bludgeon, for his fantastic work on the last three chapters. They were cosmic.

12. First Evaluation

Rufus did not stir when Ron woke up the next morning. The Metro for Cambridge would be leaving at 12:15. It was 10:05, plenty of time to get ready. But first things first; it was time to feed the inner Ron.

Ah, youre up. Mac entered the room already dressed.

Yep. Theres a girl in Cambridge calling my name. Gotta get ready.

But I thought the knowledge of ones name was not sufficiently powerf- The pale boy shook his head. Sorry, Im a little out of sorts. Perhaps some breakfast before you go? I would like to talk some about your experience last night.

Sure, dude. Just let me get cleaned up. A quick shower, change and some fingers through his hair later and Ron was ready. Hey, Rufus old buddy, breakfast?

The naked mole rat stirred under his covers. Go way. *hic*!

Suit yourself. Lets go, Mac. Someone was waiting for them in the hallway.

Hey there, Ron. Stanley Klinger smiled, looking fully alert, which belied his night owl reputation. Heard you were out cutting the rug last night.

Actually, his dancing was quite adequate. No floor coverings were damaged. Mac replied; his observation drawing stares from both fellow student and RA. Could you excuse me a moment, Ron? I need to go down to the lobby and withdraw some funds.

Ron and Stanley watched Mac go down the stairs. After he left Stanley shrugged. Theres a guy with a few of his spark plugs disconnected.

Hes a good guy. Ron countered. He just needs a little push to get him off the wall.

Uh, Ron, can I talk to you for a minute? Stanley shoved his hands into his pockets and took a deep breath. You have a real winner of a girl in Kim.

Any compliment to Kim could bring a smile to Rons face, even when he was dead on his feet. Dont I know it! My KPs one bon-diggity girl.

Yes, yes, a great gal. Stanley agreed quickly. But you need to understand, not every girl you meet is like Kim. Some are, well, lets just say they arent exactly what they appear to be.

Dont worry, RA, the Ronman wont stray.

Good to hear. Stanley put a cold, slightly damp hand on Rons shoulder. Just see that you dont. Now, Ive been out too much tonight. Good night.

Breakfast was slightly hurried as Ron did not want to miss his train. He had to tear himself away from Mac and his endless questions. They ranged in topics from the dance to his childhood, to the missions in his teen years, to his best estimate of how many severe head traumas he had suffered, to any history of mental illness in his family. Ive had GJ debriefings that were less invasive.

Time to go, Rufus. Ron stepped into his room and flipped on the light. There was a stirring in the pile of bedding in the glass cage.

Hink, out!

Rufus? Ron gazed in shock at his pets bloodshot eyes and bleary expression. Before he could say anything else, Rufus had burrowed back under his bedding. A moment later the bedding was flung aside and the rodent ran to a corner and threw up. Ron cleaned the cage.

Oh, dude! Ill call Kim! Well get you to the veta vet

Rons concern drew a glare from the rodent. Rufus pulled the covers over his head. Hink! No noise!

You sure thats what you want? When the bedding nodded Ron picked up the Kimmunicator.

Hey, KP. Slight change in plans, itll be just us today.

WTOS

The Metro from Arkham to Cambridge took no time. At the change over Ron bought a Charlie Card to use on the Red Line. Im going to be coming here a lot, might as well get the discount. The car contained an assortment of students, a family going to Grans and a family of Japanese tourists. He blinked from a nearby camera flash. The cameraman fumbled for words.

I a-pol-o

Daijoubu. Ron smiled.

Ee! Nihongo ga wakarimasu yo! The man gushed. His three companions all smiled and bowed slightly to Ron.

Ron returned the bow. Domo, dudes. I know a little Japanese. Ive been there a few times for school.

And what did you study? asked a petite young woman.

A little of this, a little of that. You knowstuff. Ron rubbed the back of his neck and laughed nervously.

The older gentleman smiled. I see. Some of our more eccentric schools can be quite secretive regarding stuff. We shall ask no more questions.

Except for one. The cameraman cut in. Can you tell us when we reach Cambridge Station? We plan to see Harvard today. I read English

The mother joined the conversation. But he gets confused. We took the wrong station yesterday. Instead of Miskatonic University we arrived at the Arkham Asylum for the Criminally Insane. The staff was polite and helpful if not friendly.

Misdirection was something Ron could empathize with. Sure! Were getting off at the same stop. The train slowed. And here we are. After you.

The four stood and bowed again. Thank you, S-sir. The old man hid an expression of exasperation at himself. We are the Chiba family from Iwate Prefecture. I am Isamu; this is my wife Hutara, our son Hayato and our daughter Chiyoko. It has been a pleasure meeting you.

Please, call me Ron, Ron Stoppable. And it was a pleasure meeting you. Ron watched them exit the car. The next sight made his heart flip.

Kim stood smiling on the platform. She wore a Crimson Cheer Squad t-shirt and her capris. She was a welcome sight after a long week.

The sight behind her was a tad more confusing. Five young women were lined up like an honor guard or a reception committee. Curiosity vanished when lips locked. Kim wrapped her arms around his neck. He could feel her lift a foot off the ground. Her eyes glowed when she opened them.

Welcome to Harvard, Miski Man.

Abooyah. He said dazedly.

Are you sure Rufus will be okay? Kims concern was not feigned. After all, he was family to Ron and a lot closer to her than she sometimes realized.

He just needs to sleep it off. Uh, KP, whos behind us?

Oh, these girls? Kim motioned at the blond. This is my roommate Savannah Venable, of the Atlanta Venables. And this is Maxine Abel-Enchom, or Max of Long Island, and Malati Pratigya from Lucknow and Maine.

I recognize you. Ron volunteered.

Sorry. The lovely dark woman said quietly.

Kim smiled at Malas apology. Beside her is Laurette Closieur, Lor, from Cannes and Bai Huiliang from San Diego. Theyre the Honeys, though I think of them as Ms. Lavaters Irregulars.

How irregular?

Very. Kim replied wryly. Ladies, this is Ron Stoppable.

Ladies. Ron grinned.

Savannah snapped to like a Sergeant Major of the RMC. Boyfriend inspection!

The five girls stepped forward. Kim took a step back and practiced her self restraint. One thing she had hoped had been left behind in High School was the food chain. Had she known the Honeys intentions, she might have arranged to meet Ron alone.

Savannah went first. The pictures dont do you justice. I love the freckles; they give you a Huck Finn quality. She put her hands on his cheeks and smiled at Kim. As my grand mother the Countess would sayhes marvy!

Max was next. Ive heard about your Father. And youve already made one fortune, even if you lost it. You might go places on your own. Its good to find a man able to keep up with you.

Lor titled her richly tanned face. She laid a finger against her jaw as she thought. Promise. ‘e ‘as promise. Maybe a ‘aircut and new wardrobe

Kim nixed that immediately. Been there, done that, almost ended with a body count.

Mala rubbed her temples. Hes quiet. Thats good.

The future defense attorney was last. Dark eyes locked into chocolate ones for a full minute. There is some intelligence in there. Anyone who loses his pants that often cant be a total buffoon.

Savannah took over. Honeys, fall in! Evaluation time. Five sets of lips puckered for an elongated wolf whistle.

Is that good? Ron asked Kim.

Savannah gave a winning smile. Why, Sugah, youre just short of larcenous! Definitely worth a rebound if Kimmie here ever drops you.

The boys face lit up. You hear that, Kim? Rebound girls, Ive got rebound girls! The glare from Kims jealin face brought him up short. But who needs them when youre my girl.

Nice recovery. Kim took his arm and pulled him back to her. The Honeys gave a sigh of mock(?) disappointment. But you still must be punished. To Harvard Square. Girls, were going shopping!

WTOS

Shopping at Cambridge did not mean a mall; it meant Harvard Square. Rons punishment consisted of a very long walk with even longer stops. Berks Stores had every shoe imaginable in size for even the most finicky foot. And you must have new clothes for new shoes. Ron found himself carrying bags from Clothwear, Hootenanny and Mint Julep. (The last was at Savannahs insistence. I love the name, but Big Daddy let me have a sip of one at Churchill Downs this year, its a waste of good bourbon.)

He had more fun at Boston Coasters, finding a new food dish for Rufus, adorned with a picture of the Old North Church. Mindful of her budget, Kim only bought one pair of shoes, a green blouse and a t-shirt at the Harvard Shop for Ron. It bore her picture and the words. Shes not just a Crimson, shes smart enough to date me. Even Bais reflexive feminism faded before Rons expression of appreciation.

For once Kim was the one recovering from the kiss. You can thank me again later.

Max leaned over to whisper in Malas ear. Dibs on the rebound.

Kim, Ron, Honeys, Savannah clapped for their attention. Our guest chose this evenings activity: a visit to El Diablo Pequeno, but it takes energy to dance the night away. We have reservations at Rialtos in fifteen minutes.

But how will we get our stuff back to the dorms? Kim started to look around. If I can find a rotary phone, a Bremmel and a Lite Brite

The belle had an answer. Dont worry, Sugah, I have people, well, boys to be exact. She pulled out her phone and touched a button. Five boys whose faces Kim recognized from the previous night came into the shop and took the bags.

Bai smirked. Most people control dumb animals with a whip. Savannah just bats her eyes.

WTOS

Rialtos was casual dress, but the Honeys, as Kim would have said, were on it. One boy produced a bag containing clothes complementing the girls recent purchases. Her new shoes and blouse gave new life to a skirt Kim had almost left at home. For Ron, Savannah had found a Miskatonic blazer old enough to come across as charmingly retro.

Not surprisingly for the world famous Kim Possible, the chef came by during the first course. I hope everything is fine here.

Her question drew the usual polite responses until she reached Ron. The boy had been eating like it was his job. He looked up from his plate and swallowed. This is great! Rufus would go nuts over the cheese.

Rufus? the chef tilted her head. Of course, the third member of Team Possible. Im glad youre enjoying it, Ron.

You recognize Ron? Kim was pleasantly surprised.

Buneo Nacho isnt my usual lunch spot but I have had a naco or two. And Ive seen some of his cable access cooking shows. You two should really come to one of my cooking classes.

Kims expression was curious. I, uh

Still cant boil water? Ron gently teased.

It was almost there! Kim snapped. And then that sink hole had to sweep those RVs into an underground river.

Found a whole new ecosystem. Ron shuddered. I hope I never see another Giant Blind Catfish.

Good thing we had your belt. The titanium kept the monsters mouth shut.

It was cold down there, KP.

It was your pants or your life. She reached out a fair hand and touched his arm. Besides, didnt I keep you warm?

His face turned as red as any boiled lobster. His girl friend joined when the Honeys tongues started clicking.

Your pants or your life; Ill have to remember that. Bai grinned.

The chef cleared her throat. I need to check on my other diners. It was nice meeting you all. If you need anything just ask.

Once she left Lor had a question. So, Ronald, when eet comes to ze pants losing ees your Kimberly a coo-er or a gigg-ler?

Usually she just rolls her eyes. Sometimes she giggles. Then there was the time during the Moodulator incident when Shego

Shego? Eyes went wide with interest or, in Kims case, alarm. Zhere ‘ave been rumors, but not of zis! Please, Ronald, tell us everything.

Theres nothing to tell. The female half of Team Possible said quickly. Shego and I are

Best enemies? the French accent added a whole new layer of innuendo. Nemeses meeting under ze Milky Way tonight, alone together to travel ze road not taken?

Eww! Gorhcy! Gorchy! GORCHY! Kim grimaced.

Methinks thou dost protest too much. A Franco-American War loomed.

Mala spoke up. Perhaps we should change the topic to something less likely to end in fisticuffs?

Im with you, Mala. Max nodded. Im so glad you wanted to go dancing, Ron. Its time for some fun.

The Ronmans all about the fun. And what can I say? Im a bon-diggity dancer. I love the salsa dancing, the salsa eating

Thats my Ron, full of pep and peppers. Kim laughed. Here come the main courses, why dont we eat?

WTOS

The rest of the dinner matched the antipasto in artistry. Kim limited Ron to two glowing comment cards. They left the restaurant, went down two blocks and turned up the street resounding with an infectious beat. After receiving their no-alcohol stamps the six walked in.

Rons large hand squeezed Kims. KP, the arches.

Dont worry, Ron. She said reassuringly, though the dozens of smiling little faces gave her the creeps. They all have had their living metal removed.

Once past the arches of deactivated lil’ diablos they took in the other decor. Demons and imps were everywhere, along with the occasional skeleton. Every time someone stepped or sat or set anything down they symbolically rejected the Devil. A table beckoned. Everyone wisely chose a non-caffeinated beverage in anticipation of the dancing to come.

Savannahs bearers arrived for their reward. She graciously gave dances to all. The lucky young men also danced with the other Honeys.

Kim and Ron had fully booked dance cards. If I had danced with you at the Spring Fling we wouldve started dating years earlier. The Crimson cheerleader had the mad dance skills necessary for national level competition and she appreciated music for its own sake. But Ron, Ron seemed to have incorporated the beat into his very being. Football and ninja training had removed some of the gawkiness, replacing it with a confidence that Kim found irresistible. And the way he looked at her whenever they came close in the dance. The whispers of inadequacy brought on by comparing herself with some of the other dancers (they were freshmen again after all) faded in the glow of those eyes.

Everyone pulled themselves off the dance floor for some badly needed liquid refreshment. The Honeys scouted the crowd while Team Possible only had eyes for each other. Others had eyes for Ron as well. Three girls wearing Miskatonic shirts rushed up to Ron. Clearly they were a bit tipsy, though whether from alcohol or dancing it was difficult to say. Excited voices rose over the music.

Its the Colorado dance machine!

Ronnie!

Darn, hes got another green eyed girl.

Another? The green eyes present threatened to emit laser beams at a particular blond boy.

Yeah. One of the girls stared at Kim. Omigod! Your eyes look exactly like hers did. Youre likeeye twins, isnt that so weird?

Who was she, Ron? The tone and expression would brook no evasion.

Just a girl I met at the dance Mac and I went to last night. Yidhra.

Some girl! Another of his admirers scoffed. She was a siren: a sexcicle with a sexy core all covered in a coating of sexibility. Just waiting for Ron to take a bite.

All we did was dance, I swear! His voice cracked. That and walk her home after the fight.

Fight? Kim looked from one face to another. Where were you dancing, a honky-tonk?

A couple of guys got fresh with her and she showed them the floor. Ronnie just played the gentleman and left with her. The third girl explained.

I need some more explaining. Ronnie, its late. Could you walk me back to my dorm? Her tone was as sweet as it was demanding: a genuine feat.

Sure thing, KP. Nice seeing you girls again.

Nice seeing you. They chorused.

Savannah and her court had another table. Kim shook her head when a boy began to rise. Ron and I are going back to the dorms.

Five knowing looks did not help her mood. Lor quickly made things worse. Ah, Kimberly, I trust you have sometheeng to dress Ron in when e loses ees pants? You Americans need to learn ow much fun eet can be to dress a man.

Well be just fine. Kim managed to not grind her teeth.

Well, well be here a while yet. Yall take care. Nice meeting you, Ron. The Atlanta belle smiled.

Nice meeting all of you. Ron replied. Come on, KP, lets go.

WTOS

Wisdom won out over tweak and Kim enjoyed the walk across Harvard Square and onto Harvard Yard. She was fully in control when she asked the question. What kind of name is Yidhra, anyway?

Rons breath hitched a little but he managed to keep himself from stumbling as he walked. He had known this was going to come up, even before his fans showed up at El Diablo Pequeno, but he had not been eager to bring it up. Cuban; she said it was an old family name. Weird name, yeah. But I figured, hey, is Stoppable all that normal? I know my cousin couldnt wait to take the name Starter as a last name after the wedding. Keep in mind, Kim, my cousin was the groom.

They shared a laugh over that, but it did not last long.

Why didnt you tell me about her? Ron was slow on the uptake, but he knew she was not talking about the young Mrs. Starter.

When did I have a chance? Her relaxed voice and posture enabled Ron to answer quickly and easily. It was late when you called and they were with you. And theyve been with us all day asking questions. What is it with Siberia anyway?

A girl. A boy. A sleeping bad and no pants. She smiled slyly.

So theyKim! the light went on in Rons eyes. My KPs keeping the mystery alive.

Well, everyone knows everything in Middleton. Here they dont. Its nice to have other girls really listen when I talk about you.

Ron Stoppable, boy toy. And you know what you do with toys

Thats far enough, for now. She laughed and leaned her head against his arm. So she has eyes like mine?

No. She has your eyes, KP. I thought it was you until I saw her hair. It was Shegos.

Shegos?

It was like she wasnt real. Like a dream. Every part of her reminded me of somebody: you, Shego, Zita, Bonnie, Yori, yourfellow Mad Dog cheerleaders.

And there was a fight?

It was all her. She used some Cuban style to take them out. After that she said shed feel safer if I walked her home.

By now they were at her dorm. She opened the door to the building. Then what happened?

She tried to get me to kiss her. Said I could prove my love for you that way.

And did you prove your love? She watched him closely as she stood in the door.

I ran.

Kim laughed. Thats my Ron. You never prove your love for someone by kissing someone else. She stood aside to let him in. A whisper sent a thrill up his spine.

Im very selfish when it comes to your kisses.

They went up the stairs to the Kims room. The door opened. Ron reached for the light when Kim pulled him away from the wall and into her arms. They kissed in the dark. Lips locked, tongues wrestled, hands roamed. They moved across the floor in another dance, this one ending when they toppled onto the bed. Kims mind reengaged when they bounced on the mattress.

Wake up, Possible. Lors right; you dont have the gear for that kind of game. And there are some choices you never want to have to make.

She gently pushed him off of her and turned on the bedside light. If he was disappointed he hid it well.

So, this is a college girls room. Abooyah!

Yep. Me, my roommate, and a metric ton of clothes. Its a wonder the floor hasnt collapsed.

Oh, KP. Savannah cant be that bad.

No, its worse. She has a climate controlled storage unit for her off season wardrobe. Im so glad youre nearby, Ron. Everyone heres super smart or super rich or just plain super. I need

Someone to remind you how badical you are?

Finishing my sentences now? In that case, I guess Ill have to keep you. Kims smile turned into a soft kiss. Walk you to the Red Line?

No, thanks, KP. You can do that next week. Its kind of cool walking you home away from home.

That won him another kiss. Sure youre not an English major?

Miski doesnt restrict its students with majors. Were free to think outside the academic box.

Then use some of that free mind to think about me. Goodnight, Ron. I love you.

Love you too, KP.

She watched him strut down the hallway and across Harvard Yard. His head was back and his heels were clicking. Her hand came up to her mouth. When it came to Ron, she was a giggler.

Youre so good for each other. Both of their mothers had told her on more than one occasion. She would need his essential Ronness to help keep her natural Kimness in check. For instance, she had intended to read after he left, but after two late nights she was too tired to really retain anything. And Rons voice whispered in her mind: why read it tonight if you just have to read it again tomorrow? Time for bed. After one call.

Hey, Wade.

Oh, hi, Kim. The eleven-year-old triple Ph. D. smiled out of the Kimmunicator screen at the eighteen-year-old college freshman. Im still putting the stuff on Amika together. I could give you what I have.

That can wait. I just saw Ron. If she was on his mind, Id know. The boy cant keep a secret. Except for the picnic at the Lake; now that was a romantic surprise.

Wade shrugged his shoulders. It was a simple neural block. I already had his brain mapped out. And he did ask me to do it.

How sweetI think. Now about the sitch; Ron met this someone last night, she said her name was Yidhra and-

Im sorry; she said her name was what?

Yidhra. She repeated a little concerned at the shock on her younger friends face. Why, have you heard of her before?

Well, yeah. The boy genius answered uncertainly. But Im having a tough time believing that Ron ran into her last night.

Kim frowned. Yes he did, Wade. He said he did and three other people confirmed it.

Im not saying he didnt meet a girl. Im saying he didnt meet Yidhra.

Explain.

Yidhras a myth; a folk tale in almost every Indo-European language. Typically she either tempts the hero or offers love to the worthy. Everlot uses her as an NPC to eliminate destructive player characters when they get too powerful. They arent risking another Wraith Master.

So she just used the name?

Makes sense. Theres always the chance her parents wanted a unique name, but its like calling your kid Circe or Aphrodite, exotic but so archaic it sounds just plain weird. If you get a photo send it to me and Ill run a check. Again, its probably nothing, but

Please and thank you. Im turning in. Ive got a lot of reading to catch up on tomorrow.

If you need any tutoring just let me know.

Dont hold your breath. Good night, Wade. The Kimmunicator turned off. Kim hummed as she got ready for bed.

A gentle breeze stirred the leaves of the great oak just outside her window. It also moved the tattered cloak around the figure perched on a branch. The drawn blinds were no obstacle to his multifaceted eyes anymore than the shut window was to his ears. Both worked on a completely different level than terrestrial life. Satisfied that Kim was turning in the figure scuttled up the tree trunk and out onto a higher branch. He moved so smoothly that the thin wood hardly bent as the propelled onto the dorm rooftop with no more noise than a cat.

He ran along from roof top to roof top. Anyone seeing him assumed they saw a cat. The grace was certainly feline. Ron never noticed the shadow slip underneath the Red Line headed out from the station. But he could not shake the feeling that he was being watched.

WTOS

Arkham had its own street that catered to both town and gown. George Street boasted an array of shops, restaurants and entertainment venues ranging from the extra fine to the super funky. This being Arkham all shared a certain flair for the unusual. None more than an antique Store called Curious Goods.

The young cameraman Ron had met on the Red Line walked up to the door. He paid no attention to the closed sign. None of the scattering of party goers or restaurant patrons saw him pick the lock and slip inside.

Halfway down the stores floor he stopped at a shelf. At first he had taken the object for a long knife but then he had seen the stacked cannon ball stamp. He picked up the weapon, handling it with great respect.

Welcome to Curious Goods. An older man made his way down to him. His beard and remaining hair was white. Despite his advanced age he still moved with purpose and power. That the man in front of him had entered through a locked door appeared to be no cause for alarm. But then, he did have a Viking sword in his hand. Im Jack Marshak. How can I help you?

I am Chiba Hayato. He extended his hand. Jack took it readily as each shifted their blades to the left hand. I happened to notice this.

The old man looked over his reading glasses. A sword bayonet for an Asakira 38th Year Rifle. From the Toyoko Arsenal, probably manufactured in the early Twenties. Ones like this are becoming rare.

According to the tag this one comes from Saipan.

Yes. Ive been in the business for a long time. I try to verify every item. The man who sold it to the previous owner was with the Headquarters Company of the 105th Infantry. He was wounded in the banzai attack of July 7th 1944.

The young man was solemn. My great-grandfather was stationed at Saipan. The Imperial government listed him among the fallen, but my family never knew his true fate. While there is little chance that this was his, it pleases me to imagine that I could return a part of him home.

Take it with my compliments; a gift from one old soldier to another.

Were you in the Pacific?

The old mans eyes were elsewhere. No, I was in the ETO.

Honor demands that I pay a fair price.

The tag says $70.00.

I said a fair price. They shared a smile. I will give you $50.00. That includes tax.

Deal. Jack took Hayatos hand. They walked over to the register. Hayato continued to talk as he paid.

Perhaps you are aware that I did not come here to find something so much as to meet someone.

I thought so. The proprietor nodded. This way please. You did lock the door when you came in?

It was prudent to do so, as it was prudent for you to ask. They walked down a flight of stairs. The basement was dark and cool. Shelves groaned under their eccentric inventory. It was everything one would expect in such a basement, with one exception.

Midway down on the left wall a massive door stood ajar. Light spilled out into the hallway. Jack motioned for Hayato to enter. That was when he noticed the door was made of steel.

The room contained a desk with an old phone, a couple of chairs and a single light overhead. Hayato recognized the man at the table. He rose to return Hayatos bow. After straightening up he bowed to Jack.

Thank you, Marshak-san. We shall begin now.

Very good. Jack bowed. How much time will you require?

Thirty minutes should be satisfactory.

If you need more time, or anything else, please let me know. The phone on the table works. The door closed with minimal noise, but Hayato found the clicking of tumblers a bit unsettling.

Please sit, Hayato-san. The older man took his seat and reached into a drawer, producing a bottle and two square cups. A toast to our success, ne?

The younger man nodded. They raised cups. Kampai.

Hayatos surveying of the room brought a smile to the older man. It is good that you examine your surroundings, but you may relax. We are most secure here. This room once was used to contain very powerful and cursed items. No evil device can function in here. Once they discovered how to neutralize them, the owners cleared the room. Now people seeking safety lease it from them. I felt it wise to hear your report here. Arkham has many twisted ears.

Then I shall begin. The cameraman produced an envelope. I took the picture that you requested.

Eyes narrowed in concentration as the man examined the photograph. After the preliminary report of Shoku group I felt it important to ascertain our charge. Good, his spirit is intact. A mutual acquaintance will be most pleased to hear this.

I wish I had been there, but Shoku groups cover story has them living in Arkham. It was natural for them to be present at the party last night.

They SHOULD have been with Stoppable-san when he left with the stranger, but they became lost.

Lost? Hayato blinked, unable to hide his shock. That is impossible!

I would have agreedyesterday. These are strange times, and this is a strange place. The man opened a drawer to take out pictures of his own. And this is a most unusual person we are dealing with.

You mean persons, do you not? the younger man asked respectfully. These are four photographs. He dances with a different woman in each.

No, look closely. They were taken from four different angles at the exact same time; a remarkable feat by Shoku group. But even more disturbing is what happens when you tilt the photograph.

Hayato slowly tilted a photograph. The image changed! Stoppable-san is the same but the womanshe has different hair, different complexion, and the dressits from another century!

The older mans face was grim. We can only assume it was she who sent the fog which blinded Shoku group. Clearly Stoppable-san is the target of some powerful malevolence. It is our honor to protect him.

But how do we protect him from someone we cannot identify?

We rely upon our training, our instincts, and the one thing that has triumphed again and again over incredible oddsthe Ron factor.

If you say so. But I wish we were trusting to something more substantial.

The clouds are nebulous, yet our lives depend on them. The older man rose and bowed again. Thank you for your report. Be mindful that I shall probably call upon your group again.

The younger man bowed low. We are honored to serve.

Arkham Asylum is the property of DC Comics, you dont have to be crazy to work there, but it helps.

The store Curious Goods and its proprietor belong to CBS television.