Ch.09
Shego spent the morning and early afternoon with Yori. They had sparing session in which they went at it seriously enough to appreciate each other's skill and spent the rest of the time bonding. Now that Ron should be on the way back, Shego couldn't help thinking about the night before and falling asleep in Ron's embrace. And Shego had to admit she found the experience enjoyable. Just as she was about to delve deeper into that line of thought, Shego heard Ron announce he was back and a smile blossomed on her face. Shego knew Yori had a similar reaction.
"We're in the livingroom, Ron." Shego announced hoping to see him a little bit faster.
After hearing her words, Ron entered the livingroom with his trademark grin and giving of a healthy dose of 'Ronshine'. "Hey, ladies how was your day?"
Seeing Ron in a good mood, Shego attributed a majority of it to last night's events and blushed at the thought. Her smile widened knowing that she made his day.
"We had a great time, Ron-san." Yori answered for both herself and Shego before she asked. "What about your day? From the looks of it, it was to your liking."
"It's been great." Ron admits before continuing. "I even found out it won't take as long as I thought before I catch up in school. Add to that the projects we started and its a lot to look forward to."
"That's good." Shego adds before asking with a little dread, Zorpox still fresh in her memory. "What kind of projects are you doing?"
"Well, to be honest, it's a couple of ideas I had while I was evil." Ron admits and both he and Shego tremble at the mention of it.
~~~
Yori found it interesting that both Shego and Ron trembled at the mention of Ron's time being evil, reminding her that Ron's description had likely glossed over major details. Just as she was processing that, Shego asked a series of rapid fire questions.
"Are you sure that's a good idea?" Shego asks and continues. "Are they as dangerous as the quake machine and storm generating thing? When did you even have time to think of this? I mean you built two doomsday devices, a tracking program for princess device frequency and had time to figure out some of Dr. D's devices. Wait, is it a world domination thing? What about-"
Seeing Shego out of sorts and Ron trying to be small enough to not freak her out, Yori decided she had to intervene. "Shego-san, one moment. Give Ron-san a chance to explain."
Taking a calming breath and seeing Ron shrunk in on himself, his previous good mood nowhere to be seen, Shego apologized. "Sorry about that Ron, still processing when it comes to Zorpox."
"I completely understand." Ron admitted before moving on to explain. "As for your questions, it's actually pretty cool things. One is a neuro-machine interface* that originally was designed to turn almost everyone into Naco making drones but with slight adjustments can help certain disabled people regain some autonomy or just improve people's daily lives. (AN: Okay so I had to put this in here. It's an Accel World reference and in time I will bring the Neuro-Linker in as well, though none of the character's so no need to worry. It is my favorite anime and Light Novels if you want to give them a try. Anyways enjoy.)
By this point, Yori could see the smile return to Ron's face and she couldn't help joining in. Looking to her side, Yori noticed Shego was smiling as she looked at Ron's expression.
"Next was a new a compact battery that has enough power to keep the device running without compromising mobility and safety, which I'll need to talk to Wade about." Ron continued explaining already with his trademark grin. "I'm hoping for it to last forty eight hours and be cost effective. The rest are a couple of toys that are my own ideas."
Yori noticed Rufus start climbing towards Ron's shoulder as Shego comments. "Naco making drones, huh."
"Yeah." Ron admits while nervously scratching the back of his head.
"Still, to repurpose the device into one that could help people, that is admirable Ron-san." Yori compliments but before she could say more Rufus cuts in.
"Hungry." Rufus says to Ron.
"Got it buddy." Ron answers and asks. "So Shego, the rest of the day is yours to choose, so what would you like to eat?"
Taking a moment to think, Shego ponders her options before speaking. "How about a Chinese style meal and chocolate cake for desert?"
"That sounds like an interesting choice. What brought that on Shego-san?" Yori asks not seeing why she asked for chocolate cake instead of a chinese desert.
"Oh, I've felt in the mood for chinese but I've been craving chocolate all day." Shego admits.
"I have something in mind but I'm missing some of the ingredients. If you can get them while I start on the prep work, I think you ladies will be satisfied."
~~~
Ron had not exaggerated, Shego thought as she looked around realizing that there was no more food to eat. Seeing Yori blushing while licking her lips, Shego knew she wasn't the only one who looked for more. Ron had already gotten up to put some plates away as he got desert and from his blushing, Shego knew that their satisfied eating sounds gave him a hard time walking right now. A few minutes later, Ron brought over the cake.
"I call it, Seven Layers of Heaven!" Ron announced unveiling a seven layer chocolate cake, divided by what seemed to be melted chocolate, with whip and strawberries on top.
"Wow, this looks amazing, Ron." Shego complimented meaning every word and looking forward to trying it.
"That it does, Shego-san." Yori admitted.
"Hnk, pass!" Rufus throws in his opinion after taking a deep breath.
"Thanks but trust me it won't disappoint." Ron said as he began cutting out some slices.
Shego did not remember finishing the slice. All that went through her mind was tasting a delicious chocolate cloud and being caressed by Ron's bigger hands. When she came to her senses, Ron's gaze on her body felt like a lover's caress and Shego had a hard time restraining herself.
"Mmnn!" Yori's moan brought both the attention of Shego and Ron, who gulped, his blush turning a shade redder.
"That was divine, Ron." Shego admitted and began to tease him. "Anymore and I won't be able to live without you."
Shego expected Ron to stammer or something but he instead seemed to challenge as he spoke. "Seconds?"
Licking her lips and speaking in a tone she was sure got her commitment across, Shego accepted. "Yes!"
~~~
Ron had no idea why he challenged Shego but at the moment her words made something inside him want to have her by his side for a long time and he acted on them. Just as Ron didn't expect to challenge her, he wasn't expecting Shego to accept. So when she did in a tone that left no room for doubt he wondered if they were thinking the same thing or if Shego misunderstood him. Still, he gave her a slightly bigger slice, making sure to look into her eyes when he did.
A while later, Ron gave Yori and Rufus seconds as he enjoyed another slice himself. After eating Ron put away the food and moved onto the dishes. "Ladies, I'll meet you in the livingroom after I finish here."
"Actually, I need to grab a shower and get ready for the drive back so I'll meet you there in a while." Shego excused herself making her way upstairs.
"I will keep you company, Ron-san." Yori commented and Ron, thinking that sending her alone to the livingroom would be pointless and a bit cruel he accepted.
"Okay." Ron said.
Ron and Yori finished the dishes fairly quick and made their way to the livingroom where they continued to chat. They had gone over various topics such as; Is she enjoying Middleton? Which Yori replied a little but she mostly enjoyed her time with Ron. Did she want to be with Ron for tomorrow's tutoring or did she have other plans? No plans so Yori would be with him for tutoring. Like this they spent the time till Shego came back downstairs, her suitcase in tow.
~~~
Shego made her way downstairs already disguised and having tucked away two of Ron's jerseys into her suitcase leaving a surprise for him under his pillow in exchange. Once down, she saw both Yori and Ron, with a relaxing atmosphere around them as they were talking. When they looked her way and noticed the already disguised Shego, both their expressions dimmed slightly, for which Shego was secretly happy for.
"Its almost time that I go." Shego stated knowing they both knew the same thing.
Sighing, Ron spoke. "You're right, Shego. It's been fun at least. Maybe we should do it again."
"It's been a pleasure to meet you, Shego-san." Yori says with a slight bow.
"A pleasure to meet you too, Yori. You have my number so keep in touch." Shego looks from Yori to Ron. "And Ron, you're right. Maybe my place next time. Call me and we'll coordinate."
"I promise." Yori/Ron replied in unison.
"Okay, now walk me to my car." Shego commanded.
After putting her suitcase in the backseat since the trunk was full with all the shopping she'd done, Shego turned and surprised both Ron and Yori, by bringing them into a hug.
"I'm willing to try and make whatever it is we have going work!" Shego told the two and kissed each before turning and getting into the driver's seat.
Ron seemed to think a moment before he spoke. "You know I feel the same way. Let's not let our job's get in the way."
"Let's give it our best, Shego-san." Yori added.
"Okay, I'm heading out now." Shego waves from behind the wheel and turns the BMW on.
"Drive safe." Ron stated before adding. "Give me a call when you get in to be sure."
~~~
Shego made it home sometime past 3am and after a quick call to Ron, started unloading her stuff from the car. After leaving everything in the livingroom she went around the house doing a quick inspection to make sure nothing was out of place. Deciding that she would inspect the lawn and deck tomorrow after getting some rest, Shego went to the master bedroom. Satisfied with the repairs Shego went back down for her suitcase and the shopping bags thinking it was time for a shower.
Shego was tempted to give in to the side effects of her disguise but she wasn't in the mood. So after showering and toweling off she went to her suitcase in the nude, extracting one of Ron's jerseys as the PJ's for the night and went over to the bed for some much needed rest.
~~~
Ron was able to relax after his call with Shego and flipped onto his belly ready to sleep the rest of the night. Putting his arms under his pillow, the blond was surprised when his finger's touched something. Pulling it out, he saw a note. Turning on the light so he could see, Ron quickly read it.
"I wonder what WE would be like? Shego." Finished reading, Ron sighed, since the note answered the question he had the night before. Just as he folded the note back, Ron placed it in his drawer.
He didn't get much sleep that night but Ron had made a decision that left a serene and satisfied smile on his face. The next morning making his way downstairs, Ron decided to make breakfast and surprise Yori by bringing it to her.
On his way back upstairs, holding the tray he usually tried using for mother's day and carrying Yori's food to the guest bedroom door, Ron knocked with his foot. Within moments, Yori had answered the door and Ron could tell she slept without a bra by the way his jersey was on her body revealing the right side of her neck and shoulder.
Blushing he greeted. "Morning Yori, hope you're hungry."
'Yori's still partially asleep.' Ron thought as she seemed not to notice the clothing mishap and answered. "Morning, Ron-san. Indeed I am."
Just after breakfast with Yori, Ron's cellphone went off. Seeing Wade's image pop up, Ron knew a mission had come up as he answered. "Go, Wade."
"Ron the transportation is going to be at Kim's place in five. Once you're on the way, I'll be giving a mission briefing." Wade mentioned as the sound of his typing was heard in the background.
"Got it." Ron said as he turned to look at Yori. "I'll grab my mission pack and be on my way."
Hanging up Ron looked at Yori. "Can you get my assignments for me and let Felix know that I might not make it back in time to study with him?" Seeing Yori's nod Ron added. "Can you call Tara or Monique so that you have someone to keep you company? I'd feel better knowing that you have some company and weren't all alone waiting for me."
"Okay." Yori accepted before adding. "Now get going Ron-san. I will be fine."
~~~
35 minutes later aboard a cargo plane heading towards Africa.
"We have a dictator whose recent public execution of rebels finally prompted into action several of his generals into trying to remove him from power. Seeing the country on the verge of a civil war and trying to stop the bloodshed, the UN has requested that we infiltrate his fortress and capture the dictator." Wade brought Team Possible up to speed as he typed.
"Why not bring a special ops unit to remove the dictator from power?" Ron asked noting a different solution.
"Good question, Ron." Wade commented before explaining. "They are trying to avoid an international incident or worse yet, where the new government of the country follows the same path as the previous one if they have a foreign power intervene in their affairs. So they asked Team Possible to perform the operation since it does not represent a country."
"What do you have for us as a means of infiltration?" Kim asked trying to figure out how they were going to pull off the mission.
Pulling up some schematics, Wade began to run them through possible infiltration points while going over the risks in others. Once Kim made the decision on which route they were going to take she began to lay out her plan.
~~~
Ron had a bad feeling as he started the infiltration with Kim in the lead and just as he was going to make it known, a large explosion rocked the fortress they were advancing towards. 'There goes stealth.' Ron thought as he grabbed Kim to get her attention.
"I think we should abort the mission, KP." Ron stated and began to explain. "Our best asset was stealth and from the looks of things, it's been blown to bits. That was likely the signal of an assault and that's going to make things chaotic."
"Actually, Ron, I think this is to our benefit." Kim said smiling. "With this as a distraction it'll be much easier sneaking in and finding our target. While they are fighting each other we will solve the whole sitch." Replied a confident Kim just as the sound of gunfire erupted.
Not waiting for Ron's input, Kim turned and continued her advance. Sighing, Ron knew it was going to be a long day but as a man of his word, he going to have Kim's back.
~~~
Kim confidently led the way that Wade had pointed out earlier during his briefing. Occasionally, she glanced back at Ron to make sure that he was following. Kim wanted to have a talk about his friends influence but now wasn't the time so she put it on hold. Kim was also aware that this mission was out of the norm for them, especially considering the people they were facing were armed and from the looks of things already engaged in fighting, to further complicate things.
'No big, afterall anything is possible for a Possible.' Kim thought to herself.
Five minutes later, the team was just about to breach the dictators fortress. Making her way towards the window, Kim cut through any locks with her lipstick laser and pushed the glass, gaining access to the compound. Quickly securing the room, which seemed to be an office, she waited for Ron thinking he was having problems but when she turned to tell him to hurry, he was already by the door and releasing Rufus for scouting.
A minute later, they had the all clear and were making a stealth run towards the floor above the command center where the dictator was likely at. Kim noticed the sound of gunfire had likely made Ron nervous since his head didn't stop turning as he secured their surroundings.
It took seven minutes with Rufus constant scouting to make it to the appropriate room. Twice they almost walked into teams making their way around the compound but Ron noticed with enough time for them to find a hiding place. Once in the room above the command center and after making sure they were alone, Kim started to explain the next part of the plan.
"Ron, there's going to be two entry points." Kim said with a serious look as she continued. "You're going in first to grab their attention as I enter a few minutes later to help subdue them. Remember to draw as many as you can towards you. Once we have the room secured we just have to get the target to their emergency escape tunnel, to which the dictator should lead us to since he likely wants to avoid us running into anyone that would like to shoot him."
~~~
"What if he made his way to a bunker or panic room?" Ron asked.
"Then we'll have to locate and extract him." Kim simply responded.
Ron's bad feeling was intensifying but seeing as Kim's expression demanded compliance he gave it. Taking a deep breath he announced. "Ready."
"I'm going to begin." Kim stated as she began to cut into the floor with her lipstick laser. After she was through she spoke again. "Go in there and try not to loose your pants."
'Or my life!' Ron thought to himself. Ron's infiltration was noticed as was expected. When Ron landed in a crouch he was surrounded by four armed security guys aiming at him. Seeing this and noticing that the other three people in the room were going over monitors and giving out instructions in a foreign language, Ron held his hands up as he continued to look around the room.
Silently celebrating he wasn't shot on sight and considering the situation going on, they had more than enough reason to, Ron backed towards the wall while keeping his hands visible. Thinking quickly he started rambling loud enough to have the attention of everyone in the room. Ron kept talking as the group positioned itself to make sure they had him in their sights as one of the armed men closed the distance. Being patted down thoroughly and beginning to wonder if he was being taken advantage off, Ron noticed the lipstick laser begin its second incision.
"So as I was saying, can you guys point me towards the library?" Ron asked increasing the volume of his voice. "The report is due tomorrow and I don't think my teacher would appreciate me not handing it in because I got lost on my way to the library."
Just as Ron was going to say more, he was interrupted by the sound of stone slamming into the floor.
Bang. Bang.
Ron didn't have to time to think as shots were fired. He had no warning as he felt his abdomen get hot and start to get wet. Luckily, if that was a thing, he wasn't shot in the heart or head so Ron followed procedure in the situation, applying pressure to the wound.
Distantly he heard more gunfire but he remembered that there was at least coverage on that side of the room and with Kim's athletic abilities she was likely to be okay. Feeling relieved, his mind started to drift as he thought he heard Rufus but that too drifted into the distance.
~~~
Kim waited what she believed was long enough to have Ron distract the room and began the second access point with the lipstick laser. Once the stone gave way she was ready to make her entrance but before she did there were two shots fired. Not dwelling on what could have happened, Kim dropped into the floor below announcing her presence. Taking a quick look around she didn't see Ron and figured he was hiding in a corner somewhere or had been captured.
'No surprise there.' Kim thought as she dove behind a desk as the armed men in the room opened fired.
Thinking quickly once the firing stopped and expecting some to go around the corner to likely resume fire, Kim pulled out a lip gloss container. Taking a deep breath, she removed the air tight lid and brought the knock out content towards the first man that showed up. Within moments he started teetering towards the side as he collapsed. Smirking and feeling more confident, Kim crouched and used the rocket shoes to close the distance with the remaining three armed men.
Driving her elbow into the furthest man's solarplexus, Kim was sure that the rocket shoes gave her enough force to knock him out as he was thrown backwards. Bringing out her hair dryer/repel gun out and shooting the hand holding the gun of the man standing to her left as her rocket shoes powered off, Kim jumped the man on her right and after making it a hand to hand fight quickly brought him down. Now running to the last man standing that was holding his bleeding hand she ended the confrontation in a couple of strikes.
After looking around and noticing there was no else in the room and the doors leading out were open. Kim ran over and closed the doors before bringing out the Kimmunicator and plugging it to the nearest computer before hitting the button to Wade. "Wade, I need you to locate the dictator, we struck out in the command center."
"Kim we don't have time for that!" Wade screamed a little hectic as he came on screen. "Ron's vitals are dropping fast. His chip indicates we are steadily loosing him, what the hell happened?"
"What?!" Kim asked now fully focused on her bestfriend. "Where is he Wade?"
"He is in the room with you, look around." Wade instructed before adding. "I've contacted GJ and have an extraction team en route. You have to stabilize him and get him to safet...what the hell?"
"Wade, talk to me." Kim implored and explained. "I don't see him the room with me but I found a puddle of blood."
"He seems to be on the move Kim." Wade started explaining again, the sound of fast typing following his words. "I'm trying to hack into the security cameras of the compound to find him but in his condition moving around at the pace he is going might be the worse decision. If he didn't stabilize the wound we are going to loose him."
Trembeling, Kim spoke. "Wade, I need an intercept route stat. I need to get to him."
"I'm in, you can remove the Kimmunicator." Wade instructed. "Kim, we are going hands free, bring out the earbud from the back of the unit. He seems to be following the shortest path outside and you're going to have to run to catch up. There's going to be bodies...also I can't spot him on camara so we are following his chip."
~~~
Rufus went near insane when he noticed Ron had been shot. Quickly going to the wound he saw Ron's hand fall towards the side as blood pooled under him. Thinking that he needed to stop the bleeding Rufus jammed two paws into the bullet holes. Centering himself briefly, Rufus projected his thoughts loudly towards the ninja that kept Ron safe.
"Hurry, lots of blood. No time!" Shortly after Rufus words, Ron was lifted, both he and Rufus becoming invisble.
"Rufus-san, we are going to move, do what you can for Stoppable-san."
With those instructions, Rufus delved as deep as he could into the MMP knowing that was the only card he had in hand.
~~~
Akito could tell by the amount of blood on the floor that things looked grim for Ron at the moment. Looking at the place Ron used to be, he gave instructions. "Makoto you will follow three meters behind Sae and I, remain unseen. Sae we are clearing the fastest path outside. Anyone getting in our way is to be eliminated."
Just after those words the unit began to move. No one asked for details or questioned the orders and with his fastest speed Akito led the way. Only he and Sae where visible. After spotting the three technicians in the hallway speaking into their communication devices and judging that they were asking for reinforcements and might send them to intercept them on their way out, Akito decided they had to be removed so that the risks were reduced. Taking out a couple of shuriken he targeted the closest one's throat and fired. Next he removed his blade and decapitated the following one as Sae slit the remaining one's throat open with one of the pair of sais in her hands.
Briefly confirming the kill and retrieving his shuriken, Akito was back in the lead as they moved upward towards the ground floor. As they where nearing the location of the stairs, the sound of gun fire let them know that they were not to be granted access. "Makoto, wait thirty seconds and follow, we will clear a path."
Saying those words, Akito and Sae dissapeared from view and rushed ahead. Akito seeing that there was three people still alive and fighting off the invasion on the left across from the stairs, whispered instructions to Sae. "Go to the left in three seconds, I'll clear the stairs."
"Un." Was Sae's confirmation.
Akito knew he had to be fast and took a running start towards the steps, the second the was a brief lull in the gunfire. He cleared the first few steps in an instant and turned towards the others with shuriken in his left hand and his sword on the right. Launching the shuriken at the one that was about to arm a rocket launcher, Akito slit the throat of the one nearest to him as he lost his hold on the invisibily or stealth as all the graduates eventually called it, not having the leeway to focus Ki to the technique.
Grabbing the now bleeding out woman, Akito used the dying person as a meat shield as her companions opened fire on him. Taking a deep breath, Akito angled the body as if he was going to push towards the right but after two steps he left the momentum of the body take over as he let go and accelerated. Walking on the wall briefly, Akito launched himself over the men shooting at him and after determining how he would land, released a smoke pellet. Now with minimum visibility, he decapitated the one he landed behind, moved towards the presence of the others and proceeded to make short work of them.
Thankful that his maneuver worked without leading to injury, Akito cleaned his blade and sheathed it. After Sae arrived he quickly asked. "Injuries?"
"None." Was Sae's response.
"Makoto?" Akito asked hoping he already arrived.
"Here." Whispered Makoto, still unseen.
"Good, let us go." Akito declared.
In this way they proceeded to eliminate all obstacles in their path as they got Ron away from the compound. Some tense minutes later, they were in the area where Team Possible was originally dropped off and began to perform emergency measures on Ron. Sae took the lead here, she, having the best abilities as a medic.
"Rufus-san, I need you to move your paws." Sae asked as she positioned herself above Ron. "I need to remove the bullets. This should allow him to begin healing as your Ki has helped manifest his own. I will then use a technique that should stabilize him long enough to make it to a hospital as long as you will continue to channel your Ki and strengthen his chances."
Rufus wasted no time and moved his paws out of Ron's wound and jumped off. Sae focused and cut open Ron's shirt up the middle exposing his chest and abdomen. Akito noticed Sae tense briefly before she brought out a needle and after checking the wound inserted the needle to try and remove the bullet. After several long seconds she succeeded and moved onto the next wound. The second bullet took nearly a minute to remove and was followed by an increased blood flow from the wound.
Taking a moment to center herself, Sae began the healing technique that would hopefully save Ron's life. Her hands were surrounded by an orange aura as she placed them on top of the wounds and focused. Her breathing becoming heavier a minute or two later, Sae finally was satisfied and moved her hands away.
"Rufus-san, now all you need to do is maintain a flow of Ki into Stoppable-san and he might survive this yet." Sae declared as she tried to calm her breathing and tied Ron's broken shirt over the wounds slowing the bleeding.
As Rufus moved back on top of Ron, Akito spoke. "Someone approaches. Makoto, Sae we must remain unseen. If there's a need, defend Stoppable-san."
At Akito's words, Makoto and Sae nod before disappearing. Following them, Akito did too and positioned himself where he could easily defend Ron if needed. A minute later, it was proven unnecessary as a pale and panting Kim became visible.
~~~
Kim was not prepared to see so many bodies. Following Wade's instructions she left the room and took a right. Down the hall she spotted the first three bodies. Decapitated, throat slit open and puncture wounds around the arteries. Kim came to a stop as reality set in. This was not like her regular missions and people were dying. Topping things off, her confidence that she could handle it led to Ron being injured even though he had suggested the mission be dropped due to their lack of experience in such scenarios.
Just as she was going deeper into her line of thought, Wade's voice came through the earbud. "Kim, you got to keep moving. Ron's vitals are still dropping and his pace has barely changed."
"Right." Kim said and asked. "Lead on Wade."
"Simple really." Wade replied trying to lighten the mood. "Just follow the red signs."
By the time Kim made it outside her complexion was pale because all the bodies she'd seen and showed no sign of improving in the fresh air. Fearful that Ron would end up another body, Kim pushed herself to her limit to catch up with him.
"He stopped at your landing zone, Kim." Wade informed, letting Kim know the chase was near an end.
"Thanks, Wade, I should be there in a few minutes." Kim replied already running.
When Kim made it to where Ron was, she was panting and her worry at what she'd find had worsened her already pale complexion.
'If my decision leads to his death I could never forgive myself.' She thought as she looked at a pale and unmoving Ron.
Noticing Rufus atop Ron, Kim approached to look over his injuries. Just as she made to remove the shirt being used to seal the wound and assess the damage Rufus growled and swiped at her hand.
"Rufus, I need to look at the wound and make sure everything is okay." Kim began to explain hoping to appease Rufus. "The medical team will need to know how much damage they are dealing with and this will save them valuable time."
"Two bullets." Rufus squeaked and continued to explain while protectively standing over Ron. "By your feet. Already out. Lots of blood. No shirt. More Blood."
"Okay." Kim said bringing out her Kimmunicator, turning on it's flashlight and beginning to look around. In moments she found the pieces of metal and picked them up, wondering if Ron had removed them himself and with what. Further looking around yielded no clue and showed that blood was already pooling around Ron. Pocketing the bullets, Kim spoke to Wade. "Wade, what's the ETA on that evac?"
"Ten minutes out Kim." Wade informed her and explained. "They were delayed waiting for medical personnel. For now add pressure to the wound. His vitals are still decreasing just much slower than before."
Kim did as instructed after assuring Rufus that she would not remove the make shift bandage. She saw Rufus position himself atop her hands as she applied pressure to the wounds, making her wonder what he was doing but Kim dismissed the thought. Then, Kim proceeded to wait what felt like forever as her best friend lay dying in front of her.
When the evacuation team arrived Kim quickly explained that Ron suffered two gunshot wounds to the abdomen and had lost a significant amount of blood. Grabbing a hold of Rufus, Kim proceeded to watch as the medical team work, not noticing that the GJ hover jet she boarded was back in the air.
~~~
Ron found himself in what he decided to call his 'mindscape'. A deeper state of meditation that's near his subconscious as far as he could guess. He had no idea what had brought him here again but remembering he'd been shot gave him an inkling that it might be related to his approaching death. Looking around and noticing nothing really seemed different, Ron relaxed thinking that he might be wrong and he wasn't dying, just overreacting.
Seeing the woman that was to be his teacher meditating, Ron guessed he had nothing better to do and went over to join her. When he was three meters from her Ron was about to sit when he noticed her opening her eyes.
"Hi." Said Ron when nothing better to say or do, came to mind.
The woman stood, looked around before her amber eyes glowed briefly and she spoke. "Hello, Ronald Dean Stoppable, I'm Xu Ming Yue, a pleasure to finally meet you."
"Likewise." Ron spoke and took a moment to compose his thoughts. "I must say, I'm surprised we can communicate. You can just call me Ron, also how do I address you?"
"You may address me as Teacher Xu." Xu Ming Yue clarified before she explained. "As for communication it's a simple technique when you're in a state such as I, inside someone else's body. A quick peak at your memories and it's simple enough to learn, assuming the one looking is smart enough to learn it."
"Oh." Was all Ron could say to her explanation. "So, Teacher Xu, do you know why I'm here in what I began to call my 'mindscape'?"
"An apt name as any." Xu Ming Yue agreed. "As for why, that is simple. As you approached the boundary between life and death I called you here in the hope to help you through this predicament."
"Oh!" Ron said finding his vocabulary severely impacted by the realization that he was dying, but not surprised it's happening. 'Wonder if my parents would even notice?' Ron mused already deciding it was a final deal and missing the part where his teacher said she would try and help him through it.
Seeing Ron simply accept the news and not ask what she meant surprised Xu Ming Yue so she elaborated. "As I said, there is a way to help you but it entirely depends on your learning abilities. Here we have extra time but if you don't learn fast enough to apply it, it will serve no use."
Ron had to take a moment to let that sink in before asking. "Teacher Xu, what do I need to do?"
"The first step is the most essential." Xu Ming Yue began to explain. "You have to spread your awareness throughout your body, this will allow you to know it's condition. It's similar to when you're in pain and know the location but with this you will be able to know the problem in greater detail. For now, we will focus on the injuries you have and let yourself be drawn there, since spreading your awareness throughout the whole body is no easy feat."
Ron listened to Xu Ming Yue and let his mind focus on the pain he had felt before he was drawn to his mindscape. After what felt like minutes he still felt nothing.
Xu Ming Yue smiled faintly. "A valiant first attempt but I had yet to finish explaining. Right now you're in such an inward focused state that your awareness can't separate to branch out towards the body. I will be teaching you how to guide your Ki so that you're able to heal, share some memories that relate to spreading your awareness and then, we hope for the best. I know it's not optimal but if we use the regular teaching method you will likely die since you need to be in a conscious state and as you know, we wouldn't have the time. So we are betting on your intellect and learning capabilities."
Ron heard her words and felt like they were blows to his confidence. The only time he was confident in his intellect and learning abilities was when he was evil and he wasn't sure he could pull it off. Still he listened to Xu Ming Yue explain and even bring an astral body into his mindscape that looked like a holographic Ron. She adjusted the transparency on it and showed him how to guide the Ki needed for the healing techinique, which looked like glowing gas. After she taught Ron how to summon an astral body himself so he could practice. It felt like weeks went by before he was able to maintain the Ki flow and focus it on parts of the astral body.
Xu Ming Yue, finally satisfied that Ron could use the technique well enough, decided it was time to share some of her memories of locating injuries and using the technique. To Ron, the experience felt like he had gone through it himself. It had started off simple, a stab wound through the right leg muscle below the knee from a fight. Then wounds proceeded to become more life threatening and numerous but Ron noticed a couple of things. One, the technique left no scars which for a woman must have been a blessing. Two, healing happened after the fights for some reason, never in combat making him wonder why. And three, as long as the brain and heart were functioning he seemed to heal from most wounds. Although, in a particular occasion he almost suffocated because severe damage to his lungs, so it didn't always apply that the heart and brain were the only weaknesses.
Still, Ron persevered and endured through the memories. He focused on every detail he could. Memorized the process from every angle and by the time the memories stopped he was as ready as could be.
~~~
Kim heard Wade inform the medical team of Ron's blood type and berated herself for not mentioning it herself. It was such an obvious thing yet the thought slipped her mind. To her dismay the medical team informed Wade they didn't have any on hand as they continued to work on Ron. Just as Kim relaxed thinking the this was all going to be okay, she heard one of the people working on Ron curse and begin chest compressions. Tears rolling down her face, Kim wept thinking she might have gotten Ron killed.
~~~
Xu Ming Yue looked at Ron's grim expression and knew he was as ready as can be expected.
"Good luck." Xu Ming Yue said.
"Thank you for all your help, Teacher Xu." Was all Ron said, hoping there was a next time they would talk.
Just as he was ready to go back, Ron's mindscape vibrated and a part of it fractured.
"Ahhhhhh!" Ron screamed as he felt a tear to his core but he didn't have the time to wonder what might have just happened. He knew he was running out of time and had to act now.
Ron felt his conciousness returning and quickly noticed a few things. First, he was still bleeding. Second, his mind was sluggish and he couldn't feel his body properly, he only knew that he felt cold. And third, he didn't feel his heartbeat and that nearly scared him silly. Seeing as his mind was still functioning, Ron decided to bet and began trying the healing technique.
To Ron, spreading his awareness to the wound proved difficult even after experiencing Xu Ming Yue's memories, it didn't remove its difficulty and give him a shortcut to its mastery, it was only a guide. Seven tries later proved no different, but Ron was aware he was still bleeding meaning that although his heart hadn't restarted, bloodflow was still in effect giving him some time.
On the eighth try, Ron managed to succeed and started recieving information. From what he could tell a vein was nicked by a bullet. Speaking of bullets they weren't in his system, so someone took them out. There was also some damage to the area that he couldn't understand at the moment but it concerned Ron since both bullets had hit the same area.
Ron also noticed that someone applied a healing technique whose effect was like comparing a puddle to a lake when compared to Xu Ming Yue's technique but laid out the foundation to heal him.
~~~
Kim despaired as she saw the medical team do chest compressions. She felt that she was suffocating and from Rufus attempts to go to Ron, she knew he wasn't feeling much better. The minute it took for them to restart Ron's heart felt like it was a lifetime to Kim. She witnessed her friend dead for a minute and the experience would change her in ways that she didn't know yet.
~~~
When Ron felt his heart start pumping again, his confidence increasesld and he relaxed a bit. 'I can do this. My heart's beating and the bullets are gone that means I'm likely in a medical facility and they are working on me. As long as I repair enough of the wound they should be able to take care of the rest.' Ron thought and started to apply the healing techinique.
As the healing techinique started to work Ron had to admit that its effects were incredible. He first focused on the vein since he knew the continuous bleeding had to be a concern. Ron wasn't sure how long it took but effects were evident as the vein bled less and less. Once satisfied with the current progress on the vein, Ron started branching out towards the rest of the damage.
'Shit, I think that may be an organ!' Ron realized as he focused on the damaged area.
Steeling himself for the very real possibility of death that confronted him, Ron gave up on the vein and focused entirely on the organ that both bullets impacted.
Some time later, even though Ron did everything he could to heal himself a little longer, his mind started to fade as everything went to darkness.