Looking For Trouble

A Ranma ½ / Teen Titans Crossover

by

Jeremy Harper

Disclaimer – Ranma ½ is the creation of Rumiko Takahashi. Teen Titans is the property of DC Comics. Both are used without permission.

Chapter 9

Nightwing and Arsenal returned to the penthouse a little before four in the morning, having stayed to liaise with the police officers they had summoned and to help contain the captured Monster Man. After putting away his Escrima sticks and utility belt in his bedroom, Ranma walked into the living room, peeling off his domino mask, and suddenly stopped and stared. Akane lay asleep on the couch, covered with a light blanket. She rested on her side, cheek pillowed on her hand and lips slightly parted as she quietly breathed. She looked peaceful and delicate in her slumber, possessed of a gentle beauty that contrasted pleasantly with the oft-times fierce energy she projected when awake. Ranma felt himself deeply moved by the sight, something stirring in his chest that was almost painful in its sweetness. He took a moment to settle himself, very glad Roy had taken a detour to his own room to stow his weapons. He sat down in one of the plush chairs, settling back with a sigh. Akane stirred, waking up. She blinked several times and smiled sleepily at Ranma.

"You're back," she said happily, pulling off her blanket and sitting up. She looked at him closely. "Are you all right?"

"I'm fine," he answered, seeing no reason to tell her about getting hit by the Monster Man – it had only been a glancing blow which barely bruised him. He planned on killing Roy, however, if his friend opened his big mouth about it.

"How did it go?" Akane asked eagerly.

"It was... interesting," said Ranma as he stripped off his gauntlets. "More so than I expected. Let's wait for Alfred and Roy before I go into details." Akane nodded in agreement.

Roy came in a minute later, divested of his hat, mask and gauntlets. "Hey, Akane," he said as he dropped into a chair. A few moments later Alfred appeared bearing a tray of Chinese food he had ordered from an all-night restaurant when Nightwing had called in, informing the older man that he and Arsenal were returning. Ranma's eyes lit up, suddenly feeling ravenous. He grabbed a bowl of beef lo mein and started wolfing it down. He heard Alfred cough into his fist and noticed Akane staring at him, startled. Ranma swallowed what was in his mouth and smiled sheepishly, a bit of sauce dribbling down his chin.

"Sorry," he said, wiping his face with a paper napkin. "Bad habit. I get really hungry after a mission."

Roy chuckled. "He's the only guy I ever met who can beat Beast Boy in an eating contest."

"Did you find any leads on the sources of the hypnotics at the warehouse, Master Ranma?" asked Alfred. Ranma and Roy's expressions grew serious.

"Yeah, we did," said Roy. "One hell of a lead, too."

"There was a Monster Man guarding the place," explained Ranma.

"Good Heavens!" said Alfred.

"That doesn't sound very good," said Akane slowly.

"It's not," agreed Ranma. He told her and Alfred about their investigation, Roy occasionally interjecting.

"Who's Hugo Strange?" asked Akane. "I don't think I've ever heard of him."

"He's the first criminal Bruce encountered that you could call a super-villain," said Ranma. "He's your classic mad scientist, specializing in bio-chemistry and psychology. He's best know for creating the Monster Men – mentally disabled men that he mutated into super-strong giants."

"I've never had the pleasure of meeting him myself, but all I've heard says he's a nasty piece of work," said Roy. "I didn't think he had any ties with the Yakuza, though."

"He doesn't," confirmed Ranma. "He has some contacts with the criminal syndicates in India through an associate, Sanjay, but nothing farther East."

"So he's expanding. But why?"

"All I can say it's not for money – he steals when he needs to, but it's never been his primary motivation."

"In that case either the Yakuza either have a hold over him or, more likely, have something that he wants bad enough that he's willing to work for them." Roy grimaced. "That conjures up some lovely thoughts."

"What do we do now?" asked Akane.

Ranma and Roy exchanged a long look. "Tomorrow Roy and I are going to start some research, see if we can find any leads on Strange – when and where he came into the country, for example. We'll also probably hit a few more clan strongholds, roust up their leadership, maybe, and see what we can learn that way."

"Is there anything I can do?"

"If you want to help us with the research your company is more than welcome. But other than that, I'm afraid you're done." Ranma held up a hand to forestall Akane's protests. "No arguments. I'm not letting you within a mile of Strange if I can help it."

"I'm with Ranma on this, Akane," said Roy. "Super-villains aren't something civilians should mess with, and, like it or not, you're a civilian."

Akane glared fiercely at her two friends, who both looked back resolutely. Finally she breathed in deeply, closed her eyes and nodded her acquiescence. "Okay," she muttered, looking dejected.

"You did well tonight, Akane," said Ranma. He felt slightly stricken by her reaction, despite knowing his decision was the correct one. "You honestly did. But Strange is dangerous."

"You don't have to explain, Ranma." Akane opened her eyes and gave the two young men a wan smile. "I'm going to bed. I'll see you both in a few hours." She stood and left the living room.

Neither Ranma nor Roy said anything for a little while, save to thank Alfred when he gathered their dishes. Finally Ranma heaved out a great sigh, leaned forward in his chair and buried his face in his hands.

"Why do I feel like a jerk?" he muttered.

"Because you are a jerk," Roy answered cheerfully.

"Thanks a lot, Harper. Just what I needed to hear."

Roy laughed. "If it's any consolation, it takes one to know one – I'm a jerk, too. But we're not being jerks about this. I care a lot for Akane, and not just because I have the hots for her sister. I don't want her anywhere near Hugo Strange, either."

"Yeah," agreed Ranma, He sighed again, dropping his hands from his face and standing. "I need some air."

"Okay," said Roy. "I'm gonna go sack out. Good night."

Ranma stood on the penthouse balcony, leaning against the balustrade, arms folding on the railing. He looked out over Tokyo through half-lidded eyes, enjoying the cool early morning breeze as he let himself decompress from the night's activities. A pleasant lassitude suffused his body and he fell into a light doze, stirring at the sound of a familiar footstep.

"I'll head to bed now, Alfred," he said, pushing himself away from the balustrade, turning and smiling at the butler.

"Actually, there is something I wish to bring to your attention before you retire, Master Ranma."

"Oh?" Ranma frowned thoughtfully. "Something happen?"

"Yes." Alfred paused a moment. "I had a long discussion with Miss Akane tonight. She has expressed interest in taking a more active roll in your nocturnal activities."

Ranma blinked. "She wants to be a superhero?" he translated flatly.

"Yes."

Ranma let out a deep sigh. He was experiencing a peculiar feeling, one similar to deja vu, in which at once he was both very surprised yet not surprised at all.

"You tried to convince her that it was a bad idea, right?" Ranma asked in a slightly strained tone.

Alfred arched an imperturbable eyebrow. "I explained to her some of the realities and dangers of such a career, but otherwise I made no effort to change her mind."

"Alfred!" Ranma protested. "No. It's too dangerous. She's going to have to worry about Ra's al Ghul trying to coerce her into his control. She doesn't need to exacerbate her situation by actively picking fights with the other crazies running around."

"Yet she may be safer from the League of Shadows if she becomes a superhero instead of remaining a civilian. At the very least, the training she receives will be far more advanced than what you and Master Bruce currently plan on giving her, and make her more capable of thwarting any scheme Ra's al Ghul and Talia attempt against her."

Ranma frowned and shook his head. "I don't want her in danger. I don't want her getting hurt."

Alfred smiled at his young charge, his expression wistfully amused. "That is a feeling I thoroughly understand, Master Ranma."

Ranma stared wide-eyed at him before grimacing and scrubbing at his face with a palm. "You fight dirty, Alfred," he grumbled.

"A necessity in my profession, sir."

"Feh." Ranma looked away for a moment. "This isn't my call. Bruce is the one who'll make the decision on this."

"True, but your opinion and good will is of great importance to Miss Akane. She thinks very highly of you. If you are not careful, you could end up hurting her."

Ranma sagged, his shoulders slumping. "This isn't a good idea."

"Perhaps not. But ultimately, Master Ranma, it is her decision to make – just as it was for you."

Ranma turned around, going back to the balustrade to stare out again at Tokyo. Alfred walked to stand next to him. Neither said anything for a small space of time. Finally Ranma sighed deeply. "I... I don't want her getting hurt, but I also promised to always respect her right to choose. I'm gonna try to change her mind on this, but I'll keep my word if she doesn't."

"I know you will, my lad." Alfred placed a grandfatherly hand on the young man's shoulder. "You should retire now – I foresee you and Master Roy having an eventful next few days. You need your rest."

Ranma laughed softly. "That I do. See you in a few hours, Alfred."

"Sleep well, Master Ranma."

Roy was heading for his bedroom when he noticed light peeping out beneath Akane's guest room door. He paused for a moment then shrugged – he had planned on talking with her in the morning, but if she had not yet gone to sleep he figured he might as well speak with her now. He knocked softly on her door.

"Yes?" she called out.

"It's Roy. May I talk to you for a bit?"

"Sure. Come in." Roy accepted the invitation, leaving the door open a crack behind him. Akane had just stood up from her bed and looked at him curiously. He looked back, lips pursed thoughtfully. She looked dejected, her eyes and expression dulled by something other than fatigue.

"Ranma meant what he said," he told her. She blinked in surprise. "You did great tonight. No one I know could have played that creep any better. I thought you were awesome – especially when you caponized the snake."

Akane looked at him silently for a moment then giggled. "Aren't you pouring it on a little thick?"

Roy grinned and held up his hands. "Just telling you the truth."

"Thank you, Roy. I appreciate it, and I did believe Ranma. It's just..." she sighed, shoulders slumping a little as she half-turned from Roy. "I just want to do more. I don't like feeling useless."

"You're not useless, kid. Far from it. But the trouble that we're going to stir up now isn't something you're ready for. Ranma can be a goofball sometimes, but he knows what he's doing."

Akane smiled at her friend. "Funny, he said similar things about you."

"Base slander! His jealousy of how cool and suave I am sometimes gets the better of him." Akane giggled again and Roy chuckled. "But while you can't help us with Strange, I'm hoping maybe you can help me with something personal."

Akane made an easy guess. "You want me to give Nabiki a message from you?"

He nodded. "Yeah, along with something else."

She looked at him very curiously. "Oh? What is it?"

"Don't have it yet. I'm planning on going to go Nerima with you this morning to pick it up. I'll buy you breakfast, if you want."

"You don't have to do that, Roy. I like helping friends out."

"And I like treating my friends for helping me." he answered with a smile. "I appreciate this, Akane."

"It's no problem." She suddenly yawned.

"And that's my cue to leave. See you in a while."

"Good night."

The morning had grown late and Nabiki still was not dressed. She sat on her unmade bed, clad in a black tanktop and white sleep shorts, staring down at her hands resting in her lap and doing her best not to think. Physically she felt better than she had yesterday, though she was still feeling a little sick from her allergic reaction. But emotionally she was distraught. She closed her eyes briefly and shuddered as once again the realization of what nearly happened to her brushed across her consciousness. She swallowed hard and sighed. She was grateful to Roy for saving her from that disgusting blond-dyed creep and his friends – his actions Friday night had increased her attraction for him – yet she was embarrassed for needing to be saved. She felt like a complete fool – a sensation she was not use to and did not enjoy at all.

God knows what Roy thinks of me now, she thought. Taking a drink from a stranger and getting doped like some naive little hick. She drew a leg up, wrapping her arms around it, resting her chin on her knee and frowning bitterly.

There was a knock on her door. "I'll be out in a little while, Kasumi," Nabiki called out. Her older sister had already checked on her twice this morning.

"It's Akane. Can I come in, sis?"

Nabiki put her leg back down. "Sure." The door opened, admitting her little sister. Akane looked tired, her eyes half-closed and a little glazed, but she bore a large smile on her face. In her hand was a small plain brown shopping bag.

"How are you feeling?" she asked.

Nabiki rolled her eyes. "Very tired of everyone in this house asking me that."

Akane giggled, her smile becoming sly. "Now you know how I felt."

Nabiki huffed a ghost of a laugh. "I guess I do. How about yourself? You look sleepy."

Akane waved a hand dismissively. "Just had a late night; I was out with Ranma and Roy."

"Oh." Nabiki looked curiously at her before biting her lower lip and glancing out the window. "How is he?" she asked quietly, wincing internally at how hesitant she sounded.

"Very worried about you," Akane answered. "In fact, this is from him." She held out the shopping bag, grinning a little smugly at her Nabiki's startled reaction. It made her feel a little guilty, but she enjoyed seeing her usually imperturbable older sister caught off-guard and flustered. She placed the bag on the bed.

"What is it?" Nabiki asked, staring at the bag.

"I'm not spoiling the surprise," Akane answered. "I'll come back and gush over it with you in a while." She departed, leaving Nabiki alone with Roy's gift.

Nabiki continued staring at the bag, feeling unaccountably shy. Suddenly she scowled, annoyed with herself. Pulling a deep breath, she grabbed it and took out a small flat box with a white card. She looked at the card first; it simply read 'sorry', with Roy's signature in English letters and a phone number. Nabiki's lips quirked into a smirk as a weight in the pit of her stomach dissipated. She opened the box.

Nabiki gasped, her free hand shooting up to cover her mouth, and she nearly dropped the box. Nestled in it, glittering prettily in the morning light, was the silver and sapphire necklace she had half-jokingly tried to cozen Roy into buying for her on their first date. She swallowed hard and scrubbed at her eyes with the back of a wrist. She was not going to tear up, even if there was no one around to see her, and that this was the first gift she ever gotten from a boy that she had not conned or charmed. She took the necklace from its box, clasped it around her neck and went over to her mirror. She looked at her reflection for a few minutes, admiring her gift as she toyed a little with the chain, smiling and blinking. She wiped at her eyes again before getting her cell phone from her bed stand and dialing the number of the card.

Roy picked up on the first ring. "Hey."

"You're really lucky I like you, Roy," Nabiki said without preamble, her tone a teasing lilt. "Do you know just how bad I could be guilt tripping you right now? I think I could get you to buy out an entire clothing boutique in Ginza for me right now. I still may try – I could use a new wardrobe for autumn."

Roy chuckled. "I'm not that much of a soft touch, babe."

"Hmmm... the necklace around my neck right now says otherwise... Thank you for this. It was the last thing I expected from you."

"What were you expecting?" Roy asked, curious.

Nabiki bit her lip again. "I... don't know," she replied honestly. "A part of me thought maybe you'd be mad at me."

"Seriously?"

"Yeah, I know. It's stupid, but then I was pretty stupid that night. I've heard about girls getting doped at clubs, but for some reason I never thought of it actually happening to me." She shook her head and sighed. "You've got nothing to be sorry for, Roy. The only person who should feel sorry is the asshole who did this to me, and I doubt he's capable of feeling guilt."

"Knowing that and feeling it are two different things."

"Well, maybe I can help you get over this conflict. Can you come over? I'm still feeling a little sick, but I really want to see you right now. Just give me an hour to clean up."

"I want to, Nabiki. I really want to see you, too. But..."

"But what?"

Roy sighed. "You may not be blaming me for you stay at the hospital Friday, but your father is."

Nabiki hissed through her teeth. "He didn't..."

"He did. Doesn't want me within a hundred feet of you, and, Ranma's friend or not, I'm persona non grata at your house."

"I'll kill him," she said flatly. "That damn caveman. The moment I hang up murder is going to be done."

"I thought you said Akane was the violent one in your family," Roy teased.

"Far from it – I'm just a lot more subtle about how I apply violence." Naiki took a breath. "I'll deal with dad, Roy. I'm not going to let him interfere with us."

"I appreciate that. I like you, Nabiki. I think I may like you a lot. I want to see you again before I have to head back to Starling."

Nabiki was silent a moment. "And after you go back – what then?"

"Well, I do visit Tokyo often. But I think maybe we should take this one step at a time, and our next step is getting you out of the tower your old man wants to lock you up in."

"Don't worry. I'm very good at getting what I want."

Roy chuckled. "No doubt. I gotta get going, babe. Ranma and I have some plans for today. But I'll call you again when I'm free. If there's anything I can do to help you with your dad let me know."

"Thank you. I will see you soon, Roy. That's a promise."

"I'm looking forward to it."

"Professor Strange, Mr. Heira will see you now."

Hugo Strange closed the journal he was perusing with a snap and looked up at the pretty young secretary smiling at him, the round lenses of his spectacles gleaming opaquely. He was a striking looking man, dressed in stark white and black, his short stature offset by shoulders broad almost to the point of deformity. His head was completely bald, and his face was gaunt, possessing sharp cheek bones and a strong Roman nose. A thick, bristly salt-and-pepper beard covered his chin and and his mouth was pressed into a thin, cruel line. Strange looked briefly around the reception area, taking note of the seven large men in dark suits who lurked in the lobby. He nodded slightly and stood up from his plush chair, slipping his journal into the inner pocket of his jacket.

"Thank you, my dear," he said in perfect Japanese. He glanced at his companion. "I should not be long."

Malcolm Merlyn nodded in acknowledgment. A small smile creased his lips, as if he was enjoying some private joke.

Strange straightened the lapels of his jacket and walked to the door past the secretary's desk, stepping into a hallway leading to a private office. Two of the men followed, falling in step behind him. He paid them no heed. At the end of the hall was a closed door with a pane of frosted glass. He opened it without knocking and entered.

The office was large and spartan, the only decoration being a landscape painting of Mount Kajiiki. A large, expensive oak desk dominated the room, behind which sat Daichi Heira, a high ranking member of the Yakuza clan employing Strange. In a chair to the left of the desk was Matsuhiro Kawada, looking disheveled and nervous.

"Thank you for coming on such short notice, Strange-sensei," said Heira.

Despite his polite words he did not rise to greet his guest, instead simply inclining his head slightly. Strange's eyes narrowed behind his glasses, but he bowed, ignoring the discourtesy.

Heira gestured at a chair in front of his desk. "Sit, please."

Strange complied. His two escorts took position behind him, standing at attention with their hands folded behind their backs, assuming an attitude of disinterested alertness.

"Is there a problem, Mr. Heira?" inquired Strange. "Your man here," he nodded at Kawada, "seems under a stain. I was under the impression that everything was proceeding to your and your oyabun's satisfaction."

"A complication had indeed arisen, Professor Strange," answered Heira. "One that requires your expertise and unique experience."

"Oh? What exactly happened?"

"Our main warehouse was raided last night."

"Your bought police slipped their leashes? I do not see how that concerns me."

"We were not raided by the authorities." He glanced at Kawada. The younger man flinched and looked down at the floor.

"Nightwing and Arsenal hit us," Kawada muttered with a grimace, his rubbed the back of his skull; his head still throbbed from the hit he took from Batman's junior partner. "They took out my men, some of my best, like they were punk yankii, and then beat the damn oni."

"Our warehouse has been impounded," continued Heira. "Our losses in resources and prestige due to those vigilantes are going to be enormous."

"Ah," said Strange. He closed his eyes momentarily, steepling his hands before his mouth. "I had heard that Nightwing was in the country, but I was not aware that Green Arrow's protege was with him." He sighed and opened his eyes, dropping his hands to his knees. "I believe, Mr. Heira, it is time for me to leave Japan. I have fulfilled all my obligations to your clan; all I need is my final payment."

"You will receive it – once you've aided us dealing with this new problem."

"That is not within my remit," retorted Strange. "I came here to improve certain facets of your operations. I have done so by improving the quality of the methamphetamine and stimulants you traffic in. I have also given you resources that will give you a significant tactical advantage over your rivals. I have held up my end of our business arrangement; it is now time for you to do the same."

Heira frowned. "If it is a matter of more money, Professor, I have been authorized to pay you another five million dollars."

"It is not a matter of money. I'll be blunt, Mr. Heira – I have no wish to draw the attention of the Batman at this time. After my last encounter with him and Nightwing, I was lucky to escape with my life, let alone my liberty. At the end of my battle with them I fell into a chasm outside of Gotham City. It took me over a year to recover from the experience, and I have no wish to repeat it. All I want is what was promised – the Gaki Files."

"I'm afraid that is not possible right now, not with this threat against the clan. A threat that you are responsible for."

"How so?" scoffed Strange. "I have been circumspect in all my dealings in Japan. Nothing I have done could have possibly drawn Nightwing's attention." He looked contemptuously at Kawada, who scowled back.

"Nonetheless, you will not leave Tokyo until you've aided us in removing these costumed fools' interference." Heira glanced briefly at the two men behind Strange. One of them clamped a firm hand on Strange's shoulder.

Professor Strange grew very still. For a minute no one spoke, a deadly silence stretching taunt in the room. Heira looked on expectantly, while Kawada frowned. Suddenly Strange smiled, his mouth contorting like the crawl of a venomous serpent.

"You would try to compel my cooperation?" he asked. A low chuckle rumbled in his chest. "I expected better of you, Mr. Heira. Maybe I am guilty of believing in a stereotype, but I had thought the Yakuza was more sophisticated than the dagos that run Gotham's criminal enterprises. Alas, it seems that no matter his nationality, a thug remains a thug."

"I suggest you be careful how you speak to me, Strange," said Heira quietly. "Your situation is precarious right now."

Strange shook his head. "No, it's quite the reverse, though you do not seem to realize it. You are doing a very witless thing. You are threatening me. I have many ways of defending myself. Not least among them is the man waiting for me in the front office. He's quite capable of killing every person in this building in less than five minutes."

"Merlyn is being dealt with right now," answered Heira with a contemptuous smile. Strange tilted his head slightly. He could discern faint sounds coming from the lobby.

"Ah, of course," he murmured. "Well then, Mr. Heira, perhaps I can make you reconsider your stance by mentioning a name to you."

"What name?"

Hugo Strange bared his teeth. "Akechi Mitsuhide," he said.

Heira's brow furrowed in confusion. "What?" He did not notice his two henchmen suddenly stiffen, their faces blanching, becoming devoid of expression.

"Surely your education is not so rudimentary as that you don't recognize the name of one of the greatest traitors in the history of your country?" Strange glanced up at the men guarding him. "Gentlemen, draw your pistols and cover Mr. Heira and Mr. Kawada."

The man gripping his shoulder released him. He and his partner reached into their jackets and drew automatics, leveling them at their superiors. Heira gasped, half-rising from his seat before checking himself at the click of safeties being unlatched. Kawada swore explosively, his hands fisting white-knuckled at his sides.

"Were you really foolish enough to think, Mr. Heira, that I would not take measures to safeguard myself against treachery?" asked Strange, his lips pulling back in a vicious sneer. "Over the past four months I have implanted post-hypnotic commands in several members of your clan. Among those I've subverted are the majority of the soldiers that report to you. But, honestly, this brute display I'm indulging in is unnecessary." He stood from his chair and stared hard at Heira, his eyes glittering angrily. "I have more subtle ways of defending myself. For example: perhaps, without your knowledge, I sowed a different kind of command into your mind, Mr. Heira. Perhaps all I need to do is say to you a word, one word, and the seething morass of your id will surge up out of the depths of your sub-conscious. Your base desires and urges would then proceed to tear your sanity apart and, once finished, leave you nothing more than a mindless ruin of a man. Shall we test the hypothesis I've proposed, Mr. Heira?"

Heira swallowed hard. His eyes stared from their sockets and his face was sharp and bloodless with fear, gleaming with sweat in the office's florescent lights. "No," he croaked. He swallowed again to clear his throat. "No."

"You show wisdom. The Gaki files; I want them – now.

"I... I don't have them."

"I do not like hearing that, Mr. Heira." Strange raised his right hand. The gunmen began to tremble, as if fighting against yet losing to some irresistible impulse.

"I can get it for you, Professor Strange," cried Heira, his voice cracking with fear. "I'll have one of my men bring it to your laboratory within an hour. I promise!"

For a long moment stared Strange stared at him, his dark eyes ruthless and calculating. Heira knew his life lay balanced on the edge of a knife. Finally Strange nodded once, slowly.

"One hour, Heira. I expect to have Dr. Kanesaka's research notes in my possession by then, or else I will be angry. I suggest you do not use this reprieve to plot further treachery. Believe me when I say that this," he gestured around the room, "is but the smallest example of what I can do to you and your clan." He paused a moment, his expression turning inward briefly. "One final question. You claimed I was responsible for Nightwing's attack on your property. What caused you to believe that? It can not just be because of my past conflicts with him and Batman."

Heira glanced sharply at Kawada, who in turn winced and scowled. "Your drugs failed, gaijin," he said, bitter and resentful. "Your Rohyphnal didn't work as you promised."

"Impossible."

Kawada shook his head. "No, the truth."

Strange stared at him with a sharp frown, reaching up with one hand to tug thoughtfully on his beard. "I want details. Mr. Merlyn informed me you were supplying the Rohyphnal-derivitave to your cousin for prurient purposes."

Kawada hissed through his teeth. "The little shit – yeah, I gave it to him to test it out, and then as payment for some work he did for me. After I managed to get away from those freaks I called him. He told me he used it on a girl at a nightclub. She shook it off somehow, and afterwards Haru got into a fight with the guy she was with." He shook his head in disgust. "He went back to that place the next night, the idiot! He got lured into an alley by some bitch and got jumped by Nightwing – ended up telling the bastard everything he knew."

"Hmmm," Strange rumbled. "Interesting. Is your cousin still alive?"

"Yeah. He's holed up in his apartment."

"Where is that?" Kawada told him. Strange nodded, again falling into a thoughtful silence. Finally he addressed Heira. "A curious matter. There is no way an ordinary woman would be able to resist my hypnotics. I must look into this. If, in the course of my investigation, I encounter Nightwing and Arsenal, I will deal with them. But in the meanwhile, I want my payment delivered. Remember my warning." Heira nodded, slumping slightly in his chair. Strange turned to the two Yakuza soldiers. "Keep them restrained for the next five minutes, then you may act under your own accord." Strange left the office, shutting the door after him.

In the lobby the secretary cowered beneath her desk, hands bunched up to her mouth, gasping in fear. Five men lay strewn across the floor, in varying states of consciousness. Malcolm Merlyn stood in the center of the room, his stance relaxed, still smiling slightly in amusement.

"A problem, Mr. Merlyn?" asked Hugo Strange.

Merlyn snorted. "Hardly, Professor. Merely a moment's diversion." He brushed off the shoulders of his sharkskin sport coat. "And yourself?"

"I had to explain to Mr. Heira the realities of my relations with him. He and his masters are not use to dealing with men of our caliber."

"Will we be leaving Japan soon?"

"Soon, but not just yet. Something has attracted my attention. Come – we have work to do."

Author's Notes: Sorry it's taken me so long to finish a proper update for Looking For Trouble. I hope you think it worth the wait, and hopefully you won't have to wait another five months for the next chapter.

Storybookknight: I really can't refute your comments on Ranma's characterization. One of my big worries when I started this project was that Ranma would seem like an Asian Dick Grayson, and it seems that this fear was not an unfounded one. I just hope that I've managed to capture at least some of the canon-Ranma's personality and traits in the Shadows-verse Nightwing.

Thanks once again to PurseMonger for her pre-reading, enthusiastic support, insightful suggestions, and putting up with my somewhat perverse shipping of Roy with Nabiki. ;)