Chapter 5: Absolute Terror
A/N: quick observation I've just made of my own character formats. The Xian Fu I'm making seems almost a meshing of Asuka Soryu and Rei Ayanami. I admit I'm an EVA-phile, and I have a particular liking of Rei (hence all the technical speak, seeming a little OOC). Otherwise, I hope I'm making a good assumption that everyone is a little more advanced by the time they graduate.
The plot thickens...
******
"How much do you want?" asked Ranma, saliva beginning to ooze down his chin. Nabiki crossed her arms and gave the Saotomes a contented smile. Oh, that warm fuzzy feeling when you know you have absolute control...
"How much are you willing to pay for it?" she asked. To punctuate her view, she produced the vial of red liquid from her handbag, and waved it tantalizingly before them. Ranma was ready to sign his life away to get that vial. All reason blinded, he reached for the test tube, to have it jerked away by the hands that kept it.
"Ten thousand yen!" the young martial artist exclaimed, jumping for the tube in his eagerness. Nabiki merely held the tube higher, watching the boy's antics in amusement.
"Boy, you don't have that kind of cash, and you know it!" exclaimed Genma. "_I'll_ pay ten thousand yen!" announced the older Saotome. "Go ahead and give me that vial, and I'll get the money to you later!"
"Ha! Fat chance, old man, that cure's MINE!" demanded the younger Saotome, as father and son got into an good ol' fashioned brawl in the middle of the living room. Nabiki sighed, realizing that this would take longer then she thought.
**
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Children of All Ages! WELCOME, to the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!" announced the ringleader, as various acts began in the three rings of the circus. Acrobats tumbled and jumped in seeminly impossible ways along the high-wire. Clowns ran along the sidelines, entertaining the crowd with their antics. Trained animals performed tricks through hoops of fire. All of this passed by in the background for the latest re-addition to the act.
Muu Tsu hung in the wings quietly, patiently awaiting the signal for his entrance. A worker stopped by momentarily to ensure all was ready.
"You sure this is a go, Muu Tsu? You haven't been under the big top in almost three years, you know," he said.
"Yeah, I'll be fine. I'm all set."
"You don't need any wires, or nets or anything, you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm allright."
"Ok bud; may God be with you," said the worker, speaking breifly into a radio handset before nodding to Muu Tsu. For his own part, the Chinese youth really didn't want to be up there at all, and every part of him wanted to run back home and forget the whole thing.
But I can't stop now, he thought. This'll pay for the ring, and Xian Fu deserves the best in all of Japan.
The announcer began the rant as Muu Tsu prepared himself.
"May I direct your attention to the center ring! Tonight and tonight only! We have a real treat for you, ladies and gentlemen! In the center ring, without benefit of net, harness, or even the highwire, you will witness the greatest in acrobatic skill ever attempted! We are proud to present the one...the only...the _Amaaaazing Spider-Maaaan!_" he exclaimed, the spotlight highlighting the platform on which Muu Tsu stood.
He was dressed much the same as he always had, minus the patterns on his robe, with black gloves covering his hands and forearms, large reflective shades over his eyes, and a black ascot covering the bottom half of his face. His pants were black, and his hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail.
Sweet Jesus, he couldn't even get the name right, he thought bitterly, I told him, I'm the Human Spider. Oh well...here we go...
Giving a single two-fingered salute, Muu Tsu took a swan dive off of the platform, and began what was ultimately an inpromptu performance.
**
"Okay, let me get this right. Ranma, you hereby give me the rights to power of attorney to allow any and all photoshoots I so deem neccesary, along with standard agent's fee, finder's fee, and a healthy 10% extra. This contract would stand for the rest of your mortal existence, am I right?"
"Yeah, you got it!" exclaimed the pigtailed martial artist. Ha, what a dope! Doesn't she realize that once I'm cured I won't be able to do her little 'photoshoots' anymore?
"Great; I hear the gay porn market is about to spike," she said offhandedly. Ranma choked and ran for the nearest sink. Genma laughed so hard, he nearly fell over. When the younger Saotome returned, he did not look at all amused. Genma continued to laugh, until he did indeed fall over.
"Ha, ha. Okay, you had your joke. No deal, we'll figure something else out."
"Are you sure? There's a lot of money to be made in 'playgirl,' I'll bet," Nabs teased.
"Pretty sure! No, make that _very_ sure! Absolutely, _positively_ sure!"
**
Muu Tsu finished with a flourish, lashing out with two chains to grasp the tent poles, and lowering himself to the sandpit below. With a flick of his wrist, he retrieved the chains and replaced them within his robes. After a quick bow, he launched a chain directly upwards, and hooked the top rafter. With a deft leap, he began ascending the chain upside-down until he dissapeared from sight back onto his platform and into the shadows.
As the Chinese youth made his way out of the tent, he was grinning from ear to ear. The crowd was going wild, and cheering at the top of their lungs. That was fun! he thought. What a rush!
**
"Okay, I think we've got it worked out now. I hereby gain possesion of 10% of anything you earn over the next ten years, sound about fair?"
"Go for it, boy; anything's better then gay porn," advised Genma off to the side.
"You got that right, pop. Nabiki, you've got yourself a deal," Ranma said, shaking the Tendo girl's hand, and holding out the other in quivering anticipation. Handing over the vial, Nabiki walked away with a very satisfied expression across her face. Ranma grasped hungrily at the test tube, eager to...to...
"Hey! What the heck do I do with this thing, anyhow?" he called after the retreating form of the young woman.
"Not my department, Saotome," Nabiki said flippantly, ascending the stairs to her room and closing the door.
"So...what? Do I drink the stuff?" Ranma asked, turning to his father.
"I'm game," said the older Saotome, swiping the vail and popping the cork. Ranma had about enough time to gawk and fume before Genma began to raise the tube to his lips. Fortunately, before the bespeckled Saotome had a chance to drink the liquid, a screech startled them both.
"Genma! For the love of God don't drink that!" screeched the unmistakable rasp of Happosai. Both pairs of eyes were suddenly on the shrivled man, and he looked annoyed. "What the hell do you think you're doing? That's blood!" He screeched. Genma would have nearly dropped the tube at that moment if it weren't for Ranma's reflexes, snatching the tube as soon as it left his father's hands, and stopping the top with its cork.
"What makes you say that, old freak?" asked Ranma, eyeing the liquid suspiciously. The elder anything-goes martial artist narrowed his eyes at the young Saotome.
"With the amount of blood I've spilled in my lifetime, I'd like to think I know what it smells like," answered the withered pervert. "And as evil as you all think I am, there is no way I'd let any deciple of _mine_ drink blood when I can help it!"
"Nabiki! No deal, there's no way I can drink this!" Ranma shouted in the direction of Nabiki's room. In an instant, Happosai had leapt up and snatched the vial from the young Saotome's hands. "Hey! What's your problem, old freak?" Ranma challenged, already not having much of a good day. Happosai ignored the threats, instead busily examining the tube and its contents.
"Hmm, very interesting..." he commented.
"What is it, master?" asked an inquisitive Genma. Happosai slowly turned the vial over in his hands.
"If I've been hearing the grapevine right, you just lost to our Amazon friend the other day," he stated. Ranma immediately bristled once more at the mention of his defeat.
"What's that got to do with anything?" he demanded.
"I've also been listening to you two drone on recently," continued Happosai. "If I'm correct, then Nabiki must have accidentally swiped a sample of Muu Tsu's blood from the clinic."
"Aw, man! Gross! Are you telling me that _this_ is Muu Tsu's _blood_?" asked Ranma. Happosai leveled a 'what the hell do you think I just said' look at the martial artist.
"Give the boy in the red pajamas a prize," he muttered, tossing the vial back to the sputtering Saotome. A voice from above startled them from any futher bickering.
"Well, there were three sets of vials in the storage room," she offered. "There were green ones, red ones like I got, and some kind of clear one," said the middle Tendo sibling. Another voice from across the room startled everyone.
"Well, if Mousse somehow found the cure, and the Doctor is taking his blood, he must be making the serum out of it somehow," said the voice of Akane from the comfort of the living room couch. "I practially grew up half the time in that clinic, so I know a few things about what he does. That clear stuff is probably Mousse's blood plasma."
"Um...thanks," mumbled Ranma, unsure if he understood all that had been said. Akane tossed up her hands in defeat, and returned to her TV show. The exploits of Mulder and Scully were mild compared to the stresses of her daily life. Ranma held up the vial again to stare at its contents and contemplate his next move. One minute turned into ten, into fifteen. A vein stood out on Genma's forehead before he finally clouted Ranma one over the head.
"Boy! This is no time for hesitating!" he exclaimed. "You need to get your butt over there and get one of the green ones!"
"Ow! Jeez pop, lay off wouldya? How do you expect us to get in there, anyway?" complained the junior Saotome. A snort from above again brought their attention to the railing where Nabiki stood, returning from a dip in the furo.
"Y'know, the best part of my job is that I get paid to do what _anyone_ can do on their own with a little intelligence. I guess that's what sets me apart in this town," she sneered. "Getting in was no trouble at all, just unhook the air conditioning vent on the east wall, and it's a cinch from there."
Ranma boggled, now aware that he had nearly signed his life away for something that wouldn't have taken him an hour to do.
"Don't feel too bad; you also paid me to find out about this stuff in the first place, and you have to admit, you didn't have a clue," teased Nabiki as she reentered her room and shut the door.
"Right! Let's get over there!" announced Ranma, breaking from his stupor. Stowing the vial in a nearby empty vase for safekeeping, he proceeded out the front gates into the night.
Unfortunately for the young Saotome, mischevous gears were already turning in the mind of another. Ranma hadn't gone one block before a small powderbomb rolled in front of his feet. Ranma had only enough time to widen his eyes before the tiny package exploded, gassing him into unconsciouness. A looming form stooped over the comatose boy, ready with rope to bind him with.
I'm sorry to do this to you, boy, thought Genma as he hogtied his son with the rope. Don't worry; your ol' dad'll save you some after he's finally had the chance to be cured...
**
Muu Tsu was almost literally skipping down the street, feeling as light as a feather. Secured amongst the metric ton of...stuff...he had on him, was a single box, with a single silver ring, in which was encrusted a single 24karat diamond. He couldn't wait until after the duel so that he could finally defeat his love and win her heart. He could picture the moment now: as he picked up his darling Xian Fu from the ground, beaten but intact, he would press the ring into her hand, holding her close while down on one knee.
It's sick, but kinda touching in a way, he mused, always a touch wary of Amazon traditions. He abided by them, but it never meant that he liked them. The Chinese youth gazed up at the clear night sky, and wondered what to do next. The night was still young, and he had nothing planned at all. I feel kind of bad for yelling at the Doc earlier, maybe I should go back and apologise? he thought. He then thought of the chiding words of the older man, and his temper flared again. How dare he try to judge me, after all I've been through for this, Muu Tsu thought with vehemence.
He thought it better to go home instead, and catch up on some reading.
**
A dark, bulbous shape eclipsed the moonlight on the roof of Tofu's clinic. A moment later, gravity provided for a quick descent for the figure, as he had tripped over a ledge in his haste. Pretending his blunder hadn't really happened, the solemn shape crept closer to the building, feeling for his target. Silently, the figure unhinged the ventillation grate on the eastern wall of the building, finding some level of difficulty when attempting to squeeze in himself. The grate snapped back into place after the passing of the mysterious intruder, not a trace left of his presence or his identity.
Aw hell, who am I kidding? Anyone short of a blind ewok with a poloroid camera could tell it was Genma Saotome.
**
Dr. Tofu Ono sat in his modest apartment adjacent to the clinic, in deep thought. The truth was, he had been even closer to the completed formula then he had let on, and as the day's experiments progressed, he was astonished to find that with a few more adjustments, he would have what the committe was looking for. Then again...
Who are they to trust with such power? he asked himself. Can they be trusted to use it correctly? Can I? he contemplated, unsure of even that. The gifts Muu Tsu's blood had given the project were extraordinary to say the least, but he had not made that work himself. He could not take credit nor responsibility for the discoveries he had made, nor properly utilize the fruits of those discoveries without having made those sacrifices for himself. He was a simple man standing on the shoulders of giants in order to touch God.
He had already dressed for bed, but the Doctor rose to change his clothing again, to depart for his makeshift lab. There was something he needed to take care of. Tonight. His conscience could no longer bear the burden he had been asking it to.
**
Gotta. Make it. Get the. Cure. Super. Strength. Ultimate. Skill. Can't. Stop. Now... thought Genma desperately, clinging his way through the ventillation shaft of the Nerima clinic. With a mighty shove, he managed to propel his body over another ventilation grating, therby granting him a view of the room below. Having worked part-time at the clinic off and on, he knew this to be the reception area. Moaning softly to himself, the cursed man continued his slowly progressing quest.
**
"Bravo one-six, this is Bravo one-four," said the man into the radio handset. "Do you copy, over?"
"Bravo one-four, this is Bravo one-six, reading you loud and clear, over," replied a voice over the radio.
"Bravo one-six, this is Bravo one-four, prepare to execute order seven-one- niner. I say again, prepare to execute order seven-one-niner. T-minus ten mikes to execution, over."
"Bravo one-four, this is Bravo one-six, copy that. Moving units into position, over."
"Bravo one-six, this is Bravo one-four. Execution order is callsign 'albatross,' I say again: the execution order is callsign 'albatross.' Radio silence is now in effect until execution order is given. Over and out," finished the agent, clicking off his mic but keeping the channel open. He lit a ciggarette, and watched the figure on the monitor put on his shoes. It wouldn't be very long now before those shoes were encased in concrete, and headed to the bottom of the reservoir.
The man checked his watch. Ten minutes; it was going to be awfully close.
**
Muu Tsu was somewhere around chapter three when a knock sounded on his cupboard door. Opening the narrow hole, he gulped as the form of his Elder appeared on the other side of it.
"Read any good books lately?" she rasped with a chuckle, always amused at his nervous expression they boy had on around her when not in a mood over Xian Fu. The Chinese youth set the paperback down and sat up on his bed as high as the space would allow. No glasses, she noted with interest.
"Yeah, that Palanuik is a real nutcase. Brilliant author, but a nutcase," he said, filing away the book with the pink soap on the cover for later delving.
"Just as long as you don't suddenly acquire any new imaginary friends," she remarked with a sneer. It pays to go see a movie every so often, she mused, glad that she had taken up the habit.
"Yeah, wouldn't that be something?" said Muu Tsu, suddenly feeling a distinct chill running down his spine. Ko Lon decided to suspend any further smalltalk, and cut to the chase.
"Word has it that you're facing son-in-law for a formal match this weekend," she said.
"Well, I don't know about the time and place, but if you heard its this weekend, then it must be," he replied, uncomfortable as always under her gaze. "This should determine everything between us, man to man."
"I hope so, or else Ranma will drive himself into the ground time and time again with more fights and new moves until he has proven your superior, or your equal."
"I am aware of that possibility, Elder," replied Muu Tsu. "However, he has already suffered defeat at my hands. This is a mere formality for me, to make it the undeniable truth," he said, looking her square in the eyes. "I have beaten Ranma Saotome, and though it frightened me at first to do so, it was the greatest feeling of my life," he said, a feral grin spreading across his face. Ko Lon surprised him to no end by returning the smile.
"My my, it looks as though you've finally found your taste for blood!" she said, excited at what she saw in the young man at that moment. "Feed that, Muu Tsu, feet it and watch your opponents crumble at your feet," said the Amazon elder, her pride betraying her normal level of control. "I saw this once in son-in-law, and now I see it in you, Muu Tsu Jiang. Your aura now speaks volumes of your strength, and your words of your spirit. You're really one of us now, Muu Tsu," she said, bounding off with a satisfied look upon her face.
Muu Tsu slumped back into his bed, hating every word he had just heard. The Doc was right, he thought with distain. Extricating himself from his domacile, Muu Tsu quickly exited the Nekohanten and stepped out into the night.
**
"Aha! This is it!" exclaimed the elder Saotome, before grabbing his mouth as he realized he had just spoken aloud. A quick look around told him that no one was around to hear him anyway, so he relaxed. Working silently, he loosened the grating until it came off cleanly in his hands, allowing for his passage to the room below. Genma swung down into the storage area, glad to be freed from the confines of the ducts.
Glancing around, he quickly caught sight of the specimen holder, and the vials they contained. With eager abandon, he snatched one of the green ones, and held it up in all its splendor. Tucking it into his robe, Genma strode confidently back to the spot he had landed, looked upward, and nearly burst into Soun-level tearworks when he realized there was no way, even with himself as a martial artist, to clear the twenty-foot jump and still successfully manage to enter the tube without dislocating the entire system.
It was then that Genma decided the direct method would perhaps be the wiser in this case. At least, he reasoned, there would be less property damage. Unlocking the deadbolt and doorhandle, Genma was about to ease the storage area door open when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching.
**
Tofu unlocked the doors and swept past the few rooms of his clinic to disarm the alarm system at the building's rear wall just before the storage area. He then turned and went into his research room, still unsure as to what he was going to do.
I've got to...destroy the research notes, he realized first, going to gather the materials together. Almost as an afterthought, he ignighted a bunsen burner during the course of his rampage through the room. He went through boxes and boxes of documents, pouring over each one in turn, pulling out anything that referred to the Human Enhancement Project.
I'll destroy these documents first, then my equipment, and then finally I'll destroy the specimens of both formula Alpha and Beta, along with Muu Tsu's blood samples, he thought, quickening the pace of his work.
After a few minutes, Tofu had a sizable pile that he began to systematically torch with the burner. He knew that this move may even cost him his life, but he was not about to risk the consequences on humanity that he feared most.
Itself.
**
"Bravo one-six, this is Bravo one-four, we have situation red, I say again, situation red on target, over," said the agent into the handset, quickly crushing out the dying butt of his ciggarette, and intently watching the Doctor as he went on a destructive rampage around the room.
"Bravo one-four, this is Bravo one-six, do we have a go, over?" responded the voice on the other end. The agent could hear the sound of magazines being loaded and the rustle of clothing as the agents moved their gear into place for the seige.
"Bravo one-six, are all units in position, over?" asked the man of his counterpart, while asking himself once, but only once, if what he was about to order was right.
"Affirmative, all units are locked and loaded,"
"Bravo one-six, _Albatross_, I say again, _Albatross_," the man said, lighting up another ciggarette and silently praying to whatever dwelt above for its forgiveness.
On the outside bird's-eye monitor, he could see small black forms begin to swarm on the building.
**
Tofu had finished with the last of the documents, the folder containing the orders from the Marduk Institute, the puppet corporation under SEELE. He nearly had enough time to reach for the cord hanging around his neck when the world exploded.
**
Genma had decided that it was in the best interests of all that he stay put for now, and wait until the coast was clear. The cold tube that pressed against his skin from the confines of his robe called to him, the desire and promise of a cure beginning to get the best of him.
No, he thought to himself. I'm going to save it for the boy. If I'd let him come, there's not a chance in hell he'd bring back something for me. But this way, I've got mine and I'll be sure he gets his, thought the elder Saotome, awfully pleased with himself and his generosity.
His thoughts were interrupted with the sound of shattering glass and exploding gunshells.
**
Muu Tsu had not gotten more then a block from the resteraunt before he heard the unmistakable sound of AK-47 fire from down the block. He broke into a sprint for the clinic.
**
Nabiki screamed as she snatched the headphones from her head, tossing them across the room as the sounds of erupting gunfire barked from the small speakers. Jesus, I really stepped in it this time, she thought, grabbing for her phone through the first traces of tears.
**
Tofu looked up from the burning desolation of what was once his research room, into the faces of several men who, aside from the assult rifles and masks, appeared well-dressed. He opened his mouth to speak, but one of the men immediately answered him by putting a bullet through his left kneecap with a .45 Desert Eagle. When the Doctor cried out in pain, he put a bullet through his right one.
**
Genma heard the Doctor's cries, and his mind began to race a mile a minute. I've got to do something! it screamed, fighting his usual knee-jerk reaction to flee danger. A life was on the line, and he couldn't just let a good man like Dr. Tofu die. Drawing the vial from his robe, Genma Saotome did what he thought was the most noble act he would ever perform in his life.
**
The agent in the van jumped as he heard the sound of sirens approaching. Dammit, I thought we had local law enforcement covered! he thought with surprise. He quickly deduced the best course of action was to lead the police away from the scene, and give the men a few minutes to complete their mission and get out safely. Switching all his equipment to automatic operation, he climbed into the driver's seat of the black, nondescript surveilance van, and took off down the street at high speed.
**
Tofu sucked in air and coughed out blood. The agent had continued to 'ladder' him through his legs and now was working his way up his arms.
Dr. Tofu, I hope you realize this is nothing personal, but the committee frowns upon people it cannot trust. You are a virus, I'm afraid, and we just happen to be the cure," he stated, levelling the handgun at the Doctor's forehead. It was at that moment that all hell broke loose.
**
Muu Tsu was only five blocks from the clinic now, and his lungs burned as though molten lava were flowing in and out of them. An unearthly roar sounded in the distance as he picked up the pace, emergency vehicles speeding past him onto the scene.
**
Tofu looked up through the haze of his pain and fading mortality to witness the most horrid image he thought possible. Something was tearing through the agents as though they were mere plastic figures, or ragdolls even. The bark of gunfire echoed through the room as one agent after another tried emptying entire magazines at the creature, only to have the weapon and the arm that held it ripped away.
The doctor tried to focus, and did not believe what he saw. What it was had the form of neither man nor panda; the creature before him looked like unto the primitive images of old that depicted the ancient wars of Gods and Monsters. Its face was drawn back in a feral grimace, fangs bared and eyes reduced to barely-recognisable slits. Its entire body seemed to be protected with the etheral green glow that surrounded it. Tofu realized with dashed hopes that his folly had been granted life.
The creature dispatched the last of the agents, tearing the man into two even pieces, before turning to the doctor. The glow dissapeared, and the image along with it, revealing only the less threatening, if heftier, form of Genma Saotome. The martial artist seemed generally unaware of what he had just done, as he went to aid the doctor.
"Tofu-sensei, they've shot you!" he exclaimed, seeming extremely concerned for the doctor's welfare considering the carnage he had just wrecked. Tofu used some of his fading strength to find and activate a pressure point that would allow him to speak through the pain.
"Genma...you fool," he rasped, blood oozing down the sides of his mouth. "My life was already forfiet, but now you've...doomed yourself to a life of...pain and unspeakable...evil."
"But Doctor," said the unaware martial artist, "I took your formula! I'm cured of the curse, and it granted me the strength of ten men!" he exclaimed proudly. Tofu shook his head sadly at the confused man.
"Genma, can't you see what you've just done?" he asked the man. The elder Saotome looked as though he didn't, then took an eyefull of the room, emptying the contents of his stomach nearby on the floor. "You took the...incomplete formula," the Doctor told him. "It has...cured your curse and granted you...strength, but the..evil it has brought out of...your heart will ultimately...consume you, and...everyone you...hold dear-," Tofu said, spitting blood nearing the end. The sound of sirens soon filled the room, warning of the approaching police.
"Go..." warned the Doctor. "Get out of...here while you...can."
Genma nodded solemnly, and leapt out of one of the windows the agents had cleared out with their gunfire. Moments later, police swarmed the building much the same as the agents had minutes before. Paramedics were already on their way, but the police took stock of the grisly scene and honestly didn't expect anyone to walk away from that mess.
**
Muu Tsu came to a stop only when stopped by a police cruiser. An officer moved to block his path.
"Sir, you can't go in," he said, spreading his arms to prevent Muu Tsu from getting past. The superpowered martial artist levelled a look at the officer that could melt steel, gaining an opening.
"Don't worry, he's practically family to me!" called Muu Tsu over his shoulder, his level of panic rising as he saw the high number of bulletholes throughout the building. Passing through the crowd of officers surrounding the research room, Muu Tsu was greeted by an image that would haunt him the rest of his life. An officer stood over the destroyed form of Dr. Tofu, trying calmly to get any important information he could out of the mortally wounded Doctor. After mumbling to the officers of the Doctor's relation to him, Muu Tsu found his way to Tofu's side.
"Muu Tsu..." gasped the Doctor. Muu Tsu held up a hand.
"Please, don't try and talk, Tofu-sensei," said the Chinese youth. "There's an ambulence on the way, I could hear it while I ran here. Just hold on, okay?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice, and tears into his eyes. With shaking hands that barely seemed to function, Tofu slowly reached into his collar and drew out a small vial on a thin leather strap. Muu Tsu already knew what it was, and pocketed the dire chemical immediately.
"Most pure serum...all others useless...and corrupt. Must destroy...all of them, Muu Tsu...Remember...Absolute Truth..." gasped the Doctor. "Absolute love..."
Muu Tsu grasped the raised hand of the Doctor as paramedics entered the building. In the few breaths it took them to reach the room, he was already gone. The Chinese youth backed away from the body as the emergency personnel attempted to resucitate him again and again, with no success.
Tofu-sensei, Muu Tsu wailed inwardly, tears streaming down his face in spite of himself. If only I had come to apologise, he might still be alive.
"Hey, we've got a contact on that van that pulled out of here like a bat out of hell," spoke up one of the patrolmen to the squad Sergent. "He's headed south along 31st street."
"Great, you make sure to advise dispatch to put at least two more vehicles in pursuit of that son'm bitch. These guys are real sickos," said the Sergent. "Now, to find out why this bloodbath happened in the first place...hey, were'd that kid go?" he asked, looking about for the Chinese youth.
"I dunno Sarge, he was just here..." said the patrolman.
******
A/N: I can't believe nobody thus far has compounded the "cupboard under the stairs" refference yet. Oh well, I guess Subtlety is a fine art. As you can see here, I worked a great deal of parallel action into this chapter, and hopefully a good balance of humor at the beginning, and meaty drama at the end. I know I've been getting off track a bit lately as far as the Spidey angle goes, but I hope this ties up a few loose ends for now.
Next chapter: Who am I? I'm Spider-Man!
A/N: quick observation I've just made of my own character formats. The Xian Fu I'm making seems almost a meshing of Asuka Soryu and Rei Ayanami. I admit I'm an EVA-phile, and I have a particular liking of Rei (hence all the technical speak, seeming a little OOC). Otherwise, I hope I'm making a good assumption that everyone is a little more advanced by the time they graduate.
The plot thickens...
******
"How much do you want?" asked Ranma, saliva beginning to ooze down his chin. Nabiki crossed her arms and gave the Saotomes a contented smile. Oh, that warm fuzzy feeling when you know you have absolute control...
"How much are you willing to pay for it?" she asked. To punctuate her view, she produced the vial of red liquid from her handbag, and waved it tantalizingly before them. Ranma was ready to sign his life away to get that vial. All reason blinded, he reached for the test tube, to have it jerked away by the hands that kept it.
"Ten thousand yen!" the young martial artist exclaimed, jumping for the tube in his eagerness. Nabiki merely held the tube higher, watching the boy's antics in amusement.
"Boy, you don't have that kind of cash, and you know it!" exclaimed Genma. "_I'll_ pay ten thousand yen!" announced the older Saotome. "Go ahead and give me that vial, and I'll get the money to you later!"
"Ha! Fat chance, old man, that cure's MINE!" demanded the younger Saotome, as father and son got into an good ol' fashioned brawl in the middle of the living room. Nabiki sighed, realizing that this would take longer then she thought.
**
"Ladies and Gentlemen! Boys and Girls! Children of All Ages! WELCOME, to the GREATEST SHOW ON EARTH!" announced the ringleader, as various acts began in the three rings of the circus. Acrobats tumbled and jumped in seeminly impossible ways along the high-wire. Clowns ran along the sidelines, entertaining the crowd with their antics. Trained animals performed tricks through hoops of fire. All of this passed by in the background for the latest re-addition to the act.
Muu Tsu hung in the wings quietly, patiently awaiting the signal for his entrance. A worker stopped by momentarily to ensure all was ready.
"You sure this is a go, Muu Tsu? You haven't been under the big top in almost three years, you know," he said.
"Yeah, I'll be fine. I'm all set."
"You don't need any wires, or nets or anything, you sure?"
"Yeah, I'm allright."
"Ok bud; may God be with you," said the worker, speaking breifly into a radio handset before nodding to Muu Tsu. For his own part, the Chinese youth really didn't want to be up there at all, and every part of him wanted to run back home and forget the whole thing.
But I can't stop now, he thought. This'll pay for the ring, and Xian Fu deserves the best in all of Japan.
The announcer began the rant as Muu Tsu prepared himself.
"May I direct your attention to the center ring! Tonight and tonight only! We have a real treat for you, ladies and gentlemen! In the center ring, without benefit of net, harness, or even the highwire, you will witness the greatest in acrobatic skill ever attempted! We are proud to present the one...the only...the _Amaaaazing Spider-Maaaan!_" he exclaimed, the spotlight highlighting the platform on which Muu Tsu stood.
He was dressed much the same as he always had, minus the patterns on his robe, with black gloves covering his hands and forearms, large reflective shades over his eyes, and a black ascot covering the bottom half of his face. His pants were black, and his hair was pulled back into a tight ponytail.
Sweet Jesus, he couldn't even get the name right, he thought bitterly, I told him, I'm the Human Spider. Oh well...here we go...
Giving a single two-fingered salute, Muu Tsu took a swan dive off of the platform, and began what was ultimately an inpromptu performance.
**
"Okay, let me get this right. Ranma, you hereby give me the rights to power of attorney to allow any and all photoshoots I so deem neccesary, along with standard agent's fee, finder's fee, and a healthy 10% extra. This contract would stand for the rest of your mortal existence, am I right?"
"Yeah, you got it!" exclaimed the pigtailed martial artist. Ha, what a dope! Doesn't she realize that once I'm cured I won't be able to do her little 'photoshoots' anymore?
"Great; I hear the gay porn market is about to spike," she said offhandedly. Ranma choked and ran for the nearest sink. Genma laughed so hard, he nearly fell over. When the younger Saotome returned, he did not look at all amused. Genma continued to laugh, until he did indeed fall over.
"Ha, ha. Okay, you had your joke. No deal, we'll figure something else out."
"Are you sure? There's a lot of money to be made in 'playgirl,' I'll bet," Nabs teased.
"Pretty sure! No, make that _very_ sure! Absolutely, _positively_ sure!"
**
Muu Tsu finished with a flourish, lashing out with two chains to grasp the tent poles, and lowering himself to the sandpit below. With a flick of his wrist, he retrieved the chains and replaced them within his robes. After a quick bow, he launched a chain directly upwards, and hooked the top rafter. With a deft leap, he began ascending the chain upside-down until he dissapeared from sight back onto his platform and into the shadows.
As the Chinese youth made his way out of the tent, he was grinning from ear to ear. The crowd was going wild, and cheering at the top of their lungs. That was fun! he thought. What a rush!
**
"Okay, I think we've got it worked out now. I hereby gain possesion of 10% of anything you earn over the next ten years, sound about fair?"
"Go for it, boy; anything's better then gay porn," advised Genma off to the side.
"You got that right, pop. Nabiki, you've got yourself a deal," Ranma said, shaking the Tendo girl's hand, and holding out the other in quivering anticipation. Handing over the vial, Nabiki walked away with a very satisfied expression across her face. Ranma grasped hungrily at the test tube, eager to...to...
"Hey! What the heck do I do with this thing, anyhow?" he called after the retreating form of the young woman.
"Not my department, Saotome," Nabiki said flippantly, ascending the stairs to her room and closing the door.
"So...what? Do I drink the stuff?" Ranma asked, turning to his father.
"I'm game," said the older Saotome, swiping the vail and popping the cork. Ranma had about enough time to gawk and fume before Genma began to raise the tube to his lips. Fortunately, before the bespeckled Saotome had a chance to drink the liquid, a screech startled them both.
"Genma! For the love of God don't drink that!" screeched the unmistakable rasp of Happosai. Both pairs of eyes were suddenly on the shrivled man, and he looked annoyed. "What the hell do you think you're doing? That's blood!" He screeched. Genma would have nearly dropped the tube at that moment if it weren't for Ranma's reflexes, snatching the tube as soon as it left his father's hands, and stopping the top with its cork.
"What makes you say that, old freak?" asked Ranma, eyeing the liquid suspiciously. The elder anything-goes martial artist narrowed his eyes at the young Saotome.
"With the amount of blood I've spilled in my lifetime, I'd like to think I know what it smells like," answered the withered pervert. "And as evil as you all think I am, there is no way I'd let any deciple of _mine_ drink blood when I can help it!"
"Nabiki! No deal, there's no way I can drink this!" Ranma shouted in the direction of Nabiki's room. In an instant, Happosai had leapt up and snatched the vial from the young Saotome's hands. "Hey! What's your problem, old freak?" Ranma challenged, already not having much of a good day. Happosai ignored the threats, instead busily examining the tube and its contents.
"Hmm, very interesting..." he commented.
"What is it, master?" asked an inquisitive Genma. Happosai slowly turned the vial over in his hands.
"If I've been hearing the grapevine right, you just lost to our Amazon friend the other day," he stated. Ranma immediately bristled once more at the mention of his defeat.
"What's that got to do with anything?" he demanded.
"I've also been listening to you two drone on recently," continued Happosai. "If I'm correct, then Nabiki must have accidentally swiped a sample of Muu Tsu's blood from the clinic."
"Aw, man! Gross! Are you telling me that _this_ is Muu Tsu's _blood_?" asked Ranma. Happosai leveled a 'what the hell do you think I just said' look at the martial artist.
"Give the boy in the red pajamas a prize," he muttered, tossing the vial back to the sputtering Saotome. A voice from above startled them from any futher bickering.
"Well, there were three sets of vials in the storage room," she offered. "There were green ones, red ones like I got, and some kind of clear one," said the middle Tendo sibling. Another voice from across the room startled everyone.
"Well, if Mousse somehow found the cure, and the Doctor is taking his blood, he must be making the serum out of it somehow," said the voice of Akane from the comfort of the living room couch. "I practially grew up half the time in that clinic, so I know a few things about what he does. That clear stuff is probably Mousse's blood plasma."
"Um...thanks," mumbled Ranma, unsure if he understood all that had been said. Akane tossed up her hands in defeat, and returned to her TV show. The exploits of Mulder and Scully were mild compared to the stresses of her daily life. Ranma held up the vial again to stare at its contents and contemplate his next move. One minute turned into ten, into fifteen. A vein stood out on Genma's forehead before he finally clouted Ranma one over the head.
"Boy! This is no time for hesitating!" he exclaimed. "You need to get your butt over there and get one of the green ones!"
"Ow! Jeez pop, lay off wouldya? How do you expect us to get in there, anyway?" complained the junior Saotome. A snort from above again brought their attention to the railing where Nabiki stood, returning from a dip in the furo.
"Y'know, the best part of my job is that I get paid to do what _anyone_ can do on their own with a little intelligence. I guess that's what sets me apart in this town," she sneered. "Getting in was no trouble at all, just unhook the air conditioning vent on the east wall, and it's a cinch from there."
Ranma boggled, now aware that he had nearly signed his life away for something that wouldn't have taken him an hour to do.
"Don't feel too bad; you also paid me to find out about this stuff in the first place, and you have to admit, you didn't have a clue," teased Nabiki as she reentered her room and shut the door.
"Right! Let's get over there!" announced Ranma, breaking from his stupor. Stowing the vial in a nearby empty vase for safekeeping, he proceeded out the front gates into the night.
Unfortunately for the young Saotome, mischevous gears were already turning in the mind of another. Ranma hadn't gone one block before a small powderbomb rolled in front of his feet. Ranma had only enough time to widen his eyes before the tiny package exploded, gassing him into unconsciouness. A looming form stooped over the comatose boy, ready with rope to bind him with.
I'm sorry to do this to you, boy, thought Genma as he hogtied his son with the rope. Don't worry; your ol' dad'll save you some after he's finally had the chance to be cured...
**
Muu Tsu was almost literally skipping down the street, feeling as light as a feather. Secured amongst the metric ton of...stuff...he had on him, was a single box, with a single silver ring, in which was encrusted a single 24karat diamond. He couldn't wait until after the duel so that he could finally defeat his love and win her heart. He could picture the moment now: as he picked up his darling Xian Fu from the ground, beaten but intact, he would press the ring into her hand, holding her close while down on one knee.
It's sick, but kinda touching in a way, he mused, always a touch wary of Amazon traditions. He abided by them, but it never meant that he liked them. The Chinese youth gazed up at the clear night sky, and wondered what to do next. The night was still young, and he had nothing planned at all. I feel kind of bad for yelling at the Doc earlier, maybe I should go back and apologise? he thought. He then thought of the chiding words of the older man, and his temper flared again. How dare he try to judge me, after all I've been through for this, Muu Tsu thought with vehemence.
He thought it better to go home instead, and catch up on some reading.
**
A dark, bulbous shape eclipsed the moonlight on the roof of Tofu's clinic. A moment later, gravity provided for a quick descent for the figure, as he had tripped over a ledge in his haste. Pretending his blunder hadn't really happened, the solemn shape crept closer to the building, feeling for his target. Silently, the figure unhinged the ventillation grate on the eastern wall of the building, finding some level of difficulty when attempting to squeeze in himself. The grate snapped back into place after the passing of the mysterious intruder, not a trace left of his presence or his identity.
Aw hell, who am I kidding? Anyone short of a blind ewok with a poloroid camera could tell it was Genma Saotome.
**
Dr. Tofu Ono sat in his modest apartment adjacent to the clinic, in deep thought. The truth was, he had been even closer to the completed formula then he had let on, and as the day's experiments progressed, he was astonished to find that with a few more adjustments, he would have what the committe was looking for. Then again...
Who are they to trust with such power? he asked himself. Can they be trusted to use it correctly? Can I? he contemplated, unsure of even that. The gifts Muu Tsu's blood had given the project were extraordinary to say the least, but he had not made that work himself. He could not take credit nor responsibility for the discoveries he had made, nor properly utilize the fruits of those discoveries without having made those sacrifices for himself. He was a simple man standing on the shoulders of giants in order to touch God.
He had already dressed for bed, but the Doctor rose to change his clothing again, to depart for his makeshift lab. There was something he needed to take care of. Tonight. His conscience could no longer bear the burden he had been asking it to.
**
Gotta. Make it. Get the. Cure. Super. Strength. Ultimate. Skill. Can't. Stop. Now... thought Genma desperately, clinging his way through the ventillation shaft of the Nerima clinic. With a mighty shove, he managed to propel his body over another ventilation grating, therby granting him a view of the room below. Having worked part-time at the clinic off and on, he knew this to be the reception area. Moaning softly to himself, the cursed man continued his slowly progressing quest.
**
"Bravo one-six, this is Bravo one-four," said the man into the radio handset. "Do you copy, over?"
"Bravo one-four, this is Bravo one-six, reading you loud and clear, over," replied a voice over the radio.
"Bravo one-six, this is Bravo one-four, prepare to execute order seven-one- niner. I say again, prepare to execute order seven-one-niner. T-minus ten mikes to execution, over."
"Bravo one-four, this is Bravo one-six, copy that. Moving units into position, over."
"Bravo one-six, this is Bravo one-four. Execution order is callsign 'albatross,' I say again: the execution order is callsign 'albatross.' Radio silence is now in effect until execution order is given. Over and out," finished the agent, clicking off his mic but keeping the channel open. He lit a ciggarette, and watched the figure on the monitor put on his shoes. It wouldn't be very long now before those shoes were encased in concrete, and headed to the bottom of the reservoir.
The man checked his watch. Ten minutes; it was going to be awfully close.
**
Muu Tsu was somewhere around chapter three when a knock sounded on his cupboard door. Opening the narrow hole, he gulped as the form of his Elder appeared on the other side of it.
"Read any good books lately?" she rasped with a chuckle, always amused at his nervous expression they boy had on around her when not in a mood over Xian Fu. The Chinese youth set the paperback down and sat up on his bed as high as the space would allow. No glasses, she noted with interest.
"Yeah, that Palanuik is a real nutcase. Brilliant author, but a nutcase," he said, filing away the book with the pink soap on the cover for later delving.
"Just as long as you don't suddenly acquire any new imaginary friends," she remarked with a sneer. It pays to go see a movie every so often, she mused, glad that she had taken up the habit.
"Yeah, wouldn't that be something?" said Muu Tsu, suddenly feeling a distinct chill running down his spine. Ko Lon decided to suspend any further smalltalk, and cut to the chase.
"Word has it that you're facing son-in-law for a formal match this weekend," she said.
"Well, I don't know about the time and place, but if you heard its this weekend, then it must be," he replied, uncomfortable as always under her gaze. "This should determine everything between us, man to man."
"I hope so, or else Ranma will drive himself into the ground time and time again with more fights and new moves until he has proven your superior, or your equal."
"I am aware of that possibility, Elder," replied Muu Tsu. "However, he has already suffered defeat at my hands. This is a mere formality for me, to make it the undeniable truth," he said, looking her square in the eyes. "I have beaten Ranma Saotome, and though it frightened me at first to do so, it was the greatest feeling of my life," he said, a feral grin spreading across his face. Ko Lon surprised him to no end by returning the smile.
"My my, it looks as though you've finally found your taste for blood!" she said, excited at what she saw in the young man at that moment. "Feed that, Muu Tsu, feet it and watch your opponents crumble at your feet," said the Amazon elder, her pride betraying her normal level of control. "I saw this once in son-in-law, and now I see it in you, Muu Tsu Jiang. Your aura now speaks volumes of your strength, and your words of your spirit. You're really one of us now, Muu Tsu," she said, bounding off with a satisfied look upon her face.
Muu Tsu slumped back into his bed, hating every word he had just heard. The Doc was right, he thought with distain. Extricating himself from his domacile, Muu Tsu quickly exited the Nekohanten and stepped out into the night.
**
"Aha! This is it!" exclaimed the elder Saotome, before grabbing his mouth as he realized he had just spoken aloud. A quick look around told him that no one was around to hear him anyway, so he relaxed. Working silently, he loosened the grating until it came off cleanly in his hands, allowing for his passage to the room below. Genma swung down into the storage area, glad to be freed from the confines of the ducts.
Glancing around, he quickly caught sight of the specimen holder, and the vials they contained. With eager abandon, he snatched one of the green ones, and held it up in all its splendor. Tucking it into his robe, Genma strode confidently back to the spot he had landed, looked upward, and nearly burst into Soun-level tearworks when he realized there was no way, even with himself as a martial artist, to clear the twenty-foot jump and still successfully manage to enter the tube without dislocating the entire system.
It was then that Genma decided the direct method would perhaps be the wiser in this case. At least, he reasoned, there would be less property damage. Unlocking the deadbolt and doorhandle, Genma was about to ease the storage area door open when he heard the sound of footsteps approaching.
**
Tofu unlocked the doors and swept past the few rooms of his clinic to disarm the alarm system at the building's rear wall just before the storage area. He then turned and went into his research room, still unsure as to what he was going to do.
I've got to...destroy the research notes, he realized first, going to gather the materials together. Almost as an afterthought, he ignighted a bunsen burner during the course of his rampage through the room. He went through boxes and boxes of documents, pouring over each one in turn, pulling out anything that referred to the Human Enhancement Project.
I'll destroy these documents first, then my equipment, and then finally I'll destroy the specimens of both formula Alpha and Beta, along with Muu Tsu's blood samples, he thought, quickening the pace of his work.
After a few minutes, Tofu had a sizable pile that he began to systematically torch with the burner. He knew that this move may even cost him his life, but he was not about to risk the consequences on humanity that he feared most.
Itself.
**
"Bravo one-six, this is Bravo one-four, we have situation red, I say again, situation red on target, over," said the agent into the handset, quickly crushing out the dying butt of his ciggarette, and intently watching the Doctor as he went on a destructive rampage around the room.
"Bravo one-four, this is Bravo one-six, do we have a go, over?" responded the voice on the other end. The agent could hear the sound of magazines being loaded and the rustle of clothing as the agents moved their gear into place for the seige.
"Bravo one-six, are all units in position, over?" asked the man of his counterpart, while asking himself once, but only once, if what he was about to order was right.
"Affirmative, all units are locked and loaded,"
"Bravo one-six, _Albatross_, I say again, _Albatross_," the man said, lighting up another ciggarette and silently praying to whatever dwelt above for its forgiveness.
On the outside bird's-eye monitor, he could see small black forms begin to swarm on the building.
**
Tofu had finished with the last of the documents, the folder containing the orders from the Marduk Institute, the puppet corporation under SEELE. He nearly had enough time to reach for the cord hanging around his neck when the world exploded.
**
Genma had decided that it was in the best interests of all that he stay put for now, and wait until the coast was clear. The cold tube that pressed against his skin from the confines of his robe called to him, the desire and promise of a cure beginning to get the best of him.
No, he thought to himself. I'm going to save it for the boy. If I'd let him come, there's not a chance in hell he'd bring back something for me. But this way, I've got mine and I'll be sure he gets his, thought the elder Saotome, awfully pleased with himself and his generosity.
His thoughts were interrupted with the sound of shattering glass and exploding gunshells.
**
Muu Tsu had not gotten more then a block from the resteraunt before he heard the unmistakable sound of AK-47 fire from down the block. He broke into a sprint for the clinic.
**
Nabiki screamed as she snatched the headphones from her head, tossing them across the room as the sounds of erupting gunfire barked from the small speakers. Jesus, I really stepped in it this time, she thought, grabbing for her phone through the first traces of tears.
**
Tofu looked up from the burning desolation of what was once his research room, into the faces of several men who, aside from the assult rifles and masks, appeared well-dressed. He opened his mouth to speak, but one of the men immediately answered him by putting a bullet through his left kneecap with a .45 Desert Eagle. When the Doctor cried out in pain, he put a bullet through his right one.
**
Genma heard the Doctor's cries, and his mind began to race a mile a minute. I've got to do something! it screamed, fighting his usual knee-jerk reaction to flee danger. A life was on the line, and he couldn't just let a good man like Dr. Tofu die. Drawing the vial from his robe, Genma Saotome did what he thought was the most noble act he would ever perform in his life.
**
The agent in the van jumped as he heard the sound of sirens approaching. Dammit, I thought we had local law enforcement covered! he thought with surprise. He quickly deduced the best course of action was to lead the police away from the scene, and give the men a few minutes to complete their mission and get out safely. Switching all his equipment to automatic operation, he climbed into the driver's seat of the black, nondescript surveilance van, and took off down the street at high speed.
**
Tofu sucked in air and coughed out blood. The agent had continued to 'ladder' him through his legs and now was working his way up his arms.
Dr. Tofu, I hope you realize this is nothing personal, but the committee frowns upon people it cannot trust. You are a virus, I'm afraid, and we just happen to be the cure," he stated, levelling the handgun at the Doctor's forehead. It was at that moment that all hell broke loose.
**
Muu Tsu was only five blocks from the clinic now, and his lungs burned as though molten lava were flowing in and out of them. An unearthly roar sounded in the distance as he picked up the pace, emergency vehicles speeding past him onto the scene.
**
Tofu looked up through the haze of his pain and fading mortality to witness the most horrid image he thought possible. Something was tearing through the agents as though they were mere plastic figures, or ragdolls even. The bark of gunfire echoed through the room as one agent after another tried emptying entire magazines at the creature, only to have the weapon and the arm that held it ripped away.
The doctor tried to focus, and did not believe what he saw. What it was had the form of neither man nor panda; the creature before him looked like unto the primitive images of old that depicted the ancient wars of Gods and Monsters. Its face was drawn back in a feral grimace, fangs bared and eyes reduced to barely-recognisable slits. Its entire body seemed to be protected with the etheral green glow that surrounded it. Tofu realized with dashed hopes that his folly had been granted life.
The creature dispatched the last of the agents, tearing the man into two even pieces, before turning to the doctor. The glow dissapeared, and the image along with it, revealing only the less threatening, if heftier, form of Genma Saotome. The martial artist seemed generally unaware of what he had just done, as he went to aid the doctor.
"Tofu-sensei, they've shot you!" he exclaimed, seeming extremely concerned for the doctor's welfare considering the carnage he had just wrecked. Tofu used some of his fading strength to find and activate a pressure point that would allow him to speak through the pain.
"Genma...you fool," he rasped, blood oozing down the sides of his mouth. "My life was already forfiet, but now you've...doomed yourself to a life of...pain and unspeakable...evil."
"But Doctor," said the unaware martial artist, "I took your formula! I'm cured of the curse, and it granted me the strength of ten men!" he exclaimed proudly. Tofu shook his head sadly at the confused man.
"Genma, can't you see what you've just done?" he asked the man. The elder Saotome looked as though he didn't, then took an eyefull of the room, emptying the contents of his stomach nearby on the floor. "You took the...incomplete formula," the Doctor told him. "It has...cured your curse and granted you...strength, but the..evil it has brought out of...your heart will ultimately...consume you, and...everyone you...hold dear-," Tofu said, spitting blood nearing the end. The sound of sirens soon filled the room, warning of the approaching police.
"Go..." warned the Doctor. "Get out of...here while you...can."
Genma nodded solemnly, and leapt out of one of the windows the agents had cleared out with their gunfire. Moments later, police swarmed the building much the same as the agents had minutes before. Paramedics were already on their way, but the police took stock of the grisly scene and honestly didn't expect anyone to walk away from that mess.
**
Muu Tsu came to a stop only when stopped by a police cruiser. An officer moved to block his path.
"Sir, you can't go in," he said, spreading his arms to prevent Muu Tsu from getting past. The superpowered martial artist levelled a look at the officer that could melt steel, gaining an opening.
"Don't worry, he's practically family to me!" called Muu Tsu over his shoulder, his level of panic rising as he saw the high number of bulletholes throughout the building. Passing through the crowd of officers surrounding the research room, Muu Tsu was greeted by an image that would haunt him the rest of his life. An officer stood over the destroyed form of Dr. Tofu, trying calmly to get any important information he could out of the mortally wounded Doctor. After mumbling to the officers of the Doctor's relation to him, Muu Tsu found his way to Tofu's side.
"Muu Tsu..." gasped the Doctor. Muu Tsu held up a hand.
"Please, don't try and talk, Tofu-sensei," said the Chinese youth. "There's an ambulence on the way, I could hear it while I ran here. Just hold on, okay?" he asked, desperation creeping into his voice, and tears into his eyes. With shaking hands that barely seemed to function, Tofu slowly reached into his collar and drew out a small vial on a thin leather strap. Muu Tsu already knew what it was, and pocketed the dire chemical immediately.
"Most pure serum...all others useless...and corrupt. Must destroy...all of them, Muu Tsu...Remember...Absolute Truth..." gasped the Doctor. "Absolute love..."
Muu Tsu grasped the raised hand of the Doctor as paramedics entered the building. In the few breaths it took them to reach the room, he was already gone. The Chinese youth backed away from the body as the emergency personnel attempted to resucitate him again and again, with no success.
Tofu-sensei, Muu Tsu wailed inwardly, tears streaming down his face in spite of himself. If only I had come to apologise, he might still be alive.
"Hey, we've got a contact on that van that pulled out of here like a bat out of hell," spoke up one of the patrolmen to the squad Sergent. "He's headed south along 31st street."
"Great, you make sure to advise dispatch to put at least two more vehicles in pursuit of that son'm bitch. These guys are real sickos," said the Sergent. "Now, to find out why this bloodbath happened in the first place...hey, were'd that kid go?" he asked, looking about for the Chinese youth.
"I dunno Sarge, he was just here..." said the patrolman.
******
A/N: I can't believe nobody thus far has compounded the "cupboard under the stairs" refference yet. Oh well, I guess Subtlety is a fine art. As you can see here, I worked a great deal of parallel action into this chapter, and hopefully a good balance of humor at the beginning, and meaty drama at the end. I know I've been getting off track a bit lately as far as the Spidey angle goes, but I hope this ties up a few loose ends for now.
Next chapter: Who am I? I'm Spider-Man!