Chapter 7

[A/N: Okay, here's where I link up with both the comics AND my Dubois Chronicles. I've already made several references to Marvel Team-Up 79. In that one, Spider-Man has to fight alongside the spirit of Red Sonja who's possessing Mary Jane. About twenty years later, I wrote a piece called "The Crystal Necklace" for my Dubois Chronicles. In that follow up to "Timeswap," Angie Dubois reclaims a certain sword and bonds with Xena. Since Angie's already dead in this universe, Miranda's the last Dubois by blood (at least to the world at large). Xena and Arighatto's alter ego are both from her show which belongs to Sony Tri-Star and MCA. Clark and Lana are about to get another teacher. Miranda's about to meet up with another ancestor….]

Last dozen ninjas searched wing to wing. The now-empty museum's security lights cast crimson and white lights over the passages and exhibits. They considered every detail. Their eyes peered into each room. They cast their search net far and wide. Their pattern took over each wing. Arighatto's purpose and threat lingered in their heads. Failure brought Punishment's final (ie: fatal) threat.

Surprise, however, would be waiting for them ahead….

[Graeco-Roman Wing]

Miranda blinked. Humidity and Chill matted down her hair. Mists' droplets dampened her skin and clothes. "Uncle Steve? Uncle Garth? Boss? Clark? Princess?" Instinct pushed her into First Position. She looked all about herself. "Jasmine?"

Classical Mediterranean artifacts rested behind glass exhibit cases. Cretan and Minoan items presented themselves for consideration. Roman short swords rested beside Pompeiian pottery shards. Spartan and Athenian goods sat just down the row.

Okay, Miri. Deep breath. You can ask all of the questions later. Right now, I have to figure out what's going on. The Stepbastard's going to want my ass on a silver platter. I'm in another wing of the museum. That's not going to help me long. I need a weapon. If I break these cases, that alarm's going to scream 'Here I am'. An exasperated breath hissed through her clenched teeth. Jas…so help me if that creep hurts Lana or you. Her fists clenched at her sides.

Relax, Miri Chan. Remember your training….

Sensei Sama? She stiffened. She bowed to the Voice. Forgive me. I seek a strategy.

Focus. Be one with your environment. As the storm howls about you, be like the reed…pliant but strong. You have proven yourself. It is time. We will speak soon. Look for a priestess. She will have your answers. With that, his voice went silent.

"It is time? Time for what?" Her lip curled. "If I have to fight, I need a weapon." She scanned the cases. "Gladius? Spear can double for a staff." She hustled along Displays' wares. Akin to Farmers' Market, the implements presented themselves for renewed use after Centuries' long sleep.

"Oh, Cherie, you were always a rash one." Heloise watched her from ten feet away. "You will not find a good answer in those cases." She brought out a sword sheathed in a hard brown leather scabbard. "Did your Sensei not tell you to watch for me? This is for you. Your Aunt Angela was to have been the one. With her death, you are the heiress."

"I'm not the last Dubois though." Miranda remained alert. Her senses detected the ninjas' presence a good distance away. "You were the one in Mr. Luthor's room?"

"Oui. I was one of two." Heloise raised an eyebrow. "Tres bien, Miranda. So you know then?"

"The Protector's alive!" Miranda pumped her fist. "That's what Dr. Swann was going to tell me. I knew it! He's here."

"He watches. We would rather he not involve himself yet. This is the sword that killed Yodoshi in his first form. Do you remember the lessons on Fuji San? This has awaited you within your school's archives. It is yours." Heloise held it out to her.

Miranda stared at her. "That?" She accepted the blade. "There was a coal-tressed gaijin from the west. Sensei told me she followed a ghost from hernative lands. A wrong lay unaddressed. She dealt with a demon-Shogun and…." She stiffened. "Arighatto?"

"Oui. The demon possesses him. He attacked your Uncle at less than full strength. He barely survived.Time grows short. Draw the sword. She is needed once again." Heloise glanced over her shoulder. "They draw closer. The student must also be the teacher. Your friends need guidance from a balance. It will come. Draw the sword and your world will open further. The choice is yours." She disappeared in a mist cloud.

Miranda sucked in a deep breath. "Her? Really?" Sensei's lessons ruminated through her mind. "Sensei says to listen. I'd better. Still, 'Painty Face' is Yodoshi?" She slid the blade from its sheath. It gleamed even in the low lighting. The blade pulsated and glowed in her hand. "What the? I…."

A bright flash lit up the entire area. Aftershock shook the entire wing.

A taller figure stuck to the shadows. She sheathed the blade and put it on her back. She hefted a circular metallic ring. Her eye checked it over. Then, she returned it to her hip and edged toward the approaching ninjas. Purpose glinted in her eye. They never learn. She slid her blade out of its sheath and charged the search party. The narrow passage presented its advantage. Cobra's deadliness and tactics guided her movements. Her sword stabbed through two attackers. Fingers' pinched off arteries. Ducking and weaving forced the ninjas to waste energy.

Two crimson spots glowed in the darkness behind the ninjas. Silhouetted hands rose into the air. Emerald scar glowed on right hand. They dragged the ninjas up with them. The hands moved to the sides.

Ninjas flung into the walls and ceilings. Shoulders dislocated. Legs and arms broke. Dark fire elicited screams and howls from even Silence-Sworn Ninjas. Unconsciousness claimed them.

Know yer 'kay! Watch Miri an' o'hers! Deal w' Painty Face! Shadow Figure grabbed onto the other concealed figure. Get ya closer! It vanished with her from view.

Battles won…Now main battle remained….