A Scary Thought

by Derekloffin

What happens when Kasumi is the one coming back from a training trip rather than Ranma? Well, read on to find out. Chapter 33 new content not on my webpage yet.

35. Chapter 35: To the rescue

Ranma ½

A Scary Thought:

What happened last time: Saki and friends investigated the disappearance, and with a bit of luck and the help of our local conspiracy theorist, she managed to locate Kasumi at the La Bac. Unfortunately, Sailor Moon seems to have switched sides on us and has kidnapped Shampoo. Now everyone has gathered to make an assault on the La Bac before it's too late.

Chapter 35

Shampoo busied herself by pacing the room she was now trapped in. She had recovered just a few minutes ago, and finding herself in a sealed room, it quickly became clear she was now a guest of the same people that had taken Kasumi. She had little memory of the fight, but she remembered enough to know she was in trouble.

Further, she now knew why Kasumi had not escaped. Somehow this place was playing havoc with her power. Normally, Shampoo could easily manipulate the flow of chi in her body to an extent that gave her greatly enhanced speed and strength, among other boosts, but here she simply couldn't. At first she thought it was due to being knocked out and she was simply dazed, although that rarely had been an issue in the past. However, after clearing her head and still being able to draw out her energy she finally understood. No doubt, Kasumi was under a similar effect. Without that boost, she had only her normal skills to rely on and steel walls were easily enough to stop those.

As she continued to pace, her mind ran over all the many violent things she could do to her captors when she ultimately got her hands on them. It was a small comfort in the current situation. However, playing on her mind more was a feeling of helplessness.

Finally, Shampoo heard a shift in the noise of the room, just a slight hum and a bit of static, before a voice could be heard through several speakers hidden somewhere in the room. "Sorry to keep you waiting. I'm sure you're quite eager to begin."

Shampoo frowned. "Why no come out and face Shampoo? You coward?"

The man laughed. "Oh, I'm quite sure you could do ample mayhem to my body if given the chance, but I'm afraid I have other plans." As he said this, a panel in one of the wall lifted. Behind it a hardened glass shield covered a video screen which showed an overhead view of another room similar to the one Shampoo was in. Inside the room was Kasumi. Shampoo rushed to the screen to take a closer look. As she did, Kasumi reacted by looking up, clearly looking for the source of the video feed.

Kasumi did not look to be in good shape. The amazing spider silk gi she wore was no frayed and cut in several spaces, and very dirty. Kasumi herself looked worn completely out, and seemed to be the victim of several close calls with a few bruises showing. As Shampoo analyzed this, she noticed that another video screen was in Kasumi's room and it was apparently showing Shampoo's room. Like Kasumi, Shampoo quickly scanned the room, looking for the source of the image.

"As you can see, your... partner shall we say is also a guess here in the La Bac. She has proven most resilient," the man said.

"What you want?" Shampoo asked.

"I simply wish for her to show us her true power. However, up till now, she hasn't managed it."

Shampoo thought about this, and there was only one 'true power' she could think of them wanting. "How can use that power in place like this?"

"Ah, you've noticed. Well, I can assure you, we've adjusted the suppression field to allow through that particular energy pattern. Besides, given its magnitude it would probably overwhelm the field anyway," the man explained and then changed subjects. "However, you're no doubt wondering what you're doing here. Well, that's easy too. You see, despite my best efforts, and now even Kasumi's cooperation, she simply can't seem to get it to work. Which brings us to you. I'm sure you're aware that Kasumi is quite protective of you."

Oh no, Shampoo thought with some misery. She now knew exactly where this was going and this was a hundred times worse than simply being trapped. Just as she realized this, she felt a shift in the floor, and with no further warning, the floor simply gave way, splitting down the middle and collapsing down like it was no doubt designed to do.

Shampoo had little time to act. Instinct caused her to reach out to the wall, to attempt to grab a hold of the surface, but she instantly realized that without access to her chi she could not use the shear surface as any kind of support. Adjusting her thinking as she fell, she looked down to see the pit she was falling into had very long poles crossing it. Reaching out with her good hand, she nearly caught one, but the sudden strain on her muscles over whelmed her and she couldn't hold on. Again, on instinct, she reached out for another, this time with her bad hand, but this time managed to hold on thanks to her previous deceleration.

Wincing at the strain on her already injured wrist, Shampoo pulled herself up so that she could hold the pole with both arms and looked down. The pit went down several stories more. Had she had access to her chi, it would be a painful but minor fall. Without it, though, it would probably have seriously injured or killed her.

"Well done. Well done. But, I'm afraid your troubles are far from over," the man taunted and as he did two things happened. First the ground below opened up, reveal a longer fall, this time into sharp spikes and blades. If that wasn't bad enough, the poles started to slowly retract into the walls. "I'd suggest you hurry up," the man said and Shampoo realized she had no options.

Quickly climbing she made her way back up to the room she came from. This time the door to the room was open, giving her but one avenue of escape. Leaping from the last pole, Shampoo managed to make it to the doorway and pulled herself into the hall, panting with exhaustion.

"Exceptional, and very impressive," the man taunted once more to Shampoo's anger.

I'm being used as a pawn to anger Kasumi, Shampoo thought in a mix of anger and despair. Despite knowing exactly what he was up to, there was nothing she could do, and she hated it. An Amazon warrior shouldn't be this helpless, Shampoo thought bitterly just as the floor started to shift and the whole hallway pitched violent, leaving her sliding down.

Shampoo shifted her attention below her and found the walls of the hall spouting flames, and any further thoughts of misery were shelved for the moment. All she could do right now was stay alive.

XXXXX

Unlike Shampoo, Kasumi was still in her room, unmolested by the doctor, only able to watch the changing angles of the display as it focused on Shampoo's continued efforts. She was doing her best, but she was already pushed very hard. Kasumi could tell that this time the doctor wasn't playing around.

Quickly analyzing the situation, Kasumi realized she had been in that section of the hotel already. During her time here she had decided the best route of escape was simply to head slowly up, her assumption that no matter how deep or tall the structure, it had to have a top eventually. She had planned to keep her knowledge of the doctor's rule a secret until he foolishly gave her a chance at freedom. However, he had proven smarter than that and had frustrated her efforts. Still, during that time she had gained a good knowledge of the building and that particular section was now several floors below her, about 10 if Kasumi was right.

I just might be able to make it to her, Kasumi thought, and needing no further incentive rushed out of the room. He'll try to stop me, but I still know he can't hurt me. If I can get to her in time... Kasumi thought, a whisper of hope in her mind.

XXXXX

Saki scanned the crowd in front of her. It comprised almost every person she knew in Nerima, and many she didn't. Obviously nearly the entire class was present, but beyond them Ms. Hinako, Kasumi's family, Ranma's family, Herb, Mint, Lime, Dr. Tofu, Frost, and Cologne were all here. Even people she never expected to shown up, like Izou, who was one of the least popular students, particularly with Nabiki. Sampei really did spread the word, Saki thought in amazement.

It came to Ranko to finally break ranks and come up to Saki. "Alright, we're here, so what's up. Sampei hasn't been very forthcoming."

Nodding Saki turned to the crowd. "Okay everybody, listen up. I assume Sampei told you all that this involved Kasumi, Usagi and Shampoo, and it does. You see that hotel back there?" Saki asked and in response many looked back at the building briefly. "Believe it or not, she's in there."

"A hotel?" Ranma asked skeptically, but Kitsune finally spoke up.

"It's not just any hotel. It's run by the Illuminati and-" the conspiracy theorist began to explain.

"Kitsune, quiet!" Saki ordered.

"Right!" Kitsune replied meekly and returned to the crowd.

Sighing, Saki continued. "Look, we really don't have time to explain, just trust me on this, they're in there. However, I have every reason to suspect that inside is not going to be a cake walk. Besides our weird duo from the beach that I'm sure you've heard about, they probably have other defenses and people in there. Because of that, I have to ask that anyone that can't fight stay out here."

In response several of the members of the crowd were disappointed. "Look, that doesn't mean you can't help. If I am right, we'll probably need somebody out here to deal with any injured and such," Saki conceded and that seemed to satisfy most.

"Fine, you got a plan for this?" Ranma asked, catching Saki a bit off guard.

"Um... not really," Saki concede but noticed Kitsune once more looking eager. Sighing she beckoned for her to approach and she quickly ran up. "What you got?"

"This!" Kitsune said proudly as she produced a PDA from her pocket. A few clicks and she handed it over to Saki, showing a detailed blueprint of the building.

"How did you... nevermind," Saki said and examined the schematic. "This accurate?"

"Well, it's the official blueprint. They have no doubt modified it, but they couldn't have done major refits of the basic design," Kitsune replied and Saki nodded.

Chun Li joined Saki, along with Ranko. Noticing the company, Saki quickly put her mind to a plan of action. "It looks like the main power comes in thru the basement, and there are 5 sub-floors. They could have moved it, but it's probably somewhere down there still."

"So, take that out?" Ranko asked and Saki once more nodded.

"If this place is rigged, cutting power would help."

Looking at the building, Chun Li crossed her arms in thought. "I get the feeling that this place counts on being secret to keep out intruders. I suspect it defenses aren't likely keyed well to keep out people, but probably better suited to keeping them in."

"That may be, but for now we can't assume that," Saki replied and Chun Li was forced to nod in agreement. "Alright, how about this. If they are in there, they are either above or below ground. By the looks of these plans there isn't much room around below, lots of town service conduits and stuff there. Too much junk to build around so I'm guessing they have her on one of the floors above. We can divide in two teams. One's objective will be to take out the power and search the floors below. The rest will search above. If we either team finds a clue, we can adjust on the fly."

"How you plan on doing that?" Ranma asked and in response Chun Li grabbed a few walkie-talkies from her car and tossed one to Saki.

"Okay then, it's just a matter of who does what," Ranko analyzed.

XXXXX

On a nearby rooftop, Sailor Mars, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Venus, Tuxedo Kamen, and the outer Senshi watched from a distance. Among the crowd, Makoto was listening in, discretely relaying the plan as they heard it.

"As soon as they go in, I'll join up with you guys," Makoto said over the communicator, gaining a nod from Mars.

"Right... you got anything Mercury?" Mars asked.

Off to the side, Mercury stood gazing at the building with her visor on and typing at her computer. "There is definitely something odd about this building. It's blocking all my scans."

"Can we teleport in?" Venus asked.

"Perhaps. I've been checking our teleportation system since Pluto mentioned it. Its range is greatly reduced, but we should be able to make this short of a distance. However, I doubt we can get inside. The field is too strong, and the risk too great. We have no idea what configuration the building is in on the inside and I don't want to trust our teleportation to figure it out in its current condition. Our best option seems to be the rooftop. The field is at its weakest there. A combined effort with everyone should be enough to get us thru the barrier."

"Sounds good," Venus replied. "While they're going in from below, we can hit the place from the top down."

"And when we encounter Sailor Moon?" Sailor Neptune finally asked, and that sent everyone into silent consideration.

"We'll just have to... get some control of her somehow, and reason with her. She'll come to, I'm sure of it," Venus said but could see the plan had little support from the outers.

"You're very naïve, you know that," Sailor Uranus replied after a second. "Sailor Moon trashed Jupiter and Ranko in few simple attacks. We have no idea what's controlling her or how, or even if it's really her. On top of that, she has demonstrated powers she never had before. And with all that, you plan to reason with her?"

Frowning, Mars stepped up. "Well, what do you propose?"

"Knock her cold and deal with it later under more controlled circumstances," Uranus replied easily. "If we goof around here, she could get us killed."

"Knock her cold?" Mars echoed. "You could get her seriously hurt."

"Better than her killing us," Uranus countered, but Mars seemed unimpressed and started to argue the point further.

However, to the side Venus simply sighed. She could see where Uranus was coming from. They didn't know what exactly they were dealing with and maybe it was overly optimistic to think they could simply restrain her. Still, the thought of going so offense of her princess was not very palatable.

However, before either side in the little dispute could reach a resolution, Tuxedo Kamen stepped. "We can't really know what to do at this point. As has been said, we don't know what we're up against. Let's just wait till we have some more info. Until then... we'll just have to improvise."

Looking at Tuxedo Kamen, Mars sighed and reluctantly agreed. Uranus simply nodded. Off to the side, Venus couldn't help but think this was going to get messy.

XXXXX

"Why me?" Genma asked as he was handed one of the walkie talkies.

"Because, pop, you're supposedly a martial artist," Ranma explained, unimpressed with Genma sudden showing of apprehension.

"Mr. Saotome, it is just we need most the others in the main group. However, we still need someone able enough to tackle the task of taking out the power," Saki explained, but the explanation was rendered unnecessary when Soun walked up behind Genma and gripped his shoulder VERY firmly.

The effect was immediate. Beyond the pain of the grip, Soun had earlier subjected Genma to one of Soun's most fearsome techniques, a variation on one Happosai used, but for a change probably a superior version that even the master feared. Genma like to call it the demon aura from hell. He had yet to see anyone disagree with Soun after using that technique, and frankly, Genma didn't want a second exposure. "Alright, alright, I'll lead the power team," Genma replied quickly as he started to lose feeling in his arm. Satisfied, Soun released him and smiled. "And you're coming with me, Tendo."

"Of course!" Soun quickly said, raising his hand into a tightly clenched fist. "No one kidnaps my precious Kasumi and gets away with it."

"Right," Saki said with a nod then quickly scanned the rest of the crowd. "Okay, and Akane, Claigin and Kodachi can go with you," Saki concluded.

"Aye, I shall SMITE these fiends with my MIGHTY HAMMER!" Claigin Jingeyder, one of the more insane members of the class, at least in Saki's considered opinion, boasted, raising a large, intimidating sledge hammer into the sky for emphasis. However, whatever identity issue this boy had, he was one of the strongest people in the class, no doubt from lugging that hammer everywhere. Sampei even claimed he slept with it.

Sighing, Saki turned to the others, only to find herself facing Shin, or as Saki liked to refer to him, the boy who made everyone else in the class seem normal. "What of me?" he asked.

"What about you? I said only those who could defend-"

"Fear not, I am protected by my Invincible Snow-Globe!" Shin proclaimed, raising it show Saki as if it should be worshipped. "Have you forgotten?"

Just humor the madman, Saki repeated in her mind. "Fine, go with them if you want. Just stay out of trouble."

"Oh yes, soon everyone will see-"

"Yeah, yeah," Saki said, quickly dismissing the boy and hoping not to see him again. He gave her the creeps. However, thankfully he seemed satisfied and moved to join Genma's team. As Saki signed in some relief, Akane and Kodachi passed by.

"You sure we can't help the rest of you?" Akane asked, clearly not enthusiastic about being sent in the likely opposite direction to where Kasumi was.

"Like I said to your uncle, we still need able people to take out that power. It may be the most critical part of this assault. Besides, once you guys are done searching below, you can tie up with us," Saki explained, somewhat satisfying the youngest Tendo.

"I'm more concerned about the baby-sitting duty," Kodachi joked, gesturing towards Shin.

Saki once more sighed. "Yeah, well, we haven't time to argue with him. Just keep him alive."

"Don't worry, we'll keep him safe," Akane said with a slight smile.

Saki gave them a nod and quick smile of her own before moving onto the others. "Alright, the rest of you who are coming in, you're with me. Now stay together and no chatter. This isn't a social visit. I need everybody able to hear any instructions," Saki explained and the various other attendees nodded in understanding. "Right, we wasted enough time out here. Let's get in there and find our friends."

With that directive, Saki lead the way as the group headed on toward the Hotel La Bac. As they did so, Frost joined Cologne. "Elder, why are you letting her lead?"

"Because she has more authority and knowledge of this group than I do," Cologne explained simply. "Besides, even I believe this situation is serious enough to avoid unnecessary power struggles. Keep that in mind, Frost."

Frost nodded as they finally reach the building. The outer door was as expected chained and bolted shut, but this posed little obstacle to Ranko who easily demolished the door, allowing the group into the former lobby of the hotel. However, they were no more than a few steps in when many of the group were pulled up short, a wave of what could only loosely be described as nausea washed over them.

"What's wrong?" Saki asked as most everyone seemed to be fighting with the effects.

"I don't... feel so good," Hinako managed to moan out before being overcome by a fit of coughs and collapsed. Shortly after her, Frost noticed that Cologne too was rapidly losing her strength.

"Quickly, everyone out!" Dr. Tofu ordered as he grabbed up Hinako and rushed back to the exit.

A minute later, everyone was back outside, but Hinako and Cologne were both laid out on the ground, badly weakened. "What happened to them?" Saki asked as the Doctor examined them.

After a moment, he began to explain. "Their auras were badly compromised. Ms. Hinako naturally has very little stamina without her augmented aura, and the elder is of a very advanced age and also requires her aura to off set most of the effects of that age. Something about that place disrupted that."

"What about us?" Ranma asked, looking back at the building. "We can't just leave Kasumi in there."

The doctor considered. "You all should be fine. As long as your bodies are naturally strong, this shouldn't affect them. However, you won't be able to manipulate any of you chi if I'm guessing right."

"That will seriously compromise our fighting ability," Chun Li concluded with a worried frown.

Thinking quickly, Ranko walked back into the building and once inside concentrated on generating an aura. As she suspected, her own ability was unaffected and her aura worked flawlessly. "It must be magic," Ranko concluded as she released the energy.

Frost joined her and did a quick incantation, but found it fizzled. "Whatever it is, it affects magic too. This must be how they're holding Kasumi and Shampoo, and they blocked my tracking spell. Now what? Without our powers..."

"We'll just have to tough it out without them," Saki replied as slowly the group re-gathered inside. "Hey doc, they going to be okay?"

"I think so," he replied. "But I should stay here to tend to them."

"Okay, let's-"

"Hold a moment," Herb interjected and approached Saki, looking her up and down. "Your aura is unaffected as well. Ranko I can understand, but you?"

"Me?" Saki replied in puzzlement. "I don't use any of that chi stuff."

"We all use chi to some extent," Herb explained, "and I can see your aura is not disrupted like ours. How?"

Thinking for a moment, Saki went into her pocket and pulled out the keys she had been given. As she did, Herb took them from her and for the first time Saki felt what the others had felt, a strange wash of nausea that fortunately quickly passed.

Herb, however, had quite the opposite effect. He seemed to strengthen, and to make it clear he concentrated and a ball of chi formed in his hand. "These are blocking out the effect."

"Give me those," Frost ordered, and without waiting for compliance, snatched the keys from the Musk Prince. As with Saki, Herb weakened the moment the keys were taken from him, while Frost seemed to gain some strength. Herb opened his mouth to protest angrily, but Frost raised her hand and silenced him. "Just hold your horses, I have an idea."

Stepping away from the group, Frost closed her eyes and began speaking in Latin then in English. "Spiritus, minitus, invustrus appares. Tiny spirit of fire and light, find that which I seek tonight." As she completed the spell, a small ball of light appeared before her and flew around several times before going straight into the ground. Nodding, with her eyes still closed, Frost began to speak. "I see them, four stones below us. They are generating this field."

"Stones?" Saki asked in confusion.

"Magical stones no doubt. They are set at each corner of the building's foundation," Frost replied as she opened her eyes. "If we destroy them, the barrier should be removed."

"Okay, can you lead the way?" Saki asked and Frost nodded. "Good. You go with Genma's team and you have a change in priorities. Take out those stones first, then the power unless you encounter the power first."

"Right," Genma replied.

"And take Mint and Lime with you as well," Herb quickly added. "They are less affected by this environment as their abilities are natural. We need those stones destroyed as soon as possible."

"Right," Saki said in agreement. "And keep the keys with you if they help. We'll keep going up. They no doubt know we're here and we can't delay any more," Saki said.

Nodding one last time, everyone set off.

XXXXX

On the rooftop, the Senshi, newly arrived and now together with Jupiter, were figuring out much the same thing as those below as they shook off the initial effects.

"This is going to be a major problem," Jupiter pointed out. "How can we fight without our powers? For that matter, how do we get out of here? We can't teleport."

"And it will only get worse as we go into the building," Mercury concluded. "We're at the field's weakest spot right now. As we go down it will only get stronger. Thankfully, our Senshi uniforms are still with us. Hopefully they will provide some protection."

"Not much," Uranus replied, but then headed for a nearby doorway that led down into the building. "No use arguing about it. We might as well get moving." The others nodded in agreement and quickly followed.

XXXXX

In the control room, the doctor frowned as he watched the three groups. "Well, this will be annoying," he said as Rose joined him.

"Are they going to be trouble?"

"Did we not have the magical wards in place, I would definitely say yes. But with the wards in place, they are more a nuisance. The building's defenses are more than adequate to deal with a well armed group of Special Forces personal. I know. I personally oversaw the demonstration," the doctor said confidently.

As he watched on screen, Genma's group reached its first obstacle, a giant steel door meant to protect the lower levels and prevent entry. "You see, they won't even make it-" the doctor began to say only to see Frost step forward and blast thru the door. "What the?" he exclaimed and quickly began typing at the controls. "This can't be. She should be just as neutralized as the... blast, she has a set of keys!"

"Keys?" Rose asked.

"Like the ones I gave you, and your guards. How the devil did she get those?"

"Can't you override?"

"No. For one the magical barrier is set to recognize those keys directly. I haven't the knowledge on how to alter that. And for a second thing, the computer will also recognize them and allow her to bypass every defense in here if she figures out how to use them. Even I'm not authorized to bypass that. It is a defense mechanism should someone like myself attempt to use the facility against another member of my organization."

Rose frowned and looked up at the other monitors displaying Kasumi and Shampoo. "We must not lose Kasumi, doctor. How long do we have?"

"They're heading directly for the stones. That magus must have located them," he replied. "I'd say at most twenty minutes, assuming she doesn't figure out how to use the keys completely. Once those stones are gone, this bunch will make very short work of the defenses."

"Forget them, then. Concentrate on Kasumi," Rose directed and turned to the other occupants of the room. "Shadow, Shadow Lady, Sailor Moon, stop or delay these intruders. Use any force required."

All three nodded and quickly left the room to go about their assigned task.

"It may not matter. If they destroy the stones, both Kasumi and Shampoo will regain their full strength," the doctor cautioned.

"Then I suggest you rush your plans, doctor. I do not accept failure."

Nodding, the doctor turned his attention back to his two subjects.

XXXXX

Kasumi's effort to reach Shampoo was not going quickly. Despite having gone through much of this place already, the traps reset each time and it was still difficult to get by them. Her only saving grace was that she need not conceal her knowledge of the doctor's limitations now, and she was abusing that as much as she could as she made her way to Shampoo.

Surprisingly, the doctor was very silent. Only the occasional monitor springing to life along Kasumi route, with a fresh image of Shampoo's situation let Kasumi know he was still watching. Obviously he's busy with Shampoo, Kasumi thought bitterly. Blast it all, why did he have to bring her into this? Why? She continued to think, making no effort to control her emotion. Right now, that was the last thing she wanted. Perhaps if she could bring out this Dark Ha Do, he would let Shampoo go.

I should have just played along longer. If I had, he wouldn't have brought her into it, Kasumi thought, ashamed of thinking of herself at the time. However, as she thought this, Kasumi shook her head, rejecting the feeling. This isn't my fault. Hating myself won't make things better, she thought. I thought that before, it didn't make any difference then either.

As she continued to dodge through the traps and obstacles, she couldn't help but remember back once more, to the last time she had felt this great feeling of despair. Her mother was in the hospital at that time, and she would not be leaving. As her mother's condition worsened, Kasumi had grown increasingly depressed. Each visit to the hospital her mother was that much weaker, and the eventual result became that much more obvious.

It was at that time that Kasumi had actually refused to go to the hospital again. In her mind, if she didn't see her mother get worse, she wouldn't get worse. Of course, real life didn't work like that. It took Genma and Nodoka forcing her to come to break through that mindset. However, it did serve to make her feel ashamed, that she was acting selfishly.

Kasumi shook her head once more, banishing the thoughts. Old memories weren't helping. She may not have been able to do anything for her mother back then, but this time she might be able to do something for Shampoo.

XXXXX

Far below in the hotel, 2 levels below ground, progress was not as fast as Frost hoped. At the moment, their group was hiding behind a piece of steel plating that Lime had ripped from a nearby wall, using it to protect them from a barrage of steel spears fired at them from down the hall.

"This is very infuriating," Frost complained as she struggled to regain her strength. She had been forced to use a great deal of magic to get this far, and it was taxing. "At the rate we're going, it'll take an hour to get there."

"I doubt that, but some further haste would be welcome," Kodachi replied as she scanned her surrounding. "There is that symbol again," she noted, pointing up the hall a few feet.

"So what?" Frost said in irritation as she pressed her mind on the next spell to cast to defeat this current trap.

"Don't you find it peculiar that we have seen that same symbol is nearly every room. What purpose does it serve?"

"Who knows," Frost replied.

"I shall consult my snow-globe."

"Shut up you freak!" Frost yelled at Shin. "I'm sick of you and your stupid snow-globe! You shouldn't even be here."

Shin seems unfazed by the outburst and merely smiled. "You are but an unbeliever. Soon you will realize the truth."

Frost threw up her arms in frustration, but as she did, Akane grabbed her hand, that which was carrying the keys. "Isn't this the same symbol?" Akane asked and a quick inspection by the others verified it was.

"So?" Frost asked.

"Here, give it to me for a sec," Akane prompted and the amazon magus reluctantly handed over the keys. "Lime, get us up to that symbol."

Nodding, the tiger boy struggled his way against the barrage of weapons, slowly advancing their improvised shield up the hall. Finally, after a few seconds, they got up next to the symbol in question, which looked to be a pyramid with a single eye shining at its peak. Nervously, Akane held up the key chain close to the symbol, and the eye glowed and beeped in response.

Suddenly, the hail of spears ceased. Everyone held their breath for a moment, but nothing more happened. Finally they risked looking down the hall to see the trap wall at the end that had been projecting the weapons was closed once again. "It shut down," Genma concluded.

"Well, that is convenient," Kodachi added, confidently standing up. "I suppose that is what those symbols are for."

"These things are useful," Akane replied as she handed them back to Frost. "We should be able to make it there much faster now."

Reluctantly nodding, Frost agreed. "Right, let's go. We have to get there as quick as possible. There is another stairway up ahead."

A few minutes later, thanks to their new knowledge, the team finally reached the first of the stones and puzzled over it. "Okay, now what?" Akane asked.

"We break it of course," Frost said and stepped forward. "By nature's hand, by crafts, by art, what once was one, now fly apart!" she intoned and a beam of energy shot from her hand at the stone and... did nothing. "What?"

"Not another fizzled magic," Akane complained.

"That was a perfect spell, I swear!" Frost countered. "I guess the keys don't work on the stone itself."

"So, what do we do?" Akane asked again.

Frowning, Frost looked over at Lime. "Hey, muscles, break that thing."

Nodding, Lime rushed the stone and attacked it with his fist. Unfortunately, the only reaction was a loud cracking sound of human bone. Writhing in pain and holding his injured hand, Lime withdrew, much to the others disappointment. "Tough stone," Kodachi commented idly. "Any other ideas?"

"Unbelievers, stand back. Nothing is immune to the might of my-"

"We haven't got time for your silly games!" Frost yelled, but Shin ignored her and stepped up to the stone and lifted his snow-globe to it. Not having anything better to do, the others let him continue as he closed his eyes, apparently meditating.

"There!" He finally said, pointing out an exact spot on the stone. "Claigin, strike the stone there," he ordered.

The sledge hammer wielding boy looked to the other in uncertainty. "Go for it, boy. Not like we're full of options here," Genma said and nodding Claigin readied his hammer and swung it with all his might at the spot indicated. A loud ringing of the hammer against the stone could be heard, and everyone was just about to sigh in defeat when the stone suddenly turned to dust.

"Hah, now you see," Shin said smugly as he started down the hall.

Frost and the others eyed him as he did. "That guy gives me the creeps," she said after a moment.

XXXXX

Far above the effects of the first stone's destruction were easily felt. To most it was like a weight had been lifted from them and they finally felt somewhat like themselves again.

"They must have got one of the stones," Ranma concluded and several of the others nodded in agreement.

"Our power is still not fully restored, however," Herb pointed out as he tried to form some chi together and failed.

"Right, but they should get to the others quick now, I think," Ranma replied. "We should get-" he continued on to say but suddenly a steel door crashed down in the hall they were currently standing in. It divided the group roughly in half. "Bloody hell," he cursed.

XXXXX

On the opposite side of the steel door, Ranko rushed up. "I don't know why they even bother," she said and prepared to destroy this one like she had the others before it. However, before she could complete the effort a yell caught her attention.

Looking back, Takeshi, martial arts origami master, was reeling from an unseen attack. Before anyone could truly comprehend what was happening, a full barrage of kicks and punch were delivered to the boy, and an instant later he collapsed to the ground unconscious. As he did, the invisible attacker became visible.

"I see my twin is here," Chun Li said as she and the others faced off with Shadow Lady.

XXXXX

On the other side of the barrier, a similar sneak assault, this one a flying blade of sonic energy slashed through the other groups ranks. They were quickly scattered or were knocked aside, the worst of it taken by Sakura who collapsed. Everyone quickly took cover.

Hiding just behind the corner of one of the nearby room, Ranma peaked out to see a familiar human shaped distortion coming up the hall. The height and shape gave away who it was. "Him again," Ranma sneered. "Sakura, you okay?"

"I'll live," she said thru a grimace, hiding within another room.

Across the hall, opposite Ranma, Ryoga and Herb also sneaked a peak out. "He can't stay invisible forever. If I'm guessing right, he has limited power and can't fight at full strength while in this state."

"Yeah, but we're not exactly at full power either," Ranma pointed out. "I bet he must have one of those key rings on him."

"I'm not so sure," Herb replied. "His aura is... odd. It may simply be naturally immune."

"Either way, he's not just going to let us by," Ryoga said.

"No," Ranma agreed and thought.

"Bah, losers," Izou said suddenly. "Leave this to me." Breaking cover, Izou stepped confidently back into the hall to face off with their attacker, pulling out a spray can and a brush. "Now you shall see the true power of Indiscriminate Martial Arts Graffiti!"

Herb looked over at his companions with an expression that asked 'is he really serious?' They could only respond with shrugs. However, to his credit, Izou's unusual form of attack did indeed catch Shadow unprepared and when he was done, Shadow stood clearly visible, now painted head to foot in a variety of artwork.

"Ha, a masterpiece," Izou declared, an instant before Shadow smashed him into a wall and knocked him unconscious.

Ranma winced sympathetically. "Well, at least we can see him now," he said after a second.

XXXXX

For the Sailor Senshi, the going up to this point had been much slower. Without their powers, the La Bac was a very dangerous place. Even with the combined effort of all nine of them, they had barely managed to make it 2 floors down, and even that had cost them many bruises and scrapes.

The latest room they had just escaped reminded Mercury of a washing machine, as the entire room was continuously spinning. It didn't help that all the walls were lined with slashing blades. It was frankly a miracle that no one was more seriously hurt by now.

As the group rested in the hall, they too felt the slight shift in energy, the tell tale sign of the first stone's destruction. Quickly Mercury pulled out her computer and began an analysis.

"The energy field has greatly decreased in strength. I can get local readings now," Mercury said.

"Finally," Mars replied. "Any sign of Sailor Moon?"

"Yes," Mercury replied, but not by looking at her computer. Instead her attention was up the hallway. Quickly everyone looked up to see Sailor Moon slowly approaching.

"Well, that time we talked about is here," Uranus pointed out. "Now what?"

As the group got up and slowly backed up, trying to keep their distance. "Mercury, any info would be helpful right about now," Mars said prompting Mercury to return to her computer. "Is that really her?"

"Yes," Mercury quickly answered. "But it looks like her body is infested with... nanites."

"Nan-whos?" Venus asked in confusion.

"Microscopic robots," Mercury explained. "There are millions of them. They are running throughout her entire body, even her brain. I'd say there is a very real possibility that she's not even aware of what she's doing. These nanites are probably controlling her."

"So... what do we do?" Venus asked, but Mercury could only shake her head as she had no answer.

XXXXX

For Usagi, the situation was far different. She was experiencing a moment of shear bliss. She was currently on the dorm coach, resting herself up against Mamoru and lying there lazily, simply enjoying the contact. If that weren't enough to get her relaxed, Seiya was massaging her feet in what most would probably consider a very sensual way. Of course, that this was occurring out in plain sight of any passer by to see, and that the two men on either side of her would probably be less than completely comfortable with the presence of the other didn't in the least concern Usagi. Right now she was just enjoying it.

In fact, in recent memory it was hard for Usagi to find a time she was this happy. For the past while everything seemed to be going perfectly for her. Mamoru was back in Japan and staying permanently. Seiya had returned to Earth and despite what one would normally think was getting along wonderfully with Mamoru. She was getting perfect grades in school, which of course made her parents very happy. Even her friends were having nothing but success in their lives. It was all perfect, too perfect in fact but like most people in a dream, that didn't seem to occur to her.

"Are you lazing around again?" Minako asked as she entered the room, too which Usagi only replied with a contented sigh. Minako shook her head and headed over to the television, turning it and the game system next to it on.

Taking notice at last, Usagi sat up slightly to watch as the game from just a while ago started up. "Not that game again."

"I like it," Minako countered as the game screen showed an encounter with Sailor Moon to one side and the rest of the Senshi, including Tuxedo Kamen, on the opposite side. "Want to play?"

"No," Usagi replied with a frown, suddenly feeling uneasy but for the life of her, she didn't know why. "What are you doing, anyway? What kind of game would have me fighting the rest of you?" Minako didn't immediately respond causing Usagi to eye her curiously. "Well?"

Taking another few seconds, Minako finally answered. "It's an adventure game. We're all under the control of the bad guy."

"Oh," Usagi responded, sitting fully up. "Why do I have such goofy powers?" Minako just shrugged. "And if they're being controlled, why don't they attack?" Again Minako just shrugged

"Sure you don't want to play?" Minako asked after a second.

"Yes," Usagi answered.

"Okay," Minako replied easily and began to take control.

XXXXX

In reality the others were also a bit puzzled as Sailor Moon seemed to be hesitating. But before any of them could truly get much hope up that she just might snap out of it, she suddenly began to approach, the same light Jupiter witnessed earlier appearing and starting to whip around her.

"What is that?" Venus asked as the group continued to maintain their distance.

"I'm not sure," Mercury replied as she analyzed it. "It's some sort of electro-magnetic field. It is definitely not her normal energy field though. It looks like they're feeding off Sailor Moon's normal energy field and converting that energy to this."

"Why not just make her use her normal powers?" Uranus asked.

"Perhaps they don't know how. Our powers are magical in nature. I doubt robots have much knowledge of such things."

"Whatever, but trust me on this, they don't need her regular powers," Jupiter quickly pointed out.

"And there is more. Those nanites are continuing to replicate. The more of them in her, the more control they will gain."

"So, what do we do?" Venus again asked.

"We stop her, now, whatever it takes," Uranus concluded. Taking that as a signal to act, Neptune stepped forward and quickly Pluto and Saturn joined her.

"Hey," Mars started to protest, but too late as the four outer senshi moved in to attack.

XXXXX

Back with Ranko, Shadow Lady was proving very formidable. Despite being against four people, she was still holding her own, much to the group's frustration.

"How is she using her fancy powers?" Saki asked as she took cover once again to catch her breath.

Across from her Chun Li, recovering herself, answered, "She could just be carrying some of those keys, or as has became quite obvious, she's not entirely human. This place only seems to affect chi and mystical powers, technological powers probably aren't inhibited at all."

"Great," Saki moaned out just as Kuno was sent flying from yet another barrage of missiles. "Where the devil does she keep those things?"

"We can't stay here," Chun Li pointed out. "The longer we stay her fighting her, the longer they have to move our three girls."

Still engaged in a hand to hand struggle with the robotic woman, Ranko overheard this and shouted back, "You guys go on then. I'll hold her here."

"You can't fight her alone!" Saki protested but Ranko persisted.

"Sure I can," as she dodged away from a quick kick and quickly responded with one of her own that Shadow Lady blocked. "I got this covered, go on!"

Saki hesitated but a nod of the head from Chun Li told her that it was the right choice. Nodding herself, she rushed over to the recovering Kuno and helped him to his feet before heading toward the nearest stairwell.

Seeing this, Ranko pressed Shadow Lady back with a barrage of punches, forcing her to give enough room for the pair to get by. "Right, now it's just you and me," she said with a smile.

"And me," Chun Li unexpectedly added.

"Hey! Didn't I tell you to go?" Ranko protested.

"Sure you did, I just ignored you," she responded. "Besides, she's my double. It's only right that I should have a part in taking her down."

Ranko sighed. She actually preferred one on one fights but at this point she knew it was useless to argue.

XXXXX

At the other end of the floor, the situation wasn't much different. With Izou down, that left Ranma, Ryoga, Herb and Sakura to match off against Shadow. With Sakura already injured, it had largely fallen to the three boys to take the clone down, but without their full strength, Shadow was more than a match for even the combined efforts.

At that particular moment, Ranma and Herb were in the midst of recovering from a rather bad exchange, leaving Ryoga briefly one on one with Shadow and it wasn't going well. In fact, Ryoga was seriously reconsidering his usefulness in this endeavor at this point. It wasn't that he didn't want to help, he did, but his skills just weren't up to the task.

It was really an unfortunate side-effect of meeting Kasumi. Ryoga, the eternal lost boy, up to that point had to often fend for himself in the wilds of Japan. It was annoying, painful, and even occasionally life threatening, but he lived with it. Because of that he had developed into quite the strong youth by most people's standards. However, things changed after meeting Kasumi.

It was not long after they started walking to school together that Kasumi had suggested that Ryoga get himself a dog, a sort of path-finding dog. The logic was, if a dog can substitute for a blind man's lack of vision, perhaps it could also substitute for his lack of direction. Ryoga, who despite the benefits of his harsh life never did like it was more than willing to give the idea a try and soon had adopted Shirokuro. He still had the occasional problem, usually when he got separated from his new pet, but for the most part his larger problems with mis-location were a thing of the past. However, that also meant the fringe benefits of that nasty habit also were a thing of the past.

So now, although still generally a far above average martial artist, he was finding himself a fair bit out of his league with these extremely above average types. And, unfortunately, Shadow definitely qualified as one of these types. Shadow was making excellent use of the moment, delivering hammering kicks and punches to Ryoga's entire body that were pushing the boy's endurance past all previous limits. It was a testament to his determination that he was still standing after a full thirty seconds of Shadow's undivided attention, but in the end he just couldn't take it anymore. A final rushing set of kicks from the clone sent Ryoga tumbling down the hall and into unconsciousness.

"Damn it," Ranma cursed as he rushed to Ryoga's side but could already tell he would be of no further aid to them. "We can't keep going on like this."

"It sounds like they're not doing much better on the other side, either," Herb added. "If only I had my full strength."

Shadow sent a sonic slash squarely at Ranma, but he successfully dove aside into the room Herb was currently in. "There has to be a way to counter this guy," Ranma thought aloud and he got back to his feet. "There has to be a way..."

"His attacks are too quick to reliably dodge at close range. We can't get close enough to do any real damage. His energy field is also very strange. It's not like ours. Despite these attacks he does not appear to be suffering much fatigue."

"That doesn't help," Ranma complained, as he peeked out and saw Shadow holding his position for a moment. "Wait... quick. All his fancy attacks really are quick, aren't they?"

"So?" Herb asked in irritation.

"He needs quick motions to activate them. What if he couldn't move so quickly?"

"He probably couldn't use them, but what use is that?" Herb concluded.

Ranma smiled with a plan. "You remember that room on the last floor, the one with the stupid mechanical sharks."

"Yes, but..." Herb started to counter but suddenly realized Ranma's intent. "Hmm, we'll have to make him chase us."

"Got that covered," Ranma declared and came out from hiding. "Hey, ugly, over here!"

"Can't you think up a better insult than that?" Herb complained as he joined Ranma but creativity proved unnecessary as Shadow, at seeing the pair, made chase.

"It worked, didn't it?" Ranma complained back as they both retreated. "Just concentrate on the plan."

A minute later the pair arrived at their destination. This particular room was not only inverted, with all it's furnishing bolted to the ceiling, but nearly the entire thing was now under water. It had been a rather nasty surprise trap, but thankfully the combined efforts of the team had made short work the two mechanical sharks that had been swimming inside. Now, Ranma dove into the water, seemingly swimming for the door on the opposite side. Herb quickly followed and it wasn't long before Shadow was also at the entrance.

Come on you bastard... Ranma thought as he dove under the water and sneaked a peek back. However, any worry that he would see thru the trap was soon proved wrong as Shadow continued his chase directly into the water. With a quick signal to Herb, Ranma doubled back and rushed.

As expected, Shadow thrust his arm back then forward, but this time the water made the movement sluggish and nothing occurred. Only then did he realize the strategy but too late as the two boys grabbed him and dragged him further under the water. Moments later, the pair surfaced, taking in much need breaths of air while dragging the unconscious form of Shadow to the surface.

"Alright, we've wasted enough time here," Ranma declared, and pulling Shadow into the adjoining hall, the two continued on with their original objective.

XXXXX

Things were not going nearly so well for the senshi. The confines of the building, combined with the simple speed and power of Sailor Moon's new ability had quickly demonstrated the flaw in a frontal attack. In had taken less than a minute for Sailor Moon to disable the outer senshi, leaving them scattered throughout the hall.

The inner senshi, after seeing their comrades in trouble, were nearing the same fate. With brutal efficiency, Sailor Moon was blocking their attacks and attempts to reach the others, and simply tossing them around like dolls. Tuxedo Kamen was also afforded no mercy. The moon princess currently had snagged him by the arm and was whipping him around the corridor violently. With each collision he let out a sharp gasp of pain, but she did not relent.

Finally, with one final whip, Sailor Moon tossed her lover down the hall to collide with a recovering Sailor Mars. For a moment all that could be heard were the collective groans of pain of the group.

"My, my, my, I didn't expect her to outmatch you so greatly," the voice of the doctor said over several speakers.

"Who are you?" Venus managed to ask.

"My name is unimportant now. What is important is that you should all surrender. I would hate to have to order your princess to have to hurt you any more."

"Bastard," Uranus said as she dragged herself to her feet.

"Now, now. I must admit, I am surprised she has been so cooperative. Our reports on you indicated a great deal of power. I had suspected she might be able to resist the nanobots we used on her, but so far her resistance has been minimal."

"Let her go!" Tuxedo Kamen demanded but got only a laugh in response.

"You're not in any condition or position to make demands of me... Mamoru Chiba." Tuxedo Kamen's eyes went wide at hearing his real name. "Yes. It wasn't hard to piece together, and not just you either. Ami Mizuno, Makoto Kino, Minako Aino, and of course, Sailor Moon herself, Usagi Tsukino."

"How...?" Jupiter asked.

"Well, it wasn't quite as easy as asking her. The nanobots do have difficulty reading human memory, but given that Usagi disappeared on the same day as we acquired Sailor Moon, it was painfully obvious. After that it was just a matter of cross referencing her friends and acquaintances. We're still not sure on some of you, but we will figure that out it time. So, you should realize this is not simply a matter of your current situation. With your true identities now known to my organization, we can easily make your civilian lives... difficult."

This just went from very bad, to extremely bad, Jupiter thought, unable to hide her worry.

"Now, I know you do-gooder types aren't big on surrender, but I'll leave you to consider your situation for a moment. I must get back to my other subjects. I've instructed your princess to simply keep you there, but don't let that stop you from taking some action. I'm most interested in seeing the full extent of the augmentation process on Miss Moon." With a final taunting chuckle the speakers went dead, leaving the Senshi time to think and recover, with Sailor Moon guarding them.

XXXXX

Several floors away, Shampoo was gasping for breath. Even with part of the strange energy field down, she was still operating far below her normal performance levels, and even at her peak this place would prove dangerous. Much of her clothing was singed and sliced in various places. A few particularly close calls had left various cuts and bruises across her arms and legs. One particularly nasty blade had opened up a gash on her forehead which was now bleeding into her eye, becoming a very unwelcome distraction.

Now Shampoo was not unaccustomed to getting a few scrapes, but this was having a distinctly different affect on her. This was probably the first true life and death situation she had found herself in, and her courage was starting to run very thin. Give her an opponent she could see and at least she could concentrate on that, but here, there was simply the twisted traps. She was starting to come to the very discomforting conclusion she would not make it from this place alive.

It was as Shampoo was pondering her situation that she realized that for a change, the building was not attacking her. Cautiously she looked around the room, expecting at any second for some new death dealing instrument to shoot out, but the second passed with nothing.

"Shampoo!" A call came from the hall.

"Kasumi!" Shampoo echoed back in surprise and relief. Rushing to her feet, she raced for the doorway, only to have a steel panel slide over it, blocking her path. Angrily, Shampoo bashed her hand against the panel as she could hear Kasumi run up the hall to the opposite side.

"Shampoo?" Kasumi asked from the other side of the steel barrier.

"I here!" Shampoo replied quickly and banged on the wall several more times.

"Hold on," Kasumi replied quickly and Shampoo could hear Kasumi also trying to force the door to no effect.

As hope started to creep back into Shampoo's mind, the wall next to the door suddenly slid back revealing a thick glass barrier. Shampoo looked through and could see Kasumi on the opposite side and the two of them moved to the glass to see each other.

"So close, yet so very far," the doctor suddenly said over the speakers. As he did Shampoo heard another panel move and looked back at the other doorway of the room to see it too was now blocked. "I'm quite impressed that you've manage to make it this far so quickly, Kasumi Tendo. It is so very unfortunate." With those words Shampoo could hear the hiss of gas and looked around her to see a pale orange mist coming in via the floor trimming of the walls.

"I bet you're thinking that this isn't good, and you'd be right. That is a specially brewed neurotoxin. I'm told then it generally is considered a failure as it requires a rather large dosage and is rather slow, but I personally find it very useful."

As the doctor explained, Kasumi began desperately hammering at the glass, first with her fists, then her feet, but the glass held firm. Shampoo also examined her surroundings, looking for an escape, but the room was by all appearances solid. Grabbing a nearby chair, she smashed it again the glass, but like Kasumi's efforts, it was useless.

"I'm told that the first symptoms are a lack of sensation in the extremities. A sort of numbness, pins and needles type thing. That should be kicking in any second now."

In the hall, Kasumi could hear the doctor as well, and could see Shampoo pause to look at her hands and flex them, clearly beginning to feel the effects. "Let her go!" Kasumi pleaded.

"Oh, I'm more than willing to do that, Ms. Tendo, but you need to show me that Dark Ha Do of yours." Frustrated, Kasumi scanned the hallway for any tool she could use. "I know what you're thinking, but that's specially reinforced Plexiglas. It could stand up to an armor piecing 50 caliber round. Of course, your Dark Ha Do would give you more than enough power to shatter it."

Desperately, Kasumi tried to summon her Ha Do, but as with all the rest of her chi based techniques, even now it would not come. Don't do this to me, Kasumi thought in a mix of emotions. Why is it when I actually want this power, it won't come?

As Kasumi continued to struggle, trying to force out her energy, Shampoo started to stumble and was forced to brace herself against the wall. "Oh, getting to stage two now. It's starting to effect motor nerves. I would suggest sitting down, but of course I'm sure you realize the gas is actually heavier than air and that would just increase your exposure. Of course, in a minute or so that won't matter. You won't have the strength to stand."

In the room, Shampoo eyes were starting to lose focus, and her head felt like it was spinning. True to the doctor's words, she had barely any strength left, and it was all she could to keep herself standing and even that was increasingly difficult. Looking thru the glass, she could still make out Kasumi desperately trying to use her power but failing. This is not fair, Shampoo thought as her legs started to buckle and using the last of her strength she collapsed next to the glass. I'm just being used to get to Kasumi, she thought bitterly as her conclusion of just a few minutes earlier came back to her. He's going to kill me just to anger her enough to use that power, and there is nothing I can do.

As Shampoo tried to conserve her strength, she tried to relaxing, thinking back to happier times. Unsurprisingly, most those times were relatively recent. Ever since I've been with Kasumi, it hasn't been perfect, but I have been happy, she thought. I don't want it to end now. If only... Shampoo paused that thought at noticing her body was now entirely numb, and breathing was becoming difficult. Leaning slightly, she tipped her head once more to look out at Kasumi. It was too blurry now to make her out, but she could tell she was still trying. Kasumi...

Outside, Kasumi's eyes were closed and she was prying through her mind in some hope of finding that same anger that had possessed her at the beach. She certainly could find some feeling there, but it just didn't have the power of that moment, more than likely because of that drug that they had been pumping into her at the time was just not as potent anymore. However, as she tried to concentrate, she heard a slight thud and opened her eyes to see Shampoo had fallen over completely now and was simply lying next to the glass. Shocked by this, Kasumi rushed to the glass and knelt down to examine her. Of course, it was a futile effort as behind this glass there was nothing she could do, but the impulse was simply irresistible.

"Shampoo!" Kasumi called out, hammering on the glass, trying to get any response from the Amazon, but there was none.

"That's too bad. Guess it got to her autonomic systems faster than I expected," the doctor mocked.

Kasumi ignored him, watching Shampoo intensely. She was still breathing, but each breath was becoming weaker and slower than the last.

"I'm told it's a very painless death, if that's any consolation," the doctor said, and Kasumi could swear it was said almost with a laugh, and could feel that elusive anger starting to boil. "And you know what is worse, Kasumi Tendo, I'm sure you've realized by now that something is going on. You see your friends have finally found you." Kasumi looked up to see the wall opposite it open up to reveal some more monitors. On the screens she could see the various fights occurring, but in particular she could see several people lying unmoving on the ground. "Obviously, they are meeting with less than stellar results. Of course, they'll have to be dealt with before they become too troublesome. Perhaps a more lethal brew of gas, or maybe I should seal them in and just pump out the air and let them suffocate."

Normally, Kasumi would fight this blatant attempt to anger her, but right now she wanted to be anger so she let it sink it. Yet still, she could not get a hold of that power. Why won't it come, damn it? Kasumi thought angrily as she turned back to Shampoo. Even if I get her out now she still may die. Why is it the one time I want this power it won't come?

As the mix of anger and despair boiled within her, Kasumi decided to take an entirely different tack. It's the Dark Ha Do, which means it's based in the Ha Do. The Ha Do works by gathering chi from around you. What does being angry do that changes that and makes it more powerful? She thought as she continued to watch Shampoo's condition deteriorate. Why would... Ranko's technique is based in emotion. She said the stronger the feeling the stronger the blast. The emotion concentrates the energy, let's you focus and draw it out... or draw it in, Kasumi analyzed and came to a final thought.

If he wants this power, I'll give it to him, she thought and, closing her eyes, concentrated once more, but this time seeking out a specific energy around her. It was those primal energies, ones attuned to negative emotions alone that she wanted. The Ha Do normally brought in any energy around you, and that is what made it unfocused and difficult to control. But if you focused on one type alone...

At last she could feel the energy start to gather and flow into her. However, it wasn't easy at first. This dark energy was downright revolting to Kasumi, and almost the instant she started gathering it she could feel her consciousness start to slip. It was a last ditch instinctive defense mechanism and normally she would not fight it, but right now she needed this power, no matter how revolting it might be. It was Shampoo's only chance.

Pushing past her barriers, Kasumi let more and more of the dark energy into her. As it came, it reinforced the emotions within her and in turn she could focus that much more on gathering the energy. It was a positively reinforcing cycle, one that had but one conclusion, but at this point she didn't care. Passing that last barrier had let the dark energies reach a point of no return.

Suddenly Kasumi's eyes reopened, glowing hot red. "You want the Dark Ha Do? Fine! I'll show you the Dark Ha Do!"

XXXXX

In the control room, the doctor looked in shock at his monitors. The readings had started to build slowly at first, but now they were skyrocketing, even higher than all the previous tests had shown. On the monitor energy continued to gather and the effect on Kasumi was dramatic. Her entire appearance was changing. Her hair was growing darker, and face was twisting. She looked less like a human and more like a demon by the second.

"My Lord," he whispered as the reading maxed out the scales. After a few more seconds the whole building started to rumble and the screen started to flash and haze over with static.

"I do hope she knows what she is doing," the doctor thought aloud as the screens finally were fully overloaded and went blank.

XXXXX

Around Kasumi the dark aura of the Ha Do changed into a blackish red flame as the energy levels reach their peak and then all the energy surged within her. With the enormous power surging through her, Kasumi suddenly felt reinvigorated. She looked back at the glass wall and with a single blow it buckled and shattered inwards.

The obstacle gone, the gas dumped out into the hallway but with another angry gesture Kasumi blew it away to reveal Shampoo still lying on the floor. However, Kasumi simply stared down at her coldly with a bit of puzzlement.

"I see the Dark Ha Do has left little of your feeling left to you," a woman's voice suddenly said, and Kasumi turned to see her. The woman was older than her, with a strange scarf that seemed to float around her protectively.

"Who are you?" Kasumi asked in quiet challenge.

"That's a bit complicated," the woman replied. "Some would call me Rose. However, that's not very important right now."

"You work for the doctor, don't you?"

"Work for him, no. He works for me."

"You?" Kasumi asked in accusation and Rose replied with a smile. "Then you'll be the first to die!"

The threat and Kasumi's sudden rush after saying it didn't faze Rose. She merely smiled and thought to herself, At last!

End Chapter 35

Next time in A Scary Thought: GAH! Shampoo's dead! *dodge numerous flying objects* Nah, just kidding with ya. I said it before and I'll say it again, I don't do dark fics. But things aren't going to be pretty as our would be rescuers finally make their way to Kasumi, but are in for an unfortunate surprise.

For those a bit confused on the crossovers: Usagi, Rei, Minako, Makoto, Ami, Haruka, Michiru, Hotaru, Setsuna, Luna, and Artemis are all from Sailor Moon. Kitsune has her ties to the X-files, but only in that she's a fanatic of similar interests rather than appearing in said show. Saki and Sampei are from Sukeban Deka. You may also notice Frost borrowing a spell from here or there; in particular Gargoyles and Illusionaries are two prime targets. Speaking of Gargoyles, if you're a fan of the series you may have already figured this out, but La Bac is Cabal spelt backwards. Also Gen-U-Tech is also a business from Gargoyles. Does that mean this is a Gargoyles cross over? Haven't decided, could just be me stealing ideas ^_^. Anyway, besides that we have Chun Li, Rose, Shadow Lady and Shadow, and the previously shown Karin and Sakura which come from Street Fighter series (Rose, Karin and Sakura from Street Fighter Alpha 3, Shadow and Shadow Lady from Marvel vs Capcom, and Chun Li from much of the Street Fighter series). As for Ranko, well she's from my other major fanfic, Most Unlikely of Friends, although you can largely consider her standard Ranma trapped in female form for most purposes.

It seems my website is down and I'm not sure if it's ever coming back at this point. Good thing I started posting this somewhere else I suppose. Oh well. If you warn interested in getting some of my other work, feel free to send me a message and I'll see if I can hook you up. They are probably also floating out there somewhere on the net but God knows where at this point.

Well, that concludes things for this chapter. I suppose that means it's time to hand of the mic.

XXXXX

Greeting folks and welcome back to Kitsune's Corner! Today I have a special guest with me, the resident Nerima Vampire, Frost.

"I am not a Vampire!"

Sure, sure, anyway. I suppose since I have you in the studio we should start off with a bit of an explanation of magic seeing as how that's your profession and all. You mind doing the honors?

"...Fine, but stop calling me a Vampire. I have well documented medical condition and drinking blood has nothing to do with it.

"Ahem, where to start? First off, I'm sure you all know about this Chi stuff, or Ki, or whatever you want to call it. Well, magic works on something similar yet different, Mana. Mana and Chi are kinda like electricity and magnetism, intimately related, but different. Normally, most humans only produce Chi and their body runs exclusively on Chi, but through various means we've found that another form of this energy, Mana, exists in the world.

"Now, for a rare few humans, they can produce minimal amounts of Mana as well, but it is a total byproduct to the system normally. What a magus has learned to do is manipulate this Mana and put it to use.

"What makes this even more interesting is that Mana is very programmable stuff. Chi is more free flowing, while Mana kinda keeps its shape if you will. So, you can make complex patterns with Mana that would be near impossible with Chi. Add to this that there is a lot of free Mana in the world that you can also access and a good magus can wield a lot of power. For Chi users, using external energy is rare. For us Mana users, it's practically expected."

Interesting. So Mana is better than Chi?

"No. The two each have their respective advantages. Chi for instance is much more suited to healing the body since the body naturally runs on Chi. That said, some species are said to run on Mana rather than Chi. Those are obviously magical creatures so you don't see them much. You also have some that produce large amount of both energies. I hear Herb's dragon clan is like that, but he apparently hasn't had much magical training yet."

Fascinating.

"You don't have a clue what I'm talking about, do you?"

Not in the least, but whatever. So, why is it most your spells are in English or Latin?

"Mostly because most my study material was originally in Latin or English. Siren hogs all the Chinese texts to herself so I don't have many spells in other languages. I don't see much point in reinventing the wheel just so I can say in a different language. Besides, it helps to focus the mind for the spell."

Right. So I take it you magus types are that minority of humans that produce Mana then?

"Not exactly. The mind set is the most important part of being a good magus, although anyone with enough training can do at least some magics. However, having that mana production does usually go along with having that mind set. It's kinda like one tends to cause the other."

How do people without Mana do magic then?

"Usually they'll make use of some kind of magical artifact that acts as a mana storage vessel. Actually, most magus will make use of such tools eventually as we inevitably out grow our available mana production."

Oh, and what would your artifact be then?

"Actually, I haven't needed one yet, besides the vessel I'm using to fix that dumb kettle!"

I see, so you're pretty powerful then?

"I guess. I don't have many people to measure myself against so I couldn't say how I compare. Still, even I will need one eventually. Starting to push my limits already and you don't want to push them too far."

Why's that, you go all evil or something?

"Nothing like that. You use up all your mana though and your body tries to fill the void by converting your chi. Problem is you don't have much of it to start with and that can get very dangerous. It's doubly dangerous as when you're that low on energy, typically the barriers between the two also decay as you haven't got enough energy to maintain them. Mana and chi don't get along too well usually and, just like bringing a strong magnet up to some electronics, you can get some glitches.

"I've heard of some cases, usually with people trying to focus external mana sources directly through their bodies, that they can actually prematurely age, or even kill themselves. That's why artifacts are usually a good idea anyway, as it keeps that mana physically separate and that way you don't have to worry about interference between the two."

Is that why Ms. Hinako can't drain you?

"Pretty much. She can absorb the mana in my system, but since she completely inexperienced in having mana in her system it interferes with her chi flow."

Right. So, on to more personal matters. What's the story with you and the doctor?

"Hmh?"

Well, do you like the guy or not?

"Most certainly not!"

Ooo, my BS alarm is going off.

"...Fine, maybe I like him a tiny little bit."

That's more like it. And how do you respond to claims that the real reason you hate Kasumi is because you're jealous?

"What? Jealous? Who the hell said that?"

Confidential source.

"...That's just nonsense! I don't like Kasumi because she took Shampoo's choice away. It has nothing to do with being jealous! I'm not even interested in girls."

Ah, so all this 'I hate men' stuff is just a ruse.

"As I have always said, if they weren't necessary for reproduction I'd wish them all banished from existence. However, I can't help it if I'm biologically wired to be attracted to them."

I see. Any last statements?

"Yes, men are scum!"

I think we've already more than established your feelings about the male gender. Thank you for joining me today.

*grumble grumble*

Anyhew, that brings us to an end to this addition of Kitsune's corner. Feel free to send in any requests. Now, I have to go con someone to be on my next show. Ta-ta!