Ranma ½
A Scary Thought:
What happened last time: After confronting Bison in Kasumi's body things were looking grim. Even more grim, Usagi lost all control to her little uninvited guests. In desperation to escape this, Usagi has destroyed her Silver Crystal, giving off a strange energy that may just have freed Kasumi.
Chapter 37
"Where am I?" Kasumi asked aloud as she found herself in a new unfamiliar setting. This was not one from her memory. That she was sure of. She was standing on an isolated plateau devoid of vegetation. Above her the clouds were ominously hanging in the sky. A storm was surely near.
As Kasumi examined her surrounding she finally noticed what appeared to be a fight in the distance. Cautious at first, Kasumi kept her distance, trying to discern what she was witnessing from safety, but all she could tell is it was a fight between two people. Deciding she could learn little here, she proceeded forward.
As she approached, she could make out the two combatants. One was recognizable as Rose. The other she had not seen. It was clearly a man who was unusually heavily built and had an aura possibly even more revolting than even the Dark Ha Do. Neither fighter took notice of Kasumi, either too intent on each other, or simply caught in the memory's context.
The battle was fairly evenly matched from what Kasumi could see, although perhaps not because the two fighters were. Instead, it looked as if the man was playing with Rose and if Kasumi guessed right, Rose was fighting as if this battle would be her last.
However, whether by shear luck or by exploiting the man's over confidence, Rose found herself with an opening and landed a critical strike using her energized scarf. The man stumbled in pain and Rose continued to press her advantage, finally forming her scarf into a drill and driving it into his chest.
"It's over," Rose said but suddenly her opponent smiled menacingly. In an instant the conclusion of the battle shifted as the man overpowered Rose's attack and drove a glowing hand into her abdomen, doubling her over.
"How foolish, my former student, to think you could defeat me," he taunted as he held her. "Your defeat here was inevitable. Do you feel it Rose? Do you understand that feeling? Do you realize now how utterly futile your quest has been?" He asked as he drove his hand deeper in, and by the looks of it even into her body.
"Noooo..." is all Rose could get out before all remaining strength left her and the man began to laugh.
However, as Rose lost cautiousness, the seen started to fade around Kasumi, changing to a simple empty plain, leaving only Rose behind. Kasumi was puzzled by this and watched as Rose regained her strength and returned to her feet, finally looking at Kasumi.
"I see you escaped," Rose said.
"Yes," Kasumi replied. "But I see I will have to get by you to get my body back."
Rose frowned and her scarf came to life, ready to fight. "I'm afraid there is little chance of that. You're a strong martial artist, but this not a fight of the body, but rather of the mind. In such a setting, I have a considerable advantage."
Kasumi nodded solemnly and closed her eyes. "That may well be, but you have given me the tool to fight you." Rose looked at Kasumi in confusion at the claim, but as Kasumi reopened her eyes and met hers, she knew instantly it was no bluff. "I am afraid I'm going to have to ask you to leave," Kasumi said calmly and moved forward, ready for battle.
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"What the..." Ranko managed to groan out as she regained her footing and reassessed the situation. Around her, everyone seemed to have gained a second wind. Those that had been unconscious a second before were coming too, and those who already had been conscious were looking just a bit better than before. Only Shampoo and Rose remained as they were.
The same could not be said of Bison-Kasumi. Ranko had lost sight of her in the strange bright light, but what remained was quite different than before. It was as if the aura of darkness had been banished by the light and Kasumi's appearance had returned to relative normal. But that wasn't all. Kasumi's eyes were hazy and unfocused and she was not reacting to her opponents' recovery at all.
"I got a feeling somebody is about to be evicted," Ranko said with some new found confidence.
"That may be," Chun Li said, "but let's not push our luck. Grab her while she's out of it."
The others nodded and Ranma, Herb, Ranko and Genma quickly moved to seize Kasumi. She offered them no resistance, still lost within herself.
"Come on, Kasumi, kick that jerk out!" Ranma said as he watched Kasumi intently.
That threat momentarily dealt with, Akane and Saki moved to Shampoo and examined her. "She's barely breathing," Akane noted. "We have to get her out of here, quickly. She needs to see the doctor."
"I agree, but we still haven't found Usagi," Saki replied.
"What do we do?" Ranma asked but his question got forgotten as Kasumi's eyes fluttered and she drew in a sudden breath. "Kasumi?" Ranma asked cautiously, but his answer did not come from her, but instead it came from the rising form of Rose.
"You Bitch!" Rose yelled in anger.
The reaction of the others was immediate to the new threat. Those formerly holding Kasumi placed her against the wall to recover while they moved themselves between Rose and Kasumi, all readying themselves for a fight. While they acted to protect her, the others moved to Shampoo.
"Looks like you lost again, Bison," Chun Li said confidently. "Now, tell us, where are you keeping Usagi?"
"Usagi? Oh... yes... her. I've turned her into one of my dolls."
"What?" Saki exclaimed. "You bastard!"
"Yes, she's already dealing with some other intruders above us. It doesn't matter. By now they have total control of her. I am afraid you have lost her." As Rose said this, the 7 minute alarm sounded. "And you've run out of time too."
"Maybe she's lying," Akane suggested, but Chun Li shook her head.
"Either way, he's right. We're out of time. We have to leave, now!"
"And who said you could leave?" Rose said, and to emphasize her point her hand began to glow red. "You underestimate me. Even in this body I have use of my Psycho power, and look at you all. You're barely able to stand. You're no match for me."
"You'll die too!" Ranma pointed out but Rose only smiled.
"The only ones dying her will be you," Rose replied and moved to attack. A crimson ball of energy formed in her palm and with a quick thrust she tossed it directly at the group guarding the still recovering Kasumi. Even if they had not been shielding Kasumi, there was little time to react so they could only try to guard against it. The impact sent all four flying, the crimson energy surging over their bodies inducing an incredible agony with it.
The second group guarding Shampoo moved to attack, but as they reached Rose's position, she disappeared. An instant later they could see the glow of crimson once again, this time from behind them. They dodged, but Akane, Kuno, Saki and Soun were too slow and were hit. They too collapsed under the incredible resulting pain. Only Chun Li and Mint remained, both turning on Rose, but once more she disappeared from sight.
How's she doing that? Chun Li thought and quickly scanned behind her. Same psycho energy... she must have Bison's ability to teleport too, she deduced. "Watch your back, she could appear anywhere."
"How right you are!" Rose announced as she appeared in front of Chun Li and drove a glowing fist into Chun Li's belly. Pain lashed her, and clouded over Chun Li's thoughts, causing her to fall to the ground, unable to move.
Mint didn't last much longer. He managed to remove several throwing knives from his shirt only to have his target disappear once again. Despite his best efforts to keep up his guard, Rose appeared next to him and slammed him with a point blank burst of Psycho energy.
The whole battle took but a few seconds, and all those that had recovered were once more collapsed on the ground, universally in agony. Only Kasumi remained and Rose now turned to her.
"You shouldn't have rejected me, Kasumi. I might have let them live," she said and moved over to Shampoo fallen form. "This one will probably die soon anyway. Perhaps I will end her misery."
"Don't touch her," Kasumi said finally and she forced herself to her feet.
"Oh, some strength left in you then?" Rose asked with a smile. "Three days in this place and you just threw off the Dark Ha Do. Your body is spent. Although, I suppose that Dark Ha Do might just give you the power to fight me. Do you plan on calling it once more?"
"Don't do it Kasumi," Ranko suddenly said thru her pain. "She's just trying to trick you."
"I know," Kasumi replied as she finally stood up straight and looked at Rose. "Besides I don't need that power anymore," she said with a strange calm that caused even those still racked with agony to notice. Before Rose could react, Kasumi appeared in front of her and struck her with her own glowing fist, this one easily recognizable as the Dragon Fast Fist. The resulting burst of energy sent Rose tumbling down the hall, clear of the group.
How the hell did she move so fast in her condition? Rose thought as she got back to her feet. As she looked back to see Kasumi laying her hands on Herb and Ranko and instantly the Psycho energy that was still coursing over them dissipated.
"What did you do?" Ranko asked as she returned to her feet.
"Neutralized the energy field," Kasumi replied, applying to the treatment quickly to the others before moving herself to once more face Rose. "There is no time left. You must all go, now."
"But Kasumi-" Soun started to protest.
"You all are in no shape to fight. Thank you for coming for me, but there is no time. Rose must be stopped, here. I cannot let her harm anyone else. I'll hold her here while you all escape."
"But what about you?" Akane asked.
Kasumi turned back to them and smiled. The effect of this was immediate on all of them, as they felt an overwhelming yet indescribable feeling wash over them. "Trust me."
As Ranko examined Kasumi, her thoughts turned back to the past. She said... she projected a feeling. Does that mean she has found that center thing of hers? Ranko thought. As she did the 5 minute alarm sounded. "I trust her," Ranko finally said. "Come on, let's get out of here."
Strangely, although reluctant the others too understood and did indeed trust Kasumi's judgment. With Ranko grabbing Shampoo, the group was quickly on their way out, leaving Kasumi to face Rose.
"So, I see you can use that even here," Rose said at last. "However, even with it, it doesn't change the condition of your body. All that centering technique does is allow you to force your remaining energy out and use it efficiently. You can't beat me with that."
"Perhaps not, but I will try," Kasumi replied with a determined look.
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Above all this, the Senshi were looking at a rather unexpected sight. Usagi hung nearly lifeless in an old acquaintance's arms who was looking back at them in equal measures of confusion. "Anyone mind telling me what the devil is going on?" the woman they knew as Sailor Star Fighter asked, although presently she was not in her Senshi uniform.
"How did... where did..." Jupiter started to ask in confusion.
"I was about to ask you both those questions," the female Seiya replied and looked down at Usagi with some concern. "Is Usagi...?"
The others took this as a cue to rush forward and examine their fallen princess. However, a very quick observation could see she was still breathing, but unconscious. "She's alive," Mercury finally said. "But we better take her someplace she can receive a more proper examine."
"And exactly what will we tell them?" Jupiter asked.
"I don't think that's all that important right now," Tuxedo Kamen said and took Usagi from Seiya. "We really haven't got time to explain right now, but will you come with us?"
"Don't have a lot of choice," Seiya replied as she got up but noticed that Uranus was leaving the group. "Hey!"
"I have some business left here," Uranus replied without looking back.
"What? Where is she...?" Seiya asked in confusion and looked over at Neptune. Neptune appeared pensive, but made no move to stop her partner. Likewise, although worry showed on the other Senshis' faces, they too made no move to stop her.
"Come on," Tuxedo Kamen said to Seiya.
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As the others began a rapid descent down through the levels, the 3 minute alarm sounded. "We're not going to make it all the way to the bottom," Ranko said as she continued.
"Got any suggestions?" Ranma replied as they come out onto the level where Ranko and Chun Li fought Shadow Lady.
"I may have one," Herb said. "Give me the radio."
XXXXX
"What is going on, doc?" Takeshi asked as Tofu examined him.
"I wish I knew. Your recovery is remark-" Tofu began to reply when the walkie talkie activated. Kodachi quickly pulled it out to hear Herb on the other end.
"Hey, get the magus on the line," Herb ordered and in irritation, Frost took the walkie talkie.
"What?"
"We need a quick way out."
"What?"
"You heard me. Conjure something up and fast. We got less than 3 minutes."
Frost frowned. "Hey, I'm not a miracle worker. 3 minutes isn't-"
"Look, this whole place is going to come down, and Shampoo needs medical treatment right now."
"Shampoo?" Frost repeated in shock and looked over at the doctor briefly before looking back at the building. "Okay, make me a hole."
"Right."
3 bloody minutes, Frost thought as she ran back towards the building. There is only one way I can conjure something up in time.
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A short distance away, on the roof of a building, Artemis and Luna sat waiting nervously. They had seen off the Senshi as they teleported away, and they were left with nothing to do but wait and worry. However, that waiting came to an abrupt end as the noticeable signs of the Senshi's teleport could be seen. A second later the Senshi reappeared minus Uranus.
"What happened? Where's Uranus?" Luna asked as she rushed over and paused in shock at seeing Seiya.
"Uranus is still inside," Neptune replied. "She's going for Kasumi I assume."
"Kasumi?" Luna repeated and looked at Usagi. "And Usagi?"
"We don't know," Tuxedo Kamen replied and willed his transformation to reverse. "I have to get her to see a doctor." Without waiting for any further question, Mamoru rushed off with Usagi. After a moment of consideration, Seiya stayed behind and looked to the others.
"Shouldn't we-" Jupiter started to say but was cut off by Venus.
"No. Mamoru will have enough questions to answer without us all showing up as a crowd. We'll see how she is later," Venus explained and looked back at the hotel. "I just hope Uranus gets out of there alright. There isn't much time left."
"Do you mind all explaining what happened in there?" Luna demanded.
"Yeah, I'd like to hear this myself," Seiya said.
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Back inside the La Bac, Rose was become increasingly annoyed. Kasumi was proving to be a very persistent opponent. Despite the fatigue and strain that must have been overwhelming her body, Kasumi was matching her move for move, dodging her every attempt at attack, and thwarting her every attempt to outmaneuver her. Although Rose had access to Bison's teleportation, it had limits; most importantly you had to see where you were going. Kasumi could read Rose's intents because of this and immediately repositioned herself to be ready for Rose's next attack. It was becoming quite frustrating.
As this continued a final stage of the alarm began as it began a by the second countdown at the 2 minute mark. Both fighters briefly paused to take notice of this then returned to facing each other.
"Do you fear death, Kasumi?" Rose asked.
"I'd rather not die, if that is what you mean," Kasumi replied. "You seem unconcerned, yourself, that this place is soon to be destroyed."
Rose let off a brief chuckle. "Oh, death doesn't frighten me. I've been dead before. My soul lives on. However, this place is a very unsuitable battle field. Let us go somewhere else."
Kasumi watched in confusion as Rose's energy grew, and around her space itself seemed to begin to distort.
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Outside, next to the building Frost was quickly drawing out a rough circle, all the while complaining about being rushed. Above an explosion could be heard and she looked up to see part of the building blasted away by one of Herb's energy blasts.
"Right," Frost said and grabbed a small canteen from her side. "It was a nice secret while it lasted," she muttered as she doused herself and in a flash two Frosts stood where one had been.
"Let's do this!"
"Right!"
Quickly, the two maguses set to work, rapidly working separate parts of the magic needed. A minute later the ground rumbled for a second then from the circle on the ground a ramp of stone quickly shot forth and rose to the opening. As it did, the two Frosts collapsed to their knees, both having spent the last of their energy.
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"Am I seeing double?" Saki asked as she looked down the ramp at the pair of Frosts.
"Yeah, but you're not the only one," Ranko replied. "Come on everybody, down the ramp, quick!"
Nodding, the group quickly rushed to the ramp, and using it like a giant slide, slid down to the safety of the ground.
"Akane, here take Shampoo?" Ranko directed.
"What about you?" Akane asked as she took the unmoving amazon.
"Magic immune, remember," Ranko pointed out. "Don't worry. I'll just have to take a rougher way out."
Nodding, Akane headed down the ramp while holding Shampoo, leaving Ranko and Saki as the last two. However, they hesitated at the top of the ramp, looking back at the stairs. "She's not going to make it," Saki said. Ranko didn't respond, but her face was showing clear signs of worry.
"I'm going back for her," Ranko finally said and started to rush back to the stairs with Saki calling after her. However, she didn't make it far as space in front of her started to distort. Ranko pulled herself to a stop just short of the distortion just as Saki caught up with her.
"What the heck is that?" Saki asked as the distortion intensified to the point they could not see into the effected area.
Ranko didn't attempt to answer, having no idea herself. Instead she tried to push into the area but found it to be like a wall to her. "Not magical, whatever it is," she final said. "Kasumi's in there."
"Come on Ranko, there is no time left. We'll just have to hope she finds her own way out," Saki said and after a second Ranko nodded. Satisfied, and the countdown now in the last 30 seconds, Saki could wait no longer and rushed down the ramp. On the ground she looked up long enough to see Ranko at the top of the ramp, nearly 10 floors up, hesitate then jump. "Is she out of her mind?" Saki exclaimed as she watched the other girl fall but amazingly stick a landing.
Grimacing in pain, Ranko could feel her legs complain bitterly at the impact, and if she wasn't mistaken, she heard a slight crack. "Ouch... that stings..." she muttered, but pushed aside the pain, and beckoned to the others still close to the building to follow as she ran clear of the structure.
As the last of the group cleared out, those watching could see explosions rock the structure. Within seconds it started to collapse into a great cloud of dust.
"Kasumi..." Soun said in shock, knowing that his daughter was still inside. However, shock changed to surprise as the dust started to settle and a great dark sphere remained in the buildings place.
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Inside that sphere, Kasumi looked around her curiously. The distortion had ripped the building's insides apart and now they floated within a great void that stretched seemingly to infinity in all directions. Beyond the building debris, Kasumi could see strange currents of energy flashing across the horizon and sky.
"Impressive, isn't it. This is sub-dimensional plain, a path by which the world's energy passes. Here we are closer to that energy than anywhere else. It is an excellent battle field. Not only is it free of interruption, our powers will be at their fullest here. Even in this body, in this place, my Psycho power is amplified immensely."
"But so are my powers," Kasumi replied and Rose nodded.
"True, but it won't change the outcome of this battle for you. You should have fled with your friends."
"No. That would have left you free as well, free to harm others. I could not do that," Kasumi replied.
Rose laughed. "You still think you can stop me. I don't know exactly the full extent of this power is that you've accessed, but it won't save you." Waiting no longer, Rose once more energized her aura and formed a new Psycho blast. Aiming carefully, Rose fired it at Kasumi, but was shocked to see Kasumi not even attempt to avoid it.
At the last second, Kasumi swept her hand forward, tracing out an arc of energy of her own. As the psycho blast hit it, the energy seemed to be briefly absorbed then reformed and shot back at Rose. In shock at this, she barely managed to avoid it.
"How?"
"You should know. It's your technique after all, Rose."
"Mine? My Soul Reflect. You couldn't possibly know that technique."
Kasumi nodded. "I didn't. Not until you showed me that is."
"Showed you?" Rose repeated in confusion.
"Well, show might not be the right word. It was in your memories. While you were in my body, some of your memories merged with mine. There was enough for me to learn most of your Soul techniques. Of course your Psycho power was also there, but I can't wield that. It is... too vile."
Rose frowned. "And do you think you will defeat me with those. Whatever you've learned I know far better than you. Beyond that, the Psycho power is far more potent than my Soul power." Once more Rose energized an attack, this one several times larger than her last, and fired it at Kasumi. This time Kasumi did dodge away causing Rose to smile. "So, you know the Soul reflect has limits."
"Of course," Kasumi replied. "All things have their limits."
"How very true, and my power is beyond yours. It won't be long now. I can already see your exhaustion beginning to take hold. You can't force your body to move much longer. Then, you will die. Of course, you could still Dark Ha do..." Rose said with a taunting laugh.
"You are right," Kasumi unexpectedly conceded. "The centering has allowed me to utilize the last of my body's strength and use it at its absolute most efficient, but it cannot replace energy that I lost in the La Bac, or in using the Dark Ha Do. But, the Dark Ha Do is no path to victory here.
"I made a fundamental mistake, I must admit, when I called on that power. My Uncle taunt me many lessons and one was to never let your opponent decide your options for you. When they do, you will lose, as I did by embracing that evil force.
"But, have you ever wondered why it is called the Dark Ha Do?"
Rose looked at Kasumi in puzzlement at the question. "It is the natural progression of the Ha Do, of course."
"No, I mean, why Dark? As you say, if it is merely the natural progression, then why name it after Darkness?"
"What does it matter?" Rose said dismissively. "If you're stalling for time, it won't help you. I can keep you here as long as I wish, and no one else can enter. There is no rescue this time."
"It matters a great deal, actually. I've been thinking a lot about it, and I come to realize that darkness has a natural antithesis. Darkness is just easier to embrace, but for there to be darkness, there must be light as well."
"What?" Rose said in sudden nervousness as she now knew what Kasumi was driving at. "You are bluffing. You cannot access such a power."
"Before I couldn't. Now, I understand how the Dark Ha Do works," Kasumi explained as her aura started to shift and energy began to gather from all around. "It works by calling on specific energy forms that reinforce themselves easily. The easiest such energies to gather are those of baser emotions: hatred, desperation... But you can also gather others. It's like how Ranko explained to me her energy technique. It could be driven on depression or confidence. With my centering I can gather energies more in tune with myself."
Rose could only watch in shock as Kasumi's words were shown to be true and the energy continue to gather and enter her body. Her eyes began to glow golden and her hair grew lighter. Finally, shaking herself from her stupor, Rose fired off another Psycho blast. However, to her shock Kasumi once more traced out an arc, this one larger than the last, and even the much more powerful Psycho blast was reflected back, forcing Rose to dodge once more.
As the energy continued to gather, Kasumi looked at Rose confidently. "There is something else I've been meaning to tell you as well. I remember much of what you did while in my body. In particular I remember your explanation of your history to my friends and I know who you claim to be, but you aren't."
"What?" Rose asked in confusion and irritation.
"You are not Bison at all," Kasumi concluded which caused Rose to noticeably darken.
"I thought you more intelligent than that, Kasumi Tendo, to be deceived by my current body."
"No, I understand perfectly your ability to move your spirit into another body, but that does not change who you are."
Angered by this, Rose rushed Kasumi, her hand glowing intensely as she struck. However, Kasumi easily dodged this sloppy attack, grabbed Rose's arm just behind the glowing portion, and threw her into a nearby piece of debris. The impact shattered the debris into tiny pieces of shrapnel, but Kasumi easily evaded these, but ceased her gathering of energy.
"You were correct in your explanation right up to the point where Bison split from you," Kasumi explained as she watched Rose recover. "He did split from you and inhabit a new body, and a small connection did remain which compromised his power. You deliberately made that connection."
"You don't even know what you're talking about!" Rose shouted out and this time barraged Kasumi with Psycho blasts. Kasumi quickly evaded some, and reflected others but this let Rose close in and leap at her for a grab. However, Kasumi's intercepted Rose's attempted Soul throw and, spinning her around, tossed her into yet another piece of debris.
"It was always your quest to stop him. You had decided that you would stop him at all costs. In your heart you knew you would die, but you didn't realize that the true meaning of the feeling was not your coming death, but your coming joining with him. However, even when he joined with you, you did not forget that quest. You knew you couldn't stop him directly. His part of your soul was too powerful. But you could weaken him."
Rose's anger continued and this time as she recovered her image split in two and attacked once again. Kasumi recognized the technique as the Soul Illusion, and despite being an illusion, both images had to be regarded as dangerous. They attacked her from either flank, forcing her to guard attacks from both directions. However, Kasumi was not about to be caught in Rose's trap. While she blocked one attacker, she kicked out at the other, catching her in the abdomen and sent her back. A quick grab and throw tossed the other at her companion and the two collided, dispelling the illusion.
"And it worked," Kasumi continued as Rose recovered. "His powers were considerably weakened through that connection left between you. When he encountered Akuma, he was easily overwhelmed. But, his soul didn't return. No. You know this because you were still connected to him at the moment of Akuma's final attack. You know the nature of that attack. It is not a physical attack, but rather it attacks the soul itself. Bison did die that day, this time permanently, and you know it."
"Are you a fool, Kasumi Tendo? Do you not think I don't know who I am?" Rose countered.
"He was in your body for months. He made you into the very thing that you had been trying to stop. You became the very evil that you despised. Your only way to cope with this has been to delude yourself."
"That's a lie," Rose replied and started to glow as she prepared her next attack, but Kasumi pressed on.
"No, it's not. I was in your mind as much as you were in mine. I saw nothing of Bison there, only you. Yes, you were part of his soul, but you were... are the good part. You've lost sight of that, and become lost in the corruption he left behind."
"That's utter nonsense. If I was just Rose, I could not use this power, or have you forgotten."
"Not at all," Kasumi replied. "That is the corruption. Like the Dark Ha Do, the Psycho power can overwhelm a person's psyche. The Psycho power may be at its most dangerous in the hands of an evil individual, but it's power is fundamental and can be used by any individual."
Rose scoffed. "You're a sentimental fool, Kasumi Tendo. I shall enjoy killing you just to prove how utterly wrong you are. Let's see how you fair against my Psycho Crusher."
Kasumi fell back and prepared as Rose flew off the ground and was engulfed in energy. An instant later, like a bullet she flew forward at Kasumi, the energy surrounding her in a great corona leaving no avenue for escape. All Kasumi could do was guard against it.
The impact was tremendous, and Kasumi was sent flying, the psycho energy coursing over her, attempting to overwhelm her senses. But with a force of will, Kasumi rebalanced her energies and purged herself of it before once more turning to Rose who was once more confident.
"It seems your Light Ha Do isn't all it's cracked up to be. You could survive maybe, one, possible two more such attacks and then..." Rose taunted and smiled. "You're soft, Kasumi. You could perhaps have won this battle, but to do so you'd have to kill me, and I think you haven't got that in you."
"No, I think that is exactly what you want, Rose," Kasumi replied calmly.
"I am not Rose!"
"Yes you are. And I think inside you know it too. Your so overwhelmed by what you have been forced to do and the Psycho power that now possesses you that you would probably be happy for me to kill you. It would give you an escape."
Rose once more scoffed and began gathering her energy once more. "And I suppose I sought you out to save me. What rubbish! I tire of this game of yours, Kasumi. It is time I ended this."
No, our meeting was just a fortunate coincidence, Kasumi thought as she readied her final solution. Rose was right, she could not withstand the Psycho Crusher more than twice more, and unless she went on the offensive, Light Ha Do or not, she would be defeated and likely die. But, there was one option left to her, but she had to time it perfect, and if it failed, then there would be no options left as it would use up the last of her body's endurance.
Kasumi prepared herself as Rose once more readied the Psycho Crusher. Rose simply laughed as she saw this. That fool is just going to let me kill her, she thought confidently and once more rushed forward in her energy field. However, at the instant of impact she realized her folly. What she was attacking was not Kasumi at all, but the very same Soul Illusion technique she had used on Kasumi earlier. The Psycho Crusher easily destroyed the illusion, but Rose knew it was meant merely as a distraction and she scanned around to try and find the real Kasumi only to discover she had appeared behind her, in the wake of the Psycho Crusher's energy.
Kasumi reached through the energy field, enduring the pain and grabbed Rose by the ankle. "I suppose we'll know which one of us is right very soon. This is my own version of that attack that killed Bison, but I call mine the Heaven's Ascension," Kasumi said and then willed all the energy she had stored in her body into Rose. Rose could only look on in shock as all the energies of the Light Ha Do poured into her.
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Outside, the dust of the building's collapse had fully settled and those gathered could only stare at the globe in wonder and worry. Many of the more able ones, sensitive to chi, could sense the struggle going on within, but all attempts at entry had failed.
Herb in particular was one such person, and she was currently trying to blast her way in, but her energies were largely spent. "Blast it all," she cursed as she was forced to return to the ground and rest. "Kasumi's aura is diminishing. I can feel it."
"What about Bison's?" Ranma asked as Herb landed.
"That other woman's aura is... I don't know. It is like it suddenly got overwhelmed. I can barely sense it now," Herb answered then felt a shift. "Something is happening."
Suddenly, sparks of energy began to flow across the surface of the globe and its shape began to loose cohesion.
"It's collapsing," Ranma concluded, and Herb could no argue. "Kasumi's still in there! What's going to happen to her?"
"I don't know for sure," Herb replied. "I've never seen anything like this before, but if it's a distortion in space it could suck her into another dimension."
"What?" Ranma exclaimed and looked up at the globe in intense worry. Come on, get out of their Kasumi!
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Sitting against a piece of broken hotel hanging in space, Kasumi, now back to normal, was completely spent. Beside her, Rose lay unmoving but breathing. Kasumi was not unaware of the world around her shifting in unwelcome ways, but she was totally without strength. Even moving her head felt more like trying to move a car.
The exhaustion she felt was more than just physical though. Her mind too was utterly spent. She found her mind was wandering, and concentration was completely beyond her at this point. Even the fact that she was in danger could not remain on her mind for long as her thoughts changed wildly, almost like they would were she overcome with a strong fever.
Perhaps I overestimated myself, she managed to think. I guess I won't be making it out after all. Kasumi thoughts shifted to Shampoo. She took in so much poison. She's probably... gone by now. I suppose then I'll meet her in the afterlife. With that though, Kasumi's strength totally failed her and she slid to her side and let sleep embrace her.
"Why? Why spare the one responsible for taking the one most dear to you?" A curious voice asked.
Kasumi couldn't even open her eyes to see who was speaking with her, nor move her mouth to reply. In fact, she could even be sure she really heard it. Perhaps it was simply a delusion brought on by her current state of mind. All she could do was think the answer. Killing Rose wouldn't bring Shampoo back. Besides, it was the right thing to do.
"I see. You are a person of remarkable conviction, Kasumi Tendo. That's a very rare quality. I see why he is so fond of you."
He? was Kasumi's last thought as she finally fell into exhausted slumber.
XXXXX
"Where is she?" Uranus asked aloud as she jumped from one piece of debris to another, looking for Kasumi. Unlike Ranko, Uranus had been caught within the strange energy field when it was formed, and since then had been searching. Of course, as far as she knew, Kasumi could well have been rescued already, and this whole effort could be a waste of time. Somehow though, Uranus knew that was not the case. Kasumi was still here.
But, knowing that in her heart wasn't helping her find the person in question. The strange void was ever twisting and didn't really obey the laws of normal physics. That coupled with a complete lack of good points of reference had left Uranus hopelessly lost in this place. And now, it was collapsing as far as she could tell.
I can't stay here much longer, Uranus concluded with an angry frown. But, I can't abandon her.
Frustration was nearly set in when Uranus caught an out of place movement in the corner of her eye. Turning shapely, in the distance she could see a human figure, most likely female standing on a distant piece of the destroyed building. "Kasumi?" Uranus yelled out, and the figure waved to her. "Stay there, I'm coming."
Uranus jumped over several pieces of debris, but instead of waiting, the figure also moved away, keeping its distance, but then waving again when Uranus stopped. What the hell is she doing? Uranus asked herself. Maybe it's someone else... I have no choice, I have to follow. It's my only clue.
Determined, Uranus doubled her pace, attempting to close the gap, but her quarry seemed to match her speed perfectly. However, just as Uranus started to lose hope of catching up, the figure completely disappeared. "I lost her," she said aloud and scanned around trying to reacquire her. That was quickly forgotten when she discovered Kasumi and Rose on a nearby piece of the building.
Uranus rushed over and examined them both. Both were alive, but dead to the world. "Don't worry, Kasumi, I'll get you out of here," Uranus said as she picked her up and maneuvered her onto her back. Then, showing an impressive performance of strength, grabbed up Rose's unconscious form as well, but nearly collapsed under the weight.
Straining under the weight, Uranus forced herself to a standing position and reassessed her situation. Moving would be difficult and time was short. "This is going to be tough," she mumbled.
"Haruka?"
In shock, Uranus looked over her shoulder to see Kasumi barely conscious. "Umm... Kasumi..."
"Why are you dressed like that?" Kasumi asked.
"Uh..."
"Why are you...?" Kasumi started to ask but her attention seemed to drift away and she closed her eyes. "I'm so tired," she mumbled.
Uranus watched this with a frown. She just had to wake up, did she, she thought and sighed and refocused on her current situation. "Now, which way is out?"
As if in response to her question, once more the figure appeared in the distance. This time it nodded to her and once more it beckoned to her. "I don't know who you are, but you seem to be on my side," Uranus said and began following.
XXXXX
By now, outside the globe, the events had drawn a great deal of attention. Various emergency response crews were gathered around, either dealing with the debris from the collapsed building or subsequent damage to nearby structures. Ambulance crews were also on the scene helping to tend to the wounded.
As the minutes passed, the great globe continued to lose its structure. Everyone watching knew its destruction was imminent. However just as hope was starting to be lost, a flash could be seen at the globe's edge, and Uranus, carrying the limp forms of Kasumi and Rose came falling out. She fell to the ground and her strength finally failed her, causing her to collapse, letting lose of her two pieces of human cargo. Seconds later the three were surrounded by those watching.
"Who are you?" Herb asked suspiciously after checking on Kasumi.
"Sailor Uranus," she responded.
"You were in the hotel as well. I recognize your aura," Herb replied as Uranus got back to her feet.
"That's right," Uranus said and noticed Mamoru helping Usagi into a waiting ambulance. "I see Usagi made it out."
"Yes. The boy who brought her was rather evasive in how he found her. I assume you have some responsibility for that," Herb concluded.
"Some," Uranus conceded but a loud rumble filled the air grabbing everyone's attention. Everyone looked up to see the globe finally implode and disappear. "I'd love to stay and chat, but I really have to go," Uranus said as the others were distracted and jumped to the rooftop of a nearby building and out of sight. No one moved to stop her.
After watching her leave, Herb turned to where Doctor Tofu was examining Kasumi. Tofu looked up and smiled slightly. "She'll be fine. She's just exhausted is all."
"And I sense no signs of that Dark Ha Do about her either," Herb added.
"Good thing," Ranma said as he joined Herb and looked at Rose. "So, what do we do with her?"
Chun Li was next to take notice. "We lock her up is what. Can't take any chances." Looking to the others and seeing no arguments, Chun Li approached Rose.
"Stop!"
Chun Li paused at hearing her own voice but not coming from her own mouth. She looked back to where the injured were gathered to see Shadow Lady had regained consciousness and was weakly sitting up. "Get her restrained! Quick! And the other one too!" Chun Li ordered.
In response to the order, Claigin and Akane rushed to grab Shadow Lady, and in her weakened condition, Shadow Lady could not resist them. Mint and Lime similarly moved and seized Shadow who was likewise regaining consciousness.
"You cannot... take the master," Shadow Lady said.
"So you speak?" Chun Li said, concluding for the moment the android clone was no threat. "Can you understand me at all?"
"I... understand," Shadow Lady replied.
"Well, I'm afraid to tell you this, but you, your partner there, and this lady here are all under arrest. I don't know exactly what I'm going to do with you just yet, but we can't be letting you run loose."
"What are we going to do with them?" Saki asked as she looked between them. "I don't think your run of the mill prison will hold these three."
Chun Li frowned, and looked back at Rose. "To be frank, I don't know. I never expected to take Bison alive," she replied with a shake of her head before hearing happy tears from Soun.
"Kasumi!" he exclaimed as Kasumi opened her eyes.
"Hello father," she said with a weak smile from where she lay on the ground. "Is everyone alright?"
"Everyone is fine, Kasumi. In fact, even Shampoo and Usagi are as well," Tofu answered.
"Shampoo's alive?" Kasumi asked in surprise and seeing Tofu nod and smile, tears started to stream down from her eyes. "I thought... I thought for sure she would be... oh, thank goodness."
"She took quite a bad dosage of whatever it was, but her condition appears stable. I had her sent to a hospital nearby, but she appeared to be getting stronger, not weaker so I'm confident she'll pull through."
Kasumi smiled through her tears and looked over at the other, finally noticing Chun Li and Saki standing together over Rose. "Is Rose alright too?"
"She's alive," Chun Li replied. "What happened in there?"
"I... it's... complicated. But... could you do something for me?" Kasumi asked.
"I suppose," Chun Li said with a nod.
"Let her go."
"WHAT?" Chun Li exclaimed. "Are you out of your mind, Kasumi. Do you have any idea of who you're dealing with here? This man-"
"No, you don't understand. That... woman is not Bison. She is... Rose. Bison died in the battle with Akuma. His spirit died there... and did not return."
Chun Li hesitated, looking back at Rose. "Not to be skeptical... well, actually, yes, I am skeptical. I don't really feel like taking the chance of letting that monster on the loose again."
"There is no chance of that," Kasumi replied. "I... purged her of the Psycho power. Nothing... remains."
"You sure about that, Kasumi?" Ranma asked and Kasumi nodded.
"And what about them?" Chun Li asked, motioning to the two clones.
"Them?" Kasumi said, looking over. "That... is simple enough. Shadow Lady, Shadow, do you hear me."
"Yes," the clones replied simultaneously.
"Good. Um... you obey me now, right?"
"Affirmative," the clones answered.
"Why you?" Chun Li asked.
"While in my body, Rose gave them all... an override so they would obey her. Since she did it in my body they recognize my voice now," Kasumi explained then looked over at the clones. "Shadow, Shadow Lady, I want... I want... what do I want?"
"Can you give them any order?" Herb asked and Kasumi nodded. "Then, tell those nanobots to stop controlling them."
"Right... um... what she said," Kasumi said, looking over at the clones. After a second of puzzling through the disjoint order, both seemed to become woozy then fell back unconscious. "I think they... will need some time," Kasumi explained and laid back. "And I think I need a whole lot of that too."
Chun Li frowned and looked over the clones and Rose in consideration. As she did several more vehicles arrived. From one stepped the Kyoichira followed quickly by several other officers. "Alright, Kasumi. I still have to insist on taking them in for observation, but if what you say is right, I'll cut them loose. I hope you are right. Come on, Saki, we have a whole lot explaining to do."
"Yeah, fun," Saki replied with a sarcastic grin and together with Chun Li met up with her supervisor.
XXXXX
In the distant stars, on a planet not that dissimilar to Earth, a woman looked to the sky. She had been staring at the sky, at a particular star she knew but not out of any sense of longing. No, she was angry. Something long thought gone had just reappeared.
Elsewhere, much closer, another woman also looked to the same star in the sky. She too knew this star but she was smiling. Something she had thought lost long ago had just reawakened.
Across the distant void of space, both woman and many others like them knew what this was and spoke its name aloud in remembrance. "Cosmos..."
End Chapter 37
Next time in A Scary Thought: It recovery time as everyone rests up after the struggle at the La Bac. Meanwhile Ukyo learns of her great grandfather's recipe book and is challenged for the right to use it.
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.
Yep, you guessed it, still no webpage... hmm, well until that changes I guess you're stuck with what you got
Well, that concludes things for this chapter. Later.
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Hey folks, it is time for a very special Kitsune's Corner!
"You really have to change that name."
Later. Now, Wade's back with me today as we're going to be covering not one character, but a whole lot today as we're looking at all the crossovers.
So, let's start off with our friends from Sukeban Deka.
"Yep, that includes Saki, Sampei, Kyoichira, and their mysterious dark boss."
Right, I'm sure by now everyone is at least somewhat familiar with this bunch, but let's talk a little back story for those unfamiliar with Saki's history. Saki has a rather checkered past that got her locked up in juvee. Actually, maybe it wasn't juvee, kinda looked more to me like the big house.
"Hard to tell to be honest. Either way she's got a record."
Indeed, but either way she was hired on by our mystery man to weed out criminal elements in the school system after a rather unfortunate accident got traced back to sabotage.
"Let's not mince words here, people died in that anime, lots of them. Several bus loads of students, and numerous others."
Yeah, Sukeban Deka is a bit grim at times. In any respect, from our perspective that happened quite a while ago now, and Saki has moved on thru several more missions before arriving her at Furinkan.
As for Sampei he was her not so desired boyfriend. The guy had it so bad for her he actually shaved his head when she said she didn't like guys with long hair. Now, that's taking to an extreme. Thankfully he's not sporting the cue ball look nowadays, but he clearly still has interest in her.
And then there is Kyoichira, who is Saki's immediate supervisor. We don't see him much in the original story, so I'm not sure what's up with him, but unlike the man in black, he's a bit more approachable.
"That about covers them."
Right, which leads us to the biggie, Sailor Moon. Now, if you don't know Sailor Moon, you must be living under a rock... on the real moon. There are tad too many to cover in one segment but it's enough to say each Sailor Senshi represents one of the 9 planets... errr 8 planets, and 1 dwarf planet... oh yeah, and Sailor Moon is of course the moon... and then there is Tuxedo Kamen who a guy and represents the Earth... this is so confusing.
Ahem, anyway, moving on, what some probably aren't nearly as aware of, since it never got released here, are the Sailor Starlights, in particular our newest arrival Sailor Star Fighter, aka Seiya Kou. She... or is it he?
"Well, it sounds like she's naturally a she, but unlike most our gender benders she seems perfectly comfortable being and acting like a guy too."
Whatever. Anyway, she's a Senshi from another star system who came to Earth looking for their princess who had fled here. She also developed quite the crush on Usagi from what I hear, and yes did actually kiss her but Usagi is right, it was just on the cheek. However, I get the feeling Usagi's love life is about to be thrown for a bit of a loop.
"No comment..."
Yeah, well, let's move on to our next biggie, Street Figher. Again there are so many it's difficult to cover them all in a short segment. So, any comments on these guys?
"Well, as I've mentioned last chapter, I've tried to utilize as much of the SF Capcom canon as I can. I've also merged in a few elements from the Street Fighter II V anime series, and little bits from the other SF animes as well where I could get away with them. However, when in conflict, the Capcom should rule in general (what the heck were they thinking making Balrog a police officer in SFIIV?)"
Couldn't tell ya. Although, I do have a few theories...
"No thanks."
Fine, be that way. Any further comments?
"Well, I suppose we should mention Gargoyles. It's not an official cross-over, but I am... borrowing some ideas from it as mentioned. No plans at this point on making it a full fledged cross-over though."
Hey, isn't my uncle-
"Shush!"
Fine, fine. Anyway, I think that covers them all for the moment, but as always feel free to send along any questions and we'll see if we can cover them. Later folks.