The Erotic Mind-Control Story Archive

Light and Shadows 8: Dark Dungeon’s Depths

by J. Darksong & Baltimore Rogers

Ch. 8) Death Surrounds

Constance came back to consciousness slowly, with a strange dizzying disorientation clinging to her like a shroud. Her head hurt, and her arms were stiff, and only the inability to reach up and rub her temples allowed her to finally fully break through into true consciousness.

“Mnnnhh?” she murmured softly, blinking her eyes open.

She gasped, startled, before going completely silent as she took stock of her surroundings, realizing she was not at home. She was, in fact, in some kind of old abandoned warehouse, from the look of things, stripped to her underwear, and tied hand and foot to an old wooden chair!

Suddenly, from seemingly out of nowhere, a knife appeared at her throat, causing her to freeze. “Stop struggling,” a female voice whispered into her ear. Swallowing painfully, Constance managed a single nod, and the knife withdrew. A moment later, a short, thin woman dressed in a red and black shozoku stepped from behind her, walking over to a nearby corner of the room to stand guard.

Shit shit shit shit! she thought furiously, her mind racing furiously. I’m in trouble! I’ve been kidnapped! But why me? I’m just a secretary! I’m pretty sure Nigel would pay my ransom, but the kidnappers would have no way of knowing that. They’d be better off going after Patricia...

Then, remembering how she had been captured, another thought occurred to her. Ohhhh... fuck me. They were after me specifically! They used my sister to draw me away from the compound! And with everything that’s been happening lately, it can’t be a coincidence. This has to be Serpentina again, going after Nigel through me!

Her need to understand her situation winning out against her fear, Connie closed her eyes and sent out a telepathic probe at her guard, looking deep inside her mind—

I serve the Hand. I live to serve. Obedience is all. Oyabun-sama is God. Obedience to Oyabun-sama. I exist to serve my clan. I exist to obey. I will give my life in service to the Hand. I serve the Hand. I live to serve. Obedience—

—only to jerk back with a silent gasp, eyes slightly glazed, shaking her head to clear it. Well, shit. As bad as I thought things were, they just got a lot worse! I’ve been captured by a ninja hit squad, she groaned inwardly. She knew a bit about the Hand from Nigel’s, or rather Blackfinger’s, underworld dealings. Serving as the Yakuza’s specialized assassination operatives, they were efficient, highly trained, and reportedly fiercely loyal. Having delved momentarily into the girl Chiyome’s mind, Connie now had a very good idea of why they were so loyal. There’s so much mind control programming stuck inside her head there’s barely any room left for actual thoughts! So... no chance in coercing her into letting me go...

She had, however, been able to read enough of what was there to see the plan that had been set into motion. Another ninja, one with the power to perfectly imitate any person she chose, had returned back to the mansion in her car, and her clothes, with another ninja assassin playing the part of her sister. It’s the perfect in, she realized grimly. There’s no one closer to Nigel than me, except maybe Patricia. If this girl really can imitate me well enough to get inside the mansion... Fuck me... I have to get out of here and warn them!

She struggled briefly with her ropes again, only to growl in frustration as her ninja captor turned back to face her once more, knife in hand. Not that it mattered; she was bound so tight she doubted Omega Girl could break free in her place.

A feeling of panic began to well up in her... but she forced it down. C’mon, Connie girl. Relax. Stay focused. You can get out of this. Your telepathy can’t help you, but maybe your telekinesis can. Remember what Eva taught you... just focus and clear your mind...

Chiyome’s eyes narrowed. The captive was up to something. Mistress Mimiko-sama had ordered her to keep the girl subdued, and cowed, and to render her unconscious if she showed the slightest resistance.

Another kuniochi might have taken such instructions in context, or used some common sense in determining what qualified as ‘resistance’, but not Chiyome. She had been programmed to be skillful, loyal, and above all else, obedient. She was determined to follow her instructions to the letter. Drawing a tranquilizer gun from her belt, she took aim at her captive and fired...

Only to stare in confusion as the dart hovered in the air a few inches from the barrel of the gun.

Constance continued to stare straight ahead, her eyes unfocused, her attention focused on the weapon aimed at her. It was a bit more difficult that the practice sessions she’d had with Eva, but the seriousness of the situation and the very real fear for her life and the lives of those she cared for gave her a strength and focus she wouldn’t have believed possible. With a intense burst of will, she pushed, sending the dart flying back into the ninja, tranquilizing her and sending her into a drug induced slumber.

Or, rather, ATTEMPTED to send the dart flying backwards into the ninja. Instead, her raw untrained power sent out a wave of force that shattered the dart and gun, and slammed Chiyome back across the room into the nearby wall hard enough to leave an imprint! Gasping, the stunned kunoichi slid down the wall, her eyes rolling up into her head as slumped to the ground, unconscious.

Huh. Okay... not quite the way I’d planned it, but she’s out. Now to get the hell out of these ropes, she thought, directing a MUCH smaller burst of force at the arm of the her chair. The wood snapped, and the ropes slipped free, and after a moment or two, Constance stood up, finally free.

Rubbing her wrists a bit to restore the circulation, she made her way over to the downed ninja. Still breathing, but probably a few broken bones. Pity. Since she’s part of a hit squad planning to kill the people I care about the most, not to mention killing ME once the deed is done, I don’t think I’ll be shedding any tears. Reaching around, she grimaced, sighing deeply. Damn. Looks like I broke her cell phone in the impact as well. So much for warning everything the easy way,

Wasting no more time, she made her way downstairs towards the exit, and began running, barefoot and nearly naked, for home. Never a cop around when you need one! You’d think the sight of a scantily clad girl running down the street would attract some kind of attention. I only hope I come across someone with a phone before it’s too late...

* * *

The quiet peace of the evening had shattered when the alarm klaxons began blaring. The sounds of people shouting soon joined the sounds of alarms screeching, as the small group of invaders outside the compound continued to attack, taking wild pot shots at the building.

Ghost Girl watched the events unfolding dispassionately, pulling her cloak down over her face as she walked steadily towards the front entrance, bringing her powers to bear. Her image began to fade, first vaguely opaque, then translucent, shimmery, before becoming completely invisible. Ignoring the front door completely, she moved to a nearby wall, and walked through it.

Settled inside, she let out a soft sigh. Things were going precisely as planned for the moment, but she knew she needed to hurry and reach young Frasier as soon as possible. Her teammates’ distraction would only last so long, and they were vastly outnumbered. They’d delayed their attack as long as possible to give their reinforcements time to arrive, but in the end, she’d agreed with the others. They’d finally tracked down their quarry after two months of searching, but if Serpentina thought she’d been backed into a corner, she might very well cut her losses and run, escaping with her captive to yet another hideout, forcing them to track her down all over again.

No, she’d agreed with Devon. Time was of the essence. They had the advantage while the enemy was disoriented and confused, but Serpentina was a shrewd woman. Once she realized what was really happening, it wouldn’t take her long to reorganize and send out the troops en masse to overwhelm her companions. If she captured them too, well, then they’d all be well and truly hosed.

Still, I can’t think about any of that right now, she told herself. I need to focus. The mission comes first. I just need to find Jimmy Frasier and get him out of here. The others can take care of themselves.

She paused, ducking behind a large fichus as two more men carrying Uzis ran past, heading upstairs to the second floor balcony. She frowned, considering. Hugo was a real prick, but he knew how to handle himself. Jette was tough, and smart enough to keep her head down. And Ravenheart was young—nearly as young as Rose herself had been when she first started out—but the girl seemed competent, knowledgeable, and well trained. Hell, if worse came to worse, she was pretty sure the raven-winged Angel and her dark-skinned companion would fare better than the more experienced Hugo.

No... the only real concern she had was for the two other members of their team: Megan and Devon. While not exactly a pro, or a combat veteran like the others, Techna had at least some field experience. Devon, however, would be way out of her depth in a fire fight; the poor kid was just a normal college student before all of this began.

And now, suddenly, she’s thrown into full all-out combat, she thought grimly, resisting the urge to reach for the pack of cigarettes in her pocket. Fuck... I don’t need this shit right now! Dammit Rose... you let yourself get attached to the girl, and now you’re thinking about her welfare when you should be focused on what you’re doing right now! She sighed inwardly, trying to force herself calm again... trying to push back the bitter memories of the last time she’d let herself care for a partner, the pain, the guilt, the betrayal...

The pleasure...

NO! she screamed silently, forcing the memories back with sheer willpower. She panted softly, silently, very much shaken by the experience. She hadn’t been plagued with flashbacks of that time in years, not since the first week she’d settled into training camp, when she’s woken up in her bed screaming, soaked in sweat, one hand buried in her hot horny snatch, the other sucking hard on her own thumb, imagining it was something else, still tasting the oh so sweet taste of honey and frosting on her lips. She stared down at her hand, eyes wide in surprise.

SHIT! I lost control... I’m fucking visible again! If someone had happened to glance this way during that little fit, I’d be dead right now. Regaining control, she willed herself invisible once again. Focusing again on her training, she centered herself, forcing all emotion and distraction from her mind until she felt calm again. When her eyes reopened, they were hard, cold and emotionless once again. There. Better. Now then... to the task at hand. Without an exact frame of reference, the best bet would be to search for a dungeon or holding cell of some kind. Okay. First stop, the basement, she mused, as she dropped seamlessly through the floor, descending to the lower levels...

* * *

Parker hummed softly to himself as he made his way down the circular stairway to the bottom floor. Huh. Nice place. Very nice. And it’s Angela’s family’s home, huh? I always knew she came from money back in the day even before hooking up with Nigel, but I never imagined her pockets were this deep.

He ran a hand lightly along the exquisitely polished marble stone column, nodding in appreciation. Must have been interesting growing up in this place. Sure explains the dichotomy I always felt about her, though—how she could seem really down to earth, and at the same time, so refined, and polished, like high society. She was never snobby or anything, but even in costume, you kinda got the feeling she was royalty or something. Heh... of course the golden blonde hair and angel wings don’t detract from that image at all.

“Hello again, Mr. Albinn,” Anna, the maid greeted him at the first floor landing. “I trust your visit was a pleasant one?”

“Pleasant... may be too strong a word,” Parker replied, rubbing his chin idly, “considering the shiner I’ll most likely be sporting tomorrow, courtesy of your boss. But yeah, it was a good visit.” He shrugged. “And who knows... maybe just the first of many.” He glanced around, frowning. “Anne, sweetie, do you know where my wife is?”

“Why yes, actually,” she replied, heading on towards the kitchen. “She and Mrs. Grimalde mentioned something about heading to the gymnasium for a little ‘workout’.”

“Oh, well in that case I ca—ahhhh! Shit!” Parker cursed loudly, slapping his forehead. “Dammit... I knew something like this would happen.” He took a deep breath. Okay, Parker. Calm down. This is Roni we’re talking about here. There’s almost no chance that would have actually attacked Patty straight out. Virtually none. I mean, we’re here in their home... and Patty’s a fucking Federal Prosecutor. There’s no way... no way in... ahhh hell, I’d better find out where the damned gym is before Roni gets deported...

Glancing up as the door opened, he let out a sigh of relief. “Oh! Good! Perfect timing! Connie, babe, I am so freaking glad to see you right now!” he exclaimed, running over to grab the diminutive Asian girl, hugging her briskly, feeling her stiffen in his arms. “I really need your help. I need you to find Roni for me—”

“Ah, um, sorry, um...” she paused, frowning, trying to place his face from the file, “Sir,” she finished lamely, turning away, “but I’m very busy right now. I need to go check in with Mr. Grimalde now that I’m back.”

Parker blinked, frowning. Huh. Okay, that was a little.... weird. “Yeah, okay, I get that. But this will only take a second. Can you check and see if Roni is in the gym with Patty? She was here in the foyer waiting when I went up to speak to Nigel earlier, and the maid said they ran into each other.” He shook his head. “If you think Nigel and I used to be at odds, you have no idea of the kind of carnage those two will wreak together without a chaperone.“

‘Connie’ nodded, frowning, biting her lip. The man made a good point; it felt like something Constance Yamanohana would be concerned about. But, she reminded herself, this was just a cover, a disguise, to get her close to the target. And it had worked. She’d made it through the gate. She was inside the house. All she had to do was make it upstairs to the target’s office and she could complete the contract. She was so very close to her goal now... she couldn’t afford to let herself get distracted.

“Okay, you’re right,” she said after a second’s hesitation, forcing a smirk. “We don’t want those two going at it like cats and dogs. Tell you what. I’ll go check in with Mr. Grimalde right quick, and then come back and help you find your wife. It’ll just take a second. Promise. Is that okay?”

Parker nodded slowly. “Um, yeah, okay. Sure. As long as you’re quick.”

“Great. Be right back,” she replied, sprinting up the stairs, reaching up to unbutton her jacket as she climbed...

* * *

As random booted footsteps ran past my location, I held my breath, willing them to hurry on, to continue on their way, searching the compound for me. My heart was beating in my chest like a kettledrum—not from fear, but from the sheer effort of cloaking my location in shadows. It was a rather sobering reminder of just bad off I was; using my shadows was so natural it was almost a reflex, yet the strain of maintaining it for more than a few minutes had me sweating bullets. When the last of the grunts finally passed, I nearly collapsed with relief.

Okay. So... getting out of here might be a little tougher than I thought...

I glanced around at the room I’d taken refuge in, frowning even deeper. Basically a supply closet, it was pretty crammed full of boxes and parcels of office supplies: pens, pencils, notebooks, and the like. I sighed again. Damn. I couldn’t have picked the facility’s food pantry to hide on, could I? No... that might actually have been useful! I shook my head in dismay. I was freaking starving... and was half tempted to rip open a notebook and swallow a few pages of paper, just to get something in my stomach.

Huh. On second thought, maybe it’s a good thing I didn’t end up an a pantry after all. As hungry as I am right now, I would have probably stuffed myself to the point of vomiting, making myself sick and giving away my hiding place.

Speaking of which... I cursed under my breath as another pair of feet came clomping nearby, though this time it was the tap-tap-tap of high heels instead of the heavy treads of boots like before. The person, obviously a woman, stopped just outside the door, and I held my breath as the doorknob jiggled. For a moment I had the crazy insane thought that it was Serpentina, that her people had woke her up, and she’d tracked me down, had known, somehow, exactly where I was, and had come to exact her revenge upon me.

“H... huh? What th... what are you doing in here?” Cassandra, the girl I’d met a few times before, gasped in surprise, taking a step back. Her eyes narrowed slightly. “Oh fuck! You’re the one Mistress has everyone searching for!” She opened her mouth to scream, but I struck faster, twin shadow tendrils, stunning her where she stood.

I sighed in relief, then grimaced slightly. The link between us through my shadow tendrils felt... thin. Weak. More disturbing was just how much weaker I felt in response. Normally shadow-draining someone rejuvenated me, their drained energy recharging my own, giving me a temporary power boost. Instead, I felt drained, as if just establishing contact was sending me into the red zone.

Okay... better make this quick then. Cassandra... I’m your friend. A trusted and beloved comrade. You would never want to hurt or betray me. Your so-called Mistress, however... I winced, feeling the wall of protection around all the commands Serpentina had placed within her mind.

Oh well, if you can’t go through, go around. ... has been a very naughty girl. It seems she is on a severe humiliation and domination kick right now, and wants nothing more than for someone to abuse her, and use her like the sick perverted little shit she is. The next time you see her, you’ll be overwhelmed by the desire to please her... in exactly the manner I just described. And no matter how much she yells, screams, begs or pleads, you won’t take no for an answer. You live to serve your Mistress... and the best way to serve her is by treating her like the lowest, dirtiest piece of filth imaginable!

My strength gave out then, and I severed the connection, panting and gasping for breath. Cassie blinked, then blinked again, shaking her head. “Ohh... sorry... what was I saying just now?” She blinked again as the pieces of her mind realigned, and she smiled at me. “OH! It’s you! What the hell are you doing in here? Don’t you know everyone is looking for you?” Reaching out, she lifted me back to my feet. “C’mon... we need to get you someplace safe,” I nodded, literally sagging with relief.

“Thanks. I was just thinking the same thing. And could you maybe do me a favor?”

“Sure!” the girl replied, smiling grandly. “Anything! Just name it.”

“You wouldn’t happen to have a cell phone on you, by any chance?” I asked hopefully. “And can I borrow it?”

“Um, sure,” she replied, taking it out, handing it to me. “Anything else?”

“Well... I know how this might sound crass... but fuck it, I’m starving. Can you go make me a ‘sammich’?”

* * *

“Had enough yet, sweetie?” Veronica Albinn asked, a saccharine sweet smile plastered on her lips, as she glanced down at her opponent, lying flat on her back, panting, glaring back at her. “We should really call this little competition of ours ‘no contest’ and be done. If we keep going, I’m afraid you really will get hurt. And wouldn’t that just... be... a shame?“

“Yeah, I’ll bet. I’m sure you’d be all broken up over it,” Patricia Grimalde murmured, rolling to her side, slowly returning to her feet. Sweat ran from her body like raindrops, and despite her well toned and conditioned body, every muscle felt pulled and strained far beyond its normal limits. The only thing that stung more than her body’s aches was the sting to her pride at being shown up so thoroughly.

“Y’know, I don’t think I’ve ever heard such an insincere statement, and I manage a team of lawyers.”

“Maybe that’s why you’re so soft and squishy and out of shape, Patty-cake” Roni snarked, assuming a defensive pose, shifting her weight to the balls of her feet. “Too much time behind a desk. Maybe if you weren’t such a couch potato, you’d be able to at least come close to laying a finger on me.“

“Okay! That’s it, you arrogant cunt!” Patty growled, suddenly charging forward from less than a foot away, attempting to catch her opponent off guard. She swung with all of her remaining strength, following up, already knowing that the bitch would dodge again, just as she had the other dozen times, but determined to prove her wrong, determined to make contact, even if she killed herself in the process.

Howling in anger and outrage, she kicked, kneed, chopped, punched, letting out a flurry of blows that would have utterly decimated a lesser opponent, yet annoyingly, infuriatingly, still could not touch her. Until finally, with a sudden smile, she spread her arms and surged forward again, having backed the agile fighter into a corner. She leapt, arms wide... only to gasp in stunned disbelief as she hit the mat hard, her arms grabbing only air, as the ninja made a standing leap over her head to land easily behind her.

Roni stood calmly, poised, relaxed even, simply watching the other woman pant and groan on the mat before her. It was simply the most fun she’d had in ages, and it was all she could do to keep from laughing aloud in glee. Her training and discipline enabled her to keep her composure, however... Well, Roni thought smugly, it doesn’t hurt that the longer I stay untouched—physically and emotionally—the more it drives her ape shit.

“Fucking... cheat...” Patty managed to wheeze after a moment.

“Excuse me?” Veronica asked, leaning forward to peer down at her. “Did you call me a cheat?”

“Of course... I did..” she breathed, not having the strength left to get back to her feet. “Damned... ninja powers... damned psychic... no way... I was ever... gonna be... able... to hit you...”

“So, you’re whining because I had the advantage in this little scuffle?” Roni replied coldly, her voice flat and emotionless. “That’s funny... because I have this very vivid memory of myself, shackled on my hands and knees, kneeling on a nice plush carpeted floor, completely helpless and vulnerable, while some superpowered, magically-enhanced harpy tried to choke me out while another harpy tried her best to physically and emotionally destroy the man I love.“

She stood back up straight, flipping her hair. “Just think of this little role reversal as your karma returning on you—”

Both women glanced up as the door opened, and a young Asian girl in a red dress stepped into the room. “Ah, excuse me. Hi. I’m Connie’s sister. I was looking for Mrs. Grimalde. Is one of you her?”

“Um, yes, that’s me,” Patty replied shakily, managing to get back to one knee. “I’m Patricia Grimalde. And you must be Margaret. Constance has told me so much about you, I almost feel like we’re—hey!!”

Suddenly flat on her back again, tackled, and held tight, Patricia struggled, trying to break free from whoever had grabbed her, only to gasp for breath as the grip released her, sitting her down on her ass a few feet away from her original spot. Veronica knelt in front of her on one knee, her arm outstretched, a soft glowing blade-shaped light emanating from her left hand. “Veronica? What the fuck?!?” Patty hissed. “What the hell is your problem! Why did...” she began only to fall silent as her gaze locked onto the red garbed visitor, and the knife clutched tightly in her hand.

And the three throwing knives deeply embedded into the mat where she’d been lying seconds earlier!

“You’re visitor isn’t who she claims to be,” Roni said simply, rising back to her feet. She cursed herself silently for having left her sword blade at home. Stupid. Stupid! I never have it around when I need it. I should duct tape the damn thing to my back and sleep with it from now on! She scowled, staring at the all too familiar visage facing her. Not that I could have ever seen this coming. No way I could have expected this...

“Yo... you... saved my life?” Patty asked, glancing at Roni in disbelief. “After spending the past fifteen minutes trying to beat me to a pulp you actually save my life?!?” She frowned. And what’s with this other girl? She’s obviously not Constance’s sister. Nigel mentioned earlier that Connie had left for some kind of ‘family emergency’ with her sister... Suddenly, the pieces fell into place. “Oh, Goddess! Nigel! Veronica, they’re after my husband! We have to get to Nigel!“

“You are not going anywhere,” Sakura replied solemnly, drawing a second knife with her other hand. She tilted her head, gesturing to Veronica. “You look well, Reiko-chan,” she said simply. “Recovered from our last fight.” She assumed an offensive stance. “I shall not allow you the chance to recover from this one.”

“Reiko-chan? Last fight? What the fuck is going on here?” Patty exclaimed, still struggling to get to her feet, glaring at her would-be protector. “Is she with you? Is all this because of one of your messes?“

“Sakura is a member of the Hand, the Yakuza’s assassin clan,” Roni growled, not taking her eyes off her opponent, “of which, I assume you already know I used to be a member of myself a long time ago. Oyabun-sama was a little put out that I quit. He sent Sakura here after me. We fought, I won.” A small smile twisted her expression.

“As for her being here now... you’ll notice where those throwing knives landed. I’m not her target, you are. Considering the way she was able to slip inside your security and get this close, I think it’s safe to say that you’d dead right now if I hadn’t been here.”

Dropping down to one knee, she picked up two of the throwing knives, placing one in each hand. “So leave. Run. Get out of here and check on your husband. I’ll keep Sakura busy while you escape. Because if they sent someone like her after you, then you can bet the Hand sent someone at least as impressive after him.“

Patty started, glancing from Roni, to the door, and back. “But... are you really going to be okay?” she asked dubiously, torn between her need to go after Nigel, and not wanting to leave the woman that had saved her life to face this assassin all on her own. “Veronica... why are you doing this? I don’t understand. I thought you hated my guts...”

“I do,” Roni said with a soft sigh. “Even if Parker’s forgiven you for what you did to him, I never will. I’ll never forget what it was like helping him put the shattered pieces of his heart back together. Why am I doing this? Protecting you? For him! Because if anything happened to you, it would crush him.” Her lips twisted into a smirk. “Besides that, it amuses me to think that you would owe me a debt that you can never, ever repay.” She gestured to the door again. “So go, run, save your family. I’ll take care of this mess.“

“But—”

“You’re not a superheroine anymore,” Roni said coldly. “You’re a wife and a mother and a ‘valued civil servant’. And, if you survive the night, maybe a politician. Well, three out of four is not that bad. Get out of here before I change my mind.” Nodding, Patricia ran, leaving the room. Once the door closed, Veronica let out a sigh. “Okay. Now it’s just you and me, Sakura. And we have a score to settle.“

“You are not my target,” Sakura replied simply, turning back towards the door. “My orders are to eliminate Patricia Grimalde.” Her hand drew back from the doorknob, however, as a throwing dagger struck true, embedding itself into the doorjamb, wedging it closed. “Very well,” Sakura nodded, turning, advancing on her opponent. “I will eliminate you first, and then I shall eliminate my target.”

* * *

Christina Montenegro was pissed.

She’d woken up after the altercation with her former prisoner and dominated sextoy, Umbra, to find herself still tied and bound to her own bed, naked, with an uncomfortably large dildo shoved up her ass.

To make matters worse, she hadn’t come to on her own. Luis, one of her lieutenants, had found her that way, coming in to warn her that they were under attack from unknown persons outside the compound. Embarrassed beyond belief, she’d ordered them to untie her at once, then, under her hypnotic gaze, had ordered him, and the others in the room, to head downstairs to the basement dungeon, take out their guns, and blow their brains out!

An empty gesture, she knew, as the person she truly wished to punish had escaped her grasp, but it helped distract from the nearly unbearable arousal she still felt at being caught in such a compromising position. It’s because of what HE put inside my head! she fumed silently, hands clenched tightly to keep from sliding them between her thighs. FUCKER! I will beat this! I will not let him beat me again! I just need to keep my head and not give in to his shit!

“Hey, Boss,” Rudy Vasquez, another lieutenant called, staring out the window through a pair of binoculars, “I’m not sure what’s going on here! These guys, whoever they are, they’re making a lot of noise and shit, causin’ a big ol’ ruckus... but so far I only see three of ’em! I don’ think it’s the Feds. They always go by the book, yanno? Attacking in force, surrounding you with like fifty armored black SUVs, and maybe even a helicopter or something. I don’ even see no flashing lights!”

Serpentina scowled, considering. “It’s a distraction,” she said suddenly. “It’s that son of a bitch, Umbra! It has to be! He must have contacted his friends, somehow, and sent them to rescue him!”

Growling, she hit the intercom button on her desk. “Listen up, everyone. This is Serpentina. I want every single exit in this compound closed and locked up tight! No one gets in! No one gets out! Those fuckers outside are here to rescue their little friend, Umbra. I want them killed, taken out with extreme prejudice. And Umbra... he’s hiding here somewhere as well. I want a systematic search of this entire building, room by fucking room! I want him found, and brought back to me, pronto! And God help every single fucking one of you if he escapes!“

Turning away from the intercom, she faced Rudy again. “What about Las Diablas? Have they been dispatched yet?”

“Yeah, Boss,” Rudy nodded vigorously, nervously avoiding eye contact. “They got the word shortly before Luis.... ah, um... woke you.” Serpentina gasped aloud, the reminder of her ‘awakening’ causing her arousal to spike. “The last I heard, they were suiting up and heading out to take care of the invaders!”

“Good,” she murmured softly, glancing down, now avoiding his eyes in her shame. “I trained them well. They know how to get the job done. Get all of our snipers up on the roof and have them back them up, but pull everyone else back in to help with the search!“

“Yes, Boss, right away,” Luis replied, heading out of the office, sprinting down the hallway.

Alone once again, Serpentina sighed. Hitching up the edge of her dress, she began playing lightly over her pussy, eyes dropping to half slits in pleasure. “Fuck, I thought he’d never leave,” she murmured again softly, leaning back in her recliner, letting herself drift along in bliss—

“Well, well, well! What do we have here?”

Gasping, Serpentina jerked back to her feet, blushing hotly, glaring daggers at the smirking visage of her previous fucktoy and whipping girl, Cassandra. She was smiling wickedly, leaning against the doorframe, nonchalantly, a small saucer with a ham sandwich on it in her left hand.

“Cassie! Wh... what do you think you’re doing?” Serpentina blustered, squeezing her thighs slightly. “This isn’t the time for a snack! I ordered everyone to join in the search for Umbra!“

“Oh?” Cassie purred, sauntering into the office with an exaggerated sway of her hips. “Is that what you were doing just now?” she asked cattily. “You were searching?” She laughed as her Mistress’ face burned a brighter red. “Funny. You do tend to fuck a lot, and I’d imagine your sloppy cunt is really wide and gaping by now,” she said, getting a deep groan from Serpentina, “but somehow I doubt you could lose an entire six and a half foot tall man in there. His cock, without a doubt. His fist? Oh surely. But his entire body?” She laughed, noting well the effect her words were having on her ‘dominant’ Mistress, “I think you should be searching somewhere more probable... you stupid little slut!“

Serpentina’s eyes went wide, first in ecstatic pleasure, followed almost immediately with unstoppable rage. “H-ho... how d—... dare you... you talk to me that way!” she hissed, stalking over to her irreverent servant. “No one dissssresssspectssss Ssssserpentina!” she thundered angrily. “No one ever talkssss to me that w—“

SLAP!

Serpentina’s mouth hung open in sheer and utter shock. She ran a hand delicately over the warm spot on her cheek where Cassie had just slapped her in disbelief. She stared at the woman, stunned, unable to comprehend what was happening. Cassie, too, seemed surprised by her action, but when her Mistress didn’t immediately rebuke her, her confidence returned.

“I think you’re mistaken, Mistress Slave,” Cassie replied in a haughty tone, the name suddenly popping into her mind. “It’s you who doesn’t dare speak to me that way! From now on, you’re going to be showing me the respect I deserve. Do you understand me, bitch?” Woodenly, she nodded, only to cry out in pain as Cassie slapped her again, even harder.

“SPEAK UP, BITCH!” the dark haired vixen roared. “I ASKED YOU A FUCKING QUESTION! AND I EXPECT A FUCKING ANSWER, YOU GODDAMN STUPID ASSED CUNT! DO YOU FUCKING UNDERSTAND?!?“

“Y-y... ye... yes, C-cassie, I understand!” Serpentina babbled, breathless with arousal, the slickness running down her thighs like oil. When the slender young woman slapped her a third time, she moaned, nearly cumming on the spot.

“That’s CASSANDRA!” she growled back, grabbing and twisting her former Mistress by the hair, pulling her back towards the bed.

“Let’s get one thing straight here and now. Out there, you might be the big boss, the head honcho... but in here, I’m the Mistress. You’ll do what I say! And if you don’t like it... or if you do a piss poor job,” she added nastily, “maybe I’ll tell everyone else about what a hot submissive little subbie slut the mighty Serpentina really is!“

She glanced up at her subordinate in horror. Cassandra merely smiled. “Would you like that, my little snakelet? My little squirmy worm? Would you like an audience to watch while I put you over my knee and spank your horny little ass raw? Or maybe you’d rather I strip you naked and slap a dog collar around your throat, and stuff a little cotton tailed butt-plug up your ass?“

Unable to resist any longer, Serpentina groaned, plunging a hand deep inside her gushing pussy, squeezing her tits with her other hand.

“Oooohhh... you do like that, don’t you, you pathetic slut?” Cassie taunted her, rubbing her own thighs together. A part of her was doing this because, somehow, she knew this was what her Mistress truly wanted and needed, but a surprisingly large part of her was simply enjoying taking the haughty arrogant bitch down a peg or two... or six.

She’d worried initially whether or not she was pushing things too far. After all, a simple harsh word, or command from her Mistress, and she would be the one being tortured again. It appeared, however, that her fears were unfounded. Serpentina, it seemed, had a submissive streak a mile wide, and a thirst for humiliation that knew no bounds.

“Maybe I should have you put on a nice little show for all your hard working subordinates,” she cooed, leaning forward to whisper in the panting woman’s ear. “Something really degrading. Oh! I know. Why don’t we set you up in the main auditorium, with all the lights shining on you... and have you fuck your loose flopping cunt raw with a baseball bat, while you beg the men to come by and take you anally. One. By. One—“

“AAAHHHHHHHH!! GAAWWWDDD!” Serpentina cried, virtually fisting herself, ripping her dress nearly in half, squeezing and mauling her breasts hard enough to leave bruises. “AAHHH! I need to cum! Need to cum! Please, let me cum, let me cum, let me fucking ccccuuuuuummmmm!!”

Cassie stared for a long moment before figuring out the rules to the ‘game’. Smiling wickedly, she purred, sliding her fully clothed body against Serpentina’s barely clothed one. “Is that what you want, slut? You want to squirt out all your hot little slut juices? You want to cum for Mistress Cassandra, don’t you? Then all you have to do is beg for it!“

Serpentina hesitated. The part of her mind still able to think and reason, the part of her still able to feel pride, rebelled at the thought. Her? begging? Impossible! Inconceivable! No prize was worth that price! Plus... she felt it, sensed it deep within her... the power and scope of the pleasure building up within it... if she bowed to it, gave in and submitted to this artificially implanted need, it wouldn’t stay ‘artificial’ for very long. It would destroy her... change her irrevocably... and turn her into someone else she wouldn’t even recognize.

No... I have to fight it... have to resist... must stay strong... stay strong... but... gaaawwddesss I need to cum sssooo baaaaddd!!! Moans escaped her lips before she could clamp them closed again. Her eyes were filled with tears, and her teeth were clenched tightly. She wasn’t going to beg. Wasn’t going to beg. Wasn’t going to beg! Wasn’t going to—

“Please,” she murmured.

Now Cassie was having fun. “Aww. Is baby feewing bashfuw? I can’t hear you.”

“Pleeeeeeease, Mistress Cassandra. Pleeeeeese!” said Christina. Oh GAWD! She has to let me cum! She HAS to! I’m begging, just like she said. She HAS to! What more can I do?

“Please what, Baby Tina? Use your big girl words and tell me exactly what you want.”

“PLEASE MISTRESS CASSANDRA!” she screamed, writhing spasmodically, hips thrusting furiously in the air. “LEEETTT MEEEEE CUUUUMMMM!!”

“You can’t cum for me, baby” Cassie smirked, seeing Tina’s crestfallen expression, “until you start sucking you thumb.”

Without even a moment’s hesitation, Tina drove her thumb between her lips, cutting off her own involuntary scream.

“Yeah, that’s it. Cum like the dirty shameless little fucktoy you really are!”

Like a spark to a piece of tinder, or a flame to barrel of gunpowder, Serpentina’s pleasure exploded. She screamed. She cried. She bucked and thrashed like an epileptic.

And all the while, Cassie continued to call her a dirty slutty filthy whore, further burning her degradation into her mind like a hot brand. And finally, when every bit of sexual bliss had been squeezed from within her, Mistress Cassandra grabbed her by the hair, unknowingly providing the coup de grace.

“Look at yourself, you dirty little slut!” Cassie barked, jerking Serpentina’s head up, showing her the reflection in the full length mirror adorning the adjacent wall. “Look at how much of a filthy little slut you are! A submissive little girl that gets off on being humiliated and degraded! You make me sick! I should spit on you... but that would only get your wet juicy pussy all hot and bothered again!”

She released her hair with a laugh. “Well, little whore, since you’ve had your fun, the least you can do is come over here and attend to my needs,” she said, sitting down in her Boss’ recliner, lifting her skirt and spreading her legs. “Crawl over here on all fours, bitch... and make sure you do a good job, or you’ll never get to feel that same mind-blowing pleasure again!“

“Yess... Misssstressss...” Christina Montenegro replied woodenly, her gaze vacant and empty from the sight of her own hypnotic glance. Obeying was the only thing on her conscious mind as she slid seamlessly down onto the floor, crawling on all threes to service her Mistress. Threes?

“Take that stupid thumb out of your mouth, you pathetic moron.”

“Yes, Mistress Cassandra.” Tina resumed her humiliating crawl of shame, completely servile. Her subconscious, however, continued to churn, processing everything she’d just experienced, felt and heard, battering away relentlessly at the strong powerful self-image she’d built for herself until it was all but a shattered pile of debris...

* * *

“Do me again!” Robbie squealed, jumping up and down like a jackrabbit. “Again! Again! Do me again, Katie!”

“No way! It’s my turn now!” Justine announced indignantly, hands on her hips. “She already did you. It’s my turn again! Katie, do me again, please?” she said hopefully, grinning widely. Katie laughed, shaking her head ruefully, thinking about what a Pandora’s box she’d opened. Ah well, as long as it makes ’em happy...

“Okay, okay, I’ll do both of you this time,” Katie said, focusing her light powers, creating a thin nimbus of soft yellow light about both children, “but this is the last time, okay? I’m getting tired, and I need a breather.” With an effort of will, she sent both Light engulfed children skyward, sending them flying around the bedroom, laughing and screaming in glee as they floated weightless as balloons, directed by their babysitter’s powers. Laughing herself, Katie lifted off, joining them, grabbing their hands, leading them both in an aerial loop de loop before bringing them all back down to land on Justine’s Queen sized bed.

“Wow! That was totally awesome!” Robbie announced, laying back flat on his back. “That was, like, the most fun I ever had, ever!“

“Thanks, Robbie,” Katie replied, panting slightly. As enjoyable as it was, showing off her powers and flying the two of them around the room for the past two hours had taken a lot out of her. “Glad you liked it. And I promise I’ll talk to your mom and dad later and see if they’ll let me take you guys outside for a real flight sometime soon.“

“Now that sounds awesome!” Justine piped in. “We’ve been flying lots of times with Sioban... and Tawnya... and Mom too back when she could fly. But they were just carrying us. It’s... it’s different with you, like we’re floating on our own, like we’re the ones that are flying. Being able to fly like that up high in the sky, to be able to soar high above the city... that sounds like wicked fun!” She sighed wistfully. “It must be so great to be able to fly like you, S’ban and Tawnya.“

Katie shrugged. “It does have its moments. And you know, you don’t have to have super powers to fly. My dad doesn’t have any powers, but his armor and other inventions let him fly. And T is planning to become a pilot so she can fly all the time, in a jet, plane, or just her wings. So who knows? If you really like flying, maybe you’ll follow her example.” She yawned. “Anyway, kids, you guys should get to bed. It’s getting late, and I need to get ready to meet Sioban when she gets back from her patrol.“

“Okay, Katie,” Justine nodded, yawning as well. “Are we still on for our ‘girl’s night’ tomorrow?”

“You bet!” Katie giggled. “And so is Bonnie! We’re looking forward to painting each others’ toes, watching scary movies, and pigging out on pizza and ice cream ’til we puke!”

“Ewwww! Yuck!” exclaimed Robbie, running from his sister’s room into his own across the hall.

Giving the young girl a smile and a wink, Katie left the room too, taking a moment to catch her breath. Whew. I love those two... but they can really tire a girl out.

Turning to head back towards Sioban’s room, Katie froze, finding herself staring into the barrel of an energy blaster. A young Japanese girl in a security guard uniform stood right beside her, glaring at her with a vacant expression on her face.

“Um... excuse me? Is something wrong?” Katie asked, hesitantly. “I, um... I’m a guest here. I’m not a burglar or anything, I promise! You can call Mr. Grimalde to confirm it!”

“I cannot ask Nigel Grimalde anything,” the girl responded in a hollow voice. “My partner has already eliminated him by now... just as I am about to eliminate you!” She pulled the trigger, and Katie winced, only to sigh in relief as nothing happened. Whew. Good luck kicking in again. After that run in with Sureshot last week, I was a little nervous that I couldn’t stop guns from discharging around me anymore. Guess it’s only his guns I have that problem with...

Katie’s eyes widened as the girl’s words sunk in. She’s an assassin! Sent here to kill me... and her partner’s out to kill Nigel! He might already be... no! He can’t be... Robbie and Justine’s father... no. NO! A terrible anger and fury began to build up inside her at the thought, and her vision darkened. No. This can’t happen. I won’t let it happen!

Maki scowled, pulling the trigger again before tossing the gun aside angrily. “No matter,” she said, drawing a blade from her belt. “I am more comfortable with blades anyway.” She took a step towards Katie, knife at the ready. “Goodbye,” she said simply, thrusting straight towards the blonde’s abdomen.

“Gaaaawwwkkk!” the girl cried out, staggering back, stunned, clutching at her bleeding chest, gaping at shock at the brightly glowing blonde before her. “Wh... what?” Maki managed, blood dripping from the corner of her mouth. “B... but... how?” she asked, staring at the knife handle sticking out of her own gut. She managed another weak gasp before slipping to her knees to the floor.

“Katie!” Karen Summers called out, with Darryl Jeffries behind her, both running down the hall towards her. “Are you okay? Just got the alert, that we’ve been... invaded...” she trailed off, skidding to a stop at the sight in front of her. “Jeeez... are you okay? What the hell happened here?”

Katie blinked several times, before nodding, panting slightly. “Y-yeah... I’m fine. Not sure what happened. I... kinda spaced out for a sec...” She shook her head. “Guess my luck saved me again... somehow. No way I could take out a ninja chick like that on my own...” She gasped. “OMG! Nigel! Patty! Are they okay? Ninja chick said me and the kids were just a secondary target. The real threat is still roaming around!”

“We ran into Mr. Albinn on the way up to you,” Darryl replied. “Last I’d heard everyone was still okay, and Sioban was heading back as well, but we should go on and make sure—”

“No! You both stay with the kids,” Katie replied, switching on her costume, and heading down the stairs. “Darryl, you keep ’em calm and relaxed, and Karen, if you see someone you don’t recognize, fry ’em!”

“But won’t you need some help?” Karen called after her as she started heading down the hall.

“No, protect the kids. They’re the priority here,” Katie called back. “I’ll go make sure their parents are fine. I’m too drained to stop another assassin all on my own, but together with one of the others I could help them take ’em down. Just make sure Robbie and Justine stay safe!”

* * *

With Serpentina’s loudly yelled ranting over the intercom still fresh in my mind, I dropped down, hiding underneath the podium as I dialed home, silently cursing Cassandra all the while. Not only had she NOT brought me back a sandwich, she’d apparently forgotten to charge her cell phone today. I mean, come on! Could we get any more cliché? Gritting my teeth, trying to ignore the flashing ‘battery low’ alarm, I waited anxiously for someone to pick up. “Frasier residence,” my Dad’s low deep voice answered finally after a moment. “Can I help you?”

“DAD! It’s me, Jimmy!”

“Jimmy?!? Well Bless me... lad, where are ye? And where are ye calling from? We’ve been searching for ye forever—”

“Dad, no time! I was kidnapped by this Syndicate mobster named Serpentina! She’s been... it’s been torture here, Dad. Literally. Not sure where I am exactly, but I managed to escape. I’m still in the building, hiding, but her men are searching for me even as we speak.”

“I see,” Eugene replied, calm and collected again, his mind working on a solution. “What’s your condition, lad? Can you get out of there on your own?”

“I... don’t think so, Dad,” I admitted with a sigh. “I’m pretty messed up right now.”

“Well, sit tight, son. As a matter of fact, I have a rescue and retrieval team there on site to bring you out. With a little help, I was able to get my DNA scanner control unit back online, and we tracked you down only a few hours ago. Ghost Girl is in the building with you right now, trying to find you. Stay on the line. I’m patching you into her comm unit.”

Ghost Girl’s here? Well, that was a relief. I might make it out of this yet. I suppose part of the ruckus I heard going on earlier was about her team showing up. “Thanks Dad... but hurry! I borrowed this cell phone from someone and the battery’s about to die. And... they’re performing a ‘clearing’ now, searching every floor room by room. It’s only a matter of time before they find me.“

“Aye,” Eugene replied solemnly. “Just stay on as long as ye can. Rose? Are ye hearing this, lass?”

“Yes Sir,” came the familiar reply. “I’m here. I’m adjusting the tracker you gave me to the frequency of his phone now, but this will go much faster if you simply tell me which room he’s hiding in.”

“I’m in the first floor main conference hall,” I said softly, as the sounds of footsteps approached my location. “I’m hiding behind the podium in the far corner. But I might have to move—I can hear the guards approaching.”

“No. Stay where you are,” Rose insisted. “I’m near your location. I can be there in a few minutes.”

“I don’t have a few minutes!” I hissed quietly as the conference room door opened. “They’re coming in!“

“Stay calm!” Ghost Girl chided. “And stay hidden. It will take them a few minutes to search the room at least, and a few more moments to reach your hiding spot. Just stay put. It will be fine. Just trust me!” I was about to reply but Dad cut in as well.

“Listen to the lass, Jimmy,” he said softly. “She’s the best operative I’ve ever worked with, and if she says to stay put, then that’s the right call.”

I simply sighed, closing my eyes, darkening the shadows around my hiding spot, trying to look less conspicuous. By now the men were in the room, checking the seating area row by row, opening the closets one by one, slowly making their way towards me. “Looks clear,” one of the men said aloud. “He’s not here.”

“Hmmm... Maybe. Jose, go check behind the podium to be sure, and we’ll move on to the next room.”

Shit! This was it. I was out of time. It looked like I had no choice now but to try and fight, hold them off until Rose and her team arrived. A hand appeared at the edge of the podium, preparing to pull it back... when suddenly a series of high pitched energy discharges exploded about the room. The man beside my hiding spot let out a loud groan as he fell, landing hard on the floor beside me. Taking this as a good sign, I cautiously peeked out from behind the podium, and saw Ghost Girl, standing tall in her familiar dark grey costume and cloak, two particle weapons held in her hands.

“Sorry it took so long,” she replied with a slight smirk, sliding them back into the holsters beneath her cloak. “I had to take the scenic route.”

She frowned as I stumbled out into view. “Son of a bitch... she really put you through the ringer, didn’t she, kid?”

“Yeah... I’ve been better.”

“Well, come with me,” she said, taking my hand. “I know someone who should make you feel much better. She’s waiting for you right outside. All we have to do now is get to her.”