Chapter Ten: The Battle for Family
It is often said that when we are under extreme duress, we subconsciously respond one of two ways. We will either run away from a situation to ensure survival or we will fight our way through it, also in an effort to survive. It is also said that one should never come between a mother bear and her cubs...
I watched as Shredder raised his claw. It was as if this scene was happening in slow motion. I saw the arc of his arm. I saw the blades shimmer as the light hit it just right. Then, I shifted my gaze to my son. His face was contorted in pain. His eyes were fearful. I looked over, further still, at the rest of my family. They were awestruck and their eyes were also filled with fear.
Looking back at Shredder, he seemed to be enjoying himself. His eyes were dancing with joy - joy in the suffering of others. He was relishing the torment he was causing. Physical pain didn't hold a candle to mental anguish.
Switching from Shredder to my family and then back again, a strange sensation came over me. I felt hot. My pulse quickened. My heart raced and I could hear my blood pounding in my ears. (The sound was so loud that I didn't hear the Turtles come crashing through the windows.) I began breathing heavy, panting with each breath. I gritted my teeth as I stared at Shredder. Then, something snapped inside of me. I quickly unsheathed my sword and charged at Shredder. Without thinking, I leapt high into the air with my sword held high over my head.
Upon reaching the ground, Leo, Donnie, Raph, and Mikey looked over in my direction taking in the scene.
"What is she doing?" Donnie asked.
"Something's wrong," Leo replied, noticing my heaving shoulders. Then, he saw me leap into the air with my sword drawn. Shocked, Leo cried out, "Lauradane! Don't!"
Leo? I thought suddenly. Why did he sound so far away? I finally realized what I was doing. I panicked, but only a little. You had better do something, Lauradane, I thought as I reached the peak of my jump. I firmly gripped my sword with both hands and as I descended I swung as hard as I could...
"Argh," I heard as I landed. Looking back at Shredder, I saw that I had landed a hit on his shoulder. He had released my son and was holding his shoulder with his other hand. I had earned a small victory.
The victory, however, was short-lived. Shredder whirled to face me, his focus completely on me, my family forgotten. His eyes burned with rage as he said maliciously, "Meddlesome girl! Now you will know the meaning of pain!"
Then, quicker than lightning, he grabbed a hold of me. Being much stronger than his Foot ninja, there was no way for me to escape his grip. I struggled with all my might, but it was no use. He was just too strong! All I could do was dangle helplessly.
"We've got to help her!" Mikey exclaimed.
"I hope you're happy, Leo," Raph growled, glaring at his brother. "We should've never let her go in here alone."
Leo glared back at Raph, but instead commanded, "C'mon!" Then they all stormed towards where Shredder and I were.
"SHREDDER!" Leo shouted, his eyes narrowing. "Let her go!"
"Ah, the Turtles," Shredder cooed wickedly. "How nice of you to join us."
Unflinching, Shredder glared at Leo, Raph, Donnie, and Mikey. A cruel smile spread across his lips as he declared in a loud, booming voice, "Tell me where Splinter is and you can watch your...friend die quickly. Otherwise, I will prolong her agony." He tightened his grip on me causing me to yelp.
"We'll never tell you anything, Shredder!" Donnie spat back at him.
"Very well, then," Shredder replied, raising his sharp claw once again.
As quick as a flash, Leo drew his swords and leapt in front of Shredder just as Shredder brought his claw down. The sound of clashing metal echoed through the room. Angrily, Shredder pushed Leo off of him. Then, he threw me across the room. I hit the wall hard and fell to the floor with a thud. Turning back to Leo, Shredder slashed at him. He batted away Leo's swords and left a jagged gash on Leo's left shoulder and arm causing Leo to cry out in pain.
Within an instant, Raph was charging at Shredder. Donnie and Mikey were quickly on his heels. Raph hated whenever anyone tried to hurt his family or anyone else he cared about. No one, especially Shredder, was going to hurt his loved ones and get away with it. Thus began their battle. Leo attempted to continue the battle, but because of his injured shoulder he was having a hard time of it.
I cried out, but my voice was hoarse, "Leo!"
Nonetheless, Leo heard me and began to make his way over to me. When he reached me, I began to speak.
"I'm sorry, Leo," I said. He was clearly confused. My vision was beginning to blur, but I continued, "I'm sorry that I got all of you involved in this."
Leo quickly replied, "Please don't...You had no idea what you were up against."
Fighting the darkness that was trying to consume me, I pleaded with Leo. "All I wanted was my family back. Please save them."
Leo nodded, saying, "I promise." With that, I watched as he rejoined his brothers in the battle. I could hear the sounds of clashing weapons as I succumbed to the darkness. Then, there was nothing.
To Be Continued...