A/N: You will need a box of tissues during the middle and end. This is a harsh and upsetting chapter especially long. Laters. Song playing during the scene of Master Wong trying to comfort a grieving terrapin, Leonardo. 'Evanescence-The only one' enjoy :)
Chapter twenty-Loss of three and Gain of one
"Ah—Miss April O'Neil. We meet again after all this time. You have what I've came for." Stockman went as he made the door opening bigger for himself to walk in.
"That is MRS O'Neil to you, Stockman." April narrowed her eyes and hissed.
"Back off—Stockman you are not getting my children without a fight and you will not get them that easy. In fact you will not be getting them at all." Leo defensively snarled and his eyes narrowed to slits as he held his katana towards Baxter. Bishop entered the room, a smug smile on his face. Facing towards the bed and saw the mother laying—motionless.
"What a pathetic waste." Bishop sneered, merciless
Leo felt his blood begin to boil inside of him; his eyes narrowed deeper and more deadly as he gave Bishop a killer glaring look. While April stood behind Leo cradling one baby while the other baby still laid in the crib next to her. Leo prepared himself to attack whoever came near April, himself or his infant daughter and son.
"Don't you daretouch them; bishop." Leo bellowed, holding his katanas defensively.
"It doesn't matter whether they are alive or dead. They are only an interest to me for experiments and dissection." Bishop sneered and mocked evilly as he smirked.
"YOU WILL NOT DO NO SUCH THING. YOU WILL NOT GET NO WHERE NEAR THEM." Leo growled and hissed as he stood in battle stance, ready to defend.
The hot-headed terrapin flew through the doorway and slammed into the Cyborg causing him to fall after he managed to stop bishop's forces and attacked stockman instead. Stockman had crashed straight through the wall, and Raph had bolted out after him. Stockman swinged his cyborgic arm to defend himself against Raphael's deathly attack that made the hot-headed terrapin fly through the room, slamming straight through the next wall along with Don unfortunately was caught in the crossfire trying to aid his brothers.
The cyborgic man stood up and started to walk where the hole and try again, to get the infants. Mikey ran faster that he ever ran before and rammed into stockman making him fall backwards again in the opening of the wall where he was crashed through by Raph. Casey helped Raph up before leaping into the group of bishop's goons doing their best to stop them getting to their leader. Suddenly Raph saw leatherhead running through the front door and giving him a helping hand before going for bishop.
"LH—Weren't you with the girls." Raph asked, confused as he drove his sai through one of the federal agent's throat.
"I was—Then Tealana begged me to come back and help you with Neesa and the other two infants." Leather head replied as he picked up two goons and smacking them so hard together that he smashed their skulls while he swished his tail behind himself.
"Good timing." Raph said, pleased with the Calvary.
Leatherhead ran to the back room, making his way through the EPF forces where both Don and mikey were trying to aid Leo then viciously wrapped his croc limbs around the agent, holding bishop in a deadly bear hug. Tightening his grasp and began crushing bishop while his agents tried their best to free him from the croc's grasp.
While trying to hold and crush the villain, quickly saw in the corner of his eye and realised that Neesa wasn't moving then feared the worst. Bishop had somehow released himself from Leatherhead's grasp. The fight between the old enemies resumed in the living room, unseen by April. April did her best to protect the younger twins as she was approached by Stockman when he balanced himself up after throwing mikey out the window.
April watched in horror as she tried to protect herself and the infants. Stockman raised his hand and reached out for April when Raph leapt to Stockman's blind side and kicked him down to the floor and began tearing at his 'body'. Luckily they missed the bed and Neesa.
As Mikey fell before realising that someone had unexpectedly caught him by breaking his fall.
"Oh man—That hurt. Thanks whoever you a-. Y-you're neesa's sensei." Mikey stammered with shock but also surprised to see Master Wong to come their aid.
"Well Mikey-san you're welcome. How is Neesa? And it looks like you need another helping hand." Master Wong asked
"I dunno. All I can say is that we better back in there and help the others to protect the babies." Mikey answered, as fear showed his eyes.
Master Wong placed the terrapin down his feet then they leaped back in the window where the orange clad terrapin was thrown through. April placed the infant she cradled in the crib next to her brother and stood in battle stance to defend herself and the babies. She learned much before master splinter's passing. She was astounded to see Master Wong.
"Thank goodness you are here. We really could use the extra help." April reprimanded grateful, quickly placing the infant in the crib and grabbed the first thing she could use, and defend herself and the babies.
Master Wong looked to where Neesa laid and couldn't believe what he witnessed. The old man screamed out in anguish and heartache.
"Noooo! Aaaagggghhhh...Grrrr...!" Master Wong screamed aguishly in an animalistic roar that made the blood of those who witnessed and heard.
Leo also leapt towards the cyborgic man and drove his twin katanas into cyborgic armour. Both terrapins were on top of stockman stabbing and tearing his cyborgic body when they heard the screaming coming from the bedroom, assumed that April must be in trouble. Don hit one of the goons in the stomach with his Bo staff knocking them to the ground and began to run back to the bedroom.
Before he got the chance to see who was screaming—Don saw the one person would do anything to help and protect who he prized the most. Master Wong stood in the doorway of the bedroom before he walked out vengefully and very angry. Don stepped aside, standing out of the doorway and allowed Master Wong to walk out of the room and stand within the doorway as he animalistically growled and attack those, unknowing Neesa was not killed by no one's hand.
"No...Grrrr...Aaaaggghhhh. YOU MONSTERS WILL PAY FOR THIS! THERE IS NO JUSTICE FOR YOU WHERE I WILL BE SENDING YOU!" Master Wong shouted and continuingly growled blindly as he flew forward towards Bishop and Stockman to tear both a part limb by limb.
Bishop round-housed kicked his opponent, making him fall then the federal agent slammed his foot upon Master Wong's throat, holding him down on the floor. Then demanded for a halt.
"Stop now—unless you want to have this cat to be torn limb by limb, and made into a mink floor mat." Bishop sneered with an amusing smirk while a couple of his agents dragged the tired and muzzled lioness.
"ZAHRA!" He shouted, stopping in his tracks to avoid the cat being butchered. Leo jumped off of Stockman and landed just beside neesa's adoptive daughter. As Leo landed— Raph crashed into him, sending the two sprawling across the floor. Stockman pushed himself up and reached back, ripping Leo's swords out of his back. Stockman's holographic face faded in and out. Leo's sword had only slid in deep enough to hit the cords that operated the hologram but didn't cut deep enough to shut him down.—permanently.
"Too bad the mother is dead. She would have made excellent specimen...but at present time, I only want the babies." Bishop sneered in amusement. This made Master Wong very angry and his blood boiled inside of him as he listened to bishop's intentions and evil mockery.
Stockman hardily pushed April aside that made her fall backwards as she tripped. Casey bolted to April's side as she lifted her head up; wiping the existed blood dripping from her mouth while staring at the cyborg villain. Stockman lifted the bundles into the air; he had tied the baby's towels so they held the twins like pouches. Leo watched and listened in horror to his newborn son scream on top of his lungs and moving about while his daughter remained silent and still.
"Put them down, stockman." April shouted as she moved forward after pushing herself up from the floor. Casey grabbed April's arm and gently pulled her back.
"Heh." Stockman evilly snorted as she reached out and viciously grasped her throat with his cyborgic hand. April gasped as the air supply was cut off, slightly while she clawed to break free from his grasp. Casey defensively attacked Stockman, also trying to break April from his cyborgic grasp and angrily demanded. "LET HER GO.—TIN CAN!"
"As you wish." He evilly sneered, releasing her throat but retracting his cyborgic arm so he could hit the vigilante brute across the room to the nearest wall. April held her throat, choked as she finally gasped for air and helplessly watched her partner, fly across the room. "Casey." She gaspily cried.
"Heh." He snorted again as he walked towards April and Casey. Their terrapin friends leaped upon the hologramic man's back as they were thrown again to the floor.
Bishop removed his foot from Master Wong's throat, slowly walked away as the old man rolled over and grasped her throat, coughed and gasped for air once again as his wind pipe was nearly crushed. Stockman reached out and grabbed Zahra, who remained tied up and muzzled. Zahra whined in pain and Leo flinched.
"Stockman!" Bishop shouted. "Let's go—we have what we came for!"
Master Wong pushed himself up to his feet then shot after him, but leatherhead reached out and stopped him before he got close enough for either bishop or stockman to do the unthinkable. Stockman turned back.
"Follow us, and they all die!" Stockman threatened, clinching onto Zahra's neck. As Stockman turned and started rushing away. Raph growled and shot forwards, determined not to let them get away. However, Leo was close behind and grabbed Raph's shoulder.
"Raph! No! He said quickly. We—we can't risk—"
"What? Zahra getting killed?" Raph bellowed—turning on Leo, anger flashing in his eyes. "She's a cat, Leo! A CAT! A stupid four legged animal that could have done a better job of leading bishop away instead of getting herself caught!"
Leo stood, facing the floor speechless. Raph continued.
"Ya're sitt'n there thinking SHE'S gonna get hurt while Bishop makes off with yar kids! What the SHELL are ya THINKING!"
"ENOUGH!"Master Wong stepped in between the brothers and demanded Raph to back off.
"LOOK Raphael, this will not bring Neesa or the babies back. Instead of bickering and fighting among ourselves, we should find a way to get the infants back." Master Wong started as he tried not to sob after seeing that his own daughter had been also taken.
"WHO ARE YA TO TELL ME TO BACK OFF! YA MIGHT BE NEESA'S MASTER BUT YA AIN'T OURS."Raph hissed and snapped, clinching his fists as they trembled.
"RAPHAEL!"Leo reprimanded harshly.
"RAPHAEL—WHAT LEO! HE IS NO MASTER TO ME." Raph Barked back.
"SHOW RESPECT!" Leo hissed
"ENOUGH! BOTH OF YOU! THIS WILL NOT BRING MY DAUGHTER OR GRANDCHILDREN BACK." Master Wong shouted.
"Your daughter?" Leo gazed in shock; hearing the information that he couldn't believe with his own ears. "Yes.Neesa is my daughter not just my pupil. And Michelangelo-san you are married to my other daughter; Tealana." Master Wong replied; facing the floor as he could feel tears building in his eyes.
There was a silent pause that filled the room with confusion and disbelief. Both Casey and April walked in the trashed living room and were immensely were speechless along with Don and Mikey didn't know what to say or how to express their shock expressions.
Raph punched the nearest wall with his fist; remained silent and felt like an idiot for saying such hurtful things. Raph bolted out to the woods as he was called by Don, begging him to stop. Raph slower his pace and stopped, dropping to his knees. Don wrapped his arms around the hot-headed terrapin that suddenly felt defeated and ashame. He didn't like seeing his brothers fight like they always did but this is no normal fight. He couldn't bare to watch this tear their brotherhood bond.
Now have learned something that they never thought or dreamed to ever discovering but wondered if Neesa and Tealana know who he is to them. Leo went after Raph as he was stopped by Master Wong—he too was grieving.
"Raph, you may be right but you must think how he must feel. Losing Neesa and now his youngest twins but atleast two are safe. And discovering that Mater Wong is the girl's father is something we all never dreamed to know about." Don told him, trying to assure and help his red clad brother to understand better.
Raph's hands trembled as he closed them tighter, grasping the grass between his fingers and returned the brotherly embrace as tears to stream down his face. Leo remained silent as he walked back to the bedroom where his beloved wife laid while Master Wong followed not far behind.
Leo sat by neesa's side holding her lifeless body, sobbing. Master Wong walked up behind Leo and gently slid his hand down upon Leo's head to his right shoulder. Leo turned to face who was behind him. Leo laid Neesa back down on the bed and faced Master Wong standing behind.
"Why didn't you say who you were before? That was something Neesa and Tealana should know especially me." Leo asked softly
"Would you believe if I told you then—especially if your wife has not told you herself?" Master Wong replied. Leo glanced shocked that his own wife didn't tell him that she had found and knew, all along that her master was also her father. He wondered if Tealana knew. Leo felt his eyes building with uncontrollable tears streaming down his face.
Leo softly sobbed as Master Wong gently reached for his trembling hands. Trying to pull away as the old man welcomed the terrapin for comforting and reassuring embrace, then lifted and slowly pulling the sheet over Neesa.
"I know, my son. Let it out. Where are the other two babies that were taken before the attack?" Master Wong asked, holding Leo's head in the palms of his hands facing deep in his eyes through the tears.
Leo took a quick breathe and walked over the window and stare out of it to the sky then softly answered. "Safe..." Master Wong walked up and stood close behind the grieving terrapin then looked over his own, towards his deceased daughter lying underneath the sheet as his eyes begun to well up with grieving tears.
Neesa had given birth to four infants on cold afternoon. The last infant that was born before bishop and stockman arrived was 5:09pm February 13th. Seven weeks premature, too early for four babies that were only to be taken from them.
"My eldest daughters are with their aunties. Neesa begged them to take the first two that were already born and run. Then we would follow after the other two were born; now bishop has stolen my son and youngest daughter. I couldn't save or protect them from those fiends." Leo mournfully wept and sobbed as he leaned on the window sill.
Master Wong placed his hand upon Leo's shoulder and tried to comfort him but the heartbroken, grieving terrapin just became angry then tried to push the old man away but Master Wong wouldn't leave and continued to try then wrapped his own arms around Leo, holding him close until he gave in; finally excepting the comfort embrace.
...In the spirit world...
Meanwhile on the other side in the light that leads to the gates of heaven; Neesa slowly stood up and shielded her eyes as she was blinded by a bright white light and then a shadowy figure walking towards her holding a white and silver staff. Neesa knew that she had died but wondered was she in the afterlife.
"Neesa—Neesa—you are the chosen one. A goddess of great power and leadership.You are the only goddess of two different worlds."A soft gentle voice explained before revealing her face.
"Why me? Why does it have to be me?" Neesa demanded for answers.
"Because you are the only goddess that is a descendant of an Egyptian pharaoh and a Chinese wolf Wiccan." Aurilian said as she revealed herself, smiling.
Neesa was captivated by her beauty and elegance. She asked the first question that came to mind and wondered who she is.
"Are you Aurilian? Guardian of the light? Guardian of goddesses and warrior protectors?" Neesa stammered softly. Aurilian smiled and nodded as she bowed down respectfully before answering.
"I am."Aurilian replied
"Will I rest in peace or will I be going back?" Neesa asked, wondering her fate.
"Your time is not done—you will return with all of your natural gifts. Your mission is not yet complete but first, you should meet your two daughters before you return back to earth." Aurilian said as she gracefully lead Neesa to heavenly maidens that cradled Femia and Misakia.
Neesa glared in disbelief, the two daughters—she was warned that she will lose were her eldest daughter's—Femia and Misakia. Neesa held her hands up and open, desirably wanting to hold them before she was sent back to the living as an immortal.
Tears streamed down her cheeks as she demanded for answers. "Why are they here? They were just born. Why? "Neesa tearfully, exclaimed
"They are here because they were too weak when you gave birth to them. They silently passed away as they slept." Aurilian said as she placed her hand upon neesa's shoulder. "Why? What was wrong with them?" Neesa demanded for an answer.
The angelic maidens took her daughters away and Aurilian raised her staff up above Neesa and a white light glowed around her. "You must go back and finish your mission. Fulfil your destiny. You will know whyand how your daughters passed." Aurilian said
Neesa closed her eyes and felt her spirit flying back to her body. By the time she returned to her body she was already too late to do anything. But that still didn't stop her.
...Outside not far from the house...
Elissia slammed her foot on the brake, parking on the side of the road and panted with relief as she felt safe but prayed her lover was ok. Tealana sensed something was very wrong with the baby, she cradled. Gently placed a single finger upon the newborn's tiny throat and checked for a pulse.
Lifting the baby to her ear and hoped to hear soft breathing—nothing. Her heart beated faster—as she breathed in and exhaled, frantically. "What's wrong?" Elissia asked, looking back then immediately walked into the back of the vehicle. "The b-baby isn't b-breathing—I-I can't f-find a pulse. Do something Elissia, you know CPR." Tealana stammered incoherently.
Elissia placed two fingers upon the baby's tiny chest and performed CPR. Mona handed the other twin, she cradled to Masuki and aided Elissia then realised there was nothing else could be done.
"Aunty Mona—Aunty Tealana." Masuki whispered, giving a teary gaze.
"Yes, Masuki?" Tealana answered, sniffling and weeping
"Is the baby ok?" Masuki replied, crying and sniffling
"Yeah—sure she is ok. She is just sleeping." Tealana lied, trying to convince her niece that the baby is only sleeping and she will be fine.
"Is this one going to be ok? She is not moving." Masuki wearily asked, fearful that she may have done something wrong.
Tealana and Mona looked at each other; Mona immediately attended to the other baby girl. Mona gently scooped the baby from Masuki and feared the worst when she saw that this baby also passed away.
Mona cried silently and held Masuki; assuring her that it was not her fault.
Yoshiro and lexi walked over to their mother and hugged her as she cradled a little person in her arms. Elissia gently touched Arliana's head, facing the ebony haired terrapin. Her eyes filled with uncontrollable tears as she draped her tiny arms around Elissia's neck as she reached for Loki and held him, reassuringly.
...Meanwhile back at the house...
Mikey, Raph and Don worried about their lovers if they were safe. April and Casey held each other mourning for Leo. April suddenly cried out worriedly. "Where's Moira?"
Casey gazed April worriedly then ran to far room that was untouched, luckily Moira was unharmed and sound asleep. Scooping her up in his bruised and cut arms, walked back to his wife and April was relieved. Snatching her daughter from Casey's grasp and motherly embraced her precious treasure, Casey understood and draped one hand around his wife's waist and gently caressed Moira's little head, running his fingers through her thin hair. Master Wong walked to the living room leaving Leo with Neesa to have a private moment alone to say good bye and prepare to bury her body. Little they know that she will return and disappear.
"How is he?" Mikey asked softly, wondering what the answer could be.
"He is broken-hearted and mourning." Master Wong murmured softly as he walked past to go outside when he notice a vehicle was returning back. He assumed it was bishop returning so he alerted everyone to prepare to fight again.
"Prepare yourselves to fight. A truck is coming this way. Get your brother now." Master Wong ordered
Don and mikey gawked at each other and ran after Master Wong outside. Mikey could see that the truck arriving was not bishop. It was the battle shell driven by elissia.
"Sensei—It is alright. It is not bishop; that is our battle shell." Don assured Master Wong. But he wasn't convinced this reunion will be a happy one; he senses that something was wrong.
When the battle shell approached and stopped. Mona was the first to jump out the battle shell and run into her husband's arms while cradling Loki. Along with Arliana not far behind her. Don ran to elissia's side to hug and kissed after knowing that she was safe.
Alexis and Yoshiro jumped out first then Tealana followed by Masuki, cradling her little sister.
"Thank goodnessyou are safe." Tealana said; feeling her fear and worry fade away.
"I was more worried for you and kids." Mikey replied, facing Tealana and gently holding her delicate face. Mikey felt her cheeks were wet. He realised that his wife had been crying then he lift the towel that was used to wrap the baby in. Mikey closed his eyes after seeing both babies—dead and knew that his dear brother will be devastated.
"Are the babies ok?" Don asked
Elissia didn't answer; she remained silent and tears began building in her eyes. Don turned and saw that his youngest brother was silently sobbing. Masuki ran to the house, searching for her father. Master Wong knelt down, stopped the young terrapin and lifted the towel then closed his eyes with tears of heartbreak fell. Masuki's eyes filled with heartbreaking tears, cradled her sister in her tiny arms, not wanting to let go but gently insisted to hand the deceased infant. Raph gazed at the others and noticed that they were all silent and crying.
"Why are ya all crying; we are safe." Raph asked not knowing why.
Mona remained silent and glared at raph with a sad heart breaking look. Raph faced Mona and immediately pushed mikey aside and stared at the deceased infant in Tealana's arms. He too closed his eyes, feeling tears building before streaming down his face and sensing the heart break his older brother will be struck with.
"Leo has been in there a long time." April said looking up to Casey. Casey nodded silently; gently pushing her head down upon his upper chest near his throat then whispered and sighed.
"I know...I know...sigh". Casey reassuringly softly embraced.
April saw Masuki walked in the door with Master Wong; cradling the tiny infant that he gently took from Masuki so he could comfort her. April handed Moira to her husband, walked towards Master Wong and Masuki then immediately knelt down, reassuringly opened her arms. Masuki faced April and silently sobbed as she wrapped her tiny arms around April's neck for a comforting embrace then pulled away and acceptingly grasped her god-mother's hand before going to see her adoptive mother laying on the bed with her father sitting next to her, holding her hand.
April and Masuki walked to the room and stood in the doorway, waited for Leo to turn and face them. Masuki watched her father as more tears fell down her tiny soft green cheeks. Leo raised his head up, looked over his shoulder then turned around and opened his arms to soothe Masuki when she witnessed her adoptive mother laid underneath a sheet. She knew very well that she was not sleeping.
"Did my mama"—sniff—"go to heaven, daddy?" Masuki asked, under her tears
Leo scooped Masuki up in his arms and walked out of the room; April stood in the doorway silently looking towards where Neesa laid before joining with the others. Just as Leo, Masuki and April left the room. Neesa silently sat up, taking the sheet off and used her magic to change her bloody clothes so she can swiftly leave through the broken window without been discovered and try to rescue her youngest daughter, son and other adoptive daughter; Zahra.
Leo walked in the messed up living room where his family and friends were waiting. Leo saw Master Wong cradling one of the elder twins and Tealana held the other. He placed Masuki down and walked up to Master Wong, grabbing his first born daughter.
The distraught father lifted the towel to see his daughter and felt a stabbing ache in his heart. Master Wong stood behind Leo; watching him cradle the infant.
"I'm so sorry, Leonardo-san." Master Wong soothed. Leo remained silent as he turned around and walk back to the bedroom, to place both daughters in the crib. When he finally arrived to the bedroom doorway, he discovered that Neesa had disappeared. Quickly placed his daughters in the crib, Leo ran out the front door and began shouting out for Neesa.
"NEESA! NEESA!" Leo shouted. Raph bolted after Leo and tried to comfort his brother.
"Leo.—she is gone. Screaming will not bring her back." Raph soothed, embracing his brother.
Tealana went to the bedroom to see if Neesa still lay where she was left. And saw that her dear sister had disappeared; she poked out the window and screamed out.
"NEESA!"Tealana shouted as mikey and Masuki ran to the bedroom, witnessed what Tealana and Leo seen. Mikey ran back to the living and cried out.
"NEESA IS GONE!" Mikey cried, frantically.
"What!" April and Casey reprimanded shocked
"That is not possible. She is dead and no one has—" Don cut himself off when he thought to himself.
'Could she be more than what she says she is?'
Master Wong stood out on the porch, looking up to the sky and thought to himself. 'Why it had to be her? Why my grandchildren had to be sacrificed in the name and fate of the world? So many hearts broken.—All for this prophecy to come true—why?'—
...In the woods of Amherst...
Bishop was on his way back to base with her babies and cat but hadn't left Amherst, yet. Neesa hid above as she watched Stockman and a small group of agents begin to take Zahra out and drag her to the nearest river to dump her in, so she will drown along with one of the wrapped towels that carried her infants inside; not realising one of the infants were still inside in one towel.
"Now dump that rigging feline in the river along with these rags." Stockman ordered as he handed over the towels not knowing one baby was still inside of the towel before he walked back inside the vehicle then drove away.
Three agents dragged Zahra to the riverbank, lifting her up and getting ready to throw the cat in the strong currents before throwing the towels along in afterwards. Neesa jumped down from her hiding place in the tree where she sat watching and raised her hand up to save Zahra and her daughter from their deaths. The agents looked around and saw Neesa standing behind them; glaring her narrowed eyes that stared deadly slits. Which normally, no human can change their eye pupils into slits like animals are able.
The agents raised their guns to shoot Neesa and continue with their mission before returning to base. Neesa guided Zahra and her sound asleep daughter down near where she can see them while she froze the upcoming bullets before defending herself and having some revenge also untying the rope around her back legs. "Oh shit. What are we going to do, sir? Isn't she meant to be dead?" Private Snipes asked, frightened
"Just keep shooting." Lieutenant Matthews ordered
"Aaagghh—"one of the agents shouted in pain since he was attacked by Zahra from behind after she finally freed herself from her binds.
Lieutenant Matthews and private snipes turned their guns to shoot Zahra and rescue their companion. However Zahra was not fast or swift enough to escape the bullets. One bullet hit her in the shoulder missing her artery and veins—just a flesh bullet wound.
"Zahra grab Akila, NOW!"Neesa ordered
Zahra did what she was commanded to do and run for the nearest tree to hide in until Neesa had killed private snipes and wounded lieutenant Matthews so she could question about where bishop has taken her son. But poor Zahra was bleeding from her shoulder; she had been shot by one of the agents when she tried to run before attacking but that didn't stop her trying or protecting the sleeping child.
While Zahra ran, Neesa covered her cat's escape along with her newborn daughter "Akila". Neesa shot at private snipes grasping his throat and crushing the very life out of him as she raised her free hand to send lieutenant Matthews into a tree trunk that temporarily knocked the wind out of him and placing him on conscious.
"You will die for your insolence." Neesa growled as she continued to choke her victim to death until his throat split open and blood splattered over her hand and face. Her nails grew into talon like claws; as she dug her fingers into the enemy's throat while choking him.
Neesa threw the bloody, lifeless corpse to the ground as she made her way over to lieutenant Matthews, tying him up against the tree with vines that hanged from the branches. Zahra climbed down from her hiding place with baby Akila wrapped in the towel.
The new mother knelt down and grabbed her baby from the cat's mouth and uncovered the infant's face to see her for the first time. Neesa uncovered the infant's face and she was sound asleep, Neesa was so happy to see her daughter alive. She only been born nearly one and half hour before, lowered her breathing so bishop believed she was a stillborn.
"You are Hamato alright. Just like your father." Neesa cooed, feeling akila's little hand reaching out to her lower lip. Neesa gazed happily when she saw her daughter open her eyes and revealed her smile underneath light caramel brown eyes. She had also noticed that her daughter appeared different to her sisters.
A beautiful raven haired, light caramel brown eyed bundle. She resembled herself and had her grandfather's nose. She looked more human than hu-mutant. No matter what her daughter looked like; she did not care as long one of them was in the safety of her loving motherly arms.
"Welcome to the world and I am your mother—Akila." Neesa said, cradling her daughter and Zahra sitting next to her mistress before they heard the moaning of their prisoner that was tied up against a tree behind them.
"Ugh—uh.—" Lieutenant Matthews moaned and groaned as he woke. Neesa placed her daughter down for a couple of seconds so she could call upon the trees to manifest a wooden basket for Zahra to carry back to the house.
Finally, the basket was fully manifested; Neesa placed her daughter inside with some soft grass was comfortably laid out underneath her child. Neesa quickly placed her hand upon Zahra's wound, healed the cat's shoulder but not completely.
Zahra felt stronger but still felt the pain in her shoulder, ignored it and gently picked up the basket by the handle and began to trot back to the house as fast and gentle as possible after Neesa gave Zahra the strength to run properly until her wound was properly attended.
Neesa watched Zahra disappeared into the darkness of the night before attending her prisoner.
Back at the house...
The cool night's breeze flowed swiftly upon Leo's face; he sat on the step outside the house. Not knowing for the first time in his life what he should do. Master Wong sat beside Leonardo silently.
Leo stared into the distance before him, thinking about his family. Wondering if his wife is alive; and decided to do the ritual how his wife would want to give their children peace before they had a chance of life.
Nothing matter to Leo no more. Only thing he wished to see is his wife and new born children; to have them by his side, was his only wish and desire.
Tealana and mikey held their twins close; Tealana silently sob as she cradled lexi and mikey cradled Yoshiro. Mikey raised his hand to brush away the existing tears streaming down his wife's cheek before she placed her own hand upon his as she gazing into his warm loving blue eyes.
Don watched Raph and mikey with their families and couldn't begin to imagine or feel what they are feeling or thinking to be eternally grateful for what they have nor how lucky to still have them. Don gazed out the door where Leo and master Wong sat. He felt a sharp sorrowful pain in his heart that pierced into his soul; tears filled his eyes as they fell down his cheeks.
Elissia grasped his hand and gently cupped his cheek to turn him around and face her. When he did; Don immediately wrapped his strong arms around elissia petite terrapin like body.
Suddenly everyone heard Leo shout one name; eyes widen with shock and disbelief how this could be real. Was it only a hopeful dream or wish to come true. Master Wong smiled proudly that his daughter has taught her feline well.
"ZAHRA!" Leo shouted; as he stood up and began to run half way towards to the big cat that carried a basket in her mouth with a little bundle inside.
"Zahra? She couldn't be back or alive. Could she?" Casey said, confusedly blinked.
"I'd wouldn't be surprised since she was trained and raised by Neesa; case." Raph muttered
"Gee; Raph a bit sensitive ain't cha?" Mikey asked in a lowly tone which is a first since mikey is usually the cheery happy turtle. But since master splinter has passed away; he has grown up a little.
Sometimes he acts like a kid when he is happy and playing with his kids. Since what has happened in the past couple of hours, the chirpiness had quietened.
They all went outside and saw Zahra gently placing the basket down in front of Leo. Zahra stepped back and sat down; allowing Leo to lift the towel and see underneath when he heard a small wail. Leo couldn't believe with his own eyes that he was looking at his baby little girl.
He immediately scooped her up in his arms and held her close; before turning around for the others to see but not allowing any of them ask to hold the infant not just yet. Not until he has bonded with his daughter first. Zahra walked up beside him and Leo looked down to Zahra; thanked the big cat for bringing back his daughter.
"Thankyou Zahra." Leo said smiling and tears fell down his cheek.
Leo swore that he seen a small tired smile grew as she faced up to and purred contently. Master Wong stayed where he stood feeling a relief that at least one of his grandchildren made it back alive and safe with the help of a brave cat. He sensed that she didn't or couldn't have done this alone; even though if she could then Neesa has taught her well.
But he wonders this rescue must have been planned and that is why Neesa is missing when she is meant to be laying down on the bed in the bedroom.
"Oh my goodness." April breathed, rushing outside with the others. Tealana stood with Master Wong watching everyone else swarm Leo holding the baby. Leo was so happy to have his child in his loving arms; just one more thing he wished to have right now that was no where in sight...Neesa.
"It's a miracle." Tealana said, whispery.
"Yes, it is a miracle." Master Wong answered, smiling.
Tealana faced Master Wong and smiled as she waited to welcome the new addition to the clan.
"She's so beautiful." April and elissia cooed wanting to hold the little youngster.
"She seems—uh—different. She looks like her mother." Mona said quickly and confused, raising her brow. Leo didn't care what his daughter looked like whether she appeared a turtle, salamander or human. As long he had her, nothing could ever change his mind or heart's love for his child.
Leo walked up to the stairs where Tealana and Master Wong stood so he could introduce his daughter to her grandfather.
"Master Wong—Meet your grand-daughter." Leo said, introducing grandparent and grandchild as he handed her over to him. Master Wong cradled his grand-daughter with happiness that filled his heart and soul.
Master Wong smiled as he said her name with pride. "Welcome to the world and to the family little Akila."Leo wondered how he would know what to call her since he hadn't chosen the name yet or knew what the names were chosen for the children.
"How do you know what to call her?" Leo asked raising a brow.
"This daughter was already named before she was even born." Master Wong answered
"How?" Mikey and Don reprimanded softly
"Ask Mrs O'Neil, she would be able to answer that for you as she was with Neesa when choosing the names." Master Wong replied facing April with 'help me out here'glare.
Leo faced April and asked her the question for the answer. "Did you help Neesa look for this name?" Leo asked softly.
"Well—Yeah I did but she never told me which one of the babies would be given that name. But I will tell you that the other names that she did choose for the other babies. Morio, Femia and Misakia." April explained giving Leo; 'don't hate me'glare.
Leo smiled and hugged April with happiness that he knows the names for his children but which name belongs to his elder twin's daughters but now he knows the name of his son.
"Leo don't you think we better get moving? Like head home or go to the ranch?" Elissia asked worried that bishop may come back and search for Akila since she is missing along with Zahra wounded.
Luckily Zahra returned strong enough to bring Akila back to Leo only because Neesa gave her the strength to do so. But she will either wait for Neesa to heal her properly when she also returns or don must do what he should to take the bullet out before it becomes infected.
"Don, I think you better attend Zahra's wound. It looks bad." Tealana said pleading
Don quickly examined the wound and noticed that bullet was still inside; he wondered how she could even move with the wound and bullet in her shoulder like it was. Even though it hurt but Zahra allowed don to try and take the bullet out; clean the wound and bandaged it up until Neesa returned if she is really alive.
"We must wait for Neesa. We can not leave—not yet." Tealana pleaded
"Why the Shell not?" Raph demanded for an answer
"Because I can sense her. She is alive." Tealana replied
Everyone glared at Tealana confused and in disbelief how could she know. "Alright then, guru. Where is she?" Raph snapped as he walked closer
"RAPH!"Mona reprimanded in a low angry tone.
"She is still in the woods and another is with her but barely alive. She is not the one in danger; her opponent is." Tealana replied, holding her head from the slight headache that waved over her afterwards. "What do you mean; her opponent?" Don and elissia asked in unison, worried
"I don't know how; I just know." Tealana answered softly
"Tealana is right. I can sense her too and Neesa is very angry and distressed. It is better we stay here until she is finished what she is doing and ask questions later when she is calmed and not before." Master Wong explained in a weary tone.
Tealana looked towards the woods and prayed she is not doing anything rash.
...
To be continued in chapter twenty-one...
Uh-oh Neesa is out for blood...*hiding behind the chair.* I'd wouldn't tick off someone like her and have my head torn off or worse. Anyway on with the author note...what will happen in the next chapter?
What is neesa going to do, just to get answers? Will she allow the prisoner leave when the answers are given? Or will she kill him?
Read and review until next time...tootles