Minyadagniriel
Face Off
Ava sloshed in the snow; her side leaked more and more blood as the seconds went by. All around there was carnage…
Bodies were beginning to pile up. Shells from ammunition littered the ground and blood as far as the eye could see. Fires broke out from the damaged vehicles and the nearby downed chopper.
Ava's vision was going in and out…if she didn't get medical attention soon, she would be checking out. She remembered a lesson that she'd learned in health class about stopping the bleeding and moved close to the destroyed chopper. There were pieces of metal strewn about and she picked one up. Long and sturdy, it would work. She then ripped open her jacket and tore away the dangling shirt. The wound was about six inches long. She got as close to the fire as she could tolerate and held out the piece of metal, letting it heat up. As she did so, she returned her attention to her father…
Leonardo and Bishop were battling one on one, sword against sword. The clash of their blades stood out among the explosions, the shouting, and overall deadly sound effects of war.
"You killed Cody…I blame you for Starlee...and now you're trying to take my daughter from me!" Leo yelled as he slammed his swords down on Bishop's.
"Your family is none of my concern! My goal is nearly complete and we've eradicated majority of the Earth's weak. The humans are less than a percent of the population…" Bishop said cruelly.
"After I've killed you, I'll make sure the population is rebuilt!" Leo growled.
Bishop laughed, "Optimism...you let your hopes get too high."
Leo spun around to throw a high kick to Bishop's head. The agent dodged the move and struck back with his own, striking Leo in the gut. The turtle lost his balance only for a second and recovered to block a sword swipe.
"Fatigue is setting in…" Bishop said, commenting on Leo's fighting, "You've been battling for much longer than I. By the end, I'll have you waiting at the gates of hell!"
Leo gritted his teeth and too another swing. He slammed Bishop's sword into the ground and quickly lashed out, striking the bastard in the forearm.
There were no cries of pain from the tyrant…almost as if he were inhuman. Bishop ignored the injury and continued to fight.
Meanwhile, Ava pulled the lengthy piece of metal out of the fire…nice and red. She then brought the metal close to her side…as much as she wanted to look away, she couldn't. Precision was necessary. She did her best to hold together the wound and gritted her teeth. The hot metal touched her skin and she screamed bloody murder. The skin was cauterizing together and about halfway through the burning she had to stop. The pain of hot metal against her skin was torture. But the bleeding needed controlling and she pushed through the pain, bracing herself for another round of cauterizing.
Leo heard the loud screams of his daughter and mid-battle glanced in her direction. He saw what she had done in repairing her injury and took a certain pride in her. But it was short lived when Bishop flew at him, sword swinging. Leo yelped when he felt a heavy thud against his shell, nearly grounding him. He fell forward onto his knees; swords still in hand and quickly swung them out at his sides. One made contact with Bishop's leg, removing a chunk of clothing and flesh.
In pain and anger, Bishop retaliated and drove his weapon into Leo's thigh. Both were injured and bleeding but neither gave in…
Ava screeched and finally pulled away the metal, the wound completely sealed. She was in better shape now but not quite out of the woods. She needed medical treatment and her best bet was to find her uncle Don. But for now, she needed to stay vigilant until the battle was over.
At the eastern end of the compound, Kain and Dark Raph were tearing through enemies like there was no tomorrow. Those talons shredded throats and skulls crushed under large turtle fists. They worked really well together and nearly cleared part of the field. Access to the compound opened up and the two of them were able to get into the hangar to destroy what vehicles and weapons remained.
Dark Don and Donny were working their hardest to destroy the enemy tanks on the field. Unfortunately their tank took a serious beating and was now out of commission. Seven enemy tanks remained and needed to be taken down with grenades. Dark Don did the honors of delivering the grenades himself until his fourth deposit went off a little early. The explosion knocked him back, sending him into an unconscious state.
"Shit…" Don swore and he rushed in to get the dark turtle out of the line of fire from another tank. The enormous turtle pushed over three hundred pounds so it was impossible to lift him. Just when he was nearly squashed under an enemy vehicle, the girls, Sadie and Scarlet rushed in to help.
"Hang in there dad!" Scarlet called as she picked up Dark Don's legs.
Sadie slipped under one of the arms and Don got the other. All three of them struggled, but they managed to move their comrade out of harm's way. They brought him to the top of the hill where Odessa and Gaetana were treating the injured. Odessa's knowledge of herbalism and first aid came in handy.
"Oh hell," Odessa said as she assisted her nieces with dragging the turtle onto a tarp, "What happened?"
"Grenade exploded too close," Don replied.
"Looks like a head injury," Gaetana stated.
All of them huddled down into the snow as they heard gunfire over their heads and continued to work immediately after.
The hours dragged on…
He was tired...yet knew he needed to go on. Raphael fought long and hard. Not even fatigue was going to get in his way. His winter clothes were shredded and he was covered in blood from head to toe. His skin was beginning to freeze from the wind chill. He ignored it while hacking and slashing any soldier that got in his way. Corpses were strewn about his feet and he stepped over them to reach the next set of enemies.
Mikey and Dark Mikey pushed forward with their long-range fighters, joining the battle head on. Dark Mikey took a bullet to the leg and hastily tied a piece of fabric around it. A lot of the rebels were shot down as they charged the base. He swung his maces hard to destroy the machine guns soldiers carried and busted their arms in the process. He and Mikey used each other as a support system to swing each other through the air and land on soldiers, crippling them. Though they were both excitable turtles…they kept their focus…
In the center of the fighting, Dark Leo was kneeling down and taking the brunt of blunt weapons and swords against his shell. Pieces had chipped away from damage and he truly looked battle worn. It was seven against one…and a bullet passed through his back. The shell cracked and a chunk fell away, letting blood free flow. The bullet flew out the other side, passing through his left shoulder. Dark Leo grunted and stumbled to his feet to try and fend off the soldiers about to kill him. He was no match for so many guns and he bowed his head…preparing…
But fate had another plan…
A loud roar rang out and four of the soldiers were knocked to the ground. Dark Leo gasped in surprise to see that Kain and Dark Raph had come to his aide. The druid gripped onto another unsuspecting soldier, chomping down on his throat and tearing it out. Kain's fur was stained nearly black with enemy blood…a sheer sign that he was enraged and in full attack mode…a true druid. Dark Raph picked up two soldiers and bashed their heads together, breaking their necks. Any other soldiers left hightailed away in retreat.
"Commander, are you all right?" Kain quickly questioned.
"I'm disabled, I can't fight anymore," Dark Leo replied and he held up his dead arm, "I'm afraid my shoulder and shell are shattered."
Dark Raph assisted his brother by allowing him to lean against him, "Then we're gettin' you outta here. Ya done…"
Kain and the two turtles pushed through the fighting, trying to get Dark Leo someplace safe. They quickly became overwhelmed by enemies as they were losing too many of their own fighters. Within the mist of the battles, Kain caught a glimpse of two large swords and a pale white face among the crowds.
"Apollo!" Kain shouted, catching his cousin's attention.
Hearing someone call to him, Apollo quickly turned his head in the direction of the cries. Kain…
The young turtle stopped his attacks on the soldiers and rushed over, slicing through limbs and weaponry until he reached his master and cousin, "Master, I…" Apollo started.
"Silence Apollo…I need you to do me this favor…" Dark Leo stated, not giving his protégé the chance to finish.
"Yes sir?"
"I need you to find my clone…"
"Leonardo…" Apollo said. The name of his biological father rolled off his tongue in distaste.
"Yes. I need you to locate him and follow his lead in my absence," Dark Leo said, slightly irritated that he had to leave his role to his clone.
"He is not my equal nor my leader!" Apollo shouted, "Master, I am your second in command, shouldn't I…"
"The moment you disappeared from our home base without orders or leaving instructions as to where you were going, you lost status! My clone may be honor-bound and annoyingly sentimental, but he has a long history of leadership. You're young Apollo and still reckless at times. Now do as I say and go!" Dark Leo commanded.
The young warrior gritted his teeth and nodded in acknowledgment, "Yes sir…" and he rushed back into the war zone.
It was one on one…
He was tired…
Leo had never fought for so long before. His stomach hurt from thirst ad hunger. His limbs ached and grew numb. Bishop was finally appearing to show signs of fatigue and the two had collapsed in the snow, catching their breath.
Nearby, Ava lay against the broken down chopper. Her wound was closed and she knew she'd be okay. All around her there was chaos. The number of fighters was greatly declining, so much in fact that she could now see open space among the troops. There wasn't a great deal to see. Bodies…discharged weapons…depression. Her father was still a short ways away fighting for her…fighting for the rebellion…and she felt proud. But she could see her father stumbling, exhausted and battle worn. She needed to help him, but what could she do in this state? Bishop then grabbed her attention.
"W…watch me girl…as I finish off…your f…father and then you can join him!" Bishop yelled, a hint of hysterics laced his voice. He finally snapped. Being alive for so many centuries took its toll. The human brain could only handle so much information. "You think... you think you've won! But…I know better!" he screamed, "I'll rebuild the base and create…more s...soldiers. I'll destroy the last of the human race!"
Ava's eyes widened…Bishop truly lost it. A crazed lunatic…"Dad!" she cried.
Leo glanced at his daughter briefly…she was half human. Her feelings and emotions, they were tied to the human race, more so than her alien ancestry.
"Never…" Leo mumbled.
Bishop held his ground momentarily, waiting to see what the turtle would do.
"Never…" Leo repeated.
"Never?" Bishop asked and he gave the reptile the most evil and sadistic smile, "Your daughter will be first…"
"No!" Leo shouted and he drew upon the last of his strength to give Bishop the fight of a lifetime. Swords clanged and more blood dripped from both their slashed bodies. Leonardo swung his swords to try and make a fatal blow but Bishop slammed his right heel into Leonardo's stomach, sending the turtle flying.
"You're a self righteous bastard Leonardo…now watch as I send your child to blackened depths of the afterlife!" Bishop yelled and he charged straight for Ava.
"No!" Leo screamed and he dragged himself to his and pursued Bishop, running as fast as he could…
Ava gasped as she saw Bishop flying at her. His eyes were so full of hatred…demonized by the long years of war. Was this how he looked when he killed Cody, her real father? Did Cody witness it all? Her mind fell to the photo album she hid beneath her jacket, tucked away in the belt of her pants so it rested against her back. She couldn't let it end here…Cody would never want it to be this way.
Bishop was closing in on her…
Ava's body froze…
The sword was swinging wildly…
She closed her eyes, feeling the love and devotion to both of her fathers…
Bishop's voice rang out as he began bringing the sword down…
The strength returned to Ava's soul…
The sword came down and only a metallic clang echoed through the air as Ava found her footing. Katana met with talons…swiftly she maneuvered aside Bishop's sword and used the other set of claws to impale the insane tyrant through the chest…
Blood spurted from Bishop's mouth as the claws sunk into his lungs, inflicting maximum damage.
Ava was panting. Tears streamed down her cheeks. She yanked the claws from Bishop's body and watched the man stumble backwards…still alive.
"Gah…y…you can't w…win this battle," Bishop sputtered. He dropped his sword into the snow, "My men…will…" and a generous amount of blood spilled from his mouth.
Leonardo finally reached Ava and he gently pushed her aside, "Stay back," he told her. Leo then paced around the seriously injured Bishop, "You've caused a major blow to the world Bishop but you still failed. I'll make sure the population is rebuilt and no other tyrant like you will be in existence ever again…" He marched around until he was face to face with the agent, "You are finished!"
There was a fast swing of the sword…
An eerie silence invaded the battlefield as witness after witness looked towards the sword-wielding turtle.
Rebels and soldiers alike stopped attacking each other…
Bishop stood in place, not speaking…not even breathing…
Not once looking away, Leo saw the traces of Bishop's life force leak from his neck and the blackened cloud of evil lifted as the tyrant's head slipped off his shoulders and fell carelessly to the ground…
Leo exhaled and slumped down into the crimson snow. Ava limped to her father's side, "Daddy…" she said and sniffled as her father extended his arms to embrace her.
"It's over…" Leo breathed.
"I'm so sorry I didn't listen to you!" Ava cried and started to sob.
"You're safe…that's all that matters."
She looked up at him and smiled, "Will everything return to normal?"
"I don't know," Leo said as he looked around the field.
After the death of Bishop, the militants began to surrender. They dropped their weapons and knelt down into the snow with their hands in the air. A cheer erupted from the rebels who survived.
From the center of the field, Apollo had witnessed the death of Bishop and felt a hint of respect for his biological father, but he would never let Leonardo know that. Still, he needed to carry out Dark Leo's orders and marched over to Ava and Leo.
Leo looked up at his son, "Are the others safe?"
Apollo replied with, "Dark Leo has given me orders to answer to you in the meantime, while he recovers. What orders do you have for me?"
"Gather the troops and find our injured and dead. We have a lot of work to do still. Move everyone into the base…including the prisoners. Something wrong?" Leo asked, seeing his son with an odd expression on his face.
"No," Apollo responded and he left the two of them without another word.
Don and Mikey and the conscious dark turtles gathered in the center of the field to survey the losses. Dark Raph and Michelangelo supported Dark Leo, whom took the time to rest. His injuries needed treating and soon. Dressings covered his shoulder and his arm hung limply by his side.
Dark Leo grimaced as he tried to move, "Leo, while I'm recovering I'll need you to…" and he stopped when loud shrieks came out of nowhere.
Everyone's attention fell on Kain, who was running downhill towards the forest's outskirt. His cries were filled with anguish and hurt. Rebels moved out of his way…and then he reached his destination…
The body of his sister…
Kain morphed mid-run to his humanoid self and collapsed on top of Kalani, embracing her and screaming. Not caring about the people around him, he cried openly. His howls were loud and drawn out. He was rocking back and forth while holding her close. Her face was peaceful…it tore him up inside.
Silence overcame the field and rebels began collecting their dead. There were cries and shouts of sadness as others claimed their friends and comrades, but none were as vocal as Kain.
Saddened, Leo and his two brothers bowed their heads. A solitary tear trickled down Mikey's face.
Eventually Raphael made his appearance, covered in blood and ignoring his injuries. He approached his sobbing son and stood a few feet behind the young druid…mourning. He didn't cry…he didn't try to comfort his son...
The screams from Kain attracted his mother. Odessa rushed down the hilltop to join him and she couldn't hold it together. She cried as hard as Kain and kissed her daughter's forehead.
The dark turtles assisted Dark Leo and claimed Dark Don. Both were moved inside the dilapidated base for shelter from the cold.
Leo watched the scene…his brother Raph's head remained low, keeping his eyes hidden. Raph was trying to be strong.
"C'mon…" Don said and he helped Leo get to his feet, "We need to get inside the base before dark."
Mikey lifted Ava and carried her, "Let's get inside princess."
"Wait!" Ava said, "We have to go into the woods really fast."
"Why?" Mikey asked.
"The cubs!" she replied.
"What cubs?"
Just as she was about to explain the situation, Apollo appeared. He carried the tiniest druid while the others just ran behind him.
"Oh, those cubs," Mikey said. His enthusiasm rose only slightly, seeing the babies. They were really cute, but his sadness overshadowed his joy.
The night came quickly…
Five days later…
Beneath the base the rebels found a series of passageways that led underground to another bunker. The enemy prisoners that remained were placed in holding cells. A lot of them committed suicide, refusing to be ruled by Dark Leo.
There was a fully stocked triage and food storage that would last for months. Donatello, Gaetana, Scarlet and Sadie worked endlessly to treat the injured. Unfortunately several died of their wounds.
Leo spent a great deal of his time with Ava and his brothers…except for one. Raph remained locked up in a bunk until the day of the burial. It was late morning, right before lunch and Leo wanted to get some fresh air. It would do him some good to get out after three days of being cooped up in triage. He put on some warm clothes and wandered out into the snow, taking in a breath of fresh late winter air and released it. He glanced around at the field. The blood had disappeared under fresh snow and all bodies were properly buried. Out of the corner of his eye he noticed someone standing at the top of the hill. It was Raph. Leo cocked his head, what could he be doing up there?
Upon reaching the top, Leo called out, "Raph, you okay?" but received no response. He moved a little closer, "Raph?" He looked over his brother and went around to face him. Raph's injured arm was propped in a sling and carefully wrapped to keep it stabilized.
At first, Raph appeared to be in a trance, but it was broken when Leo was about to try and get his attention again. There was no emotion in his features…
"Leo…"
"Hey bro…"
"Hey."
The conversation was very awkward, as they stood facing the burial grounds. They were here two days ago placing Kalani and the others to rest. Many tears were shed from friends and relatives. Raph remained stoic and silent during the entire event and here he was, seemingly calm.
"The war's over…" Raph said calmly.
"Yeah…" Leo replied, not really knowing what to say. He moved a little closer to his brother, "Mikey is preparing lunch with the kids in the base. You must be hungry." He was about to start back down the hill…
"I watched her die…" Raph suddenly said, catching Leo off guard, "…and I just sat there…"
Leo turned around to see his brother staring down at the snow, "…"
"She d…died because I wasn't s…strong enough to…" Raph began stuttering through his sentences.
Hastily, Leo reached out for his brother; hands resting on Raph's shoulders, "No. It wasn't your fault Raph…"
"She died because of me!" Raph screamed and he collapsed to the ground, his face buried in his good hand. His tears poured from his eyes and his words were overwhelmed by sobs.
Leo could only do what a caring brother should, hold his younger brother while he cried. Raph would never fall apart in front of anyone like this. Only on some occasions would Leo witness his brother go to pieces. Raph needed him now more than ever.
The winds calmed as the seconds went by…
Leo allowed Raph to cry steadily into his shoulder…for as long as he needed…
To be continued…