Moterock's Den of Devastation
CHP36: First Mission
Finishing his patrol of Metropolis for the night Superman beamed himself to the watchtower by way of a JL teleport device. Over a month passed since the disappearance of Zatanna, Starfire, Kid Flash and Batman during their encounter of Circe. Superman clearly remembered the night in question and a day hadn't gone by that he didn't think about what might have happened to them. Since that night countless attempts were made to try and locate where they ended up, but nothing they did resulted in anything good. It was one dead end after another.
Supes met with Black Canary and Hawkman down the hall following them into the maintenance room. All around the space were loads of new equipment they brought in to make changes to the watchtower.
All of them relentlessly tried figuring where their teammates ended up and still had hope they'd somehow return. Nothing they did from their end seemed to work, and were considering calling up Dr Fate to try and help.
XXX
Upon hearing their names called over the intercom each of them reported to the main facility. Awaiting them was Kian, Mila and other higher rank members to Murky Mountain. Sasuke nor any of the others had any clue as to what the meaning for their summoning was about, standing in a straight line beside each other as ordered, "Glad you all made it here on time," Kian stepped forward pacing in front of them. He went back and forth with a finger to his chin.
"What is this all about? Why did you call us here?" Clayface questioned.
Kian stayed quiet for a couple seconds more before looking up, "We've talked it over as a council and have come to the conclusion you're all ready to begin missions. As a whole you've done a great job developing as a team the past couple weeks and have made tremendous progress since you were first brought to this stronghold. Right now we've got two missions in particular that would be great to start you off."
Oroku Saki especially loved the sound of that. Of all the acquired recruits he improved his standing much more than a single of the others going through his training of controlling chakra and creating jutsus of his own. None of it was easy however, especially the jutsu part. As if the fundamentals of producing them weren't difficult enough, constructing the jutsu itself was even more a task. Some he had mastered but others still needed work but loved the progress and direction of where things were going.
Over a month ago when he received the news the turtles had been brought to the world as prisoners, but then somehow escaped enraged him. After having time to think it over and cool off he realized it wasn't so bad. It gave him time to work on improving his use of chakra and upgrading his abilities in more ways than one. He was more than ready to test his new abilities and unlike before was positive he'd destroy his four nemeses with extreme ease.
"Only problem is we've only got four spots open. We've already talked it over and decided Circe, Shredder, Sasuke and Deathstroke will be the first of you all to put what you've got on display. You four were selected over the rest for the simple fact we've deemed you the most ready and have shown the most poise; not to say the rest of you haven't made huge jumps."
Next everyone was dismissed except for those that had their names called; before them standing Mila, Kian and the remaining Murky Mountain members. Kian took a step back as it was Mila ready to take over.
"If you didn't already figure it out you will be split from one another. Two of you will be heading to a hidden village not far from here with a small residence of roughly three hundred citizens. Your mission is to locate this woman," Mila uncovered a photo from her pocket, "In her possession is an ancient blade passed down from several generations. We believe there is more to it than what legend states."
"Sounds interesting…does this village in question possess Shinobi of any sort?" Deathstroke inquired.
"Yes, but of very low levels. What we want is for the sword to be brought back here to Murky Mountain, if there's bloodshed in the process than so be it. The second mission in question is somewhat similar as far as objection. It will involve going after a scroll hidden just outside the sand village. Whichever of you two take on this mission needs to be careful of Sand village shinobi stationed in that area."
"Such tasks are beneath my abilities; send someone else in my place. I do not wish to waste my energy and efforts on someth…"
Circe was cut off by the laughter coming from Mila, "I had an idea you'd say something like that sorceress. If you really must know we purposely decided to give out low rank assignments. We have yet to see a single of you in action, and until you've proven yourselves we will not allow any mission of higher importance and difficulty. Tell you what though…complete the task assigned to you with flying colors and you will never have to take part in something you feel beneath you. Sound fair?" Mila directed at them all giving Circe an extra look.
Throwing her hair back Circe crossed her arms looking Mila in the face, "Fine, but just this once. I could single handedly complete either mission! I don't care if there are hundreds of shinobi in the way to try and stop me, they'd all die at my feet."
"Good to hear we're all on the same page, and now that we've gotten that small detail out of the way let us get this thing rolling. Shredder, Sasuke," Mila turned to the two, "The council has decided you two will group together and go after the scroll. One seasoned member to our organization will accompany you. His job will only be to watch and observe."
Mila then turned to Deathstroke and Circe, "That leaves you two with recovering the blade. As with them you will also have someone tagging along to keep watch. Just so you're informed they're in no way to assist you, their only purpose is to report back to us with in depth details of how your singular missions play out understand? Good. Now let's go through a couple important details before you're on your way."
None of them had any arguments against who they were paired with; in fact Sasuke looked forward to seeing what the Shredder might put on display. He was the only one Sasuke and all the others didn't know much about. His training for the most part took place in separate locations, none of them ever having the chance to even spar against him.
Both appointed teams were handed maps with specific marked points. From there two Ravager of the Den member's were assigned to travel alongside them. They headed for the exit having no questions. Through the halls and down various stairways they departed from the location known as Murky Mountain.
Slade was well aware of whom Circe was vise verse, but they had not teamed with one another in the past. They shared many common enemies back in their home world but could hardly be considered associates. The two of them shared the same mentality believing they could complete the mission on their own with zero support.
In the opposite direction to them traveled Sasuke, Shredder and another member to the RD's. They ran at top speed passing down the mountain side. Ever since gaining the golden armor Shredder couldn't help but miss the silver, but over time it grew on him.
"If and when we arrive and there are enemies to be dealt with, I shall be the one to do it." Shredder spoke looking ahead.
Sasuke was surprised to hear the particular words come out of his mouth. He figured Oroku Saki to be the silent straight to business type guy; not someone to demand someone to stay out of something just for the thrill of battle, "Hhhhmm then again…he undoubtedly wants the opportunity to test and see the results of his training. Increasing his abilities in isolation could never have given him that opportunity." Sasuke thought silently.
"Sure…whatever you want." Sasuke murmured.
Agreeing to let the golden fighter have his way would work out well. First he wouldn't have to get his hands dirty and 2nd he'd see the true power of Shredder. His level of chakra was astounding, but high chakra alone didn't make a great warrior/shinobi. The only person that knew anything about his abilities was Mila, having been the one to monitor his sessions. It was not known if the two ever sparred. Everything involving him was closed off from the rest of them. A complete mystery described it best.
Not too far ahead they came across a forest type area taking to the trees. From branch to branch they jumped. The other sent at their side held the map and therefore led the way. Though Shredder was anxious to put an end to the four turtles he was more eager to put his new abilities to the test. Too him it didn't matter who it was against. Due to his new found strength, waiting to eliminate his greatest enemies a little bit longer wasn't all that bad.
Back inside Murky Mountain Fuka walked the halls alongside Poison Ivy and Killer Frost. All three disappointed not to have been selections to take part in the missions, "I was so looking forward to finally getting an opportunity to get out of this place and really let loose. What would have been even better is if I were paired with Sasuke Kun. He's incredibly cute…" Fuka pronounced smirking.
"I'm with you on that, he's a total hottie. I don't know though, he seems a little bit self centered at times but I guess it's part of his charm," Killer Frost giggled looking over at Pamela, "What about you Ivy? You feel the same way?"
All they got out of her was a smile, which in their minds could be interpreted many ways.
XXX
A bag made out of straws in hand Michelangelo returned to what had become known as home for the last month. It was out in the middle of nowhere and wasn't the greatest but still better than nothing. Everyone helped put it together, Kid Flash putting in the most work. His speed and precision is what got things done in a timely fashion. From that point on it became their temporary headquarters, "Hey guys I'm back!" Michelangelo called out waving.
Raphael along with Donatello leaped from the tree landing in front of Mikey, "What's in the bag bro?" Raph felt around pulling out a mango, apple and orange. He dropped two of them deciding to take the mango. He first got rid of the skin by using his Sai.
"Where are Leo and the others?" Mikey asked.
"Well Bart went on a quick jog, or might as well be an all out sprint with how fast he's able to travel. Bruce and Leonardo are down by the lake sparring. They've been at it for the past fifteen minutes so I imagine it shouldn't be too much longer till they're finished." Donatello informed.
Handing the bag over to Dony, Michelangelo took off down the hill and through the long grass. In the beginning Batman didn't trust a single of them, but over time coupled with the circumstance revealed his identity. In the time spent within the shinobi world the turtles also confirmed they were no longer in their world after about a week. When Selscia invaded their home and took them down, there was no real way of truly knowing where they had been taken upon waking in the forest some time later.
Bruce Wayne may have been one of the most unmistaken faces back in his world, but to the turtles and anyone in the world of shinobi was just another typical citizen…nothing special whatsoever. Michelangelo came to a stop peering out onto the lake spotting his older brother engaged with Bruce. The cape, cowl, gloves, utility belt and all upper body armor had been left inside the tree house. It was strictly a hand to hand contest between the two.
Leonardo's blades were also left inside the tree house. The strikes, blocks and counters went back and forth. Leo's shell worked as a great defense keeping him protected from hits to the back. Dodging from side to side Bruce blocked a punch coming from the left side and then a roundhouse kick from the other. With a perfect opening he flipped over the top of Leonardo kicking him in the back of the head swiftly landing on his feet.
"You dudes mind if I join in?" Mikey asked coming in close.
Looking over his shoulder Leonardo spotted Michelangelo approaching, "We were just about to finish up here…but sure, why not."
Jumping in with excitement Michelangelo pulled out both nun chucks spinning them around with his tongue hanging out. Leonardo scratched at the top of his head looking over at his brother, "Ah this is a no weapons competition Mikey." Leo said.
"Let him keep the weapons, it'll make things more interesting." Bruce grinned.
They wasted no time going after each other. The search for Naruto, Starfire and the others had been put on hold. During their searches over the past couple weeks they had crossed over lands belonging to shinobi of different villages and even got into it with some of them. They'd been labeled intruders and bandits more than enough times, and because of it decided keeping a low profile was the best option for the time being. Until they had a true grasp on their surroundings they didn't want to go around getting themselves into avoidable hazardous situations.
Elsewhere Zatanna walked down the street inside the Leaf village, several waving which she did the same back. It had been her first day helping with the chunin exams and found it to be quite enjoyable. She received extra looks from some of the younger male participants but didn't bother her. She'd grown accustomed to such actions long ago.
Over the past couple weeks most the villagers warmed up to both she and Starfire, with some inviting them to some of the events that went on around town. She entered a coffee shop around the corner, "Good afternoon Zatanna San, what can I get you?" The person standing behind the counter inquired.
"I'm actually here to meet someone," She looked around at all the tables, "It appears she hasn't arrived yet. In the meantime I'll take a muffin and a medium cup of iced tea."
"No problem, I'll have that for you in just a moment."
Zatanna found a place to sit inside one of the booths positioning next to a window. In the next minute a waiter came to her side with the two things she ordered and not long after the one she'd been waiting for entered, "Anko!" Zatanna called out.
Ordering a cup of coffee, Anko took a seat across from Zatanna, "You didn't do so bad for your first day, and to top it off I think the newbie's really liked you. I look forward to doing it again tomorrow, and see just how many of them will make it to the further stages this year."
"How did they usually do in the past?"
"It varies depending on the type events setup, and the attitude of the core as a whole," Anko's eyes journeyed to Zatanna's muffin, "Do you mind if I have a small bite Zatanna? Pretty please?" Anko pleaded looking her in the eyes.
"Sure go right ahead, but remember you can just call me Zee. No need to be so formal."
Anko took the muffin into her hands taking a bite and moaning almost immediately after. It was then Zatanna remembered the particular kunoichi loved sweet things, "If you like it all that much you can have the whole thing. I'm not at all that hungry anyway."
"Are you sure?"
"Dead positive." Zatanna replied sitting back.
To Be Continued