Angel: I'm on season three now! Also, I know I haven't posted for Songfics yet, but writer's block is EVIL!
Splinter's POV
I walk through a fog. The past is another country. They do things differently there. I narrow my eyes, looking around. And yet, it seems that the past lives still, hunting us. Assassins everywhere surround me. I kick one down and dodge the blade of another. I jump and kick him. But, we need not fear the past. I am struck down and a tail wraps around me. He slams me against the wall and floor.
It is the future we must fear. The creature growls at me.
No one's POV
Splinter is training vigorously, the turtles and Amy watching. After Splinter splits a high stack of bricks in half, he bows, grabs his walking stick, and walks back into his room.
"So, what's up with Master Splinter?" Mikey asks.
In his room, Splinter places a handkerchief on the table. He packs chalk, a scroll, an apple, and a kunai. He ties it up.
"I don't get it, why was Master Splinter working out so hard?" Donnie questions.
"He's been acting kind of wacko for a month now," Raph adds.
"I've never seen him like this before," Amy murmurs.
Before anyone could say anything else, the door to Splinter's room opens up, Splinter carrying the handkerchief on his staff.
"My children, I will be leaving you for a few days," Splinter informs, "While I am gone, I want you to be extra cautious, so do not leave the lair until I return. Leonardo, you are in charge, you keep an eye on the others."
"But where are you going sensei?" Leo asks as Splinter makes his way towards the exit.
"Do not worry, I will return soon," Once Splinter is on the other side, the entrance door closes automatically, leaving everyone confused.
"Again, I pose the question, what's up with Master Splinter?" Mikey questions.
"I don't know, but don't you guys remember, he went away like this three years ago," Leo says.
"So this has happened before?" Amy asks curiously. Leo turns to her, nodding. He smiles when she's not looking. He figured…it was time to ask her something. To be his. He really liked her and he knew she liked him too…and he knew that Amy was the right person for him.
"Yeah, but where?" Donnie asks.
"Maybe he's got a girlfriend," Mikey jokes and Raph smacks him on the side of the head. "Ow! Hey!"
"There's one way to find out what Master Splinter's up to," Raph says, "We follow him."
"He said we're not supposed to leave the lair," Leo informs.
"He also said you need to keep an eye on us, so you keep an eye on us while we keep an eye on him."
"He does have a point…" Amy murmurs to Leo, about to leave when he grabs her arm gently.
"Wait, Ames, I have something to a—"
"Leo, I'm not staying here while you guys get to have all the fun," she dismisses, pulling her arm back. Everyone soon heads out, with a reluctant Leo, and follow Splinter to wherever he is going.
They soon follow him to a dead end alley way and hide while they watch as Splinter pulls out some chalk. He looks back, only to see nothing. He begins to draw strange looking symbols on the wall.
When he finishes, he places his walking stick on the ground, places his hands together, and chants something. The others become shocked as a puddle begins to move. It starts to hover towards the wall and traces around it, opening a portal. After Splinter walks through the portal and the water falls back onto the ground, the turtles and Amy come out of their hiding spots.
"Okay," Mikey speaks, "That was freaky."
"Just when I thought my life couldn't get any weirder," Amy murmurs.
Mikey begins to touch the wall where the portal was, "It's rock solid."
"Yeah, like your head," Raph says as he begins to touch the wall as well.
"Maybe there's a door here or something," Donnie suggests as he touches the wall.
"You know, the chanting was familiar," Leo says, "But the symbols, I've never seen those before."
"Then, it looks like Sensei's given us the slip," Mikey replies.
"Maybe, maybe not," Donnie says and sets the satchel he brought with him to look through, "Sensei also taught us where there's a will, and some UV lighting, there's always a way." Donnie takes out the UV light and shines it where Splinter drew the symbols to reveal them.
"Nice going, Donnie," Leo praises, "You got any chalk in your magic bag of tricks?"
"Lia?" Donnie smiles, turning to Amy. Amy smirks and pulls out a box of chalk.
Raph traces the symbols, "That ought to do it. Alright Leo, give it a shot."
"Here goes nothing," Leo says and places his hands together and begins the same chant that Splinter did and a portal opens up. "Did it work?" Leo opens his eyes to see that it did, "No way!"
"You know, maybe this isn't such a great idea after all," Mikey says nervously and Raph pushes him inside the portal.
"Coming guys?" Raph asks, gesturing to the portal before walking in. Donnie, Amy, and Leo look at each other before they walk in. They suddenly slide down a waterfall until they come out the other end of the portal, landing in a small grey mud puddle.
"That…was…awesome!" Amy exclaims.
"Now where are we?" Leo questions as he helps Amy up. The others stand up and wipe the mud off them.
"Definitely not Earth," Donnie says as he looks around the strange environment that looks like ancient times, "But, if I had to guess, I'd say it's sort of world between worlds, between dimensions even. A Nexus."
"Yeah, you mean like some point of overlapping subspace commonality," Mikey replies, earning questionable looks from the others. "What? Donnie's not the only turtle that watches Star Trek, you know."
"For a minute there, I thought we were in an alternate universe," Amy mutters, scratching the back of her head. Everyone suddenly hears a loud noise and they look to see that another portal is opening up close to them.
"Heads up guys," Raph says as he draws his sais, "Another one of those doors is opening."
"Take cover, Ames," Leo tells the brunette and she glares at that.
Something shoots out of the portal and flies to land right in front of them. The 'sticks' begin to move and reveal to be some kind of stick creatures.
"Hold on," Leo calls out to his brothers and Amy as they have their weapons drawn, "Maybe they mean us no harm."
The stick creatures draw out sharp looking sickles.
"You were saying Fearless Leader?" Raph questions as Leo draws his swords. The stick creatures begin to charge at them.
"We don't have time for this," Leo says.
"I don't think we have a choice," Donnie replies a little nervously. When one of the stick creatures charges at Raph with his sickle, it slices all the way through a giant tree and it falls.
"Hey, those things are just a little sharp," Raph says, then dodges an attack before he is kicked down.
Donnie and Mikey are holding their own just fine while Leo and Amy are having a little more difficulty. When they try to counter attack, the stick creature's sickle slices Leo's swords in half. Amy's remains, however, as she kicks the creature back.
"My katanas!" Leo exclaims upsettingly. Leo charges and slides under the stick creature's legs, kicking at it from behind.
"Leo's got the right idea," Raph says, "Get in close on these bozos!"
Raph runs and slides under the stick creature's legs. He grabs its leg and flips it to the ground. Mikey disarms the creature he is fighting, uses his nunchucks to grab the creature's hand, slides under its legs, and flips it on its back. Donnie jumps and strikes a creature hard, knocking it down. Amy flies up and descends down on a creature, an ice ball forming in her hands. She pushes the ice ball and it turns into snow, freezing the creature and ending the battle.
Leo walks over to his broken blades and falls to his knees in disappointment. Amy sees this and walks over to him, kneeling down to hug him.
"Leo, I'm sure they can be fixed…" she reassures. Leo hugs her back, stroking her hair.
"Preliminary group match completed in 4.3 kuargons," a voice speaks out and they look up to see a very familiar man in a mask float down to the group. He places a flag into the ground, "The Gom-tai are eliminated from competition."
The Gom-tai stand up in a line and bow to the five, who are still a bit confused as to what is going on.
"Now, if you Slongtags will—"
"Slongtags?" Donnie questions.
"You…you talking to us?" Raph asks in confusion.
Another portal suddenly opens up behind the teens and five giant green creatures, one of them wearing a pink bow, jump out, standing in front of a line in front of the turtles and Amy.
"Wait," the floating man says as he looks at the two groups in confusion, "Wait a moment, this is not correct, there's been a mistake. The Gom-tai were to fight the Slongtags, not you earthers. In fact, the only earther registered is Hamato Splinter."
"Hamato Splinter?" Raph questions.
"Master Splinter?" Mikey asks in confusion.
"Where is he?" Leo demands angrily, Amy holding him back.
"This is not as it should be," the floating man says and floats away with the two other groups, "Now I must reschedule the match between the Gom-tai and the Slongtags," A giant water bubble surrounds them and they float up in the air before disappearing.
"What the shell was that all about?" Mikey questions.
"I don't know and I don't care," Raph says irritably, "The sooner we find Master Splinter, the sooner we can blow this popsicle stand!"
"Well, at least the Gyoji is familiar," Donnie replies as they begin to walk down a trail.
"All I remember about the Gyoji is he works for that creep, the Ultimate Ninja," Raph growls in annoyance.
Amy shudders, "Don't remind me. Remember when he used me as a prize? So degrading."
"I bet Master Splinter has the 411 on all of this," Mikey says, "He seemed to know a whole lot more about what was going on with that Ultimate Ninja business than he's telling."
"Man, if I see that Ultimate Ninja, I'm gonna—" Raph is interrupted when they hear giant footsteps and they look to see what is happening right in front of them. "What the shell?!" The group looks to see Splinter fight against a giant four-armed monster.
"Sensei!"
"Master Splinter!"
"Hang on, Sensei!" Leo exclaims as they jump down the cliff, "We're coming!"
They rush towards the fight, but halfway there, they are suddenly trapped within a dome bubble and the Gyoji reappears right next to them.
"Battle Nexus rules clearly state that there can be no external interference between contestants," he tells them.
They continue to watch as Splinter fights against the giant, who rips a tree from the ground with his bare hands and swings it at Splinter. Splinter jumps out of the way, but tumbles to the ground, shaking as he tries to stand up.
"Sensei!" Raph exclaims.
The giant begins to approach Splinter and raises the tree, ready to strike the final blow. When he brings it down, Splinter jumps out of the way and onto the tree. He runs up it and kicks the giant in the chest, causing him to drop the tree. Splinter grabs onto the giant's beard, swinging on it before jumping off and standing in front of the giant.
The giant begins to charge at Splinter and when he tries slamming his fists down on him, he jumps out of the way. He bounces off a tree and kicks the giant repeatedly before he finally falls to the ground. The giant tries to get up, but he falls right back onto the ground. The dome around the turtles and Amy soon disappear. They all begin to praise and question Splinter as they rush towards him.
"You were supposed to stay at home, not follow me here, and with Amelia no less," Splinter lightly scolds once they stop talking, "Leonardo, I am very disappointed."
"I'm sorry, sensei, but I just—"
"Don't blame Leo, Master Splinter," Raph interrupts, "I…kind of talked him into it."
"And I went along for the heck of it," Amy explains. A bright light begins to glow across the group and they look to see the Gyoji with a flag, placing it on the ground.
"Victory for Hamato Splinter of dimension third Earth," he says and disappears again. They hear a groaning noise and they look to see that the giant is standing up. The turtles and Amy draw their weapons.
"Protect Master Splinter!" Leo says as they place themselves between Splinter and the giant.
"No, no, no!" Splinter calls out as he pushes through them, "D'Jinn is not an enemy."
D'Jinn laughs and kneels down to Splinter, "Well fought comrade, I had such hopes of beating you."
"And you almost did, old friend," Splinter chats to him with ease, "It was a most valiant contest, domo arigato."
"You five should be honored to have one such as Splinter as your sensei," D'Jinn says to the turtles and Amy, "He is something of a legend here."
"He is?" Donnie asks in surprise and confusion.
"By War Eye's Hammer, do you mean he hasn't told you?" the turtles and Amy still look confused.
"Told us what?" Amy questions and D'Jinn laughs, "This is rich, too rich. Please, allow me to tell you a story about your sensei."
They smile at each other, turning to D'Jinn. "Story time!" Amy exclaims excitedly.
"I really rather you would not bother, old friend," Splinter protests.
"It's no bother, comrade," D'Jinn assures, "Listen up, young ones, down through the centuries and across the multiverse, the greatest warriors have always searched for great challenges. And so it came to pass, that this place was born, a nexus where beings from a multitude of different worlds could pit themselves against worthy challengers. The Battle Nexus tournament, where a warrior can prove themselves to be one of the mightiest and most skilled martial artists of all creation. Your sensei's sensei was once a Battle Nexus champion, and, not long after that, your master entered the competition as well. He surprised and impressed many with his courage, skill, and honor, but his success has lead him to a final battle with one of the fiercest of all fighters: Drako."
"Ooo, this is getting good," Amy comments, munching on popcorn. The turtles give a look of surprise.
"Where'd you get the popcorn?" Mikey asks curiously.
"Doesn't matter, shh!"
"Poor Splinter, his leg was broken in the battle and it looked hopeless. The match was halted and Splinter was given the chance to forfeit, but he would not. He was allowed to splint his leg and continue the contest. I swear, not even I believe it when Splinter managed to triumph over Drako, broken leg and all. Truly, he was the best of the best that day. Splinter was the new champion of the big brawl," the teens gasp in amazement.
"Our sensei, the greatest warrior of all the multiverse," Leo gasps.
"It was nothing," Splinter says.
"It didn't seem like nothing to me!" Amy protests, finishing her popcorn.
"Again, where'd you get the popcorn?" Donnie questions and she slaps his arm.
"This is huge!" Mikey exclaims.
"I won the competition, that is all."
"It's like finding out your dad is…Superman!" Mikey says excitedly.
"Ah, but wait, there is more," D'Jinn speaks, "Dark deeds were afoot that day."
"Yes!" Amy cheers, eating more popcorn. Raph is about to speak when she warns, "If this is about the popcorn…"
Raph smiles sheepishly.
"Splinter was ambushed by Drako and his assassins were dishonorable. They attacked Splinter after the match, but a young rabbit had crossed their paths, trying to help, but was overpowered. Splinter and the young rabbit samurai would have been destroyed had the Daimyo not intervened, using his mystical war staff until Drako fled like the coward he is. He has not been heard of since."
"Wow, it's all…so cool!" Donnie says excitedly.
"Yeah!" Amy exclaims happily, finishing the popcorn, and Mikey slowly raises a hand, "I had it in my bag, okay?!"
"Thank you!" Mikey says in relief.
A portal suddenly opens up right behind them and they look to see the Daimyo.
"We are honored by your return sensei," the Daimyo says as he bows at Splinter.
"It is I who am honored," Splinter replies as he bows back.
"I cannot tell you what a pleasure it is to see my good friend in the ranks of gallant warriors, and now your sons and Amelia are here to compete. This is truly a great day."
Splinter looks skeptical about the turtles and Amy joining the tournament, "They were supposed to stay at home." Leo coughs awkwardly at that, since he was the one who let his brothers and Amy leave the lair.
"Noble Daimyo," the Gyoji speaks, "the five earthers were not registered properly. However, they did win a match in the qualifying round."
"Excellent," the Daimyo says proudly, "Then by my decree, they shall be entered into the contest, if you deem it acceptable, my friend." The turtles and Amy turn to Splinter.
Splinter closes his eyes to think about it before he looks at the five. "I thought perhaps that they were not ready to compete," they cringe at that, "But perhaps fate is showing an overprotective father that his sons are growing up…Amelia is already grown. They may enter," the turtles and Amy cheer.
"Now that that is happily settled, I have an important point of honor that must be addressed," Purple smoke begins to appear out of nowhere and the Ultimate Ninja appears, "By my son."
Amy stiffens and Leo growls, clenching his fists. "What is this?" Raph questions as he draws his sais, ready to get payback on the Ultimate Ninja, "Some kind of trick?"
"No trick, I swear it," the Ultimate Ninja reassures, then bows to Splinter, "Honored sensei, I know that when last we met, I challenged Leonardo to a mortal duel, it was a rash act and I humbly apologize for my unwarranted actions upon your family. I beg your forgiveness."
"Look who's turned over a new leaf," Raph mocks.
"Your apology is most gracious," Splinter says and bows to the Ultimate Ninja, "We accept."
"I don't," Amy calls out as she crosses her arms, glaring at the Ultimate Ninja, "You trapped me in a bubble and tried to use me as a prize!"
"I did not mean to make you feel degraded," the Ultimate Ninja replies as he stands up and walks over to her. "I find you a very intriguing and courageous woman."
Amy's hairs stand up as she blushes a little at the comment. She then glares and steps closer to him, kneeing him where the sun don't shine…hard.
"Ooo," the turtles wince.
"Now that's gotta hurt," Raph comments.
"Flattering me will get you nowhere!" Amy exclaims angrily.
"I…deserve that…" the Ultimate Ninja murmurs as he rolls over in pain. He holds out something to Amy, "May I at least bestow this gift upon you?"
Amy gasps at the hair comb with a cherry blossom attached, "I…I can't accept—"
"Nonsense, it will highlight your beauty."
He then places the comb in her hair, pushing her bangs away from her face. Leo growls harshly at the Ultimate Ninja as he places an arm around Amy, pulling her to him. He still didn't like him because of his fondness of Amy.
"I'm sorry to interrupt," Leo snaps, trying not to seem angry, "But I don't think I can compete. My swords, they were broken."
"Father, we must help him," the Ultimate Ninja says.
"Of course," the Daimyo answers, "We have an exemplary swordsmith, fear not," the Daimyo uses his staff that he's carrying and Leo's swords begin to glow. They lift out of his hands, "The Gyoji will see to it that your swords are prepared and brought to you."
"As you wish, my lord," the Gyoji says as the swords float in front of him and he uses the paddle he's holding, disappearing.
"Come, the next stage of the tournament is about to begin," Daimyo tells them as he raises his staff and it glows brightly, transporting them to a podium that overlooks the fighting arena. Other contestants are down bellowing, cheering.
"Warriors!" the Daimyo calls out to the crowd, "You have traveled from the multitude of diverse universes and I bid you welcome to the Battle Nexus tournament! To those who have fallen in battle, I salute your bravery and courage, and to those who have passed the preliminary round, I say congratulations and brace yourselves for the combat to come, for now is the time. Let the next round of the Battle Nexus tournament begin!" He raises his staff in the air and confetti fireworks shoot up in the air, exploding in the sky. Amy smiles and raises a hand, making snow fall. The crowd cheers louder.
"Amelia, perhaps after your round in the tournament, we should…go over your strategies," the Ultimate Ninja whispers to her and she gives a look of confusion.
"But I've managed to fight on my own just fi—"
"She doesn't need your help, and I can teach her just fine, thank you," Leo growls, placing his hands on top of Amy's shoulders.
The Ultimate Ninja glares at him and he glares back. Amy looks between them, blushing. Leo walks Amy over to the edge of the podium and looks down at the contestant crowd, surprised to see someone very familiar.
"Traximus?!" Leo gasps in surprise and everyone looks down to see him.
"Let me see!" Raph calls out when he hears the name.
"Oh wow!" Donnie exclaims.
"Cool," Mikey says.
"How did he get here?" Amy murmurs in thought.
"Please, my friends," the Ultimate Ninja says, "Allow me to escort you to your next arena," he leads everyone through a hall and into a room that is lined with statues. "As you see around you, this is the pavilion of past champions, something of a Hall of Fame," the Ultimate Ninja explains, then he stops in front of three statues, although one is missing, "Here are three statues that may interest you."
Everyone looks to see statutes of Hamato Yoshi and Splinter next to each other, the one next to Splinter missing.
"Whoa," Leo gasps.
"Awesome!" Donnie says.
"Imagine, our sensei and his sensei have statues in the Hall of Fame," Mikey comments.
"Why isn't there a statue here?" Amy asks curiously, pointing to the empty space.
"Ah, that space is reserved for you, for I believe you will win the tournament," the Ultimate Ninja answers, putting his hands on her shoulders. Amy blushes and Leo growls, the other turtles glaring.
"Come, we must go," the Ultimate Ninja speaks and begins to walk off, the others soon following.
"Guys," Leo calls out, "If it would be alright, I'd like to stay here a minute, I'll catch up later."
"Remember Leo, don't touch anything," Mikey says.
"You break it, you bought it, bro," Raph adds.
"Go on, I'll be right behind you," Leo tells them, Amy giving him a look, sensing that someone is watching them.
"I'll stay with you so you don't cause any trouble," Amy teases and Leo rolls his eyes, though silently happy that she would not have to deal with the Ultimate Ninja.
They leave and Leo looks up at the states of Splinter and Yoshi. He presses his hands together, closes his eyes, and pays his respects to them. Amy does the same. But unknown to them, a group of shadow magic ninjas phase out through the statues behind Amy and Leo, very quietly jumping onto the statue that is right behind them. One of them raises a crossbow right at Leo.
