The Big Brawl part 4
Shortly after carrying Xeron to the medical bay to treat the dislocated and injured bones to her shoulder and leg, Sly stated softly to Scar. "I can't believe Neyla and I had to stop Nebula from ripping her bitch 'sister' apart!"
His brother nodded in agreement and understanding. "Believe me brother, I would've loved nothing more than to let Nebula tear Gamora apart, especially after what she did to Xeron...but then she never would have the opportunity to face her and defeat her in combat, to prove who is the better assassin/warrior."
After remembering how they would be facing each other in the arena next, the raccoon Hunter stated softly. "Don't hold anything back, just because we're brothers, Scar."
The full blooded Yautja stated with the same soft but firm tone. "Don't hold anything back on me either, Sly. Give me everything you have once we're in the arena."
Meanwhile with the Turtles
Mikey said softly. "Guys...I honestly don't know how to how to feel about this: having to watch Sly and Scar fight each other in the next round."
Donny answered while agreeing with his younger brother. "From everything they and Neyla told us, Sly and Scar practically had each other's backs the day Scarface rescued, adopted and brought him into their Yautja Clan."
Raph asked curiously, as he could tell that his Hunter friends weren't that upset about fighting each other. "Well, Sly and Scar don't seem to be bothered by it, right?"
Leo answered while knowing the answer. "It must be because they know they have no chance of winning against each other. Scar did help teach/train Sly when Scarface brought him before their clan: practically taught him everything he knows...and trained together non-stop, so they know each other's moves."
Mikey stated jokingly while reminding both Raph and Leo they would be fighting next after their Hunter friends. "So Raph...think you can try to keep yourself from killing Leo while you guys fight in the ring?"
Before the red masked turtle could ask why the orange masked turtle would say something like that, Donny merely reminded their hotheaded brother how many times he took basic training sessions way too far, especially against Leo so he could be their new leader.
Leo simply stated while turning to his brother. "It's time we ended our rivalry once and for all Raph."
The red masked turtle knew that his older brother was right, since he begrudgingly realized and accepted that he wasn't meant or cut out to be their leader. "You're so right about that, Leo."
Meanwhile in the preparation room
Master Splinter was consoling Nebula, as he knew how much hatred and anger she had towards Gamora for what she did to Xeron during their match. The blue skinned assassin turned to her true father. "Master Splinter...just how do you cope with having this much anger/hatred towards someone?"
Splinter answered while sitting beside his now adopted/true daughter. "In all honesty Nebula, I never truly coped or got over the day that Ch'rell murdered Master Yoshi, so he could discover where Mortu and his people were hiding. That night, when we first battled him on that rooftop...I wanted nothing more than to end his wretched live...but I did not because I could not dishonor Master Yoshi's memory by going down that path." He asked his new daughter gently. "Nebula...what do you think Xeron would want you to do once you face Gamora in the ring?"
The blue skinned assassin choked back sobs before answering softly. "To let her live."
"Yes. And so would Caiera. Your mother would not want to see her daughter go back down the path that Thanos set for you. Even though Gamora has played a part in hurting you, she, too has betrayed Thanos and has found her own family. While she may not have completely changed, she has saved innocent people across the universe."
"But that doesn't excuse what she did to Donny and Xeron. When I saw her face when she was close to being beaten, I saw the monster that Thanos made her. After so many times telling me to be better than what Thanos made her, she couldn't do the same. And after what she did to my friend and the woman I love, I'll make sure she feels the exact same pain, no matter what." Nebula vowed, wanting Gamora to suffer the way she made Donny and Xeron suffer.
"Just remember, Nebula, try very hard to remember that you have found your true family now and what Xeron and Caiera would want, my daughter." Splinter said wisely as he rubbed his new adopted daughter's shoulder.
Later
After hearing the Gyoji announce the next to rounds Sly, Scar, Leo and Raph headed to their assigned arenas, while Neyla, Mikey and Don wished them the best of luck and to put on a great match for the crowd. Once Sly and Scar stepped into their arena, they donned their masks but discarded all their weaponry, as they followed their races code of honor: true Yautja warriors don't hide behind their weapons in an honorable fight. The match between the two Hunter siblings was a truly magnificent and heated one, as neither Scar or Sly could land a direct blow on the other, due to them being all to familiar with their fighting styles and methods. After easily blocking/catching a cartwheel kick that his raccoon brother attempted to land, Scar easily tossed the raccoon Hunter across the ring, which Sly easily recovered from by performing two reverse somersaults before getting back into his fighting stance with the crowd applauding to them as they truly enjoyed seeing heated battle, especially April, Casey, Lonae, Angel and Sylvia.
After the two Hunter siblings fought for another heated full hour, without either of them being able to turn the tide against the other...Scar surprised his adopted brother by forfeiting the match, giving him the win. "Scar, why are you giving me the win?" Sly asked with surprise, wondering why his Yautja brother would forfeit the match and let him have the win.
Scar answered truthfully which surprised his brother deeply. "Because, brother, I want you to be the one to make it to the finals and be the next Nexus champion to honor our father's memory. It's what he would want because he knew that you would 1 day compete in the tournament, just as he did. Plus, there is always next time."
Sly said softly before he and Scar embraced into a brotherly hug. "I promise you brother, I'll win the final match and honor our father's memory. And the next time we compete, you will be the 1 who becomes the next champion, just as Neyla will after that because I feel that father would all 3 of us to be champions."
The crowd had applauded and clapped at the sight between the two Hunter siblings, especially their human friends, as they were touched by how Scar would willingly give the win of the match to his brother and wanted him to be the one to honor their father's memory. And that Sly would want Scar and Neyla to be champions alongside him.
Meanwhile with Leo's and Raph's match
The two mutant turtle brothers were evenly matched...just like Sly and Scar, due to them being too familiar with the other's fighting styles due to training together all their lives. However, there was one advantage that Leo had over his brother: Raph's temper as he was treating their bout more like a training match...to earn the right to become their new leader. After fighting each other for half an hour with their swords/sais...the blue masked turtle and red masked turtle decided to end their match with their close combat skills. They had easily blocked while trading each other blow for blow: Leo landing an inside kick while Raph landed a spinning crescent kick. However, Leo was landing more blows due to being more level headed than Raph...as he was using a lot of energy into throwing flying knees or power kicks to the chest or head, which the blue masked turtle easily dodged.
The match had soon ended though, as Raph attempted to land a spinning roundhouse kick that Leo ducked and ended their match with an uppercut and spinning heel kick to the head that sent the red masked turtle collapsing to the arena. Before the Gyoji could even make the announcement to declare Leo the winner, Raph asked for a second to tell his older brother something, which the referee agreed to.
Raph stated while offering Leo a hand to shake. "Boy...am I sorry for questioning and challenging you to be the leader just to prove I'm the better fighter and son than you, Leo. From now...I'll follow your orders to the letter, without any backtalk."
Leo smiled while accepting Raph's apology and hand to shake and help him up. "I appreciate that. And Raph, I never thought of myself as Master Splinter's best student or favorite son and neither does he. He loves the four of us equally." He said softly before they headed to rejoin the others.
The next 3 matches were very surprising to the final 6 fighters: Leo vs Usagi, Sly vs Phantom and most importantly... Nebula vs...Gamora, much to everyone's surprise, as Nebula and Gamora's bad blood was still strong and the intense rivalry they had was very personal for both of them, but Nebula knew now that she had a chance against Gamora now more than ever, because now...she had her new family and her lover Xeron to fight for.
However, unknown to anyone...a familiar shadowy figure had been witnessing the match between Sly and Scar and cackled evilly."Soon...it will come down to you and me, old friend."
"Attention all remaining fighters, the final 3 matches will take place after an hour's intermission. In that time, do as you please to prepare!" The Gyoji announced before teleporting away.
10 minutes later in the healing room
The mystical healer was examining Xeron's shoulder and leg, using his power to set them back in place, which he did but he had told her to stay in the room for an hour to rest. After bandaging her up, the healer left and Angel and Sylvia came in shortly after.
They quickly ran up to her and hugged her gently as they knew she was still hurting from her injuries. "Xeron, we're glad you're alright." Angel said with tears in her eyes.
"You're not permanently damaged, are you Xeron?" Sylvia asked with concern for 1 of her teachers and big sisters.
"Of course not, Sylvia, my shoulder and leg will heal in an hour, thanks to the healer. Don't worry, I'll be fighting and teaching you both again before you know it." Xeron said with a smile as she rubbed the young ladies' hair.
That was when Nebula came in and the young ladies walked up to her before she drew them in for a hug. "Comforting Xeron, you 2?" She asked with a gentle smile.
"Yeah. We figured that we should be here with her so she wouldn't be alone in the healing room." Angel answered with a knowing smile.
"Yeah. We figured if she can't watch the final fights, we'd at least keep her company... unless she's healed enough to." Sylvia added after her purple haired lover.
"That's our girls, but I think you should stand outside for a few minutes. Xeron and I need to have a talk. It won't take long." Nebula said while looking at her lover before the young ladies left the room.
Nebula got to her knees next to her lover and gently hugged her, as she knew that she was still hurting from what Gamora did to her. "Xeron baby, I'm so sorry for what happened to you."
Xeron returned the hugged while slowly moving her hurting arm to keep the pain at bay. "It's alright, baby. It's not your fault, it's that bitch Gamora's fault. If there's anyone to blame, it's her."
"I know, but there's also something else you need to know: the opponent I'll face in my final match...will be Gamora." Nebula revealed, beginning to get angry at the thought of facing Gamora again and due to what she did to Donny and her lover, as well as everything Gamora and Thanos did to her, it was personal.
Xeron would ask her blue skinned lover. "Nebula, are you sure you're ready for this?"
Nebula sighed while taking in deep breathes to control her anger towards her adoptive 'sister'; along with her desire to kill Gamora. "We'll soon see, Xeron. This is the moment that I've been waiting for a long time."
Xeron softly reached for her Nebula's hands and stated. "Nebula...I know you want to make Gamora pay for everything you went through while being 'raised' and 'trained' by 'Daddy Dearest'...but the rules of the tournament still stand. There's no killing."
Nebula stayed silent, as she knew her girlfriend/lover's words were true; as much as she wanted too, she wouldn't be able to forgive herself if she had disobeyed and violated the Nexus tournament rules. And after the talk she had with her Sensei/father, she'd have to use every ounce of willpower she had not to kill Gamora.
Xeron asked softly while cupping her Nebula's left cheek. "Promise me that you won't kill Gamora when you both face each other."
Nebula remained quiet, before replying softly at her Xeron. "I promise you, my love. I'll...try not to kill her."
They leaned in, sharing and sealing the promise with a gentle kiss before they pulled away. Nebula and Xeron smiled at each other before the healing assassin said, "Good luck out there, babe. If I can, I'll try to watch the final matches."
1 hour later
The Gyoji announced that the final matches were about to begin, making the final 6 warrior make last minute preparations for their fights. After that, Leo and Usagi headed down to their fighting arena.
Sly and Nebula were also heading down to face their designated opponents. Only unknown to Sly; he was unaware that he was being watched by Phantom from a distance. The dark armoured figure stated darkly after seeing the raccoon Hunter. "The time has finally come...old friend." He then cloaked himself and headed off to the arena to face Sly...which he had placed several traps to maim his hated enemy/arch-rival.
Before Nebula headed to her arena, she was greeted by angry glances from Peter Quill, Rocket, Groot and Drax which she returned before she walked down to her arena, glaring back at the Guardians. Raph, Mikey, Donny, Splinter, Scar and Neyla saw the angry moment between Nebula and her former team and Mikey stated while chuckling softly. "I, uh, guess Quill and his team are still mad about you, Sly, Nebula and Xeron stealing their ship and blowing it up after you guys stranded them on that messed up planet, Scar."
Raph and Donny couldn't help but chuckle as well; as they remembered Sly and his team telling them about what they did to the Guardians after they brought the Federation forces to their hideout. But Neyla stated with concern. "I just hope that Nebula doesn't kill Gamora during their match, even though she probably deserves it."
Splinter and the Turtles couldn't help but hope the same thing; as they also remembered Sly and Scar telling them that Nebula how had coldly punched her adopted sister right in her face after the Guardians had arrived on the planet that they had first met the Fugitoid.
Raph asked, concerned for their newly adopted sister. "Master Splinter...do you think Nebula will be alright facing against Gamora?"
Splinter answered wisely. "I honestly do not know Raphael, the bad blood between Nebula and Gamora is still strong. But hopefully, she will learn to control her anger and hate towards her." The Turtles and their master, along with Neyla and Scar could only wait and see what would happen during the match but were still concerned. But little did they know, Nebula wasn't going to the only 1 they would be worried about.
A few minutes later in Leo's arena
The blue masked turtle and the samurai rabbit bowed respectively to each other before getting out 1 of their swords. "I hope you're prepared, Leonardo-san. Your swordsmanship skills are truly remarkable. I would say that it is equal to my own."
"I was about to say the same thing to you, Usagi-san. I watched your fight with my Hunter friend Neyla and it was a great fight. But she told me that you helped save my father, Master Splinter from Drako years ago. For that, you have my eternal gradatude... and my friendship." Leo said humbly.
"It would be an honor, Leonardo-san. Let us fight as friends and may the best swordsman win." Usagi said with a smile while getting into a battle stance.
The 2 swordsmen began their fight with only 1 sword but after 10 minutes, they began to use both of them, being deeply and mightily impressed with the other's swordsmanship and fighting style with katanas. The crowd cheered for both of them, due to the fact that the match was a tie. They continued being evenly matched, with both not seeming to be getting the upper hand until Leo ended up being the winner. Both he and Usagi then thanked each other for a respectable and honorable battle, shaking hands as the crowd applauded their sportsmanship.
Meanwhile in Sly's arena
The moment Sly had entered his fighting arena, his mask detected multiple Yautja explosives and easily avoided them! The crowd shouted out in surprise and confusion, asking where the explosions came from, especially April, Casey and Lonae while Scar and Neyla looked surprised at each other, as they were all too familiar with those tactics, along with Sly. After he successfully avoided the explosives; his mask detected 4 thrown shurikens heading towards his way but he skillfully avoided the deadly sharp weapons with his acrobatic maneuvers, making the crowd gasp and cheer at the same time; applauding the raccoon's athletic moves!
Donny stated as he, Master Splinter, Raph, Mikey and Leo were surprised to what they and the crowd were seeing. "You guys...those are Yautja weapons!"
Mikey asked while scratching his head in confusion. "So...does this mean that Sly's opponent is a another Yautja?"
After hearing Mikey's question about Sly's mysterious opponent, Scar's eyes widened as he muttered softly. "No...it couldn't be."
Neyla, who heard the concern in Scar's voice would ask gently. "Scar...whose Sly fighting down there?"
Her adopted brother said softly. "Someone that both Sly and I hoped to never see again."
While he avoided the shurikens, Sly had armed his plasma caster and skillfully aimed his energy weapon; destroying 3 of the 4 shurikens. He then stated out loud. "Show yourself, coward! I know you're here somewhere! Come out and face me!"
That was when a ghostly voice darkly answered right behind him. "As you wish."
Before Sly could draw out his glaive, he felt a stronger and muscular hand grab him from behind his neck and the audience saw a cloaked figure appearing before them...and shocking the Turtles, Neyla and Master Splinter...but not Scar. "So, it is him." He thought to himself with a glare.
The Super Predator cackled evilly after showing himself and stated darkly. "Greetings, my old playmate. So glad you and Scar could come."
Sly growled angrily after seeing who his opponent was. "Black!"
Phantom, formally known as Black, chuckled darkly and replied. "You head the referee, I go by the name Phantom now. A bit obvious, but to the point." He then armed his elongated wrist blades before asking. "Don't you think?" Before he immediately impaled Sly through his armor/chest and the raccoon Hunter cred out in pain!
The crowd cried and yelled out in shock/horror at what they were seeing, while the Turtles, Splinter, their human friends and Neyla, who stared shocked by what a monster the mysterious Super Predator was! Phantom smiled sadistically as he heard Sly cringing/growling in agony as he pushed his blade further. "Ah...your pain is lovely. But where is your terror?"
Sly attempted to draw out his glaive, but cried out as Phantom drove his blade further in, missing anything vital. "I want to make this just as amusing like our previous encounter on the Game Reserve Planet!"
The raccoon hunter snarled angrily and asked after the Super Predator brought up the day they first met and fought. "You want amusing, freak?!" He instead drew out his Combistick, separated it and stated sarcastically. "Warning: this might sting a bit!" Before swiftly impaling the spears right through the left/right sides of Phantom's head and the Super Predator roared out in great pain as the tips of the weapon pierced through his mask and skull! Just as Phantom struggled to pull the spears out, Sly delivered a powerful knee to his mask covered face and follow up with a relentless assault of punches, making Scar and the others cheer for him, along with the crowd and their human friends as he had managed to counter and turn the tables on Phantom!
But the Super Predator countered with a power kick to Sly's chest after removing the spears from the sides of his head/mask, which sent him staggering back a few steps. Phantom chuckled darkly while stating. "Ho ho, you're trickier than before. I like that!" Before he charged in, ready to land a powerful punch...and was met with a powerful kick to his upper chest after Sly had recovered!
While he and Sly landed/avoided each other's blows...Raph and the others remembered Phantom referring to Sly as 'his old playmate' and mentioned a previous encounter; like they knew other and even mentioned Scar's name. Raph asked.. "Scar...who is that guy? How does he know you and Sly?"
The full blooded Yautja was hesitant to answer, but replied, "It's...It's complicated Raphael. After Sly wins this match, he and I will explain how we know that disgraceful abomination."
Raph and the others nodded, as they could instantly tell that there was a bad history between Sly, Scar and Phantom. They turned their heads around to continue watching the match and stared with shock, as Phantom had blocked a left hook from the raccoon and lifted him the ground, attempting to strangle Sly to death!
The Super Predator laughed and smiled evilly as he strangled Sly. "Ha ha ha! Now I'll have my rightful vengeance...for what happened on the Game Reserve." But he was surprised by the smirk on Sly's face and demanded. "What are you smirking about rodent!"
The raccoon Hunter answered while still smirking. "You threw 4 Shurikens...and I only destroyed 3, fool!"
Phantom gasped as he realized he'd forgotten about the fourth Shuriken he threw...and it proved to be his greatest blunder. His eyes widened in shock...as the 4th Shuriken had approached and sliced the back of both his legs; severing the femoral arteries! Phantom roared out in sheer pain before Sly had gotten free; by jump kicking and pushing the Super Predator away!
Phantom collapsed on his knees as he lost a huge amount of blood, which surrounded around him and the last thing he saw...was Sly running up to him, performing and landing a powerful cartwheel kick...which connected with his head and brought him hard!
The crowd cheered out loud as the referee announced Sly as the winner before he fell to the ground from his injuries, making Scar and Neyla rushed to him and take him to the healing room with Xeron, Angel and Sylvia.
Meanwhile in Nebula's arena
The referee announced for the match to begin...before Nebula glaring angrily at Gamora, who glared back at her adopted sister. The blue skinned warrior stated simply. "I've been waiting for this for a while."
The green skinned assassin stated simply with a glare. "As have I...sister."
Nebula stated coldly as she gritted her teeth."You lost the right to call me 'sister' a long time ago. As far as I'm concerned, I was never your sister!"
The two skilled assassins drew out their own swords and charged in, starting the match! And The Guardians cheered for Gamora to win, along with wanting payback for what Nebula and her team did to them.
While locked in a sword lock, Gamora stated angrily. "You and your team of killers left me and my team stranded on that messed up planet and had the nerve to destroy our ship!"
Nebula smiled and stated coldly. "Consider that payback for what you lowlifes did on that planet, when you were willing to sacrifice Xeron instead of helping her. And for what you did to her and Donny, I'm going to make you feel the pain you caused them!."
The green skinned assassin countered. "We needed Thanos's agents alive! They could've told us his plans...but you and your homicidal bitch girlfriend had to kill them! And that turtle just got in my way of getting to you and your bitch girlfriend's injuries are nothing compared to what I'm going to do to you, Nebula!"
The blue skinned warrior stated angrily. "Don't...ever...talk...about Xeron...like that...ever again!" Before she forcefully shoved Gamora away, breaking the lock and going on the offensive.
Scar and the others cheered for Nebula to go on the defensive, but grew concerned after they heard Nebula insulting Xeron...especially after she had joined them in watching the match between the two sisters, having healed enough to watch the match. Xeron was also concerned for her Nebula, especially after what her green skinned bitch 'sibling' said about her before she, the Turtles, Scar and Neyla glared as they overheard Quill and the Guardians cheering for Gamora to win the match.
Quill shouted out. "C'mon Gamora! Knock out that ungrateful and backstabbing bitch sister of yours!" Rocket and Drax cheered out in agreement...while Groot was just playing his video game!
The match was a constant tie: with Nebula and Gamora being evenly matched due to being all too familiar with their fighting styles. Scar stated while being impressed and crossing his arms. "Hmm, Gamora has obviously been well trained, despite being raised by a tyrant like Thanos."
Donnie agreed with Scar, stating with concern. "There's a good possibility that the match could end up being a tie."
Mikey asked. "How can you be so sure, Don?"
The purple masked turtle answered sarcastically. "Oh, well gee Mikey, maybe it has to do with the fact that neither Gamora and Nebula can't seem to catch the other off guard."
Master Splinter stated. "It may seem that way Donatello, but the match is still only beginning."
The others watched as the match was continuing to go back and forth as a tie until both female warriors were panting heavily, as their foreheads were covered in sweat. Nebula and Gamora had tightened their grips on their own swords and glared, while planning out their new attack strategy. After forming their own battle plan, both 'siblings' had charged in holding their swords backhanded, as sparks had skidded across the floor of the arena and got engaged in another sword lock, making the crowd roar out as the fight had been very entertaining; as neither warrior couldn't get the jump on the other.
After Leo and Usagi's match had come to an end; they had joined Scar and the others watching the final round in the tournament. Leo asked Raph with interest."How has Nebula been doing out there?"
The red masked turtle answered truthfully. "Both Nebula and Gamora have been evenly matched during the entire fight."
Usagi simply stated while crossing his arm "Both female warriors are equally matched. It could go either way."
The final moments of the match had continued being a tie...until Nebula had performed and landed a last minute leg sweep, knocking Gamora off her feet and planted her foot down hard on the green skinned assassin's chest. As she had pointed the tip of her sword above Gamora's throat and the crowd had gasped, thinking that Nebula was going to kill her.
But before she could, she felt her friends and Xeron watching her...with Splinter saying, "No, my daughter!"
Raph would added with Mikey, Donny and Leo beside him. "Nebula, no! No!"
Nebula and Xeron shared a look, remembering the promise they made before the match ever started...which she chose to honor as she removed her foot off Gamora's chest and sword away from her throat...and the green skinned warrior panted heavily; thinking for sure that her 'sister' would've gone all the way.
The blue skinned warrior asked simply. "Had enough?...Or do you want to keep going?"
Knowing there'd be no point in continuing the match, Gamora shook her head 'no' while still panting. The referee announced Nebula as the winner, with the crowd, Turtles, Splinter, Sly, Scar, Neyla and more importantly Xeron and their human friends cheering and clapping for who had won the match. The Guardians on the other hand were simply glancing down; disappointed as neither of them had gotten back at the anti-heroes for what they did to them.
"But before I go, I think I promised that I'd make you feel the pain that you caused 1 of my new brothers...and the woman I love, and I keep my promises, Gamora!" Nebula said with ire before she broke Gamora's left shoulder, shattered her right femur bone and dislocated her left leg, rendering all 3 limbs useless for a while and making Gamora yell out in pain before knocking her out!
Just as Nebula had rejoined her friends and team, Quill called out. "Nebula!"
Nebula turned to glance at Quill as he continued. "You, your team and friends just got lucky this time. But next time...my team and I will get you four pricks for what you did to us on that planet and destroying our ship and hurting my girlfriend!"
Mikey would shout out, "Ah, blow it out your ear! I'll bet you were dropped on your head multiple times as a baby, were you?!"
"And for the record, she hurt my brother and my friend 1st so I guess that makes us even, Quill!" Raph added.
The entire crowd laughed at Mikey's comment, along with his siblings and anti-heroes as Quill simply glared and walked away angrily to get Gamora and get out of here.
During the final ceremony, which was held after Sly had been healed enough, the raccoon Hunter, Leo and Nebula were made the honorary Battle Nexus champions; while Scar, Neyla, Mikey, Donny, Raph, Splinter and Xeron clapped, along with the crowd as they were handed the medals of champions. But unknown to them, they all would soon face a new enemy...that would threaten their lives.
There you go, my friends, the final rounds of the Battle Nexxus are complete. Next is the final part where Drako and the Ultimate Ninja will be dealt with. Rate and review. See you soon, my friends.