Chapter Ten:

Marching into the Frey




The sun rose over the horizon, spilling blood-red rays of light onto the ground below. No sounds were heard; nothing stirred. Everything was silent.

Lee looked over the landscape of the once great city of New York through his binoculars. Half of the buildings and skyscrapers had been reduced to rubble. The streets were empty but covered with the bodies of the dead. He looked to the west and discovered that Central Park had been turned into nothing more than a desert landscape, filled with trenches and fox holes. Lee sighed heavily, then passed the binoculars to Leslie.

"Never in my forty years on this planet have I ever witnessed anything more horrible than this, Lieutenant."

Leslie peered through the binoculars. " Tom told me that most of the major cities around the U.S. are like this." She placed the binoculars back into the case that rested on her hip. " This will be the one to make or break the world, sir."

Lee looked over at Leslie. " Lieutenant, how do you stay so strong in times like this?"

"It's called willpower, sir."

Lee chuckled as they walked back down the hillside into the valley. At the base of the hill, the entire Mutant Militia force, along with many humans, stood and waited. Lee stood in front of them, arms behind his back, and his face twisted between sorrow and anger. As he spoke, he voice echoed against the walls of the valley

"Troops, this is it. The time is upon us now to defend the rights of, not only our people, but for the rights of all mankind. Hate runs deep between the races, as we have all realized this day. If things had been different, we would not be standing here, ready to give our lives away. Fate can be a cruel thing, and it seems fate has given us this path to follow."

Lee stopped, and wiped at a tear that had seeped out. He looked at the faces near him and could see the fear in their eyes. He sighed deeply, then continued.

"Many of you are very young, and I will not lie to you. Many of you will lose your lives. Death will be all around you. You will have horrible memories of this until the day you die. I know this, because I live with it myself. So if you are not as brave as you thought, I suggest you go home, pack, and leave the city."

He looked over the troops, feeling the fear heighten among them. But no one moved. Lee smiled to himself.

"I can see I have a great army of brave souls who believe in what they are about to fight for, and that makes my heart swell with pride." He looked over at Leslie, who had a smile on her face. He turned back to the troops.

" Now if you are ready, we will begin our trip across the bridge into the city. Where is the Special Ops. troop at?"

A group of ten soldiers marched towards Lee and saluted in unison. He looked them over and nodded in approval. " These are the best of the best, Lieutenant?"

" Yes, sir. They are the best and the brightest of the M.M."

Lee saluted the group. " Good. Lieutenant, radio the commanders and tell them to start moving out."

"Yes, sir."



Raph sat on the doorstep of the lair and twirled one of his sais, point down, around on the ground. He looked around the sewer tunnel, thinking back to the first time they had moved into the lair. They were only three and he had made a comment to Splinter on how stinky this area of the sewer had been. Raph laughed to himself as Mike joined him.

"What's so funny?"

Raph looked at Mike. " That outfit."

Mike looked down at his MM uniform. " Well, they didn't really have in any other color."

Raph laughed at his brother then replaced his sai into his belt under his own uniform. " Are we ready to go yet?"

"Leo's still saying goodbye to Linda." Mike then made kissing noises in the air. Raph rolled his eyes and was about to comment when Mike changed the subject.

"How long do you think this will last?"

Raph shrugged his shoulders. " I don't know, Mikey. Probably a long time. Wars just don't finish in one day."

"I guess that means I have to tape Friends then, huh?"

Raph laughed again. "Geesh."

Mike looked down at then ground and nervously twisted his hands together. " Do you think-think that uh, we might not-"

Raph looked into his brothers eyes. "Mikey, don't worry. We're gonna get out of this together. Just like every other time." He placed his arm around Mike. " Be strong, bro."

"I'm trying."

Don then stepped out, wearing his uniform and carrying a duffel bag over his shoulder. "What's wrong, Mikey?"

"He's scared." Raph hugged Mike tightly. " He's having a hard time with this."

Don nodded. " Yeah." He knelt down and grabbed Mike's hands. " Hey, don't be afraid Mikey. We are going to be okay. I promise you."

Mike looked into Don's eyes and sniffed back a few tears. He managed a small smile, then looked back at the ground.

Leo appeared, and they all stood with him.

"Are you guys ready?"

Raph looked around one last time, still holding onto Mike. " Yeah, I guess we are." Don nodded in agreement.

Splinter came out into the tunnel, shutting the door behind him. He stopped in front the Turtles and folded his hands together. His eyes drifted between his sons and a smile crept across his face.

"Ah, my sons. The time has come. To quickly for me, I'm afraid. This will be the biggest fight you may ever have to face, as it will also be a great test of strength and courage. Just remember to watch for one another, as you have in the past. You are family; honor that to the end."

The Turtles watched as tears fell from Splinter's eyes. They had never seen him in such an emotional state, and they themselves could not hold it in any longer. They all wrapped their arms around Splinter and they all enjoyed a long, heartfelt embrace. When they pulled back, Mike wiped his eyes and turned to Splinter.

"Hey Master? Could you set the VCR for me?"


* * * * * * * * * * *


Leslie stood back on the hillside as she watched numbers of her army walk across the bridge that led into the city, and into the hands of certain doom. She lowered her head and reached into the pocket of her uniform. She pulled out a photo of her and several other mutant foxes; the picture just taken last summer. Leslie smiled, knowing that her family were safe on the other side of the world. Sighing, she began to replace the picture.

"Hey!"

Leslie turned sharply to find Raphael standing behind her. " Soldier! Things like that will not be tolerated by a commanding officer!" She turned back to face the river and the bridge.

"What's that?" Raph grabbed the photo out of Leslie's hand and studied it. " Family, I'm guessin'."

"Yes, it is." Leslie pulled the picture back and looked at it again. " It is my family."

Raph looked over Leslie's shoulder. " Where are they now?"

"In Africa. That is where my ancestors are from."

"Who's that?" Raph pointed to a young red fox standing next to Leslie.

"That's my niece." She smiled suddenly. " We are very close." Leslie then quickly replaced the photo. " So, are you ready, soldier?"

"What's with the soldier crap? Can't you call me by my name or somethin?" Raph crossed his arms.

Leslie rolled her eyes and began to walk back down the hill, Raph following close behind. They joined Lee and the other Turtles. Raph nudged Leo with his elbow.

"I think I'm wearing her down." He whispered.

Leo looked at Raph in disgust. " Raph! She's like twenty some years older than you!"

"So, I don't mind."

"Gentlemen!" Lee threw his hands in the air. " I present to you, your very own special Ops troop! The best the MM has to offer."

The troop marched forward in perfect unison and stopped in front of the Turtles as they saluted.

"Man! How fancy!" Mike exclaimed. Don shook his head at Mike.

"This group is at your disposal, gentlemen. They will follow you to the ends of the earth and back, if you want them to." Lee slapped Leo's shoulder and chuckled loudly. " Did I not deliver or what?"

Leo rubbed at the sting. " Yes, sir. You really did."

"Now, before you head out, I have one more motion to carry out." Lee pulled out a four star badge from his shirt pocket and handed it to Leo. " I want to make Leonardo an official commanding officer of the Special Ops."

Leo stared at the badge in his hand in disbelief. " Thank you General. This is a great honor."

"Right! Now, off you go!" Lee shoved the Turtles towards the river. " You each have radios and I will be checking with you all of the time. We will meet up in the future to regroup, so it is vital you keep the radios on."

"But what about-?" Mike tired to cut in.

"I wish you all the best of luck and be very careful."

"Yeah, but-" Don also tried to get a word in.

"I hope you find this Jonas person so we can lock him away for good."

"Hey!" Raph yelled and Lee stopped in his tracks.

"What?"

"Don't we need them?" Raph pointed back to the troops who still stood near the base of the hill.

"Oh yes! Of course." Lee whistled and waved the group to follow them. Leslie soon caught up to them and tapped Raph on the shoulder.

"Good luck, soldier." She extended her hand out. Raph looked at it, then at Leslie's face.

"What's this? Are you being friendly now?"

Leslie sighed and pulled her hand away. " Never mind." She turned her back to him and climbed back up the hill.



Linda couldn't stop the images her sub-conscience was sending through the darkness of her closed eyes. Her mediation was meant to be a peaceful one, but instead brought out the demons. She felt as if she was stuck in her own mind and had no way of escape.

Splinter's ears turned towards the whimpering sounds that Linda was making. He slowly opened an eye and noticed Linda's face was twisted in discomfort and agony. She again made whimpering noises and Splinter rose to his feet. He knelt down next to her and took her hand.

"My child. So many uncertainties and fears lie deep within your mind. You must find a place to ease these pains. Focus on the positive. Focus on what makes you happy."

Linda heard Splinters' words in small whispers as they echoed through her ears. Suddenly images of her mother began to come into focus. She could see her mother's wonderful smile and hear her wonderful laugh. Linda started to relax, but then darkness once again took the image away. Linda opened her eyes, feeling them wet from tears. She turned to Splinter and held tightly to his hands.

"I'm sorry Sensi. I've tried so hard. Why can't I find a positive place in my mind?" She let go and place her hands over her face. " What is wrong with me? Everything that was good in my life has been taken from me." She lifted her head and looked at a framed photo of the Turtles with Splinter that April had taken years ago. Linda smiled as she stared at Leo. "Except for one thing, but even now that is uncertain."

"I know you care deeply for Leonardo, my child." Splinter placed his hand on Linda's shoulder. " As I also know he cares deeply for you. He will come back."

Linda looked at Splinter and grasped his hand. " I want to believe that." Linda's eyes then drifted to the clock that hung on the far wall. She jumped up suddenly, startling Splinter.

"I have to go!"

"Go? What do you mean, Linda?" Splinter used his walking stick to help himself up. " You cannot leave the lair. Leonardo told you to stay here with me. You know it is not safe for you out there."

"I'm sorry Splinter. I will explain everything later. I promise!" As Linda turned for the door, a knock made her jump back. Splinter walked past Linda and opened the door cautiously.

"April! You have come back." He stepped back and allowed April and three other men to enter the lair.

"I'm sorry it took so long." April hugged Splinter and showed the men into the living room. " It's very hard to get back into the city without the Army finding you. They are all over."

"Why are they here?" Linda watched as the men set up camera and sound equipment across the floor and furniture.

"I'm going to be doing secret reports during this war. Don set up this great satellite link to all major cities and surrounding areas in New York. This way, people know what's going on in the city and we don't get detected."

Linda nodded and stepped back as more equipment was brought in. She huddled the wall and watched as April and Splinter became involved in deep conversation. Knowing this was her only chance, Linda quietly made it to the door unseen and ran down the dark tunnels of the sewer.

Only hours later did Splinter realize Linda had disappeared.



Night had began to fall over the city as mutants and humans gathered in Central Park. Each race stood on opposite sides; staring the other down; waiting for the other to make the first move. The silence was deafening; the hatred filling the air like thick blankets of smoke. Everyone was tense; everyone was scared.

Then, a small mutant squirrel, who seemed to be only a child, walked through the field, an American flag draped across his shoulder. He stopped in the middle of the field and faced each side. His brown eyes were wide with fear and sadness, and the raising moon reflected light off the tears that were welling up. He was about to open his mouth to plea for peace, when a shot rang out over the silence, and the young mutant fell to the ground. His blood ran over the flag and onto the ground, thus starting the fight.




Ladies and gentlemen, it has began. The war has started, and now it is all in God's hands. Words can not really describe the way this reporter feels. I have loved ones fighting, just like may of you viewers do. I only pray for a peaceful outcome and I can only hope that this will not last long.

"Pathetic humans!" Zard pounded his fist onto his desk. " Always groveling and whining! Why can't we break this signal?"

"I don't know, sir! It's coded or something."

"Well, you had better fix it!" Zard pounded his fist again. " We are the superior race on this miserable planet! Use your head!"

Zard rose from his seat and paced in front of the large screen that stood above his head. April's voice continued to boom over the speakers.

It seems that many have forgotten that we are all together on this earth, and we should all live as one. For too long has ignorance blinded human and mutant kind, and this war is only proof of that blindness. If only the ones who were responsible for the death of the Madira King would turn themselves in, and I know they are watching.

"Oh, you stupid human!" Zard stopped pacing and stood face to face with the screen. He chuckled to himself and walked back to his seat. " What would make her think that I would turn myself in?" His laughter became louder, making the ships' crew stop and stare. Zard realized all eyes were on him.

"What?! Get back to work! Break that signal!"

A sudden beep on his workstation startled Zard and he slammed his fingers onto the panel. The small screen flickered and Jonas's face appeared.

"Oh, now what Jonas?" Zard placed his hands on his face. " Why must you bother me constantly?"

"Geesh, hello to you too." Jonas crossed his arms. " I was just wondering what that hell that reporter was doing on every freakin channel I turn on?"

"I don't know. She has some satellite connection and we can't break through. Did you think I didn't know about this, Jonas?"

Jonas narrowed his eyes and they glowed red. " No, I knew you knew. I just wanted to let you know that Master Saki is ready down here, that's all."

"Good. Then you may precede as planned. The time has come for the Earth to fall into great darkness and we will destroy all those who oppose us!" Zard threw his fist into the air.

Jonas raised an eyebrow. " Are you sure that ain't from one of them alien movies?"

Zard lowered his fist and shook his head. " Goodbye, Mr. Riley." Zard turned his attention back to the large screen where April still pleaded for a peaceful resolution. Zard began to laugh again as he shouted out to the crew.

"It is time! Release the troops onto the city! Leave no one alive!"




Linda steadied herself as Jonas walked past her, throwing another cigarette butt onto the ground by her feet. Ever since that dream she had about him, Linda couldn't help but be nervous around him. There was just something unnatural about him, something that made the hair on Linda's neck rise. Her eyes followed him to where Shredder stood. Saki was staring at the small television screen that Jonas had brought in days ago. Linda could hear Saki's decayed teeth grind together in frustration and it almost made her stomach turn.

"What is this fool doing?" Shredder asked Jonas. " She has learned nothing from our previous encounters."

"You know her?" Jonas pointed at the screen. " You know April O'Neil?"

"Know her?!" Shredder's voice boomed. " She is only an ally to my enemies!" He turned his back to Jonas and staggered back his seat near the wall. He moaned in discomfort as he sat.

"Are you alright, Master?" Jonas walked over to Saki.

Shredder sighed. " The pain is great inside. I will need more treatments soon."

Linda walked over to side of the balcony and peered down. Below her, thousands of Foot soldiers, old and new, gathered, and weapons were passed out to each one of them. Linda then looked at herself; her body covered in the Foot uniform, complete with the black and red dragon embroidered on the chest. She turned her eyes back to the gathering below and locked eyes with a solider who had suddenly stopped to look at her. Linda could not see his face for the Foot mask, but she knew it was her father. He started to raise his hand to her, but Linda backed away from the balcony, and placed her own mask on her head. She couldn't talk to her father yet; the time was not right. Linda walked over to Saki and stood next the rest of his elite ninja team. She again thought of her father. He was probably just as confused as she had been. Linda told herself she would tell him in time, just as Leonardo would know things in time. Things would be fine again. Linda was going to make sure of it.