Of Life and Death
Rating: T for some violence.
Disclaimer: I deny any ownership of any adult or adolescent transformed shadow warrior chelonians.
Morning practice was over and Leonardo was assigning the evening's patrol duties to his family.
" Ramiela" Leo paused before the kunoichi, she had her father's eager playful ways, and while she took a great deal after her father certain human traits from her mother also were evident, such as her long black hair which she kept braided up, her five fingers and toes, and the high cheek bones in her face.
Rama grinned; she was still new enough to patrols to consider them exciting and fun, even though she had been doing small patrols with her dad, sensei or one of her uncles for the past year and a half, almost two years now. She crossed her fingers as she replied " Yes Sensei."
" You will be patrolling with Raphael tonight on the one to three thirty shift." Leo informed her.
Rama whooped jumping up and punching a fist into the air " All right!"
Raph groaned rolling his eyes " Yer stickin' me wit her agin?"
Rama beamed, " Aw you like having me with you, don't deny it Uncle."
Raph snorted as he crossed his arms over his plastron " Like?" he repeated giving his niece a strange unreadable look, " Hell how am I to go bar hopping when I have a twelve year old tagging along with me?" Raph wondered aloud.
Leo scowled glowering at Raphael " You are suppose to be patrolling not seeking entertainment elsewhere" the turtle leader declared through gritted teeth.
Raph placed a hand on his plastron as he gave a wicked grin " You patrol your way Leo and I patrol mine."
Rama giggled, she ignored her Uncle's teasing because she knew he really didn't mind having her along, besides she had time with all of them on patrol, but her favourite Uncle always made the task far more enjoyable to her then any one else in the family did.
Her father Michaelangelo tended to be very strict and always wanted her to hang back, while he checked things out, or would deem certain situations too dangerous for her, even though she felt fully capable of taking on anything and any one. In other words her dad was far too, overprotective of her.
Her Sensei at least permitted her to enter more skirmishes, but he was always reminding her to use caution, look things over carefully, don't go charging into things, and other stuff, not to mention the long lectures she had to go through when ever she made an error. Then there were all the things Sensei would watch for to bring into a lesson later to see if she had learned from her previous mistakes.
In short Sensei was boring and took all the fun out of being able to patrol and kick butt on low life criminals.
Uncle Donatello was very good about letting her into any situation he felt she was capable of, and a few that he felt might be slightly out of her depth for better practice and training purposes, so in that way he was very good. However Uncle Donatello also had to check out all the dumpsters for electronic finds or scraps he could use for some invention, and inevitably she'd be hauled into service hauling some, of these so called precious finds, back to the lair. Waiting for her Uncle to check dumpsters was boring.
She complained to Sensei once that they were suppose to patrol and take care of problems but Sensei smiled and informed her that Don's work had made their life far more comfortable and it was time well spent.
Rama had tried to press the issue but she was then advised to take a look around the lair at all the things her Uncle had given to make their lives far better, she was then to write an essay about how useful all these items were, as she seemed to be taking advantage of these things.
Ever since then Rama had wisely kept her mouth shut when it concerned Uncle Donatello scavenging during patrol time, however she still resented that her valuable training time was wasted by dumpster scavenging.
Now Uncle Raphael wasn't anything like that, he'd find trouble and let her have at it, sometimes he'd stay back and let her go on her own, other times he'd be there beside her fighting it out.
If she made a mistake in any skirmish he brought it to her attention as soon as possible after wards, give her one of his sterner intimidating looks and remind her to watch herself in battle and not make foolish mistakes. Due to the fact Rama was aware of he Uncle Raphael's patience was not long and the second mistake made, in any area she had all ready been warned about, would mean a much harsher reminder, she was quick to learn and retain what he told her during patrol.
In short he made learning fun, discipline was quick and to the point and patrols always meant a great deal of action, when she got to be with him.
Rama's spirits rose and a part of her was anxious for night to fall and the patrol time to begin.
….
Rama sighed in irritation the evening hadn't offered too much as of yet, course it was still early on in their shift only about forty five minutes had passed since they had started, and they had managed to break up a B&E, they had managed to catch the creeps in the act of breaking but not quite on the verge of entering, which meant theft, so they had saved some store owner loss of goods.
She felt justifiable proud of the fact she had helped out, she glanced down at the street below, her Uncle had told her to stay put while he went to check something out, " I'll be back shortly." He had said before heading towards a back alley and the streets below.
She was a little nervous but also excited at being left alone, it was something her other two Uncles and her father would never do. She almost wished a mugging or something would happen in the alley so she could go down and bust it up all by herself.
She looked hopefully over the edge, but saw nothing, ' How am I ever going prove my worth as a kunoichi if I never get a chance to show it?' She mused to herself.
" Nothin'" She muttered bitterly, feeling that all her hopes were for just that.
" Whachya expect?" came a slurred reply behind her.
Rama whipped around startled by the closeness of the voice, only to see her Uncle giving her a dirty look, and a disparaging shake of his head.
" Don't drop your senses for one moment when on patrol Ramiela" Raph barked, " I shouldn't be able to sneak up on ya, ever. Remember the test, that sort of alertness is needed out here at all times. Be aware of everything!" He ordered briskly.
Rama nodded her head, " Sorry I was more interested in what was going on out there" she gestured to the city, the bright neon lights decked out and flashing in vivid blues, greens, whites and reds. The distant howl of a siren blaring and horns honking. " I guess I let my mind wander," she admitted reluctantly.
" Its okay to know what is going on out there but also be aware of what might be coming closer to home." Raph relented casually, " The test Leo gave you should always be used when you are topside or when the Foot are after you." He advised.
" I know, I'll try it just isn't easy maintaining it all the time," Rama moaned.
Raph grinned, " Don't I know it."
Rama smiled as she realized that was as far as it was going go for now. The test had been a lesson in many things, partly in meditation but also to see if she could sense others sneaking up on her.
Her Sensei had ordered her to meditate in the dojo, for about three hours one day. Rama who didn't care to meditate had a hard time obeying him, and it was only years of instilled obedience to her sensei that finally lead her to comply.
She had sat in lotus position meditating, but after some time she felt a funny feeling that someone had been sneaking up on her, she tried to ignore it, but the feeling grew and she felt suddenly that she was in danger.
A feeling that she thought was pretty ludicrous, because for her to be in danger in their own home, in the dojo no less, someone would have to get past her Uncle Donatello's alarms and then past her father and uncles.
Still the feeling grew to such a point that she felt sure, that to stay still, even one moment longer would be dangerous, for she felt that whoever was behind her was coming to hurt, possibly even kill her.
She rolled and heard the unmistakable sound of a something cutting through air, felt a faint draft and she bounced quickly to her feet drawing her sais, she was prepared to take on this intruder, only to see her sensei standing behind her a katana drawn and a smile on his face.
" What are you trying to do kill me?" She accused.
" No I am trying to keep you from being killed Ramiela" was his cryptic reply, " Think about it. You did well as you have passed the test and are definitely ready for this next stage in training."
" Here kid," Raph's voice roused Rama from the memory of that day of the test, he tossed a small metal object her way, " I figured we earned us a break."
Rama felt the cold metal touch her palm instantly making her hand feel cooler, another perk of being with her uncle, the break time, taken whenever they could spare it, meant a bit of relaxing time.
" Ooooh, Uncle Raphael" Rama sang out as she turned the can in her hand and popped it open with her fingers. A foamy spray ejected from the can.
Raph dived rolling dodging the sticky liquid " Your wastin it" he complained, then he paused to consider his words, " then again it might be better that way."
Rama smirked, " Nothing wrong with root beer" she claimed cheerfully, as she straightened the can for a drink.
" It is bad for your health" Raph declared simply as he opened a can of beer for himself, dropping his head to catch the foam and other liquid before it escaped, he was not about to waste his drink.
" And that isn't?" Rama inquired arching an eye ridge.
" Nope, this is beer the way it is sposta be" Raph replied.
" Yeah right" Rama muttered sarcastically, " Well cheers Uncle" Rama raised her can of root beer and quickly began to down the drink.
Raph did the same with his, they finished almost at the same time, Rama gave a sidelong glance her Uncle's way and let out a loud belch.
Raph went over and smacked her lightly across the top of her head " You are impossible you know that, just what do you think you are doing?" He demanded berating her, " If you are going do something, do it right. When belching you want it loud and long like this."
With that Raph demonstrated the proper way to burp.
" Sorry" Rama muttered, looking anything but contrite judging from the large smile she wore on her face. " I'll try to remember next time." She vowed.
" Eh, it ain't your fault kid it is the crap yer drinking" Raph assured her. He was forever giving her a bad time about the dangers of root beer. Raph smiled back " Back to work now, " Why don't you lead the way Ramiela?"
Rama bounced in eagerness at those words " Really? I get to lead? Aw coool!" her eyes sparkled with pleasure at such a chance. She knew the route they had to take, but normally she was stuck following other's lead.
" Yeah, I think you can handle it kid" Raph agreed.
" You are the best Uncle ever" Rama exclaimed, " Now just try and keep up and don't get lost."
It was only a few minutes later when Raph called to her " Hold up Ramiela, something ain't right."
Rama reached out with her own senses " I don't feel anything," She whispered softly her hands touching the sais tucked into her belt.
Still she knew from the test Sensei had given her that ninja could mask their presence from others, it was a mental part of training and one that she wasn't very good at, as of yet.
"Stand at my back at the ready" Raph ordered briskly.
Rama knew she could fool around a bit more with her favourite Uncle, then she could with any other member of the family when on patrol, but she also knew when her Uncle talked like that it was time to listen and obey, immediately if not sooner.
She also knew her uncle's senses were better tuned to the night and activities around them, then her own senses were, so she hastened to obey.
In a mere second she stood with her carapace against his, she heightened her senses reaching out to detect the least little thing that was off kilter.
She had battled the Foot, their nemesis, before and she wondered if some of the Foot soldiers were now near by waiting for a chance to strike, just because she couldn't sense them, didn't mean they weren't there.
She stilled her breathing doing a quick meditative exercise.
She could feel the tenseness in her uncle's stance and she heard him mutter something very softly behind her.
" Lets move out but stay close to me" Raph ordered after a few minutes had passed with nothing showing itself.
Just a short time ago he had felt a very subtle pricking at the back of his mind, he felt suddenly as if he was being watched, a feeling that Raph didn't care for at the best of times, but that coupled with a darting movement on a roof top across the way, the dark shape moving out of the corner of his eye, and when he turned his head, he had seen nothing of importance bothered him.
It felt too much like ninja activity for him to put it at rest, and his own ninja instincts were sounding the alarm. No Raph was quite certain that there had to be some members of the Foot Clan nearby.
He decided to try and get to a better vantage and fighting point then where they were positioned now.
Ramiela had a few skirmishes with the Foot before, no big battles as of yet, but the entire turtle clan knew it was coming. The Foot were aware of the novice turtle ninja, and they had been testing her skills where and when they could.
The Foot knew a younger member might be weaker then the adult turtles, and due to less battle experience she could be more vulnerable, but in testing her the Foot were also helping her to grow stronger and better.
Still, Raph knew, that the Foot clan would try a major strike on Rama, when they felt there was less chance of reinforcements getting in their way, so for the Foot the best time was when Rama was only chaperoned by one adult.
Raph had a strange feeling that they had enough of testing her basic skills and might try for endurance next, how well could the initiate hold up against mass numbers. It was something the Foot had to be asking themselves.
It was something the whole turtle clan was expecting to happen, they didn't know when or where, but they knew that it would come, it was something that Mike dreaded because he was worried how a young Rama could manage in such a situation, it was something Leo was hoping would come soon, because Rama had some very important lessons to learn about battle and fighting, and the sooner she could learn these lessons the better.
Still the whole turtle clan knew it was up to the Foot to give those lessons, it was not something that could be taught in the safety of their dojo.
Raph growled suddenly feeling that possible the Foot were going start it tonight, here and now.
'Course I have been wrong before, and maybe this quiet night is just getting to me.' Raph thought to himself.
They landed on a rooftop, and from the shadows near the edge, and from a billboard sign displayed up on the rooftop Foot soldiers began to emerge, it was as if the very shadows of the building had given birth to the dark garbed soldiers.
Raph didn't have to say a thing, Ramiela was used to the drill and instantly took position, with her back to his, and she drew her katanas, she gulped nervously as she looked around at the number of Foot, and her senses told her others were coming fast now the trap had been sprung.
She could feel her heart begin to race, under her plastron, and she shifter uneasily on her feet waiting for the Foot to bring the battle to them.
" Uncle Raphael?" she managed to say, the words coming out in a squeak.
" One at a time Ramiela, focus. No pulling punches go for the kill," Raph ordered out of the side of his mouth.
He only hoped his niece was up to that sort of challenge, she had never been in a position where she had to kill, before now, so he knew that his words would put her into a quandary, but this was not a time to be nice, and spare lives, not when up against this many. Not when saving their life might mean the end of your own.
It was time Ramiela earned her mark as a true warrior, and know what it meant to take a life.
Raph spun his sais and put on his best intimidating look, he knew whether Rama managed to make a kill or not tonight, and she darn well better kill, it was up to him to protect her and take on most of the battle.
He could handle the Foot single handed if he had to, his biggest worry right now, was what Mike might do to him if Rama ended up badly injured if she opted to disobey the kill command.
' Easier to take these guys down then face Mike later, besides I can kill the Foot, killing Mike just wouldn't be right.' Raph told himself.
The Foot came in fast, and Raph reached down inside of himself, tapping into the pit of his anger, the fire that fed his wild uncontrollable temper, he allowed it to come to the forefront, let it fill him with anger and hatred, and an all encompassing desire to destroy his enemies. In short he entered the blood rage and used it with his ninja skills to aid in the battle ahead.
Raph was a dangerous, lethal enemy when he was like this, and he never fought stronger or better then when he allowed both his anger and his ninja training to fight in a battle. Raph knew he needed it now to help protect Ramiela, he loved her and was determined, that no matter what happened she would make it out of this alive.
A sword flashed down and Raph used his sai to block the strike, he ducked a swing from a bisento axe and then plunged his other weapon into the gut of another soldier, there was a gasp of air, as the hapless soldier slumped.
The warmth of the blood that trickled from the corpse down the blade of his weapon caused Raph's grin to grow into something truly sinister and menacing. He wasted no time pulling his weapon free and swinging his sai to block another strike, while kicking at a staff that swung towards him, hitting the staff off mark.
Rama meanwhile found herself having to jump quickly to one side as a soldier tried to entangle her feet with a manriki gusari, she dropped her blade blocking the chained weapon catching a loop of it on the sword tip and hurling the weapon away.
A nunchuk swung towards her head and she used her other katana to block hitting the wood, then used her sword to drop down and slice at the soldier who wielded the chuks.
She sliced at his hand and the soldier was forced to drop the weapon.
' All life is valuable and has meaning, these are someone's sons, daughters, perhaps they are even parents.' Rama told herself, 'I can't kill them; I know Uncle Raphael said I had to, but I can't. I just can't do it!'
She felt the strange feeling in the pit of her belly and the adrenaline rush that always came when she battled, even in simple things like busting up the petty crimes on patrol. There was lots of Foot but she was sure that there was no reason to kill.
All of her life she had been taught by both her Sensei, and the Master himself that killing was wrong and all life was important.
To kill would betray her training, to kill would be dishonourable. The Foot could kill for no reason but, she was determined to maintain honour by seeking to disarm her opponents and if necessary injure them, though not fatally.
She was aware that her Uncle did not always obey ninja rules, or hold much to ninja honour, it was an area they differed in, while she like her sensei felt honour was of extreme importance, her Uncle's views were, not exactly opposite for he did have his own brand of honour, it was just he was more willing to bend the rules. He was not opposed to killing and he felt it was all right.
Rama was old enough to know that he was also the clan's executioner, a name and title he seemed to live up to now as he killed soldier on top of soldier, but others kept coming.
Rama felt afraid, she had never felt this sort of fear before in battle, but she felt a bit more comforted by the fact that outside of her Sensei, her Uncle Raphael was probably the most impressive fighter of their clan, she felt safer with him. She allowed that thought to stay with her, to help her maintain focus on the battle that surrounded them.
Raph gave a quick tornado kick pushing the Foot back and away, he realized that most of the Foot Soldiers were trying to keep him occupied, and he had a feeling that by numbers they might strive to get him down so they could then go after Rama.
He had all ready killed three of the Foot but he sensed Rama's hesitation, and he knew some of the ones she was hitting were getting back up to continue the fight, picking up fallen or discarded weapons.
" Rama. KILL! You have to!" he barked over the clash of weapons.
He didn't hear a response to confirm or deny his words, but he had to focus his attention on another set of soldiers that were coming in fast.
For a moment his focus had to remain on the Foot soldiers to the front and side of him, his sai spinning in a blurring motion as he struck, parried, counterattacked, each swing of a weapon.
He was aware that in the battle he and Rama had been pushed slightly away from each other, Rama was now to his left, and with her hesitation to kill she was in a dangerous position, and Raph longed to get over to her, so he could protect her further.
At the present moment however he was unable to get more then a step towards her for the surrounding Foot pressed close and kept his attention riveted completely on them. For now Rama had to be left alone.
Rama felt the tip of a kusari gama hook bite into her arm, and she cried out in sudden pain, in spite of herself. She could see the red blood seep out of the deep wound almost instantly, a chain snapped out wrapping her ankles and she was pulled roughly to the ground her chin hitting the roof top, and she felt blood in her mouth.
She had managed though to maintain her weapon and swung her blade out at the feet and reached into her belt to toss a few shuriken.
The throwing stars dug into legs of her opponents and gave her enough of a chance to untangle her legs from the chain.
She stood up her chest heaving and starting to sweat a bit from her exertions.
She glanced disenchanted around at the number of soldiers still remaining, wondering where they all came from, not realizing many of them were ones she had not finished off by striking only simple injuries to.
She knocked a soldier unconscious with a kick to the head and turned just in time to see where her Uncle was.
Raph was still busy with the press of soldiers who seemed determined to wear him out by sheer number, if not by skill, and he was aware of another soldier coming in from behind. However Raph, good of a fighter as he was, could not meet the challenge from behind for if he did, a Soldier in the front might make a killing blow, his only hope was to dodge it in some way.
Rama watched with wide eyes, she was almost certain that she was about to see the inevitable death of her beloved uncle, by a low life Foot soldier who was going commit a cowardly katana strike from behind, and she found herself standing frozen unable to prevent it.
Suddenly Rama let loose a scream of anger and fury "Nooooo!"
She wasn't even aware that she was moving at fast speed, very fast speed. She slammed her sword forward and it plunged through the soldier's midsection.
TBC