Heroes in the Half-Shell
Chapter 16 – The Ambush
Disclaimer: I do not repeat DO NOT own TMNT and crew in any way cause they belong to Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird (Only knows as the Greatest Guys on Earth!). Other characters like a certain OC that happen in these fanfic rightfully belongs to me and only ME!
Announcement from the writer: Hey! It has been a while since we got action in this fanfic, hasn't it? So, nothing much to say, but, I am a few weeks away from my driving test and…I'm pissing my pants here! I mean, I have been doing my lessons, I'm reading the book (which I should be doing right now!), so,…I got nothing to be nervous, right?
…
…
Yeah, I should panic.
Any tips to stay calm, guys? Just comment away!
Well, at least, I can focus on my stories. Let's see if I can finish this one before my big test. That will be the goal!
Onwards!
(On the backstreets of New York, Manhattan, NY – 7:12am)
After getting the all-clear from the master, the Foot were on the move.
Driving through the busy streets of the Big Apple, only three armour trucks (plus a mega one) came to the closest entrance. One that would lead them to Vigilantes' location. The civilians out on the streets were not very aware of what is happening in the alleyways. New Yorkers themselves don't pay enough attention. Especially to criminals like the Foot.As they come to a grinding halt, a black gate was open, like it was waiting for them. Everyone rushes out of the vehicles and head towards the deepest part of the back alley, the soldiers have their arms at ready.
"Stand by to make entry," shouted a fighter of the first squad. "Let's move!"
Only two used metal poles to remove the chosen manhole cover. Hooking the piece of steel, they slide it out of its chute; giving a clear entrance. The Foot can move forward.
"Go, go, go!" the soldier ordered. One-by-one, they all climbed down. The ones who made it to the sewers, they all went on, towards the ideal tunnel where the targets are been held.
Their current leader of this notorious team has already arrived. He is just waiting in the shadows. Only time will tell when he can unleash his surprise on them.
(Close-by...)
"This is bad."
Everyone turns to Sally. She pushes her feet onto the floor and stands up from her wooden seat. She looks at the four green mutants and the still sited rat. "You guys need to get out of here."
"No." That is when Leonardo stepped forward. He pointed at her. "The two of you need get out of here." He then points to his family. "We can handle them." Michelangelo and Donatello only nodded while Raphael crossed his arms over once more. She and April have no idea who they up against. They have heard and witnessed of what the Foot are all about. And they would know how dangerous these men are to them from the whole subway incident a few days ago. The girls are defenceless. They would not survive five seconds once they have step into the battlefield.
Sally nodded. "Well, yeah. The Foot, I understand that, but if Sacks has already told Shredder, he could be on his way here."
The big brute speaks up. "Yeah, and they would go all gun blazing on your asses the second they show up. You two ain't bulletproof, you know."
Despite the tension, Sally can't help but give off a smirk. "Well, guess what, pal? So is your face."
Raph scrunches his face in annoyance. Smartarse.
Closing her eyes and dropping the smile, Sally lets out a sign. "Look." She opens them up to see the mutants before them. "I know we just met, but if it is true that this mutagen is very vital to them, they will stop at nothing to find you. April and I," she points at the older woman, "can…can lead them away and—"
Splinter quickly comes to her, now concerned for the young girls' wellbeing. "—and jeopardise your lives in danger? If your father was here, he would not be pleased with this decision. We will not risk it."
Sally places her hand on her chest where her heart is located. "And I'll be happy enough to risk mine!" She shouted a little louder for the city on the surface level to hear. After her little outburst, she lowers the pressure from inside of her and calms down. "April's dad did the same thing years. My dad would've done the same. Against Shredder and the Foot, our lives don't matter,…" her expression becomes very soft, "…but yours does."
The family of ninjas were very stunned at her words. Mikey was too but also, lovestruck. A human…is willing to risk her life for them, despite the lack of history between them. This has amazed them, especially April, although she didn't have a say yet, but she too would risk her life.
Just like them, she despises the Foot as much as any person in the city. It is true that they all fear the group and its leader but to see very much courage in such a small figure proves that hope has not died out just yet. If only her father was here to see how much his daughter is willing to give her life for. But Splinter cannot allow it. No blood will be shed today if she and April will stay any longer and escape right now.
"Please,…Sally, I—"
The whole place goes up in flames. And when in flames, what they meant was the alarms of the underground lair going off at a rapid pace. April and Sally pop their heads around, trying to locate the source of the noise. But it was everywhere. And they didn't even bother to go look for it. Plus, the family of mutants know what it means.
"Perimeter infringe. Breached." Donatello was the first to run away from the centre, with his brothers in tow. "We have incoming!" Their father also took off running but into another direction. The girls watched them all moved to the monitors nearby. The teenager helped her friend off her feet and joined the Turtle Brothers. Their father has located himself to the Weapon Wall.
"Oh, no! Oh, no!" the brainiac panicky exclaimed. Donatello was already seated in his custom-made skateboard seat as he quickly analyses the screens before him. The rest of them all looked from one screen to another. Cameras were set up all over the surrounding tunnels of their sewer home. And they have got a good visual on who or what tripped the alarms.
Black soldiers, aiming their guns, are jogging down the dark tunnel. A small beeping was made as they were on the move. They do have intruders. It didn't take long to know who it is with the whole black clothing and mask with faces on it.
The Foot have found them.
Splinter was right. It would have been only a matter of time before they have been located. They are going to bring the fight to them.
"We got two breaches," Donnie confirmed after observing his monitors and looked at his main screen. It showed the out-layer of their home on the inside and the outside. Little red blobs are at two different sections of their sewer home. "Fan room, weapons wall!"
That is where father is! Leo was right beside his brother as he looks at the same monitor. The girls have also joined them. He had a feeling that their master would relocate there. And so will his sons. As the leader, it only took half-second to come with an attack-plan. He looks at his younger brother. "Mikey, flank right!" He turns to the brother on the chair before leaving in a hurry. "Donnie, on me! We gotta go! Go, go!"
Donatello rises from his seat. Too much was happening. He and the others have only been a few fights in their lives that involves the Foot but this was outside in the real world. They are now going into battle on their home turf. Donnie can't stay at his post. He is needed. He quietly curses himself before joining his older brother.
A stone wall is separating them from their targets. And what is the better way to clear the path is to knock it down. Permanent.
A sledgehammer won't do much damage to take down an entire wall for the team to go through. Plus, it would take them a long time. They need something that would pack a punch.
And that is why one soldier brings in a small black box. The one that is producing a beeping sound. "Stand by to set charge."
Passing by his comrades, he comes face-to-face with that stone wall and places the small carton on a white electrical plastic box just bolted into the wall. With the package secure, all the Foot soldier did was to press the button. "Lock and load. We're going on 10."
The number 10 was on the small screen, before changing it to 9. Then, 8…7.
It was a bomb. Shape in a small design but would unleash a small earthquake when detonate.
As the countdown has begun, the soldiers are taking the time to load up for the big battle ahead of them. Placing a number of small green containers and slots them into the magazine of their handgun or assault rifles. (I'm not kidding! I looked it up!). Instead of the usual bullets that they use to take down anyone that stands in their way, these kind of targets are needed. Alive.
"No live ammo. Tranqs only."
They lock in their shots. 6…5…
"Take 'em alive!"
4…3…
Splinter places his ear up against the stone. He hears beeping. Oh…no
Without taking it off the stone structure, he sees two of his sons at the corner of his eyes. And they are hasty approaching towards him. At bad timing as well.
Anxiety has appeared on his face in a split second as he looks at them. "No! GET BACK!" After that cry, he rushes far away from the Weapon Wall.
…2…1…0
The Fourth of July fireworks just went off. And blowed off the wall of the underground home of the mutants. Literally.
Only the rat managed to get away from the blast. Except for the blue and purple clad turtle that were in mid-air when they got caught in the explosion. Like rag-dolls, they were thrown back with the oldest taking up most of the hit. Unfortunately, his younger brother was caught in the blast.
"Donnie!" he cried out. Luckily, the leader takes up most of the damage than his brother. Another explosion was made near the Fan room. Followed by another.
Mikey was just heading towards the Fan room, only to flung back by the third blast and rolled over the pizza couch. April and Sally have also taken the force and took cover under the computer station. So far, the only blood that has been drawn was from the skinned knee of Miss Hope herself. A stinging pain was coursing on her exposed wound. "Oh, geez." She must have made contact with a rock or a debris or something. This she can worry about later. If there is a later for them.
Splinter was the only one who hasn't been caught in any of the blasts. Not a single dust or dust has settled on him as he was in a different location. Only he had enough time to get away. But not for his children. He looks at his surrounding area.
The bombs have all stopped which it is good. Parts of the lair were blanket with floating debris from the explosion. The Weapons' Wall is now destroyed with a small gap that you can fit 10 people at a time. Only beams of light, moving around aimlessly through the dusty fog. And they were moving into the room.
Splinter knows who has come a-knocking. It's the Foot. Only four so-far have entered via the destroyed wall. And judging the number of men that are coming in, no doubt that he shouldn't be too far behind.
Crossing his arms over with his fists all clenched up, the master is ready. Always ready for anything.
Giving off a growling battle cry, the rat leaps into battle. He will surely give them a lesson about arriving into his home unannounced!
The black-clan warriors see the giant rodent heading their way. "Engage!" one of them shouted.
Not one of them has unleashed a bullet on the furry figure who does a giant forward flip and lands on the grated floor. To gain his foot, he does a one-handstand and stands his ground, facing them. They were saving the bullets for his sons. Not him.
He was now completely surrounded by the four of them. Electricity was surging from their batons that they all pulled out. Guess they wanted to settle this like men with sticks rather than cowards with guns. Noble but big mistake.
Holding his wrist up, he motions his fingers. 'Bring it on' is what his sons would say.
"Get him!" exclaimed another.
The one behind Splinter takes the first swing to the head. But Splinter easily ducks the move before the one from the front comes charging forward, thinking he is wide open. Bad idea. Because Splinter see him coming. Along with his friends who all charged at him. He blocks the first kick before kicking into the one on his right and begins to block, punch, kick and whipping his tail on a repeated base. The Foot Soldiers are all doing the best that they can, trying to land a hit on the rat, but it proved to be futile. With all the hits that Splinter has laid on them, they are going to feel this in this morning. Despite have not been a fight in his ninja life, the rat was wiping the floor with four-trained Foot Soldiers.
Managed to recovered from the blast that could have been a wake-up call for every New Yorker right out of bed, Leo & Donnie both sat-up from their position. Bits of bricks and pipes were no longer on their coloured wall as it has been broken down and they are scatted around them. Only bruises and scratches on their skins. Nothing major. The purple-clan turtle picks up his specs that have fallen off his face and places them back on his face.
And just in time to see more of them coming in.
"There they are! Neutralize them!"
Only four of them are with their father. And they are all not after him since their guns are aiming at the two large turtles.
"Oh! They've got tranq darts!" Donnie squeaked. One hit and it is snooze-ville for them!
Lights from their holsters were shinning on one of their faces but Leo doesn't shield his hand away from it as his eyes are already locked on them. "Well, don't let them hit your skin."
As soon as the triggers is pulled, the two turtles quickly leaped onto their feet.
"Let's go! Let's move!" Leo barked as he and Donnie both swiftly turning around with their shell facing the terrorists. As the only hard-substances on them, it was vital to make sure that none of their other body parts is exposed. They squished up their arms and heads in to avoid the bullets from hitting them.
The bullets then bounced off their shells and hit other targets like the wall or the signs which sparks a wire when it made contact. Seeing no sign of a struggle, the Foot decided to get in a little closer.
One of them is close enough for Donnie to whip around and whacks him away with his staff. A few more come to them now as he hits another down and Leo swipes a few bullets away with his Dual Katana. He then kicks the closer soldier down before he starts to spin rapidly like a moving top, taking one soldier at a time until he is left with one more. He was carefully not to draw blood from anyone, friend or foe, but he does slap the weapon and the soldier intact down to the ground.
Many more poured in as they head towards the living room. "Over there!" shouted a Foot. Underneath the non-functional screens, they have spotted another turtle and this time, one who is shorter than the others and the one with an orange bandana.
The small group all aimed at the chosen target. Like hunters, waiting for the prey to make a stir.
"Tango at 12!" As soon as he moves an inch, the sooner that they can pull the tri—
Mikey quickly hops up and jumps around on the spot, getting all fired up. "Wassup, bra?" He flails his weapons around, hitting every bullet that they fire. The dude's got skill. He then points at them, mocking them. "Oh, you think you can handle this, huh?" He blocks more the bullets off their course as he prepares for his next attack, although he is the kind of ninja who doesn't use his head that much. "I'm a snapping turtle, fool." Taking up a running start, he flies off the couch and does a total of one spit-kick; taking two down, and a spinning kick, taking one down, all while saying: "Snap, snap, snap!"
But he takes a fall onto his shell after the third kick. Michelangelo quickly hops back onto his feet, acting like it was all part of the plan. He looks around, coolly, to see if anybody was watching. "I meant to do that!" He then begins to move to another section of his home for more shell-kicking, swinging a Nunchunk around. "I meant to do it!" Great skill that he pulled off, but loses points for style.
The rat was going at it like Bruce Lee himself. With every attack that each Foot Soldier throws, he blocks them and throws it back to them with great force. But they just keep on coming. To official take them down, he managed to grab one of them by the wrist and twirls himself around as he twists the arm around in a painful position. He also grabs another one with his free hand. With one quick motion, he flips both his trapped opponents and sends them to the ground. But he wasn't done yet.
Doing a quick 180, he sweeps his tail the third one under him feet; crashing him to the grated floor. As for the last of them, Splinter uses his large tail and wraps him around his neck. Bending on his side and jumps up; spinning in mid-air as flips the soldier in the process. Once he was down, Splinter does a back flip and lands on the small bundle of terrorists and starts duking it out on their faces like a boxing bag. Just before the fourth member could lay a hand on him, Splinter quickly wraps his tail around his neck and repeatedly slams him on the ground until he is knocked out along with his comrades.
Three older brothers are now close-by with each other as they are doing their very best to defend themselves against the threat. There was one more room that has been compromised.
"We got a breach in the Fan Room!" Donnie cried out, whacking another Foot away with his extracted Bo-Staff. Their father was taking care of the Weapons' Wall, leaving the second entrance exposed and flooding in more members of the Foot.
"Raph! Get to the Fan Room!" the leader ordered, elbowing a clinging Foot off his shell.
Raphael was the only one who hasn't been designated to a task before this whole bout started. That and no one knows if he did get caught in the blast. He was left out, which does not board on him very well. Especially if it was directed by his older brother and designated leader of the team. As the strongest and the most courageous out of the group, he would have been leader instead of 'perfect' Leonardo.
He easily pushes a Foot away before facing down on his domineering brother. "Why are you always telling me what to DO?"
Gripping into a tight fist, he pulls his arm back and thrusted forward, aiming for his brother's head. Instead of making contact with the green face, Leo ducks the move because Raph's giant fist makes contact with an incoming Foot Soldier. That little attack gives the soldier a knockout.
Leo doesn't have time to argue. Especially when their home is being invaded by the terrifying group that frightened the innocents for so long. He looks at the unconscious Foot that his brute brother just took down and looks back at him. "Just go!"
Raph didn't snap back. He did what he was told – for once. Right now, their pad has been discovered by the last people on their minds and it is argent that this big problem is dealt with. He can argue with his brother afterwards. The muscle of the group heads for the Fan Room as Leo picks up one of his katana. Out of the four giant turtles and one large rat, there are two beings that are in the crossfire. And they are the ones are not with the Foot.
"Mikey," Leo calls out, drawing his sword back into his scabbard, "you gotta get April and Sally out of here, now!"
The orange jokester didn't think twice about his brother's order. Anything to help the ladies in the house. Plus, they can't defend themselves against the black extremist army. He was already located near the ramps when he sees two brunette female humans who are in need of a rescue. He pulls out his rocket skateboard.
"I got this!" he exclaims, taking a running start and skates down the slope. Leo can rest a little easy now that the two humans (one of them save their lives many years ago) won't get in the way and end up losing their lives.
By the time he gets to the steep ramp in his path, he activates the boost of his ride which sends him flying through the room.
The Foot are now aiming their guns at the defenceless humans located at the damaged computer station. April and Sally cover their heads with their hands and looks away. Their fingers are on the trigger…
Super Mikey comes soaring in and with the help of his board, he swipes the nearest Foot away from his Angelcakes, while making weird Karate Kid noises.
The two girls were waiting for the pain to happen but they weren't expecting to be saved by one of the Turtles who hops over the pizza couch and approaches them. More bullets were fired at the turtle but he uses his shell as cover as he shields April and Sally from danger. "April, Sally, come with me. I got a safe place for you too to hide." He grabs them each by the shoulder and carefully as he possible can, leads them away from the battlefield. The girls didn't hesitate a second as they don't want to be killed or anything. "And if you girls get thirsty, I got a secret stash of Orange Crush behind the fridge," he instructed them. He finally makes to the designated spot for his guests to be safe. Before he leaves, Mikey has one more thing to say. He holds a cupped hand on his right cheek as he lowers his voice. "Don't tell Raph."
April and Sally frantically nodded. Their throats can feel a little dry when they are in the middle of the battle. Although, they don't think that a soft drink would help.
To think that this ambush cannot get any worse. Guess again.
Once his men have cleared the entrance for him, he enters. A tall figure was partly blocking much of the light from the surface as he walks through the hole. The air within the room just went cold. Even by the hair of his fur, the furry ninja master can feel it coming.
After easily dealing with a small group, Splinter straighten himself up when he sees his deduction was right. The worst has come. His nightmare has come true. Armageddon has arrived. Everyone would run in terror. But for Splinter,…he has been preparing for this moment.
Taking a hold of his beard and flicks it, the rat addresses the name to him. "Shredder." His first battle was just practise. The real fight has just begun. He whips out his fists, standing in a warrior's pose. He was ready.
The metal monster jumps from his entrance and lands on the grated floor. Gaining his ground, Shredder strengthens his back and takes great observant of the giant rodent before him. Judging this, he must be the same rat from the lab. The master of the reptile warriors keeps a sharp eye but he lowers his fists. As Shredder walks a few paces in a small circle, so does Splinter.
"All these years I've been trying to recreate the mutagen. And you?" the Shredder points to the rat before coming to a halt, still facing the rodent who does the same. "You just handed it to me."
And he, of course, was not referring to the rat before him. Splinter is not important enough for Shredder to come all this way to capture him. The old rat knows who or whom he is talking about. And he will not allow this to happen.
Not taking his eyes off him, the fuming Splinter slides his sandals off his feet and uses his tail to store them right behind him to make sure that he doesn't trip himself over by them, allowing Shredder to make a fatal move on him during the fight.
"You will not lay a hand on my sons," warned the proud father.
Ever since Day 1, Splinter has made a vow to protect his children. At all cost. No matter what.
A lone katana with blue wrapping was the closest weapon available to him. Either Leonardo must have drop this during the fight or it was a spare one from the Weapon Wall. Just what he now needs more than ever. Fists, feet and tail are not the only weapons that he will be needing for Round 2. Scampering over to where the sword is, he picks it up. Now armed with steel, Splinter stands up and spins the blade around, warming up his wrist for an over-due session.
And Shredder has brought his own weapons for today's match. He has come for the Turtles, and he will not stop until all four are all in his grasp. The only thing standing between him and them now…is the rat. And this is when his son's work comes in.
He mockingly laughs at this aphorism. He finds this very amusing. "Your sons?" He walks closer to the small rat with a feeble metal in his hand. Taking one step, he flicks his right blade out from his gauntlet. This caught Splinter by surprise. Since when does a ninja can do that? Guess Sacks must have given him some kind of upgrade. As a warrior of the night, he needs to expect the unexpected. Another step, his left blade flies out. "You think you're their father?"
Flicking both of his wrists, he whips out the rest of the deadly blades from his gauntlet.
I do not think I am their father. I know I am.
The tension in the air has become very icy. And tranquil but in a more edgy tone. They were now both watching each other's movements since the leader of the Foot has first enter the space. They wonder who will make the first strike.
And the guest would be happy enough to do it.
Splinter looks away as soon as Shredder comes charging at him. The human ninja directs his blades at him, ready to pierce his skin and shred him into pieces. But at lightning speed, Splinter blocks each attack with his katana without looking. Thanks to his intense training over the years, he can sense them coming. Holding the fourth strike from above, Splinter managed to deliver a strong kick into his chest before Shredder gives him a left fist. He recovers from the kick and looks to the clothing creature.
To find an opening during a fight with Shredder would be very difficult. And Splinter has managed to find one. Guess the rodent has found a way to fight back. And how these Turtles can easily overcome his men. In so many years, he has never found anyone to complete with…until now. The Dark Master is now very impressive. Finally, a challenge worthy of his time. To show him what he can truly do as his title whispers in fear.
"Very good,…rat!"
But it is going to be a lot more than a kick to bring him down. Holding his fists up, more blades slide out. It was time for Shredder to get very serious.
As the other entrance into the underground home, more Foot Soldiers are all pilling in. And the only way to keep going is to get through the large rotating blades in front of them. And a big turtle with a red mask on.
Raphael was already in the Fan Room with a few Foot members waiting for him. The soldiers begin firing at the large reptile who is on the other side of a giant fan. Instead of coming at them like he usually does, he places his hands on the giant steel fan just located in front of him.
Thanks to his immense strength, the giant metal fan was now sliding towards the access. The Foot still continue to fire at Raph but he kept on going, bellowing out all the way. Most of them miss the target. Instead, they bounce off the concrete wall. The space was getting a lot smaller as he continues to push, blocking any more chances for the Foot to come through.
The fan comes to a screeching stop when it finally gets to the end. Most of the soldiers who were in the laneway, all moved out of the way. All except one poor soul who falls down and was now wedged in the slot. But Raph didn't care. He managed to block off one of the exits. Now, he can join his brothers…and the big brawl.
As a skilled ninja, he didn't expect his skin to be prick by a small thin needle. A few times.
Raph quickly locates the source and see tiny green vials on his arms. He pulls them off before a few more were shot.
They were tranq darts. When the Foot arrived, he did overhear his smart brother that their firearms was loaded with darts rather than actual bullets. They were trying to find some way to bring them down without killing them. Think again.
He looks down at the same tunnel and see who the shooter was. Make that shooters since he can count five of them and they were all located at the end of the bright passage.
It is going to take more than 10 vials to bring this beast down.
Like a bull without a red cape in their hands, Raphael charges at the attackers, screaming his head off. One of them was close by as the red clan turtle rams the poor guy into the wall; knocking him out complete. Unfortunately, it would only take a little strength to push the soldier into the stone structure
What was left from his strike was something worse.
Loads of debris and dust were already breaking off the foundation. Even a metal pillar has tipped forward. Oh no…
Raph may be strong but he was a bit too powerful to bring parts of the house down. He needs to run for it.
He runs the other way, praying to not to be buried alive. But he didn't have the distance or the speed to make a clear getaway. Preparing for the overspill, he covers his head and dives down. Once he has done a landing, even large stone slabs all fall on top of him. A dust cloud was made by the small impact as several Foot Soldiers managed to shield themselves from the sudden cave-in but all felled down when it was too much.
The only ones under the rubble are a few black militaries. And the green sewer ninja himself.
After splitting off from Mikey, April and Sally rushed past a shelf with a few coloured crates. They hid away from the sight of anyone who is not green skinned or furry. Their hearts were racing for the entire period. While finding the time to catch their breath, they crouched down, trying to be carefully of who or whom would spot them and shoot them on the spot.
Sally doesn't squat down to the same level as her adult roommate here. Instead, she bends her knees low enough for her eyes to be at April's head height while on her knees. When her knee makes contact with the ground, she was expecting the pain from her bloody wound but it hasn't come yet. She takes a quick look to see her wound…all gone. There was only dry blood but…the cut itself. It was gone.
What?
How did that happen? She doesn't heal very fast? She once broke her arm and she had a cast on for a month. How is that possible. Well, the teen can worry about that later. Sally looks around. If only the Turtles or Splinter have revealed to them the exit or if they kept their eyes open the whole time, then they would be out on the streets already, away from the danger.
Right now, they need to get out of here despite wanting to stay and help the mutants escape. They were April's pets many years ago. She saved their lives and now, they are returning the favour by protecting theirs from the Foot.
"Hey. Listen." April whips her head to see her. "I'll see if I can find a way out of this place."
It's one thing to be in the middle of an ambush. But to leave her friend alone in the middle of the ambush to find the way out by yourself is suicidal. "What?"
"They are only after them and they told us to get out of here." Despite saying earlier that she would be gladly to give her life to protect them.
She doesn't want to leave her friend's side but the mutants were right. They need to get out of here. This has become too dangerous for them or anyone if they were in their position. They can't survive any attacks that throws at them, especially bullets.
Concern was written all over April's face. "But—"
Sally straightens her legs before taking a few steps in the other direction. "I'll be right back. I promise!"
The woman didn't say something. It was she was either too speechless or too shocked to say anything at all. The teenager herself disappeared around the corner, out of April's visual. The ex-reporter was all by herself. Now she's completely petrified.
Leaving her friend all by herself was a foolish mistake. Very reckless for Sally of course. But she has to. She has to find a way out of this stone place. No-one bother to give or tell the girls where the exit is. One of the Turtles – Michelangelo – was supposed to show them out but he left them in a small hidden place, away from the danger, while he heads off to another part of his invaded home to fight off against the Foot.
The question that still remains: Where is the exit? Was there another secret exit that only the mutants know of? Does she need to get one of them who isn't occupied at the moment? Sally looks around the area. Close to the computer station was the blue turtle wielding the swords. He was battling against a few of the Foot, dodging all the moves that the soldiers can throw at him. So was the one with the purple mask, the large stick and the high-tech backpack. The orange one – Mikey, she thinks – was duking it out with a few more.
The red turtle – Raphael or Raph was it? – was nowhere to be seen. What happened to him anyway? Did he get captured or something? Better not worry about it now. Need to find a way out. Now!
Maybe through the blasted hole in the wall? The ones that the Foot created? That could be the best choice. Now, to go back for April and get the hell out of here. And she would have made her way back if only she wasn't grabbed by the jacket yet again. Rather than holding high off her feet, this time, she was thrown to the ground. Sally falls onto her side and manages to hit the broken stone on her hip, bruising her soft skin.
Her first thought would be Raphael himself as he did it when they first met. But…the strength that was made to throw her to the ground was somewhat different. Lifting her head up, the one who caught her off-guard was neither green or tall, but instead at almost the same height as April and has black hair tied-up in a high ponytail with red highlights. As the second-in-command, it was Karai's duty to make sure that the subjects are capture and brought back to their HQ. Not to mention taking out anyone who stands in her way. Seeing the young teenager was one of them.
The last time that Sally saw the woman was down at the subway, with the gun aiming right at her and April. For a minute back then it was pretty much it for the two friends. But it didn't happen if it wasn't for the Turtles who showed up in the last second and took them all down.
"Thank you for leading us here, Hope. Be glad I didn't get the chance to take you out from before."
Great. She knows my name. Another reason why Karai has already branded her and April as an order to be eliminate on the spot.
The only violence that Sally has ever done in her life was sucker-punch the large turtle in the face and that was a few nights ago and she was scared. Well, she is still scared and this was now. And the older woman has her gun loaded and ready at use.
As Karai moves closer to her, so does her hand to her hand moves towards her gun rack. Guess will actually get her chance to use her weapon on a human being. She did fire a few shots at one of the Turtles in the subway but it seemed unfazed.
What can I use? What can I use? What can I use?
Sally was smart. She can find something to fight back. Or possibly something to distract her, allowing Sal to make a clean getaway. Moving her head around, different sizes and shapes of concrete were resting a foot away from the teenager. May not be a weapon she was looking for but it will do at this very moment.
Karai finally pulls out the gun from its hold, ready to fire at the target before her. She has her weapon? Well, so do I.
Grabbing hold of the largest rock that almost bigger than her hand, Sally wasted no time to throw it like a baseball pitcher. It continues to soar at full speed until it hits the soft pink skin of the coldest warrior standing before her. A thick line begins to bleed out blood on her cheek. Karai drops her gun and covers her sore cheek when the impact was made. Her eyes were closed as she hisses in pain.
Now's her chance! Was it to escape or fight?
A bit dazed from the sudden weapon thrown at her, Sally took the advantage that she needed. With the strength that she has got, Sally swings her right foot underneath the Lieutenant's feet. The move became successful as the solider comes crashing down on the jagged floor. Her body and her head hit the hard floor and remains motionless. The good news is that she didn't kill her. Just knocked out. She just brought her enough time to get away from the crazy gun-woman herself!
Rather than going to the exit by herself, she needs her friend. Sally can't leave her best friend alone where she might get hurt or worse! The young girl leaves the unconscious Foot Solider before heading back to get April.
It felt like an eternity since her friend left her all alone. Metals were clanging together as April looked over to another part of the battlefield.
Splinter and Shredder were still in a tight circle. The metal ninja still has his blades at ready, waiting for the skilled rat to make his move. Eventually, Splinter did.
Swing his left arm up high in a blocking stance, Splinter starts off by doing a forward flip. With the sword in both hands, he swings it downward but Shredder parries his body away from the attack, sparing the contact of the sharp blade on his armour. But he wasn't prepared yet again by a double back-kick courtesy of the rat himself and again with the flick of his tail.
Getting hit twice was not looking good for Shredder. He didn't like the outcome. If this keeps up, he would be a mockery to not only his men, but also to the city that he has almost completely control via the underworld. He can't possibly lose to a rat.
With his back turned at him, Splinter dives his sword over head as the tip of the steel heads for his head. Not this time.
With one swing with his left sharp gauntlet, Shredder knocks the one weapon that would stand a chance against him out of the large rodent's hands. Now, he is defenceless.
Bringing his right fist down for the kill, Shredder has got the rat trapped. But Splinter was not down yet. He still has his other weapon. Spinning on the balls of his feet, his tail whips his calf, bring the metal giant down on his knees.
Shredder quickly recovers as he – what Splinter was unexpected for a split second – throws his sharp blades straight for the hairy target. He also spins on his knees to get a bit momentum on his round. But as a ninja, Splinter needs to be ready at all times.
For every blade that comes at him, Splinter did his very best to block, parry and throw every single on them. Instead of piercing his skin, they all impaled on the wall and the steel cat-walk just above them. After deflecting the last knife, Splinter flips backwards to gain distance from his foe but Shredder, with a few blades at his disposal, stands up and charges at him. He manages to throw another blade but Splinter dodges that once again.
The rat decided to go the tail attack once more, but Shredder was too smart about it. Just as the tail almost touch the metal, the cold steel hand grabs the tip. Now with his opponent in his grip, he swings the rat off his feet and onto his back. But he then loses his grip on the pink tail, setting Splinter free. It caused him to do another tail whip to the head. Shredder loses his balance from the attack and this time, falls onto his back.
Flipping up onto his feet, the Shredder resumes the match. Scurrying up the ramp, Splinter looks over his shoulder to see Shredder swinging his right arm in a cross motion. Here come the blades once again!
As the knifes leaves the host, Splinter was lucky enough for the sharp steel to rip through his fabric and not to make one scratch on his outer flesh. With this many blades at his side, Splinter will need to gain better ground if her ever wants to win this fight. Or higher grounds.
Doing the best as he can to dodge the last few blades, Splinter jumps onto a block before scaling up the wall which leads him to the platform high above their heads. By the time he hops over the metal railing of the balcony, Splinter tips his head to the side, letting the last knife miss its mark and hits the wall instead.
He has no more blades. Guess the Shredder is the one who is defenceless. He was foolish enough to use all his weapons in one go rather than using them sparely. Well, that is when Splinter is wrong.
Weapon or no weapons, the Shredder has been prepared for this battle. As he has another trick up his sleeves. Bending his arms up, the gauntlets on Shredder's…begins to glow, while making a humming sound?
Splinter keeps a sharp eye on this. But this is not the only thing that surprises him. Slowly pulling out from the concrete wall are the lodged knifes…thanks to the technology on his wrists. It's like the blades were now moving on its own. One-by-one, all slide out of the wall and quickly flies back to its owner. They acted like magnets. Splinter looks at each flying knife passing by with astonishment. It was like the Shredder has the power to control things with his mind, like telekinetic.
This is bad. Very bad, indeed.
Shredder may be a demon but he's human. He does not possess powers beyond the supernatural world but having this unbelievable technique is troubling.
And going higher ground to avoid the attack was not such a good idea, thanks to the new change of attack. Grabbing hold of the railing, Splinter leaps off the platform and heads straight for the ground before him.
Performing a side roll in the air, Splinter was lucky enough to dodge the oncoming steel at him as they all went straight for his opponent. Doing a somersault in the air before his giant rat's feet and one hand hits the grate floor. As much as he wants them to hit him by luck, the rat master needs to be a lot careful now that he has witnessed Shredder's new attack.
All the blades return to its master as they were from before. Shredder does a huge flick with both of his wrists, ready for another successful run of his new weapons. He is quite pleased of what his son has given to him. From only one swing, he can quite tell that they are very deadly.
Not waiting for Shredder to make the same move again, Splinter goes in for a spinning tail whip to the head. But even Shredder was smart enough to predict the move as he ducks his head down. But he wasn't expecting the giant tail to wrap around his head. With one thrust in the other direction, Splinter sends Shredder; spinning in the air before landing on the grated ground once more.
Now on his back, the steel ninja master was a bit dazed. Now was Splinter's chance!
Grabbing the same katana, Splinter sprinted straight for Shredder. With this one final move, the reign of Shredder…will finally be over. New York…will finally be free of this nightmare.
Leaping high in the air, Splinter holds the sharp blade in his hands and up above his head. The severe tip of the blade is aiming right at Shredder.
Fortunately for him, he sees this move coming. Leaping up to his feet, he holds out his hands, ready to block the move and deliver his finale move on the rodent. As soon Splinter comes close enough to him, sparks fly when the steel gauntlet made contact with the steel sword.
Shredder locks the long steel between his blades on his left gauntlet while his right arm was lock in Splinter's grasp by the feet.
But the rodent was very fortunate to use his own tail to wrap Shredder's head around to face the furry animal. Now, it was a contest of strength. Who will succeed?
Bearing his gritted teeth, Splinter presses down his might on his sword, hoping to piece his weapon into Shredder's skull.
The blade inches closer. Only a few more seconds and Splinter will surely…
Using the sudden energy that he has; Shredder's left gauntlet swipes the sword right out of the rat's grasp. He has caught the rat off guard. And Shredder, as sneaky as he is, used the advantage to grab Splinter by his coat, swings him over his shoulder and slams him hard on the ground. His tail has uncoiled the metal helmet when Shredder got a hold of him.
With his opponent flat on the ground, Shredder stands up straight. Recovering from the sudden attack, Splinter looks up to the steel giant in sheer terror. It was now the rat's turn to be defenceless.
Leo ignored the screens at his brother's station when he sucker-punch the last of his opponents to the floor. He was no longer occupied with any Foot Soldiers as he looks around. Close to his side was his genius brother with his Bo-Staff at his side, still dealing with his lot. Mikey has his share, but…didn't he order the baby brother to send the two girls out of their home and hopefully not in the middle of the battlefield? He prays on the famous sword master of Japan that they are not harm or hurt in any possible way.
As for Raph,…the muscle of the group was nowhere in sight. Where did he get off to? Another part of their invaded home, still holding against his own? The leader does have the skills and experience to fit the role but his younger brother has more strength than they all do and would be able to handle a lot more.
This leaves only one more member of the family - the guardian of the ninja family. The eldest of the reptiles was eyeing out any creature with grey-brownish fur in a black/yellow robe. It took a mere second for Leo to locate him. The only adult that he looks up to as a great ninja master and father…was located in the training area. Flat on his back. With the metal monster looming over him.
Terror has entered his veins. "Sensei!"
Leonardo was so busy dealing with most of the Foot Soldiers, he didn't have the time to stand by his father's side in battle. And now,…he was in trouble!
Out of everyone here, he was closest to Master Splinter. With his Dual Katanas in his hands, Leo rushes to his father's aid. Longs plastic flaps were hanging in the turtle's way as he pushes them to the side. But not before a few more Foot members show up with a long stick each in their hands.
One end begins to light up.
They get closer which was the perfect distance between them and him. That is when the sparks begin to fly out of the rods…and into the turtle's sides. Followed by another. Despite being fast, Leo didn't have time to counter it. As electricity runs even faster than the mightiest warrior on the planet.
Feeling the shock, Leo was twitching at his mercy. Two more Foot, armed with the same electricity pod, surrounded the blue turtle and followed the same tactic.
He couldn't take the force as Leo groans in pain. Losing his grip on his weapons, the blue leader helplessly drops them to the ground before he falls onto his shell. With the turtle now dependent, the Foot towers over as they continue to jolt him. He needs help.
Through his squinted eyes, he can clearly see the closest brother with a much longer stick, swinging at high-speed.
"Donnie!" he cried out.
Doing a figure 8 at high speed, Donnie was doing the best that he can by making sure no tranq darts hits his reptile skin. "Hang on, Leo! Be right there!" Once he is done with his lot, he will rush to his brother's aid. The Foot still has their fingers on the trigger, letting all the darts fly out. Until the very last one.
The couple of Foots are now out of ammo but they still have their fingers on the triggers. Not one single dart has made contact with the turtle's skin. They have used up all of their rounds. Now it was the nerd's turn. Now relying on their rods as the blunt weapon, the Foot resume their attack and Donnie decided to return the favour. He has stopped spinning and then proceeds to whacks them on the heads; sending them to the floor. He also sees his little brother doing his fair share on a few Foot soldiers.
Still in her hiding spot, April's heart was racing even more faster when she met the Turtles on the rooftops. Her friend hasn't come back yet from her search and she was all alone. Her lip was twitching with distress and her short breathing was increased. The young woman doesn't know if Sally did ever come back because she was too entranced with the fight that she is witnessing in the skate room. She has not taken her eyes off them for one second.
Lying on the concrete floor, Splinter was at his mercy. The rat was slowly getting up on his feet but struggles to from the last attack that Shredder thrown down on him. And he was very unprepared when the metal fiend violently kicks him in the face. Poor Splinter was thrown to the other side by the brute force. But the Shredder was not done yet. While the furry rodent was lying on the cold floor; weakened, Shredder once again, comes to his side, grabs him by his robe and flings in to the metal floor.
Once the rat was back on the grated base, that is when the blades come out. Shredder steps up the high platform as he advances on the large rat. He was ready for the final strike.
He's going to kill Splinter. April was shivering now. Not from the temperature but from the tension of not only the battle but also this scene that is about to unfold.
The small rodent that she had as a loyal pet many years ago…was going to be shred before her very eyes.
After he is gone, so would the Turtles.
But what can April do? She's not a fighter. She's a reporter. Not once she has entered a battle and live to tell a tale in her entire life. But she and Sally have caught themselves in a number of occasion where violence was needed by one side or another or both. Like the rumble in the subway just a few nights ago.
Maybe she needs something. Anything to fight back. But only enough to give Splinter a fighting chance or enough time to get away. She may not know how to fight…but at least she would be able to help. To aid an old friend.
The Turtles uses weapons to protect themselves. It's not just fighting skills that they all have. There's much more to than just to throw a punch and a kick.
Eyeing to her right, a lone Sai was lodged into a discarded crate. Not the ideal weapon that she was looking for but just what April needs at this very moment. With little force, she pulls it out and holds her chosen weapon by her side. Now, all she needs to the perfect timing. And she doesn't have long.
Cause Splinter is one step closer to his impending doom if no-one does something. And that is why April is going to do it.
Coming closer to the sewer rat, the Shredder has all of his blades out. Taking his final step at the rodent before him, he aims his right gauntlet high above. Just one strike and it will all be over.
Splinter quickly eases the pain from his sides, his right paw clutches at the bruised area, and regrets now look up. The clean steel that he sees in Shredder's hold was heading towards its obvious target: Him.
Judging by this move, he can actually tell that this one would be a very bloody mess on the spot.
His sons. He has tried his very best to raise them, train them, protect them, from the possible dangers of the outside world. This was one of them. He had dreaded of this faithful day. But like all ninjas in life, they must be prepared for the unexpected. Even for death. And this would be the last time that he would ever see them again.
Shredder gives off a growl; ready to silence a worthy opponent that he had in many years.
Wasting no time at all, April quickly rushes out of her hiding spot and heads towards the centre. Gripping the Sai in her hand, she was ready to fight. Getting closer to him would be a foolish mistake but she is doing her part to help the rat – and the turtles – that she once knew.
The Shredder doesn't seem to noticed the small human approach him from behind as April comes at a respectable distance to stab the weapon into the small power pack located in the upper body of the ninja's back. Small sparks fly out of the damaged hole, leaving the weapon to remained lodged in it.
Sally comes rushing back to her previous designated spot…only to spot her friend in a different location. Very close to the metal monster and Splinter.
The colour has drained from her face when she saw the scene before her. "Oh, shi—" Sally hisses her favourite curse word as she quickly rushes to her friend's aid. And the teenager thought she was the reckless one.
Shredder trembles from the sudden attack (which he wasn't prepared for). He turns his body and head slightly to see his potential attacker in the yellow jacket. He was now furious at April. For halting his attack on his dying opponent. Guess he has to kill two birds with one blade.
"YOU STUPID LITTLE GIRL!"
Using this distraction to his advantage, Splinter rolls a good step away from Shredder but was horrified to what was the cause.
"April!"
She needs to get away. But there isn't enough time for the both of them. Splinter knows April can't protect herself. Especially against Shredder.
Swishing his tail around, the large rat wraps it around April's torso; taking the woman by surprised, and with whatever left of his strength, flings her far away from the stage as possible.
Sally has just come onto the scene when April comes flying into her friend. The young girl awkwardly catches her friend sideways but falls onto her back; taking up much of the pain. "Oh, mother—"
After the throw, the rat collapse under his feet. He was too tired. Too tired to move. And too tired to fight on.
At least he protected Miss O'Neil from her ultimate demise. The old rat didn't blame her for trying to help. She simply saved his life at the last second and gave him the strength that he needed. There is one thing that April and her late father now both shares. Their courage to help and save one another.
Electricity was running through his veins as the torture continues. It would only be a matter of time before Leo is completely knocked out. He needs to escape. His father needs him. His brothers need their leader. They all need him.
Grabbing a hold of two active rods, Leo screams at the top of his lungs as he uses all his might to push them to push them away from his body as possible. And directs them to a new target. Each other.
Once the active ends make contact, it emits a strong bright blast that sends all Foot Soldiers off their feet and sends them flying away from the turtle to different parts of the sewer den.
Rods were disarmed from their holders and the black warriors flopped to the floor like sacks of potatoes. The electricity has disconnected from the reptile's body as he gains all his muscles back in a split second. Light smoke filled the air before it quickly evaporated. No longer surrounded and in danger, it was time for the eldest to get to his original task.
Rolling over to his side, Leo shakes the dizziness out of his head and looks ahead. His father was still fighting on. But not for long.
The sound of metal was still sounded in the background. April moves off the human cushion herself as she stands up with no trouble. Sally on the other hand…
The teenager's eyes were closed, almost winching in pain not just from the fall that she took but also the tussle that she had with the angry Japanese woman not too long ago. The woman helps her friend up to her feet. When April grabs her by the arm, Sally hisses in pain as she can feel a bruise coming on her back.
The girls have found themselves near the radio room. Splinter must have thrown April away from Shredder before the monster could have dealt with some serious damage on her. Her former pet rat saved her at the last second. Completely understand the risk of helping them out, April is willing not to it again for the second time in the row. She can't afford to make the same mistake. Splinter and the Turtles were trying to keep them safe.
April sees the small table and carefully drags the poor girl over. Sally's back was slightly hunched over but she'll survive. In the small space, they both had enough room to hide themselves. Just in case if Shredder has spotted them yet again.
Crawling on the ground in the middle of the battle was the last thing that Splinter will do. But he can't help it. His brain & heart were screaming for him to get up but no avail. His muscle was aching. His breathing was shallow. He is losing.
And he couldn't crawl away any further from his opponent as Shredder resumes his incoming victory. The metal monster grabs the rat once again and violently throws him close to another entrance. The nearby archway which leads him to the kitchen and dining area.
But just before you take a step into the next room, there is a special switch. Luckily for Splinter, he happens to land very close to it. But it's located on the same side as the training room. So, in order to activate it, someone has to be in the skate ramp area. Which his own children are not currently in.
And it happens to be his sons' salvation. But his own sacrifice.
Located near the kitchen area, Leo takes up a running start, heading towards his feeble father. "Sensei!" He almost trips over but continues to press on.
Very fragile, Splinter uses the energy that has left to crawl over to the switch. His eldest was coming up fast. No…
"No, my son, stay back!"
With one more push, the old rat lifts his hand up and grabs hold of the switch. With one push of it, it releases the secured chain, setting it free. Descending upwards, the long chain rattles against the mechanism, giving off sparks as it makes contact. As it goes up, the large metal gates go down.
Taking his swords out, Leo was only a metre away from joining his father. But his heart was racing a lot faster when the gate before him is sliding down. Gripping a tight grasp on his weapons, Leo does a spinning jump through another set of clear plastic flaps and lands in front of the gate itself, with his right sword about to make contact. He slashes the metal gate; trying to slash into two. But it shows no marks. Why…why would father lock himself in? The Shredder is with him! He would be…
These things were going through Leo's mind as he continues to slices away; trying to weaken the substance entrance.
Mikey socks the last of them in the face but the sound of the gate scraping downwards brings to his attention. And his father is on the other side.
"Sensei!" the youngest cries out. He ditches the knocked-out Foot and races through the boys' bedroom. But the gate closes on him before he got the chance to go through the archway it, causing him to skids to a stop.
Like his brothers, he cares a great deal for the only parent that he and his brothers have. Why would Sensei shut this large gate? And why now? With the entrance blocked off, Mikey frantically leaves the room and finds another way around. This was not the only entry to the skating area.
After dealing with his lot, Donnie joins his older brother. Coming up to the shut door, he bangs his fist with all of his might, hoping to break some kind of the door's weak spot. He too witnessed scene before and has ditch his battle to help his father. He just couldn't believe. Some time ago, Splinter has ordered him to installed a barrier around their home. He told them that it was a part of their training. Until now, it was not.
Desperate to help his master, Leo agitatedly shakes the gate. He and his brothers need to know. "Sensei! Dad! Dad!" He stops shaking, gripping on the iron and drawing his face a little closer. "What are you…What are you doing?" His eyes are locked onto his father's who is struggling to get up, even with the support of the iron gate.
The last thing that Splinter wants is any of his students to go up against him. They cannot. They were not ready yet. Splinter couldn't handle himself. It was a death wish for anyone foolish enough to face him. Something that the furry ninja master was ready for. Not his sons. They were too young. It would be too early for them.
What is done…needs to be done. He has separated his own children from the danger itself. No matter how hard it is. But there is one thing that he can do.
Petrified, Splinter shakily pokes his head through the hole itself to where his eldest son is. "Hide!"
And the danger itself leaps up in the air…and lands right behind Splinter.
All three Turtles are frightened when Shredder grabs the weak rat by the rob yet again. Leonardo's eyes went wide. "No!" But neither him or his brothers had the strength or time to break the gate when their father is caught in the hands yet again.
"SAVE YOURSELVES!"
With the screeching rat in tow, Shredder jumps away and slams him down hard on the grated ground. He takes Splinter away from his children but lets them watch the suffering before them. The Turtles need to help their father. NOW!
Still hiding in their spot, April and Sally both poke their heads up to watch the carnage before them. They were now shaking with terror. The Shredder is merciless beating Splinter to death! Even April (this time) doesn't intervene. She would end up meeting the same fate if she interferes for the second time. Sally is wise not to get involved at all. They couldn't do anything but watch in revulsion.
Gripping their three-fingered hands on the bars, they all, simultaneously, push the gate up. So far, they have managed to get it above their shins. But they need to hurry. If they keep on delaying to open the gate, their father will not survive much longer.
The sound of a living carcass crunching was heard as Shredder tosses Splinter high in the air until he slams himself in the ramp above their heads. The sore rat then falls down to earth. But just before he makes contact with the hard floor, Shredder swings a much harder punch to the head, making the rat do a few twirls in mid-air before hitting the floor. Now lying on his back, Splinter's bones and muscles are now aching for the afterlife. Even death would be less painful than experiencing the agonizing pain for even one more minute.
The three teenage ninjas are struggling to open the heavy door but they are not giving up. Their father is in grave danger. Every second counts.
Rather than go all the way, the small gap between the floor and the gate was enough for Donatello to bend down on one knee to bring his short Bo-Staff and places it in a vertical position underneath it. With the press of the button, the whole stick extends it to its full length, pushing the door all the way up at rapid speed. The pole flies up a bit before the techy turtle catches it. Good thing that Donnie customized it a long time ago. It came in very handy. Leo and Mikey both let go of the gate when it comes up at full force. No longer blocked off, the Turtle Brothers can move forward. They all ran out and heads straight for Shredder.
More Foot Soldiers began to flood into the ruined underground home, aiming their firearms at the three green mutants themselves. Once his opponent couldn't make any movement at all, Shredder bends down and grabs Splinter by the rim of his dirty robe. The victor holds up the failure of this battle high in the air like a trophy.
Splinter, hanging his numb limbs around, didn't do anything to break free from his prison. Shredder has really dealt a number on Splinter, causing him to be one step closer to his demise.
And Splinter…He did everything that he could. The rat master has taught himself how to fight…from a book. But it wasn't enough to win. Shredder has spent his entire life training the deadly art. The rat only had a few years after reading a tome collection. Splinter admits defeat. Does it also mean that he admits death too?
Leonardo, Donatello and Michelangelo, armed with their signature weapons at their sides, halt a fair distance away from Shredder. They both see their adversary up ahead as they all got into their battle position.
There were a few reasons why they stopped. One: They are completely outnumbered now that more black soldiers have entered their home; armed with firearms. With either tranq darts or actual bullets.
And two:…He has their father hostage.
If they take another step, it would be all over for Splinter. They need to find a way to get their father far away from the steel ninja's clutches as soon as possible so they can dual him. But how, exactly? Knowing how dangerous Shredder is in person, it would be precisely impossible.
Shredder decided to bring up an ultimate. The one that will cause them to surrender their weapons…and themselves.
"Children, drop your weapons,…" he then gestures his open hand towards the rat in his grasp, "…or your father…" he clenches his fist tightly, arming his sharp gauntlet, and holds his prisoner up higher for them to see in the light, "…will die."
The injured rat was on the brink of death. The only audible sound coming out of him was his groaning. He was barely hanging on. One more fatal move or he would face with eternal darkness. Through his nearly closed eyes, he can see three of his children. All standing proud and strong. Just like how any parent raised their own kin.
The group of three Turtles have not made a move since they enter the room. Breathing deeply through their mouths and noses. And they couldn't believe what he said to them. He is giving them a choice. To surrender to his condition or…lose one of their precious family members.
For the past 15 years,…they have all looked up to him. They loved him unconditionally. They all followed him as a great leader of the pack. He is and always will be their father. Beyond time and space. And the Shredder… was just about to take it all away in an instant. The monster does not have any remorse in his veins and bones. So, why has he stopped the fighting and has not finished him off?
If the Turtles were in any possible danger like just before, Splinter would gladly lay down his life to protect his young. His own family.
Splinter's life was in danger. There was no other way out.
The Turtles have come to a conclusion.
Leo was the first to straighten up…and releases his grip on his swords. The blades went clang when it made contact with the concrete ground. As the leader, he makes the final decision. And he hopes that the others will follow. After letting his weapons go, he looks to the incomplete team. Don was the second to drop his staff but looked at his older brother for permission in doing so. And that leaves Mikey who too looks at his older brother and throws his dual chunks away. They all looked back at the terrorist group. All the Foot Soldiers in front of them still aimed their weapons at the mutants in case of any witty business or if they just to get the jump on them.
Both the wooden weapons gave a bit of thud when it joined the same level as the steel weapons. And that was only the three turtles. Their brother Raph was nowhere to be seen. Where was he? And how come he isn't here? Knowing him, he wouldn't be the first one to submit but he would certainly be the last if he couldn't find another way around it. He too would drop his weapons if he was here and not…wherever he is.
The Turtle Brothers did what the Shredder told them to. They have surrender themselves to the enemies. For the sake of their father.
If he promised not to hurt Splinter…
Both April and Sally saw this confrontation. Shredder only has Splinter held as a captive to tip the scales towards his favour. The Turtles have a genuine heart unlike Shredder. They have given him their word. They just hope he would keep it.
No-one knows if the girls did ever escape the sewers. Not wanted to be seen by anyone, the two roommates both duck under the table so it looks like that they did escape the sewers and were not here the whole time. At least they were not prepared to witness the next scene.
Because that is when Shredder did the unthinkable.
He has got them right where he wants them. Unarmed…and unprepared.
With the battered rat in his clutches, Shredder draws his elbow back…and slams his sharp gauntlet into the weak portion of the rat's chest! A clear grunt came from Splinter's mouth. Probably the last thing to speak when Shredder made the fatal attack!
In a split second, horror washed over their faces. "NOOOOO!" The three brothers all rushed over to save their father…
Some of the Foot enter through the second entrance, with fully-charged rods in their hands. They came up behind the startled mutants and shock them from behind. Feeling this sudden attack, the turtles dropped to their knees; unable to withstand the jolt. Only about two or three members of the black ninja squad took a turtle each as the newfound suffering continued. Leo was very familiar to its attacks that are coursing through his and the other's veins.
The steel ninja master throws the near-lifeless rodent out from his grip. The body collapses onto the hard ground with both his hands to one side.
Splinter's eyes remained closed. His body…motionless.
The dreadfulness has sickened the pits of their stomach. This…cannot be happening.
Some tranq darts were shot into their green skins as Leo felt one on his neck. He pulls the small container off him but the substances have already entered his systems. Hitting his torse on the ground, he can already feel the wooziness now in effect. It would only be a matter of time before he is out cold.
Desperately, the eldest tries to reach for his father. Shredder… he promised! He promised…NOT to kill him!
Dropping to the floor as well, the two youngest were trying their very best to hang on. But with the tranquilizer darts and the electricity going into their body, it was proving to be very effective.
Their eyelids were closed shut and their heads flopped onto the ground. They eventually met with darkness. Until they wake up.
Everyone cleared out of the ruined home; leaving only the metal master and one of his men at the doorway. A few more have just departure through the same exit. There was something that was amiss when this mission started.
"Where's the fourth?" he asked the lone Foot present. The master clearly remembers 15 years ago that there were four baby turtles for the project that he conducted. As well as the rat but he is not very significant. Not anymore.
"He's dead," the loyal soldier replied.
He was there to witness the demise of the last member of the hidden ninja clan. Along with a few of his fallen comrades. They came down here to find all four of them. Only three are in his procession. Even if they did lose one of them, it would still be enough. For his ultimate plan.
He scans the room that a great battle took place. His foe continues to lie in the same place that he lands a fatal attack which hopefully would have finished him off. The rat was truly a worthy opponent to be honest.
He still couldn't believe that after 15 years, the ones that he has been looking for were right under his nose the whole time. Such a pitiful place to hide in the shadows where he too lurks.
Now it has been discovered, there should be no evidence that he and his army were even here. Or any witnesses at all.
There was only one thing left to do. He turns back to his soldier. "Destroy this place."
Just like the ones that made a couple of entrances when the ambush occurred, the bombs were set up all over the underground. Once they are secured and the men are cleared of the area, they went off.
On the surface, the humans of New York would have felt a small tremor. But a 6.2 on the Richter scale has shaken up the place when the TNT were set off. A few huge fire blasts enveloped the area before leaving a large smoky trail.
Thanks to the explosion, large debris felled off its previous structure and landed on a new area. Most of them settles on a small soft body just in the centre of the discarded room. He was left there to rot by his greatest adversary and the greatest evil that the city has ever known.
Breathing severely and eyes stayed closed, the rat is trapped under his concrete coffin what could possibly be his final resting place. He is still alive but not for long. It was not just physically pain that he is feeling today. After the toughest match of his life, Splinter feels a great battered in his soul. The worst has happened for him.
He let the Shredder…took his family away. His own sons.
A tear streaked down on his furry cheek.
I..am sorry,…my sons.
I have…failed you.
…whoa…Shredder has ambushed the lair, took down Splinter and has capture the Turtles! How will they ever escape? And what about Raph? Is he ok? And Splinter? Will he survive this ordeal? Well, guess we will find out very soon in the next chapter of:
Heroes in the Half-Shell: Let's Go Save My Brothers
Author's Notes: Wow. That scene got me all emotional, just like when I first saw it when it came out.
Just a few changes but most of them still the same.
The new Black Panther Wakanda Forever is out now and I haven't seen it yet. I will indeed. I can tell that it will be an emotional one since we lose Chadwick Boseman himself in 2020 from his battle with cancer. If you guys remember, I too lost my nana to cancer back in 2014 and it was just a few months before the new Ninja Turtles movie came out. The franchise helped me through the hard times. So, thank you.
I'm still playing the new Sonic Frontiers game. Working my way through it and its so great! The cast and crew have done a great job putting it together and it was worth the wait. The Pokémon games is already out from what I've heard.
Anyway, I just checked and it looks like I'm nine chapters away from finishing this story! And I will, at some time down the track, add my OC reference sheet as I am getting back into drawing. It will take a long time but I promise, I will get there eventually.
That's it for me. You guys take care of your selves.
Until we meet again,
The DragonLord2912