Heroes in the Half-Shell
Chapter 25 – Brotherhood
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: We are here. We are FINALLY here! This is it! This is the very LAST CHAPTER of the story! You guys have no idea how long this has taken me! Let's get down with the reviews before the tale!
From the reviews/PMs that I got, I will answer them:
To ChelleNorlund
Wow. This chapter is soooooooooooo good. :-) I like it. I do like how Raphael saved April's life from falling, including his speech at the end, that was so very brave of him. :-)
Keep up the good work, I hope you will update soon.
Thanks,
ChelleNorlund.
You know, as soon as I upload every chapter, you are definitely the first person to post a review right away.
This is the last chapter…and a little surprise at the end!
Time for the epic conclusion!
(The sewers underneath Sacks Tower, Manhattan, NY – 9:23am)
Sliding the man-hole cover disconnects the busiest streets of New York from the discreet sewer line. The only ones occupying the space are four mutants and two human girls.
After climbing down the ladder to the wettest tunnel, they took off running a few blocks away. They could have been caught by the police or any civilians but to their luck, they escape. Unharmed and undetected.
All their hearts were still racing after that event, but rest assured, the worst has come to past. Shredder has finally been defeated. His men are all beaten. And the deadly toxin that he was about to unleash to the public has been halted. The city has been saved. They are heroes.
They went down a few tunnels until the noise from above has dimmer. All six beings come to a screeching halt. They can finally take a breather after that excitement.
"Guess we're safe down here," Leo spoke while checking out the coast to make sure that it is clear. Hopefully, no-one spotted them leaving the fallen spire and follow them down here.
"So, Raph,…" Mikey comes to his brother's side and grabs him by the shoulder, "…did you really shed a tear, bra, or did you just get a major shell-wedgie from the fall?"
Raph is now pretty startled when that question was asked. He collects himself before shrugging the fool off of him. He then turns to face Mikey. "I told you, ding-dong, it was dusty out there!" Raph defended himself. And to prove his point by towering over the youngest of the clan.
But Mikey was not buying. "Right. It happens to be dusty right after you pulled a touching speech of how much you wanted to leave the group because you were scared and you told us that you love us!" He continues to mock his big bro as he turns his shell around. "It was like you won an Oscar or the Emmy. Oh! Or winning the Blimp! You know, only the people get to vote on their favourite artist or actor! Maybe there is a category on the Best Mutant to do the Ugly Cry award or—"
But Mikey completely shuts up when the red-faced turtle grabs him by the rim of his shell and slowly turns him in the creepiest way as possible. And he pulls off a deep chuckle which starts to worry him out a little.
"Like if you tell this to anyone,..." Raph leans a bit closer,"…you know where my Sais will end up in the morning."
Petrified was on his face when Raph made that threat. The youngest brood was already shaking in his shell. Seeing the look on his brother's face was scary enough to make him think twice. "Now you mention it, it was kind of dusty out there," he quickly replied; saving himself from getting the hospital bill on his force surgery. He then fans his eyes with his hand. "I'm starting to tear up from it."
Decided to drop the tough guy act, Raph plays it along and gives his goofy brother a knuckle sandwich. Only Donnie and Leo were watching the commotion. Even after they nearly fell to their death after saving the city, nothing changes for his brothers. The leader was pleased of that.
With all of his brothers accounted for, that is when Leo turns to the two humans in the pack. They too were a little wheezing from the fall and the run for cover. Their hands were on their knees. Although coming up to the rooftops has almost got them killed, they have really saved their shells. For one who was their owner when they were pets and the other whom is connected to them by another older figure in their own reptile past.
Leo steps towards them. "You two ok?"
Their breathing was starting to slow down before straighten this backs up. Sally nodded in both for her and April. "Yeah,…we're good." Maybe a little frighten at the moment but they'll survive. If they can fall off a building and live to tell the tale, then they can pretty much do anything.
"Wait," Donnie halts them. He noticed something that is missing from them. "Didn't you guys had the mutagen with you?" Their smiles on their faces dropped as the girls looked at each other. "You guys did have the mutagen, right?"
That is when they realised something. After they left the lab, they made a dart to the rooftops to see the Turtles. April was the only one holding onto the special vial. It was with them right up until…
"Shredder," the distress teenager utters.
Gloomily, April's shoulder dropped. "Oh, no…" She places her hand on her face; slightly covering her misty eyes.
"He must've snatched it when he pushed us off," Sally recalled that terrifying event. She and April turned to face the Turtles. "I'm really sorry you guys." They have failed on their mission. They now feel so regretfully.
That…can be. Shredder…has took something from them. Something that is vital to them and only them.
"How are we gonna save Sensei now?" Mikey sadly asked.
The mutant brother all looked at each other and then looked away, wretchedly. They…don't know.
They thought about getting that vial of mutagen from Sacks would save their dad. But only one was made through the three doses of their blood. They could go back into Sacks Tower and drain more of their blood out. But it will take a long time to get the sample and convert it into the cure. But by the time that they are done, it would all be for nothing.
It is too late now. Splinter…their father…is done for.
"Yeah,…" Sally regretfully utters. She looks down at her bag. She then looks at April. Her friend gives her a nod. Maybe there is something in her sack could help. "…so, um…" That is when she starts going through her bag. "…what are we gonna do…" Her hand clasps onto what she is looking for. Sally then pulls it out and shows it to the green boys. "...with this?"
All four sorrow turtles looked up. Now it was their turn to be surprised.
Sally pictures a prosperous smile. And so did April. Because in the teen's hands was another canister of mutagen!
It was like the heavens have answered their call of saving their father with a second chance. It was like all the gloom in the world has complete washed away for the desperate brothers.
The one thing that can save their father was right here in their possession!
Flabbergasted, Leo was the first turtle to shuffle at his feet as he comes a reaching distance of the cure. His stunned brothers followed in pursuit. They couldn't believe it. The girls have a second vial of ooze with them! But…didn't Shredder took it away from them. How did they get it back? They need to know!
Stunned, Leo looks back and forth at the vial and Sally. "How—"
Sally passes the vial to Donnie. "Do you really think that we're gonna let Shredder or Sacks get away with the extra vial of mutagen?" She then looks to her older friend. "Like they're ever gonna need it in prison." The girls giggle together before giving a victory high-five! Score one for the heroes!
The bad guys made another vial. And the girls happened to steal this one right out of their grasp? Nice!
Sally folds her arms over. "Besides, ever back-up needs a back-up." Very true. In case Plan B goes haywire.
Each of the Turtles has resisted either to hug them or shake their hand for doing a huge favour for them. Although Mikey was about to have the guts to hug both of his girls but Raph completely stops him from going any further.
"So, I guess your friend, the old guy must be calling the po-po on Sacks right about now, right?" Mikey asked. Shredder wasn't the only one who should get a life sentence. It was his little nickname to the other guy in the group.
The look on the girls went from relieved to dread in a split second. April and Sally both looked at each other. "Vern!" they both screamed. The subject on getting some med on him almost left their minds.
"We promise to get some help for him!" April exclaimed. Back then, she wanted to stay with him but he clearly ordered them to take the mutagen and get some help. Who knows how much pain he has endured since they left him?
"If Sacks doesn't wake up from the forced nap," Sally mildly joked. But due to the strong force from Vern's attack on him, the next time that he will wake up is in his prison cell.
Surprised, Raph raised an eyebrow. "You girls left the human nerd behind?"
Right behind, Mikey mouth human nerd to his geeky brother. He only got a shrug in return. Something must have happened before they came to rescue them at the mansion in the mountainside.
The girls need to keep this brief as they are now in a hurry. Sally turns to the mutants. "Long story short: he got shot by Sacks but he's alive."
The Turtles were pretty astonished on that piece of news. Maybe once they get their friend to safety, maybe they can tell them what really happened in that lab on the 35th floor.
April has already taken a step towards the same exit that they took. "But he won't be if we don't get a move on!" But how will the girls get back into the same tower that they escaped from since the street is no occupied with people and cops. It will be impossible to get back inside now.
The purple turtle was already on his gadget as he uploads the schematics of the local sewer tunnels. "Hey guys!" April and Sally turned to Donnie. "If you take just a right, then pass two tunnels and a left, it will take you to a manhole right in an alleyway close to Sacks Tower!" Donnie directed them another route back the same building. "You can get into the building the back way. No security there."
Grateful to get the direction, the girls take up another moving start. "Thanks, Donnie!" April praises, giving the smart turtle a thumbs-up.
April goes right around the corner…
"Wait!" Only Sally screeches to a halt. Just only a meter away from the turn, she turns around to see Leo whom has taken a few steps forward. What does he want? He and the others know that she and April are in a hurry to go help their friend.
Leo looks at her. Then to the mutagen. And then back at her. "Umm,…." The blue turtle pulls a gratifying smile at her. "….thanks."
Sally sweetly smiles back. "Anytime."
They still looked at each other when April comes back around. She sees her slacking friend and grabs her by the shoulders. "Come on!"
Sally was startled by the yank and was nearly dragged at her feet. She has already wasted time now because every second counts. The girls got their friend in need of aid. And so does the reptiles' father. Once the girls are out of their sights, the mutants start running deeper into the tunnel. As they dash the other way, the four Turtles can hear the echo of the girls' voices throughout the tunnels.
"You just love to stall for time whenever Vern is in trouble or something?"
"Oh, shut up!"
Raphael was the last turtle to see their father alive.
And with him placed on the wooden bench in the Needle Room was the last place that he left him. That is where the Turtles are all gathered around.
Using the back-up vial of mutagen that the girls saved for them, Donnie, playing doctor, sucks a sample into a syringe. The hanging Christmas lights right above the lying rat provided the only light source for Donnie to work with. With the mighty cure in the small tube, the purple turtle directs the needle into the rat's arms. Once the thin metal is inserted into the furry skin, he then slowly plunges the knob down, pushing the substances in. He doesn't stop until it was all gone.
"Okay, the mutagen is now entering his bloodstream," Donnie confirmed, caressing his father's head.
All they can do now…is wait.
They all stared down at their father, desperately waiting for the outcome with Mikey being the closest to him. Donnie and Raph were either sides while Leo was in the background. Internally praying is what they are doing right now.
"Master Splinter?" the frighten Mikey speaks.
"Nothing happening," Raph said. Deep down he was getting a bit impatient.
Mikey anxiously looks at his smart brother. "Why isn't it working yet?"
Now they were getting fearful. Now that the cure-all immediately inserted, something is bound to happen. They need answers.
The purple turtle was in a small state of dread. He was looking back and forth at the syringe and to his father. Did he do something wrong? No. He shouldn't. It should have worked by now.
Splinter continues to stay motionless for a little while now. Was the cure a success? Did it work? Is Master Splinter…
His ears twitch. Hearing the voices of his brood was evermore sweeter. They are all right. For the whole time that he lies on the wooden stand, he regretfully in his guts that he never had the chance to see his sons one last time. He thought he has failed as a guardian to his rowdy sons. He didn't. They are here – alive and well.
But what about him?
Tilting his head to the left, he takes in a few shallow breaths before his eyes slit open. The youngest one of all was directly nearly on top of him. Seeing him, Splinter has something to say.
"Mikey…"
The Turtles were now surprised. But mostly to Michelangelo whose father spoke his nickname. He only calls his children by their given names.
"Huh?" Mikey responded. He wants him?
"Mikey,…" Splinter repeated his name, feebly. "…come closer…"
Their father…is still with them. Maybe for his final words. And he has to say them to only Mikey. Why not the rest of his sons?
As directed, Michelangelo leans forward, tipping his head to the right. His reptile earhole was close enough to the rat's mouth as the son leans his ear to his father. He holds his hand up to his ear, making their conversation private between them.
No-one can hear their father's hush voice as he speaks his message to his son. What does Splinter have to say that only his youngest child who has the right to listen?
An abrupt astonished look was on Mikey's face when he straightens his shell. What did Splinter say?
The eldest goes into a small state of panic. "What did he say? What did he say?" he frantically asked.
The others all gathered around to hear the critical revealing. Was the cure successful? Is he going to be alright? What was so urgent that Splinter told Miche—
"He said, "Please get your knee off my chest."."
What? Splinter has THAT to say? No "take care, my sons, I love you" one-of-a-kind speeches?
Well,…he would have the strength to say something like that if the cure actually worked.
They all looked down at the weaken rat. It turns out Mikey's knee is pressing down on the master's chest! Probably cutting off his circulation to his head! And speaking of the cure, judging by the pink skin on his furry body and that his breathing is now at a steady rate, it proved successful!
Splinter… The four joyful Turtles moved their heads and bodies back to give their revived father some space.
If they were still little kids, jumping hysterically or weeping uncontrollable is what they would be doing. But they were all mature enough to hold it in. But instead, letting out a breath of relief and smiling beam as the smiling baby brother lift his leg off his injured father.
He lives! Their master…lives! Barely!
Donnie was the one is who is the most pleased. He was so sure that the cure would work. But at the same time scared that it would fail and that they would lose their father forever.
"Sensei! You're alive!" Mikey quietly exclaimed; careful not to raise his voice. Without the pressure of his leg into his father's body, he resisted the urge to hug his dear, old dad as he is just recovering. Maybe later when he is feeling better.
Raph lunges his head a bit forward. "It worked!" The red turtle almost broke into tears once again. Before, he was thankfully for saying a moving final confession off his chest before finding out that he and the others were going to live and then again to see his father breathing.
The leader was at first comforted. But he turns to sorrow to see the state that his father is in. "I'm sorry. This was all my fault."
As the leader, he takes full responsibility of their actions. For what any either of his bros or himself or all have done, Leo ends up suffering the consequences. But he wasn't the only one who feel guilty or shouldn't share it.
Raph turned his head to see his older brother when he spoke before facing his father in great shame. "You were right. We weren't ready." Donnie and Mikey both too feel terrible for their father.
All four turtle are sharing the blame when their expressions broke into sadness. They have destroyed the all-time rule of the mutant family. They all took a trip up to the surface and look where it has almost got their father. To be almost broken, battered and lifeless. By the hands of the one that the city fears the most. Well, not any more after the battle that was taken a few moments ago.
Actually, for once,…it is not the boys' fault. Because Splinter here has a very good reason why. On why he has concealed them from the outside world. On why he has always kept them away from any sight of humans. He has a very good reason.
Getting his strength back and his colour, Splinter fully opens his eyes to see his sons. "No," he spoke, shaking his head in defence. He placed his hand where his reactive heart is. "It was I who wasn't ready to let you go." It was like any parent's fears. The fear of losing their children. Splinter understands the feeling completely ever since he has taken on the role of parenthood. If he didn't let them go, then they wouldn't have the chance to stop Shredder from succeeding in his master plan. And then the whole city would have been doomed. Even without the Turtles in his possession. He then looks across to each of his sons. "All you need was to discover that your true power lies in believing in one another."
Was it that simple? To believe in one another which makes them stronger. Not as individual but as a team? The four brothers all tilt their heads upward and looked at each other in realisation. All they need to do was to believe in each other and thus…it is what prosper their victory against the Shredder.
Well,..not Mikey. He looks stumped. But it only took him a few seconds to finally grasp it. His expression went from baffled to astonished. He then did the hand gesture and the "explosion" sound effect to add. He was officially mind-blown. His brothers all looked at their silly brother when he did that action before looking at one another.
Learning from their battles against the Foot Clan and their terrifying leader, the four mutants didn't have to do this alone.
Not only they were born to be brothers, but…they were born to be the greatest kick-ass team of all time.
(A day later…)
Nobody in this city can either sleep now or have a good nice sleep after yesterday events. But in the future, they can.
After treating their friend to the emergency room with no fatal injury (only to wear a sling for the next few weeks), April and Sally have alerted the enforcers to have taken both Shredder and Sacks in and place them in the big house where they will be sentence a life sentence with zero chance of patrol.
Who knew that the threat almost as big as Shredder was right in the open this whole time. The city was pretty irrational to trust a man who has deep connection with the international terrorist organisation. From now on, they will be more careful on whom to trust and do a full background check to prevent something like this to happen in the future.
But they don't know if they should blame Sacks for being raised in a horrible environment or not. If he didn't, he would be all alone in what he described a foreign world. But they are not in the mood to trust Sacks ever again. He took away April's dad many years ago. It would take many years for April to let go of all the hate and angry against the businessman as she has lost her trust in the man that she once looked up to.
But right now, the city can celebrate on those who did bring forth the true criminals of the story. But the reporter herself (who has her job reinstated after the CEO apologise for her misdoubt) and her friends decided to keep that information a secret. Instead, they will pass off as the Vigilantes like they previously noted.
Speaking of the Turtles,…the girls haven't seen them since yesterday. Was helping them save the city and stop Shredder gonna be the last and only time that they are ever going to see them?
Hopefully not for Sally. For the first time in her life, she finally meet a couple of somebodies whom are at the same age as she is and whom she has become very comfortable with. And someone who doesn't judge on how she acts or look.
And hopefully not for April. She remembers them clearly as her childhood pets. But they have become much more closer in the past few days. Something that the four of them plus Splinter share and what she & Sally both share with their own fathers. A family bond. She's hopes to meet up with them again in the future and tell that to them. With more interactions along the way.
Sally was offered to reinstate her internship but the teenager declined it as she has her life already occupied with her school work. This surprises April since she knows the teenager very well that school was almost never on her mind. But she will continue her blog and has just added a story: The Rise & the Fall of SHREAD-HEAD. That was her little nickname that she gave during the final clash to the metal villain.
Vern has called the woman over to a secluded place just located under the Brooklyn Bridge and close to the docks. That is almost where April first spotted the Foot Clan only a few nights ago. He said he has a little surprise for her. Sally decided to join in since she has got nothing better to do but to witness another of Vern's humiliating attempts to impress her older roommate.
Arriving at the location on her bike, April walks it over to the gentleman with her friend walking by her side. Suspended over Sally's shoulder was her fold-away scooter since April came by her own mode of transportation. She must have folded it up once they have reached their destination. They walked the rest of the way to come a foot distance away from the guy. Seeing what is with him, now they understand his little surprise.
Vern was resting his behind on the hood of his flashy ride. The black convertible was nothing like the white news van that he drives around in. How did Vern get a car like that? That is something that the girls will ask him. And why here out of all the places? Another thing that they like to ask.
His arm was wrapped up in a dark blue cotton sling that secure his sore limb. The bullet was taken out and the wound was all bandaged up by professionals. He will be able to move his arm freely once the wound is all healed up.
The cameraman smiles at his female companions as they draw a bit closer. "There she is," he announces the appearance of the chosen woman in front of him, hopping off his car. "New York's secret weapon."
April smiles back. She's glad to see her friend up and running. Even after almost getting killed from a fatal shot. Plus, it was thanks to him that she got her job back. He gave a good word to Thompson about her involvement with the Foot and took them Sacks the Traitor to the mix was an added bonus. But she wasn't alone as Vern sees she has brought company along. Why is Sally here? Didn't Vern ask only April? Guess the kid got nothing better to do.
Well, the cheeky teen herself has got something to say to the wise-guy himself who didn't mention her. "Yeah. She's Poison Ivy and I'm Haley Quinn. And I guess that leaves Batman for you 'cause you ain't bulletproof like Superman."
Seeing that she threw a joke in his face, Vern uses his uninjured hand and clutches where his heart is. He scoffs. "That's pretty hurtful, Sal. Even after I took the bullet for you guys."
The woman rolls her eyes. These guys always waste no time throwing wits at each other. That's healthy about the relationship that they have. Keeps them balance.
Speaking of the bullet wound on his chest… "How's your arm, Vern?" April asked.
The accidental hero turns his attention on the same friend who was concern for his health rather than throw a tease at him as well. Vern looks at his bandaged arm in a sling. "Well, it wouldn't be much use in a fight." He looks up. "Not that I was much use before, but…"
The cameraman was lucky enough to survive the ordeal. Not to mention he help to save the city. Throwing the hard weapon at Sacks with a loaded gun was a one-in-a-million chance to stop him and Shredder. Maybe he would consider looking into a self-defence class. As long as he doesn't pull a hammy.
April looks past him to see a new addition. "Did you get a new car?"
Vern looks behind. Guess she did notice something other than his wounded arm. "Yeah," he replied, sitting his behind and resting his uninjured hand on the hood once more. He looks at April with a boastful smile once more. "You're looking at the new Fenwick Express." He quickly looks over his shoulder. "Pretty sweet, huh? Kind of an upgrade. I figured I'd need new wheels after my old work vehicle went boom."
Correction, his old work vehicle was not blown up. It has a huge hole on the side and the was still abandoned at Sacks' mansion that is at the moment confiscated by the police. Just in case if any Foot member is still lying around. Speaking of the clan, some of the members have not all been capture. Most of them went into hiding or has ditched the team as it got too crazy with mutants running away. They say one among them – a lady – has disappeared. The one in a high ponytail with red tips on the back. Sally has a feeling that is the same lady that came across their path. She'll be back. Hopefully not too powerful or even crazier than Shredder.
Then again, it is a pretty sweet upgrade for the forty-something year-old man.
Vern brags more on his car as he places his free hand inside the pocket of his jacket. "Yeah, Channel 6 gave it to me. They said don't put a scratch on it, but, like, lightning's going to strike twice?" If that ever happens, Vern better carry around the insurance for his new wheels.
Sally nods at the design of this slick vehicle of his. "Pretty sweet ride, indeed." April nods in agreement. And the teenager herself wasn't joking this time. She though it looks good-looking sports car. Maybe once she gets her license, maybe Vern can give her a ride in it. Although, it might take a hundred years or so for Vern to even let the cheeky teen to sit in the driver's seat.
What Vern said is true. It would take a miracle to damage his car and this time on his new one. He better not push it as it is his ride home and there is no room on either April's bike or Sally's scooter. Not that they can try to ride two people on a small transport but they will put on an embarrassing show for the neighbourhood to watch.
But April needs to know something. "So, is that why you called me here,…to talk about your new car?" Why did Vern called her up in the middle of the night to drag her and Sally in the darkest place in the city? Sally has a big hunch on what the older man has to ask her friend.
Oh, Vern call her to talk about something more. For so many time, he has been politely turn down by the same woman for a few years now. He hopes that with the work that he has done for him, for her, and for the city,…she might say yes. He only needs to pray his lucky stars that she would say the right word. And after how she got along with those green ninjas of hers, maybe copying the attitude of theirs that might actually work on her. It is worth a shot.
"I know that you're not exactly a fancy restaurant kind of girl, so I figured a creepy underpass in an abandoned neighbourhood in the middle of the night was more your speed," he replied. And tagging Sally along was not part of his plan. Once she has accepted the invitation, they can order whatever April is in the mood for. As his treat.
As he stated talking on his reason, April completely understands. He wanted to spend quality time with the reporter and she can't blame him. They have known each other for a long time and he wants to get to know her a lot more but April would be happy to hang out with someone at her age and the same applies to Vern. Only Sally was the exception.
"I wanted you to be comfortable," Vern added. Unless they get jumped by a couple of thugs in about two seconds.
Unfortunately, April plus Sally were not paying attention to the last sentence. Because they were looking over his shoulder and past the car to see another presence in the burrows.
Was it the police? The remaining Foot Soliders? Have they come to deliver some payback to their fallen master for what they have done?
Unless they drive in a dark green party van, the humans didn't have to worry about either. But who is driving this strange vehicle?
Vern stops talking to see both the girls were not paying attention. What are they looking at? A funky horn was made; alerting its presence to the company under the bridge. Vern turns around and see who is disturbing his moment.
Not too far from them, the coat of the large vehicle has a pattern of light green hexagon with a dark green outline and a bright yellow bumper. The headlights are going full bright, almost blinding them. The black tyres with yellow hub caps were pretty big that would take them on the streets and a little off-road action. A radar dish and two large solar panel were installed on the roof of the small car.
Is it not what the outside of the truck that surprises the people but what contains inside…is something utterly recognizable.
The side door swings open to reveal a bald green head wearing an orange bandana pops up from the top as he rests his left arm on the open door. He was about to make his entrance.
The green fellow begins his beatbox intro before saying "DJ Mikey in the house!" He swings his large hand high in the air before dropping it on the door.
The smiling driver pops his hand out the open window and waves to the familiar group of humans. The passage window was open and large enough for the second being in the front to rest his bended arm on the ledge.
It was the Turtles! They're back!
Seeing them in their presence brings a happy grin on the girls' faces. Sally and April were the first to take a walking pace which is followed by a stunned Vern. "No way," the teenager uttered. She and the others couldn't believe who were here. They thought that they would never see them again. Guess their lives will never be the same. And how did they managed to get their own ride in a day? These guys are full of surprises.
"What are you guys doing here?" the reporter happily asked, before their walking becomes a small jog.
"We figured we owed you a thanks for keeping our secret," Leo replied. They were searching all over the city; looking for them. They were hoping to find them in person and thank them personally. Glad Donnie managed to track them down with his gauntlet.
Sally walks up to the passage's side. The teenager takes a good look at the customised ride before her and looks back at Vern's wheels. She then looks at Vern. "Well, Vern, looks like you got some competition," she joked. The older man has taken offense of this. She admits that his ride was pretty sweet. So, why is she comparing his to theirs? To make a good humour at him? Maybe.
They only see three turtles. Where's the fourth if you asked? That is where the humans to the side of the flashy van to see the red turtle just kneeling inside the vehicle. He has concealed himself in the back in which they almost missed him.
"You had a lot to gain from telling people about us,…but you had our backs," Raphael said.
It's true. If it was anyone, they would go to great lengths to tell the whole world but after what they have been through by learning the whole truth and their side of the story, April and Sally simply dropped it. They couldn't bear to slip a peep out to anyone from now on.
April smiles at the red turtle. "Yeah, 'cause that's what family's for, Raph."
Family. There's something that you hear every day in their lives. Raph deeply chuckles; dropping his head in humour. He looks back up and pictures a heartfelt smile at the young woman. He was by far the only turtle who has been with the girls the longest. There wouldn't be any other humans that would interact with them or enjoy their company. Guess there can be some good people for them after all.
"Speaking of family,…" Sally turns her attention on Leo, "…how's your dad holdin' up?"
She and April did save the last vial of mutagen which they were instructed to get. They thought that Shredder got the upper hand by stealing the only cure for the absent member of the family. Their father would have perished if it wasn't for them.
"Splinter?" Leo nodded. "Thanks to the mutagen that you guys saved for us, he's great now."
The guiltiness feeling that was in her stomach since yesterday has finally left when he gave the report. She has been worried about Splinter since he has taken a great beating from Shredder in order to protect his sons from the devil himself. He and the others were so close to losing their father in their young lives. Sally would feel the same way if something has happened to her own parent.
The appreciative teenager lifts his right hand from her pocket and gently places it on the turtle's bare wrist. She genuine smiles at him. "Glad to hear that."
Astonished, the blue turtle looks down at her hand. It felt like his heart just skipped a beat when the contact was made. Electricity was going through his veins when her human skin touches his reptile membrane. Never in his life that a human has ever touched him like that. Well, his skin has made contact with them by locking them in a headlock or one of them sitting on their lap while skidding down the sewer tunnels. But never like this.
But thankfully, Leonardo manages to contain the shock look on his face. Instead, he produced a genuine smile right back at her. Although it doesn't stop his heart racing. He can tell that a kind spirit like hers is something that should stick around for a very long time.
Vern was surprised at the strange vehicle in their possession. How did they get their hands on something like this? But there was another important that he wanted to ask. "So you guys are driving now?"
They are at Sal's age, right? Shouldn't they have a license or an adult with them to observe their driving skills with one of them behind the wheel? Vern decided not to argue. These guys saved the city so, he'll allow it.
But Donnie couldn't wait to unveil his creation after spending 24 hours building his baby from top to bottom. With the help from his brothers, of course. "Yeah, man. I pimped this bad boy out," he responded while the light flashing off their small rocking disco ball. The purple turtle points his thumb over his shoulder to show what he has in stock while missing his brute brother's head who moves his head away. "Got a 42-inch plasma with the NBA package, shave ice machine, 7.1 digital surround sound." Nodding, Vern finds it very impressive while April is amused. His car only has a slick design, leather seats, air-con and state-of-the-art music player. But theirs is something. Only if his car can fit things like a small TV or a hot dog vendor.
And he wasn't kidding. Sally leans on her left to see inside and what she saw almost made her mouth dropped. The interior is all covered in green fur with a large screen TV, a sound desk and a small commercial machines with different flavours in plastic containers. The teen can see herself hanging out and sleeping in a small crib like that. "Nice."
But Mikey would like to do a little demonstration. "Check the bass, bra."
He leans down to reach at a fair distance to press the ideal weapon. The track was already set to play, ready for the company to hear some sweet music.
With the press of the button, the stereo wasn't turn on. No music was playing through the hidden speakers. What did Mikey press? Well, he did press something. And it pops out through the roof of the van. But it is not the speakers. It was long with unusual yellow end and it was whirling up. The three mutants know that is not the sound system playing. But Mikey doesn't know it as he faces the humans with a smile on his green face.
Seeing the known object on the roof turns the smile upside down for everyone. And it tips forward to make it go horizontal.
"Uh-oh," Vern utters.
Mikey has no idea that he uploaded a missile out from the car. And it aims right for the first big thing in the underpass. His smile drops when he looks over to his left. Seeing the loaded missile, he sees that he has made a mistake. And it was too late to stop it when the latch flips off.
But the more pressing issue what its target is.
Not Mikey or Donnie have the time to call off the missile as it flies out if its hatch and flies off, towards its target. Thanks to the firearm of the missile, it causes the brand-new car to explode upon impact!
April, Sally and Vern duck for cover despite being at a reasonable distance. But they had to and covered their heads when the missile hits the car head-on. It was like the Fourth of July right underneath the bridge in Brooklyn to happen right in front of the shocked group. Fire and sparks went everywhere when the bang happened. Due to the force, it causes the destroyed and flaming car to flip over and lands on its dented and burnt top. And it misses April's bike by a few feet and is left unscathed. Removing their hands from their face, they all see the destruction that was created. Now it lies there in a flaming tar pit.
Mikey has really done it this time. They haven't had their new eye-catching ride for nearly 24-hours and they have already made some actually damage. They were personally saving that for the Foot if they ever show their faces in the neighbourhood. It was hard to get a weapon like that since they pinched it from their old adversaries.
But…whose car is it? Well, it can't be April's. Her bike is just located a foot away from the burning vehicle. And it is not Sally's. Her ride is a fold-away scooter that is resting over her shoulder. So, it must belong to the old guy himself.
"Ooh…" April mutters. She hopes that Vern better have his insurances with him or else he has got some explaining to do to their boss.
The humans stand up to see the car that is now non-refundable. Poor guy. This is not his week. First getting shot at and now, lost his precious ride.
"So,…" Sally turns to Vern who watches his dream car go up in flames. "…lightningdoesstrike twice." She knows, deep down, that what she said didn't help Vern at all. Well, he said it first. Not her.
"My bad." They turned to the accidental shooter who is as guilty as he is. But the poor guy didn't mean to. "I'm still figuring out the buttons," Mikey apologetically to the driver himself. This is not how he plan it out! No one even bother to put labels on the devices. He could have press the car's self-destruct button instead! (Although, they really don't have one!) But, whose idea was to let Mikey press any buttons at all.
Vern was mostly the one is very upset right now. Sadden, he points his thumb over his shoulder. "That was my new Fenwick Express! I just…" Pain starts to burn up in his chest as he presses his unscathed hands against it. "…I just got that!" He gets show up by a group of rowdy teens who saved the city only to have his new car to be blown up by theirs. Guess it is his shoulder that is not the only thing wounded. So much for his chances to show off to April.
Police sirens were set off in the distance and it was getting closer. Guess somebody in the creepy neighbourhood as Vern describe before has already alerted the authorises.
Leo looks over at the distance of the oncoming sound. "We better get out of here," he alerted. The noise is becoming louder as the police is getting closer to the explosion. He and his brothers can make a clean getaway but not alone. The blue turtle turns to the humans. "Want a ride home?"
Since an extra vehicle is unavailable, there should be enough room for three small humans to fit in the back.
Sally looked at them, in astonished. "In that?" Her speech wasn't in offensive but more the opposite of it. Her lip curled into a smile when she looks at the saddened man right beside her. "Sorry Vern but uh,…" she looks at the van. Then to his destroyed car. And back to him, "…I'm gonna be the first human to ride in this rad ride."
Looks like the Turtles got their first passenger!
Well, the teen has something in mind in which the Turtles will enjoy. She moves past the distraught man to the open doorway. "Move over, guys, there's a great 2-for-1 pizza deal at Antonio's on the corner of Eastman and Laird and I do not want to miss out!"
This gets all the Turtles excited. Finally! They know someone who loves pizza as much as they do! Especially Mikey.
"Sweeeeeet!" the orange turtle cheered. He then gestures his hand to give way to Sally. "Hop in, girl!" Maybe they can have a pie eating competition.
"Awesome!" She slides the strap of her scooter off her shoulder and pasts her contraption to the red turtle. He then secures it underneath the seat where it would not slip or fall off.
Placing her foot on the ledge and her hand on the rim, she was just about to hop inside when she turns over to her guardian. "April, you coming?"
The woman looks over to the guy standing beside her. It must be painful to lose his own car just moments after receiving it. She would feel the same way if she has a car of her own. Since it is his only ride, it was certainly a long walk home from where they are standing. Guess he needs the comfort and the company after that tragic.
The hearten woman places her hand on her friend's arm and pats it in remorse. "You know what? I think we're gonna take the subway." She looks at Vern who was frantically looking at them, his car and at her at the same time. Guess they have no other choice since his automobile is now totalled. April looks back at the Turtles and Sally. "We're going to take the subway." As long as they don't get attack by another terrorist group out to destroy the city again. But it was nice of the Turtles to ask them since they have become very good friends and they owe her and Sally big time.
She then lets the depress Vern to be alone to mourn for his loss as he breaks away from the group and heads towards the wrecked vehicle. Not exactly what he has planned for them but that way, Vern will get the time his needs with O'Neil that he always wanted.
But before they can head out, April has something to say to her young roommate. "Keep in touch." April does not want to argue with Sally anymore about her independence. Now that she will be with the Turtles, she trusts her completely. And Sally needed this since she now has friends at her age that she can hang out with.
Sally is grateful for her guardian to give her the full support of her freedom. Just like any other cool parent. The cheeky teen presses her two fingers to her forehead and gives the soldier salute. "Will do, chief," she joked. "All right, let's go!" She then climbs inside the wicked party wagon.
April couldn't see her but Sally has position herself in between Leo and Donnie. But the Turtles promise to bring her back before curfew as she has got school tomorrow.
But Mikey seems a little disappointed. He has got one of his gal on board but not April herself.
"You sure?" he asked. Well, he's got something that could change her mind and hopefully get her attention. He places his large hand where his heart is. "I got a real nice song that's all cued up."
The petrified looks were each on his brothers' faces. Oh, no…He is not gonna…
But Mikey is. And he is not afraid to show it. Or sing it. "It's special, girl."
Raph shakes his head. "No, don't," he begged. He does not want to hear it. The worst of all is to be in the back with him to suffer it all.
The flirty turtle waved his wave, back and forth, at himself and April; indication the both of them. "For us."
Leo, too, was very clear on this and plus, the cops were going to show up any second now. They need to disappear. "Come on, Mikey."
He was getting very confident about it. "Yeah, I'm gonna do it." He leans down to do what needs to be done.
"No, no. no, Mikey, you promised!" Donnie pleaded. The song that he is going to play was not the song that they want to listen to on the way home. He swore them that he would not make a fool of himself in front of the same person who saved their lives many years ago. Plus, it is childish for him to go through it. Guess this promise is meant to be broken.
But he ignores his brothers as he presses another button. This time, it was the right one as the music begins. It was the song that he picked out for his angelcakes. One of them is in the truck with him and the other is right in front of him. Time to warm up his vocal box!
"It's happening," he said as soon as the music comes on, everyone's worst nightmare comes to life as Mikey sings the first verse while acting it out.
"Imagine me and you. I DO."
This…was the perfect song to sing to the love of his life. Ironical, the band who sings this song is none other than The Turtles. (Not them!)
But April actually finds this…charming. In a young, corny crush on a human kind-of-way. Mikey is definitely a sweet little turtle, he is. She decided to enjoy the song that is played especially for her, tilting her head to the side and smile at the charismatic turtle who presses onwards.
"I think about you…day and night. It's only right."
Sitting in the van, Sally was grinning from ear to ear as she was watching the whole show from behind. As the turtle was singing his lungs out, she can hear what the others are saying.
"You got to endure – stop this…" Leo places his hand on his forehead, trying to ease the tension ponding in his mind. He gets so much headaches due to the constant differences from his brothers. The cost of being the eldest and the leader.
"STOP SINGING RIGHT NOW!" Raph barked. He was not in the mood for pop song from the 60's. Maybe something old school or has vague words that he can rap to like Eminem or Macklemore.
"Come on!" the driver whined. "She doesn't want to hear that!" Like his older brother, he just wants to get out of here before they are spotted by the police. With their reptile faces pasted on wanted posters is the last thing that they want.
Raph looks at the rear-view mirror to catch his big brother's attention. "Leo, I'm gonna hit him!" He was about to lose it.
The leader was on alert, looking over his shoulder. "Raph! You're not kicking him out!" The last thing that he needs is violence in his or Splinter's presence.
"Then he better get in here!" Tapping his foot on the ground, a vein was about to burst from his muscle in his head. He looks up at his stalling brother. "I swear if you're not getting in here-!" He stops himself, promising himself that he wouldn't get too fierce in the teens' first ride. He takes a quick deep breath and exhales out. "I'm going to count to 3…2…"
But Mikey still doesn't listen to him. He is still singing.
"To think about—"
Raphael couldn't take it. Rather than throw a punch like he wanted to, the red turtle simply grabs his goofy brother by the rim of his shell and pulls him right inside the small truck. He did warn him. Mikey just didn't listen. It was time to go as Donnie starts the engine up. After pulling Elvis back in, the two doors close up. This upsets the soloist himself since he hasn't got to finish the verse yet.
And just when April was starting to like it. The reporter herself can hear the stifled noises coming from inside to hear the whining from the orange turtle himself. "I'm making good headway here!"
The brothers certainly had enough.
"SHUT UP, MIKEY!"
Their muffled yells were heard inside the car. Unfortunately, Sally had to block her ears with her hands to soften the sound down. But this was enjoyable for her and April.
The green machine drives off, leaving only April and Vern and the smoky car in the underpass. She starts to walk towards her bicycle. The closest train station was not that far for she and Vern to walk. Once she has grabbed her bike, they will head off. As of right now, her life will never be the same. But that it a good thing, right? Being reunited with the long-lost pets of her to be grown into humanoid creatures is something you cannot simple make up.
The Party Wagon has not left the underpass just yet when the double rear doors swing open thanks to the force from the inside.
Michelangelo was not done yet. He still has a number of verses and bridges to get through. At least he was in time for the chorus. With his feet planted on the floor, he was hanging over the edge but not with a little help from his big bro.
Raphael was gripping his younger brother by hi clothing; preventing him from falling out of the van. With the continuous of his brother's tune, the red turtle resists the urge to let go; making Mikey go splat on the pavement.
"I CAN'T SEE ME LOVING NOBODY BUT…" the singing reptile points to the dream girl in his sights, "YOU!" He then swings his arms up in the air; indicating the message in the song. "FOR ALL MY LIFE! WHEN YOU'RE WITH ME, BABY THE SKIES'LL BE BLUE FOR ALL MY LIFFFFEEEEE!"
Even a cat scratching on a black board would be a much better alternative than listening to this. At least when they are far away and out of the reporter's eye view, they will throw the tape away, pull Mikey back in and change it to fit their environment.
But his voice, the music and the car engine begins to die out as they drive further away from the young woman. But she was still watching the endearing show leaving the neighbourhood for her enjoyment. Yep. Her life – plus Sally's and Vern's – will never be the same. But in a good way. She has never had this much fun in such a long time. A lot has happened this week for not only April O'Neil, Sally Hope and Vern Fenwick but for the four half-shell ninjas and their furry master. The mutants' father has promised that they will be the city's only hope to conquer the darkness and become the heroes that they are destine to be.
After saving the city from the Shredder was the first step towards greatness. But their journey is not over yet. A lot of saving the innocent and more bad guys' butts to kick in the future.
The Teenager Mutant Ninja Turtles have strike hard with the nastiest criminals of the planet…
…and fade away into the night.
1! 2! 3! 4! TURTLES!
We have finally come to a conclusion for HITHS but…their journey is not over yet!
Stay tuned for the upcoming sequel:
Heroes in the Half-Shell: TURTLE POWER!
January 2018
Author's Notes: Can I get a "WOOP – WOOP"? More like "KNOCK-KNOCK, YOU'RE ABOUT TO GET SHELLSHOCKED!"
Well, I think I deserve one since I have FINALLY finished this Fanfic!
If nothing bad has happened during this course, I would have finished it at the end of last year. But it didn't. Something beautiful creation such as this takes time and there is no need to rush. And I think whoever said it is right. It's true that I had a lot of great ideas in my head. And then eventually, I chose which ones would be either perfect or fit well with the story.
With the Xmas holidays coming up, I will spend those time writing more on my other stories – including the sequel. But not on my videos as everyone will be home. But I will be making some uploads on a weekly basis with the videos that I have already made.
First off, I wanna thanks horsesmen for the extra quotes near the end of the chapter. She really saved my butt! When Mikey was singing, the others were talking and I couldn't hear what they were saving. Then, a few weeks ago, somebody posted the quotes online on Tumblr in which I forgot which one. I tried to find it but I couldn't remember which one. Imagine if I did finish this fanfic last year and didn't find out recently, I would have redone my story all over. Not happening for this one! (But the others I will!)
Ok, I don't know how many fans have tuned in to favour this story but for everyone who has review, add me or the story to their favourites, - I thank thee! You guys have given me the boost that I need (and my love for Turtles) to write this story. I got plenty more ideas to go for the sequel and many more.
As for the third movie, I don't know what it is going to be about. But I have a hunch that maybe the Turtles would go to Dimension X or time-traveling to Federal Japan with the backstory of the IDW story – Secret of the Foot arc. If it doesn't happen, I will write the third story! Or fourth! But I'm sure that there will be a third movie. We already have one in the 90's, it should work with reboot series!
Before I sign off, I want to hear your ideas of what you wanted to see in the sequel. More Turtles scenes? More characters? More famous quotes from previous series? I will be happy to see what you guys got! Just simply PM or review me!
What should I do next now this story is finished? Another TMNT or Sonic? Avatar maybe? Ratchet&Clank? Who knows which one? But enough about me, stay tuned for more details and updates on my future stories.
Oh! I almost forgot! I was going to let the winner of whom came up with a title for the sequel. Well, I didn't get any entry or had enough entries to choose the winner. So, I decided to choose the title myself with a quote that we are all familiar with. But...if you guys want to see a sneak peek,...well,...I'll let you know!
Until we meet again,
The DragonLord2912