Chapter 14: Whatever it Takes (Hollywood Undead)
After making the dimensional jump from Third Earth to the Battle Nexus the six Third Earthers were greeted by a translucent floating being, whom Raphael rolled his eyes and grunted at in annoyance, called Gyoji. Gyoji, automatically questioned the presence of the only human female among Splinter and the Turtles, but the old Rat explained to him that she was his newest student and member of the Hamato Clan and Daughter of Oroku, Karai. The Gyoji nodded excepting the last-minute addition on the grounds that she will have qualify separately than the Turtles. Silencing his son's protests, Splinter nodded in agreement and demanded that he accompany her by request of the head of the Oroku Clan. Finding this acceptable the Gyoji lifted his paddle and transported the Human Female and the Elderly Rat off to a new location for her preliminary fight before she could even blink.
Once Kira and Master Splinter had arrived, surprisingly in the Daimyo's throne room, they were greeted warmly by the Rats old friend who ordered that they be brought hot tea to drink. Kneeling comfortably in front of the Multidimensional Leader, the two old friends waited quietly for their refreshments before they were left alone to discuss the reason why they were brought before him.
"I bet you are wondering why Gyoji had separated her from your sons my old Friend." The Daimyo started off by asking as he poured the tea into the three cups before them.
"In fact, I was. I wasn't aware that bringing my only student to complete would be a problem as Leonardo has now become head of our Clan." Splinter exclaimed while placing a cup of tea in front of Kira and himself.
The Daimyo laughed apologetically to them "There is no problem with her competing my old Friend. I simply felt she would be considered a worthier opponent if she qualified separately from your sons." he explained clearing up the confusion. Looking over at her he took in her healthier appearance from how she was the last time he had seen her "I am pleased to see how well you have recovered Kira. Though I confess I wasn't expecting to see you competing so soon."
Her head was still down until her Sensei cleared his throat next to her "Thank you my Lord, Masta Splinter is an excellent Teacher." Kira exclaimed lifting her head politely to address him.
"Yes, though I do admit that my sons also had a hand in her training." Splinter explained with a knowing wink to his friend.
This made the Daimyo chuckle "I am not surprised!" He replied as they all enjoyed their tea "This brings us to the matter of her Preliminary opponent" he went on to say catching both of their attention. "There is now an uneven number of contestants with her entry so I'm afraid there is no one for her to face!"
"If I may, I might have a suggestion to remedy this unfortunate issue old Friend." Splinter spoke up thinking to be the right opportunity to propose Raphael's request.
"I am open to whatever suggestion you have to offer." the Daimyo replied ready to give his old Friend advise serious consideration.
"My Second Eldest, Raphael, had sustained a most grave injury a few months ago and has informed me that though he is capable of fighting alongside his brothers in the preliminary round that he fears he may not be mentality capable of competing in single combat." Splinter explained with a heavy heart as he couldn't help but to think back to that night.
"I am sorry to hear that. What can I do for your son if he feels unable to continue my old friend?"
"Thank you. He has informed me that he wished for a proxy take his place in the Tournament if that is at all possible so that he may leave with his pride intact!" Splinter than informed him of his Sons whish.
"Ahh, so am I to believe that you wish for Kira to take his place if they qualified to compete?" The Daimyo then inquired curiously.
Chuckling Splintered shook his head "It was actually he that made that request after learning from his brothers on how Kira single handedly confronted the man responsible, for not only his injury but hers as well, and is indebted to her for it."
"Then I shall grant the fulfillment of his request!" The Daimyo announced in all seriousness before summoning the Gyoji before him.
Popping in out of nowhere the Gyoji bowed respectably before his Lord "What do you wish of me, my Lord?"
"Has the Sons of Hamato, Splinter finished their preliminary round?"
The Gyoji nodded once "Yes my Lord. They have won their battle and are now waiting in the arena with the other contestants!"
The Daimyo looked over to Kira and her Sensei before speaking "Very good. I decree that if Hamato, Raphael feels unfit to continue due to results of a preexisting injury and wishes for a Proxy, that Oroku, Kira will compete in his place!"
The Gyoji nodded "Very well My Lord."
Standing up the Daimyo, Splinter, Gyoji and Kira were all transported from the throne room and out to the Daimyo's personal viewing balcony overlooking the arena. Standing next to her master and adopted Father, Kira's eyes went wide as she seen all of the different beings that fought for a place in the Tournament. Stepping forward to greet the crowd and competitors the Daimyo then nodded and the Gyoji popped down into the arena.
The Turtles were standing talking to Usagi and their other friends who had qualified when the Gyoji unexpectedly appeared before them.
"Hamato, Raphael, The Lord Daimyo wishes to know if you are able to continue in light of your Medical Condition?" the Gyoji asked taking everyone but Raphael by surprise.
"What's he talking about Raph, you told us you were good to fight!" … "Yeah, what's going on Raphie?" his brothers all spoke up worriedly.
Holding up his three fingered hand to calm them he smiled reassuringly "It's alright guys." Turning his attention to his floating source of annoyance Raphael knew his father had succeeded "I wish for my place in the Tournament be given to a Proxy as I do not feel capable of competing further!" He spoke up both confusing and worrying his family and friends further as he had seemed perfectly healthy to them.
The Gyoji nodded and twisted his paddle causing a large bubble to appear before them transporting none other than Kira before them "It has been decreed by the Daimyo that Oroku, Kira of Third Earth will take the place of Hamato, Raphael as his Proxy!"
"I request a moment to speak with my Proxy." Raphael spoke up quickly needing to speak with his girlfriend before the Second round began.
"Your request is granted."
Taking hold of her arm he led her a short distance from the others before speaking in a hushed voice "Just take it one fight at a time, don't think of anything but your fight and do the best you can!" he instructed worriedly after seeing the other competitors.
Kira nodded taking his words to heart "I wil!" she whispered placing her hand on top of his in place of kissing him.
"Kick their asses out there!" Stepping back Raphael smirked knowingly as the Gyoji transported him back to the balcony by Splinters side.
Kira walked over to stand next to Usagi instead of the three remaining Turtles as she fought to control the urge to throw up from how nervous she truly was at the moment.
"Good luck out there Kira-kun," Usagi spoke softly to her as he looked over at her with a reassuring smile.
"Same to you Usagi-Kun." She replied back as she stood firmly next to the Ronin Samurai as she could feel millions of eyes on her and hear whispers about her missing hand by a few others nearby.
"Don't listen to them, you are more than worthy of competing amongst them!" He instructed her "Remember your training and you will have nothing to worry about."
Rethinking what he had overheard while listening in to Raphael's talk with their father a lite smile grew on Leonardo's face "So that's what they were up to!" he mumbled to himself.
"What's that Big Bro? What was who up to?" Michelangelo asked worriedly thinking that Raphael was hiding some serious medical problem from them all and it was worrying him sick.
Sensing that their two younger brothers were more shaken up by this than either had realized Leonardo turned and stepped in closer to explain things in a hushed whisper "Don't say a word but I'll fill you in on what I've just figured out!" he began to which both nodded their heads yes eagerly "Before they went out on their anniversary date, I overheard Dad talking with Raph in hushed voices. Raphael, I believe is simply using his PTPD as leverage in order to let Kira compete here. We all know how well she could handle distracting Hun, and we also know Raph would do anything to help her… including stepping out of this Tournament to help her strengthen her self-confidence!"
"Why didn't he tell us if that was what this was all about Leo?" Donatello then asked while Michelangelo nodded in agreement to the question.
Looking over at his boyfriend quietly offering Kira words of support a loving look glazed over his face "Because Raphael knew that it wouldn't be fair to her if it appeared to everyone that she needed us to protect her! Usagi was her guardian here remember? So, the right thing for us to do is to hold back our protective instincts and let her do this on her own and trust Usagi to have her back!" he explained to his younger brothers.
That's when something dawned on Michelangelo " Ohh so that's why they didn't get all kissywissy when she showed up after vanishing on us with Sensei…"
Chuckling at his younger brother Leonardo nodded "Exactly, it's the same for Usagi and myself right now. Now is not the time for either of us to show 'Special' attention to a fellow competitor!"
After all was explained and the younger Turtles relaxed at their eldest brothers' explanation, the signal for the Second Round was given and everyone was paired up magically with their next opponent. Thankfully neither of the Turtles, Usagi or Kira were forced to face one another, allowing each of them the opportunity to concentrate solely on the fight at hand. The same couldn't be said for the Fourth Turtle who knelt nervously at his Father's side as he felt forced by his own hand to stand back and watch his girlfriend face off with a more skilled warrior.
Sensing his son's uneasiness and possibly having second thoughts, Splinter exhaled heavily "Surely you are not second guessing my students' capabilities now are you my son?" he inquired in a gentle tone.
"Huh, oh. No not at all Masta Splinter. I was just remembering how different these guys are than the punks we deal with back home..." Raphael explained stretching the truth slightly to hide his 'freaked out protective Boyfriend' side.
Listening in to the conversation next to him the Daimyo glanced over at his old friend and his nervous son "Is there a problem with the choice for your Proxy young one?"
Snapping his head up inwardly freaking out that he had been figured out Raphael shook his head no "Not at all. I was just... I thought…" sighing in frustration he sank back on his knees in defeat.
Amused at the Turtles actions he instantly figured things out, turning his attention towards Kira's fight. He watched as she ducked and dodged her larger opponent while wielding her slender rope dart expertly with only her right hand while a small blade had been extended out from the left sleeve of her jacket. "It appears to me that your...Mate… has her battle well under control!" He stated knowingly while smiling beneath his golden mask.
Raphael jaw dropped wide open hearing those words coming from the Daimyo after he thought that he had concealed that to avoid her from being seen as receiving any unwanted 'Special' treatment that might hamper her being seen as a worthy opponent. "She's not… How did you… aww Shell we're 'Boned'!" he stuttered before paraphrasing one of his girlfriend's favorite expressions.
Chuckling at his son's reaction Splinter reached over and placed a reassuring hand onto his shoulder "There is no rule against ones Mate or Family competing against each other Raphael! Otherwise, your Brothers wouldn't eligible either! "he pointed out knowingly.
"It's not that Pop or her only having the one hand, I just didn't think it would be this hard watching her down there fighting and not want to go down to help her out! I know she's saved my shell more than a few times and that she can handle a fight. But …"
"Try being an overprotective Father of four willful sons, Raphael!" Splinter pointed out purposely interrupting his troubling train of thought.
Raphael couldn't help but laugh a bit realizing the point his Father had just made "Yeah ya gotta point on that considering one of those sons happens to be an obstinate lovesick hot-head!" Being momentarily distracted and missing the end of the second round Raphael was stunned to see his brothers, Usagi and Kira had all advanced to the Third Round. Inwardly pumping his fist his face lit up with pride "That's my Girl!" he whispered underneath his breath drawing soft chuckles from the two next to him.
Looking at each other in amusement both Splinter and the Daimyo couldn't help but to share that same since of pride for the lone Human female competitor. She had certainly come a long way in the short time they had known her "They are a testament to your teaching Old Friend! You should be proud."
Bowing his head proudly Splinter nodded "I am very proud of all of my children!"
Not helping but to look over Raphael could have sworn that his father had been blushing at the Daimyo's compliment but kept that thought to himself as he returned his attention back to the arena to see whom they would be facing now. Once again, they each faced unknown competitors but the size of the one Kira now faced nearly caused his heart to stop, the fighter had to be at least twice the size of Hun if not more "Ohh Shell!" he gasped underneath his breath once again faced with a since of fear.
In the arena Kira was faced with her, literally, biggest challenge yet. The creature had to be an easy nine-foot-tall, she didn't even want to think about him much it weighed, and wielded a massive thirteen-foot long Naginata. Standing back as far as she possibly could without appearing to be afraid, she spun her Rope Dart next to her with only her right hand while keeping the sliding Tanto blade retracted into its holder attached to her left stump beneath the sleeve of her black leather jacket.
"Forfeit puny female, you cannot beat me with two hands let alone one!" it spoke up in a deep condescending tone apparently not seeing her as a worthy opponent.
Keeping her cool, Kira began moving the rope dart so it was wrapping around parts of had body before shooting out at a blinding speed striking the massive creatures each time in a different pressure point location. Keeping a mute neutral expression as he became infuriated with her and began spinning his massive weapon around causing her to run duck and dodge before she could land a mother successful strike. Being forced to think on her feet she knew she didn't stand a chance if she kept this up much longer that's when she had an epiphany, UP!
Purposely backing herself into the narrow center most part of her section Kira tucked her Rope Dart back into her weapons pouch on her right hip and bowed deeply while holding onto the stone wall on her right. Thinking he had her cowering in fear her opponent bellowed out a confident laugh as he lowered the blade end of his Naginata and thruster it forward to make a finishing strike when she suddenly burst forward running as fast as she could. Before he realized it, Kira did a one-handed back spring and pushed herself up wards in order to land perfectly balanced on the shaft of his weapon from this angle looked to be a good four inches around. Smirking back into her opponents shocked and then enraged face she crouched down and when he began to swing his Naginata up she used its momentum to help her leap high into the air and kick her feet out to the side as if pulling off a skateboarding trick that Michelangelo had been trying to help her with. Taking hold of his shoulder strap with her right hand halting her momentum upwards and landed perfectly onto his back and swing her left stump out as to extend her Tanto blade she raised her arm and brought it down hard to stab him in the back of the neck for a finishing blow. With her opponent shimmering out to be transported to where the others whom lost were, Kira dropped down to the ground landing in a crouch before standing exhaustedly in triumph.
Watching from high above the Daimyo watched Kira's match carefully and was a little confused about the way she landed onto her opponents back as she did "That was a very unique move your young pupal had used in order to gain the advantage over her opponent!"
Splinter nodded and glanced over to where Raphael now stood looking down at her with a look of pride. "She's a really talented Skateboarder and even used that talent in dealing with one of our enemy's back home!" Raphael spoke up proudly before bowing to his father "This part done, can I…"
Chuckling Splinter nodded "You may go and greet the others, Raphael!"
The Daimyo chuckled as he watched his old friend's son bow first then run as fast as he could back into the palace "Is the reason he wears the unusual garment because of his injury?" he asked having waited until he was gone before asking about the reason only one son now wore clothing.
"I am afraid so. The more server physical injuries he sustained from that battle were to his Shell and in its healing a patch was needed to be applied to which he chooses not to remain visible. It was also a gift from Donatello who applied it." Splinter explained as delicately as possible to avoid further embarrassing his two sons.
"Ahh, I can see why he wishes to hide such scars that would only cause additional pain to those whose emotional pain far exceeded his own physical pain!" the Daimyo replied understandingly to his old friend. Standing up he motioned or Splinter to rise with him "Come, we shall continue our talk over a meal and wine." He offered in a way that could not be refused.
"That sound like a splendid idea my old Friend" Splinter smiled before following the Daimyo back inside the palace.
Just inside the Pavilion of Past Champions, Raphael his himself in the shadows while he waited for his brother, Kira and Usagi to make their way inside. Flexing his hands anxiously he watched as several other fighters walked by as they entered the Pavilion before he could hear his younger two brothers talking excitedly about their matches thus far. Chuckling inwardly, he watched them walk right by him before he reached out and swiftly smacked Michelangelo upside the head without him realizing what hit him.
"Oww, Hey, what was that for Leo?" Michelangelo asked accusingly to the only brother he knew could have hit him on the back of the head.
Unable to answer Leonardo had to place his hand over his mouth to keep himself from laughing as it happened again causing the youngest to spin around in a circle with his nunchaku in hand.
"Damn Mikey, what's got you all jumpy?" Raphael inquired stepping out directly behind his baby brother.
"Raph!" Michelangelo chimed out excitedly wrapping his arms around his best friend and big brother
Chuckling Raphael nodded as he tried to free himself from his little brothers grasp letting his eyes land directly on his girlfriend who was standing at the Samurai Rabbits side than his brothers.
Catching on to object of Raphael's attention Uasgi smiled knowingly as he placed his hand onto Kira's back while leaning closer to whisper into her ear "Go, spend your free time with him as I plan on doing likewise with Leonardo-Kun! Go relax Kira-kun" he instructed her before looking at his own companion and nudging his head silently for them to leave.
Catching on Leonardo clasped his youngest brother on the shoulder "Come on Mikey let's get going, you wanted to show Donnie something didn't you?"
Michelangelo's face lit up as an enormous grin filled his face "Oh yeah, come on Donnie you have to check this market place out Bro!" he spoke up and grasped his brother's wrist and led him off.
Winking at Raphael and Kira, Leonardo then walked off standing closely next to his Boyfriend leaving the two alone.
"Ugg, they need ta get a room already!" Raphael groaned in mock-annoyance as he held his hand out to his Girlfriend "Come on I wanna introduce ya to someone!" he smiled lovingly at her.
With her hand entwined with his, Raphael led Kira over to two familiar looking statues "I think I've met Sensei and Mikey before" she chuckled softly leaning against his arm until he bowed before the statue that was placed next to Splinters.
"Kira, this is our Sensei's Sensei, Master Hamato, Yoshi." He explained softly to her to which she also bowed respectively before his statue. Standing up Raphael looked over at her tenderly "You might say competing in the Nexus Tournament runs in the family."
Kira nodded and bowed deeply before the statue as well. "I can see that, though from you said before Mikey's win was "dumb luck" am I correct?" she inquired smirking mischievously as they stood to leave.
Laughing out Raphael cupped her head with his free hand and pressed a kiss to it "Now would I say that about "The Battle Nexus Champion"?" he questioned while imitating his baby brother badly.
"Yes!" Kira giggled giving him a light shoulder shove "Come on, I'm starved let's find something to snack on and a place where I can get off my feet for a bit!" she suggested leading him away from there Masters statue.
"Can't you just raid the kitchen here? "he asked jokingly while they left the Pavilion together.
"Sounds like an idea to me, les go!" Kira chimed mischievously while giving his hand a pull for him to move faster.
"Hey, I was just jokin' Babe! Yer gonna get my Shell in trouble here…"
Standing off in the shadows a Red masked figure with dull swords coming out of the back of his cloak stood silently. Having watched everything, the whole interaction between the four Turtles, Rabbit and the lone human female, his green eyes narrowed maliciously as he had just learned two new points about his sworn enemies. Point one; a relationship between four of them had developed since the last time they fought and Two; the human Female would be perfect as his wife, after he removed the Rabbit and the Turtles from the picture. Smirking evilly beneath his red dragon mask, he vanished into the shadows to complete his plan.
