Chapter 20

Sweet Sacrifice

Ue-Sama panted, his breath coming and going in short gasps. He was not doing well against this villain. Already, she had laid open the flesh of his back, cut his cheek and knocked his mask off.

She stood, laughing at him, her golden eyes hooded with bewitching eyelashes.

"My son, my son, you have become soft," She laughed.

"I am no son of yours!" He growled as he straightened, watching her as she circled around like a predatory cat.

"Oh, I am well aware of that," Bitterness, anger, regret and biting arrogance rang in her whisper.

He gave a yell as he rushed forward. He did not know how much longer he could keep this up. But he knew that he couldn't stop now. Not yet…

Not until the soul of his father was redeemed.

Blood dripped from his nose, staining the ground, glimmering for a moment in the dim sunlight before darkening to black.

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Alala, Nariko and Elysia both worked quickly and silently to take out the goblins posted as perimeter guards. Three other demon warriors were grabbed from behind and their necks snapped, as Traximus stepped out from behind a huge tapestry and hid their bodies. Rabi scampered away to scout out the rest of the palace.

Usagi and Taima had made it to the throne room. The War Staff was leaning against the wall, and Devaki and Hecate were watching the tournament, both looking distracted as well as agitated.

Taima tensed.

She didn't like this.

Not at all.

Usagi's ear brushed her cheek and she looked at him. He nodded to the other side of the room. Taima could see her. Ratri stood at the other end of the room, looking about with hooded eyes, her lips parted slightly as her tongue flickered out, scenting the air.

Taima hissed," They know we're here… they're waiting."

"For what?" Usagi growled quietly.

Taima shook her head, before yelling in shock, as a blast of energy was flung at her from behind, causing her to fly into the open, skidding across the floor. Usagi leapt into the air, dodging another energy strike, which was sent directly from behind. Belloma came racing forward, her mouth open in a snarl as she uttered words of evil, sending more blasts of energy.

Usagi rolled to the side, unable to do anything other then dodge her.

Taima coughed, as she made herself get up, her teeth gritted as she armored up, icy darts forming in the air, she sent them towards Ratri, Devaki and Hecate, as Usagi dealt directly with Belloma, his eyes flashing dangerously as he roared," We will send you back from whence you came, monster!"

Belloma snarled back as he cut her arm, in return, she nicked both of his ears, hissing," Die, puny warrior!"

The four witches were given something else to think about, however, as a thunderous noise was heard and Traximus burst into the room, along with Nariko, Elysia and Alala.

Alala slithered around a column, armed with a bow and a quiver of arrows she had stolen, she began firing them at both the witches and whatever demon guards entered the room.

Nariko jumped out of Traximus' way as he collided into Ratri, sending her flying several feet back, crashing through a window.

"Thanks Pal!" she growled as she clapped her hands together, her eyes squeezed shut as she expanded the sound-waves into a sonic boom, sending the let line of demon warriors out the balcony window.

Devaki grabbed the War Staff, using it to knock away the icy darts, as Hecate leapt forward and challenged Taima directly.

Rabi, skidding into the room, looked around sharply, her eyes glinting, she made a judgement.

"Alala! A volley! Give them a volley!" she yelped. Alala nocked her arrows and sent them flying.

Rabi yelped," Elysia! Think fast!" as she manipulated the air to slow the descent of the arrows.

Elysia turned, her eyes glinting as she threw out her hand, sending a spark of electricity towards the arrows, which polarized the metallic tips.

Immediately, Devaki was pierced. Her metallic armor had drawn the line of fire, causing her to drop the War staff. Hecate dove for the weapon, but Taima sent an icy blast at her, causing her to stumble.

Usagi rolled, grabbing the staff, he threw it to Taima, who held it tightly as she coldly observed," We're done here."

Devaki, wounded and bleeding, looked at them and began to laugh.

Hecate whispered quietly," Yes, you are done. This is the end."

Nariko growled," What are you talking about?" Her eyes were flashing, her teeth bared as she stood next to Taima.

Belloma shrugged as she backed up to stand with her three blood sisters.

"You will see soon enough."

And like ash that melts with flame, they faded from view.

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Within the ring, Lilith could hardly believe what had come to pass.

The cold, true steel of her son had pierced through her heart. Her lips began to bleed, as her eyes dripped tears of blood as well.

"You have won this round… but at a price." she smiled beautifully, as she fell back, her body dissolved from sight.

Ue-Sama gasped, nearly dropping his sword. The monsters, all the demons that had been summoned to take that world, vanished from sight.

With a hard grimace, Ue-Sama bowed, to where his opponent had wondering briefly, "What caused your anger? Your bitterness and your perverted thinking?"

I may never know.

He turned away and quickly joined the others in the throne room. Taima had grasped the War-Staff, her hands protected by a layer of ice, as her sister, Rabi, held the bottle with the soul of the Daimyo.

"You did it, Ue-Sama-san." Usagi told him, with a new respect, as he bowed. The four sisters and their allies all inclined their heads, looking at Ue-Sama solemnly, as he responded, with a weary voice, "Let's get my father back, before anything happens."

As they returned to the place where The Daimyo's body was laid, Rabi was murmuring," Their mother must have manipulated them, by claiming life dominance over them."

"Ehwhat?" Nariko looked at her sister sharply.

"Lilith held the power of life and death over them. She must not have trusted them. If they ever tried to kill her, to take over for her, then they, too, would have died. Ue-Sama killed Lilith and the rest died."

Nariko growled," Good riddance." But she looked suspicious. She had not seen Ratri die with the rest of them. Though she fondly hoped the monster was dead, she was skeptical.

Taima looked over at Ue-Sama, "we owe you our freedom, young lord. Thank you."

"Think nothing of it. I do not mean disrespect, but I did not do it for you." he replied shortly.

"I understand." Taima responded softly.

In truth, she felt irate, that she could not end her enemy herself. So long, she had been haunted. Her parents killed by the same hands that were now vanished like ash from a fire.

However, as they returned to the pavilion, where the Daimyo's massive body lay, Taima gave out a cry. There, lying by the side of the Daimyo, were each of the four turtles.

"Oh no… NO! What happened?" Elysia blurted, as she raced forward, throwing herself to her knees as she leaned over Michelangelo.

"I do not know." Splinter replied sadly. With the help of a few of the palace guards, he had taken the two bodies of his sons, Raphael and Leonardo, to the pavilion. In doing so, he found Donatello and Michelangelo, lying in the same way.

Rabi, with eyes threatening tears, took Ue-Sama's hand, instructing softly," Pour what this bottle contains into your father's mouth."

Ue-Sama did so, as quickly as he could. Rabi knelt by Donatello, her eyes full of wonder as she gently took his hand and held his palm to her pointed ear. She listened carefully, noting silently," They breathe shallowly. They live yet. But they do not dream. Completely comatose for no apparent reason… This is the sleeping death."

Her words had a strange effect on her sisters.

Taima sucked in her breath, her eyes darting to Nariko, who clenched her jaw.

Elysia hotly declared," I don't care! We can't allow them to stay like this!"

Splinter questioned," The sleeping death?"

"There's only one cure for it." Rabi told him sadly," A life for a life."

Alala came closer yet, her eyes wary and suddenly watering as she hesitantly ventured," You needn't be the ones to-"

"It's our responsibility." Taima replied, adding," I have nothing to live for. My people have shunned me. I have brought dishonor to you, all of you, by bringing this danger into your realm. And him... I owe him everything. I don't know him... but I love him all the same."

Nariko snorted, " I dreamt of him. Though I have loved before... this one has captured my heart. And if I turn away now, I'll regret it forever." She knelt, before anyone could stop her, placing her palm over his chest, she closed her eyes. Her palm glowed, and energy, red and white, flowed from her to him.

Within seconds, she slumped over, her eyes closed, as Raphael sucked in breath. Taima and her sisters had knelt, doing the same. Elysia smiled blissfully, as she murmured, before she fell to sleep," If I dream, I hope I dream of you."

Alala cried out, as she dodged around, to hold Elysia's head on her lap. Tears streaked down her face. She looked up, bewildered and grieved, angered as well. She reared up, her friend's body in her arms, "How can you have let them do this? Everything has been taken from them!"

"We did not take their lives," Splinter tried to calm her, though he himself was bewildered, "They gave them."

Alala sucked in her breath as she wept, coiling back down. Leo sat up, rubbing his head, he looked around, confused.

Mikey plaintively asked, with tears in his eyes, "What the shell just happened?"

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"Oh shell…" Raph whispered hoarsely.

Leo was stony faced. He looked at his brothers, his Master and his friends before shaking his head fiercely," WE were supposed to help THEM, not force them to give up their lives for us!"

Raph growled," But what can we do?"

Alala had stopped weeping. Her pale face was blotchy, but she sniffed as she murmured," It couldn't be…"

"WHAT?" Mikey jumped up, looking at Alala, he demanded," We don't know anything about this magic! And neither does the Daimyo! Which is SCARY. Tell us what you know!"

Alala shook her head.

"My friend, these hybrids, they are bound by an oath, each to love one and only one. That vow would be sealed with a kiss. The kiss seals their fate, and they share their life with the one person. I wonder… possibly, if that vow would cause them to wake."

"Wait, so… they're bound to one person. What about the dude?" Mikey asked.

"… Yes. The man, also commits to the vow, when he allows her first kiss upon him."

"Why?" Leo asked. This sounded very strange.

"Because… it has occurred before, where the hybrid becomes unfaithful, spawning evil. Lilith was once an amazon. She became cursed, when she broke her vow. Her husband was faithful to her, to the end of his days. Therefore, the vow was altered. The hybrid who breaks the vow will be cursed like she became."

Leo and his brothers all glanced at each other. They looked at Splinter. He only bowed his head, letting them know that it was up to them.

Donatello hesitantly knelt by Rabi. She was so pretty. And sweet too. He didn't know her. And was this even what she wanted?

He cocked his head to the side before taking the chance. He wasn't going to hold her to him. If she wanted, she could go wherever she wanted. He just wanted her to live again. Besides… wasn't it possible that she did feel something for him? After all she'd done? He was nervous, but determined. He couldn't help remembering his dream… seeing her dying, begging for his help. Was this how he was supposed to save her?

Gently, his lips touched hers. Nothing happened at first. Donatello pulled back, confused. Rabi sucked in breath, her form suddenly glowing, as the poison flowed from her system, dissipating into the air.

Her eyes, light in color, looked at him, wide in their confusion.

"But… I… You…"

"Rabi, I… I couldn't lose you. I promised to help you. To… save you." He tried to explain again, but his nervousness vanished when he saw her smile.

"Thank you," She whispered as she sat up, taking his hand in hers, she whispered again," Thank you so much."

Leo had knelt down. The proud features of the woman that had saved his life, who had haunted his dreams lay before him. He gently reached down, smoothing a hair out of her face before kissing her.

Mikey, without hesitation, had gathered Elysia's form into his arms before gently kissing her lips and then her forehead. He couldn't even begin to describe the joy he felt as her silvery grey eyes came open, looking at him sweetly before asking innocently," Is this a dream? Cause it's totally awesome."

Raphael kissed Nariko. He didn't think about it, for fear that he would change his mind. As her green eyes snapped open, she stared up at him.

"What have you done?"

"I think I just saved your life." he responded flatly.

She blinked again. And then asked shortly," You're doomed to be with me for the rest of your life. Happy?"

"Actually… yeah."

Taima stared into leonardo's face. She was speechless. Except for her parents, no one had ever sacrificed anything for her.

She tried to speak, but could find no words. Tears sprang into her eyes.

leo asked, warily almost," Are you ok… with this?"

"More then ok." she responded, shyly asking," Are… are you sure you're.. you're willing? I…"

He put a finger on her lips, smiling shyly at her.

"Taima, you're the most beautiful woman I've ever met. I'm a mutant turtle. I'm pretty sure you're getting the short end of this bargain."

"Leonardo, has no one told you? 'Beauty is in the Eye of the Beholder." Taima corrected gently as she took his hand and squeezed it gently in her hand.

Splinter cleared his throat.

The eight looked up at him. Alala's tears had ceased. She now sat, amazed, joy erasing the redness from her eyes as she stared.

"You are more then welcome to come back to our world, if you so wish it." Splinter told them.

Rabi sighed.

"We don't really have anywhere to go."

Tama fiercely declared, "I do not want to return to my world. Not after it rejected me, for no fault of my own. But i do not want to live like a parasite. Is there anything we can do, to contribute to your world?"

"So long as you all can fight, I think you'll be just fine." Raph responded.

Elysia asked, a little shyly," Do you guys have an… an ocean?"

"We do. In fact, we live real close to the atlantic!" Mikey told her. SHe perked up.

Alala asked, in a slow manner, "I… I wish to… that is, to come with you. I do not want to lose my friend."

Elysia jumped out of Mikey's arms as she hugged Alala tightly. The two sisters looked up at Splinter.

Don shook his head.

"You guys need to know something. In our world, we"- He gestured to his family-" are not accepted by the people who live there. They think we're monsters."

"based off what?" Rabi demanded.

"Our appearance. They might actually accept you, and you and you, and you, but not her." He pointed to the four hybrids and then to Alala, "She would have to remain hidden. Carefully hidden."

"So long as I can access the ocean, they will never find me." Alala told him fiercely.

Splinter nodded.

"Then, we will go."

The Daimyo had been very quiet this whole time, before finally speaking.

"Thank you, all of you, for defending this place against my… my former lover."

Ue-Sama's eyes widened as he looked at his father.

"SHe… Am I-"

"My son, forgive me. I was foolish, thinking that she was as innocent as she appeared, when she met me. I do not place all of the blame on her. I made the decision and no one forced me to love her. But I never told you. ANd it is for this reason I apologize."

Ue-Sama was quiet. Nariko spoke to him, a little sullenly, as she told him," Your parentage has nothing to do with you, punk. I oughtta know this. Your ma may have been evil. But she's gone. You have the potential to be bigger then her shadow ever was. If it existed at all."

Ue-Sama looked at her, and for the first time since the affair started, he smiled.

Miky then grinned, "So! Anyone up for a Battle Nexus Tournament? Or am I still the champ?"

Nearly.. done... I think! Sorry if it sucks. -_-

THANK YOU to all reviewers! Sorry it took so long, as well, just been.. busy.