"Make your old man proud and kill him" Hun said, dragging the red clad turtle forward and throwing him at my feet.
Raphael sat on his knees, eyes filled with hatred and rage as he scowled up at me. The room was filled with cheers and chants. Everyone wanted me to do this. My father wanted me to do this. He said I'd make him proud by doing this one little task. For years I've craved the attention of my parents, craved their approval, their love…I HAVE to do this.
"What are ya waitin' for?! Just do it!" Raphael growled, snapping me from my thoughts.
My palms began to sweat as I gripped the baseball bat between my hands and raised it above my head. His brothers screamed in protest, while my father stood on the sidelines, egging me on.
"Mel! Please don't do this! You're better than this!" April begged. The two Purple Dragons restraining her pulled her back, one covering her mouth with his gloved hand.
What the hell am I even doing?! If I do this, I'll be shoved back into the gang life, with no way out. Crap, I dunno what to do! If I do this, I'll earn the respect of my father…maybe. But if I go through with this, I'll lose April…the only person that seems to have hope for me. Kay, time's ticking Mel, make a decision NOW!
My eyes shifted over to the three turtles, still screaming for me to spare their brother. Their eyes all held the same emotions; fear, sadness, anger…and love.
Love that they shared for their brother. The brother I was 'bout to take away. I'd do anything for someone to look at me like that. I wonder if this turtle even knows how lucky he is to have a family that cares so much. Probably not.
That's it…I can't do this.
I threw the bat to the ground, making the crowd break out into a series of boos. Raphael looked at me with confusion as I grabbed the sai from his belt and cut the ropes from his wrists.
"What the shell are you doin'?"
"Getting you and your bros outta here" I said, pulling him to his feet. I gave Raph his Sai back and told him to free his brothers while I dealt with these douchebags.
My father yanked the cage door open and stomped towards me. I stood my ground, though a sliver of fear ran down my body. The second he reached me I was greeted by a slap to the face, which sent me sprawling onto the ground.
"You useless, pathetic little bitch! I give you one thing to do and you screw it up! You know what you are? You're weak! Nothing but a weak little girl that breaks everything she touches!"
His words stung like a bitch, but I covered up the pain with a bitter laugh. "At least I'm not scum."
"What did you just say?"
"I said you're scum!" I screamed the words at him, making sure he heard them. "Ya preyed on my Mum, a sick, needy woman."
"Your mother was looking for someone to take care of her and her daughter, and I stepped up." He pointed his thumb at himself for effect.
"Pfft, yeah, and ya did one helluva job," I scoffed, my anger rising, as I pulled myself up from the floor. "Ya were always treating the both of us like crap, just so ya could feel like a man. But when that wasn't good enough, ya used your fists to show ya were all big and tough. Ya seriously think beating on a defenceless woman and child makes ya a man?"
"I never beat you" he said in defence. "You just needed a firm hand."
"A firm hand? A firm hand!?" My voice rose. "Ya call a split lip and cracked ribs 'a firm hand'? Were ya using a firm hand when ya broke my arm? Or knocked me so hard I busted my head against the coffee table and ended up needing ten stitches?" My fingers traced the faded scar that remained hidden by my bangs.
"You were a problem child."
"With the way I was treated that ain't no friggin' surprise!" My nails dug deep into my palms but it was the only thing stopping me from crying. I wasn't gonna cry 'cause of him. No way would I ever give him that satisfaction. "And if that ain't enough, you forced my Mum to choose between you and me."
"It's not my fault your mother was weak." He moved towards me, sticking his big, stupid finger in my face. "It was her decision to turn her back on you. You should be mad at her."
"I'm mad at both of ya!" I slapped his finger away. I could feel the rage, just thinking 'bout how they treated me, how they looked at me. It made me angry. "I've been fending for myself since I was in diapers. Poor ol' Mel didn't have anyone to watch her back! No, 'cause relying on others makes ya weak, don't it, Dad? Well ya know what? I ain't that weak little kid you used to boss 'round all day. I can look out for myself, and I don't need you or anyone else for that matter! So how 'bouts we forget the fact that we're father and daughter, and treat the situation like a couple of Dragons would?"
"What are you saying?"
"I'm saying it's Dragon against Dragon. Me and you, right now."
He laughed a cruel, mocking sound. "You want to fight me? Fine, if it's a fight you want, then it's a fight you'll get!" He shouted.
I braced myself, waiting for his attack. He suddenly lunged forward, his freakishly large hand balled into a fist, ready to strike me down. I got ready to sidestep, but I was shoved aside and my father stumbled forward as he hit nothing but air.
What the hell?
Two warm arms were wrapped tightly 'round my waist and I looked up into the face of Raphael.
"Raphael? What the hell are you doing?" I ain't gonna lie; I was surprised to find him still here. I thought they had all left.
He glanced at me briefly "we're gettin' you outta here." He let go of my waist and grabbed my hand, pulling me off stage, but I yanked my hand from his. He turned on me in anger "what are you doin'!?"
"I ain't leaving now! I have to do this!" I spun on my heel, ready to charge back into the fight that had broken out between the Dragons and the turtles, but Raphael gripped the back of my shirt, keeping me on the spot.
"You ain't doin' squat!" He yanked me back, instantly wrapping one arm 'round my body so I couldn't move.
I growl at him as he pulls me away from the fight, MY fight. "Let go of me!"
He only tightens his hold on me, angering me even more. Without thinking, I stomp on his foot, making him release his hold on me. I then ball up my fist and sock him right in the nose!
"Ow! What the shell was that for?!" Raphael rubbed his nose, fire burning in his eyes.
Instead of answering him, I just threw another punch.
"Will you knock it off-"
Another punch.
I pulled my fist back, ready to strike again, but this time he caught my fist.
"So far we're scary chick three, and Raph zero, but that's gonna even up real quick if ya don't keep your hands to yourself."
I glared at him "back off, turtle. This is my fight, not yours!"
"Not anymore it ain't. These goons kidnapped April and threatened my bros, so we're involved whether you like it or not" Raph crossed his arms across his chest. His very wide, muscular chest…oh crap, was I just ogling him!? Ugh, gross, Mel, come on!
My eyes snapped back to his "I can handle this myself."
When he didn't respond, I turned my back on him, setting my sights on my father. One step and I was knocked to the ground. Groaning, I kicked the unconscious Purple Dragon offa me and sat up.
"Oh yeah, you handled that like a pro." Raphael stood above me with a smug smirk on his stupid face.
"Shut up" I grumbled under my breath. Of course I would have to get knocked on my ass while HE was watching.
"Raph!" Leonardo shouted as he swept the legs out from under a Purple Dragon. "I told you to get Mel out of here! April and Donnie are already outside."
"Touch me, and I'll hurt ya" I threatened as Raphael reached for my arm. He froze mid-air and narrowed his eyes. I backed away from him. Once I thought he wasn't gonna grab me, I stopped and looked to my left. I leant back quickly, dodging a blow from a giant fist. My fathers' fist.
The two of us circled one another, moving slowly 'round without getting closer. He crouched slightly, his eyes narrowing into slits. His fists tightened as he held them up in front of him.
I took my own stance, preparing myself for whatever was 'bout to happen.
Lizzy.
I'm doing this for you.
He lunged forward, I sidestepped and smacked across his temple. He easily shook it off and backed away as I jumped towards him, which left me open for his foot in my lower back. I gasped at the contact and backed off, trying to regain myself.
He didn't give me much time though.
I blocked whatever punch he threw my way, while bringing my knee up into his stomach. He brought his leg up, trying to hit me in the back again, but I grabbed his leg and held it tight. I yanked him forward into my foot, making contact with his ribs. He fell backwards, recovered, crouched and jumped at me, landing a good blow across my temple.
I stumbled backwards, shaking my head to clear the black spots from my vision. I felt his arms wrap 'round my chest and shoulders as he shoved me backwards into the cage, his fist making contact with my head again, my shoulders scraped against the chain links as I slid down to the ground. His hand closed 'round my throat and tightened as he raised me off the ground. I tried prying his fingers from my throat, but it useless. I couldn't see a way outta this hold, and the longer he kept his hold on my throat, the weaker I grew. My vision began to blur, and I was struggling to keep my eyes open. My heart raced as I realised he was gonna kill me.
I can't die now…not like this.
The pressure from my throat was lifted and I dropped to my knees. I coughed and spluttered as I gasped for breath. The pain was extreme. Even though my head was still spinning, my vision returned, allowing me to see my father on the ground and Raphael standing in front of me, twirling his Sais between his fingers.
"R-Raphael…?" I managed to choke out but my throat stung like crazy!
He glanced down at me "you okay?"
I nodded weakly and he held out his hand. Reluctantly slipping my hand into his, I was pulled to my feet and Raphael wrapped his arm 'round my waist to keep me from falling. Heat rushed to my cheeks, but why?
I shifted awkwardly in his hold. "Raphael, what ya did just now…I mean, I'd like to…" Crap, why is this so hard!? I sighed and tried again "ya saved my life, so…thanks, I guess."
A slight smirk appeared on his face "no problem. Couldn't exactly let that big lamebrain strangle ya to death, could I."
Before I could respond, my father had gotten to his feet once again, glaring daggers at the two of us. Raphael moved me aside and raced towards him, flipped over his shoulders and swung his leg 'round, making contact with my fathers' chest.
Though it didn't seem to have any effect.
Raphael threw punches left and right into his stomach, and still my father stood tall, unaffected by the turtles' attempts.
"Do me a favour. Be a cooperative little mountain and just go-"
Raphael was cut off as my father belted him, sending him flying backwards into the cage. "-down."
I couldn't help but feel worried as I watched my father stalk towards the turtle. My eyes flickered to the right when I noticed Leonardo running towards the two. He leapt through the air, slicing an overhead spotlight with his katana, which fell on top of my father.
That still wasn't enough to keep him down. He picked up the shattered spotlight and hurled it at the two turtles, knocking them off their feet. I picked up the baseball bat I'd deserted earlier and flung it at the back of his head like a javelin. He flinched when it made contact and turned on me.
"You just don't learn, do you?" He picked up the bat, patting his palm with it as he walked.
I shrugged while taking a step back. "Guess I'm just a slow learner."
"COW-A-BUNGA!"
My father crashed into the cage from the forceful kick. Michelangelo stood from his crouched position and clapped his hands together.
"Nice kick." I couldn't help but comment.
He grinned and pointed to himself with pride. "They don't call me 'Air Mikey' for nothing." His grin vanished as my father stood. "Don't look now, but tiny still wants to dance."
My father gripped the bottom of the cage and pulled. It creaked and groaned as the bolts were ripped from the ground. The cage began to cave in above us.
"Crap." My hands hovered above my head in a pathetic attempt to protect myself.
One final tug and the cage fell in on us. I felt the weight of the heavy metal walls crush me into the ground, and then…nothing.
Everything had gone black.
Crap…my head.
What the hell happened?
Is she going to be okay, Donnie?
Who…April? That you?
I'm not sure, April. Her head injury is the one I'm worried about.
Warm fingers run themselves through my hair and I flinch at the contact.
I'm tellin' ya guys, bringin' her here was a mistake.
Raph-
Don't 'Raph' me! This is gonna come back and bite us in the shell's! Or am I the only one here who seems ta realise that she's related ta Hun!
She's nothing like Hun, Raph. I know she may come off as rude and ill-mannered, but she has a good heart.
Open your eyes, April! There ain't nothin' good about her! Would a good person be paradin' around with gang tattoos?! Let's not forget, this scary chick almost bashed our heads in!
But she didn't! Instead she freed you. We could be dead right now if it wasn't for her.
And what if it was just a trick, huh? Anyone stop ta think of that?! What if she's workin' with Hun and the Purple Dragons? Ya know, pickin' us off one by one?!
"If I wanted ya dead, I woulda killed ya already." I sat up with a groan, rubbing my temple in attempt to ease my killer headache. It took a few blinks before my vision returned, but when it did I saw all four turtles standing at the end of the wooden desk I was laying on. April stood next to me with her arms crossed.
"Do ya have to stand 'round me like that? Hell, I feel like I'm in a viewing."
"Don't flatter yourself, princess" Raphael muttered, folding his arms 'cross his chest.
I growled low in my throat. "Don't call me princess."
"Oh yeah?" He smirked. "What are ya gonna do about it?" He leant in closer to me and poked me with his finger. "Princess."
"Get your stubby, green finger outta my face, turtle."
"Make me, princess."
As soon as those words left his mouth I grabbed his finger and bent it backwards. He yelped in pain, or was it surprise? I dunno, but either one was satisfying. "Don't. Call. Me. Princess."
I let him go and he rubbed his hand, scowling as he did so. "I told ya she was dangerous! We shoulda never brought her down here!"
"There was nowhere else we could've gone, Raph" Leonardo said. "The Purple Dragons know that Mel was staying at April's place. It's not safe there anymore."
"So you're gonna endanger our lives for the sake of this!?" Raphael pointed at me. "Well I ain't willing to take that risk! Now I say we drop her off on the Purple Dragons doorstep and let them decide what to do wit her!"
"Are you crazy?! They'll kill her!"
"Good! That's another piece a Dragon scum we don't haveta worry about!"
"You need to calm down, Raph. April says Mel isn't that type of person, so perhaps we should trust her."
Raphael turned on Leonardo, poking him in the chest. "You need ta quit being so naive, oh Fearless Leader. This girl is a threat, and it's our job to put an end ta threats." Raphael snatched his Sai from his belt, gave it a twirl, and held it against my throat.
Everyone's mouths fell open in shock, 'cept for mine of course. I looked at him with a blank expression, down at the weapon against my skin, then back at him.
"If you're gonna kill me, then kill me, but I gotta question first. If I'm such a threat, then why in the hell did ya save my life back in the cage?"
He seemed to freeze at that question.
"She's got you there, bro" Michelangelo whispered. Raphael glared but kept his gob shut. When he didn't answer I continued.
"You coulda let Hun kill me and that woulda been the end of it. So, why did ya bother?"
He narrowed his eyes as his grip tightened on his Sai. "April wanted us ta save you, so we did."
I shook my head side-to-side slowly as I studied him "that ain't why."
A look of surprise crossed his face. Minutes passed and the room still stood still. Raphael growled and tucked his Sai back into his belt.
"Whatever. You guys do what ya want." He stormed away upstairs and slammed a door so hard the picture on the wall shook.
Leonardo sighed and looked down at me. "I'm going to go see if he's okay. Donnie here will fix you up and then we'll talk, okay?"
"Whatever ya say, dude" I shrugged and he walked away.
Michelangelo smiled and waved before leaving too, leaving me alone with April and Donatello.