- Chapter 99 -
The Evil of Dregg
On board the newly repaired Ulixes, the gang was going about their business. Mikey entered the rec room, smiling.
"Guys, I have important news. The holodeck is repaired, and Mikey's Pepperoni Pizzaland Theme Park simulation is almost complete!"
"Mikey, if you built it, I don't wanna see it," Vee said flatly.
"Eh, I'll humor him," Hisako decided, scooping up Midnight in her arms. "I'm kinda curious to see what he built."
"Maybe later," Leo cut in. "We've got way more important things to worry about now."
"Right," Raph nodded in agreement.
"My friends, I know this journey has been arduous, but there is still a chance," Honeycutt added. "If we can destroy the last piece of the Black Hole Generator, at least we can slow the Triceratons down."
"Speaking of which, the Professor and I think we've found a way," Donnie included.
"Finally, some good news." April sighed in relief.
"How're we gonna break this thing, Professor?" Casey asked.
"My research suggests it can be destroyed by a mixture of dark matter and fusion," Honeycutt explained, getting blank stares all around.
"Nuclear fusion," Donnie clarified.
"So we gotta nuke the thing." Raph groaned, flopping back onto the couch. "Of course, we do."
"Why can't it ever be something simple?" Kagome questioned. "Like just slapping C4 on the thing?"
"Because it's us," Hisako said matter of factly. "Nothing is ever simple with us."
Suddenly, a screen began flashing red. Everyone jumped up as Wingnut and Screwloose checked it out.
"Incoming distress signal," Wingnut reported.
"From who?" Leo asked.
"The signal's Salamandrian," Screwloose answered.
"Oh, great…" Kagome moaned. "It's gotta be-"
The screen flickered to life, revealing Mona Lisa.
"Mona?" Raph said in surprise.
"Brave Gamarons, I need your help. We were attacked. Commander G'Throkka has been captured."
"Someone got Sal Commander?" Mikey asked. "Who was it?"
"Someone we least expected, A race of winged men. The Inuwashi Gunjin."
"The what?!" Hisako shrieked. "I thought they were extinct!"
Everyone turned to her at that.
"Mind filling the rest of us in?" Kagome asked. "Who are these guys?"
"They're an incredibly powerful race of beings. Stronger, faster, and more agile than any other being in the galaxy. Krang hunted them to extinction for their DNA, or so everyone thought."
"Where'd they take Sal Commander?" Leo asked Mona.
"The Inuwashi Gunjin delivered him to the planet Sectoid-1."
"Sectoid-1?" Mikey piped up. "Why does that sound familiar?"
Vee gulped. "It's where Lord Dregg is from."
"That ain't possible!" Raph insisted. "Dregg was eaten by that giant fish monster back in Varuna!"
"If there's one thing we've learned, it's that the bad guys rarely stay dead," Leo pointed out.
"And it figures a big, gross bug like him would give Cthugga indigestion," Kagome added.
"If Dregg truly has Sal Commander, then we must do something to help," Splinter insisted.
"And give Zanramon more time to get the last piece of the Heart?" Screwloose asked incredulously.
"We can't leave Sal Commander, or the Inuwashi Gunjin in the hands of Dregg," Hisako shot back.
"How do you know they aren't serving him willingly?" Vee asked.
"They hold honor and pride very highly, like samurai. Something Dregg lacks. If they're doing his dirty work, it's not of their own volition."
Leo nodded at that. "Mona helped us back on that ice moon and during the battle with Krang, so we'll help her save Sal Commander. That's the way it is."
Kagome crossed her arms irritably. "Fine…"
"Oh, stuff it, Kagome. We've got bigger things to worry about." Vee shuddered. "Like the fact that we're going to an entire freaking planet of bugs!"
"Normally, I'd tease the heck out of you for your bug phobia, but even I'm wondering if this is a good idea," Casey admitted.
"It doesn't matter," Leo said firmly. "We're not turning our back on someone in need. Professor, plot a course for Sectoid 1."
"Right away." Honeycutt nodded.
"Mona, we're on our way," Raph assured her. "Just hang in there."
Kagome's eyes narrowed at that, but before she could say anything, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She turned to see Hisako behind her.
"You know Raph cares about you. And only you."
"I know that, Hisako." Kagome sighed. "But he mentioned after the moon incident part of him was attracted to Mona. I... I just can't help it."
Hisako let out a long breath at that. "Just remember this. If push came to shove, he'd choose you in a heartbeat. He loves you, Kagome, and nothing, not even Mona Lisa, is gonna change that."
Kagome nodded at that.
As they headed for the planet, Honeycutt brought them up to speed on Dregg and his nature, which he had uncovered on his computer.
"According to the files I've found, Dregg is a member of a race of marauders known as Malignoids," he explained. "In fact, he was once the mate of their queen, Maligna."
"Explains his superiority complex," Leo remarked.
"But what do you mean by he 'was once' the queen's mate?" Donnie asked.
"He eventually broke off from Maligna to start his own hive. This led him to Sectoid 1. That planet was once even more grand and populated before he took over."
Mikey gulped. "Anyone else a bit scared right now?"
"And what happened after he took over?" Kagome asked.
"Dregg still follows Maligna's own modus operandi," Honeycutt replied. "The Malignoids steal and consume the resources of other worlds before moving on to another. Dregg and the Vreen are no different."
"So they're like the Kanabo," Donnie mused. "Sucking planets dry before moving on to another."
"I am now being reminded of why I hate space and aliens," Hisako said flatly.
"Okay," Vee piped up suddenly. "So, while you guys go rescue Sal Commander, I'll stay behind and tidy up the ship. Sound good? Good."
Raph grabbed her by the mask. "You're coming, and that's that."
"No! Anything but that!" Vee pleaded. "Not the bugs!"
"Vee, we don't have time for this," Leo snapped. "We gotta go."
"Also, if Hisako could handle being in Krang's bases even though she's scared to death of Krang, then you can do the same on Dregg's planet," Kagome added.
Vee looked amongst her siblings, then gulped hard. "I hate you. I hate you all."
Honeycutt pressed a few buttons and they completed the Tachyon Jump, arriving near their destination. As they went on, small green splats began to appear on the windshield.
"Welcome to the Sectoid system. Population: bugs. Lots and lots of bugs."
Hisako took Vee's hand, sensing her growing fear..
"I gotcha, sis," she promised, getting a grateful squeeze from Vee.
"Hey, what's the last thing to go through a bug's mind when it hits the windshield?" Mikey suddenly piped up.
Kagome sighed, already knowing where this was going.
"What?" she asked in a deadpan voice.
"Its butt!" Mikey announced, chuckling at his little joke.
As was to be expected, Raph smacked him upside the head.
"This is serious, Mikey." he snapped.
Mikey rubbed the back of his head. "Just trying to defuse the tension."
"Professor, where would Dregg be keeping Sal Commander?" Leo asked, ignoring Mikey's antics.
"Somewhere in the main hive, I believe," Honeycutt replied.
"Uh, main hive?" Raph questioned.
Honeycutt pointed at the asteroids surrounding them. The group took a closer look and realized they were actually giant hives. Vee's grip tightened on Hisako's hand, whereas Hisako returned the grip in kind, rubbing her head. April was in a similar state, both their Aeon crystals glowing.
"I'm totally fine. No prob," Vee muttered to herself. "Not itching all over or freaking out, not me…"
She started scratching her plastron with her free hand while her grip on Hisako's hand tightened to the point the psychic girl was wincing in pain.
"Vee, loosen up. You're breaking my fingers," Hisako informed her. "Believe me, all the buzzing in my head is hurting me enough."
Vee loosened her grip, hastily apologizing. "Right, sorry."
"Just out of curiosity, these bugs are a hive mind, right?" Casey asked. "So... why aren't they getting mad that some of their dudes are becoming pancakes on our windshield?"
"Minor drones," Honeycutt informed him. "Dregg has reserves."
Casey winced. "Damn, that's cold."
"Personally, I'm more worried about the Inuwashi Gunjin," Leo stated. "Do we have any idea what they look like?"
"I've only heard about them," Hisako replied. "Never seen one."
"I've seen pictures of them," Honeycutt provided. "They're birdlike humanoids. Four wings, talons for feet."
"So if we see birdmen, try and reason with them," Mikey suggested. "Hisako did say they're big on honor, after all."
"We will try to reach them," Splinter agreed. "Perhaps we can convince them to aid us in our rescue of Sal Commander."
As this went on, Donnie checked the scanner, eventually finding something.
"Guys, I got something." He pointed to a particularly large hive in the distance. "That's Dregg's central hive."
"Bring us down for a landing," Leo ordered. "We best move in on foot. Less chance of drawing unwanted attention."
"I'm getting a Salamandrian reading there too," Donnie added as they went. "It's gotta be Mona."
"Then our first step is finding her," Leo declared while Kagome just rolled her eyes in annoyance.
They landed on the hive, and it wasn't long before Mona emerged from behind a rock formation.
"Hello again, friends," she greeted.
"Hey, Mona." Raph greeted. "Hope we didn't keep you waiting."
"'Hope we didn't keep you waiting'," Kagome repeated mockingly under her breath before making a gagging face.
"I am merely glad you came," Mona replied. "Dregg is keeping the Commander in his lair. I will take you there."
"Lead the way," Splinter replied.
Mona nodded and led them along. As they went, Donnie looked around in awe.
"Wow…" he let out. "This entire planet is made of an organic compound. It's like a giant hornet hive."
"Thanks for the info, Donnipedia," Casey teased. "But when can we get to squashing some bugs?"
Suddenly, the ground gave out from under him. Leo darted in, grabbing him by the hand before he could fall in completely. April whirled around and surrounded Casey with a yellow halo, making it easier for Leo to pull him out.
"Phew…" Casey sighed. "Close one."
They suddenly heard buzzing coming from the hole and looked down to see multiple glowing green eyes below.
"Oh shit…" Vee let out in horror. "RUN!"
She took off, dragging Hisako behind her as the others followed suit. As they did, several massive green bees flew out after them.
"Oh dear!" Honeycutt exclaimed. "Xaxx Bees!"
Kagome was tackled to the ground by one, holding its chomping mouth back.
"Hey!" Raph shouted, turning to them. "Get your chompers off my girlfriend!"
He stabbed the bee in the head with a sai before kicking it off and helping Kagome up. "You okay?"
Kagome nodded, more than a little happy that it had been Raph to save her.
"Yeah, I'm fine," she assured him.
"GET IT OFF ME!" screamed Donnie's voice.
They turned to see him running around, clutching at a Xaxx Bee that was clinging to his face. Mikey whacked it with his nunchuck, sending it flying.
"Nobody stings my-" he turned to Donnie and his eyes widened in horror. "GYAH!"
Donnie's face was swollen to ballooning proportions and beet-red. He covered it in shame.
"I'm hideous!" he exclaimed, his words slurred by his swelled-up lips.
"You will be alright, my son," Splinter assured. "Professor, does the Ulixes' medical bay have the medicine needed to cure him?"
"Cure the sting of a Xaxx Bee, one of the rarest venoms in the known universe?" Honeycutt questioned. "Why, yes. Yes, it does, actually."
Splinter took Donnie into his arms. "I will tend to your brother. The rest of you continue with the mission."
"Allow me to accompany you back, Splinter," Honeycutt said. "I mean no offense, but I actually know how to work the machines."
Splinter waved a hand dismissively. "None taken."
"We got this, Dad," Leo assured him before looking at Donnie. "Hang in there, D."
Hisako pulled Vee back over to the group. "Guys, we found a way into the hive."
"Good," Leo nodded. "Lead the way."
While Splinter and Honeycutt took Donnie back to the ship, Hisako led the others to the opening she found, dragging a reluctant Vee behind her. By this point, Vee was one step away from panicking, but no matter how hard she tried, she couldn't break free of her sister's grasp.
"Okay…" she sighed. "Only one way out."
She started gnawing at her arm like a trapped coyote, but a green halo forced her head back.
"Vee, knock it off," Hisako said firmly. "You're not gonna get out of this by pulling a 127 Hours."
"Oh, I'm sorry," Vee hissed. "But you're dragging me against my will into the middle of a giant goddamn bug hive!"
"And how many times did you guys drag me against my will into a fight with Krang?" Hisako demanded. "Or into Dimension X?"
"Hey, we gave you the choice whether to come or not," Vee shot back. "No one made you do anything."
That gave Hisako pause. "Okay, fair point. But still, I swallowed my fear because my family needed me."
"Vee, come here." Kagome said, almost soothingly.
Vee did so, expecting to be comforted… only to receive a slap across the face.
"Get ahold of yourself!" Kagome snapped harshly.
"Ow!" Vee yelped, a hand going to her smacked cheek. "What the hell, Kagome?"
"What the hell is wrong with you?" Kagome demanded. "Where's the courage and guts you had when you took on the Spy-Roach and won?"
"That was one bug!" Vee replied. "This is an entire fucking planet of bugs!"
"Either way, your family needs you. Your friends need you. Now, I suggest you follow Hisako's example and swallow that fear of yours."
Hisako squeezed Vee's hand comfortingly. "And never forget, you're not alone."
Midnight barked in agreement, wagging her tail and nuzzling Vee. The turtle sighed and took a deep breath, composing herself.
"Alright," she gave in. "Let's just save Sal Commander and get the hell off this rock before I lose my courage again."
"Well, you heard her," Leo declared. "Everyone in the hole."
They descended into the hive.
-X-
"So, any idea where Sal Commander is being held?" April asked as they snuck around quietly.
"Lord Dregg is known to keep his prisoners caged in his throne room." Mona replied. "He sees them as trophies."
"His throne room?!" Mikey exclaimed. "You mean-"
Hisako flicked him in the forehead before he could finish that sentence. "Not that kind of throne, doofus."
"...Your brother really hasn't got any brains at all, does he?" Mona questioned.
"Hey!" Mikey objected. "Why does everyone in the universe keep dissing me?"
"You make it too easy," Raph said simply.
"Everyone focus!" Leo hissed before turning to Mona. "If he's a trophy, how are we sure he's even alive?"
"Maybe Hisako and I could try and feel out for him," April suggested. "See if he's alive."
"You can do that?" Mona asked.
"We're psychic," Hisako replied. "Didn't we tell you that?"
"Don't think it ever came up," Casey remarked.
A slight sliver of panic crossed Mona's face at that reveal before she managed to hide it. Kagome was the only one who saw it, her eyes narrowing.
"You sure you guys can find him?" Leo asked. "I thought the hive mind made telepathy difficult."
"It does," April confirmed. "To be honest, it feels like constant feedback. But with our crystals, it just might work."
"There is no time," Mona insisted. "We must hurry, before the drones catch onto our presence once again."
"She's got us there," Raph agreed. "If Sal Commander's alive, good. If he's dead... we'll at least make sure he gets a proper burial."
They all nodded and continued forward, Mona letting out a soft exhale of relief. Kagome eyed her suspiciously as they went.
"What are you up to…"
-X-
It wasn't long before they arrived in Dregg's throne room, where the group saw Sal Commander sprawled out unconscious in the darkened room.
"Sal Commander!" Leo exclaimed.
He hurried to the Salamandrian's side, reaching to touch his shoulder only for his hand to phase right through him.
"What the?!" Leo let out as the image of Sal Commander disappeared.
"A hologram?!" Vee shouted.
At that very moment, Dregg's sinister laughter sounded all around them.
"Shit!" Casey yelled. "It's a trap!"
Everyone readied their weapons as all the exits were sealed shut. From the ceiling, four gracefully deadly creatures descended, landing in a circle around the warriors. Their heads seemed reminiscent of Samurai helmets, glowing red eyes shining from a blackened face. Their wings folded around them, giving them the appearance of cloaks as they perched on taloned feet. Each was a different color, ranging from blue to orange, red, and gold. All four had a circular disk embedded in their chests, and from the glowing red light pulsating in the center, it was clear that it was some sort of control device.
"I'm gonna go out on a limb and say you guys are the Inuwashi Gunjin," Kagome mused aloud.
"Very few know of our existence," said the golden one. "How did you come to know of us?"
"A friend of ours mentioned you kidnapped her commander," Raph replied. "If you guys are supposed to be honorable, why work for a slimeball like Dregg?"
"You think we follow him by choice?!" the red one spat. "He enslaved us! Forced us to do his bidding! When he doesn't need us, we're kept frozen in stasis."
"It has been like this for countless years," the blue one added.
"But none of that matters," the orange one declared. "Once we capture you, our freedom will be restored."
"So that's how it's gonna be…" Leo sighed before drawing his swords. "Well, we're not going down without a fight!"
"We know," the golden Gunjin, clearly the leader, informed him.
Suddenly, something long and pink shot out, tagging Hisako on the back of the neck. April was hit as well, with both girls going down. Midnight followed not far after, whining as she collapsed next to Hisako. Everyone gasped, turning to see Mona retracting her tongue just as Casey hit the ground.
"Mona?!" Raph exclaimed. "What are you doing?!"
Kagome scowled, glaring at the Salamandrian. "You… you traitorous BITCH!"
Mona turned to her, tagging her next.
"Kagome!" Raph shouted before turning to glare at Mona. "You shouldn't have done that…"
"Forgive me," was all Mona said before lashing her tongue out at him next. Raph dodged and charged her, tackling her into the wall and grabbing her by the collar.
"How could you?!" he demanded. "We trusted you, Mona! You were our friend!"
The red Gunjin let out a birdlike shriek, tackling Raph to the ground. The golden one went after Leo, the orange one after Mikey, and the blue one after Vee. Against the strength of these ancient warriors, the Turtles found themselves greatly outmatched. The fight truly ended when Dregg swooped down, grabbing Kagome by the hair.
"Cease your struggles," he ordered. "Or I decapitate this one."
Everyone instantly froze and Dregg turned to Mona, smirking.
"You did well, Y'Gythgba," he remarked. "At long last, the Gamarons and their Terran friends are mine."
At that moment, Sal Commander emerged from behind the throne.
"Sal Commander... why?" Leo demanded.
"His reasons are no business of yours," Dregg scoffed, approaching them. "You have something I desire. The fragments of the Heart of Darkness."
"Tough luck," Raph shot back. "The Triceratons beat you to it."
"What?!" Dregg demanded before looking around and noticing something, or someone was missing. "Wait… where is the fifth Turtle? And the rat creature?"
"All the way across the galaxy, Dregg!" Leo bluffed with a smirk. "They're bringing an army as we speak."
Back on the Ulixes, Donnie lay on a bed in the medical bay, wincing in pain.
"Be still, my son," Splinter soothed. "You must let the medicine run its course."
"We were lucky," said Honeycutt. "If we had gotten back here just a second later... I don't think he would have made it."
"Thank you for your aid, Professor," Splinter said gratefully, running a gentle hand over Donnie's forehead. "I do not know what I would do if I lost a child."
Meanwhile, the rest of the group were being placed in cages as Sal Commander and Mona approached Dregg.
"You promised to discuss the terms of our home world!" Sal Commander reminded him.
"We trusted your word, Dregg!" Mona added.
"Indeed you did," Dregg remarked, turning to them. "Come, let us speak in private."
The Turtles all watched them in anger and betrayal. Raph met Mona's eyes for a brief moment, then turned away.
"And what about our freedom, Dregg?" the gold Gunjin demanded. "We captured the Gamarons and their allies for you, as promised!"
"Yes," Dregg smirked. "But not all of their allies. So… no deal."
He held out a remote, activating the disks on their chests. They all convulsed and screamed as colored cocoons surrounded them, entrapping them once again. Seeing this, Leo's eyes lit up with rage.
"You miserable, lying snake!" he shouted.
"Flattery will get you nowhere, Gamaron," Dregg said, waving dismissively. "Now, the Salamandrians and I have some business to discuss. Get comfortable. After all…" he grinned evilly, "you're my dinner guests."
With that, he left the room with the Salamandrians in tow. As soon as they were out of earshot, Mona whirled on him.
"We did as you instructed. We lured the Gamarons and their allies there."
"You promised to spare our homeworld if we did," Sal Commander added.
"Yes, I did," Dregg recalled, before turning to them. "But it seems I've changed my mind."
The two Salamandrians gasped in horror.
"What?!" Mona exclaimed. "You can't do that! We gave you what you wanted!"
"You did, and I released your Commander, as we agreed. But no planetary invasion? I don't think so. And for the record, I am king of all insects; I can do whatever I please."
"You fiend!" Mona shouted, clutching the sides of her head. "What have we done?!"
"Betrayed your allies, destroyed their trust in you, and all for nothing." Dregg said matter-of-factly.
"You have no honor, insect!" Sal Commander spat.
"Honor is worthless. All that matters is power," Dregg retorted. "Now, leave my presence before I change my mind about sparing you."
-X-
Mona and Sal Commander were escorted out by a set of Vreen. As soon as they were out of the hive, Sal Commander punched the wall, snarling.
"I should have known better than to trust that filthy bug!" he shouted.
"I led them to their dooms…" Mona lamented. "Those innocent beings…"
After a minute, however, she remembered something and stood up straight. "Wait… Donatello, Splinter, Professor Honeycutt… Dregg didn't get them."
"Where are they?" Sal Commander asked.
"On their ship. One of the Xaxx Bees got Donatello."
"We must hurry. No matter what they decide to do to us, we must make this right."
In the medical bay, Donnie slowly sat up, the swelling in his face finally gone. He felt his cheeks and smiled in relief.
"Professor, you did it," he declared. "I'm back to my old handsome self again!"
"Indeed," said Honeycutt. "Though I would expect such hubris from Michelangelo, not you."
At that moment, Mona and Sal Commander suddenly ran into the bay.
"Professor Honeycutt, Gamaron, rat man…" Mona let out.
They both dropped to their knees, bowing deeply.
"We must beg for your assistance," Sal Commander said. "And your forgiveness."
"Forgiveness?" Splinter asked.
"We lied to you and yours," Mona explained. "We led your children into a trap…"
"You did what?!" Donnie shrieked.
"The Gamarons and their human allies… they are all prisoners of Dregg," Sal Commander revealed. "If we do not act soon, I fear they will not live for much longer."
At that reveal, Splinter looked outwardly calm, but all it took was one good look to tell how truly furious he was under the surface.
"We know that nothing we say can excuse our actions," Mona admitted, "but we beg you… help us make this right."
"We will discuss your actions later," Splinter said, calm but cold. "For now, we will go rescue my children."
Donnie thought their options over, then snapped his fingers. "Professor, do you have any more of that anti-venom you treated me with?"
"I do," Honeycutt replied. "Why do you ask?"
Donnie smiled. "I've got an idea."
Back at Dregg's throne room, April, Hisako, Casey, and Kagome had reawakened and been informed of what happened. Needless to say, the former two were incredibly shocked.
"I can't believe it," April said quietly. "Mona sold us out?"
"I knew that slimy bitch couldn't be trusted," Kagome spat, rubbing her neck. "She stabbed us in the back. Literally." She clenched her fists so hard her knuckles turned white. "I swear to God, when I get outta here, I'm gonna tear her apart."
"We... are gonna get out of here... right?" Hisako asked tentatively, hugging Midnight close to her chest.
"Yeah. I've got an idea," Leo said, looking at her and April. "How much power can you two summon up at the moment?"
"Still shaking off Mona's poison, but I'm getting some strength back," April answered.
"Same here," Hisako reported. "What do you need us to do?"
"Focus all your power on these cages and try to blast them open," he told them. "At the very least, it should weaken them enough for us to bust out."
Both girls joined hands and closed their eyes. Their crystals began to glow and their cages began to shake. They began cracking all over, and then Raph held up a hand.
"Allow me."
He went to the other side of the cage and got a running start, jumping and turning in mid-air to smash through his cage with his shell. He rolled and got back up, popping his neck.
"Nice work, Raph." Vee complimented.
They quickly hurried out and Leo slashed through the cage holding Hisako and April.
"We gotta get outta here before Dregg gets back," April insisted.
"Or those backstabbing Salamandrians," Kagome added bitterly.
"What about them?" Mikey asked, jerking his thumb at the frozen Inuwashi Gunjin.
"There's nothing we can do for them," Hisako said, looking down. "Not without Dregg's remote."
"Damn…" Casey groaned. "I hate leaving them like this."
"We can't risk going up against Dregg on his home turf," Leo insisted. "We need to get back to the Ulixes and put as much distance between us and this Sectoid as possible."
He stole a glance at the cocooned foursome. "Maybe someday, we can free them. But that day's not today."
They hurried out of the throne room, but just as they made it outside, they were confronted by a slew of Vreen and Xaxx Bees.
"Oh, fan-fuckin'-tastic!" Vee cursed.
Dregg flew in, smirking.
"Did you really think it would be that easy?" he scoffed, snapping his fingers.
A massive scorpion creature scuttled in from another room, roaring with dripping maws.
"Meet my pet, the Scorpinoid. And he's quite hungry."
They stiffened, drawing their weapons to prepare to fight. Suddenly, a green spray came out of nowhere, dropping onto several Xaxx Bees and taking them out. Everyone turned to see Donnie standing there, wielding a backpack-mounted gun.
"Eat anti-venom!" he shouted.
He began spraying down a few more, just as Splinter, Mona, and Sal Commander emerged as well, all three carrying similar guns. The minute she laid eyes on Mona, Kagome stormed over to her, getting in her face.
"You set us up!" she shouted. "How could you even show your face? You're nothing but a-"
"Dregg threatened our homeworld," Sal Commander cut her off.
"He promised to spare it if we handed you over to him," Mona admitted, her shoulders drooping. "Now we see it was nothing but a lie."
"Well, he did double-cross the Inuwashi Gunjin," Mikey recalled. "I can see that."
Kagome's eyes narrowed at that. "We'll deal with you when this is over."
They got to work fighting the Vreen and Xaxx Bees, eventually taking them all down. Donnie turned the gun on Dregg, pulling the trigger… but nothing happened.
"Well... didn't see that coming," he remarked. "Time for Plan B."
"What's Plan B?" Mikey asked.
"Simple. RUN!"
Everyone just took off, running as fast as they could while Splinter pulled out a communicator.
"Professor, start the engines!" he shouted. "We need to escape quickly!"
"Right away!" Honeycutt's voice replied.
They heard rumbling footsteps, and turned to see the Scorpinoid running in, Dregg on its back.
"You will not escape!" the insect overlord declared.
Mona slowly turned back, glaring at Dregg.
"Go. Get back to your ship. The Commander and I will hold them off."
"What?" Kagome shouted. "Are you crazy?!"
"We sold out your family. The least we can do is ensure that you escape!" She turned to Raph. "Raphael, in case we don't escape... I want you to know I love you." She looked at Kagome. "And I want you to be happy, even if it is not with me."
Raph was genuinely stunned by this revelation as Mona turned to Kagome. "Take care of him."
Kagome just blinked, but Splinter grabbed them both.
"Don't stop!" he told them, dragging them along.
As they turned to go, the Scorpinoid reached them and lashed out with a claw, knocking Mona flat. Raph and Kagome looked back to see this, and scowled.
"Mona!" Kagome shouted, glaring at Dregg. "That's it, Dregg! You're going down!"
She and Raph broke free of Splinter's grip to attack Dregg directly. Raph furiously stabbed the Scorpinoid in the eyes as Kagome leapfrogged off of his shell and slashed cleanly through Dregg's neck, decapitating him. However, they froze when they saw sparking metal in his neck as the body collapsed.
"Son of a bitch…" Raph spat. "He Doctor Doomed us!"
"Grab Mona," Kagome ordered. "I've got Sal Commander."
Raph nodded and the two hoisted up the injured Salamandrians, dragging them back to the Ulixes.
Later, on the ship, Mona slowly opened her eyes to see Honeycutt standing over them.
"They're coming to," he reported.
Mona sat up, seeing Sal Commander sitting up as well as the others came in.
"How are you feeling?" Leo asked.
"Better," Sal Commander replied before looking down. "Brave Gamarons, we ask for something impossible: your forgiveness."
"You were trying to protect your planet," Leo said. "Believe me, we know what lengths people will go to in order to protect their home."
Raph approached Mona at that. "Mona... I'll admit I'm attracted to you. You're a great fighter, and pretty." He looked over his shoulder at Kagome. "But I love Kagome. She's the one I want to be with."
Kagome smiled at that as Hisako playfully punched her arm.
"Told ya so," she said to the other girl telepathically.
"I understand. She is very lucky." Mona then turned to Kagome next. "As for you, Kagome Lee... we got off to a rocky start, I'll admit. But perhaps we can be comrades now."
After a minute, Kagome folded her arms across her chest and bowed at the waist, a gesture Mona returned.
"We must return to our world," Sal Commander insisted. "Dregg's forces will no doubt attack, and we must be ready."
"We understand," Leo answered. "We'd help you, but we have other matters to attend to."
He turned to Honeycutt. "Set a course for the last fragment's location, Professor. This is our last chance to stop Zanramon from getting it."
"Right," Honeycutt nodded. "Though we wish you luck."
With that, the Salamandarians took their leave, and the turtles and co. continued their mission.
Author's Note:
The Inuwashi Gunjin are from Fast Forward if you recall.
Next chapter, the Turtles make an effort to retrieve the last piece of the Heart of Darkness before the Triceratons do. Will they survive? Or is the Earth doomed? You'll have to wait till next time to find out.
Please R&R. See you then!