- Chapter 106 -

Joyride


After their harrowing ordeal with Meat Sweats, the Hamato/Lee family, with Kirby's permission, decided to head back up to the O'Neil Farm in Northampton for some well-needed rest and relaxation. The Party Wagon idled to a stop as they pulled up, everyone piling out.

"So this is where you all stayed after escaping New York," Kasumi mused.

"I can tell you all put in a great deal of effort to make this place home," Splinter added.

"Yeah…" Kagome nodded. "It helped us cope through the dark times."

"And it's the perfect place to unwind after the Meat Sweats debacle," Mikey included.

Hisako hopped out of the back of the van, stretching as Midnight began running around excitedly. Everyone's eyes were on her Aeon crystal.

"Especially since this time, I'm not comatose and soaking in a tub for most of it." Leo went on.

"Let's just avoid raising any more plant monsters," Raph suggested.

"Though if we can see Bigfoot again, that would be fun," Mikey remarked.

"Actually, I have a much better idea for our first stop," Donnie said.


Back in New York, Casey was talking with Kirby in their apartment above the 2nd Time Around.

"I'll just be crashing on the couch," he told him. "But I need to be here. Those alien crystals Hisako and April brought back are acting up."

"I will admit, something about those things is making me uneasy," Kirby admitted. "Perhaps it's just residual trauma from my time under Krang's control, but I can't help but feel like those things are dangerous."

Casey nodded. "That's why Leo and the others told me to keep an eye on April while they're doing the same with Hisako on the farm. If anything happens, I've got them on speed dial."

"I see. Why not bring April with them?"

"Dude, you've seen what those girls can do together. Separating them is by far the best option, and I love April, but Hisako's got the stronger mind powers. Hence why she's out in Northampton."

Kirby nodded. "Okay, you can stay. But no hanky-panky."

Casey gave him a look. "Dude, are you kidding? My mom would tan my hide, and I already said I was on the couch!"

"Just making sure."

Casey turned red. "Jeez, man. C'mon."

Unbeknownst to the two, a Foot Soldier was lurking outside the window, listening in on the conversation. Having heard everything, they slid away into the night.


In the Foot HQ, Shredder was in the midst of his training, sparring with Tatsu. The fight was hectic, but eventually, Shredder threw him to the ground, blades at his neck before withdrawing.

"You've grown soft, Tatsu," he remarked. "Normally, it would take me much longer to beat you."

"My apologies, Master Shredder," Tatsu rose. "I will improve."

At that moment, the Foot Soldier entered, bowing before them. "I bring news, Master."

"What is it?"

"The Turtles have left the city with Hamato Yoshi and Kasumi Lee in tow."

"Is that so?"

"There is more, Master. The O'Neil girl, she possesses something of great power, something so strong that even the turtles fear it. And the power it holds is so great, they have to put an entire state between her and the Hamato psychic."

Shredder sat down on his throne, thinking it over. "If the Turtles are out of the city, April O'Neil is alone and unprotected."

"The Jones boy is there on watch. But what can that clown do against us when he can't even best Hun?"

Shredder nodded. "Mobilize the troops. Capture O'Neil and bring her to me. If I cannot find a means to weaponize this object against Hamato Yoshi... I will destroy it so it cannot be used against us."


The Party Wagon rolled through the streets, the Turtles wearing street clothes.

"We're coming up on where April and Casey found Todd's Puppy Paradise," Donnie reported.

"Todd?" Hisako visibly brightened at the name. "Right, I never went to go see him the last time we were here. I always felt bad about that."

"Who?" Karai asked.

"A mutant capybara. One of Krang's test subjects," Vee replied. "He got out and has been running a puppy shelter out of an RV. It's where Casey and April found Midnight."

"Back when I was at the testing facility in Mirage Industries, Todd tried to cheer me up," Hisako recalled. "I think he's the first being who ever got me to smile. However, Ch'rell didn't like his positive influence, or that he was basically a fluffy ball of kindness, so..." She mimicked a gun and put it to her head.

"Still surprised he survived getting shot in the head," Mikey remarked.

Raph shrugged. "A stubborn enough person can survive just about anything."

"And thanks to him, I have Midnight," Hisako said, Midnight barking in response. "I can't wait to see him a-"

As Todd's Puppy Paradise came into view, it was clear something was wrong. The sign was toppled, as was the play equipment. The puppies were nowhere to be seen and there were large dents in the trailer.

"...That can't be good." Karai let out.

"TODD!" Hisako jumped out of the Party Wagon, rushing for the trailer.

Her siblings quickly followed as Hisako threw open the door. Immediately, several puppies jumped her, all of them growling and on the defensive. Many were sporting cuts and bruises that looked like they had been treated. Mikey held out a hand in peace, keeping his voice calm and gentle.

"Easy, doggies. We're friends."

Midnight barked loudly, managing to get the puppies' attention. All of them rushed to sniff her, then barked happily. They got off Hisako as a figure emerged from the trailer.

"Well, aren't you a sight for sore eyes?"

The Hamato/Lee family took in the sight of Todd Capybara. While bearing several bruises and scratches and overall looking a bit worse for wear, he was still smiling and cheerful.

"Sorry about the mess," He laughed awkwardly before stepping out of the trailer. He was moving with a noticeable limp. "Mind helping me right the picnic table?"

Leo and Raph helped him do so, the group sitting down around it.

"What happened?" Kasumi asked.

"Oh, just a little... disagreement with the neighbors."

Hisako raised an eyebrow. "Todd... I'm a mind reader. I can tell you're lying."

Todd sighed. "You remember a particularly... prickly fella by the name of Ray Carrabine?"

Hisako nodded. "Yeah, he was turned into a mantis."

"Well, recent events have seen him released from Krang custody, and it would seem he returned to his former base of employment... in repo work."

"So you were attacked by a Repo Mantis?" Mikey questioned.

Todd nodded in confirmation. "Yes. And my RV was owned by his salvage company. He's aiming to recollect, considering I... haven't managed to pay his bills in two years."

"Two years?!" Mikey exclaimed.

"Until recently, I couldn't exactly show my face. Only reason I did for your friends was because they smelled like mutagen. That, and he was Krang's prisoner and test subject at the time. I never expected him to get out, much less get back control of his salvage yard."

"Well, is there a way you can make up the payments?" Leo asked.

"Oh, that ship sailed long ago, buddy."

They turned to see a mutant mantis approach. He had a purple body, straight graying black hair styled in a pompadour, black chest hair, a pair of antennae on his forehead, jagged teeth, large spiked forearms, bright green sclerae, a tail, and a lean figure. He wore a torn white tank top, a torn dark blue vest, and a spiked black belt with a gray engraved plate in the center, and was carrying a baseball bat.

"A pompadour? Really?" Mikey scoffed. "Footloose called, they want their hair back."

"I think you mean Grease," Donnie corrected.

"I think you lot want to get lost. This is between me and Toddy Boy here," Repo turned to Todd. "You have a debt to pay, Todd. Are you gonna hand over your RV…" he slapped the bat in his hands, "or am I gonna have to get tough?"

"Are you a repo man or a loan shark?" Karai questioned.

Repo shrugged. "Bit of both."

"You're not laying a hand on him," Hisako said firmly.

Repo glanced over at Hisako. "I remember you. That snot-nosed brat that always got special treatment from the brains," He spat in discontent. "Lucky little bitch."

"Lucky?!" The Turtles quickly held Hisako back, eying the crystal as it hummed ominously. "You call being vivisected, bled dry, electrocuted, burned alive, and having my fucking skull sliced open every damn day for ten years LUCKY?! "

"I call the ten lucky. You got out! So did he! He was let out! You had help from that overgrown lizard! I had to claw my way out of the rubble all on my own!"

"I got out because Krang tried to kill me!" Todd cried. "He had his men shoot me and leave me for dead in a gutter!"

Repo slammed one of his blades into the side of the RV, piercing the metal and making the capybara yelp

"Enough!" he hissed. "I lent you this car, and I don't see the money for it. You know what happens when I don't get my money, Todd? People get hurt. People like you get hurt."

"Ray, please. I just need more time. I'll get the payments, I swear!"

"And I swear that if you and your little mutts aren't out of this dump come sundown, I'll be bringing Mrs. Nubbins with me to get rid of you the hard way."

"If you take that RV, I'll be homeless!"

Repo shrugged. "Should've thought of that before not paying the bill."

"I said I'll get the money! I just need time-"

"It's too late for that. Either hand over the RV... or I break your legs. Your call, Todd."

"Or how about you back off and we don't make you part of an insect collection?" Raph suggested.

"Stay out of this!" Repo turned to the Hamato/Lee family. "He chose to take the RV from me! He chose to not pay me back! I run a respectable business here, and I can't afford to look like I'll tolerate cheapskate clients welching on their bills!"

"Well... how about you give us time to make him a new place?" Vee offered. "Then you can take the RV."

That got a laugh out of Repo. "Sure, sweet cheeks. You manage to make him some new place, I'll take the RV. But it better be done by sundown, or else."

With that, he turned and left

"I thank you kindly for your help, but I think it would be best for my puppies and I to move on," Todd said.

"No," Raph shook his head. "We ain't just rolling over to that ass. If there's anything I can't stand, it's a stinkin' bully."

"I agree with Raph on this one," said Karai. "Someone needs to knock this guy down a peg or two."

"Todd, we have a farmhouse we're staying in for the time being," Leo said. "Take your puppies and go rest up. We'll come back for you when the heat's off and Repo's been dealt with,

"And we'll make you a new home in time," Kagome added. "Something Repo can't take."

"Really?"

"Of course," Hisako hugged him. "We mutants stick together."


Meanwhile, back at the O'Neil apartment, Casey laid out a pillow and blanket on the sofa as April yawned, stretching her arms.

"I'm off to bed," she told Casey. "I'm exhausted. Try not to stay up too late, eh?"

"I make no such promises."

They shared a laugh before April gave Casey a peck on the cheek, and headed into her room. Casey sat down and was just relaxing when he heard glass breaking and saw sparks outside. He hurried to the window, seeing Footbots and Foot Soldiers making their way through the shadows, throwing shuriken at any street lights on the way.

"Oh come on…" He quickly grabbed his mask and golf bag. He also pulled out his phone, sending a quick text to the Hamato Clan: "SOS 2nd TO". He hurried to April's room, opening the door.

"Red, I'm sorry to bug you, but the Foot are here, and-!" He trailed off, finding April's bed and room empty, the covers askew, and the window open. "Oh. Guess she knows."

He flipped his mask down, pressing a button to activate the T-Glass lenses Donnie had installed. Through it, he could see the foot soldiers closing in on the building.

"Alright, how many plasma pucks do I have? I gotta be smart about this till help arrives. Meaning I can't be seen."

As a Foot Soldier entered, Casey ducked down. Once he saw an opportunity, he crept up behind him, clubbing him unconscious with a bat.

"One down…" He let out a long breath. "Far too many to go."

He crept outside, sticking to the shadows as Koya swooped down, perching before several Foot Soldiers.

"We have the front and back covered," one reported. "O'Neil will be in our grasp before dawn."

"Excellent," Koya smirked. "Keep your eyes peeled. Report any sign of-"

A loud thud sounded. All eyes turned to see April O'Neil rising from a superhero landing amidst cracked pavement. She was in her pajamas, the Aeon crystal still around her neck and emitting a weak glow, and her eyes were half-lidded as if she was sleepwalking.

"Red?" Casey let out.

"Ah, April O'Neil," Koya greeted. "We were just talking about you."

April's eyes glowed briefly, only white instead of yellow.

"Conversation's over." Her voice was distorted as if something was speaking through her.

"Uh-oh…" Casey managed.

"Well now, this is going to be interesting," Koya gestured with her wing. "Get her!"

The Foot Soldiers all charged, April weaving around them and fending them off with precise strikes, until several of them leaped on top of her, dogpiling her and dragging her to the ground. A tense moment passed before a feral shriek sounded, April bursting out of the pile and sending them flying back.

"Oh no no no…" Casey managed. "This is... so much worse than the guys made it out to be!"

He could only watch as April charged at the Foot Clan, going on the warpath…


Back in Northampton, Repo made his way back to Todd's Puppy Paradise.

"Time's up, Todd," he said. "You and your dogs better be gone."

He found the place deserted, not so much as a puppy in sight.

"Good. That overgrown blonde rat actually listened. Now for my favorite part of the job."

He stepped forward, only to get caught in a rope snare. He was yanked up, finding himself hanging upside down.

"Nice one!" Mikey declared.

"Old fashioned, but effective," came Donnie's voice.

The Hamato/Lee family emerged from the shadows at that.

"Not bad for our first hunting trip." Kagome mused.

Repo glared at them. "Now kiddies, I don't think you know what you're getting yourselves into. Todd missed the payments, this is the result. You're interfering with my business."

"We offered to compromise," Vee shot back. "He offered to pay. You wouldn't take the deal."

"That's not how the world works!" Repo snapped. "He owed my company money! And instead of paying me back, he ran off to this backward hick town to play with a bunch of stupid dogs! Now he has to reap what he's sown, and you can't stop me."

Raph scoffed. "Oh, PLEASE. We've beaten Krang more times than you can count. I think we can handle a stupid, bullying bug like you."

"It's not me you have to worry about."

Repo held out one arm, a snapping sound coming from it as if he was snapping his fingers. A loud roar echoed from the forest as the trees were forced apart. The siblings all took a step back as from the trees emerged a monstrous creature that could only be described as a giant cross between a cat and a praying mantis. It had green fur, red eyes, spiked forelegs, and mantis claws sprouting from its back. Around its neck was a purple collar with a bell, its massive fangs dripping drool as it stared down at the ninjas.

"Meet Mrs. Nubbins," Repo said. "Proof that a bug bite can be a hell of an infection."

"Bug bite…" Leo perked. "The Oozesquitoes! Damn it!"

"Should've stayed out of this. Now you're cat food. Mrs. Nubbins? Chow time."

Mrs. Nubbins roared again, then pounced. As she chased the kids, Repo cut himself down.

"Now then, if Todd's not here, then he's gotta be close."

He pulled out a phone, looking at a map before smirking.


When Tai's group arrived on the street outside the 2nd Time Around, they were greeted by quite the sight. Foot Soldiers were sent flying, Footbot parts doing the same as April was on a rampage.

"Nandayo?!" Tai let out in shock.

"There you are!" Casey ran over to them.

"Casey, what's going on?!" Jade demanded.

"Why is April going Dark Phoenix on these guys?!" Makoto questioned.

"It's those space crystals! Raph warned me they were doing something to them, but I wasn't expecting this!"

"I don't think anyone was," Hana said. "What do we do?"

Casey thought quickly. "There's a tunnel nearby. We heard her there. From there, I'll do the talking."

"You wanna face her in an enclosed space?" Erika let out incredulously. "Alone?!"

"I think that if anyone can get through to her, it's me. Now are you gonna help me or not?"

"We will," Mizuki promised.

"If she kills him, dibs on his hockey mask." Jade declared, getting a dirty look from Jade.

"C'mon, let's move!" Tai exclaimed.

They ran in as April had a Foot ninja by the throat.

"April!" Casey cried. "Stop!"

April didn't seem to be listening. " We will end this threat... "

"I'm afraid I can't let you do that!"

All eyes turned to see the robotic form of Professor Honeycutt emerge from the shadows, a metal box in his hands.

"Professor Honeycutt?!" Casey let out. "But you're dead!"

"I'll explain later! For now, I'm here to help!"

With that, Honeycutt flipped open the lid of the box, revealing a blue object that Tai's crew immediately recognized as a Y'Lyntian power crystal.

"Hold up, is that-?" Tai began.

"If it affects mentally endowed creatures, then without a doubt, it will affect the Aeon as well," Honeycutt explained.

As the crystal glowed and began to hum, the effect was instantaneous. April dropped the Foot ninja, letting out an inhuman shriek before dashing to the nearest safe haven she could see: the tunnel Casey had mentioned.

"It worked." Casey let out.

"Indeed," Honeycutt closed the box, holding it out for Casey. "If you intend to go through with your plan, I insist you bring this just in case."

Casey hesitated before taking the box and hurrying into the tunnel. He found April out cold, quickly kneeling over her. At that moment, he heard more footsteps approaching from the other end.

"They went this way," came Koya's voice. "Over here."

"These punks just don't know when to quit…" Casey shook April. "C'mon, Red. Wake up! They're coming!" As April was unresponsive, Casey got desperate. He fiddled with his hockey glove, a small makeshift taser popping out of the wrist of it.

"This might sting a bit."

He jabbed April with it, the girl letting out a pained shout as she was shocked. Casey fell back as she slowly propped herself up on her hands, seemingly awake.

"Casey…" April looked up, her eyes pure white and the crystal around her neck glowing as her voice distorted. " RUN. "

A wave of dread washed over Casey and he took off running in a flash. The Foot Clan was about to enter the tunnel when Casey came sprinting out.

"Run, you sons of bitches!" he screamed. " RUN! "

As soon as he came out, April came bursting out of the tunnel, glowing with a white aura and letting out a primordial shriek. To everyone's surprise, the Foot Clan actually heeded Casey's advice. Perhaps they felt the same sense of underlying dread that Casey had felt.

"She's beyond any of us!" Koya shrieked. "Retreat! RETREAT!"

She took off flying, the ninjas all escaping as April flew into the city.

"Oh dear…" Honeycutt let out. "I believe Kieran may have downplayed the potential threat."

"Ya think?!" Jade demanded.

"Thank Kami Hisako's in Northampton," Hana sighed. "I don't even wanna think about the kind of hell those two would raise together."


Todd had gathered all of his puppies in the barn at the O'Neil farm. All of them were curled around him, whimpering nervously.

"It's alright, little ones," he soothed. "Everything will be alright."

Hisako stood at the door of the barn, keeping an eye out. Her crystal hummed and she gripped it, a white glow to her eyes. That's when they heard the sound of a tow truck approaching. It pulled up behind the Party Wagon on the driveway, and Repo stepped out.

"Todd!" he yelled. "I know you're here! Come out!"

He began looking around the property. "Did you think you could have those stupid kids fight your battles for you?! The longer it takes me to find you, the worse it's gonna be!"

Midnight growled at his calls, only to stop when she saw a white mist rolling off of Hisako. She whimpered and backed away. Repo noticed the light from the barn, smirking. He started to head in that direction, only for Hisako to float out, meeting him halfway.

"Step aside, girl. This is between him and me-"

Hisako's hand shot out in a strangling motion. Repo began gasping for air, clutching at his neck as she backed him up toward the driveway.

"Why are you here, Repo?" Hisako demanded. "The van isn't here."

"This is personal…" Repo rasped. "Now let me go!"

Hisako squeezed, a demonic edge to her voice as she spoke again. " You want personal? We'll make it personal! "

She gestured, Repo tumbling head over heels backward into the driveway. Hisako loomed over him ominously before raising a hand toward his tow truck, a white halo surrounding it and raising it off the ground. Repo gaped in shock as Hisako maneuvered the truck right over him, her intent crystal clear.

"Whoa, whoa," he raised an arm. "Let's not be too hasty, kid-"

" We gave you a chance. Now... D-! "

Suddenly, Todd tackled her from behind. Repo quickly rushed to get out of the way of his truck as it dropped to the ground. Looking between them and the truck, and thinking over what nearly happened, the mantis jumped to his feet.

"Y-y'know what, Todd? Keep the RV, it's all yours! Car's overrated anyway."

With that, Repo took off running like the hounds of Hell were after him. Todd watched him go, then looked down at Hisako. She was growling, hissing like she was possessed by a demon. Thinking quickly, he grabbed her head and slammed it down hard, knocking her out. The glow around her faded and he sighed in relief.

-X-

Meanwhile, the Turtles, Karai, and Kagome had been cornered by Mrs. Nubbins, the cat-mantis growling as she loomed over them, ready for the kill.

"I knew bugs would be the death of me someday…" Vee let out.

Suddenly, a whistle sounded.

"Mrs. Nubbins!" Repo emerged. "We're leaving! Now!"

The cat hesitated before turning around and prowling off.

"No crappy RV is worth dealing with... THAT! Let's go!"

As they headed off, Leo perked. "Oh no…"

-X-

They hurried back to the O'Neil farm, where Todd was standing before Splinter and Kasumi, Hisako out cold in the former's arms.

"I hate it when I have to resort to violence... but there was no other way," the capybara said.

"Todd, what happened?!" Donnie demanded.

"She was glowing. All white, but… it was all wrong. She wasn't talking like herself and… and she was about to squish Repo." Todd gestured toward Repo's tow truck, tipped over on its side.

"That damn crystal…" Raph gritted his teeth. "Why didn't we tell those Aeons to shove it when they offered them?!"

"We had no way of knowing this would happen," Splinter pointed out, reaching down. "It's time to end this-"

The minute he touched the crystal, it burned him. He recoiled, clutching his hand and nearly dropping Hisako.

"My God…" Kasumi gasped.

"Damn it…" Leo cursed. "This trip was supposed to calm her down."

"This is my fault," Todd lamented. "If I hadn't dragged you into my problems…"

"No," Mikey shook his head. "If anyone's to blame here, it's Repo. If he had just listened to reason and taken us up on the deal…"

"We can debate what-ifs and who's to blame until the sun comes up," Karai cut in. "What matters now is working out what to do about the crystal."

Just then, Leo's T-phone went off. He opened it, seeing the call was from Casey. As soon as he answered, Casey's voice came in, frantic.

"You guys gotta get back to Manhattan! Now!"

"Casey, what's going on?!" Leo demanded.

"Everything! The Foot showed up, the crystal went off, and April went berserk!" They heard distant explosions in the background. "HURRY!"

At that, the line went dead. Everyone was stunned silent for several moments before Raph said what was on everyone's mind:

"Ohhhh... shit."


Author's Note:

Well, things are looking dire, aren't they? Tune in next time for the culmination of the Aeon crystals' havoc.

So yeah, this was inspired by different takes on the black suit Spider-Man scenarios. More specifically the bits where the Venom symbiote hijacks Spider-Man and takes him crime fighting while he's sleeping in April's case.

Please R&R. Until next time!