I really need to chat with Donnie about all this passing out that I've been doing, I think as I slowly regain consciousness. Because I think it's starting to become a problem. And I really don't need Raphie to start calling me a 'Damsel in Distress'. A dull pain throbs behind my eyes and I briefly wish that Donnie was here with a glass of cool water, but I know when I open my eyes that I'm not gonna be in a place that I enjoy.
Opening my eyes, I stare up at an unfamiliar stone ceiling. Puffing up my cheeks, I glare at a single spot in the grey stone.
Knew it.
Sighing, I shake my head as I cautiously sit up. My hand massages my forehead, all of my limbs aching and groaning with the movement.
"Shell, what hit me?" I grumble, unsure why I'm feeling like this when I didn't even fight. Shell, I didn't even hit the ground all that hard when Hun caused April to trip.
"So, why do I hurt now?" I mumble, staring at my hands. A frown tugs on my lips as my brain (sounding suspiciously like Raph) yells at me that something is different about my hands.
….
A gasp escapes me as I leap from the cot, touching my face and plastron, quickly fixing my mask that is now too tight on my face. Who cares that I hurt?! I'm normal size again! No more chibi Mikey!
"Woohoo! Thank Silver Sentry," I say, sagging. "I was soooo over being mini me."
My moment of excitement slowly dies when I realize that my belt is empty of my nunchakus (not very surprising since I was too small to carry them properly). Icy fear is quick to surface when I realize that my nunchakus aren't the only thing missing. My heart pounds as I frantically check all my hidden pockets and the cot that I woke on.
Nothing.
"Oh no," I whisper, clutching my head. "Oh no. Sensei trusted me to protect the Ikigai Pendant and I lost it!" I tug on my mask's tails, grimacing. "My bros are so gonna kill me."
Breathing heavily, I glance around at my surrounds for the first time. The room is small, so small that Donnie wouldn't be able to stretch out full if he laid down length-wise. The cot is also just big enough for me to lay on and there is only one light directly above me, illuminating the room. There is a single, steel door with no door knob on the furthest wall. There is a tiny vent above the door, letting in some golden light from the hallway. The ceiling is made of cement, just like the walls and the floor.
Trembling, I sink back down onto the cot. Pressing my palms into my eyes, I breathe out shakingly and groan. If Leo was in my position right now, he'd already have a plan on how to get out. Donnie would have a hidden doohickey on him to cut that door down. And Raph? He'd have knocked the door down. He's just a tank like that. Shell, he bashed through a brick wall years back when Leo fought with the Rat King, why wouldn't he be able to take a metal door down? But me? Even if I had all of my proper gear, I doubt I'd be able to think of something. Maybe I could sneak out if I had my smoke bombs, but Tiger Claw would have taken those along with my 'chucks. Rahzar and Fishface might be stupid, but Tiger Claw isn't. There's a reason why he's considered one of the deadliest assassins alive. (Heh, isn't an assassin supposed to be deadly?)
Shaking my head, I glance up. Think, Mikester, think. I need to get outta here and also figure out where that pendant is. A shudder runs down my spine. Who knows what Hun and his evil goons are going to force the U.P to do? Destroy New York? Take over New York and create a version of that horrible future that Donnie was sent to? How many innocent people will get hurt because of them?
How will my family stay safe if the U.P. can track me across the city? I think, an icy pit forming in my gut as my hands clench and unclench on my thighs. I know that they'll use that huge chunk of armor to get to my family. My jaw works as my anxiety skyrockets. I don't ever want to be the reason my family is in danger.
"And I'm not gonna be," I grumble, pushing myself off the cot. "But I need to figure out how to get out of here first."
Pursing my lips, I study the room, doing my best to channel my inner Leo. If I was Leo, what can I use to my advantage to get the drop on my turtlenappers. My eyes land on the cot and I reach down for it. Tugging on the cot, I pout when it doesn't budge. Apparently these ninja-rejects are getting smarter.
They're becoming sentient, I think, biting my lip to keep from chuckling. C'mon, focus, Mikester.
Moving away from the cot, I do a slow 360. Besides the cot, there is nothing else in the room. Which really doesn't help my situation.
"Dude, how do I get myself in these types of situations? Can't a turtle catch a break here?"
With nothing else to check, I slide over to the metal door and press my ear slit against it. Holding my breath, my heart pounds against my ribs as I wait, trying to see if any footsteps are heading my way or if I can hear voices. I wait a beat before the faint sound of footsteps, one heavy and metallic and one light and scrapping, gradually fills the silence.
Footsteps that hold a purpose and are heading my way.
Jumping up, I frantically glance around. The cot is too close to the floor for me to comfortably fit under now that I'm normal size. My eyes flicker up to the corner to the right of the door. Chancing one last look at the door, I make my decision and spring up and stick myself into the corner, holding my breath to keep from gasping.
Just as I still myself, a heavy knock bangs on the door.
"Oye, turtle twerp, rise and shine," comes Rahzar's voice through the door.
"Even if you're not, we're gonna wake you anyways, little turtle," Fishface adds, chuckling. "We're all ready for some turtle soup."
I bite my lip as I refuse to answer, muscles straining as I keep myself as still as possible. I mentally thanking Sensei for all the intense wall climbs and balance training. My lips twitch as grumbles soon follow the beat of silence. Jingling keys and the sound of a lock clicking enters the space. Air catches in my throat when the door is thrown open, slamming hard against the cement wall, the vibration traveling all the way up to my feet and hands.
"Didn't you hear us, turtle freak?" Rahzar growls. "Get-What?"
Fishface rushes to the cot, kneeling to check underneath it and the moment that he does, I drop down silently and dash out the door.
"Wha-? Idiot!" I hear Fishface scream. "He was right behind you!"
"Heh, suckers," I whisper, snickering to myself as I pump my arms faster. "Nobody can catch the-Ooof!"
A yelp escapes me as I run into a solid, furry body. Hitting the ground hard, I wince as my ribs jolt and I lift my head. Blood drains from my face as I stare up at Tiger Claw just as he squats down, smirk on his furry face.
"That was a good attempt, cub. And maybe, if it was just those fools holding you, you would have escaped. But I think you forgot that I was here, Chīsana kame," Tiger Claw states, smirking widening as he grabs my chin. "But we are not done with you just yet. And we have a little friend of yours who is quite impatient in seeing you."
Gulping, I struggle as Tiger Claw grabs me by my biceps and hauls me to my feet.
"Whoa! What are you doing?" I shout as he throws me over his shoulder just as Rahzar and Fishface reach us.
"Damn, that little shit is fast," Rahzar grumbles, panting slightly. Fishface shakes his head, holding his knees.
"Yeah, well, you're not the one wearing heavy metal legs!"
Tiger Claw turns, breaking my view of the two winded idiots. Seriously, how are they so winded? I barely ran for 3 minutes!
"What's wrong, Rahzar?" I call out, craning my neck to see the tall, zombie-like mutant. "Getting old? Or have you become fat and lazy without us fighting you?"
"Why you—" Rahzar roars, lunging forward.
"Enough!"
I tense when Tiger Claw snaps, memories of his threats from when he first brought me here ringing loud in my mind. His large paw flexes on my shell and I'm really hoping that the claws that are hidden within that paw decide to remain hidden.
"But-" Rahzar starts again only to fall silent as Tiger Claw growls.
"The two of you will remain silent. Due to your idiocy, you almost allowed the Kyūkyoku no buki to escape! And now I will have to do your job for you and bring him upstairs." Tiger Claw spins on his heels and I watch with wide eyes as we start walking away from the other two mutants. Rahzar and Fishface scowl but follow after us. I make brief eye contact with Rahzar and I stick my tongue out at him, earning myself a growl. And just as Rahzar lifts his claws to swipe at me, Tiger Claw whips around and I yelp from the whiplash.
"Do NOT make me have to discipline the two of you. I will not show mercy."
Rahzar whimpers, ears falling flat, and Fishface puts on an innocent face as Tiger Claw resumes walking. I hiss when I feel claws peeking out and scrape my shell lightly.
"And do not egg them on, little one. My patience is wearing thin and I will not be responsible for what happens to you after we are through with your 'friend'."
Fear courses through me as I remain silent. Oh, I know very well what will probably happen to me if I'm left alone with those two with no way to defend myself. I don't even think I have enough energy to create my shield right now.
And I really don't want to turn into a child in front of these guys, I think, wincing as we ascend a set of stairs. Who knows what they'll do to me.
ROOOOOAAAR!
My thoughts are instantly cut off by a very loud, very familiar roar. My heart hits my stomach as my blood turns to ice. I know that roar. I've heard it both in my dreams and not even 3 hours ago. (I'm estimating because I really don't think that I passed out for very long.) That's the Kyūkyoku no purotekutā's roar. And, shell, he does not sound happy.
Which only means one thing, I think, dread pooling in my gut the closer we get to the roars. They some how managed to catch him. And they have the Ikigai Pendant. I swallow thickly as Tiger Claw pauses and I tilt my head just enough to watch as he opens a door. I refuse to look at Rahzar and Fishface because I know that my fear is displaying all over my face right now. (I can't help it! I'm the emotional one, okay?)
"Well, well, well," Hun's voice cuts through the U.P.'s insane roaring. "Looks like the freak has turned back to normal." There's a pause as Hun grunts, as if trying to keep something back. "But why do you have the turtle? I sent those two down to retrieve him."
Tiger Claw snorts, the two of us leaving Rahzar and Fishface near the exit as he approaches the center of the room. The room appears to be circular with torches lining the walls. The walls have strange etchings in the brickwork and the floor is a reflective black marble. So polished that I can see my own panicked reflection staring back at me. My nose wrinkles as we approach the center of the room, the stench of death and rot heavy in the air.
Tiger Claw stops once we reach the center of the room and I notice a large, white stone casket to my right trimmed with gold and I can just make out some dragons carved into the sides. My stomach flips as the feeling of wrong prickles in my mind and my 'Turtle Senses' are screaming at me that whatever is inside of that casket is bad news.
"You shall raise the Shedder back from the dead."
Oh. Oh no.
My heart somersaults from my feet to my throat back down to my feet as Tiger Claw lowers me to my feet. I bite the inside of my cheek when the mutant tiger grasps my shoulders and spins me around. I remain tense as Hun's dark eyes land on me as he fights to remain in control of a chained up Ultimate Protector with at least twelve other Fist Ninjas.
"Did sleeping beauty have a good nap?" Hun sneers, yanking hard on the chain as the U.P. starts to pull again, eyeing me as Tiger Claw shoves me closer to the massive human. "You at least are back to your normal size. Just like you said, Tiger Claw."
The tiger shrugs.
"I could smell the exhaustion on him. Something someone else would be able to smell if he trained harder with what he had instead of trying to push human traits on himself."
I ignore the disgruntled grunt coming from the small group behind me, too focused on the towering mass of armor that is now staring at me. The U.P.'s normally golden eyes are now a crimson red and the energy radiating from the ancient being is intense and smothering. My hand flies to my chest as the feeling of warmth emerges and panic really starts to rise.
"It really is quite the specimen," Tiger Claw purrs, paws landing on my shoulders. "Powerful. Ancient. Mystical. Something that only legends speak of. And yet, there it stands. The Kyūkyoku no purotekutā. The Ultimate Protector of Japan for centuries. And the protector of the Kyūkyoku no buki, the Ultimate Weapon."
My jaw clenches when Tiger Claw's paws squeeze when he says, "the Ultimate Weapon". If they think that I'm going to help them willingly, then they have another thing coming.
Hun grins wolfishly at me, as if reading my thoughts.
"Oh, don't worry, reptile freak. We don't need your cooperation to get what we want. We only need this THING'S cooperation." Hun emphasizes his point by yanking hard on the U.P.'s chains, causing the ancient armor to stumble and growl.
"Ah, ah, Kyūkyoku no purotekutā," Tiger Claw tuts, extending his claws and holding them up to my face. "I would not fight too hard. We still have your precious Kyūkyoku no buki and will not hesitate to harm him."
I twitch when one of Tiger Claw's claws catches my cheek and the burning sting tells me that he's broken skin. A single drip of warmth rolls down my cheek and the U.P. freezes, crimson eyes locking on me. The mutated tiger chuckles and suddenly, the Ikigai Pendant appears before my eyes, dangling from its chain. The U.P. instantly goes silent, allowing me to hear the music from the pendant for the first time since I've woken up. How I missed the fact that Tiger Claw was carrying the pendant while we walked.
Though, to be fair, I was kinda distracted.
"I will stop fighting," the U.P. growls, head twitching jerkingly. "Just do not hurt my Kyūkyoku no buki."
Tiger Claw swings the pendant back and forth, the U.P.'s eyes instantly following the movement. I can just feel the grin on the assassin's face.
"Good. Now, you shall not move until I command you too, for I am your master as long as I possess this pendant." Tiger Claw motions with his other hand toward Hun. "Release the Kyūkyoku no purotekutāand step back."
Hun raises a single eyebrow as the Fist Ninjas exchange looks.
"And if it attacks us?"
"We kill the cub. Now step back."
My fingers ache from how hard I'm clenching my fists as Hun drops his end of the chain. Breathe in. Breathe out. Remain calm. Don't let the enemy know that you're scared. Breathe in. Breathe out. The U.P. stands perfectly still, eyes never leaving the pendant. I don't dare turn my head as Tiger Claw steps around and stands to my left. The U.P. watches his movement the entire time and a small part of me wants to make a run for it. The energy that the U.P. is giving off is darker and more dangerous than the last few times I've run into him and it's making the warmth in my chest squirm uncomfortably. And the casket is dripping with malicious intent and it's making every muscle in my body vibrate with the need to get away.
Just keep breathing. Your bros will be here soon. Everything will be fine. Don't panic. Just stay strong and wait this out until your brothers get here to help you escape and then you can kick all of these shell-fer-brains' butts.
"Now, creature," Tiger Claw commands, drawing me from my thoughts as he lefts the pendant higher. "You are going to lend us your power and unlock the Kyūkyoku no buki's true potential. Giving him control over life and death. You are going to take the Kyūkyoku no buki and raise our master from the grave!"
"What!?" I shriek, staring wide eyed at the one-eyed assassin. The assassin grins at the U.P., eyes wild. The sound of movement drags my attention back to the U.P. and I take a step back as he starts toward me.
"W-W-Whoa there, dude, think about this," I stammer, hands raised in defense. "You don't wanna do this. I don't want to do this. The Shred-head ain't someone you want to bring back from the dead, dude. Not only is he a bad guy, I'm sure he's not gonna look the greatest either." A nervous laugh escapes me. "I mean, the tin can has been dead for nearly four years now. That can NOT be good on anyone's looks, ya know? Beauty sleep and being buried six feet under really isn't the same thing. And not something that Cosmopolitan has put in their many lists of gaining beautiful skin."
I tense as the U.P. continues toward me, moving faster the more I back away from him.
Don't let him touch you. Don't let him catch you. Don't let him touch you. Don't let him catch you. My mind chants to me as I frantically glance around. More Fist Ninjas are occupying the circular room, somehow entering the space without my notice. Rahzar and Fishface are watching with twisted amused looks on their faces while Hun looks so smug that he almost puts Raph to shame.
My heart skips a beat when the U.P. takes another step, now three steps away from me. Not knowing what else to do, I attempt to dart around him. Except, the U.P. apparently anticipated me doing such a move and with one large hand, reaches out and snatches me around the waist. A quick sense of déjà vu of the first time the U.P. grabbed me flashes in my mind. I smack at the U.P.'s hand, squirming and kicking as I'm pulled closer to the ancient piece of armor. Flacks of marble fall off with each hit, revealing dark emerald jade underneath. A small part of me is confused by why marble is covering the jade but a much larger part of me is too busy fighting to get free to care.
"Shh, little one, you are safe with me," the U.P. states, his gravelly voice distant and measured. I shake my head.
"U.P., dude, put me down! I'm not doing this! I refuse. Put me down! U.P.! I don't consent to this!" I shout, smacking harder, my fists aching with each strike. Laughter echoes around the chamber-like room.
"You don't exactly get much of a say in this, freak," Hun sneers, cracking his knuckles as he smirks at me before looking at Tiger Claw. "Do it."
I scream in frustration as U.P. turns toward the assassin, no longer paying me any mind. Something warm but detached and deformed brushes at my core causing me to wheeze and shove it away. Heat prickles behind my eyes as I stare at Tiger Claw, chest heaving. Tiger Claw bares his teeth at me and lifts the pendant.
"Use the Kyūkyoku no buki and raise our Master Shredder from his tomb. Use his chi full of life and light and channel it into our master so that he can live once more and rule this miserable planet!"
"U.P. NO!" I cry out, shaking my head as the ancient armor glances back at me, crimson eyes glowing. "U.P., don't! Please don't. Don't make me do this!"
However, the Ultimate Protector remains silent as he lifts his free hand, pressing it against a point in the middle of his chest. My mouth falls open as his chest plate shifts and opens to reveal an almost empty green chamber. There is a grapefruit size orange orb floating and pulsing in the center of the chamber. The orb kind of reminds me of the tracking orb that I absorbed a few days ago, and the longer I stare at, the more it calls out to me. My hand starts to reach out until movement to my left catches my attention.
Danger. Danger. DANGER!
Sirens are going off in the back of my mind as I shake my head, snatching my hand back and shooting the U.P. a fearful look. The animated armor is staring back and his hand is moving back into his chest. My eye ridges shoot skyward as the U.P. plucks the orb right out of his chest. My heart pounds and nausea rolls in my stomach and makes my mouth water as he brings the orb close to me. I attempt to shove his hand away but the appendage is too large.
"Don't do it. Don't do this! You can keep it, dude! I really don't want it. I have one of my own, ya know? Keep it."
My turtlenappers laughter is the only thing that answers me as the U.P. just presses the orb into my chest. Blood rushes into my ears and an intense heat starting from my chest bursts through my body, a heat far more intense than when the U.P. took me and unleased my chi inside of me. Harsh pulses of energy course through me causing my heart to pound and my body to tremble. A scream catches in my throat as my chest heaves, air barely making its way to my lungs as I gasp. I'm vaguely aware that my body is glowing, my arms covered in a bright, intense golden orange. On reflex, I kick and swing as the U.P. as he pulls me toward his chest, all my years of training and drills coming back full-force as I fight for what feels like my life.
No! Nonononononono. Not like this! It hurts! Stop! I can't go through this again! My mind begs as my carapace hits the inside of the U.P.'s chest.
Tears stream down my face as my arms are sucked out to the sides and moments later, my legs follow suit, completely demobilizing me. Choked sobs escape me as I try to yank my arms and legs free as the golden orange light extends from me and onto the U.P. as well. My chest stutters and I can barely get any air as the U.P. walks us closer to the stone casket, all the while the glowing and the heat and the energy steadily grow stronger and stronger. A small voice in my subconscious tells me that I should be more worried about having a heart attack then bring back the archenemy of my family because, honestly, what use would I be to my family if I die from a heart attack?
Maybe if I die of a heart attack I can't bring the Shredder back, my delirious and panicked mind supplies me.
My thoughts are quickly ripped from me when another harsh pulse of energy hits me and the Ultimate Protector reaches down and shoves the casket's lid off. The stench of rot and death bursts from the stone-casing and my stomach rolls and heaves as the U.P. leans us over the open casket. The rotted and decayed body of the Shredder, (the first Shredder that my brother and I fought who was the adoptive older brother of our Master Splinter), lays there. His burial clothes are torn and an amulet of the Foot Clan rests around his neck. Fear shivers down my spine and I press myself back to distance myself from the rotting corpse of my deranged evil uncle. Even in death, I can still sense the evil and darkness that surrounded him and his chi.
I shake my head.
"Don't make me do this," I whisper, whimpering. "Please, Kyūkyoku no purotekutā, I'm begging you. Don't do this."
The Ultimate Protector again doesn't answer me. Instead, he reaches out a single hand, hovering it over the corpse and this time, I'm able to scream as a heavy burst of energy shoots through me like white hot knives, slicing at all my nerves and muscles. Through blurred vision, I watch as a heavy beam of light flashes and engulfs the dead body, growing more and more blinding as the U.P. and I push more and more energy into the Shredder. My throat burns and my body trembles from tension as I have this overwhelming urge to vomit as the light continues to build. With one last scream, I feel something rip from me and, suddenly, the light vanishes.
My body sags, shivering and twitching as I sob. All my limbs feel as though thousands of red hot kunais were shoved into my muscles and dragged down, repeatedly. My mouth waters and I gag as I attempt to swallow, switching between hot and cold. I can't tell if it's only tears streaming down my face or sweat as well. Coughing, I force myself to lift my head when I realize that the entire room is silent. Silent, until the sound of rustling clothes from the casket fills the air.
Air catches in my throat as a pale hand grasps the casket's lip. A full, flesh and blood hand of a healthy male. Not the gross, decaying hand that should be in there. My vision grays for a second as a black-haired male no older than mid-forties slowly sits up, blinking as if he just woke from a long sleep. Cold, dark brown eyes scan the room, narrowing when they land on me, but continue on until Oroku Saki spots Hun and Tiger Claw. A twisted smirk that I hoped to never see again forms on the evil man's face.
"The two of you have much explaining to do." He eyes land on me when Hun and Tiger Claw merely bow in acknowledgement, pure excitement at seeing their master radiating from them. "And I feel that you, watashi no sainenshō no oi, are deserving of my thanks for returning me to the world of the living. A swift death would be quite the reward, don't you think?"
My eyes widen as the Shredder slowly stands, growling when any of his minions so much as twitch to help him. The U.P. hasn't moved since we made the Shredder's corpse go all Super Nova but I'm still stuck inside of this ancient armor, held fast like Donnie on a cup of coffee first thing in the morning.
"C'mon, big guy," I rasp out as the Shredder finally escapes his casket, probably stiff from not being ALIVE for 4 years. "It's not naptime, dude. Wakey, wakey. Didn't you say that you'd protect me? 'Cause I'm pretty sure I could use that right now. I can't exactly move." I tilt my head up, expecting crimson or, maybe even gold, eyes staring back. Instead, the eye sockets of the U.P. are dark and lifeless and a cold pit expands in my gut.
Did us bringing back the Shredder KILL the Ultimate Protector? Was my chi so strong that I overloaded him? My body trembles as I shoot the Shredder a panicked glance, struggling harder to free my arms and legs, gritting my teeth as each movement sends waves of pain through my limbs. The Shredder grins, hand reaching up and smoothing over his face.
"I really should thank you, nephew. Not only did you bring me back to life but you also somehow healed that massive burn that your father gave me all those years ago."
I flinch when the black-haired male practically purrs 'nephew'. I may have accepted Karai as my cousin and family, but this man will never be a part of my family. NEVER. He tilts his head, amusement flashing in his deadly eyes, as if he can hear my thoughts.
"Part of me thinks that maybe I should spare you, keep you here until your pathetic father comes to your rescue, but I know that would not be merciful toward you. And you have done me a great service, Michelangelo, and a swift death would be a suited reward for you." Saki leans in, wolfish and twisted smile on his face. "Because I will tell you, your brothers will not be so lucky. They will be tortured by my hand till they are begging for death and even then, it shall not come to them. For I will make sure that your father, that pathetic rat I used to call 'Brother', will sit and witness all that he has done, what has led me to torture and kill his very own children."
My jaw works to keep my lips from trembling as the Shredder speaks and I narrow my eyes at him, doing my best to put a brave face on. It's one thing to face him down in the heat of battle but I hurt, I'm alone, and I'm literally trapped with no way to fight back. I'm not gonna lie: I'm scared. And I just wish my big brothers were here.
But, then again, at least this way they won't see the Shredder kill me, I think numbly as Shredder turns toward Hun and Tiger Claw.
"Give me a katana."
Silence falls over the room. I can't see Hun or Tiger Claw but I definitely know the sound of shuffling feet of someone about to say something that the one in charge will not like. AT ALL. A dark look spreads across Saki's face as he bodily turns toward his minions.
"Get me a katana. NOW!" He snarls, taking a single step away from me. "Do NOT make me repeat myself."
"Uh, Master," Hun starts, coughing into his hand before I hear him nudge Tiger Claw. The Shredder narrows his eyes.
"Uh, Master Shredder, we would highly recommend that you not kill the turtle freak," Tiger Claw continues and I can just hear the rocks in Hun's head as he nods. A sneer twists on the ex-clan leader's face.
"And, pray tell, why not? He is the son of my sworn enemy. Would you deny me such a victory of slaying my foolish brother's youngest son?"
"Of course not, Master!" Hun quickly jumps in. "But, well, this entire situation is quite…unique…"
Shredder's eyes turn into dark slits when Fishface and Rahzar step forward.
"What they're tryin' to say, Master Shredder, is that we need this turtle alive to keep YOU alive," Rahzar states quickly when the Shredder levels his glare on him. Fishface nods his head.
"Yeah, he's the Kyūkyoku no buki," Fishface adds. "And that thing holding him is the Kyūkyoku no purotekutā. Otherwise known as-"
"The Ultimate Protector," Saki whispers, turning back to face me. My body freezes as he approaches me and reaches up to grasp my face in his hands. "And you, little nephew, are the Ultimate Weapon? Hmm." He tilts my head back and forth, humming. "There was always an air of… pure innocence about you. Even when you fought. You always followed your instincts. Everything came naturally to you. And you, of all your brothers, could out dance any of my ninjas when you focused." His fingers dig into my flesh and I swallow a wince, just barely twitching. "A pure soul for the purest weapon. And here I always thought it was a stupid legend that the Ancient One would tell us as a bedtime story."
Saki releases my face, twisting toward his minions.
"I want these two kept close at hand at all times. Where ever my quarters are, keep them right next door with constant guards. We shall not let such a prize escape our grasp."
My body trembles as the Shredder shoots me a sick glance, which I answer with glare of my own. (Or, well, what I hope looks like a glare, I can't really tell. I'm sort of mentally freaking out about becoming the Shredder's personal pet.)
"Your wish is my command, Master," Hun, Tiger Claw, Rahzar, and Fishface all say at once. And I just know that they're bowing to him. Bowing to a man of pure evil, who was willing to destroy the entire world just to satisfy his grudge against my father.
Shredder suddenly glances around, a thoughtful frown on his face.
"Where is my daughter? Why is she not here to rejoice in my return?"
My eyes widen as an awkward cough escapes someone. Biting my lip, I force myself not to snort as I glance upward.
Uh oh. Awkward.
"I'm right here, Father."
My body tenses at the cold voice of Karai fills the air, the venom in the word 'Father' should be enough to drop ten humans, easily. The beautiful sound of not one sword being drawn, but multiple, fills the air. And the look on the Shredder's face as he sees his daughter drawing a blade on him? Priceless.
"Karai? What are you doing? Siding with THEM of all people? They're our enemy!" The Shredder snarls just as Hun and Tiger Claw jump in front of him.
"They happen to be FAMILY," Karai snarls back. "And FAMILY always protects FAMILY. But you wouldn't understand that. You only ever sought to protect yourself and no one else."
The Shredder snarls, betrayal easily written all over his face as Karai, my brothers, and a fleet of Foot Ninjas step out from behind the Fist Ninjas. How they managed to do that with no one noticing is beyond me. But then again, I was busy getting torn from the inside out and bringing back my family's archenemy against my freewill. I think that deserves a free pass.
"Master, you are in no condition to fight," Tiger Claw states when Saki moves to attack. "Let us deal with these ungrateful whelps."
The Shredder glares at Tiger Claw before smoothing out his face.
"All I care about is keeping the Kyūkyoku no buki within my control. Fail me and there will be consequences. Understood?"
"Perfectly," Hun states, cracking his knuckles before sprinting forward.
The enraged shout of my red-cladded brother nearly brings me to tears as chaos explodes around me. From my angle, the fighting moves in and out, but by the lack of Rahzar and Fishface, I know that they were the once to escort the Shredder to whatever den they're going to keep him in.
A den I might be joining if I can't escape this oversized Chinese fingertrap! I think (more of whine) as I start wiggling again. A shadow to my right has me flinching and I duck my head down, half temped to withdraw into my shell.
A warm hand cups my chin and tilts my head back up. The chocolate brown eyes of my immediate older brother meet my own blue ones and I force a wet smile.
"Hey, D-D-Donnie, took ya guys…long enough…"
Donnie's eyes shine brightly in the torch light as his lips twitch but not really smile. He swallows hard and his thumb brushes my cheek.
"You know us, Mike. Sometimes it takes us awhile to catch up to you." He leans forward and rests our foreheads together. "But I promise we'll always reach you in the end, got it? Always."
My throat tightens as I nod, just happy to have my big brothers here now. A slight smile forms on Donnie's face, his olive face crinkling just a little as he steps back and studies the U.P.
"You really know how to get yourself into a pickle, don't you, Mikey?" Donnie states, poking at the chest plating holding my forearms captive. "And you feel any give at all when you wiggle?"
I shake my head.
"Here, try this."
Donnie and I both jump when Leo suddenly appears, eyeing me briefly then shoving the Ikigai Pendant into Donnie's hands before vanishing back into the fight before Hun or Tiger Claw can follow him over to us. Donnie frowns at the singing pendant before sighing.
"I guess it's worth a shot," Donnie grumbles. "But your, uh, friend doesn't appear to be very conscious right now."
Flinching, I shoot my purple-cladded brother an apologetic look. He waves it away and walks up to me, holding the pendant out. For a second, nothing happens but then there is a twitch. My eyes widen and Donnie, being ever perceptive, notices my excitement.
"Keep doing that! I think it's working!" I say excitedly and he nods. Donnie scoots closer and as he moves, the more the armor starts to shift and move. Tugging hard, I grunt as the chest plate starts to move, inch by inch. By the time I tug my right arm free, I'm panting and my limbs are reminding me that HEY! YOU JUST USED AN INSANE AMOUNT OF CHI AND ENERGY AND WHATEVER! DON'T MOVE, DOOFUS!
But when do I ever listen? I think before a painful jolt hits me. Right now. Right now I start listening to my body and not move.
Donnie, as if sensing my struggle, hurries forward, shoving the pendant into my free hand.
"Here, hold this and I'll work on tugging you free. Just let me know if I'm hurting you."
Nodding, I go ragdoll on my brother as he tugs on my remaining trapped limbs. Luckily, with Donnie's help, we are able to free my aching limbs a little bit faster than me doing it myself.
"Never thought I'd say this," I mutter as Donnie gently lowers me down. "But it's really nice having the Foot on our side. They make a great barrier."
Donnie laughs, pressing his snout against my temple.
"I'll agree with that. We'd have had a much harder time getting you free if it was just us, but we would have done it. But the extra hands is always great."
Giggling, I nod and allow Donnie to start leading me away from the fighting and toward where ever they entered from. A hidden entrance behind a tapestry. Lifting an eye ridge, I glance up at Donnie. He shrugs.
"Karai mentioned this entrance when she came to help us get you back." At my confused stare, Donnie purses his lips, dropping his voice. "Her spy within the ring reported back to her that you were in the Fists' custody and she came to find us to offer her help, saying that she knew all the ins and outs of this building at least. Which, I'm not gonna lie, saved us a lot of time in locating you, Mikey. And I couldn't be happier for her help."
Biting my lip, I nod before shooting a concerned look over my shoulder as we enter the damp and dark passage.
"What about the guys? Shouldn't we be helping them?"
Donnie shakes his head.
"No. You don't have any weapons on you. And, well, if those screams we heard were really from you, I don't want you doing more than laying down in the back of the BattleShell till I can give you a full examination. And the moment you're safe, the moment everyone will disengage."
I purse my lips and look up at my brother.
"And the U.P.? We can't just leave him with these psychos."
Donnie squeezes me close to him as my legs tremble.
"Don't worry, I think Karai has a plan for that. She also has a vehicle outside for the U.P." Donnie wiggles his snout as his eye ridges furrow. "How she's going to get it down to the vehicle, well, I can't tell you. But you're my top priority and this time, we're gonna make sure that you don't turn into a child-version of yourself again."
A weak chuckle escapes me as the sounds of fighting slowly fades. I really don't want to be a child-version of myself again, either. So, I better follow Donnie's instructions to an almost 'T'. (Don't want to give the poor guy a heart attack after all by being too obedient.) Donnie rubs my shoulder and I know that he's ready to just sweep me off my feet but, dang it, I've been carried enough this past week. Let me just have enough strength to make it to the BattleShell. Donnie presses his hand to a single brick and the wall slides to the side, revealing the outside world. A dark and dirty alleyway that the BattleShell is hidden inside. The backend suddenly bursts open and Sensei, a bandaged Casey, and a slightly less bandaged April appear, looks of relief on their faces. My eyes land on bandage on Sensei's shoulder but then I'm engulfed in a warm hug, face burying in a furry, uninjured shoulder and I just melt. The smell of home, incense, and tea fills my nose and my eyes prickle again but the tears don't come. Tilting my head back, I meet Chichi's wet stare with one of my own and I smile.
"Oh, my son, you are all right," Master Splinter whispers, kissing the top of my head before reaching out to grasp Donnie. "And your other brothers? Do they need us to assist them?"
Donnie shakes his head.
"No, the others should be exiting soon. The only problem I foresee them having is getting the U.P. out. It wasn't exactly…active when we got in there." Donnie winces, shooting me a glance and I quickly drop my gaze to bury my face in the safe embrace of my father. Sensei's arms tighten but I feel him nod.
"Very well. We shall give your brothers and cousin a few more moments before going in to help."
"Sensei," Donnie starts, sighing aspiratedly. "You shouldn't be going anywhere. You're injured. It's why the three of you stayed in the BattleShell."
I pull back, guilt eating at my gut as I actually look at my father's hurt right shoulder. Part of me is happy that it's not his dominate hand, but he still got hurt because of me. Trying to protect me. Again.
A warm, thin hand brushes over the top of my head causing me to look up. A soft smile graces my father's face.
"We are just fine, my gentle spirited son. None of our injuries are fatale and will heal within weeks. Nothing you or your brothers have not dealt with before."
Knowing that I won't win this argument, I merely nod and allow Sensei to steer me into the backend of the BattleShell. April is quick to gather me into her arms and Casey rubs my head, relief radiating off of them. I barely give them a smile before I suddenly feel my legs give out just as I go to step into the vehicle. Strong arms of Donnie catch me before I fall and practically carries me over to the slide out cot that he put in for medical emergencies. Like this.
My immediate brother forces me to lay back on my carapace, pointing at me in warning with a single glare when I attempt to sit up. Grinning sheepishly, I remain where I am as Donnie rummages in one of the many cupboards, pulling out a bottle of pain relief.
"Oooooh," I make grabby hands at my big brother. "Gimme. Gimme. Gimme."
Soft chuckles resonate around me as Donnie pushes 2 little white pills into one hand and a bottle of water into the other.
"You must be hurting if you want to take pills freely. But I want you to finish at least half that water bottle. I'm going to run back inside and see what Leo wants to do about the U.P. or if the HoverShell will be needed." Donnie turns from me just as I frown at him. "Sensei. April. Make that he doesn't attempt to get up. He's still running on some adrenaline and could seriously hurt himself. Or turn into a child again."
Sensei reaches out, placing a calming hand on Donnie's shoulder.
"We shall watch your brother. Now, go. It is of the utmost importance to not allow the Ultimate Protector to remain in this new clans hands."
My stomach hits the floor as Donnie leaves and I realize that I'm going to have to tell my father that I brought back his archenemy. Alone. Staring at the pills in my hands, I bite my bottom lip. A finger tilts my face up and I stare up at Sensei. His dark eyes flickering around my face. Suddenly, he leans down and kisses my forehead.
"Whatever you have to tell me can wait, my son. Right now, take your pills and relax until your brothers return."
"But, Sensei, I-"
"Jūbun."
My mouth snaps shut at my father's soft, but commanding tone. Sensei uses his thumb to wipe at my cheeks.
"We shall speak when all of your brothers are here. Now, pills and water then rest. I will not suffer your brother's wrath because you stress yourself. You shall have time to tell us what happened when you've rested."
Understanding the final tone in my father's voice, I nod slowly, partially relieved that I still have a little time to process this myself as well. Even though I really wish to get this over and done with. But knowing better than to argue with Sensei, I pop the pills into my mouth and then chug half the water bottle in one sitting. I probably would have drank the entire bottle but Master Splinter pulls it away.
"Easy, my son. We do not want you to get sick." Master Splinter then helps me lean back and he rubs my head. "Now rest, my son. Your brothers shall be here soon."
Sighing, I close my eyes and just allow my body to relax.
Who knows, maybe if I sleep now, I won't feel like my limbs want to fall off when I wake. I snort, which I'm sure earns me some confused stares from the other three occupants in the BattleShell, but I'm beyond caring. I hurt and I just want to go home and cuddle my cat.
"Soon, my son. Soon," Master Splinter whispers. "Now rest."
That's the last thing I hear before darkness swallows me.
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Hello everyone! Sorry about the long wait but hope all of you enjoyed this chapter. It turned out to be a lot long than I was expecting (I was thinking 4000 to 5000 not over 8000 words!) but I apparently don't know how to limit myself. Hope all of you (who celebrate) had a good Halloween and I'm hoping to get a chapter of Raph's perspective of chapter 16 up this week. I may or may not be procrastinating on this chapter due to being scared that I won't get him right .. But I will get you a chapter in Raph's perspective! It's his turn after all :D. So, I can't wait to see all of you real soon!
And to everyone who has liked and even followed this story and commented, thank you all so much! It's because of you guys that I'm willing to finish this story. So, thank you. :D.
