Chapter Text
Up on the T.C.R.I building stood four turtles, bandanas picked up by the wind as they watch their enemies with stern, cold eyes. It was another showdown against them and their biggest foes;
The Shredder and his team of mutants.
“ Alright, Shred-head. “ Raphael spoke in an angered tone, flipping his sais against his fingers. “ We can either do this the easy way, or my personal favorite— the hard way. “ The handles of his sais fit perfectly in his palms, the red-wearing turtle adjusting his grip onto them in a tight hold.
“ Foolish turtles. “ The Shredder sneered, towering over the teenage turtles with steel claws. “ Thinking you can defeat me after all our duels. “
“ We’re usually outmatched in most of them. “ Donatello intervenes before he twirls his Bo in his hands, getting in a strong fighting stance along with his brothers. “ Yet we still manage to win in those circumstances. We’re just that good! “
“ Hey, bros! Once we’re finished, who’s up for some pizza-gyoza?! “ Michelangelo swung his nunchucks before he tucked them under his armpits, bobbing on the heels. Raph and Don would respond positively, but Leonardo— their leader— stood in silence.
His eyes were on the bag swung over Tigerclaw’s shoulder. A green hue emerged from its fabric, and Leo knew it was related to both mutagen and the Kraang.
“ Alright, team. “ Leonardo grabbed his katanas and slashed them out of their containment, the blades reflecting with the moon’s light. “ We need to get that bag. We can’t risk metal-head over here having mutagen. Who knows what he’ll use it for. “
“ It’s mutagen, Leo. “ Donnie deadpanned. “ The thing that- oh! I don’t know… turns living, breathing things with DNA into hostile mutant monsters? “
“ Why would the Shredder need mutagen, anyways? “ Raph piped up. “ It doesn’t really make any sense. “
“ You’re right. “ The purple turtle said. “ Assuming Baxter Stockman already has limitless amount of it in his lab- We already know how much they have! What are they up to? “ Donatello pressed his lips into a thin line, thinking.
“ Maybe its related to what happened with Karai? “ Mikey asked.
Leonardo bowed his head with a frown. The reminder of Karai made him feel heavy. He was reassured by his peers that it wasn’t his fault.. he wasn’t the one that put her in that cage. He knew that— but if only he had been faster to reach her…
“ Enough chit-chat! “ Raphael interrupted Leonardo’s thoughts, making him snap out of his thoughts. “ Let’s kick some mutant butt! “
Tigerclaw bared his teeth, letting out a grumbly snarl as he set the bag down close to a pillar. He wielded his gun out of its holder. “ You’re no match for us, turtles. Might as well flee from where you’ve come from. “
“ And give out our hiding spot? “ Leo said with a hint of sarcasm. “ Yeah. No thanks. “
“ Attack! “ Shredder commanded in a booming voice, his henchmen jumping into action with yells of fury.
The turtles responded in the same enthusiasm, charging at their enemies with wielded weapons.
They each took their foes. Michelangelo jumped right on Rahzar’s snout, making the canine growl in annoyance as the turtle bounced behind him and struck a hit on his back.
“ Booyakasha! “ Mikey yelled with a bright smile, flipping his nunchucks. “ When we’re finished, I’ll gnaw on your bones for dinner! “ Rahzar slammed his long claws against the floor, Michelangelo rolling to the side.
“ What?! You’re gonna turn me into dinner?! “ The orange ninja yelped. “ I’m too cute to be eaten! “
Rahzar roared, charging at the smaller with bared teeth.
Raphael passed the fighting duo with his own challenge, dodging Fishface’s dagger with swift moves.
“ I’ll crack your shell open and use them as frisbees! “ Fishface hissed, kicking a metal leg up towards Raph’s chin.
Raphael took the hit with a pained grunt, stumbling back but immediately recollecting his stance. “ Well, that’s a new one. “ Raphael rubbed his nose before jumping back into action.
Raph used the ends of his sais to sweep his enemy off his feet. “ Fish aren’t supposed to have legs either way! “ Raph scoffs cheekily. In response, Fishface jumps back to his feet and delivers a powerful kick to Raph’s plastron.
Raphael was sent back, his shell scraping against the floor from the fall. He came to a stop as a wooden staff halted him, and he was met with his younger brother giving him a look of concern.
“ You alright, Raph? “ Donnie gave him a hand, helping Raphael to his feet.
“ I’m— watch out! “ Raphael took Don’s arms and pulled him down, a rain of bullets whizzing their way through.
“ Thanks, “ Donnie mutters, giving him a dopey smile. The two turtles looked behind them to give Tigerclaw a hard stare. “ How’s kitty over here treating ya? “
“ I’ve managed. “ Donatello went back into a fighting position, flipping his bo through his fingers. “ Care for a trade? “
“ I’ll take the offer. “ Raph grinned, Donnie returning the gesture before they jumped opposite directions. Fishface followed Donatello, swatting at every delivering hit from his bo, and Tigerclaw followed Raphael, which smoothly moves out of the way to avoid his bullets.
“ What’s the matter, Tigerclaw? “ Raphael teased, watching the mutant reload his weapon. “ You’re as slow as a turtle! “
Tigerclaw scoffed. “ Ironic, coming from someone like you! “ Another round of bullets were fired towards the red-banded turtle, but he was suddenly blocked by a bulky body of black.
Rahzar let out an angered roar of pain as the bullets hit his side. Michelangelo waved at his older brother, having used his kusarigama to wrap the mutant dog up and shield him. “ Way to go, Mikey! “
“ Didn’t wanna leave ya hanging, bro! “ Mikey grinned in enthusiasm, tightening his grip on the chain to restrain the hound in his bonds.
The commotion between the three turtles and the Shredder’s henchmen was the least of Leo’s concerns at the moment, because right now, the tall figure of the Shredder towered over him like a looming building.
Leonardo focused on his stance, his breathing controlled in steady breaths as he observed his enemy’s movement.
It was terrifying for the older turtle to be facing his father’s enemy, especially after all their past defeats… but he had to. This battle was inevitable.
The Shredder gave Leo a piercing look. His only eye held so much malice and hate. It was clear that he wanted the turtle crushed under his boot.
Of course, Leonardo wouldn’t let that happen. He had so much to live for. He’d battle this man to the very end, even if it’s the last thing he’ll do.
Once Shredder’s metal claw’s seethed from their containment, Leonardo lifted his katanas and gave him a battle cry.
“ Hyah! “
His blades were blocked by the Shredder’s claws, metal and metal rattling against each other as they both pressed their weapons further.
“ Where is your master? Hamato Yoshi. “ The Shredder bellowed, taking a step forwards. Leonardo took a step back, glancing behind him. The edge of the roof was inching closer.
“ Like I’d ever tell you! “ Leo struggled, fighting against the Shredder’s weaponry, until he ducked and rolled on his shell and delivered a back kick to Saki’s back.
The Shredder’s foot came close to the ledge of the building, and with a vengeful yell, he charged at Leonardo, his claws dawning on the turtle.
Leo blocked his cutting blades with one katana, the twin steel in the other hand piercing Oroku Saki’s shoulder. Shredder didn’t struggle.
Instead, his scarred hand firmly grabbed Leo’s wrist and twisted it, making the ninja turtle drop one of his twin katanas. A knee was delivered to his plastron as he attempted to reach for it, and he was kicked back into an air conditioning unit.
A small groan came from the leader in blue, holding his side with a twinge of pain written on his face. The conditioning unit was dented by the impact, and he swore his shell was, too.
“ Get up, Leo— “ He pulled himself to one knee. “ This isn’t over— “
Leonardo was interrupted and was forced to roll to the side as two, metal claw’s impaled their way into the air conditioning unit. The monster in steel turned back and grimaced.
“ Stop moving and fight me! You degenerate mutant! “
Leonardo scrunched his face in irritation. “ Speak for yourself! “
He might be skilled with two, but he was skilled with only one, too.
Sparks flew as their blades clashed into each other, the noise of their swords swishing at every swing. Their friction soon became blurred as the two opposites battled at the edge of the roof top.
A thunder struck nearby, causing Mikey to tense.
“ Aw, man! It’s gonna rain?! “ He said in a pout, thunking Rahzar on the nose with his nunchucks after he attempted to bite his shell off.
“ Never trust the weatherman- they’re most popular for being incorrect! “ Donatello delivered his staff to Fishface’s gut, making the mutant fall with a groan of pain. “ Also, the weather is unpredictable most of the time! Why do they even try? “
“ Why don’t you- ghh! Ask them?! “ Raphael shot at them, Tigerclaw’s nails sinking into his skin as he was thrown against the floor by his arm. The wind was knocked out of him, and Raph wheezed, stars circling his head.
“ I’m coming, Raph! “ Mikey swung his nunchucks, delivering a loud hit on Tigerclaw’s shoulders. The tiger took a step back, almost tripping on Donatello’s bowstaff.
“ Watch your step! “ Donnie input in a smart tone, grinning as he slapped Tigerclaw’s snout. The mutant tiger’s pupils slit in pure anger, and with a firm arm he elbowed Donatello, making him fly into a pillar.
“ Donnie! “ Mikey gasped.
“ No one hits my brothers but me! “ Raph yelled, turning his sais in his palms, but his strike was met with a punch to the face by Rahzar. “ Oomph! “
“ Pesky turtles. “ Rahzar‘s gravely voice echoed, ears flat against his head. “ Always talking too much. It drives me mad! “
“ I’ll shut them for you, then. “ Fishface flipped his dagger on his hands as Mikey made a move. He struck down his nunchucks, but to his dismay, the fish grabbed one of the handles and tossed Michelangelo right towards Raphael.
The two brothers were sent flying towards a recovering Donatello, which fell back onto his plastron with a whine when they knocked into him.
Leonardo and the Shredder didn’t break a sweat at their constant sword-fight, their heads ducking at every swing to their neck.
The air had begun to pick up as clouds muffled the dark skies. White light blinded the scenery as lighting struck, and soon followed the growl of thunder.
The Shredder, with one swift move of his arm, knocked the one katana out of his hand, the turtle gawking at the sudden loss of his weapons. It wasn’t until a hand made its way towards his neck, embracing it in a rough hold.
Leonardo was lifted off of his feet, his eyes wide as dinner plates as he felt his wind-pipe clogged by a sharp thumb.
Another crack of thunder and Leonardo’s vision went white. He recovered steadily, yet his blood turned cold when he found himself hanging from the edge of the T.C.R.I building.
He looked down at the city bellow. Everything looked so miniature and small—
Leo couldn’t hide his fear any longer.
The turtle began to kick his feet, frantic to set his feet on solid surface, but the Shredder would only chuckle, tightening his thumb over Leo’s wind-pipe.
“ Any last words? You wretched mutant turtle. “
No mercy was evident in the Shredder’s voice— not even a glint of humanity. Leonardo could only give him a strangled gasp, unable to respond from his lack of air.
“ Nothing. As I predicted. “
Raphael lifted himself up, swallowing his pain down to continue to fight— but his attention was soon robbed as he saw his older brother.
The Shredder was dangling Leonardo off the ledge of one of the tallest buildings in Manhattan.
“ He has Leo! “ Raph said in surprise, his two younger brothers lifting their gazes. They soon saw the scene, too, and their body’s tensed.
“ Dudes! We gotta stop him “ Michelangelo shouted, Raph and Donnie giving him nods of acknowledgment.
The three turtles take a step forwards, but it was put to a halt as Tigerclaw slid on his feet to stop them.
A katana wielded in his hand, teeth bared in a malicious snarl. “ Not on my watch. “
Leonardo shook, clawing at his throat to try and recollect his breath, but the Shredder would only laugh as the turtle struggles in his grasp.
“ It’s time for me to put you out of your misery! “
And before he knew it, Leo was sent flying off the ledge in a swift throw.
His brothers stopped, frozen as they witnessed their greatest enemy throw their oldest off the ledge. Rahzar and Fishface turned their heads to watch the scene play before them.
Their eyes trailed from Shredder to three, distressed brothers— faces pale.
Tigerclaw allowing them as he himself turned to see the sight of Leonardo, who was now falling to inevitable doom.
In what seemed to be very slow seconds, their bodies began to move on their own, hurling themselves to the edge of the building with outstretched arms- giving them the false hope of reaching Leo’s hand to stop him from plummeting to his doom.
“ NO! “
“ LEO! “
“ BIG BROTHER! “
~
Leonardo took a second to realize he was falling.
The harsh air hit against his scales as the terrapin turned his body to face the miniature city, his eyes as wide as they can go.
He was falling. He was falling, and there was nothing he could do.
The realization hit him hard. He could’t think, he couldn’t breathe— he trashed his limbs around with a strangled, dry scream of panic.
“ No- no, no, NO! “
His breathing turned into desperate gasps, the wind rushing through the tails of his bands.
Leonardo felt his skin go numb as his fall accumulated speed—
He didn’t want to die. He didn’t want to die!
He has so much to live for! He didn’t want to die!
He reached closer and closer to his demise, the pavement growing nearer by the second.
He never got to say goodbye to his brothers. He never got to say goodbye to his father!
He didn’t want to die!
His dried eyes glossed over in tears, his body flailing in one last attempt to survive—
“ NO! ”
Until a blue portal, oval shaped and tinted in purple, swallowed him whole.
He was about to hit the cold pavement of New York City— yet he didn’t.
The agonizing screams of horror echoed into the night— three young turtles, petrified, as their enemies towered over them like towers.