Reunited [TMNT:Dark Age Vol 1 #2]

[PhenomenalCJStyles]

“Reunited”
TMNT: The Dark Age
#2 Vol 1

The sun slowly rises into the sky, illuminating the fairly quiet streets of New York City. The Turtles and Splinter are already up and engaged in a sparring session. Splinter stands in the middle of the lobby with his cane in hand and placed in a fighting stance. Michelangelo twirling his Nunchakus places himself in a ready stance as well. His brothers, Donatello and Leonardo, stand behind him with their weapons drawn as well.

Master Splinter:: When ever you are ready, Michelangelo. Attack me.

Michelangelo:: Are you sure about this Master? I mean I don’t want to beat you up to badly.

Master Splinter:: (smirks) Try your best.

Michelangelo charges, delivering his best swings possible with his Nunchakus. Every blow is deflected by Splinter’s cane. The elderly rat spins around preforming a kick that sends his youngest son flying across the room crashing into a wall. Donatello looks to Leonardo, taking a deep breath and getting a look of encouragement from Leonardo before he makes his advance. Splinter and Donatello exchange blows, all of which, are countered and met with another counter. Once again Splinter defeats his student, this time simply side stepping an attack and tripping Donatello to the floor. Splinter chuckles as he gazes down at the floor to his fallen student.

Master Splinter:: Weren’t expecting that one, were you my son?

Leonardo flips over his master, surprising him with a kick to the sternum. Splinter stumbles back, regains his balance and resumes his fighting stance. Leonardo smirks then motions his Sensei to attack, his master does so. Splinter leaps into the air, raising the cane above his head; as he comes down Leonardo puts his twin Kantanas in the form of an X to block the attack. The force is enough to snap the wooden cane in two. Splinter takes a long look at the remains of his cane before discarding it. Yet again, he positions himself into a fighting stance. Leonardo removes drops his Katanas by his sides and takes a ready stance.

Michelangelo and Donatello watch on in amazement.

Michelangelo:: Do you think he’s gonna beat him?

Donatello:: If he does I’ll clean your room for a month.

Michelangelo:: Deal.

Splinter and Leonardo engage in a long stare down. Leonardo sprints towards Splinter readying his weapons and takes a swing. His Sensei deflects the attack and delivers a kick to the stomach. Splinters rushes Leonardo, but Leonardo rolls out of the way cutting a piece of his Sensei’s robe. He looks back examining the cut of the robe an inch from his tail.

Master Splinter:: (laughing) You think you could have gotten any closer, my son?

He curls back his tail and shots it right in Leo’s face causing him to stumble back. He wasn’t expecting that from the elderly rodent. They exchange blows with their weapons and one of the swings from Leonardo causes Splinter’s walking stick to break.


Donnie and Mikey:: Woah!


Splinters gazes at the Cain now split in two with astonishment. Pointing the sharp point in the direction of Leonardo he takes a jab. His eldest son is quick to move his Katanas in front of the stick to dodge the blow. Splinter kicks the Katanas out of his son’s hands then drops the sticks and the two begin to exchange kicks and punches. Once again, Splinter impresses his sons at his speed for his age.

Master Splinter:: What is wrong, Leonardo? Getting tired?

He throws a kick that is caught by his student. Leo smiles and responds to his master.

Leonardo:: Tired? Nah, I’m just getting warmed up, sensei.

Leo spins Splinters around kicking him straight in the center of his chest. Splinter soars through the air hitting the ground hard. However, the rat kips up and preforms a series of cartwheels before landing on his feet connecting with a spinning punch to the jaw of Leonardo. Twisting his left arm he trips Leo and then sinks in an armbar submission making Leonardo tap out. Splinter rolls to his feet with a smile on his face.

Master Splinter:: I still got it.

He lets out a light hearted chuckle as he helps his son up.

Donatello:: Once again, Mikey.... you’re wrong as always!

Michelangelo:: My day will come, Donnie! My day will come.

-NYPD HEADQUARTERS-

Chief Sterns is sitting at his desk reading over the results of the blood test. Detective Kevin Delroy sits in front of the desk in a calmly manner as he watches his Sterns astonishment.

Chief Sterns:: Are you serious? Turtles? That’s what did that? A slow crawling reptile?!

Det. Kevin Delroy:: That’s what Dr. Watson found, Chief.

Chief Sterns:: This has to be bullshit, Detective. You expect me to believe this? That’s a cover up by the ones responsible for that massacre. Now, I’m sending a team to get an eye on the Puzorelli family. They have got to be connected to this somehow.

Det. Kevin Delroy:: They’ve fallen off the radar a year ago, Chief.

Chief Sterns:: I don’t give a ship, Detective! We’re doing as I say until we find substantial evidence, and not some report saying the blood at that d4MM sword was a turtles!

Det. Kevin Delroy:: The DNA was mixed in with something else, Chief!

Chief Sterns:: Like what?!

Det. Kevin Delroy:: I don’t know!... I’m just telling you all I know.

Chief Sterns looks at him for a moment.

Chief Sterns:: Get the hell out of my office.

Kevin rises to his feet walking out the door slamming the door shut.

-APRIL AND CASEY’S APARTMENT-

April is sitting in the living room of her apartment feeding the small baby wrapped up in her arms. Casey walks in with a baby stroller, eat, and crib; however, he’s having great difficulty getting all those things in.

Casey Jones:: I’m home, babe. Got some things for Shadow.

April O’Neil:: Shadow?

Casey Jones:: Yeah.... what? You don’t like it?

April O’Neil:: No. It’s just only you would come up with a name like that.

Casey Jones:: Hey, if you don’t like it then you think of something else.

April O’Neil:: No, no. Shadow is quite alright with me.

Casey finally gets all the stuff in and shuts the door. He walks into the living room sitting down next to April giving her a kiss. He looks down at Shadow and begins to play with her tiny little fingers. Shadow’s groan brings a smile to both April and Casey.

April O’Neil:: She is so beautiful.

Casey Jones:: Yeah, yeah she is.

-FOOT HEADQUARTERS-

Tatsu, Pimiko, Hun, and the entire Foot Clan are in a large training room. Baxter Stockman comes in along with two large Foot Ninjas as they wheel in a chained up Slash. Slash squirms around wildly trying to break free from the chains and lets out a loud high pitch growl. Stockman gives the Foot Ninjas the signal to unchain him, as the Foot do they quickly back away as Slash leaps from his holding place. Slash pulls the machete like weapon from its sheath and prepares the blade on his hand, as he crouches into a fighting stance. He scans the area and his eyes settle on Hun.


Slash:: ROOOOOOAR!!

Hun gets a sinister grin on his face as he cracks his knuckles. Tatsu turns to Hun giving him a scowl. Hun nods to his master then stands down. Several Foot Ninjas, five or six at the most, surround Slash. He looks around getting an idea of the numbers he’s against then without hesitation he attacks. Thrusting the blade on his wrist in the gut of one of his attackers. Quickly ripping the blade from the man’s chest he turns around cutting two more attackers with his machete. Two go down, leaving only three more. Slash makes short work of the three before they have a chance to attack.

Pimiko:: Oh my God...

Out of pure enjoyment of the demonstration, Tatsu begins to clap with a smile on his face.

Tatsu:: Impressive, Stockman. Your work has paid off.

Baxter Stockman:: Thank you, sir. This experiment was a stroke of genius if I do say so myself.

Tatsu:: If that reptile still lives, we shall use this to dispose of it. Our master’s death with be avenged and then move on to our other enemies.

Tatsu notices Slash still standing in a hunched over fighting stance. He looks on with a slight bit of amusement.

Tatsu:: Such an odd creature.

Baxter Stockman:: Oh, there is more to Slash that meets to the eye. He if very articulate... when he wants to be that is. He was informed of his assignment earlier. Apparently, he’s ready to carry out that task.

Tatsu looks to Hun who acknowledges his master’s gaze.

Tatsu:: Gather some of the Foot Ninjas and go with Slash to find the turtle named Raphael.

Hun:: With pleasure. Foot! Move out!


-APOLLO’S LOFT-

Raphael still heavily bandaged is lying on the mattress in the middle of the half empty room listening to the sound of the rain. Gazing over at the window, Raphael observes the spots of rain trickle down the window. The sound of the rain bring a sense of peace to a worrying Raphael.

Apollo:: How are you doing my friend?

Raphael turns to see Apollo entering the room kneeling down next to him.

Raphael:: I’m doing alright.
Apollo:: That’s good. You seem to be recovering quickly.

Raphael:: I feel a lot better.

Raph attempts to get up to a vertical base, but still having a great deal of trouble.

Apollo:: It’s too soon to try and be mobile. You still need to rest.

Raphael:: I’ve gotta find my family!

Apollo:: I know, but in time, Raphael. Right now you should rest.

Raphael lays back down disgruntled. Apollo pats him on the left arm before getting to his feet and walking out.


ONE WEEK LATER.......

Night has fallen over the city. The high pitch sound of an alarm clock is heard. Apollo reaches his hand out to silence it. Pushing the sheets off of him he sits up on the edge of the bed yawning and stretching before getting to his feet. He walks into the room where Raphael is resting, only now Raphael is standing on his feet, Sai Daggers in hand, and looking out the window. He turns to Apollo with a smile.

Raphael:: Let’s go.

-NEW YORK CITY-

Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo are sprinting across the rooftops for their early night exercise. They all appear to be visibly worn out. While running Mikey hunches over wrapping his arms around his ribs.


Michelangelo:: Hey.... Leo.... can....we.... take....a brea- brea-

Leonardo:: Yeah. Let’s stop here.

They all begin to slow down and start to catch their breath. Leonardo seems to have a good bit of strength left as he walks to the edge of the building to look down.

Leonardo:: That was a good run you guys.
Michelangelo:: Next time, can we do something a little easier?

Three rooftops away The Foot along with Hun spot the turtles resting. Slash standing along side Hun removes the machete from the sheath and awaits a command. A few moments past and Hun doesn’t say a word. Slash looks to him anxiously.

Slash:: What is it that you’re waiting for? They’re right there.

Hun:: That’s not the turtle we want.

Slash:: That may be true, but it’s turtles none the less. They may lead us to the other one.

Hun:: Good point.

Hun turns around to face the dozen or so Foot Ninjas standing behind them in a military fashion.

Hun:: Move out!

The Foot take off.

The Turtles appear ready for the next phase of their training. Leonardo is about to give the word when a smoke bomb hits the ground blinding him. He quickly readies his Katanas for battle, his brothers do the same. Leo travels through the thick smoke when he hears the sound of a Kantana being twirled. The smoke clears and the Turtles see the dozen or so Foot Ninjas standing before them.

Michelangelo:: Greeeeeat! What else can happen?

The line of Foot Ninjas split in two different groups to make way for Hun and Slash. The Turtles are caught by surprise by the appearance of Slash, looking eerily similar to them, only a bit slimmer and more muscle tone.

Michelangelo:: Ugh, does any body have an idea as to who that is?

Donatello:: Your guess is as good as mine, Mikey. But I think it’s safe to assume he’s one of us.

Slash:: More like a clone, Donatello. But in any case, yes, I am just like you.

Donnie becomes stunned that this mysterious turtle knows his name.
Slash:: Allow me to introduce myself to you all. My name is Slash.

Michelangelo:: (Looking to Don) How come its always the bad guys who get the cool comic book names?

Donatello:: You call The Shredder a cool comic book villain name?

Michelangelo chuckles as he twirls the nunchuck in his left hand a few times before resting it under neath his arm. Slash nor Leonardo pay any attention to corky remarks of Donatello and Michelangelo. Leonardo readies himself for battle. Slash takes notices of this and becomes amused.

Slash:: Ready to die are we?

Leonardo:: I don’t know. You tell me.

Hun:: Foot... ATTACK!

The dozen Foot Ninjas advance towards the turtles. Slash, however, never makes a move. He instead watches his foes do battle against the Foot Ninjas. Hun and Slash exchange a sick grin to one another.

The Foot come at the Turtles one by one, two by twos, and three by threes. Despite the numbers against them they handle themselves very well.

Donatello:: I hope you got a plan, Leo. Because I don’t have the slightest clue how long we can keep this up.

Leonardo:: Aren’t you the brains of this group, Donnie?

Michelangelo:: Oh boy! We’re doomed!

Just as Mikey says that he’s kicked in the face and falls to the floor. Donatello is being backed to the edge of the building by two Foot Ninjas welding Katanas. The two of them disarm to the intelligent turtle and double kick him sending him falling off the roof. However, Donatello is able to grab hold of the edge but he slowly starts to lose grip.

Apollo and Raphael leap on to the rooftop next the fight with their back turned. They both hear the commotion and turn around to see what’s happening. Raphael has a jot of joy go through his body that quickly changes to horror as he sees Donnie dangling from the roof.


Raphael:: It’s my brothers! We gotta help!

Without getting a response from Apollo Raphael leaps on the roof where the fight is taking place. Withdrawing his Sais from his belt and taking down many Foot Ninjas as he can. Both Leo and Mikey take notices to his arrival.

Leo and Mikey:: Raph!

Raphael:: Did you miss me?!

Apollo quickly helps Donatello back on to the roof then turns around to keep their enemies at bay as Don rearms himself with his Bo Staff. Hun looks to Slash who is standing right next to him and gives him a nod. Slash is about to advance when he’s stopped by Pimiko who steps out in front of him.

Slash:: Step aside, Pimiko.

Pimiko:: Master Tatsu has said he does not want you to engage in combat yet.

Slash:: What?!

Pimiko:: He’s saving you for a better time.

Slash turns back to see the fight turning in The Turtles favor. When the Foot’s forces begin to dwindle Pimiko makes the call of escape.

Pimiko:: Ninja, vanish!

One of the foot drops yet another smoke bomb, causing a large cloud to cover the rooftop yet again. The Turtles and Apollo all drop their weapons and begin to cough from the smoke filling their lungs. Once the smoke blows away they see they are alone. Leonardo runs to his brother Raphael embracing him with a hug. Raph willingly accepts his brothers sign of love. The other follow as they all smile and laugh.

Leonardo:: Good to have you back, Raph.

Raphael:: Good to see you to, Leo.

Michelangelo:: We thought you were dead, bro.

Raphael:: Like wise, Mikey.

Donatello:: Not to spoil the celebration, but who in the hell is this guy?

Pointing directly at Apollo. Leonardo is weary of Apollo’s presence.

Raphael:: That’s Apollo. Don’t worry, he’s on our side. He took care of my while I was hurt.

Apollo:: Pleasure to meet you all.

Leonardo:: Like wise, Apollo. We all appreciate your help with our brother and what you did for us tonight.

Apollo:: You’re welcomed.

Raphael:: C’mon guys, let’s go home.

-ABANDONED HOTEL-

Master Splinter is sitting cross legged on a large pillow as he meditates with his eyes closed. A few candles light the room with incense burning right next to them. Raphael slowly enters the room with a mixed reaction of happiness and pain.

Raphael:: Fa-father....

Splinter opens his eyes and is overcome with joy. Raphael kneels before his master with disgrace and regret evident on his face.

Raphael:: I know you are here for me. You and the others are trying to help keep my anger in check. I never show how thankful I am for that.... I’m to blame for the situation we’re in right now. I-

Master Splinter:: None of that matters now, my son. What matters is that you are home.

Splinter extends his arms out for a hug. Raphael leans in hugging his father ver so tightly.

Master Splinter:: I love you, Raphael.

Raphael:: I love you too, Father.

Tears begin to fall from the cheeks of Raphael as he hugs his master.


-APOLLO’S LOFT-

Apollo enters the door of his loft. Mary Katherine is reading a big in a large plush chair.

Mary:: Well?

Apollo:: We found them. They also seem to have a common enemy with the organization.

Mary:: So now what?

Apollo:: I shall send word to Master Ryoichi as to what has occurred during our observing of the Foot and their experimentation... It appears to be a greater threat then we thought.

Mary:: What are we going to do?

Apollo:: Hope for the best.

[BubblyShell22]

Wow. So Apollo and Mary-Kate have the Foot as enemies as well. I'm eager to see what else will happen. I'll be eagerly awaiting an update.