Sakis Queen (Shredder/April 1987)

Part 10

Chapter 10

April sat on the threshold of the Temple, gauging the time by the sinking sun. Outside, the overly large orb was sinking in the east, casting a deep crimson glow over the top of the jungle, and deepening the shadows among the brush of the canopy. Evening was unrolling across the thick greenery of the valley, and with it, the worry over the prospect of a confrontation at the Palace deepened.

April glanced inside the darkness of the Temple to where a figure sat propped against the wall. About a half hour before, Saki had regained some movement, and had dragged himself over to the wall and hoisted himself against the stone. She supposed he found it a little more dignified than being splayed on his back on the floor. She could see his eyes glinting as he stared at her.

April glanced down to her hand where she held the dart that Ancha had given her. It was supposed to render Saki unable to resist her commands, so she could lead him to the Palace and turn him over to the Queen. But, something about that bothered her. Well, she thought, I can't avoid this forever, and we must leave soon. She stood and walked into the Temple.

As she did, Saki struggled to his feet and leaned against the wall, as if defending himself against her. April sighed, "At ease, soldier. Let's have a think about tonight, ok?"

"What is there to discuss," Saki said angrily, eyeing the dart in her hand. It dawned on April that if she was going to use it, she would have to soon, as he was regaining his strength every second.

She glanced at the dart in her hand and back up to his face. "Look, I took an oath to make sure you get out of the Palace with us tonight. If you swear something similar to me, this," she gestured down at the dart, "may not be necessary."

He narrowed his eyes with suspicion and said nothing.

"Please!" April spat. "If any one at all should be suspicious, it should be me! After all, you're the bad guy! I'm actually considering not drugging you up. To be plain, it doesn't seem right considering how badly these women want you and what they plan to do. It doesn't seem right that shouldn't be able to defend yourself..."

Saki blinked and his face became impassive and calculating. "What do you want to hear from me?"

"OK," April said slowly. "I want you to swear on your honor as a ninja not to harm myself or the Turtles while we are all trying to escape. We need to be all on the same side to get out of here in one piece. Do you swear?"

There was a moment of silence as he considered. April knew that on many levels Saki operated on a utilitarian ethic, and he would be considering all the scenarios and possible consequences of making such an oath. At last, he spoke, "I swear it. I pledge a temporary alliance with you, and those annoying turtles, until we have escaped this world." He paused, looking at her very carefully, and for a moment April sensed something else going on in his gaze. It wasn't a flicker of deception, it was something else...but she couldn't place it. "Will that suffice?" he asked.

"Yes," April said. "Geez, don't make me regret this." She tossed the dart to the ground and there was a moment when she half expected him to lunge at her, but he didn't move at all.

"Well," April said, a bit helplessly. "Can you walk? It's at least a two hour walk to the Palace, and it will be dark soon."

Saki was silent a moment, and then he attempted to step forward and stumbled. April reached out to steady him. She could tell he was completely annoyed by his immobility. "I can almost walk...just a little help at first..."

He was leaning on her, and his face was just inches from hers, and completely unreadable. April couldn't decide if this was a bad thing or a good thing. "Well, let's go." She stooped and picked up the golden arrow, their one feeble weapon, and concealed it in the folds of her tattered gown. She grasped Shredder's arm and helped him into the deepening purple evening.