Same As It Never Was (TMNT 2012 Short Story)

Chapter 6: Losing Them Again

The dismal and dark sky hovering over New York almost looks like a sunny and cheerful sky next to the horrific gloom of the Shredder's palace. The symbol of the Foot is emblazoned everywhere, like a stamp to remind everyone who sees it that their overlord is inside, watching them. A skeletal dog, a pink fish with robot legs, and two big cat mutants wait outside at the gates, standing guard diligently.

Inside the massive building, the lithe form of a girl in a black suit marches forwards, her cold blue eyes focused straight ahead. A tantō blade is strapped to her hip, her white hair pulled up in a ponytail. She comes to a stop at the base of an absolutely ginormous throne, her face set as she kneels.

"Master Shredder, the Kraang have been obliterated," she reports, her voice hardly fluctuating. "Their technology has been distributed among your camps to make the weapons you require."

"Good, General Subject. My plan to take over the rest of America can be set in motion," a spine-chilling voice says from the throne.

Shredder squeezes the armrests of his oversized throne, his powerful exo-suit filled with numerous weapons and his height greatly increased by the machine. His eyes gaze down at the woman before him, the good one sparking with amusement.

"Then...I shall take over the world," he promises coldly.

"What is our next plan of action?" the cyborg that was once Sarina asks, her ponytail falling down her back as she straightens up.

Before Shredder can answer, an ear-splitting explosion sounds from behind them as a giant drill machine bursts from the floor. From it, five shapes leap out, readying their weapons as they face their two enemies. Donatello is inside a redesigned Turtle Mech, made for only one fighter. When he sees Sarina, he almost falters, but keeps a strong face and straightens up.

"Ready to play?" the purple-masked turtle calls.

"Turtles?!" Shredder roars.

"And the one known as Destiny," Sarina adds. If she could comprehend emotion again, a cruel smile would be crawling across her face.

"Dispose of them swiftly," her master orders.

"Too cowardly to fight us?!" Raphael demands, spinning his sais tauntingly.

The Shredder stands, extending his sharp blades as he laughs coldly.

"This is something I should've done thirty years ago. Now, I can finally end your pathetic lives!" he roars.

Sarina's eyes glow red as her palms start glowing. Donnie swallows the lump growing in his throat, wishing he could think of some way to stop her.

"Foot bot mutants, attack!" she orders, her jumpsuit powering up with a loud whirring sound.

Numerous Foot bots, all giant and obviously upgraded, stream from the side corridors. They unleash their oversized weapons and leap into battle.

"For Master Splinter!" Donnie shouts, setting off the guns mounted on the Mini-Turtle Mech's shoulders.

The attacking bots are shot to pieces as the turtle sweeps his guns across the expanse, shooting down enemy after enemy. Just as a few try to sneak up behind him, April leaps from the drill machine and fires off her bazooka, shooting down two of them before dashing off to keep fighting.

"Come on, we have to buy Donnie some more time!" Michelangelo shouts, his shell to Raphael's as he swings his nunchuck with a one-handed grip.

They nod and attack the bots together, fighting with vigour and strength. Nearby, Leonardo turns to Destiny and pulls her into an urgent kiss, enjoying her warm embrace.