Remember. [TMNT 2012]

61. Shredder Hunt; Raphael

Song: Unbroken - Black Veil Brides

A Footbot's tanto narrowly misses my arm. I swing my sai at it and smack it on the side of the head in revenge, watching in triumph as it stumbles.

   "Watch where you're putting those things!" I growl at it.

   I ducked as the 'bot tries to bat me to the side with its weapon. I grit my teeth and backflip out of the way just in time as it tries to attack again.

   Out of the corner of my eye, I see Leonardo hugging Elizabetta. At first I think it's my imagination, but when I blink and look closer, I know it's real.

   Leonardo is unbelievable. Here his brothers are, fighting for their lives, and he's off flirting! Has he forgotten what's important, or is he naturally this stupid? Sure, I know he likes her and all; but does he really have to choose now to hug her? Can't he wait until the fight is over, like people in movies do?

   Idiot.

   I get the urge to go slap some sense into his empty, green head, but I can't leave the others. I crash into another Footbot's side just before it whacks Michelangelo, sending it sliding across the tiled floor.

   "Leo!" I snarl over my shoulder. "Little help over here?!"

   The blue-clad turtle snaps his attention towards me. His cheeks flush pink, but that's not what catches my attention.

   On the ground is Edmund, sprawled out in a puddle of blood. He isn't moving, and there's no way someone can survive that much blood loss. Though I didn't know him that well, grief still pokes at my heart.

   In my moment of distraction, a huge weight whacks me on the side of my head. I fall down and slide across the floor, groaning in agony as pain shoots through my body.

   "Raph!" I hear Michelangelo shout. He races over and looks down at me, offering me his hand. "You ok, bro?"

   I grit my teeth as he helps me to my feet. I shake myself out and nod. "Fine," I mutter. "But these Footbots won't be when I'm done with them," I add threateningly.

   Leonardo and Elizabetta are already racing into the battle. I expected Elizabetta to sit out, since her brother had just died, but she must realize that she has to fight. Otherwise, there will be nothing left to cry over.

   Enraged by the thought of her father causing all of this, I run at another Footbot. I let out a loud yell as I come down with my sais extended. I triumph when my sais scatter the 'bot into pieces.

   Another Footbot throws me back with such force that I lose my hold on my weapons. I flip back and land on my feet, my sais still lodge in the other Footbot's face. I narrow my eyes as I think about how I will get them back.

   Master Splinter's order interrupts my thoughts. "Surround them!"

   My sensei, my brother, April, Elizabetta, and I form a circle around the remaining Footbots. They spin around, viciously swinging her large weapons, unable to decide who to charge at. Their mechanical eyes are full of confusion.

   "We need to take them down together," Leonardo says, with a glance at Master Splinter. "We all attack at once and get out. We need to end this."

   "Fine by me," I growl, clenching my fists together. I just want to get my weapons back.

   "We need to hurry," Donatello replies. "The Shredder could be finishing up his plan right now, wherever he is."

   Leonardo looks at Elizabetta, a hint of concern in his dark blue eyes. "Are you ready?" he asks gently.