"Brrrr! It's...f... freezing in here!", Donatello wrapped his arms around his body and ran his good hand along the side of his shell to keep warm.
They were in a meat freezer. Frost clung to the walls in frozen clumps, reminding Don of the snow that always fell at winter time. Boxes were stacked up throughout the vault, and large shanks of raw beef hung from the ceiling above their heads. The door was locked from the outside, and there were no visible latches or keyholes of any kind from within.
As she gazed around at the cold tomb, Robyn realized their situation was hopeless. The cold had already begun to numb her skin, and she could no longer control the shivers that rippled throughout her body. We're gonna die in here!
Leo was crouched in front of some boxes, scavanging for something, anything that would help hold in their body heat. The temperature was dropping fast; the Foot had made sure of that. He glanced in Robyn's direction. She seemed to be in a mild state of shock, and her lips were beginning to turn blue. As he stared at her, he realized what a delicate creature she really was. Don didn't look much better. He gritted his teeth, attempting to fight off the pain of frostbite that was threatening to attack his wounded hand.
Robyn also noticed his discomfort. "Hey...Don, you...all right?", she managed to get out between teeth chatters.
Don was silent for a moment before meeting her gaze. His look turned to one of bewilderment and awe. "Y...yeah..." He stared down at his hand for a moment. "It's weird...I still can't...feel it, but...the...cold seems to be...making it sting."
Leo looked up from his place on the floor and studied Don anxiously. "Can you...move it?"
A frown of concentration spread across Don's face for a moment as he stared down at his sutured apendage. Robyn silently wondered if that vein in his forehead was going to burst.
"No.", he sighed atlast. "It w...won't move." He relaxed his features, a look of defeat replacing the concentration as he slumped over, resting his elbows on his knees.
"Don't...worry Don.", Atlast Leo had found a peice of burlap from an old food bag and laid it gently on his shoulders. "Atleast you're...f...feeling something...and that's a...good sign."
___________________________________________________________________________________
The sticky green liquid bubbled and gurgled as she stirred it with the enormous spoon. Pretty soon the soup would be ready to eat. She had made the concoction herself, using all of the proper ingredients; eye of newt, leg of spider, and just a touch of toad wart. It was now time to add the main ingredient - turtle meat.
She opened the drawer for a knife and saundered over to the table where Raphael lay. His body was still and silent in the slumber of death. She wasn't sure why they had killed him, or even who they were, but she didn't want his body to go to waste. A part of her was filled with sorrow as she pressed the blade firmly into his skin, watching as the crimson liquid began to well up and ooze out of the incision.
First she removed his left arm, shivering as the bones crunched and squeeked in resistance under the sharp metal. She lifted it, yanking on the last tendon to separate it from the body, and stared at it hungrily before throwing it into the pot. Next came his right arm, then both of his legs. She looked down at her dress, which was now completely covered with blood. The table was also smeared with the red fluid, as was his plastron and the floor. She knew she would need to take a long shower as soon as she was finished, in order to remove the stains from her skin.
It was now time for the head. She raised the knife, staring at the silent face before bringing it down to his neck, decapatating him. Blood spurted everywhere from the exposed arteries. She glanced away from the mess, picking the head up carefully, and setting it aside.
Her task was almost done. Gripping the knife with a new found energy, she began to chop the torso into tiny peices, stopping only at the heart. She lifted the organ carefully, studying its intricate design. Suddenly, without warning, it began to beat and pulsate with life. The flesh wiggled in her hand as the realization of what she had just done came into being. He was still alive! In fear and anguish, she dropped the heart onto the table and stared wide-eyed at it.
"Megan...why?", a sorrowful, ghostly voice echoed throughout the room. She turned her head slowly, afraid of what she might find staring back at her. The head! The eyes were open! The mouth was moving!
The cold gaze penetrated deep into her soul. "Why did you kill me?"
"Noooo!", her eyes popped open and she sat up quickly, the sweat streaming down her forehead. Her eyes searched the room frantically, but it was silent. There was no pot, no bloody table, and no Raphael. She was alone.
Trembling with fear and distress, she slumped back to the ground, burrying her face in her hands. She begged for the nightmares to stop plaguing her. Her world had come to an end.
"I killed him!", she sobbed.
___________________________________________________________________________________
"Grrrraaarrrgggghhhhh!" Overwhelming pain flowed through his body as he tugged unmercifully on the chains. His blood boiled with the poison, and his body convulsed against it. The spasms were becoming more violent and more frequent as the minutes passed.
The Foot watched in silent satisfaction as the liquid continued to eat at Michaelangelo's body. The toxins in his bloodstream had sent a wave of torture through him. He would not have an easy death. Karai would be pleased.
What's...happening...to...me? Mike fought with all the strength he had left to free himself from the shackles. His body felt like it was on fire. He stared in defiance at the cruel Foot soldiers, who were blurred and distorted through his tears.
Karai had told him about Raph and Casey, and how, despite his obedience, Shadow and Splinter would be next. It angered him that he couldn't help them. The world was crashing down around him, and there was nothing he could do about it.
A spasm hit again, shooting hot fire through his chest and down his legs. It'll be over soon, he told himself, The pain will be over soon.
__________________________________________________________________________________
She wrapped the sheet carefully around Splinter's leg, mimicking what she had seen Michaelangelo do hundreds of times. It wasn't much, but atleast it would help stop the bleeding.
Although it was difficult to see in the darkness, she could feel where the bone protruded from the skin at an akward angle. His body was growing cold. She ran to the bed, snatching up the blanket, and wrapped it around his shoulders before climbing next to him to snuggle up.
"Grampa?", she whispered into the darkness. The rat did not stir. She rested her hand on his forehead like April had always done to her when she was sick. The fur was matted, but it didn't feel hot, which she figured was a good sign.
She laid her head on Splinter's shoulder and began to dose, her mind filling with visions of the only two people she had ever known as mother and father; Casey and April. She wondered where they were and if they would ever come to get her. She also wondered what happened to Michaelangelo after the bad men and the mean lady had taken him away. She pulled her end of the blanket up and tucked it under her chin as her eyes closed and the comforting state of sleep took over.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
"You'll never get away with this!", April spat as she watched the screen in terror. Michaelangelo was chained to a wall, screaming in pain, as the Foot stood motionless around him.
"Oh? And just who's going to stop me?", Karai smirked and adjusted the picture on the surveillance screen.
April closed her eyes, unable to watch her friend's agony any longer. She wasn't quite sure what they had done to him, but she knew he was in terrible pain, and from the looks of it, whatever it was, was killing him.
Karai crossed her arms and scooted up to speak into April's ear. "It'll all be over soon.", her voice mocked sympathy.
April opened her eyes as memories of Casey and Raphael flooded through her mind. She saw Casey's eyeballs, as clear as day staring back up at her. When the realization had first hit her, she had gone into shock. The whole world had seemed to disappear. Soon afterward, her shock had turned into denial. These horrible things couldn't be happening. Not to her. Then the grief had taken over. Her beloved Casey was dead! But now, there was a sort of surrendered acceptance.
She glared at Karai who knelt inches from her face, their eyes interlocked in cold hatred. An evil smirk began to spread across Karai's lips. "You miss him, don't you?"
April spat in her face. "You bitch!"
Karai rose to her feet, wiping the saliva from her cheek with the cape. "You will pay for that!", she thrust her fist toward April's cheek, the sharp blades just inches from piercing her skin. "Perhaps your friend will be more cooperative.", she grimmaced and stormed from the room.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
She sat in the corner, with her back toward the wall, rocking gently back and forth. Her head was burried in her knees, her arms wrapped tightly around her legs.
She was alone. No guards stood watch over her, Karai was gone, and she had no idea where April was. Not that it mattered. Nothing did anymore.
The tears continued to pour down her soiled cheeks, soaking the legs of her jeans and dropping into little puddles on the floor. Her soft sobbing filled the room, her anguish and pain announced to the silent walls around her.
Her mind was filled with horrible pictures. The memories kept taunting her, eating at her. She was deadly tired, but she couldn't sleep. The nightmares kept coming, growing ever more morbid each time she drifted into unconsciousness.
Her body trembled as waves of shock coursed through her. Raphael... All she could think about was him. Visions of her previous meal flashed in her mind, making her nauseous all over again. She lowered her knees and stretched out her legs as her stomach was attacked again by dry heaves. She had rid her body of all food long ago, and could now only gag on the memories.
She gripped her ribs as hot fire shot through them. Maybe I deserve the pain.
"Here. Take this." She pictured Raphael handing her his sai as he left the hotel room. Sorrow overtook her as she remembered it was gone. The weight of the world seemed to fall on her shoulders. She couldn't take it anymore. God, please! Just let me die!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
"M...may...maybe...they'll...f...f...find us....", Donatello stuttered as his body shook with cold. His muscles were tense, his body rigid as he blew his warm breath under the blanket.
"D...Don, d...don't.", Leo joked, "Y...you...you're...m...making it...st..stink in...here."
Don frowned at Leo and scooted in closer. The three of them were huddled together on a large box, the burlap blanket wrapped snuggly around their shoulders. Robyn sat in the middle, her face pale and expressionless as shivers of fear riveted through her body.
We gotta help her. Don studied her for a moment. She had been awfully silent for the past half hour. The skin on her lips and under her finger nails had turned a dark bluish-purple. Her face was so white, if Don hadn't known better, he would have thought she were a ghost. He glanced at Leo, shooting him a concerned expression. His bother seemed to be as worried as he was. Leo nodded and wrapped his arm around Robyn's shoulders.
"Hey, Robyn?"
The girl did not answer. Instead, she sat as silent and motionless as a statue.
"I...th...think she's in sh...shock.", Leo's frown deepened. And if so, we need to get her out of here quick!
_____________________________________________________________________________________
The door creaked open and Karai marched in, gripping something tightly in her right hand. Megan glanced up at her, and then quickly away, so as not to give her the satisfaction of a recognition.
"How are we feeling?", Karai's voice was menacing, cruel. Megan closed her eyes, unable to conceal her grief, breathing heavily as she struggled not to cry.
"You will answer me.", she felt Karai's cold touch as she lifted her chin to meet the hatred in her eyes.
Megan stared into the penetrating dark pools of oppression, the emptiness, the betrayal seeming to drown her in its mockery. Still, she held the gaze. She had to. If she looked away, Karai would know she had won, and that was something that, even in her agony and suffering, she refused to give her willingly.
"I said you will answer me!", the rage emanated from the ninja, coursing through her arms as she raised a hand, ready to slap Megan in the face.
Megan turned her head and closed her eyes, waiting for the blow, but it didn't come. Karai seemed to stop herself short and reconsider.
"Fine then. You will stay in here until your flesh rots away from your bones!", she threw something at Megan and stormed out of the room.
What...? Megan rose carefully and picked up the brown material, turning it over in her hands. "N...no! Nooooo!", she screamed in fright and threw the elbow pad across the room. "No no no...", she sobbed.
____________________________________________________________________________________
"Rrrrraaaaggghhhhrrrr!", the spasms came again, more agonizing than before. Mike felt as if his whole body was being ripped apart. The pain in his chest made it hard to breath. His eyes were squeezed shut so tightly that the tears found it hard to escape. His teeth clenched, his hands rolled into tight fists, he struggled against the chains once more.
Seering anger and frustration rushed through his body. They're gonna pay for doing this to me! He pulled with all of his strength, feeling the snap and hearing the pop as the shackles came loose from the wall.
The Foot broke into a panic. The mutant was loose! The cold gleam in his eyes told them he was not happy. Mike breathed heavily, his shoulders raising and lowering in fury. The pain still coursed through his body as he stomped toward the cowering ninja. He knew he was going to die, but first, he had a mission to complete.
____________________________________________________________________________________
"My god!", April whispered as a deafening scream penetrated the walls of her small cell. "Megan?" What have they done to her? The surveillance screen continued to glow with the horrible pictures of her friend in torment. Her hands were tied securely behind her back and fastened to the chair. She struggled with the knots, trying desperately to pull them free.
Too many people have died already. I gotta help them! Gotta help Mike and Megan. She stood up, bent over at an akward angle, the chair still attached to her back as she yanked on the rope. She picked at the knots with her fingernails, atlast feeling them start to slip.
The door flew open, and April sat back down quickly as Karai marched in. Without a word, she slammed a broken hockey mask down on the table before her, the cold peircing hatred in her eyes stabbing into April's heart.
April bit her lip and looked away as the pain, the memories returned to her. Why is she doing this to us? Forcing the hurt aside, she concentrated on loosening her binds. Her wrists were almost free from the ropes.
"Just thought you might like a little souvenir.", the lady smirked. "Aw, what's the matter, don't like my present? Well then", she began to chuckle, "Maybe you'd like it better if I brought you his face. Although, it wouldn't be whole without the eyeballs..."
At that moment, April's hands slipped free from the ropes, and she sprung up, catching Karai off guard as they tumbled to the floor.
"You monster! You may have killed Casey and Raphael, but you're not gonna hurt anyone else!" The two bodies rolled over and over on the floor, first April gaining control, then Karai, her blades lashing at April's face. April turned her head quickly and rolled out of the way, grabbing Karai by the hair and punching her in the face.
"That one's for Casey!", she yelled, the tears streaming down her cheeks.
Karai closed her eyes as the pain throbbed through her jaw, then glaring up at her, punched her in the stomach, grinning evilly as April doubled over.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
Strong hands clawed at the hard earth, the fingers clutching the rock, the arms lifting the body ever higher. He clenched his teeth around the long coil of rope and paused for a moment. Glancing back down into the pit from where he had come, he realized that from up here, he couldn't even see the bottom. The clay was smooth and hard to climb, small rocks and peices of hard soil scattered here and there the only way up.
He raised his head, peering into the light above. Almost free. His head pounded as he reached his arm up toward another rough spot in the clay. They had hit him pretty hard; knocked him out for a few hours. He wasn't sure what time it was anymore. Was it still light outside?
The top of the hole was growing near. He reached his right hand up, stretching it as far as he could, until it ached, and wrapped his fingers around the ledge. Then, pulling with all of his might, he stepped up and lifted his body out of the pit and onto solid ground.
He sat in silence for a moment, gasping as he tried to fill his lungs with air. He stared down at his body, realizing for the first time how bad his wounds were. Small cuts lined his thighs and forearms, and a deep red gash spread down his left shin. Bits of dirt and debris collected in the meaty flesh. He thought about Mike. I could sure use him right about now.
Climbing slowly to his feet, he peered into the darkness of the pit. "Hey, you alright down there!?"
A small voice answered. "Yeah."
"I'm lowering the rope now. Let's get the hell outta here!"
__________________________________________________________________________________
"Uuunnnnhhh...", Splinter moaned as his eyes flickered open to gaze into the darkness.
"Grampa?", Shadow rose to her knees excitedly, pressing her hand to his forehead again. "Grampa? Are you wake?"
Splinter reached up and wrapped his hand weakly around her wrist. Shadow? She's here? "Yes child, I am awake."
Shadow threw her arms around the rat's neck and kissed him on his furry cheek.
Splinter smiled faintly in the darkness and patted her on the back. "It is good to see you Shadow.", he said softly. He winced as his leg throbbed from pain. Sensing his uneasiness, Shadow decided to explain.
"Unca Mike said yo leg's bwoked."
"I believe...that...he is correct.", Splinter managed between deep breaths. His leg wouldn't budge, and the seering pain that ran through it...no wonder he had blacked out.
"Where is Michaelangelo?", he whispered.
"I dunno, Grampa.", the little girl's voice suddenly sounded lost and afraid. "Some bad men and a mean lady took him."
A mean lady? Splinter wondered silently who this could be. Michaelangelo is in danger. We must help him!
__________________________________________________________________________________
The blow had knocked the wind out of her for a moment, giving Karai the advantage. She rose to her feet, pulling her arm back, ready to stab April clean through. But April was ready for her. She jumped to the side, quickly dodging the deadly blades, and rolled on her side on the floor. Karai charged, the hot anger flooding through her veins, boiling her blood like hot oil.
April lay curled in a ball, cowarding as Karai drew closer. Suddenly, just as her enemy was ready to strike, she stretched out her leg, kicking her in the chest, and knocking her off her feet. She fell painfully to the floor with a loud thump.
"Ha ha!", April smiled in satisfaction. "Gottcha!"
______________________________________________________________________
They limped down the dimly lit halls, two heavy hearts on a mission. A lump formed in the turtle's throat as he wondered about his friends and family. Were they still alive?
As they crept down the halls, they could make out several doors on either side of them, all closed. The man glanced at the turtle eagerly. The turtle nodded and turned to the first door on his left. He gripped the knob and found it was locked. He considered kicking it in, but decided it was better not to attract unnecessary attention. He pressed his head to the door, listening for sounds of life, but all he heard was the empty silence within.
The man followed his example, taking the first door on the right. He jiggled the handle, finding it too was locked, and no sound escaped from the other side.
"This is gonna take longer than we thought.", he whispered.
The turtle nodded and headed for the next door.
_________________________________________________________________________
Her body lay unconcious on the floor, the blanket wrapped snuggly around her. Don couldn't help thinking that she looked like a mummy as she lay there silent and still. He knelt down beside her, his frozen muscles aching as he lay his head on her chest. A worried look crossed his face as he lifted his eyes to meet his brother's.
"She's barely breathing."
________________________________________________________________________
She stared motionless across the room at the brown pad, her eyes drained of their tears, her heart drained of emotion. She was exhausted. Her mind was filled with nothing but the cold, chilling reality of what she had done.
"He's dead.", she said quietly. "I ate him." As she formed the words, her voice seemed distant, far away. Her emotions flooded through her all at once, yet she felt nothing at all.
She rose to her knees and crawled forward, reaching out her hand to grasp the material. She scooted into the corner, her back toward the door as she stared down at the elbow pad.
"I'm so sorry Raphael.", the tears began to well up in her eyes again as the grief and loss returned. "I miss you."
She heard a loud thud behind her and turned around quickly, readying herself to face her unseen attacker. They're gonna kill me now, she decided. Good. Then I won't have to feel like this anymore.
Another loud bang echoed through the chamber as the door was thrown off its hinges. It swung open suddenly, and Megan let out a horrified gasp.
"Oh my god!", she backed up to the wall, her eyes widening in fright. "No! Please! No more nightmares!" The confused turtle took a step toward her.
"Please! Please just...stay away from me!" The sobs burst out as she struggled to gulp in air. Her lungs were on fire as she stared up at the ghostly figure.
"Megan? What happened? What have those bastards done to you!?" Raphael approached her, silently amazed at how frail and helpless she looked. It was clear to him that she was in a state of shock. Her skin was a sickly pale, and dark circles outlined her eyes. He thought his heart would burst at the sound of her tormented wails.
"Please", she cried, scooting away from him, "I didn't mean to. I...I didn't want to. I...I...didn't know.", she lifted her head, meeting his concerned gaze for the first time. The look in his eyes was that of love and understanding. She marveled how, even in death, he was kind to her, forgiving.
"What? What did you do?", his voice was gentle, unaccusing as he searched her face for answers.
The sobs faded to confused sniffles as she continued to hold his gaze. "You mean...you don't know?"
The turtle stood there silently for a moment, a slight frown playing at his brow.
"I...I...killed you!", her sobs broke out again, and, unable to look him in the eyes any longer, she threw her head in her hands.
"Killed me?", he said so quietly it was almost inaudible. "What are you talkin' about?" The anger started to surge through him again. If these creeps hurt her... "Did they brainwash you!?"
The girl did not respond, but instead continued to wallow in her grief. Raphael wrapped his arms around her, and held her close, waiting as the sobs faded and she grew quiet.
Megan felt Raphael's warm embrace, his hot breath on her neck, and suddenly, a wave of emotion ran through her; one mixed with surprise, relief and overwhelming joy all at once. She could feel his touch!
"You're alive!", she gasped, a wave of dizziness rushing through her body. Raphael caught her and helped steady her as she waited for the spell to subside.
"My god! You're alive!", she almost screamed in her excitement. She threw her arms around his neck and held him in a tight squeeze as tears of joy slid down her cheeks. "Don't ever do that to me again.", she whispered.