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imagine4000 · 6 months

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Malevolent Oppressors of the Blackguard Society

*Hey everyone! Thanks for your support and I hope you're having a spooky Halloween this year. For all those who read my fanfics, this latest one ties with the epilogue from 'Turtle Rush'. Join in as we head to the dark side of the Hidden City and its elite villains. Plot twists at every turn and family issues that go up in flames. What is gained and what is lost? Would you like to know~?

*NOTE: I will also provide COMIC PANELS later on to replace some of the text, so keep a lookout and don't miss out.

Until then...Stay safe, healthy, and in ghostly spirits!

[HIDDEN CITY, 7 pm...]

Every yokai in the city below the city knows. Hard not to hear from the whispers and coups in the deepest parts of the underbelly. For those who don’t, better pray that they will never come across it on this day of the year. A place secluded on the outskirts of Hidden City.

CREEAAAKK—BAM!

The Malevolent Oppressors of the Blackguard Society (M.O.B.S).

🍺CHEERS!🍺

“Deal me in, boys!”

“No cheatin’ this time.”

“Another refill, my good man!”

“Hey! I asked for medium rare beetles—not raw!”

“In short, all I did was give him a little nudge.”

“Yeah, over the edge of the falls.”

“Cackle/Pfft/Buwahaha~!”

Any and every criminal gang you can think of has arrived. Make no mistakes, though. They know how to party in style. After all, they can’t resist a spacious lobby that rivals a ballroom, a bar to fit twenty with thousands of liquors of their choice, a gambling area for the lucky, unlucky, and dishonest cheaters, not to mention the endless buffet that stretches throughout half of the accommodation. It’s an underworld paradise.

SHATTER!

“...Ugghh...”

For one unfortunate soul, he’s stuck catering to these lethal felons for the entire night.

STOMP...STOMP...STOMP!

“Ahem.”

A giant struts over and points to his empty plate. With an anxious smile, the yokai quickly pours another portion before the latter goes back to the party.

“Yo~ bone-man!”

“Oh, it’s you, uh...Mud Dogs, was it?”

“What up, Hueso!”

The color-coded quartet greets the skeleton in their own way.

“Man, is this place great or what,” Mickey cheers.

“If you mean being forced against my will to partake in this loco fiesta...”

“C’mon, SH, lighten up,” Leonard smirks, “you’re hanging with the big shots. Check it out...”

He points his thumb to the nearest gang.

“We’ve got the Manglers of Battering in our midst. Toughest canines to ever live in the darkest ends of the forests.”

“And way smarter,” Danny implies, “than those Marauders of Brawling. Those gargoyles only think with their muscles as much as they get into trouble because of it.”

“Ooh, don’t forget the Maidens of Balladry!”

Mickey shoots his fin to the stage as the sirens harmonize.

“Their voices can hypnotize anyone to do their bidding.”

“I’d rather take that than hear those Misfits of Bantering.”

Hueso eyes the squabbling birds flapping their beaks away.

“Half the time I’m not even sure they are speaking words.”

“And what about the Miscreants of Belittling?”

“Ugh, nasty little imps. Really know how to put down a man even when he’s at his lowest.”

That’s when Big Green clears his throat, grabbing their attention.

“Over there is the real trouble.”

“Oh...them.”

They stare at the serpents circling near a corner of the bar.

“The Manipulators of Backstabbing.”

“Yes, I heard of their reputation,” Hueso comments, “there’s a reason why they’re called backstabbers.”

“Yeah, and their boss, Rendell, is the epitome of it.”

Leonard scoffs at the murky-colored lizard wearing a western leather hat.

“He’ll use any lowdown trick to worm his way into whatever his scaly hands can get.”

“He’s so confident that he can land a seat as one of the head boarders’.”

“Which he’s never gonna get.”

“A’right, enough about that. If you’ll excuse me, gentlemen, I think I’ll take my fortune at the roulette table.”

“Don’t get wise, Danny! We’re short on cash as it is!”

“Now, hook me up with those pizzas, Hueso!”

“Does this mean you’ve paid your debt?”

“Meh~ halfway. At least we’re trying.”

Sighing, the skeleton gives Mickey a whole box.

CLANG!

Suddenly, the merriment stopped. All eyes turn to the entrance, where some of the most feared criminal gangs, as well as mortal enemies, make their debut.

The ‘Masters of Barbarianism’, the ‘Makers of Brutality’, and even the crime lord of both cities, Big Mama.

Clack—Clack/Hiss~/Clunk...Clunk/Th-Thump...

Some take off their hats, bowing, others swallow the lumps in their throats, and the rest scatter from getting in their way. Three of the biggest names now sit at the head table, draped in black décor as a symbol of their rank and authority.

“Well, well, well...”

Rendell examines his knife in one hand, the other tipping the rim of his hat with a scaly claw.

“Fashionably late, as always, old timers.”

“There he goes again,” Danny mumbles, shuffling a new deck.

“I ain’t in the mood to bare fangs with you,” Bruce huffs.

“Aren’t we behaving like civilized folks. Y’all got a scheme to plot against me and my posse?”

“Ooh~ my scrum-delious-lizzy-poo,” Big Mama chuckles, darkly, “if I had my way, I would turn you into fan-tizy-oso matching shoes and handbags that would be oh-so-grand-tastic. Wouldn’t you say~?”

“So, shut yer trap, kid,” Beverly warns, bitterly, “or I’ll rip it off for ya.”

“Just try it, ya pint-sized hag. Not that those toothpicks ya call legs could chase the fastest criminal in these here parts.”

“How about we ssslice you into lizard shish kebabsss!”

“And~ I shall go refill the punch bowl.”

Hueso runs for the kitchen as an excuse to avoid any conflict.

HISS/GRR~

All the trio’s subordinates give dirty looks, making everyone else feel on edge.

“ENOUGH!”

🔥FLAAARRRRE!🔥

A large ball of green flame crashes down, almost burning the skin, feathers, and fur off the guests. When it dies down, felons gaze upon the crimson dragon at the top of the stairs. His emerald eyes as bold as the fire, the Japanese attire matching his elderly, yet hostile persona, and an aura that defines a powerful superiority far beyond theirs.

“I did not come all this way to hear you complain.”

SHAA!

“Uh!”

SHATTER!

Rendell’s eyes widen, feeling the rush of wind pass as the dragon appears in front of him, his cane stabbed into his glass, breaking it and the ice cube within.

“I may be old...but my days of fighting are far from over.”

The elderly yokai stares back, expressing an uninterested look his way.

“I’d rather not waste my time with someone who only talks his way in and ends up empty-handed. Wouldn’t you agree?”

A drop of sweat trails down the reptilian’s face and his eyes shift to the floor. The elder puffs a breath of green fire through his fangs, then turns his heel.

“Mm-mm-mm...now there’s someone who knows how to take charge.”

“Tell it, sister/You said it.”

The audience is shaken with fear and admiration.

Clunk-Clunk!

SHAA~

With two taps of his cane, a white and black wolf dressed in blood-red suits appear like shadows emerging from the ground. They pull up the red-velvet throne and the dragon sits center of the head table. All the criminals greet him with upmost respect.

“((Head Boss.))”

Also known as the leader of the M.O.B.S. organization.

“Alright, sit down. We got a long night ahead of us.”

They do as he says and listen attentively.

“I see you kids manage to make another mess of the place. Not that I don’t expect much from your rowdy selves getting carried away...”

“We’re being cranky more than usual, tonight.”

“You’re one to talk. Heard you’ve got some trouble of your own. Mind filling me in, boy?”

“Nothing I can’t handle...sir.”

“Woah,” Mickey whispers, “sounds like they got history or something.”

“Oh, right, you don’t know.”

“Uhh, know what?”

Leonard leans closer with a hand up to whisper.

“His WH—MPH?!”

Green covers Mickey’s mouth while Danny shushes him. The eel pushes the giant’s hand away and double takes towards the dragons.

“You mean they’re…”

“Mm-hmm.”

“Wait, does that mean—"

“Yup.”

“…Duuude, that’s heavy.”

“Ya think?”

“Still blows my mind every time.”

“So, head boss...”

That’s when one member raises his voice.

“Not that we don’t enjoy these little get-together’s...but why exactly did you invite us here, for?”

“I find it curious as well, sir.”

“Our usual meeting hardly come this early in the year.”

“I’m sure you’ve heard the rumors. However, according to my informants, they confirmed the details.”

The elder pauses to collect his thoughts, though hesitant.

“Dahlia Shinzo...my granddaughter...she has made a deal to give herself up to Corvidian.”

*MURMURING/WHISPERING*

All catch their breaths in sheer shock.

“I told you, didn’t I?”

“Unbelievable.”

“He can’t do that!”

“That bird is plum crazy!”

“Settle down, all of you,” Sr. Shinzo hollers, “this is now a business gathering, so pay attention! I will not repeat myself!”

“Woah, he’s really ticked off.”

“C’mon, you know how much he dotes on the kid.”

“Tell me about it. He bought all sorts of gifts with only the highest quality around the markets.”

“Yeah, well, I saw him at the pub near the docks when he attacked some amateur thugs smack-talking about Dahlia. Nearly destroyed the place.”

“Ooh~ I hope they have insurance.”

“Who—the thugs or the pub?”

“Head boss...”

“Yes, Dastardly?”

The rat stands up from his table.

“I’m sure everyone here, agrees, that to take hostage of a family member of the Shinzo Clan...is an act of war.”

All fall silent and cringe at the notion.

“My gang and I have known Dahlia for some time, now. So, I can understand your concern about wanting to protect her. Heck, even we consider her as family.”

Danny stops flipping the Joker card.

“But I can’t see us winning a fight that we’ll lose right from the start.”

CLUNK!

Bruce slams his drink, scowling at the remark.

“You better have something else to say that won’t cost your sorry tail.”

“Danny, are you nuts,” Mickey panics.

“Bro, this isn’t a good time to be the voice of reason,” Leonard harshly scolds.

Just then, Sr. Shinzo raises his hand to stop Bruce.

“You know that Danny is the only one bold enough to give such opinions, but they have proven beneficial then and even now. All the more reason I value him and his unbiased reasoning with the highest regards. What he says is true. Outnumbering Corvidian won’t be enough.”

“Dad, we have the resources—including every thieving, cunning, cutthroat outlaws from all corners of the city. We have to force Corvidian back before he does.”

“Kenji is right, you know.”

A snarl escapes Bruce as he turns to the spider.

“He’ll take down anyone,” Big Mama advises, “who even grunts a simple ‘no’. This dim-devi-dismalous contract she’s in is unavoidable. Even I don’t have the firepower to stop his unlimited forces.”

“I don’t wanna hear that from the insect who tore my family apart!”

“Bruce...sit down.”

“Are you serious?! You’re a father—so you know exactly how it felt when Dahlia lost everything that day!”

“And does that give us any right to act as executioner? Is that how you want Dahlia to see you?! Is that what your brother would’ve wanted?!”

“Eli didn’t run from the fight! He did what need ta’ be done!”

“But at the cost of his life!”

🔥🔥FLAAARRRE!🔥🔥

“SAY THAT AGAIN, OLD MAN!”

“YOU UNGRATEFUL LITTLE BRAT!”

No one could speak up as they bare their flames, storming towards each other.

“You weren’t so keen when Eli said he was moving to the surface with Jade!”

“What do you expect?! I’m your father! I was only thinking of my children’s well-being!”

“It was his decision to leave the family business!”

“Yes, but I never resented him for that!”

“Then ya should’ve admitted it instead of shuttin’ yourself away for a year cause of your stubborn pride!”

“As if you’re any better!”

“Like father like sons, aye!”

“I never forced you into being the next boss of the Masters of Barbarianism! So, don’t blame me for—”

“Oh, I can! Don't pretend like you're not to blame! Cause if mom knew the king of gangsters was too weak to—”

THUD/URGH/CRUMBLE!

Kenji pummels his son into a pillar, causing a deep crack line above them as his cane lodges onto his throat.

Clank/Rattle/Clink/Tumble~

All activity stops, abruptly, with tensions rising.

“Don’t you dare...bring your mother into this.”

Despite the dark scowl that makes people cower with fear, his son isn’t fazed.

KICK/SLIDE!

One swift to the gut makes Kenji slide back.

“Bad move, old timer.”

SHACK!

The young descendant draws his sword.

“Eugh—that’s not good.”

“Battle stations~!”

“Take cover/Move it/Hit the dirt~!”

The bar counter, pillars, tables propped, and anything solid are used as shields for what’s about to go down.

CLANG/CLASH!

“URGH/GRR!”

SLASH/CLACK/SLICE/CLANG/CLASH!

WHOO~OOSSSHHH!

Air slices through every strike they blow, strong enough to cut deep marks into the stoned walls and fragile objects into half.

“Maybe we should stop them?!”

“By all means—turn yourself into fried sushi!”

CLASH!

Both dragons are evenly matched, blocking in-between with their weapons. The harder the force, the deadlier their rage strengthens to cause terror for all.

SHATTER!

Suddenly, the dome glass above breaks.

ROOOAAAARRR!

Bursting in is a giant dragon blazing in scarlet and violet flames.

BLAM/WHOOSH/POW!

Kenji and Bruce are stuck by it, causing them to collide on opposite sides of the room.

SCREE~EEECCHH!

The creature does a spiral dance.

🔥🔥FLAAARRRRE!🔥🔥

“Break it up, you two!”

Everyone is stunned as the flames scatter like flower petals, revealing the person before them.

“I’m getting pretty fed up with the same ol’ routine.”

“Well, if that don’t beat all!”

“Is that you, little lady?”

Yes, it’s none other than the girl in question, Dahlia, currently dressed in black tie attire smiling to the crowd.

“Look at that fellas! The baby girl’s all grown up!”

“Hey, everyone. Still alive? There’s a stash of aspirin and club soda out back for you old timers.”

“You got your mother’s looks and your father’s moxie, alright.”

“Good to see you, sweetie!”

“Hi, Miss Beverly!”

“Hey, thanks for the shampoo. Great quality for a fair price.”

“Told you.”

“What up, ‘Lia,” Mickey hollers, excitedly, “killer entrance!”

“How’d you do that,” Leonard smirks, sounding impressed.

“Something I learned to help stop the Kraang invasion. A story for another time. Oh, hold on...”

FWEE~EET!

TOSS!

“WOAH/AAHH!”

KA-THUMP!

In a split second, a trio of felons, with insect features, are tossed onto the staircase.

“Hahahaha~! What a rush, aye boys!”

“Let’s do that again, boss!”

“Oh no/Not again/These guys...”

“See? I told you I was right.”

“So, you’ve told me.”

Hovering inside is Donnie, dressed in the same attire with no tie, just an unbuttoned shirt.

“You weren’t kidding about calling them the ‘Maniacs of Bafflement’. I thought it was just a poorly configured acronym.”

“Well, if you knew the kind of crazy, insane stuff they do, you’ll understand why even their peers don’t associate with them much.”

“No kidding.”

“DAHLIA!”

Bruce regains himself as he dusts off the debris from his suit.

“What do you think you’re doing?!”

“Oh, hey, uncle. We caught these guys raiding the kitchen pantry. Not the first time, I’m sure. Besides, it’s not like I haven’t been here before, remember?”

“That was a last-minute thing! Not my fault your dad dumped a three-year-old the same day he was leaving without telling me!”

“You should be lucky I’m here at all. Who else is gonna keep you and grandpa away from tearing each other apart? Again.”

“Yes, yes, we’re very grateful.”

Kenji strolls over with an open arm.

“Now, c’mere, and give this old man a hug.”

Dahlia eagerly runs over and buries herself into his strong arms.

“Buenas noches, Ojii-san.”

“Oho-ho~ I missed you, my dear grandchild. How’s New York up top treating you?”

“Oh~ nothing I can’t handle.”

“That’s my girl! And that frontal assault you just did was incredible! You’re a better fighter than my sons were at your age.”

“Hello again, Dahlia.”

“Fang! Shen!”

Dahlia leaps onto the wolves, burying her face in their fluffy fur.

“Still as soft as clouds. You gotta tell me which hair products you’re using.”

“Optimistic as ever, I see,” Shen (black wolf) compliments.

“We’re very glad to see you, too, miss,” Fang (white wolf) chuckles.

Cayden and Callen sweat-drop seeing their boss about to blow a fuse.

“Haven’t seen that face in a while,” someone chuckles.

“Only that girl,” another comments, “can turn that grump into a pile of gush.”

The older dragon notices the purple terrapin waiting on the sidelines.

“Oh, right...this is Donatello Hamato. My boyfriend.”

“BOYFRIEND?!?”

Nearly everyone repeats it in shock.

“Hah! You boys owe me twenty bucks!”

“Augh/C’mon/Aw man!”

“That’s cheap!”

“Yeah, ya should’ve bet a hundred like we did!”

“Darn it, I was so close!”

“Cough it up, man.”

A few groans of dismay are bellowed as the losers pay the betting teams.

“AHEM!”

They soon shut up when Senior Shinzo gives a stern glare. This makes Donnie swallow the lump in his throat, realizing how important this dragon’s status holds to this community.

“So, you’re the one she spoke so highly on the phone.”

“Y-Yes sir.”

“I’m Kenji Shinzo. Nice to finally meet you.”

“Uh yes—I-I um...you too.”

Donnie awkwardly shakes his hand.

“I wasn’t sure if my granddaughter would find that ‘special someone’. This puts me at ease, now.”

“Really?...just like that? D-Don’t get me wrong, I know it’s common for parents to have an overbearingness towards their child or grandchild. Not that y-you would be like that, or anything—I’m just saying for the sake of the—”

“Donnie, you’re prolonging a monologue again.”

Dahlia pats his arm to calm his nerves. This makes her grandfather chuckle in amusement.

“Kid, if you got the guts to come all this way to see me in a place like this, then I know my granddaughter has made the right choice.”

“So then...”

“I trust you both to make your own decisions. You have my blessing.”

“YES! I mean...thank you, sir! Phew—that actually went better than I thought.”

“Y’know Donnie brought a 30-page script to read about our lives leading up to this moment?”

“Hey, no—Dahlia, there’s no need for him to know at this point!”

“Like I said,” she whispers, “isn’t he adorkable?”

“Guess he had it bad from the start.”

“Yeah, but he didn’t realize it at first. It was kinda cute.”

“Hey—hey! I know you’re talking about me over there! I can lipread, missy!”

But this only makes the relatives laugh even more. Meanwhile, the youngest member of the Mud Dogs is freaking out while his giant friend pats his head.

“How could I not realize,” he whines, “it was sooo obvious! And I didn’t even get them a gift…”

“Not your fault Mick’. This family carries more secrets than a steel vault.”

“Wait—where did you get that money?”

“Hey, if you’re gonna win a bet, then ya gotta make sure your resources are legit.”

Green shakes his head and Danny facepalms as the ogre counts his winnings.

“Grandpa...there’s someone else we brought.”

Putting her arm out, another figure steps out of the shadows. She holds his shoulder standing beside him in a suit and vest combo.

“This is the boy I mentioned. His name is Casey.”

Kenji takes Casey’s hand in a tight grasp.

“She told me your story. Words can’t describe how thankful I am for what you’ve done. It must have been difficult.”

“...It was...but now I have a life my sensei wanted me to have.”

The couple smiles back in agreement.

“Then you hold on to it, my boy.”

Casey nods with certainty. Dahlia turns her attention to Big Mama and steps forward.

“Big Mama...”

“Dahlia...it’s been quite some time.”

Their associates can sense the heavy atmosphere.

“Man...this has got to be awkward.”

“Why’s that?”

“You never heard the story?”

“Word on the street is that they had a showdown, five years ago. Head boss’s granddaughter burst in destroying her stadium and wrecking her hotel.”

“Big Mama didn’t stand a chance against Dahlia’s outrage that she froze in fear.”

“Woah—seriously?”

“Like a statue.”

“Is that why the Battle Nexus was canceled for months?”

“Believe me, if Dahlia wasn’t from the right side of the law, that girl would’ve been the most terrifying criminal in the Hidden City.”

They didn’t care if they heard the rumors. Both women are fully aware of the truth.

“...During the Shredder incident, I apologized for what I did.”

Dahlia’s eyes become glossy with a soft expression.

“But you know exactly why I took my anger out on you.”

Even the spider’s lackies knew just by their reactions.

“I’m surprised my grandfather let you stay in this circle.”

Big Mama looks at her reflection on the bottle beside her.

“He thought it best to keep me closely guarded, like a dog, tightly-woundly-leashed from biting the hand that feeds it as a more suitable punishment. Of course I couldn’t go against his orders...but I accepted this of my own free will.”

She takes the last drop of her beverage.

“So, yes...even I have some regrets I wish I hadn’t caused. Yours was...the unforgivable kind.”

“... ...”

C-Clunk

Trickle~

Dahlia gently pours a refill as if she were on her waitress duty, which surprises the spider.

“This one has a strong bitterness to it, but the aftertaste becomes easier to swallow.”

“...Then I suppose I shall have to get used it.”

A faint smile appears, as Big Mama takes the offer as a sign of bygones be bygones.

“As for you two...”

WHACK/OW/SMACK/AUGH!

Some cringe at the painful slap she gave to their superiors’.

“I knew you were gonna make a big deal about...this whole situation! That’s partially why I came here in the first place! Not to mention you forcing my boss to cater this charade!”

“Although certain felons,” Donnie scoffs, “whose names I shall not reveal at this moment, would try to take advantage of Corvidian’s deal for a hefty price, wouldn’t you say?”

“Don’t be serious, boy.”

“No one is stupid enough to lay a hair on the head boss’s own grandchild.”

“Unless ya count this walking suitcase.”

“Like I would stoop that low.”

“Exactly, Renny.”

“I warned ya not to call me that.”

“Renny, Ren, Rendy, Rendezlle—take your pick. Either that or I start saying ‘Delle’ every time I have the urge to eat a sandwich. Actually that sounds good right now. Hey, Don, you wanna grab something at the buffet?”

“I think I saw bologna sandwiches fresher than this guy’s comebacks.”

Their nonchalant retorts earn a snicker from the spectators and a growl from the unamused lizard.

FWIP!

CLANG!

Before the knife could take a hit, the fox bellhop appears, catching the weapon in his claws.

“Tch...spider’s pet.”

“Big talk, for an overgrown handbag, lad.”

The fox looks over his shoulder, nodding to Dahlia and earning her gratitude.

“Look, Renny, I don’t have time for your tantrums. I’ve got a deal to keep.”

“Out of the question.”

“Grandpa...”

“No! Not again...”

Kenji gently grasps his granddaughter’s and son’s shoulders.

“Dahlia, when you first came to me, it was like reliving my years raising your father and uncle. I never felt that kind of joy in a long time. Not since my wife...”

“...Dad...I, uh...”

“I know I can be difficult, son...but you two are all that I have left of this family. I’m not losing either one of you because of a past mistake.”

“And you won’t...but for now...”

She takes a step back from them.

“This is goodbye.”

The yokai stare in confusion when her attitude changes.

[Wise decision.]

WHIRRRLLL~

A chilling voice echoes, sending shivers down their spines as an eerie black fog rolls in.

FLAP—FLAP!

The audience murmurs in distress, fully alert of the tall, feathered figure behind the girl.

“Holy.../It’s him/He's here."

��YOU...”

Kenji grips his cane as flames spit out of his tongue in fury. Corvidian pays no mind to his presence and looks down at Dahlia.

“Your time is up, my dear.”

He puts his hand out.

“Time to go.”

“Fat chance, stuffed turkey!”

SHWINGE!

“NGH!”

“Son!”

With a flick of a wing, a feather shoots out and wraps itself around Bruce’s neck, nearly strangling him.

“Please...this is between you and me.”

The magpie exchanges looks between the family members before he complies with her wishes, releasing the dragon.

“Uncle...I have to go.”

“Don’t say that!”

“She has no choice.”

CLINK/CLANK!

Corvidian reveals the hidden, translucent chains on Dahlia’s wrist, ankles, and neck.

“A binding spell...?”

“No magic or weapon can break these shackles. Her soul belongs to me now.”

“You smug—”

PINCH!

“Uh!”

JAB!

“Argh!”

“Boss/Sir!”

With one touch to the neck, the lizard paralyzes Bruce and Kenji, forcing them to go on their knees.

“What do you think you’re doing, Rendell?!”

“My job.”

The Manipulators of Backstabbing stand beside the magpie, with the leader tipping his hat.

“No surprise there,” Danny growls.

“Don’t take it personally, rodent. I’m a payroller who has better benefits.”

“If you’re done playing games, we have an arrangement to fulfill.”

Dahlia stands face-to-face with her blood relatives.

“You two raised me well. I’ll take it from here, now.”

“D-Dahlia...”

“Don’t struggle, boss.”

Fang and Shen support both dragons just as Casey steps in.

“Take me as well.”

“Casey, no, we talked about this.”

“But I’m just as valuable as you are. A person from the future who traveled back in time. I don’t think he could ever turn a better deal like this down...wouldn’t you agree, sir?”

A smirk creeps its way upon his lips.

CLANK!

In a flash, the magpie slaps the same mystic cuffs onto Casey.

“Jones...”

“I’ve depended on you and the turtles my whole life. Now it’s your turn to put your faith in me.”

The terrapin comes closer, his girlfriend giving a somber look.

“Donnie...I know you don’t...but I—”

“It’s okay. I trust you.”

He embraces her as if it was their last.

“I’ll find you, Dahlia. I promise.”

Donnie lifts her chin to capture her lips, as tender loving as the bond they strongly share. Dahlia quickly breaks apart with her hand slipping from his fingertips. Rendell and his team surround Dahlia and Casey as they follow behind Corvidian.

“Aw, screw this!”

CLATTER!

Leonard slams his foot on the table and points his sharp comb towards the magpie.

“If you think you’re gonna walk on right outta here with our friend, then buddy—you got another thing comin’!”

“Yeah—you’re not so special, ya overgrown chicken!”

“Way to show us up, Mud Dogs.”

“Hey, if they’re going at it, then let’s make it a brawl we’ll never forget.”

“Right/Let’s go/C’mon, fellas!”

Every gang member grows a backbone, weapons at the ready.

“...Fable.”

SCHULP—SCHULP!

“Hey/What/Gasp/Huh?!”

With one command, Dahlia’s familiar multiplies countless doppelgangers of his gigantic form to block everyone. The original still in his small stature looks up at Dahlia gently petting his head.

“I need you to stay behind.”

Though inaudible, he hugs her arm, making her laugh.

“Take care of the guys for me.”

With her final words, she and Casey follow Corvidian upstairs, the others helplessly watching.

SHAAA~

As the black mist slowly engulfs them, the last thing they see is Dahlia smiling with one final farewell.

FWOOOOMMM~

Without a trace, the dark mist evaporates into thin air. Everything and everyone in the room is struck with disbelief of the events that have unfold.

“...What...just...”

“I-I...I can’t believe it.”

“She actually...”

In the midst of it all, Danny pushes himself through the familiar’s barrier and walks over to Donnie, staring at the empty void above them.

“As much as I’m upset you let her go like that...I’m assuming you kids didn’t come here without a contingency plan?”

“No...”

Donnie leans over to Kenji and drops the item in his scaly palm.

“They gave us everything we need to start it.”

Cayden and Callen help Bruce up, now able to move his limbs freely.

“That little...I’m gonna yank that cowboy’s tail right off him when...huh?”

Bruce and his subordinates stare at the hair brooch in his father’s hand, nearly speechless.

“Dad...is that...”

“Yes...this is the very same.”

“Artio gave it to Dahlia. She wanted you to see it for yourself.”

Kenji shuts his eyes, clutching the accessory to his chest.

CLANG!

The elderly dragon turns his heel, slamming the cane down.

“LISTEN UP!”

His colleagues stand in attention.

“Scour every corner of Hidden City! The forest, the caverns, the deepest depths of the swamps if you have to! Find the entrance to Corvidian’s lair! I’ll reward anyone who has a shred of information! This time we’re taking back what was stolen from us!”

“YES, HEAD BOSS!”

“Alright, ladies! Back to the lagoons!”

“I got the scent, boys. We’ll show ‘em why we are the best trackers.”

“Ooh-ho-hoo~ this is gonna be fun!”

“Hah! Amateurs...they don’t realize that the skies are the best way to spy on uncharted territory.”

“You tell them, sir!”

The place is buzzing as everyone leaves to carry out Kenji’s orders. Donnie turns around, seeing Big Mama come forward.

“I shall provide the necessary artillery.”

“What’s the catch...?”

“No catch, this time. Take it as payment for saving my Snuggle-Muffin-Beefcake from certain doom.”

“O-kay, note to self: delete all memory data of that nickname which I shall not speak of. Other than that, I’ll take your word for it...I guess.”

“Donatello...”

Bruce grabs his shoulder.

“I’m counting on you. Make one mistake and I’ll use your shell as a hood ornament on my car.”

“Normally, I’d be terrified by such threats.”

Donnie puts a hand out.

“But I’m not called a genius for nothing.”

Smiling, they urban handshake.

“If you have any questions, you can contact me via text and/or email. I hacked into your phones and sent mine the moment I entered the building.”

“Wait, you did what?”

CLACK—C-CLICK!

PSHWOOO~

Using his mystic abilities, Donnie forms his battle shell and sends everyone off with a salute and flies out from the broken roof.

“Heh...nice kid. Like the way he thinks.”

“Reminds me of someone.”

“You better be talking about Leonard.”

From the sidelines, Hueso had come out of hiding and gawks at the chaos before him.

“I should have charged double.”

BEEP-BEEP—BEEP!

While soaring over the underground city, Donnie dials and waits for the caller to pick up.

[Go for Neon-Leon! What took you so long, D?]

“Enough with the quips, Nardo. ‘Operation: Raiding the Raven’ is a go. You are clear to engage.”

[Roger that, Donnie-boy. We’ll see you back at base.]

Hanging up, the terrapin accelerates his speed and heads for an exit above.

‘Just hold on, guys...we’re coming.’

RATTLE—RATTLE~!

Clanking of the chains pull the doors wide open. The teens take a moment to adjust their eyes from the bright light shining through. What they see is beyond anything they’ve ever imagined.

FWOOM!

Corvidian folds all four wings as he gestures to the entrance.

“Welcome...to your new home.”

Dahlia and Casey exchange glances before braving into the unknown, with one mission in mind.

‘We’re not leaving until we find them.’

CREEEAAAK~

CLANG!

‘This. Ends. Here.’