Chapter Text
Epilogue
Raphael tapped his fingers impatiently as he slumped in the stone throne, "This is stupid."
Michelangelo looked up from the nearby glass floor where he lay on his plastron gazing at the fish below, "Can't we reschedule or something?"
Donatello snapped from where he sat on a step examining some random piece of Foot tech he had acquired during the evening, "No way Mikey! Not after I armed all those fireworks and smoke bombs. Do you know how long it took me just to set them up?”
Michelangelo questioned, "What are the chances that on the one night we need old Shred Head home he's not here?"
"I don't know, but as soon as I find out who’s in charge of irony,” Raphael punched his fist into his palm, “I'm gonna kick their ass."
"Bro, you haven't even been in the job a week and you've already threatened to beat up at least a hundred different dudes."
Raphael huffed at his youngest brother, "So?"
The orange-clad turtle returned his gaze to the water, "I’m just saying that at this rate you're going to have like zero friends."
"This isn’t Facebook Mikey," Donatello drily remarked.
"In case you forgot Shell-for-Brains,” Raphael absently drained a random Foot soldier's thread from the barracks below, “I can pretty much do whatever the hell I want." He smirked, "It's one of the perks of being a god, little bro."
Michelangelo shook his head, "Hey, just because you're management doesn't mean you shouldn't boost employee morale every once and a while."
Raphael snorted, "What employees Mikey? You three are the closest I got, and I'm not about to start throwing office birthday parties."
Donatello quipped, "And technically there'd only be one of those since we all share the same birthday – or mutation day rather."
Raphael rolled his eyes, "Gee really? Thanks for that Donnie."
The purple-clad turtle folded his arms defensively, "Don't get grumpy because Mikey's annoying and you're bored."
While an offended Michelangelo squawked, "Hey!" from the floor, Raphael frowned at his bo-wielding brother, "I'm not grumpy. Trust me, you'd know if I was."
Michelangelo shivered, "Dude, don't remind me."
With Raphael's many newly acquired skills, the brothers had quickly learned that keeping him in semi-good spirits at all times was far more preferable than the alternative. Michelangelo had been the first to discover that particular fact after placing a fake cockroach in said big brother's cereal. The shockwave the startled Raphael produced had both left the kitchen in shambles and managed to knock the youngest clean off his feet while simultaneously showering him in milk. Since then, Master Splinter enlisted Raphael in daily sessions exclusively aimed at helping the turtle gain better control over his powers. Nonetheless, even with the extra lessons, every family member – including the god himself – found themselves wishing there was some kind of manual on coping with one’s newly acquired cosmic abilities. Unfortunately, Walmart was fresh out of “Divine Powers for Dummies,” and so the family had to content themselves with the reality of endless repairs around the Lair.
"Just ignore them Raph,” Leonardo spoke from Raphael’s left where he stood leaning on the throne.
Leonardo, despite his initial reservations, had actually helped keep Raphael's temper in check over the last week. Unlike with ninjutsu, the eldest did not once approach Raphael’s situation in a cocky or smug manner. Instead, Leonardo had become inherently attuned to his brother’s stress levels. The instant the god felt an ounce of frustration, Leonardo would silently appear. Sometimes he'd offer words of encouragement, but more often than not, the eldest somehow managed to provide The Soul Collector with comfort, empathy, and most importantly patience. Leonardo gave his brother space, but he refused to allow Raphael to feel alone in any way. That serenity radiated now as luminescent electric blue met glowing green, “You know how impatient they can be.”
"Excuse me?” Donatello objected loudly, “I'm plenty patient!"
Leonardo shook his head, "With you experiments maybe. With everything else you can be just as bad as the rest of us."
"But I still win, right Leo?"
The eldest rolled his eyes in the direction of the youngest, "Yes Mikey. You are definitely the most impatient of the four of us."
The youngest punched the air, "Aw yeah bro! Like a turtle do!"
Donatello pinched his eyes shut and groaned, “That’s not a good thing Mikey,” while Leonardo and Raphael exchanged similar expressions of pained resignation.
The sound of double doors smashing open at the opposite end of the hall brought the four brothers out of their trivial banter. There was a moment of brief silence before the chamber echoed with a voice brimming with both anger and undeniable shock, "What is the meaning of this?!"
The four turtles lazily glanced over at the entrance where a furious Shredder stood flanked by Tiger Claw, Fish Face, and Rahzar. Completely ignoring The Shredder’s question, Raphael looked at Leonardo, “Don’t worry I got this.”
A trace of concern flickered across Leonardo’s face, “You sure?”
Emerald eyes hardened in determination as Raphael gave a curt nod. The Soul Collector still respected his brother’s inherent protectiveness, but everything had changed. Leonardo had to trust him.
Evidently, The Shredder was less than pleased at being ignored in his own throne room, “You turtles dare disrespect me thus?” He began to rush at the four trespassing terrapins with his mutant minions close behind.
Not one turtle even attempted a fighting stance. Michelangelo had returned his attention once more to the aquarium while absently kicking his legs in the air. Donatello returned to tinkering with some wiring in his stolen Foot tech – its original use now unrecognizable. Leonardo relaxed his carapace against the throne while casually inspecting his left hand’s nails. Meanwhile, Raphael was leaning on the armrest. Watching the villains’ progress, supporting his chin in his left palm, he appeared down right bored. This enraged the Foot leader even more, causing him to roar as he raised his lethal gauntlet mere yards from Raphael, “If it is an early death you wish, allow me to- “
Raphael flicked his right fingers. Silence filled the room as The Shredder and his three henchmen stood frozen in place. The turtles graced their arch foe with their attention as they fought to restrain their smiles. Raphael gave a false yawn attempting to hide the twitching edges of his own mouth. Recovering from the shock first, The Shredder spat, “WHAT IS THIS SORCERY?”
Unsurprisingly, Michelangelo broke first giggling from the floor, “Someone woke up on the wrong side of the bed.”
“Maybe,” Donatello smiled, “he has a kink in his longissimus dorsi!”
Seven pairs of eyes simultaneously flicked to the purple-clad turtle, “What? He pulled it. You know from sleeping badly?” He paused only to receive awkward silence. Sighing, Donatello tried again, “The longissimus dorsi is a major muscle in the back that – Ow!”
Raphael leaned forward and whacked the back of Donatello’s head, “I think I speak for everyone in the room when I say that was the worst smack talk I’ve ever heard.”
“Why do you waste my time with such drivel?”
Tiger Claw’s eyes shifted to The Shredder, “Be wary My Lord. They play games now, but the power I spoke to you of was no mere child’s work.”
“He’s got a point,” Raphael straightened himself, “I’d listen to him if I were you Shredder.”
Heterochromatic eyes narrowed, “I do not take orders from anyone, especially from one of Yoshi’s reptilian freaks.”
There was a sound of the sharp intake of breath as Raphael’s brothers all braced themselves. The god closed his eyes and felt Leonardo’s hand on his shoulder. He took several purposeful breaths before calming. Rubbing the space in between his eyes he spoke, “Leo, would you mind getting Tin Can up to speed?”
Leonardo removed his hand murmuring, “It would be my pleasure, My Lord.”
Raphael fought a grin at his brother’s underlying humour, but when he opened his eyes, Leonardo’s voice was full of nothing but ice, “Things have changed Shredder. You no longer pose a threat to us. For before you, is no longer merely my brother Raphael, but The Soul Collector himself.”
Only Tiger Claw appeared affected by the news muttering, “How can his be…?”
Meanwhile, Fish Face’s eyes met Rahzar’s, “Did we miss something?”
Rahzar answered, “Beats me.”
The Shredder simply laughed, “What is this foolishness? ‘The Soul Collector’ is an ancient being. Seldom even know of his existence let alone a child like you.”
Raphael frowned and began to stand as Tiger Claw pleaded, “Master Shredder, I do not think he is lying. You must admit the turtle’s countenance is much altered.”
The addressed ninja master’s voice was full of dismissal, “Glowing eyes and a slight increase in height does not equal a divine transformation Tiger Claw. If that were the case, we would be bowing to Rahzar here.”
“You know I speak of more than physical changes, Master Shredder. You are unwise to taunt him so.”
Fish Face nodded as much as Raphael’s binding would allow, “I’m with the cat on this one, Master Shredder.”
The Soul Collector walked to the bottom of the podium’s steps and folded his arms. For the first time that night, he directed his attention fully on Rahzar, “What about you Bradford? You with Tiger Claw and Xever? Or are you like your boss and think I’m full of it?”
The dog mutant widened his eyes slightly at Raphael’s choice of names, but Tiger Claw was right. More than the red-clad turtle’s appearance had changed. His decisions now meant a great deal more than before, and so even Rahzar deserved one last chance. The Shredder would not be so fortunate. Oroku Saki had sealed his fate long ago. Finally Bradford responded, “What if I’m not sure?”
Raphael quirked an eye ridge in amusement, “At least you’re honest.” He shrugged, “I guess I could give a demonstration or something.” He turned to his brothers, “What do you guys think?”
Donatello frowned, “Isn’t being stuck in the same position, yet able to move your eyes and speak proof enough? What poison can do that?”
Michelangelo pulled himself into a kneeling position, “It’s not poison, Dee. It’s magic, and I’m sure there are dudes out there who can do it who aren’t gods.”
The purple-clad turtle opened his mouth to argue, but Raphael cut him off, “Whether he’s right or not Don, it’s still not enough. So the next question is: what should I show them?”
“You could teleport!”
Donatello shook his head, “Sorry Mikey teleporting is out because of the whole ninja thing.”
Michelangelo looked crestfallen, “Oh right… How about… Uh…”
“Collect a soul.”
Raphael returned his attention to the Shredder lifting an eye ridge at the sheer audacity of the statement, but said nothing. The armoured villain smirked at the silence, “That’s what The Soul Collector does. Isn’t it?”
“Are you insane?” Michelangelo cried when his brother remained quiet, “You want him to kill someone just to prove he’s legit?”
Shredder’s eyes glimmered malevolently as he continued to address Raphael, “I’m sure such a formidable god as powerful as yourself could manage to perform such a simple task with little difficulty.”
Raphael simply tilted his head slightly before snorting in laughter. As the confusion in the hall spread, the tension refused to abate. Soon every pair of eyes was warily regarding The Soul Collector. Finally, Raphael managed to calm himself enough to send The Shredder an almighty glare, “Are you serious? Did you honestly think you had a say in any of this?” He paused for a moment, but then his green eyes widened in understanding, “Come on Shred Head, you must know it’s over. You can’t beat me and you can’t beat this.”
Suddenly Leonardo was in his field of vision, “Hold on Raph! You said you weren’t actually going to kill anyone.”
“Things change,” Raphael pushed his brother aside, “Besides, he’s already dead Leo. I need to deal with his soul before it’s too late.”
Leonardo again stepped towards Raphael, “Don’t do this Raph.”
“Back down Leo,” Hard jade pierced ice, “You don’t understand what’s at stake.”
Before the eldest could retort, a dark chuckle came from behind that armoured helmet, “So you intend to kill me Raphael.”
Both turtles turned their attention to the paralyzed Oroku Saki, but it was Raphael who spoke, “Technically, yes.”
Leonardo bristled further, “Raphael, we agreed killing him wasn’t the answer! That he did not deserve an easy death.” The eldest placed a hand on his sibling’s shoulder and whispered so only he could hear, “I don’t want this blood on your hands little brother.”
“Chill Leo,” The Soul Collector rolled his eyes and shrugged Leonardo’s hand off, “This is the way it has to be.”
Raphael snapped his fingers and a dark swirling pool formed in the concrete before them. The red-clad turtle then grabbed a thread only he could see. Before everyone’s eyes a large chain protruded from the portal and as it rose in height, a large steel cage emerged. Within was what appeared to be a cloud of black haze. Leonardo gasped, “You said you took care of it!”
“I did,” the red-clad turtle’s mouth twisted sardonically, “Just not in the way you thought bro.”
Raphael clicked his fingers again and pinched at several more invisible threads, before finally plucking one weaved straight from his own heart. Suddenly, the room around them dissolved. The party found themselves floating in space before a giant, golden-rimmed revolving wheel, but instead of spokes, the interior formed a titanic pool of yin and yang. A constant kaleidoscopic stream of light flowed into one side of the gate while little blobs of colour shot out from random parts of the rim, undoubtedly destined for one of the countless stars that dotted the dark abyss they had found themselves. Symbols that had no immediate meaning for any of the party – except for The Soul Collector – covered the aurulent exterior.
Michelangelo was the first to find his voice, “Dude… Oz could have taken notes from this place…”
“As much as I am fascinated by all this and your undoubtedly equally fascinating answer as to where we are,” Donatello rose from his seated position, “What happened to Rahzar, Fish Face, and Tiger Claw?”
Raphael shrugged nonchalantly, “I let them go.”
“Bu-but Raph,” Michelangelo whimpered, “What about our fireworks and our smoke bombs and all our other booby traps?”
“They aren’t our concern,” The red-clad turtle smirked, “But don’t worry little bro, we won’t miss the show. I let them go, but they’re still in the throne room, and will be for a while. Time is frozen back home as long as we’re here.”
Leonardo sighed, “And where is here exactly?”
A proud smile tugged across Raphael’s face, “Welcome to my backyard bros. This is the nexus of all my realms.” He tapped his plastron, “It’s my heart.”
“We’re inside of you?!” Michelangelo grimaced.
The god shook his head, “Not physically Mikey. I am a conduit for all souls remember? This is where they come after they are freed from their physical shells. It is who I am now.”
Donatello’s eyes were rapidly taking in as many details as they could, “And that?”
Looking at the giant gate Donatello gestured, Raphael continued, “That’s the karmic wheel that measures the souls, sorts them based on their deeds in life, and finally sends them off to be reborn.”
Leonardo crossed his arms, “And why are we here, Raph?”
“Because Leo,” Raphael’s eyes narrowed under the elder’s solemn stare, “I’m not about to let Tin Can here just enter into the portal with no repercussions for what he’s done.”
The blue clad leader did not look convinced, “Isn’t that the whole point of this sorting thing?”
“Normally yes, but as The Soul Collector it’s my responsibility to pull out the souls who throw off the balance. Those who cannot simply redeem themselves through reincarnation alone.” He patted the bars of the cage he had summoned earlier, “Like my dear Herald here.” The mist buzzed in irritation, but no sound was produced and Raphael grinned, “I got to say I like him a lot more since I put a silencing spell on this thing.”
The Shredder reminded them of his presence, “So that is your plan turtle? Ha, an animal placing a human in a cage, how ironic.”
The Soul Collector frowned and clicked his fingers causing a second cage to materialize, “It’s no mere cage Saki. See, once you’re inside there’s only one way out – and it’s no simple key. You need to gain true remorse for your crimes and you need me to let you out. Only me. If I die or – “He looked pointedly at the Herald, “– I am disposed of in any way, you aren’t getting out. No other god, no other Soul Collector – including my heir – will be able to release you. Call it insurance. Basically, you get to watch all those who didn’t royally screw up continue through the cycle through all eternity. So close to passing on yourself, but just out of reach.”
The villain scoffed, “A weak punishment from a weak mind.”
Raphael was not perturbed, “You think so now, but like I said earlier, time stops here. An eternity watching the wheel may change your opinion.”
“Raph,” the red-clad turtle glanced warily at Leonardo, “That’s actually a pretty good idea.”
The brothers exchanged grins, “Thanks Leo.” The Soul Collector cracked his neck, “So who wants to man the cage while I pry the nut from his shell?”
Michelangelo eagerly sprinted to assume his post by the open cage door while Donatello and Leonardo each took one of The Shredder’s arms. Raphael then wrapped the black thread leading from Saki’s heart around his hand several times, “Brace yourself guys.”
With a violent jerk, The Soul Collector pried a screaming Oroku Saki from his body before flinging the writhing ball of energy into its new eternal home. Raphael then dug his own sai into the lock completing the process. Spinning his blade back into his belt the turtle nodded towards The Shredder’s body, “Once we take that back, the body will die. It won’t last long in its world without a soul.”
Leonardo looked at the cages, “Are you sure it’s ok to just leave them here? I mean didn’t you say this is your heart? What if they get out?”
Raphael folded his arms and shook his head, “Don’t worry Leo. First of all, there ain’t no other force in the universe that’s getting them out. Second, even if they did get out, they wouldn’t be able to stick around long. Without me tying them here, the portal would suck ‘em in and reincarnate them. Why do you think I left those other jerk wads back home?”
The youngest suddenly looked worried, “Wait, how come we’re ok?”
“Mikey,” the red-clad turtle rolled his eyes, “You’re immortal now remember? Besides,” he lightly punched his brother in the arm, “You got chained to me permanently when you became my retainer. So you’re stuck with me bro. Oh and don’t forget my guards.”
It was then that Raphael’s brothers became aware of the multitudes of ethereal creatures that were roaming all around them. It was hard to discern a physical form amongst bodies largely composed of mist, but subtle wings could be seen in those flitting to various parts of the giant wheel as they appeared to perform maintenance on it. Larger beings with long limbs and sharp claws prowled around the cages that now imprisoned The Shredder and The Soul Collector’s Herald. All the creatures had glowing red eyes. Michelangelo grabbed onto Raphael’s arm and cowered behind his big brother’s shell, “Raph, what are those things?”
“Don’t be scared little bro,” His eyes softening in concern at his brother’s fear, Raphael tugged away his arm from Michelangelo’s grasp to wrap it around the smaller turtle’s shoulders, “They dwell here and ensure the nexus is safe, but they are all my vassals.”
Michelangelo did not looked relieved as he squeaked, “They’re demons!”
“Well yeah…” Raphael sighed, “Sort of. I mean they are demons, but they serve me.”
Donatello responded, “They’re your familiars.”
Raphael nodded at his purple-clad brother, “More or less. Either way, they’ll help me keep an eye on these two assholes.” He glanced at Leonardo, “So no worries alright?”
Finally the blue-clad turtle gave a tiny grin while shaking his head, “It sounds like you’ve taken care of everything.”
The Soul Collector snorted, “In case you hadn’t noticed, it’s kind of my job now, Leo.”
“But how did you find out about this place?” Leonardo gestured to the familiars, “About them? You know all this, but you still managed to take out the dojo walls yesterday.”
“Hmph.” Raphael frowned, “That was an accident. As far as how my powers work I still have a lot of work to do, but a lot has changed since yesterday.” He gave a knowing smile, “My predecessor didn’t totally screw me over.”
He removed his arm from Michelangelo, twisting several more threads before once more plucking his heart string. Once more the turtles’ surroundings dissolved before they appeared in a huge library. The brothers smirked at Donatello’s wide-eyed expression. The massive room was free of bookshelves in the middle. The centerpiece of the hall was three giant floor-to-ceiling windows, which opened up to reveal another view of the karmic gate. On either side of the library were two symmetric floors that overflowed with scrolls, tombs, and texts. Small wispy creatures floated to and fro while some even curled up at one of the many desks or reading nooks while studying their own chosen volumes.
Suddenly Donatello spun on Raphael, “Why didn’t you tell me about this place!?”
Raphael rolled his eyes, “I only found out about it today, Donnie.”
“How?” Leonardo questioned.
“The last Soul Collector made an appearance to me during this morning’s meditation session with Master Splinter.” Raphael sighed at their eager expressions, “He didn’t say much – it seemed like it was taking everything he had left just to make one final appearance – but he did apologize for getting me – us – into this mess. All he said after that was to play my heart’s harp.”
Donatello tilted his head, “What’s that mean?”
“Ever since this all started, I’ve been able to see these threads. Strings of light extend from every living thing, but I myself have my own life thread. I didn’t know where it connected to. I joined it to you three, but there were still stray ends that seemed to go nowhere. I hadn’t touched them because I didn’t know what would happen if I did. After hearing the previous Soul Collector’s words, I figured it was worth a shot, and so I played my “heart’s harp.” I ended up here in the library, and these little dudes hooked me up with the basics. Turns out the heart strings connect me to this place – the nexus – and from here, I’m connected to all life.”
Leonardo raised his eye ridges, “You figured this all out in one morning?”
Raphael chuckled, “Hell no. Remember what I said earlier, Leo? Time stops here. I’ve been here for months while you guys were frozen in time back home thinking I never left.”
Michelangelo spoke from his red-clad brother’s side, “You know I thought you seemed different this afternoon. You seemed less enthusiastic about storming the bad guys’ turf just to piss ‘em off by pelting smoke bombs at them.”
The Soul Collector nodded, “I’ve been learning how to detect warped souls that would unbalance the wheel. The moment I realized The Shredder threatened that delicate balance, it became my duty to remove him from the cycle.” He turned to his eldest brother, “Sorry Leo. I wanted to tell you, but time was running out. Our tin can-loving friend had been terminally ill for months.”
The three brothers blurted out in shocked, “WHAT?!”
“It’s true,” Raphael sighed, “He had pancreatic cancer and his thread was black. I didn’t want to risk him dying and entering the wheel before I got to him.”
Leonardo shook his head, “So that’s why he was so hell bent on vengeance. He was running out of time.”
The god frowned solemnly, “Yeah that’s what I thought too, and just now, when I dragged out his soul, that was exactly what I saw.”
Michelangelo slumped into a nearby armchair, “So that’s it then? Shredder’s dead, giant portal thingy is saved, and everyone goes home happy?”
Donatello fiddled with his fingers, “Well personally I’d love to check this place out some more.”
“And even though I’ve been studying for months,” Raphael rubbed the back of his head self-consciously, “I’m still eons off perfecting this gig.”
The youngest smiled thoughtfully, “I’m sure with our help, you’ll get the hang of it Raphie!”
Glowing green eyes narrowed, “Don’t call me that Mikey.”
“How about Lord Raphie King of the Giant Spinning Wheel!?”
Raphael growled, “Mikey…”
Blue eyes glittered mischievously behind the orange mask, “But Master Raphie- “
The red-clad turtle jumped on the younger, resulting in both falling to the floor in a heap of shell and limbs. Leonardo stepped over his two siblings and looked down with his hands on his hips, “Sorry to burst your balloons, but aren’t you two boneheads forgetting something?”
Ceasing their motions – Michelangelo stopped squealing from where he helplessly was trapped in Raphael’s headlock – the two mutants glanced up. Raphael blessed with an unencumbered lung capacity grunted, “What Fearless?”
Leonardo rolled his eyes at the name, “Don’s not the only one who spent the last few hours painstakingly preparing for tonight’s raid. Do you have any idea how annoying it is to dig eggshell out from under your nails every five minutes?”
“Hey don’t get mad at me Leo! Mike was supposed to help you and Don while I worked with Sensei!”
Donatello huffed from where he leaned already buried in a book, “Come on Raph, we all know Mikey spent all day playing Spyro.”
“Come on dudes!” Michelangelo whined, “I had a serious craving for some vintage PlayStation! Gnorcs had to be beat! Dragons had to be saved! Fairy babes had to be smooched!”
Leonardo snorted, “Right. Well, while you were saving the Dragon Kingdom from enemies that look like Brussel sprouts, Don and I made an entire arsenal of fireworks and smoke bombs, and I for one am not about to waste them.”
Raphael chuckled releasing Michelangelo, “Is that a hint, Leo?”
The blue-clad turtle’s cheeks darkened from annoyance, “Yes!”
“No need to blush Leo,” Raphael pulled himself off the floor before offering a hand to Michelangelo, “God or not, I’m always up for a little pyrotechnics.”
“I’m not blushing!”
The three youngest turtles laughed while Raphael teased, “Sure you’re not bro, and I’m married to a Kraang.”
After swiftly plucking several threads, the party vanished leaving the library once again to the ghostly familiars. One sitting at a nearby desk rolled its ruby eyes while muttering, “And I thought the last Soul Collector was weird…”