Mirage Volume 1 – Number 35 (Souls Withering)

This story is continued from TMNT #31
“Souls Withering”

A crow has retrieved a fallen fetish from the forest that was lost by Master Splinter and has carried it to the city, where it lands on Saki’s windowsill and taps the glass. Shredder is amazed at the birds appearance and the fact that Splinter has lost possession of the artifact. The bird continues to tap, annoying the Shredder – until it explodes and destroys the window.

Meanwhile in the sewer, the Turtles lay their fallen brother on a bed and prepare him for a ceremony. Master Splinter summons Animus, who is angry yet intrigued by the creatures that he faces.

Saki recovers from the blast and emerges from the rubble of his room. He is angry that Splinter is toying with forces beyond his control and sets out to meet his oldest foe. On his way, he finds a couple arguing in the street. Shredder grabs the man by the throat, lifting him bodily from the ground, and commands, “Love one another.”

Splinter asks Animus to heal his fallen student, but Animus feels no kinship with the mutants and leaves.

Shortly thereafter Saki finds their lair. Splinter commands the Turtles to kill the intruder, but Shredder has little trouble besting the TMNT in their hibernated state. Then, to everyone’s surprise, Shredder makes the attempt to heal the fallen Turtle.

“The rest is a matter of will. Provided, of course, the beast has one.” Shredder states as he prepares to leave the Turtles sanctum.

“Wait!” Splinter interjects, “Why!?”

Saki turns and addresses his nemesis, “Everything beautiful… bleeds.”

Back at Foot headquarters, Shredder’s servants scurry to repair the damage done… but as they work, a strange form begins to emerge from the rubble… a crow sporting a death’s head arrives and declares “My dearest my sweet beast! I am coming!! Desolation is coming!!”

This story is concluded in TMNT #36

First Printing: March, 1991

Number of Story Pages: 24

Cover: Michael Zulli

Writer: Michael Zulli

Artist: Michael Zulli

Letters: Rob Caswell

Master Splinter

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