#Mikey on the other hand was raised to care about nothing but the clan as a whole

[sibillascribbles08]

Ya know I went into Off Colors like okay, don't make Mikey too nice now, we gotta make it clear he's just as much of a villain during season 1 as Donnie is and now I think I made him even crueler than Donnie

Which isn't actually that surprising with how I write Donnie's character but also good lord sir

[obsidiancreates]

Random Into The Neon Rambles (Angsty 2012 Universe Stuff. I mean seriously sad, I cried writing it.)

So I've had the WORST brain fog lately (we keep intending to get a Covid test but it's been over a week and a half now since my breathing became like Just Swam Up From The Bottom Of The Pool But That All The Time and it still hasn't happened yet so IDK at this point, it's dependent on the cleaning schedules) and haven't been able to write SHIT so here's some completely word-vomit rambles about this AU.

April and Casey are still alive in the 2012 universe, but of course the boys died at 19 and I headcanon that they turned 19 in Season 4 and were 19 through all of Season 5 so that means Splinter is dead. The Mutanimals actually moved into the lair and take very good care of it, they set up a memorial to the boys right beside the one for Splinter. April and Casey see them often, Leatherhead took over the main care of Ice Cream Kitty, and they're all trying to get by. April's dad has his hands full these days, trying to be a grief counselor for all of them, and it's difficult because it's not his specialty. At this point he's always on the lookout for therapists and psychiatrists who are either mutant-friendly or, more ideally, mutants themselves.

There's actually quite a bit of focus now on finding and helping other mutants. The reason for the boys deaths was kind of the last Big Thing to happen, so there's not a lot of combat to do in the years following. The occasional alien issue, but April has been practicing and growing her powers with a focus that Casey likes to think is her way of honoring the turtles, specifically Leo and Donnie really, and The Mutanimals have been too.

The boys were alone together when they died. Partly by their own design, making sure no-one else got hurt... or worse.

They knew there was a strong chance they wouldn't make it out this time.

So Earth is well-protected by a powerful, grieving telekenetic/psychic/empath/ninja/general badass alongside a group of kick-ass mutant, a grieving Salamadarian soldier who keeps Raph's mask on her whenever she patrols, a grieving basically-son who's like 10 feet tall and can crush practically any enemy with his mace, a grieving best friend who's determined to carry both Mikey's kindness and ferocity with him always, a grieving teen who just lost some of the first people to truly help him after being kicked out for his mutation, and of course, a grieving big sister who lost her brothers the same way she lost her father and mother: before she could truly know them.

Yes, Karai knew the boys for a few years. But she never knew them outside of War. She never knew them in casual settings, she never even thought to try when they were alive. Now not only are they gone, but the last people who knew her father are, too. April tries to share stories of Splinter, but she can't tell Karai what he was like on birthdays. She can't tell her what he was like as a father, not just to teens, but through childhoods. Karai lost the last of her family before she could even fully appreciate finding them. She's trying, now. She helps a lot with the efforts to find and help mutants who have nowhere else to go. She takes a lot of them into her reformed Foot Clan, trains them to be able to defend themselves, and uses the vast network of international resources for anything that can help. She does it in remembrance of her father, who raised four little mutants as his sons, and those four sons, who accepted her and loved her even after she did horrible things to them more than once, who showed her there was a way beyond The Shredder's and helped her to be free of him.

April tries to find them sometimes. She never learned that kind of thing from Splinter, and her powers actually make it harder to connect to the spirit world sometimes. It's a different energy, one she isn't used to, and she has no teacher. She's felt, at most, a comforting presence, the faintest tough of a familiar paw, but nothing from the boys themselves. She can only hope that Splinter's assurance means they're okay, wherever they are in the universe.

Ice Cream Kitty was very confused for a while. She would yowl and yowl for Mikey. She would climb out of the freezer and drag herself to his room to look for him. At some point they put Mikey's mask in there with her, and a few of his comics. It helped.

They could all tell when she understood. That day, instead of finding her in his room after she escaped, she dragged herself to April in the dojo and meowed sadly until April held her. April cried. Ice Cream Kitty didn't make a peep. April felt the sadness of the kitty more strongly than the cold or stickiness of the ice cream in her arms.

It's been less time for them. The boys are 10 at this point in Into The Neon, for them it's been half the time. 5 years. April is in college, community college. She's not sure what she wants to go into. She thought biomedical for a while, but she kept wanting to ask Donnie for help when she got stuck.

She dropped the class.

Casey is mostly working with The Mutanimals. Leatherhead actually keeps trying to get him to take a break from it, concerned about how much he throws himself into battle. Casey is working on it. He had a breakthrough recently. He has Survivor's Guilt. The boys told him and April to go and convince any stragglers to evacuate, and they did. He wished he'd stayed. He knows he couldn't have stopped what happened, but his last interaction with any of them was a quick nod and a 'Got it.'

He believed they'd come back. Really. He knows April didn't, and tried to assure her. "Those guys are unkillable," he'd said. "If space aliens and Super Shredders couldn't get them, nothin' can!"

He remembers falling to his knees when they came back to the wreckage and saying "Just had to prove me wrong, didn't you?" It was the hollowest he'd ever felt, and he doesn't really remember the words like they came from him. He just remembers hearing them in his voice, distant and far away while he waited for someone to move, cough, shout at him to help them up already, anything.

They were buried on the farm, of course, next to their father. Doctor Cluckingsworth actually protects the graves from the other chickens, and when the others come to visit she usually comes by with some flowers she picked for them. She really only knew Mikey very well, but Mikey loved his brothers, and she remembers that.

The worst part was how peaceful everything became after. April was so angry that they didn't get to see it. That she's living in a world where, slowly, mutants are more able to be known and exist, where there's not a constant threat, where there's chances for harmless fun and just being happy, and they can't be there for it. When they announced a live-action reboot of Crognard she blew up the TV without even meaning to. She just saw it and thought 'I gotta tell Mikey' and then it was obliterated and she was sobbing in her dad's arms.

Casey actually does have something he's considering. He's been the one trying to keep the old vehicles in shape, and he thinks maybe he could be a mechanic or some kind of engineer. He thinks Donnie would laugh about the engineer thing because of all the math that takes, but he's gotten better at it. He has to use Donnie's old blueprints a lot to make sure he's not breaking The Shellraizer or The Party Wagon or the go-karts or anything else while trying to repair it, and you can't really pour over Donnie's stuff and work on the same things without absorbing a little. He's not a whiz by any means, can't do even a quarter what Donnie could, but they work together well. He remembers that every time he repairs a new hole Slash made by accident, or something Mondo accidentally ripped our with his tail while skating past, or anything like that. He remembers working on the hot rod in the barn with Donnie and wishes they made more wild things with each other instead of fighting all the time. He liked that Donnie matched his energy, could go toe-to-toe with him, that they could get into awful fights and rip each other apart verbally and it didn't really matter to either of them. He liked Raph for the same reason. And he liked Leo because he seemed all calm and cool but you could stoke a real fire out of him, and he liked Mikey for a similar reason-

He cries a lot while he's doing these repairs. It's a safe place to do it, and if any of the others have noticed (they have) they don't mention it. They never interrupt him, though he knows April is keeping a psychic eye on him most of the time. Whatever. He's keeping a (regular) eye on her all the time too. At least when he cries over their lost friends, it doesn't have a chance of rattling half the city like they're sitting on a fault line.

Chompy still refuses to fall asleep unless Mona is holding him and she has Raph's mask out. Chompy snuggled his face against it. Slash watches him when Mona can't, because for a while they were deeply worried about the little guy. He was depressed without Raph, and he got sick. It took a lot of patience and care to get him to the other side of that, and the two of them basically made it their whole purpose in life to keep Chompy going. For Raph.

Everyone's trying their best, all for the sake of the boys. For their memories.

They're having a hard time of it.

But they're trying.

[themafia-terrapins]

Into the night.

A/N: You should read the post before this to get an understanding of this AU. Fair warning, this is pretty long. Enjoy! 💚

Disclaimer: mention of child abuse ahead. Be warned!

Cold. Merciless. Dangerous. Mysterious.

They were the only words that many used to describe the Hamato Clan. No one wanted to mess with them in fear of what they would do, countless stories were told of those who had double crossed them and in result, hadn’t lived to see the next day. The most feared gang caught in a dark and ruthless world of crime, violence, blood and lust. Others wanted their wealth and power but not everything is what it seemed to be. 

The cold breeze hit Leonardo’s face, as he gulped down air quickly into his lungs. He was sure those horrid nightmares would have stopped, it had been almost 11 years for God’s sake. Cursing under his breath, he knocked down the tub of medication which rattled on the floor. The view of New York was beautiful from all the way up here and as frantically as he tried to focus on it, those poisonous thoughts blazed through his mind and he had no power to control it. 

“Father please don’t leave again” The young teen cried, trailing helplessly after the rat who swore angrily. Being only 13, he wasn’t able to grab those supplies that his brothers needed. They were forced to rely on Splinter but he would hardly help them. They were lucky if he even brought down the bare necessities for them to survive on. 

“How many times do I have to tell you leave me alone?! Enough!” Splinter growled, loosening his tie as he made his way to the sewers steps. But Leo had to try for his brothers, he couldn’t look at their pain anymore. He couldn’t go back empty handed, to witness Raphael put up a brave front despite actively bleeding and bruised practically everywhere on his frail body. He couldn’t see Donnie on the verge of another panic attack because he didn’t know how to fix them. He couldn’t bear to see Mikey trying to hold it all together but breaking down in the bathroom , when he thought nobody was listening because he couldn’t live in this nightmare. 

“R-Raph is hurt and we don’t have any more bandages” Leo spoke timidly, trying to sound clear and confident but his voice trembled. Splinter stood still and the turtle could already smell the sour whiskey from his clothes. It had been a bad day, he presumed. Whiskey was only drunk whenever a loss was incurred. And that usually meant he wouldn’t be home for days, much o the turtle’s pleasure. 

“What have I said about speaking back?!” Splinter bellowed, his arm whacking Leo backwards until his shell hit the tunnel. The side of his shell had already been damaged due to constantly training day and night to perfect the routine Splinter had set them. But an audible crack had been heard and a small gasp left his lips, already seeing a trickle of blood roll down his skin staining the previous bandages. He hadn’t even time to register the pain until Splinter loomed over his body, his eyes black and dangerous. 

“Father I’m-” Leo’s breath hitched in his throat, tears prickling his eyes painfully watching his hand raise slowly. ‘Not again, please not again’

“You’re absolutely hopeless, you hear me?!” Again Splinter punched the turtle, laughing each time when the terrapin recoiled in pain. Leonardo held his tongue, scared to further anger the drunken rat. Every slap, punch and kick was taken without a sound because the punishment for wincing was double the amount than the beating now. And he wasn’t so sure his shell could take anymore.

“Look at you! You expect to take on my legacy acting like a pathetic little girl?! Get out of my sight before I finish you” With one swift punch to Leo’s jaw, Splinter left to go topside. He could hear his evil voice cackle on the phone to one of his partners in this mysterious business he refused to utter a word about.

“Why do you hit us so much? What did we ever do to you?” Leo sobbed quietly, curling into a little ball on the floor. The punch on his plastron seared throughout his body, burning in hot white pain. Yet it must be nothing compared to what his brothers were going through. They were awaiting Leo but the eldest could barely move, let alone walk to their home. 

Home, usually described at being comforting and loving but he hadn’t felt any of these emotions since they moved in. He used to yearn for a mother to come and take their pain away but as he grew, that dream slowly died as hope in him also began to wither. 

Maybe one day things would be different...

---

Blaring traffic shocked the turtle out of his trance and with a shuddering breath, he took several deep breaths. He l

“Why must I be reminded of such memories?” Leonardo sighed, his hand drifting over his temple to soothe the dull ache. No matter how long it had been, the wound from his past was still fresh. They say time healed all pain so why did his still hurt? Some nights it was bearable and some nights it felt like he was being suffocated in his mind, slowly driving insane.

Physical pain definitely was a lot more tolerable than verbal, even now he could still hear the echo of Splinter’s voice reprimanding him whenever he failed. Those stabbing words ringing louder and louder in his ears, berating him for being stupid and weak. Laughing at how his ridiculous attempt of leading a team. Leonardo never wanted anything more than to make Splinter proud but during his years, he realised that it was never going to happen.

Splinter only cared for himself and Leo, along with his brothers, were merely pawns in his cruel game.

But now was not the time to dwell on these matters, things had to be done and completed. His phone rang jarring him out of his thoughts and he picked it up rather reluctantly.

“What is it, Silas?” His assistant/companion spoke quickly, picking up the disinterest in Leo’s voice. He was never one for sugarcoating his feelings or emotions, if the boss wanted something done it was pronto.

“Beast is requesting dinner with capo and the mob. Your presence is required, sir” Holding his urge to groan, the turtle glanced down at the lights that decorated the buildings of New York. They were so beautiful but he couldn’t even take the time to appreciate it, reality had called and with great reluctance he had to answer.  

Beast... what was there to say? He was a snob, ignorant, extremely wealthy but lacked any common sense or values. Leo’s patience was practically non existent whenever he communicated with him. While he provided a great reference for other business partners, Beast himself was on thin ice with the brothers.

“Dinner at... 1am?” Leo scowled, looking at his watch. Beast, while had been an average business partner, had constant demands and ideas that were completely absurd. The brothers were tiring of his constant requests and awful timing.

“I did not suggest the convocation at this late sir” The assistant began but Leo interrupted him, wanting to end this conversation. 

“Be that as it may, unfortunately I cannot attend. Cancel my plans for tonight, I have a reconciliation to attend to and the conference will take up most my time” He ordered, observing the bonsai trees that stood on the balcony. One thing he grew to adore was his plants, they were simple and with enough care and love, blossomed into something gorgeous. 

“I don’t think Beast will be pleased with the rejection. He only wants a few words with the mob and especially you, Capo” Silas tried to reason but the terrapin was adamant.

“Enough. Reschedule this meeting tomorrow at 11pm sharp. Am I understood?” Leo commanded and Silas nodded, already writing it down in his notepad.

“Crystal. Enjoy your night sir” ‘Unlikely’... Hanging up, the blue cladded turtle inhaled a deep breath to collect his thoughts. Cancelling the meeting is a mistake but there were bigger fish to fry tonight. Other duties lay heavy on his mind and with a turn of his heel, he left his safe haven. 

As he entered his room, a young woman appeared at his door. Her heels echoed on the polished marble floors, grinding on his last nerve. God he really didn’t want to deal with her right in this moment. Her eyes settled on his and her face lifted into a small smile, one he did not mirror back.

“Katherine, what brings you to my quarters? Surely you’re old enough to understand you cannot barge in whenever you please” Leonardo watched as the young woman quickly stepped back, picking up the heavy discomfort that lay in the air.

“My apologies Leonardo. It’s Raphael, he said that you guys are attending a conference tonight but it’s our 3 month-”

“I fail to understand how this is my problem” He was quick in letting her know, he hadn’t the time to listen to her. Truth be told, he would never understand why Raphael stuck with her. She caused more pain and grief than anything to him.

“Okay... but could you tell me at least why?” She cocked her head and Leo turned, his face set in a hard frown.

“That is between me and my brothers Katherine. I do not appreciate when people interfere in my business. That much should be painfully obvious” His tone was calm but the harsh voice was clearly heard.

Opening his cupboard door, the small picture of Eva caught his eye. A small pang of sadness washed over his body before getting a grip on himself, refusing himself to succumb to the weakness. Eva was the past yet it seemed no matter how long the years had gone by, the yearn was as strong as ever. He wondered if he would ever be free from the shackles around his heart that locked tightly in his chest.

He had to accept that no matter how much he hoped on a wishing star or to the sky, she simply was not coming back. On the side showed a glass mirror, outlining all the features on his face. Sleep hadn’t come to the turtle much recently, he was lucky to get 4 hours and that was on a good day.

“You know you can just call me Kiki like everyone else” She raised her brow as he grabbed his navy blue velvet suit, the unreadable facial expression plastered on his face while his dark sapphire eyes burned into hers. Still standing at the doorway, she felt almost scared of him. Despite being with his brother for around 8 years, she never felt like she knew Leo. No one did, he kept to himself and only showed his true colours to those he cared about.

“Katherine, if that is all you have come to say then I highly suggest you leave me be now. It would not bode well for you to overstep your boundaries” With an almost snarl, he walked forwards and closed his door. 

---

“Would you like some champagne, Mr Hamato? It’s the one you specifically requested, Dom Pérignon” The waiter asked and Leo nodded his head, flicking through the newspapers as he awaited the rest of his brothers to join him. This meeting was better suited to the office, he didn’t need any extra ears or eyes to listen in on the information discussed between them. 

“God, I need a drink” He could hear the brute’s voice carry through the halls and into the meeting room.

“Right away boss” Greyson, his assistant spoke and vanished to make his preferred alcoholic beverage.

“What is the occasion, dear brother? As much as I like to spend time with you, I’m assuming you haven’t called us for fun” Donnie sat down, his ankle resting on top of his thigh as his attention diverted to his brother. Delicately folding the papers up and placing them to the side, Leo eyed his younger brother with a smirk. 

“Always straight to the point Donatello. And you’d be correct, I’ve called this meeting to discuss our next steps” He spoke authoritatively as the turtles settled in their seats, glancing at the board which held ideas and secret plans.

“Did ya cancel tha meetin’ with Beast tonight?” Raph asked, eyes skimming at the tablet. That was very unlikely of the leader, he was the one always nagging to keep up with business meetings and such. 

“Yes, I’ll be damned if I have to listen to another lie of his again. He cannot speak clearly and I have no time for beating around the bush. Once we’re done with this proposal, it will be a big relief to have him off our backs” Leo sipped his wine, flicking through his notes. A few names picked up but on the whole, everything seemed relatively calm. But there was no resting, they couldn’t afford not to be on their guard. Trouble was brewing on the horizon, he could feel it in his body. 

“Fuck sake, how many times do I have to tell you I hate when you organise my notes like this” Mikey sighed irritably as his brothers smirked, looking at each other with amusement. 

It was a running joke that Mikey couldn’t hold an assistant down for more than 2 months. Perhaps it was his picky way of being organised or that he had a short temper and hated his things being out of place, they didn’t know. This new assistant fumbled with the drinks, paling as his boss shouted his displeasure. 

“What happened to Donetti Licata?” Donatello asked, chuckling at his younger brother expecting another childish story about organisation as it as had been the story before. 

“Fired him. Caught him screwing Mia in my bed. Which reminds me I really need to employ someone who actually has a working braincell” Mikey spoke nonchalantly while his brothers looked at each other wide eyed.

“Oh... shit. M’sorry Mike, that must’ve been hard” Raph murmured, surprised at how well his little brother was taking the whole thing. Almost... too well in his opinion. Amelia had been the light of his life, his love at one point. They both brought out the best in each other but perhaps it was simply a mirage to the toxicity that lay just under the surface.

She wasn’t the Amelia he fell in love with and as he came to grips with that, the idea of losing her forever felt absolutely scary to him. He tried everything to put their relationship on track but it was Amelia who refused to partake in anything.

“Hmm? Oh.. yeah. It was tolerable once I beat the shit out of him. I can’t ever believe I trusted the fucker....” Mikey leaned back on his chair as another glass of wine was placed in front of him. Yet the lump in his throat felt unmovable, rendering him breathless. 

“Don’t tell me ya still wit’ her Mike. Yer deserve better than that” Raphael’s hand ached to knock some sense into the terrapin. Even if she would countlessly cheat on him, which she probably had done, all she had to do was flutter her lashes and sweet talk him. And just like that Mikey would forgive her in that second. In his eyes, Mia could do no wrong. She had Mikey on a leash but of course, he was oblivious to it all.

“You still with Kiki?” Mikey retorted, venom in his words while his eyes glared at his brother. Raphael’s frown deepened, holding his gaze. While he knew it was in the heat of the moment, he wished Mikey could see the damage Amelia was doing to him. Kiki was different only because Raph knew her past, knew that she was damaged too. How could he, of all people, leave her hanging alone?

“Children, behave. What do we do about these last few payments? I’ve talked to Xavier and he’s saying Gomez hasn’t responded to anything. It’s high time we pay a special visit, he’s got to know who exactly he’s messing with here” Donnie rolled his eyes at the quarrel and adjusted his glasses, raising them closer to his eyes. Leonardo seemed to be in deep thought for a few seconds before looking at his family again.

“If that’s the case then I want you and Mikey to check it out tomorrow. Me and Raph will deal with Beast, we all know how dramatic he likes to get when he doesn’t get his way” They all knew the last time they messed with Beast, how he threatened to take his money away and leave them bankrupt. Regardless of his filthy money, the turtles were not affected without it.

Years of investing and saving up had allowed them to live luxuriously. They had everything they ever wanted, Beast was just a liability to them. They needed him to increase potential business partners. To be able to stay at the top, they needed to associate with people at the top. If that meant doing business with idiots who couldn’t hold their ground and lacked any sense of morals and values, then so be it.

This was the mafia, after all. Nothing was pretty here.

“He’s clearly trying to inherit the property, why not just kill him altogether” Mikey pointed out, leaning back on his chair but Leo shook his head.

“Too risky. He may be a fool but he’s a smart one. He has plenty of connections with others, much powerful than the ones we have. We’ll keep him on the side but don’t turn your eyes, he will strike when least expected. Once we secure this deal, you can unleash all your anger on him. For now, we stay in his good books. However long that may be” He grimaced at the thought of the meeting they were supposed to have instead of this one. How long the turtle brothers would remain on his good side was unknown but hey, only a few more months of his bullshit and it was home run. The brothers continued to talk about upcoming events and nearing the end of the meeting, they all grabbed their belongings. 

“Wait a sec, Amara’s coming here tomorrow?” Mikey read out the small note on the board and Leo nodded, finishing off his wine. 

“Yes, well technically she’s visiting but we needed some help around here and she agreed to stick around for a while” She was a close friend to the turtles, meeting them after they newly escaped Splinter’s clutches. She had found them at a time when they were barely breathing and even without knowing who they were, she nursed them back to health. They all were indebted to her. Throughout the years, she went back to Italy since her father was part of their own mafia but her loyalty to the turtles never wavered. 

“At least we get ta see a new face ‘round here. But goin’ back ta before, I can’t wait ta finally kill that bastard” Raphael cracked his knuckles, unbuttoning his vest. He never was one to take orders from people, he was incredibly stubborn and arrogant to take commands from someone else. He barely followed Leo’s on a good day, let alone someone who continually threatened him and his family. If it were up-to him, he would have Beast’s head on a silver platter and sent directly to his team 

“All in due time brother. For now, let’s focus on getting our money back and dealing with Beast”

[remmushound]

Beyond the bay part 21: Trouble in paradise

Summary: Raph encounters a friend

Tags: @brightlotusmoon @selfindulgenz @ilo-artistry @dakotafinely

Content warning (more severe warnings will be colored red so triggers can be avoided while reading) - swears, violence, blood, capitals/bold, passing mention of r*pe, mentions of lynching, mentions of Murder, mentions of violence involving a child

It was Raphael’s decision to split the team into thirds. Three patrols, split evenly between teams of two. They could get the patrol done three times as fast as they could otherwise, even if not everyone was happy with who they were paired with. Raph had been hoping to get paired with Raphael or Michelangelo— hell, he would have even been happy with the younger, weirder theatre version on Donnie! The only one he didn't want to get paired with was the one he was paired with: Leonardo. He didn't have anything against the kid but, to put it bluntly, he was pissed. Pissed that his Mikey was hurt and pissed there was nothing he could do about it and pissed he would get stuck with someone so much like his Mikey when he just wanted to blow off some steam. How could he be mad when every time he looked at Leonardo all he saw was his baby brother that couldn’t come with them? The one he had left back at the lair?

Leonardo seemed just as thrilled to be paired with Raph. Though in front of the team he had put up a wall of excitement, that wall ebbed away the moment he and Raph were off on their own with no one else around to witness them. With no other authority in sight, they could do whatever they wanted! And Leonardo knew exactly what he wanted.

Raph almost didn't stop in time when Leonardo stood abruptly in front of him, nearly colliding with the several-feet smaller slider. Neither spoke, Raph biting his lip and expecting the one who had stopped him to say something while Leonardo seemed content in drawing out the whole awkward encounter as long as possible.

“Ssssomething I can help you with?” Raph prompted finally.

“Let’s cut the shit.” Said Leonardo, and Raph winced at the swear that felt wrong coming from someone like Leonardo. “You don’t want to be here with me, that much is obvious.”

“It’s not—“

“Buh-buh-buh!” Leonardo waggled a finger, “Let me finish.”

Raph grumbled, wishing he could just reach out and snap that annoying, wagging finger, but he motioned for Leonardo to carry on.

“I don’t want to be here with you either.” Leonardo said, and then he motioned to the lack of others. “No one is here forcing us to be together. We have an hour before we have to meet back with the others, and we can do whatever we want with that hour. We don’t have to be together.”

“You’re saying…?” Raph didn't want to assume even when he was almost certain of what Leonardo met. Better safe than sorry, especially with a Leo.

“You go do your thing, I go do my thing, and neither of us talk about this again.”

Raph’s head tilted, jaw tightening, as he tried to make some sense of Leonardo’s still and confident expression. It certainly reminded him of his Leo in many ways, even if it looked strange on a face so much younger. This seemed like something his Leo might do too; there were a lot of ways they were similar, even if it was only now just coming to Raph’s attention. The way Leonardo stood, and the way he raised his eye bridge in a ‘what are you gonna do’ manner. The way he snorted a sharp breath out his nose when Raph took too long answering.

Raph decided not to risk any more delay. Hoping he wouldn’t regret this, Raph brought his hand to swipe at his jaw just to distract himself.

“Yeah. Right. Sounds good.”

“Sounds good.” Leonardo echoed with a nod, eyes still watching, always watching.

“But just uh. Just one thing first.” Raph said, raising a finger. “What do you have to do that’s so damned important?”

Leonardo didn't like that; it was written all over his face. “I could ask you the same question.”

Raph swore internally. This was a godsend— an opportunity to get away— and he really hoped he hadn’t just ruined his chances. This was a good thing, and who was he to question what Leonardo wanted to do when he wasn’t willing to tell the same? It wasn’t anything bad, just blowing off some steam! And only on people who deserved it! Just because Leo insisted they not get involved in petty robberies, that they avoid being seen, didn't mean Raph couldn’t help some poor bloke caught down in the wrong alley.

“Fine.” Raph made his decision. “I won’t ask if you won’t ask.”

“And I won’t.” Leonardo tossed his arms in the air, lowered his chin, and backed slowly until he was standing right on the edge of the building, “Meet back here in an hour, and don’t be late.”

Leonardo fell backward. Raph was expecting such antics, but when it happened he couldn’t help but rush to the edge of the building to look— to watch as Leonardo plummeted quickly toward the streets below, making no effort to stop or slow, almost as if he was reclining on the air. At the very last moment he swiped his odachi and was gone in a flash of blue.

Raph let himself breathe. He doubted he would ever get used to that. He was alone now, free to do whatever he wanted. And he knew exactly what he wanted.

~~~

These streets, these dark New York streets, were filled with just the type of scum Cassandra Jones hunted on the nightly. The type who’d rob a man and leave him with a knife in the gut. The type who’d rip a woman’s dress to ribbons while her screams of help went unheard, for who would help woman who screamed rape? No one would. But if they screamed fire? Well, help would be right on the way then. These were the types that would whine about their tires being slashed, and in that same breath slash the throat of another. Cruel. Thoughtlessly violent. At least when Cassandra had those violent events, hers were justified! Not just cruelty for cruelty sake.

These men she had been tracking deserved every ounce of fury they had coming. Cowardly people who came in the night, stole what was hers. Burned down the one good thing she’d had ever. When she was in the Foot Clan, she had grown used to not having anything of her own. Her room, her food, even her clothes were shared between all of the clan as a unit. No one had property of their own, and she had never even considered such a thing as private possession until she had gotten out. Until she had worked and toiled and slaved and bought a place of her own, a bakery— a business! Just for it to be burned to the ground because of who she was, and who her friends were. She couldn’t let that stand. She couldn’t let them get away with it, and she wouldn’t.

She found them.

They didn't see it coming. How could they? Cassandra’s outfit was the most unassuming black hoodie, skin-tight black leggings clinging tight to her form. Black gloves, black combat boots, black everything! Except for her mask. Her favorite, custom hockey mask. If one were to have nothing more than a quick glance at her, a figure moving in the nights shadows, they might assume the being was nothing more than a floating demon's face come to punish their sine or else drag them to the pits of inferno forever. Everything about the mask was Cassandra’s own: the piercing yellow paint, the red-streaking adornments like blood across the helm, and with two horns tipped red. There were red circles around the eye-holes too, and fangs painted on around the mouth, pulling her appearance into a permanent state of anger.

SLASH went her naginata, making contact with the first goon. Like a geyser came blood from the wound, and in that same moment it alerted the rest of the gang of Cassandra’s presence. She didn't care; stealth was hardly her specialty, and even if it was these guys had nothing on her. They may have grown up on the streets, but she owned the streets, and she was furious! Not even a bull rhino could stop her charge.

“HOLY FUCK!” Yelled the lead goon upon firing his gun. He missed; he was an awful shot.

Cassandra fell into a ninja run, arms stuck out behind her as she all but teleported to the lead goon, bringing the shaft of her naginata swinging for an abdomen shot. A sharp crack, and a gasp. Blood spilling from his mouth. He stumbled, and he fell back with nothing but the trash to cushion his fall. That face. Cassandra recognized that face from somewhere.

A knife slashed through the air and through Cassandra’s momentary stupor. Cassandra reached back, locking her wrist into the attacker's wrist. She gained leverage on him— who, after all, would expect someone so small to have such strength?— and she swung his blade-wielding arm right back around until it pierced through the soft flesh of his side. He screamed, and he fell aside clutching the wound. Another enemy stepped up to take his place.

Ninja stars, stored safely in the loose sleeves of Cassandra’s hoodie, flew out and assaulted the remaining men. Even if she wasn’t a ninja anymore, her old tricks would always come in handy, especially when beating bad-guy butt! More screams, more wounds, more blood. Except this time the men started to flee down the alley, trying to escape the wrath of the unseen demon.

“Oh no you don’t…”

Cassandra’s voice was a low growl as she pursued them. How could she let them walk away so easily when they stole everything from her? They weren’t that fast, not by her standards, and she was able to leave them with several slashes from her naginata for the road before she stopped at the end of the alleyway. They would need medical attention, perhaps go several grand in debt, for those wounds to be taken care of. She wanted more, but she knew her limits, and she knew there was no use creating more loose ends by killing the careless bastards.

There was one loose end she still had to tie up. The lead goon had been left behind, unable to stand, unable to run. He was still choking on his own blood, maybe from some internal injuries. Cassandra’s hatred waned at the sight of the pathetic dying man. She hadn’t intended so much injury just from one blow, and she was even debating calling an ambulance for him before…

She realized where she knew that face from, and it wasn’t from when he had burned down her bakery. She knew those eyes— those cold, dark eyes. The first time she had seen those eyes they had had an evil glint in them, evil that couldn’t be considered human. A face among the crowd, too proud to cover his identity like some as they hanged that poor child from the overpass and then paraded her body through the streets. She knew that face, and now she held no sympathy.

She lashed her naginata again, and again. She knew which parts of him she could slice and cut up without him dying because that would be too much of a mercy to him. His screams were nothing to her. His pleas of mercy, nothing. He was nothing. When the naginata wasn’t enough anymore, she resheathed it and just started to kick the absolute hell out of him.

“Hey.”

She didn't register the deep Brooklynn voice, and just kept kicking.

“HEY! Hey hey hey!”

Hands as wide as she was grabbed her around the waist and pulled her kicking and fighting away from the man that was now lying concerningly still.

“I think ya got him!”

All it took was a second for her to grab her blade and swing it out at whoever it was that had grabbed her; it took only half of that time for the massive wall of a mutant to step back. Another second, and Cassandra recognized the great green giant with a rush of glee.

“RAPH!”

She tossed herself at the mutant turtle, not for an attack but for a hug. Raph caught her quite easily in one arm, holding the woman securely to his chest and laughing as she tried in vain to wrap her arms around him.  

“Hey— hey, easy girl!” Raph let the hug go on for a few seconds more before sitting Cassandra back down on the ground. “Don’t hurt yourself.”

Raph had hardly recognized the woman when he had seen her from the vantage of the rooftops; in fact, the only reason he had realized it was her was when he saw the weapon. The hockey mask helped too, but it was mostly that naginata of hers. Looking at her standing there before him, she seemed like a completely different person than the one he remembered. She was still slender as far as humans went, but now it was more of a natural slender than the starved body she had before. A healthy layer of fat now covered her belly and her hips to protect the muscle beneath— her face was a little rounder too.

“You lookin’ good.” Raph said with a nod, “Still a little shortcake though.”

Cassandra, wanting to get a better look at Raph, decided to remove her mask. Raph’s eyes widened at the sight of the new mass of hair that Cassandra had grown, a mess of greasy black that wasn’t unlike a shaggy dog's coat, held back with a yellow bandana so it was just barely under control.

“I’m five feet of whoop ass and I’ll whoop yours, don’t test me.”

Raph threw his head back and rumbled a deep belly laugh. “Trust me, I won’t. I’ve been on the wrong end of a little lady’s wrath once or twice before. Nice hair, by the way.”

“Thanks.” Cassandra beamed, “It’s never been this long before! I think I like it.”

“Yeah, yeah, suits you nice.” Raph cleared his throat. He nodded toward the bloodied figure. “Did uh. That guy deserve the beating or?”

“He deserves more than that.” Cassandra spat on him; she wasn’t even mad about her bakery being burned down anymore. Well— she was still mad about it, but not in that moment. “The bastard had it coming.”

“Still.” Raph said softly, like a kind parent addressing a child, “You’d’ve killed him.”

“I wouldn’t have.” Cassandra said in a low tone. “I know better. I’ve done this before.”

Raph breathed through his nose and shook his head. He knew that look of hatred in Cassandra’s eyes— he had felt that look before, and had that same look directed at him. He cupped a hand across the length of Cassandra’s back and started to guide her away toward the fire escape. She listened reluctantly.

“Come on— let’s scram before the cops get here. You weren’t exactly being quiet you know.”

And up to the rooftop they went, several buildings down from the scene, but Cassandra still had that look. That look that Raph hated.

“What did those guys do to deserve that, CJ?”

“It’s personal…” Cassandra just barely muttered.

“Too personal to share?”

“Ask my turtles; they can explain it better. What are you doing here?”

“It’s personal.”

Cassandra smirked. “Too personal to share?”

Raph smiled despite himself and shook his head. “No, no it’s not.” He told her everything, and Cassandra got even more riled up.

“Seriously?! That fucked up man!” She was practically radiating chaotic energy, starting to swing her fists like a boxer, “Where are they? I’ll take em on! Right here, right now, no mercy! I wanna kick some Jurassic Ass!”

“Actually, triceratops’ are from the cretaceous.”

“Does that really matter?”

Raph pursed his lips. “No, I guess not. But… now that I told you my personal bizz, can you tell me yours? Maybe I can help.”

Cassandra looked at Raph. She considered her options, bit her lip, and decided on one.

“They burned down my bakery. It was also my house but that’s less important.”

“Cassandra…” Raph’s voice held nothing but sympathy. “Damn. Sorry to hear that. Do you have a place to stay or…?”

“April’s letting me crash at her crib which is suuuuuuuper dope! And I got a security deposit on the place so…”

“Well, I’m not excusing what they did, but is that really grounds for a murder?” He tried not to laugh— it just slipped out.

“That wasn’t my plan.” Cassandra smiled a tired smile, “I was just gonna beat ‘em up and make them pay reimbursement for my shop. Then I realized who he was.”

“Who is he?”

“A few months ago there was a live broadcast on ABC news. A bunch of guys wearing masks hung a mutant from an overpass and then dragged her body down the interstate. He was one of them.”

Raph’s breath caught. “Oh…”

“It was just a kid. The… guys were never caught until now.” She stared at listful at the flashes of red and blue in the distance, signaling that the man she had attacked was found. Rescued; a blessing that little kitten he slaughtered hadn’t been lucky enough to receive.

“I didn't know.” Raph said; he didn't even know mutants had been exposed here! Shouldn’t that have been important enough to mention. “What about the rest of them guys that got away?”

“I’ll find them.” Cassandra was confident.

“And… would they be gettin’ the same treatment as they boss?”

“I can’t know if they were involved. They might be like me. The Foot Clan did… a lot of things I wanted nothing to do with. If they’re the same as me it’s no use. But I am gonna rob em though.”

Raph laughed and pulled back his lips to show off his teeth. “Mind if I join ya?”

Cassandra blinked, and then smiled. “I would be honored.”

[bcbii]

Deception

(Leonardo x reader)

Warnings // angst, blood, character death mention.

———————————————————————————————————

          Ruins, all of it           Within what felt like only days but had progressed in months. The previous lively city of New York had fallen into a downward spiral at the hands of Shredder himself. Streets flooded with the black clothed soldiers patrolling them, looking for any reason to leave civilians scared or slaughtered on the open streets as toxic fumes blackening the previously blue or star filled sky. New York was becoming a waste land and Shredders playground, so everyone was under the impression of at least. All everyone knew as a fact is that normal life had been gone for good. Along with the previous fearless blue clad leader, Leonardo.           Once all hell began to break loose, the turtles had been the first to answer the call. The fight that called upon them was the hardest and came at the highest cost. The cost being their father Splinter’s life and to the brothers and your knowledge, their eldest brothers as well. Not all fights could be won, and they came to such a realization once they faced it themselves. All four entered confidently, planned and ready. After engaging, their hopes for victory began to diminish. They were out numbered and overwhelmed and were given no other choice but to retreat before they got themselves killed. when doing so they waited a bit of ways off for their fellow terrapin brother to follow up as he said he was going to do. Hours of waiting, hours of searching passed and he never did return to his brothers.            You hid in the lair from all the chaos, directives from you former blue clad lover and he basically begged you to stay hidden and out of harms way before they left. You had sat anxiously and in fear for hours, watching the chaos unfold in Donnie’s lab, the multiple monitors displaying multiple news channels, each one going off air into static with each attack, you were horrified, wanting nothing more than this to simply be a nightmare. The nightmare got even worse when only the three turtles returned to the lair, beaten and bruised severely, blood of both themselves and their enemies covering multiple parts of their body.            “W-what happened?! W-Wheres Leo?!”          The question left the youngest of the four eyes welling up with tears that you’re sure he’s been holding back since this all had begun. Their heads hang low before Donnie’s raised, his expression unreadable, “we...we don’t know..”. You felt numb, scared, so many emotions at once and you could barely describe any of them or understand them. You were sure the turtles were just as distraught as you were. “WHAT DO YOU MEAN YOU DON’T KNOW?!”

That had been months ago, after failed attempts of attack and searching to no avail, adapting had been the only viable option left for them and yourself. Numbness had become a familiar feeling amongst all of you as you all attempted to find some normality in the new world. Some of this normality consisted of scavenging for any food or materials that you could find. And tonight was a scavenging night since you guys have been running low on materials. Getting ready, you dressed yourself in all black, baggy black pants, a black t shirt and mask to cover most of your face as you pull on your black leather boots. Throwing a backpack over your shoulder, you headed out.

After you finished getting ready for the trip you went to the brothers, ask if they’d want you to look for anything in specific. Raph hadn’t really requested much of anything, Mikey just wanted decent food and Donnie just wanted computer or any electronical parts. “Be careful, you have your phone if anything happens. Call us”, The large red clad turtle said in a rough stern tone as you started to leave the sewers. “I will”, you reassured him as you left. Since Leo’s disappearance, Raphael had stepped up, doing his best to protect and help his brothers as much as possible. The large terrapin didn’t realize how much Leo was doing until he began to do it himself.

Climbing out of the manhole, you glanced around the alley way quietly, making sure the coast had been clear. Once confirmed, you headed to the abandoned apartments a few blocks down the way, a fellow scavenger hiding out there in which you’d trade with for some pretty good items that would cost quiet a lot from anyone else. The cold breeze of the night nipped at your skin as your cheeks and tip of your nose stung with the cold, but you’d shrug it off.

Climbing the fire escape, you found the shattered window you would use as the entrance all the time. As you climbed through you were careful with the shards of glass that littered the floor. It was dark in the abandoned apartment, the only light being the faint glow of the moon through any openings from the outside in. “Max”, you whisper yelled for the man as you began to step around the apartment, getting no response. The sound of heavy foot steps made you freeze in place, the floor boards creaking loudly under the persons weight. Before you could move on to the next empty room you were halted by a large form as you stumbled back and looked up, it was to dark and you quickly stumbled back, falling back on your behind as you proceeded to scoot back. The large figure before you followed, closing the distance you tried to make each time.

“Who are yo!-“, you were frozen, sharp sapphire hues that glowed in the moon light staring down at you. The faint light from the moon outline his familiar large frame, accentuating the curves and indents of his large muscular form along with the scars that littered his thick skin. A lump in your throat left you breathless as you stared in horror and felt a sick sense of relief for some odd reason.

“L-Leo....”, the name that slipped past your lips felt foreign, it didn’t match the terrapin standing in front of you. That name belong to a fearless leader, wise, strong and caring with a calm exterior. Who stood before you was a stranger, a worn black bandana in place of the old signature bright blue, tired and emotionless eyes with what seemed like an almost permanent scowl. Scarred fist gripping large sharp katanas, the metal being a special kind with a sleek black color. The foot clan insignia etched into the metal that was now dirtied with the blood of her scavenger friend.

Hearing his name slip past your lips now made him freeze, his grip tightening on the handle of his katanas. That voice was all to familiar, your gentle voice sounded scared and broken as you said it. Beneath the shell he created around who he used to be, it broke him to hear. He stared and hard, almost to see if it had been a hallucination. “......(y/n).....”, his voice was rough and deeper than usual since the lack of using it so much, only to bark orders and the puny foot soldiers he led. When your name fell from his lips emotions rushed through you as memories hit you like a freight train, it was Leo but not your Leo. Overwhelming tears began to fill your eyes as you forced yourself up and stared into his eyes. “Where have you been?!” You snapped, he stayed silent and stoic and you despised it.

Stepping back you took in fully who he had become now, pulling down your mask you pressed your tongue against the inside of your cheek as a tear ran down, you stared at the branded insignia of the foot clan on the top left of his plastron. “You joined them didn’t you?.... you never disappeared or died...” you began as Leo’s lips parted to speak, “I can explain—“

“You just joined the foot and became a damn traitor!” You yelled as tears of disappointment, anger and sadness now spilled freely. The words hurt Leo to hear, especially coming from you, he cringed internally as he swallowed thickly and tried to step closer but you only backed up further. “(Y/n) please let me explain... I’m doing what needs to be done” he tried to explain. “Abandoning us? Joining the people who caused all of this?! THE ONES WHO KILLED SPLINTER! YOURE A TRAITOR LEONARDO!” You shouted ruthlessly as you stepped forward a bit and stood your ground. The now black clad turtle put himself in a position he knew would be unforgivable and he would never forgive himself either, but god how he wished he could grab you and let you know how sorry he was and how much he missed you and his brothers. Leo wanted to hold you, he wanted to break down too through all of this but he was the cold blooded assassin that led the foot clan, he couldn’t let himself break.

“I’m doing this for your guys saftey! It was either this or I lost you guys too!” Leo shouted back a bit, overwhelmed by his own feelings as well. The answer left you baffled as you stared at him in shock, “d-did you.... did you consider any of our feelings when you decided to leave us Leo?...when you left me?...”, you asked, searching for an answer as you stared into his dull eyes. You watched his gaze shift shamefully almost as if intimidated by yours. “Of course I did... and you know I did” Leo responded almost as if he seemed offended by the question, “it was the only way....”. Leo felt guilt wash over him as you scoffed and looked around in disbelief as if looking for someone to confirm it. Returning you attention back to him you were silent, somewhat silently remenising about who he used to be. You missed him, you missed the comfort, the smiles, the laughter and happiness your former lover brought you, his brave and protective ways, his arms around you and his lips on yours as comfort or in the most intimate moments. You missed Leo, but this wasn’t him.

Tears proceeded to roll down your cheeks, eyes becoming red “...how could you do this?...”, you said, voice quiet and shaky. Your tone left Leo wishing he could take you in his arms and hide you from all the bad that’s become of the world, that he helped cause which he hated himself for it.

“I’m sorry (y/n)...” Leo spoke, a bit choked up himself. You stepped back a bit as you shook your head quietly. “I-I have to go” you spoke quickly before rushing back to the window you entered through, “wait! (Y/n)-”. You didn't want to go, in fact you wanted to stay beside Leo and have him in your life again but right now, it was all too much, seeing him was only pain. 

Leo stood now in eerie silence as he stared at the window you exited, silently hoping you would come back through, come back to him. He knew you wouldn't though and he had to accept that. It was the price he paid for his decision and his families safety, but had it really be worth it?

// kind of out of the blue and for fun, hope you enjoy :) 

[ariel-snow-tmnt]

the new vigilantes

chapter 3  

The next morning, Ariel woke up at eight o’clock sharp just like April said. She got up and went to the kitchen. She made a nice cup of hot chocolate for herself and a cup of coffee for April. When April came into the kitchen, she smiled at the cup of coffee ready for her. Ariel was a sweetheart even with what happened to her 11 years ago. They both ate breakfast in a comfortable silence. April decided to break the silence.

April: “Hey girl. What are you planning on doing today?”

Ariel: “you know probably going to trained with my sensei. Why are you asking?”

April: “I just want to make sure you’ll be alright. I don’t want you to be lonely.”

Ariel: “Oh… don’t worry for me. I got my sensei and my friends. Ill be fine, besides I got you that I can bug all day.” She smiles with a giggle, then she got up and put her plate in the sink and went to get dress. When she returns to the April to thanks her before she left to go to her sensei for training. April always wonder why she would carry a big bag with her but never question her on that. She knew that Ariel didn’t have much. Once she got to the dojo, she was greeted by her sensei.

Yoshi: “Hello Ariel. I thought I told you that there was no training today.”

Ariel: “Hello sensei. I know but I got nothing else to do and my friends are all busy.”

Yoshi: “I see, but I cannot let you trained all day. It is not healthy for you. But I heard that there is a convention in town and it is related to Japanese culture. You should go and have fun.” 

Ariel: “oh…sure. Can I leave my bag here with you? Ill come and get it later.” He nods and handed her a pass to the convention as he knew that she couldn’t say no. She took it with a smile and thanks him before leaving and grabbing the nearest subway train to down town. Once she reaches the convention, she was amazed buy what she saw. She knew that her friends and her sensei gave her some money for her to get somethings and in case there is an emergency. She spends the entire day there. She bought a few things like a little bonsai tree. When she was in the subway on the way back to her sensei dojo. She told him everything she sawed and showed him what she bought including her little bonsai tree that had some beautiful red and green leaves. She told him good night then left with her bag. She had a weird feeling that she was being followed but brush off that feeling. It was probably just someone going in the same direction. She knew that only creeps that would arrases someone on the street. A hand landed on her shoulder and she turned around ready to fight off who ever touched her, but to her surprise, she was greeted by officer Jones.

Ariel: “Jesus Casey! I could have seriously hurt you. Why didn’t you just call my name?”

Casey: “Sorry snow. But you need to come with me.” He pointed to his car before adding. “We need to talk about something.”

All Ariel could do was nod and followed him to the car. Once she got in that she knew that he had found something about her parents’ murder. He mostly hangs with her if she called him but besides that he keeps his distance to keep her safe.

Ariel: “Casey does it have something to do with my parents?” She asks as her voice started to tremble a little. Casey was the officers responsible about Ariel parents.

Casey: “we found out that they were murder by the shredder.” He looks down and sighs. “I’m sorry Ariel but…we be believed that you may be in danger.”

Ariel felt tears in her eyes. She knew that her parents loved her and would never abandon her without a reason. Now that she knew that the Shredder was responsible, she had a better reason to fight them.

Ariel: “Thanks for telling me…” Casey stared the car and started to drive off.

Casey: “that’s not all. I’m taking you to some of my friends to make sure you will be safe. I know you know ninjitsu but April and I think its best if you go stay with them for a few days even their sensei agreed with us on this mater.”

Ariel: “Wait… you know April? And you never told me?” she seams confused about all that why didn’t he just took her to her sensei and why going to another sensei anyway but remained silent for the rest of the ride. Casey pull the car to a stop in a dark ally way and got out. Ariel opened the door and got out. She could easily see 4 figures standing in the shadows.

Ariel: “if their supposed to be ninjas they’re not doing a good job of being unseen.”  April giggle and move forward to greeted them with a smile.

April: “I know that you master ninjitsu but if the Shredder finds you. You won’t be able to fight him alone or with your friends without putting them in danger.”

A voice from the shadows spoke.

Leo: “we were not trying to be invisible we let you be able to see us.” Ariel raised an eyebrow in their direction. She didn’t believe that for one bit.

Donnie: “the foot clan can track anyone down. No matter where they are.”

Raph: “yeah. and with y’a hair color of yours it made it easy for them to find y’a.”

Ariel: “and what if I don’t want to stay with you? I could had gone to my own sensei.” She looks directly at the figure that had katanas but one with a playful body language came up next to him.

Mikey: “true but we took down the Shredder once and that huge thing in the sky a few months ago. Not to brag or anything but yeah we did that.” He started to flex when one of them wacked him in the head. She sighs as she looks down then look back at Casey.

Ariel: “I don’t have a choice, do I?” he shook his head with a smile.

Casey: “don’t worry their just teenagers like you beside their fun when you get use to them.” Ariel looked back in their direction.

Ariel: “they don’t look like teenagers.”

Raph: “well sorry to disappoint y’a but we are.”

Leo: “I think its time to go back to the lair. Mikey you know the drill.” With that one of them approached her and put a pillow case over her head before she could even process what she saw.

When they arrive at the lair, they were greeted by Splinter. The smell wasn’t that bad for being in the sewers. Mikey gently put me back on my feet. He was talking the entire was, witch she found amusing. She felt that he only had three fingers on each hand. She felt his skin was kind of rough and was that scaly?

Splinter: “I apologies for the pillow case on your head but we need to keep this place a secret.” He nodded towards his youngest son to remove the casing over her head. She heard him whisper to her.

Mikey: “please don’t freak out…” he trailed off and she wonder why he had asked her that. He slowly removed the casing. Ariel took sometime to adjust to the lighting. Then she understood why he asked her that. In front of her stood four giants mutant turtles and a giant mutated rat. He looked wise and caring. The she notices Mikey, that was the smallest, was kind of scared but you didn’t know why.

Ariel: “now that’s explain your size, and that Vern didn’t do shit when it came to the shredder.” Mikey with orange slowly approached her.

Mikey: “you’re not freaked out about us??” Ariel just shuck her head. Mikey expression completely change. He was going to say something when the one in blue stopped him. He looked like the oldest and the leader of them.

Leo: “my name is Leonardo and you must have guest that he is Mikey.”

Mikey: “it’s short for Michelangelo.” He said with the biggest smile.

Splinter: “my name is Splinter but you can call me sensei if you want.” He then turns to his son and nod to them before going to what she presumed to be his room. Then the one in red came up to her and at that moment she knew that she was going to leave him alone.

Raph: “names Raphael but call me Raph.” He then left to go to his room probably. The one with the glasses was kind of cute. He was tall and wasn’t as muscular then his brothers but he was defiantly the smartest one.

Don: “I’m Donatello but you can call me Donnie or Don just don’t call me D please.” As he looked at her she saw how beautiful his eyes were. They were golden brown, something that she never saw before. Leo propose to give her a tour and Mikey was the one that eagerly showed me around. When we passed the gym, she saw how much Raph could lift. But she didn’t look long before she dragged away by Mikey. He finished the tour by showing her Donnie’s lab. He pushed her into the lab gently. She looked back at him confused.

Ariel: “you’re not coming in?”

Mikey: “I’m not allowed in their since I ended breaking things.” He then motions to her to look around. She saw Donnie at kind of computer. She approached him and she noticed that he had saw her on one of his monitors.

Don: “you like the tour?” he didn’t even turn around to speak to her as she stood next to him. She was focus on something on the screen.

Ariel: “are those the city’s camera system? How did you even get access to them?” Donnie was amused by her curiosity.

Don: “I hacked into the system years ago and I’m also the one that made most of the gadgets and the heating system. No one tough me that I just learned on my own.” He was bragging to her but she didn’t mind. He showed her to the spare room they had prepared for her. Her bag was already there along with Leonardo. He smiled at her as he lifted her new little tree.

Leo: “I have never seen one this color before.”

Ariel: “I got it at the Japanese convention down town. I always wanted one so now I have one. Their hard to find around here.” She went to her bag as she heard small chirping sounds. She turned around and saw Donnie leave. Leo turned around and looked at her and knew she was going to ask the question.

Leo: “it’s turtle language.” Ariel just nod before she gabbed something in her bag.

Leo: “if you need anything, I’ll be right across the hall. I know this is new but you’ll get use to it.” She looked at him with a small hint of sadness.

Ariel: “I know, I’m just not used to being with a lot of people when I seep somewhere. I had problems in the past with others.” She looked down.

Leo: “you won’t have to worry about anything. No one with hurt or try anything on you. We may be turtles but we now better then to do such a thing.” He walks to the door before adding. “you are welcome to join us tomorrow morning for training. Good night Ariel.” He closes the door and left. What he told her made her feel safer. She took out all of her weapons and put them all up on the wall as they knew that she would bring them with her. She changed into her pyjamas and took out her favorite plushy. She really like plushies. It comforted her and made her happy. She climbed into the bed and laid down. It really was a comfortable bed. She felt asleep instantly. A few hours later, Donnie was going to bed but before he went to check on Ariel. He opened the door of her room and saw her sound asleep with her plushie. It was a purple bunny with very long ears. He smiles and close the door again then went to bed.

[darkness-to-redemption]

"Oh hush." Raph rumbled as he sat up. Then sighed heavily. "Which one is it?" He quietly asked Donnie.

"The big fellow. With the hook swords and sai."

Despite the situation, Raph smiled a little. "That's my boy." He was already proud of the son he just found.

"Don't let them out quite yet." Leo murmured to Striker. "You brought us here, yes. But remember, it took the girls a few tries to get through to us. And even then we only began to trust them only when we were wounded and couldn't fight." He was watching his own son intently as the blonde still stood firm in her position.

Mikey stood completely still, very aware of the dangerous situation he was in. The others were now starting to come around. "Beautiful name." Mikey smiled. "Arianna."

"We don't go by names!" The katana bearer snapped at his smaller cousin. "You know that! Do you want to be-"

"Beat?" Leo silently landed behind the boy. "Hit? Punished to the point you can't stand?"

He turned sharply, sword coming around. It was met with Leo's. "You know nothing!"

Leo couldn't help the chuckle as he look up at Aqua. "I told that to someone once. Turned out she knew far more than I could at first comprehend." He lowered his gaze to the boy in front of him. Noticing the brown haired girl watching intently. Her fists clenching her tonfas. "Child, I know far more than you can currently understand."

He held his gaze. Steadily looking from the male to the female. "You aren't the first ones who was created by meddling, and trained by the clan." He paused a moment and sighed. "You aren't the only ones who have suffered under their care. I wish I would have known about you sooner. I am so sorry you had to go through the same thing I did. We did. But I promise you now, never again will I let you go through that again."

"And what gives you the right to decide that?" The female snarled. "You have no claim over us."

Leo just smiled sadly. "As your father, I do claim that right."

Their eyes grew wide. The boy even stepped back before getting his wits about him.

"You're lying! This is just some crazy trick!"

"To what gain?" Leo asked even as Raph and Donnie dropped down. "I already have my freedom. I am happy and content with my life. What could I possibly gain from lying to you?"

The siblings exchanged an unsure look.

"Bullshit!" The bulky one snapped. "You aren't my father!"

"He ain't." Raph agreed, crossing his arms. "I am."

The big one looked like his angry eyes were about to pop out of his head.

Donnie stepped forward, holding out the test and the results. "Here is an indepth look at the tests I ran."

The lean one snapped it out of his hands and looked it over. His face incredulous as he looked it over. "It can't be...."

Donnie smiled sadly. "It can be, son."

His eyes flung up from the paper to his new found father, the paper rattling in his rapidly shaking hand.

Donnie pressed on gently. "I can tell you were birthed by human women. We'd like to-"

Immediately the siblings eyes went flat and weapons were raised again. "You leave our mothers out of this!" The male snarled.

Leo's eyes narrowed shrewdly. "Such cold killers defending the mere mention of them? Showing concern in a world were no connection to love and caring is allowed?"

Hands tightened on weapons, but the siblings remained silent. But one did speak up.

"My mother called me Arianna." Her hands were shaking as she spoke, and her eyes flickered between colors. "Until I was taken away from her. No one else gave me a name."

"And where is she now?" Leo gently asked her.

"I don't know!" She snapped in frustration. "I was taken from her when I was three! I haven't seen her since! I don't know if she even is alive!"

"And the rest of you?" Leo asked the others.

Their expressions told him they had shared similar experiences. They all looked angrily frustrated.

All but one.

The lean one looked back down at the paper, then back at the older turtles. "They are still alive." He said quietly. "And I know where they are."

@infuriatedleprechaun

Opposites Attract

“Careful, you idiot.” Leonardo snarled at his youngest brother. “They’ll hear you, scatter and I’ll have to chase them all around the city.”

[waterstar2016]

Hello! I’m the anon that requested the Donnie with shower prompt. Your story was so sweet and inspiring! I wanted to say thank you! I was wondering if you could write another request? Could you write as Leo trying to ask out his lady love for the first time, and him being really shy? If not that’s okay. Thank you so much! It really means a lot!

Glad you liked it! And, thank you for the feedback.

This ended up being a little longer than I thought it would, but I ran with what I visualized in my head. Hope you enjoy it.

He was sitting by himself and sharpening his Katana. The simple task was soothing and gave his mind room to wander. His thoughts drift to a beautiful face and shining personality. Smiling, he remembered the night he’d met her.

The four of them were out on their nightly patrol, and so far everything had been quiet. His eyes were scanning the cityscape below him “Alright guys, let’s do one more sweep of the south side and then we’ll head back to the lair.” Flipping over the side of the building his brothers followed him. As they are moving down the sides of buildings a scream pierces the night. His eyes narrow “Guys, we’re on the move.” He and brothers head to investigate. They reach an old apartment building. There was a woman on the roof and she was being pursued by a couple of the foot clan. He motions for his brothers to approach from below.

As they are climbing up they hear one of the foot talking “Give us the flash drive and maybe we’ll let you go.” He then listened to the tremble in her voice as the woman responded to the threat. “And let you assholes have access to the tech that’s on it? No way.”  

Raph jumped up over the edge and takes out the two nearest him while Donnie and Mikey took care of the third. The fourth runs at the woman and she had leaped over the edge and landed on the fire escape below. It was old and rickety and even her slight weight was too much for it. It starts to buckle. With a groan, the metal starts leaning precariously away from the building. Noticing this Leo had jumped to intercept. Grabbing her around the waist he swings over to the next building. Landing he gently sets her down. Looking down at her he prepared himself for her reaction to his form. Surprising him she whispered, “Thanks for the rescue.”

She had given him her card. It turned out that she was a cop, and had asked him and his brothers if it was ok if she called on them for help in the future. He felt this was a good move strategically and had agreed. Over the next few weeks, they had helped her take care of some more altercations involving the foot. Upon discovering that she knew Casey from the force, the brothers had invited her to start coming to the lair to discuss operative plans.

Switching to his oiling cloth he started polishing the metal. He had spent the last few months getting to know her. He had come to admire her spirit, her unfailing sense of duty and her love of the city she helped protect. That admiration had slowly turned into something else. He was not used to feeling discombobulated, he prided himself on always being able to maintain focus and control. Now, all she had to do was walk into the room and he felt his concentration slip.  

He was the leader. Having that position meant the responsibility of not only protecting the innocent but that of his brothers rested on his shoulders. He had devoted himself to years of meditation and discipline, not letting anything or anyone distract him. He was so focused on the mission and his own values that he sometimes forgot about feelings. When so many lives depended on the decisions he made, he feared to let even an ounce of control go because that could lead to disastrous consequences.

After talking to his father, he realized that letting someone in could make him a better leader. Allowing those feelings for another grow inside of him made him more aware of the feelings of others around him. He found himself being able to listen more to his brothers and being able to read in-between the lines, and he had her to thank for all of it. There was only one problem, she didn’t know how he felt. She wasn’t aware of what her casual touch did to him. She didn’t realize that her smile made his knees weak. She didn’t know that he was falling in love with her. He was afraid of rejection. She was beautiful and human. He was a giant mutant turtle.

They had started hanging out together at the end of each patrol. She was fearless. He’d watch her walk the edge of the rooftop while they talked about their day. Her balance was impeccable but he stayed close, just in case. Jumping off the ledge she was pacing on and onto the roof, she had walked towards him. “Thanks for the chat Leo, I really enjoy our time together like this.” He just nodded. She had then reached up and grasped his shoulder. Looking up into his eyes she had given him a squeeze, and all he managed was to swallow. Giving him a small smile she climbed over the edge of the fire escape and he could hear the sound of her heels fade down the ladder. It happened every time he tried to ask her out. He would freeze.

Putting the stone and polishing cloth away, he slid his Katana into their scabbard. Resting arms on his legs he sighed. Not having confidence in a situation was not something he was used to. Suddenly her scent reaches his awareness and he looks up. “Hey, Leo! I figured you guys might be hungry, so I went ahead and brought pizza.” She pauses and grins widely “Annnnd, I made sure to have extra anchovies put on yours, I know how much you like them.” He found himself smiling. She always did little things like that for him. But, did that mean she liked him? No, of course not, she was just a kind soul.

Getting up he slowly followed her to the kitchen. She was sitting on the chair beside Mikey, and upon seeing him she kicked a chair towards him. Grinning at her playfulness he sits down and takes the slice she handed to him. Every time her eyes met his he had to try and not blush.  

After dinner, they had all sat down to watch a movie. He could tell by her body movements and posture that she was tired. He grabbed a pillow and handed it to her. Smiling in gratitude she curled up with it while she positioned herself sideways on the couch and closed her eyes. He couldn’t take his eyes off of her.

In sleep, her body had started sliding towards his. Eyes wide he watched as she ended up with her head on his lap with the pillow between them. His whole body tensed. He didn’t know what to do. Should he let her sleep? Should he wake her up? Almost feeling an outright panic set in he closed his eyes. He managed to control his breathing and reached a light state of meditation. Sighing in relief he opened his eyes. She was sleeping soundly.  

Mikey turned around and seeing what was happening he nudges Raph. Raph turns around and smirked. He managed to glare at both his brothers enough so that they had shrugged and gone back to watching the movie. Soon after the movie ended she woke up and stretched. Realizing she had fallen asleep on his lap she smiled sheepishly. “Uh, sorry about that Leo, I must be more tired than I thought I was.” He managed to find his tongue “No problem, sometimes exhaustion can take over the best of us.” Searching his eyes she sighs “Well, I guess I should head home. I’ll see you tomorrow?” He gives her a nod and walks her out of the lair and to her car. Watching until her tail lights disappear he rubbed his hand over his face. Looking at the sky he whispers “Enough.” Tomorrow he would ask her.

He had spent the entire next day in training. Being with his Katana was the only refuge for the turmoil he was feeling inside of him. He had talked himself into asking her out and then out of it a hundred times over. Before he knew it, it was time for patrol.

After interrupting a robbery his brothers had headed back to the lair and he had stayed back as was their nightly routine. She was leaning against the wall of the rooftop entrance. The city lights reflecting off of her hair, her silhouette adding a delicate curve to the sharp edges of the buildings around them. Taking a deep breath he approached her.

“You were incredible tonight, your aim with that bucket was impeccable.” He really was impressed at how resourceful she was in a confrontation. She always had an ace tucked up her sleeve. She looked over at him and smiled. “Well, it may have been unconventional, and I don’t think it will end up in the staff playbook, but it worked.” He shook his head and they laughed.  

Cocking his head to the side he walked closer “Hey listen, I saw that one guy land a punch on your shoulder blade, are you ok?” She grimaced slightly, yeah, I think there will be a bruise, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.” He gave her a look that bore no argument “I want to see, I need to make sure you’re ok? Please?”

Nodding she eases her jacket off so he can inspect her shoulder. There was definitely going to be a bruise. Taking his hand he gently places it on her back near the injury and gently feels around the area, checking for damage. He feels a small tremble. He sighs, and the exhale of his breath travels across her skin. Immediately he notices the raised gooseflesh on the back of her neck. He thinks he hears her whisper his name. “Leo.”

Pulling away he tells her “You should head home and ice that. It will help with the swelling.” She turns and faces him and he must be seeing things because it looks like her cheeks are flushed. She meets his eyes and smiled, almost sadly. “Sure Leo, I’ll go do that. Thanks.” She reaches out and giving his hand a squeeze she the turns and starts heading towards the rooftop exit.  

He’s breathing hard. It was going to happen again, he was going to watch her walk away. No! Not this time. He had to know. If she said no he could only hope that their friendship was strong enough to survive. Gritting his teeth he calls out. “Wait!”  

She spun around and faced him. He could see the look of surprise on her face at his yell. He walked up to her. “Look, when I first met you I respected you. You love this city and its people. I’ve watched you take more than your fair share of evil out.” He pauses to catch his breath and she is looking up at him, but he can’t meet her eyes just yet. “But, now, that respect has grown into something more, and it’s been eating me up inside.” He swallows and he hears her gasp.

Closing his eyes he digs deep for the courage to keep talking. Eyes still closed he found his voice “I know we’re different but I can’t help what I feel for you, you’ve helped me understand things I had a hard time grasping before and you’ve made me feel something that I never thought I could have, or needed.”

She wasn’t saying anything, he couldn’t even hear her breathe. Maybe this was a mistake. Hanging his head and sighing he whispered: “I’m sorry, I shouldn’t have said anything…” He hears her sigh and the sound of her footsteps crunching on the gravel closing the few remaining footsteps between them.

He feels her finger on his lips and his eyes snap open. He looks at her and sees that she’s smiling and she looked radiant. “O, Leo, I was beginning to wonder if you were ever going to ask me out.” His mouth parts slightly in surprise “Really? I thought that with me being what I was…” She shakes her head and placed her hands on his plastron. “Leo, I’ve liked you for a while now. And, what you are is a wonderful person. You’re brave, strong, caring and are an amazing leader.” Turning her head he sees her blush “Besides, you have a body to die for and those blue eyes of yours make me weak.”

He finds himself grinning at her words. “O, really?” She looks back up at him and her eyes widen at the sly look he was now giving her. She nods and he bites his lip, making her shiver. Taking his hand he gently grasps her chin and tilts her head up. After one last breath, he closes his eyes, leans down towards her and presses his lips to hers. Their kiss was tentative at first but as the seconds pass it grew more heated. She puts her arms on his shoulders and he grabs her waist with his hands, pulling her into him.

She pulls away from him and exhales “Woah. You’re one hell of a kisser Leo.” Chuckling deeply he looks into her eyes and says “Princess, tonight is just the beginning.”

End.

[turtimagines]

Second Chances

Haven't posted anything about Thea lately, so here's something I wrote a while back about the boys second encounter with her, a few days after they bring her home from the lab they found her in.  Hope you enjoy!

Pairing: None.  Yet.....  OC relations with story characters.

Warnings: Language.  Minor gore.

New York was so much louder now, almost as if the sounds were alive and tearing you apart with all the vibrations and shadows that passed.  Sirens and music from local pubs and stores nearly shattered Thea's eardrums, feeling as if her skull was being crushed.  Her mouth opened as she screamed, yet she could not hear it.  Her ears picked up every little thing, except for her voice.

She managed to stumble her way through the alley she was in, her hands guiding her along the cracked brick walls and substituting as support. 

Thea only went out for a walk that night, get some air from her small stuffy apartment.  Her mind was still trying to process what happened to her those few days ago, along with thinking about those who got her out of that hell hole.  What they did to her in that lab was still foggy, unclear.  She didn't remember how she ended up there in the first place. 

Pieces, small bits of muffled voices and ringing of bells, or alarms, whichever.  Everything was blurry, and she was so weak.  Thea remembered seeing blurs, but her body was too far gone.  The darkness swallowed her.

But now, pain surged through every point in her body, and the sounds that rang through her head almost tore her apart.

Thea fell to her knees and onto the cold pavement, her hands to her head in attempts to block out the sounds.  But only more pain made it's way into her body and mind, and she bellowed over and spit up everything that was in her stomach.  She cried out in agony. 

This time she didn't go unnoticed.

~~~~~~

Atop a nearby building, four figures sat on the edge, watching over the busy streets of New York City.  Brothers, mutants, New York City's silent heroes sat and chatted with a box of pizza and some drinks, for once enjoying each other's company without a fight breaking out between the eldest two.  Raph actually sat beside Leo, and joked around with him while Donnie fiddled with his gadgets and Mikey messed with his board.

It was a free night, a no training day, a day to be teenage boys and get out and get air, be free.  It wasn't often they get these days, having to train and keep in shape, keep their minds sharp and to be ready when they face trouble again.  Or their enemies from the Foot Clan. 

It was nice to do this.

A silence formed.

But was broken by the sudden burst of cries and screams.

All four popped their heads up and stopped what they were doing.

"Did you guys hear that?" Mikey said suddenly. 

"I think the entire city heard it," Raphael responded, picking up his sais and standing to his feet.

They were silent for a moment, listening for the sounds again.  Truth be told, it somewhat frightened them; they had never heard a scream like that in their lives.  It was full of agony, pain, and on another level. . . almost predatory.

"Guys," Donnie said, the beeping of his gadget sounding underneath his fingertips, "I managed to track the source.  Sort of like echolocation.  Should we go?"

Leo looked out at the city once more before turning his gaze back to his brother.

"Yeah.  How far?"

"According to this, about. . . a block.  Alley, it looks like."

Mikey made an audible sigh and slumped his shoulders.

"Why does it always have to be alleys?  It's literally the number one place to be mugged. . . Or murdered.  Oh God, what if we find a body?"

"Won't know until we get there," Leo said.  "If someone is hurt, we need to go."

~~~~~~

With Donnie ahead, the brothers effortlessly followed him across the rooftops, rolling and gliding over the surfaces with ease.  The technician kept a close eye on his gadget, gaining up on the source of the screams.  Eventually they slowed to a halt.

"Just below us," Donnie said. 

They all peeked over the side of the building and into the alley, just as Donnie told.  Leo expected to see someone down there; maybe it was just a drunkard or someone just fooling around.

Although, his gut was telling him something else was going on.  Maybe it was the leader instincts coming in. 

The beeping of Donnie's gadget caught everyone's attention.

"Just double checking.  The vibrations are strong in this area.  This is where the scream came from."  Don said as he looked up at his brothers.

With his katanas now in his hands, Leo turned and stood on the edge, about to jump down and investigate.

"Keep an eye out."

And he fell.

Instinctively, his brothers performed the same actions; with their weapons now in their hands they followed Leo down into the alley, effortlessly and easily landing on the pavement below.

The alley was vaguely lit from the street lights behind them; a few trashcans, one dumpster and water dripping off of metal balconies and roofs.  Who knows would could have been lurking down here.  They remained cautious and vigilant.

"It's stronger up ahead," Donnie said, his voice only a whisper.

They only made it a few steps before a sound emerged from the shadows, alerting them to raise their weapons in a defensive position.  Mikey though, was oddly tense.  With this kind of environment, this situation, too many movies he thought.

Leo stalked forward, ready to fight if the action was needed.  He listened closely for the sound again.

A shadow stumbled it's way out into the open and in the middle of the alley.  They fell forward onto their knees, a hand supporting them on the pavement, the other covering their ear.  Leo stopped, realizing it was a human.

"Shit." Raph hissed.

Rule one of being a ninja; don't let anyone see you.

They just broke it.

They were just about to flee, when sobs and shorts breaths made Leo stop to turn and look at them.  Hisses from their teeth told him, that this person was in pain.  Severe pain.  That feeling of terror from being seen, was now slowly being replaced with concern for their well-being.  He watched the shadow slowly stand up, but not fully.  Their body was still bent over, their knees bent as they shakily tried to keep themselves from falling again.

"Help me!  P-please. . . for the love of--"

And it hit him.

That voice.  Familiar.  Leo remembered where he heard it.  A few days ago, that voice was going through one ear and out the other.

"Oh God." he said to himself.  Now in a dead sprint, he sheathed his katanas.  "Guys, it's Thea!"

~~~~~~~~~

Before the black took her, she remembered seeing those four bulky figures standing in front of her.  She was lucky she could see at all, with all the noises blinding her.  she had vomited twice, and if it wasn't for the blackness that received her, a third time wasn't far behind it.  Thea managed to speak out for help, and thankfully she was heard.

Still with weak eyes, hers barely opened to see blurred faces, streaks of red, blue, orange and purple.  And faint, easy and soft voices, so much better than what had previously went through her ears.  She could barely make out who they were, but they sounded friendly.

Thank God, she thought.

Her breaths were shallow, like it was still hard for her to catch her breath.  And she was shaking so bad that she couldn't form any words to say to those who were with her then.  But she could faintly hear.

"Call. . . .April. . . get her. . .lair!"

After the voice ceased, as did her eyes, allowing the dark to take her once again.

~~~~~~~~

Leo brushed her blue hair away from her eyes, holding her hand in his own.

"Hold on Thea, we're gonna help you."

Donnie was constant with his gadgets and medical knowledge, checking her pulse and keeping an eye on her main vitals with his gadget.  Increased heart rate, high count of red blood cells, uncontrollable shaking, fever and ragged breaths - it was almost painful to watch.

April and Vern were on their way with the van to take her to the lair.  The hospital was out of question; with the mutagen in her blood, doctors would have no experience whatsoever with it, and without knowledge Thea surely would die there on the operating table.  Their best option was the lair, which was 10 minutes away.  Leo would have carried her like he did before, but she was in no shape to be handled that way.  Thea was to be driven to the sewer port where the boys normally go through to go home, and be examined and taken care of there.  While Mikey and Raph kept an eye out for April and Vern, Leo and Donnie stayed by Thea's side, making sure nothing else would happen to her.

Her head lay still in Leo's lap, skin cold as he held her hand. 

Leo didn't know what else to do, only to stare at her quivering eyes and lips until his friends arrived.  At this point, he'd do anything to help her.

~~~~~~~~~~~

The rhythmic tune of running monitors woke her, her eyes slowly opened and revealed golden irises to the world around her.  She was staring upwards at a light, which quickly blinded her once her eyes were open.  Thea raised her arm to block the light and groaned.

Where the hell am I?

She began to sit up but was stopped halfway when she felt a hand rest on her shoulder, pushing her easily back down onto the table she was on.  Thea looked to her side to see a familiar pair of eyes, blue as an ocean.  She remembered those eyes; they belonged to someone who saved her from the lab. 

"Leo. . ."

A gentle smile emerged on his lips, eyes shining with relief. 

"H-how did-"

Oh, it was so hard and painful to speak.  Her words were lodged into her throat, coarse and dry.  Her chest pained her.  Although it was still hard to breathe, she could manage this time to stay awake without falling asleep again.  Her hand massaged her chest.

"Thirsty?" Leo asked.  Thea nodded slowly.  She spotted a cup of the refreshment in Leo's hand, his arm extended out to her.  Thea slowly sat up and took the drink, gulfing it down within seconds.  Leo smiled at her again, happy to see how her condition had improved from when she was brought in.  It had only been an hour or so, and everything was fine.  Regular heartbeat, no more shaking, better breathing although still difficult, and her fever had gone down but not away. 

She was improving, and that's all Leo wanted to see.

Thea returned the cup and rubbed her face tiredly.  Her body told her it wasn't time to get up just yet, so she laid back down on the table.  She felt a sheet over her body to keep her warm.

"Today's been hell of a day," Thea said quietly, chuckling in between.  But rough coughing emerged at the end, making Leo scoot closer to her in case it became worse.  Her raised hand stopped him though.

"I-I'll be fine.  Still need to get my bearings."

"You really scared us Thea" Leo spoke, voice sincere.  "We'd never experienced anything like what we saw.  It was frightening."

Thea turned her head to see Leo within arms reach of her, his blue eyes giving her the most heartwarming gaze she had ever received.  Her heart quickened, as well as the subject.

"I remember seeing you guys. . . before I blacked out.  How did you know I was there?"

"You screamed, or howled would be a better term.  We were close by, and Donnie used his skills to find you."

Thea returned her gaze to the ceiling, the monitors filling in the silence between the two of them.  She placed her hand on her forehead, feeling the heat from her fever hit her skin.  Swallowing the lump in her throat, Thea closed her eyes and breathed out sharply through her nose, trying to regain her memories of how this mess started.

"I was at work when this shit happened," she managed to finally say.  Leo's attention was still on her.

"I was standing behind the front counter, giving a guy his money.  And I just felt. . . so angry all of a sudden.  And sick.

I told my boss, went out for some air hoping I would be fine after that.  But it just got worse.  I was dizzy, couldn't catch my breath, I could barely see and my heart felt like it was going to jump out of my chest.  I began to panic. 

I went home, and by the time I came through the door I was drenched with sweat.  I got into the shower and turned on the cold water, figuring it would help.  I was in there for what seemed like an hour and the dizziness just got worse.  I crashed in my bed afterwards.  It just seemed to make it worse.

I got up about six and managed to drag myself out of bed.  Leo, I felt like I was going insane.  I just wanted it to stop!"

A pause.  Thea breathed raggedly, Leo hearing the tears beginning to form.  He sat quietly.

"I ran and ran, into everything.  I guess that's when I ended up in that alley where you found me.  My head felt like it was going to explode.  I could hear everything.  That's when I screamed."

"And that's when we heard you." Leo said. 

Thea returned her gaze to him, his hands now locked together and leaning forward with his elbows supporting him on his knees. 

"What the hell is going on with me Leo. . ."

He was about to respond when Donnie came into the lab, tech in hand.  He set it down on a nearby table and turned to Thea.

"It's the mutagen," Donnie said as he crossed his arms over his chest, "it's changing you."

Thea's eyes widened, and Don caught on.  He raised a hand to reassure her.

"Nothing's wrong Thea.  It's just adapting to your system."

"Or trying to kill me."

Chuckling, Donnie shook his head.

"No.  Trust me you're gonna be fine.  You just need to rest.  How's your hearing?  Anymore ringing?"

"Besides the migraine, no."

Donnie gave her a quick smile and turned to his computer, checking her vitals.  Everything was normal, thankfully.  Donnie had done his job well, along with help from his brothers and father.  He walked over to Thea and placed the back of his hand on her forehead.

"Your fever is still there," he said pulling his hand away, "but not as bad as before."

Thea accepted his and Leo's help as they sat her up.  Donnie checked her over once more before exiting the room to let her rest. 

"You need anything, just holler."

Leo spun in his seat, looking at his brother over his shoulder.

"Don't worry, I'll be here."

Smiling, Donnie left the two there in the lab.  Leo spun back around in his chair, seeing Thea's draped over the edge of the table, head bent down with one arm supporting her on the surface, her other hand massaging her forehead.

"I'm sure Donnie's got some Tylenol around here somewhere.  April gave him a bottle."  Leo said.  Thea shook her head.

"I just need sleep. . .I should head back home."

Leo then quickly rose, and was now standing by her side.  Thea looked up at him with tired eyes.

"No, you need to stay here." he said, placing a hand on her shoulder.  "We don't want another episode like that."

Huffing out a laugh, Thea smiled at the ground before returning her gaze to him.

"Thanks but, I'm feeling fine now."

"We're not risking it."

"Leo. . ."

"Doctor's orders."

"Excuse me?"

"You're not going to like it but you're going to have to stay here a couple of days.  So we can keep an eye on you."

Thea's eyes narrowed and her jaw clenched, clearly showing Leo her disagreement on this.  He sighed and sat on the table beside her.

"I know you would have wanted to go over this first-"

"Damn right I would've." Thea growled.  It was low, low enough to not alert the others at her sudden aggressiveness. 

Voices caught her ears, voices a couple rooms away.  Realizing that no one could have possibly heard them from this far away, Thea remained still and averted her gaze from Leo to the doorway.

Don and the rest of his family, along with two other unfamiliar voices, came to her attention.  The topic was about her; Don suggesting she stay at the lair, for everyone to give her space and to find her a place to lay until she recovered.  From the sounds of it, Leo was right.  They weren't letting her leave.

Thea let out a sharp breath of defeat and bowed her head, hands clenching the edge of the lab table.  She took a moment before her eyes met Leo's, which were staring contently at her.

"You're really giving me no choice are you?"

Leo bit his lip and spoke softly.

"I'm sorry Thea.  I - We are just worried something else might happen to you."

Rubbing her face, Thea inhaled and exhaled deeply, sitting up straight and pulling the thin blanket off of her.

"Fine, but I want Jack here."

"Jack?"

She smiled.  "My dog.  I don't want him in the apartment alone.  He's gotten the habit of digging through the trash when I'm not home."

Leo smiled and chuckled heartedly.  He stood on his feet and offered his hand for Thea to stand.  She held it to steady herself, her legs still somewhat weak.  She was the escorted to the main room of the lair where his family was.

"I think we can arrange that."

~~~~~~~

The German Shepard was running furiously around the lair, sniffing and playing with everything he could find, he even managed to nab Donnie's bo staff and run with it.

"Uh, excuse me!  That is NOT a toy!"

As much as it was amusing to the others, Donnie didn't think so.  He eventually got the slobber covered weapon back. 

The night ended with leftover pizza and trying to find a spot for Thea to sleep.  For Leo, the pizza box couch was out of the question.  He was persistent that she'd sleep somewhere comfortable.

"Tell you what," Leo began, "I'll take the couch.  You and Jack can have my bed."

Thea immediately began to protest, suddenly flustered at his statement.

"Uh, the couch is fine.  Really," she said quickly.  She pet Jack's head as he brushed up against her leg.  Leo shook his head and smiled.

"You are not sleeping on that thing.  Nope."

"Won't you need blankets?"

"We have some extras around here somewhere."

This was to be Thea's first sleepover at someone's house.  Even as a child, she was never allowed to stay over anywhere, not even at her grandparents house; her parents were either too drunk to drive her there or too strict about her leaving.  All of this was new to Thea, she didn't know how to feel, how to act.  She simply sighed and silently muttered 'okay' to Leo.

Her eyes peeked up at him.

"Thanks."

~~~~~~~~~~

Leo led Thea and her companion to his room.  Thea's eyes examined the room to see it well kept and roomy.  Practice weapons were mounted on the wall over his bed, which was also neatly made, and paintings of Japanese characters and graffiti covered every inch of the walls, along with a picture or two.

"Make yourself at home." he said, and as he did, Jack trotted ahead and onto the blue blankets and barked before laying down.

"Well he certainly has," Thea said as she laughed.  Leo did the same.  "C'mon you brat, get down."

"No,it's okay." Leo said as he walked up to Jack, petting his head and rubbing his ears.  He began to laugh as Jack gave him wet kisses.  It was endearing to watch the two, and it made Thea smile.  Jack eventually settled with a belly rub.

After a few more rubs on Jack's belly Leo stood and walked towards Thea, smiling as Jack whined behind him.

"I had April grab some clothes for you.  Picked 'em up when they brought Jack." he said.

"April?"

"O'Neal.  Friend of ours."

That last name was familiar.  Thea pondered for a moment before realizing.

"The news reporter?"

Leo smiled and nodded his head.  "You can meet her tomorrow.  She said she would come in and see how you were doing." 

"How'd she know where I live?"

"Donnie.  He's a hacker as well.  How do you think we found you?"

About to speak, Thea was interrupted by a loud bark, signaling to her that it was past Jack's bed time.  They both chuckled, and Leo looked down at Thea.

"I think he's talking to you.  I'll see you in the morning."

Thea watched him leave.  His hospitality certainly caught her off guard.  She'd have to replay these guys somehow.

She changed into her clothes, sport shorts and a tanktop, the ones April had brought her.  Eventually, and reluctantly, she climbed into the bed and positioned herself so she was comfortable.  And like always before bed, she gives Jack a soft kiss on his head and rests her head on the pillow.  It was actually comfortable.

Once Thea laid still and the covers over her, she stayed quiet.  She was listening.  Not a sound was heard, even with her newly heightened hearing.  Just the sound of her heartbeat against the mattress.  Everything was new, and she wasn't used to any of this; she knew she would have trouble sleeping in a new environment.

The smell of vanilla and spice filled her nose, and it never smelt so great before.  She had candles in her apartment, but this just totally relaxed her.  After the day she had, it's what she desperately needed.  To relax, to sleep. 

Good darkness took over her this time.

[velcr0kitty]

What If?

Title: What If? Summary: You indulge yourself in a harmless passion, following a train of thought, but when Mikey catches a glimpse it may not be so harmless after all. Author: Velcr0Kitty Characters: Mikey (2016) x Reader Word Count: 1846 Warnings: Angst, fluff, body image… issues? I guess? Author’s Notes: Welcome to my first fic, I’m so sorry. I seriously didn’t expect it to become so sad my original idea was so happy ;-;

You drift to the bottom of the sketchbook and scrawl a title of sorts.

What If - Mikey

Under it, you put your signature. It’s hard to deny your feelings for the charismatic turtle, but with that whole “different species” issue complicating things you doubted the feelings would ever be mutual. That hasn’t stopped your daydreams yet.

You never imagined you’d be in a situation where you even could think that. Once upon a time you could only imagine yourself with your beloved art degree in a pleasant flat somewhere other than NYC. You would be a master of your passion and your passion, a career. Before you got your chance, however, your best friend fell very ill. You spent your time with her, being supportive. This was the snowball that became the avalanche.

Your friend was released after a few weeks. Then in succession, like a machine gun of shit, your mother died in a car accident, you were hostage in a bank robbery, your new apartment building out of town exploded (You didn’t honestly believe the landlord at first). Three foot clan attacks and a load more bull-shit later, you were broke, homeless, family-less and living, quite literally, under a rock (a storm a few months prior had upturned it in central park.) That’s where the turtles found you. Dirty, starving, and huddled up under a blanket some random do-gooder’s gave you. Though you suspect it was mostly Donnie’s doing, for whatever reason, they took you in and welcomed you into their home.

That was three years ago. Over those three wonderful years, they nursed you back to health, welcomed you, and loved you as one of their own. It didn’t take long for feelings to develop for the youngest. You spent day in and day out with all of the brothers, of course, but most of your time was with Mikey. Donnie always patched you up and made sure you were okay, but Mikey sat with you and made sure you were okay. He quickly became your best friend.

He comforted you, stayed up with you when you couldn’t sleep, you two have more inside jokes than you’d care to count. The only thing you don’t know about him is how much the guys have been hounding him for months, just small remarks during training or while on patrol, to get him to “just turtle up!” and ask you out or something.

For some reason, you kept your art from them. As close as y'all were, having even one thing to yourself can do wonders for your sanity. Sometimes, while the boys trained or for the hours Splinter had them in the Ha'Shi, you snuck out to buy supplies. Nothing too big, just sketchbooks and pencils that you stashed under your bed when not in use.

You often drew the brothers, for good reason. They had both ridiculously interesting lines and unique shapes, as well as always being around. Plus you had found a few well-hidden hidey holes to draw from if you wanted a live reference.

It’s only natural when crushing on a giant talking turtle to, even just once, imagine what he’d look like as a human, right?

Today, you ran with that thought. So, as you finish the drawing, you scan the page for any last minute fixes. You run your fingers over the sketch, being careful to not smudge. You feel the bumps and ridges of your pencil marks travel underneath you like a road map. As you move over his face, your hand reveals his brilliant and goofy grin, but you can almost see the way his blue eyes light up and glint with mischief when he laughs, the way the green of his cheeks shimmer in the light with his constant smiles and grins. You soften and fall into a lazy smile.

Your hand continues over his torso, your mind wandering to the endless amazing hugs, his muscular arms, his surprisingly comfortable plastron. Hesitantly, you move left, over a man. Lean, but built, muscle hidden under a wildly patterned t-shirt. His mid-length blond messy hair falls into his eyes, but the mischief and brilliant smile remain. He stands with his arms crossed. His pose screams youth, confidence and energy. Your eyes flick back and forth between the drawings. You are nowhere near as familiar with this man, but your curiosity is sated.

The sounds of training float from the dojo as you come back to reality. Heavy grunts and dull thuds tell you how far into training they are and, not realizing how late it really is, decide it will be some time until they’re done. You abandon your art supplies on your bed for the makeshift shower down the hall that Don whipped up last year.

When you emerge toasty and clean in your favorite PJ’s, you waddle towards your room and revel in the silence. You’re nearly winded when just how silent it was hit you like a freight train and you took off for your room. Mere footsteps away from the right corner and a soft hiccup of a sob makes you freeze, your heart dropping. You stop, inches from the door. You know what’s coming. Something in you tells you to run. What's around this corner? You know it will break you. You can leave. You don’t have to see those baby blues hating you. Thinking you’ve betrayed him.

You run a hand through your hair. Ruined.

You wring your hands. He hates you.

You take a step into the room, almost trembling. Looking everywhere but where you need to. His eyes are burning into you. Your room is dull. Face this. You could have run, but you didn’t. So, FACE. THIS.

When you make eye contact, you couldn’t and will never be able to accurately describe the sheer betrayal in his eyes. He’s gripping your sketchbook, the drawing. His eyes are red, his mouth agape. He opens and closes it a few times, searching for words.

———

“You know, we were almost human once?” You drop your controller and shift on the couch to look at him better. Disbelief paints your face.

“No kidding?”

———

“… What,” his voice breaks, as does his eye contact, which drops to the paper in his hand. “Y/N, what is this?”

———

“Seriously, Angelcakes. It’s crazy, Donnie had this ooze that we got from…” As he tells you his story you can see how important it was to him to find some normalcy. He wasn’t cracking jokes, he was barely moving. Just talking. This became the most personal and serious night you two had ever shared. He spoke of growing up with ninja turtles. You, of school, of bullies, of humans. You shared worlds.

———

You couldn’t find the words. You knew you had hurt him. Badly. It was just a drawing and a thought to you, but to him… to him it meant you didn’t like him for him. Maybe even not at all.

———

You swapped so much about each other that night, not just talking but learning. He finally opened up wholly when he wouldn’t look at you.

“I wish…” His hands suddenly become very interesting. “I wish I was human, you know? It would just be…” he searches for the word. The word he finds will break him. As he says it, he will cry through his half-hearted smile. You will hold him until you both fall asleep, cradling him to your chest, TV still on.

He looks up with pain and resolve.

“… Easier.”

———

“Y/N!” Mikey slams your sketchbook against the wall searching your eyes for an explanation. For the first time you’d ever heard, your best friend raised his voice. He was pissed.

———

The next morning he woke up embarrassed. He remembered your sweet coo’s and soft-spoken words of comfort from the night before as he took down a wall he never knew he had, for you. He never realized how much he wanted to give you the life you deserve, and just how much he couldn’t actually give you. A certain melancholy took him. He felt so bad as you talked about your life. As far as he knew no one in his family knew anything about you from before they found you, just that you had suffered a great deal and had no one left, but last night? He hadn’t thought about how much had to have happened for you to end up that way. For a moment, you had both bared yourselves, completely.

As these thoughts ran through him, the grogginess of waking up left him. He watched your eyes move behind your eyelids, your mouth open slightly as you breathed through your dreams. He pushes himself up so his full weight isn’t on you and with the loss of heat, you stir. Your sleepy eyes captivate him and he feels like he’s really seeing you. You have no idea. “Morning,” you quietly utter, not wanting to break the peace. Running a hand down your face, you sit upwards slightly. Noticing the vibe rolling off your normally talkative terrapin you sober up and give him a questioning look.

He hovers over you effortlessly, arms holding him up on either side of your hips. He has yet to move his gaze away from you, drinking in your features like a dying man. The only thing he can think of is kissing you until you melt, of running his hands down your waist. Steamy images fog his vision as he disappears in the thought of you. All you see is his expression softening until he closes his eyes with a small sigh.

“Um… Mikey, you good?” This snaps him out of his trance. He’s blushing and burning up but, lucky for him, you don't notice a thing. He coughs.

“Uh, yeah babe,” the nickname that had been used countless times felt heavy on his tongue, “I’m fine, just uh… tired. Do you mind if I…?” He slowly lowers himself back onto your midsection, eyes asking permission.

“Oh yeah sure,” you stammer, concerned. “Go for it.” He snuggles into you further, wrapping himself around your stomach and breathing in your smell, suddenly feeling like a brand new person.

———

When you don’t say anything for a few seconds he storms off, taking your sketchbook with him. You yell a helpless ‘No!’ after him. The room swarms around you and you feel like the floor left without you. The air leaves your lungs and you land on your knees. Soft, wary footsteps pad into your room and pair with your light sobs. Leo reaches down and wraps you up in his arms rubbing your back, speaking calming words, soothing you.

You can faintly hear Raph yelling after Mikey but as your own sobs wrack your body you lose all concentration on them and instead melt into Leo. He picks you up, carries you to your bed and lays you down. He hesitates, wanting to ask about what just happened but not wanting to push your already fragile state.

(THERE WILL BE A PART 2 :D )

Tags: @another-tmnt-writer @darkumbreon9

[mad4turtles]

Donnie talks to Leo after they defeat the Shredder. Leo is still not over Splinter and needs someone to talk to

You guys enjoy hurting these poor boys don’t you DX

I’ve GotYou

It’d been weeks since Splinter died. Weeks sincethey’d buried him at the farmhouse. Weeks since they’d watched as he fell fromthe top of a building, impaled by Shredder’s blades…

Leonardo still saw him sometimes, in his dreams andin the dojo, and he wondered if it was healthy. During their time in space, he’dtalked to the holograms of his father to bring him comfort during their days lostin the cosmos; that, he knew, hadn’t been healthy. Donnie had been the one topoint that out to him that day. But this was different.

The first time, Splinter had explained that he’dentered another plane of existence or something, allowing him to appear as avision to Leo, and that made sense he supposed; they’d seen weirder things,they’d been to weirder places, andbetter still they’d seen the spirit realm for themselves.

Still, some days, Leo was sure he was going crazy.

He wasn’t the only one suffering from Splinter’sdeath, of course. But they all had their ways of coping; Mikey visited Raph’sroom more often during the nights, April and Donnie sometimes stayed in the labworking on projects for hours, Casey actually sat in the dojo under the tree,playing it off that he was just polishing his hockey stick, and Karai droppedby every now and then, never said anything, just dropped her stuff in a cornerand sat in the pit with the rest of them; if she bumped shoulders with any ofthem or even lay her head against someone’s shoulder, no one said anything.

They all coped in their own ways…and Leo, well…hejust put his grief on a shelf and left it there. He was the leader, after all,the sensei of the clan. He had to bethere for them, just like Splinter had been there for him, for all of them. He had to be strong now, stronger than everbefore, because there was no way to go back and undo any of this, not this time…

So for a little while he’d been fine. He’d been fine.

Then he’d decided to clear out Splinter’s old room.

There were things in there that they’d wanted topreserve, to put in a box and keep safe in his memory instead of burying withhim. Leo had taken it upon himself to do just that, knowing that it was his responsibilityas the new sensei to ensure the safetyof their father’s belongings was taken care of, but he was stopped by Donatelloon his way in with the cardboard boxes. His hand on his shoulder was strong andgrounding, a comforting gesture –

“Are you sure about this, Leo?”

– and yet his words nearly broke through every wallhe’d built since they’d lost him.

Leo swallowed thickly, brushed aside the suddenurge to cry and shout, and he smiled. “Yeah, Donnie. I’ve got this.”

He certainly sounded confident. Better than what hefelt inside. Donnie wasn’t fooled, of course he wasn’t, but he nodded and let Leogo all the same.

So Leo entered Splinter’s old room, sliding thedoor open with his foot and stepping into the darkened space. He set the boxesdown and started collecting all the small items first, like trinkets and toyshe and his brothers had given him as gifts over the years, the silly drawingsand hand paintings from when they were six, the first car Donnie had fixed –

Don’t break.

He stored those away and then moved onto the largerobjects, his old futon and the scrolls in his drawers that were passed downfrom Splinter’s master and his master before him; he handled those with theutmost care and respect. He paused when he came across the scroll with themantra that had saved them all that one time, the one that healed them after Karaihad poisoned them. He still knew the mantra by heart, he remembered sittingwith Splinter and revising it –

Don’t break.

Leo shook his head, rolling the scroll back up andcarefully storing it in the box with the others. He drew a shuddering breath,closed his eyes, bowed his head, bit his lip…

I’m fine. I’llbe fine. Death is a natural part of life. We knew he’d never live forever, nomatter what we did. Everyone dies eventually. Everyone dies.

Leo opened his eyes again, sure that he wasn’tgoing to break, now of all times, and he sighed as he stood up and moved overto the closet. Splinter had more than one set of robes, which came in handywhen raising four boys and fighting.He took each one and began folding neatly, placing them on the floor to putaway for later –

He stopped again when he reached a particular robe.

This one was covered in painted handprints, tiny,three-fingered ones and one big four-fingered one in the centre of the back.Slowly, Leo reached out and picked it up, holding it out.

This was fromwhen we were five. We’d gotten paint all over us and basically attackedSplinter until he fell over. We were all laughing. He tried to wash it but thepaint never came off. He just kept it instead.

Leo smiled, bringing the robe close and hugging it,cheek rubbing against the woollen material. He remembered that day as if itwere yesterday. He closed his eyes, and he could hear their laughter echoing inthe pit during that hot, summer evening. He could see Mikey running around covered in paint, Donnie in the middleof a death match with Raph with a fat paintbrush, and then Leo was running toSplinter, tackling him in a hug despite the paint bathing his arms blue, andthen Splinter was grinning down at him, whiskers twitching –

He took a deep breath. His eyes snapped open andhis smile vanished.

It stillsmells like him.

Tears immediately brimmed in his eyes, and soonthey were spilling down his cheeks like a waterfall, dampening the old robe. Hegrit his teeth, squeezed his eyes shut, fighting and fighting and fighting –

Don’t break.Don’t break. Don’t. Break…

Burying his face into his father’s robe, Leo sankto the floor and sobbed.

I can’t. Ican’t do it. I can’t –

“Damn,” hecursed into the robe through the torrent of tears, grasping at it desperately. “Damn, damn, damn!”

Rapid footsteps pounded outside the room, comingcloser and closer, and suddenly there were arms around him; two olive-green, lankyyet impossibly strong arms, folding around his quivering shoulders and tugginghim close to a solid plastron. Donnie tucked Leo close, crushing him in hisembrace, and helpless as he was Leo could only burrow deeper into his youngerbrother’s arms. He couldn’t stop the tears, couldn’t stop shaking, couldn’t letgo of the robe, couldn’t pull himself together, couldn’t do anything –

“I’ve got you, Leo,” Donnie whispered, shutting up thevoices in Leo’s head and reeling him back into reality. “I’ve got you, alright?I’m right here and I’m not letting go, you hear me?”

Leo found just enough strength to unclench one handfrom their father’s robe and wrap his arm around Donnie’s waist, his shouldersstill heaving and the tears still falling and he was so freaking sorry he couldn’t be strong enough again –

“You’re not invincible, Leo. None of us are. Youcan’t be strong all the time, not even Splinter could do it. You’re allowed tocry, just like the rest of us.” Donnie held him tighter, rocking them slightly,and Leo was positive the other turtle was crying too, when something warm andwet landed like raindrops on his shoulder and carapace. “It’s okay, Leo. It’s okay. I’ve got you.”

Donnie was right. Donnie was almost always right.And Leo trusted his brothers’ judgment, trusted his words, trusted that wouldn’tlet him go until he was ready…

So the brothers sat there on the floor of Splinter’sold room, holding each other close and the robe they showered with paint andlove as they cried. And if another pair of arms encircled them, followed byanother and another, they said nothing. Nothing had to be said.

I’ve got you

[llonheart]

Buncha random Foot Leo ideas under the cut.

I kinda have 2 different verse ideas. One where Leo was the only one captured and one that follows the Twisted Smile verse. These are currently just random ideas and nothing really set in stone, but I wanted to just get some stuff down.

Main Foot Leo verse:

Shredder has had his eye on Leo for awhile, feeling he would make a strong weapon for the clan as well as damaging Splinter and the others. He captures an ally (Maybe Mikey?) and uses them as bait to get Leo to show up alone. It works, and as Leo enters Shredder’s lair to rescue them, he is captured instead while the other is knocked out and released.

From the brainwashing, Leo doesn’t recognize his brothers or friends at all. He believes that he was always in the Foot and Shredder raised him from a small child. He will occasionally get small glimpses or remember random facts about his brothers, but he just brushes them off; thinking it was just information he was informed about in reports. He often has dreams about them but never remembers anything when he wakes up.

Because all his memories were wiped, he has no sympathy for the others. He thinks of them solely as the enemy. All of his hate and anger comes from everything that Shredder has taught him (or he thinks they taught him).

Twisted Smile Verse:

Already being tired and worn from seeing what’s become of Mikey, Leo doesn’t have the strength to do any real damage to his little brother. Because of that, Mikey gains the upper hand and Leo eventually loses the fight.  Instead of Mikey killing him, he’s brought back to Shredder, thinking that he could be useful to them.

Confident in Leo’s skills, Shredder puts him under similar brainwashing that was used on Mikey, making him believe that the others are the enemies and the Foot is his rightful family. He plays with Leo’s thoughts on loyalty. Making him think that Splinter never cared for him and he was just using him all this time. Making it look like Shredder saved him from a manipulative monster. He also plays with his leader aspect. Making him believe that he will be useful. That others will follow his command. That he will have respect. Something that he never got before.

Because Mikey was part of the Foot first and has undergone more training, he’s a slightly higher rank than Leo, which pisses Leo off to no end. He refuses to take orders from them in the thought that he deserves the honor of being the clan’s chunin. Leo will go out of his way to prove that he is better than the younger turtle in every way. He’s even thought of schemes to get rid of them.

Even with Leo now being in the Foot, Mikey is still angry at them, making their feud mutual. Consistently arguing over who was right and who should be giving orders. They often avoid each other when they’re not forced to go on missions together. There is very little trust between them, but they both pretend to play nice when around Shredder to show no disrespect or to faultier their loyalty. 

[nei-ning]

Another oneshot (tcest) about Leo and Raph :) No name to this fic since I’m so bad at thinking names to these! T__T Also sorry for writing mistakes!

Another difficult day ahead. There had been a lot of them lately… or actually ever since Leonardo had realized his feelings toward his hot-headed brother. Of course Leonardo had keep his mouth shut and feelings hidden. He wasn’t going to go show or tell about them to Raphael since, well, knowing Raphael and the way how he would react to those news wouldn’t be all too good and calm.

But still, as hard as he might, ignoring and pushing his feelings back didn’t erase the ache in his heart what longed for love, his body longed to be touched, lips to be kissed… Deep inside he wanted to feel and experience all of that but no, he had to keep his cool and step back. Taking a deep breath before opening dojo’s door Leonardo prepared himself to face his brothers who were already waiting him.

His firm and steady, deadly silent, steps took him in front of his brothers who were all bowing to him with respect and he returned it to them with his own bow, his eyes automatically meeting with Raphael’s who raised his brow, making Leo turn his gaze away towards his two other brothers. Deciding to make pairs Leo would get something else to think about so he made Mikey and Raph to practice their moves as he choose Don as his partner.

After 1.5 hours of intense training sweat drops shined and rolled down on all of their skins, Mikey and Don gasping for air, begging to be let out of dojo. Chucking slightly Leonardo nodded with permission of them all to dismiss and it didn’t take time before those two had hurry out of there. Raphael stood still a bit further away keeping his eyes on Leo, but when Leo gave him his back and started to do his own little training about katas, Raphael placed sais back on his belt and left. Hearing his brother’s fading steps Leonardo stopped and looked over his shoulder, sighing deeply.

–

Sitting on the couch next to Master Splinter Leonardo’s eyes scanned this huge TV screen, watching one of Splinter’s favorite soup operas and of course it had to be an episode where young couple was making love. It wasn’t anything new to Leo to see but still his cheeks started to heat up and he excused himself, also asking if his father needed anything from kitchen. Splinter smiled and raised his hand saying he needed nothing so Leo nodded once and walked toward the kitchen when he heard slight sounds coming from the back area of kitchen.

Stopping at the doorway his eyes scanned that emerald green skin and red bandanna which fitted so very well with that green skin. Sudden flashes from that TV show… about that couple making love filled his mind, bringing instant sadness in his heart. Sighing silently and deep Leonardo lowered his head and turned around, walking away to the stares what took him to second level and in his room. Raphael, however, had seen Leonardo from the corner of his eye and couldn’t stop wondering what had gotten into his brother. Deciding to find out what it was, Raphael put big pan of lasagna in the oven, leaving it there for 30 minute. That would be enough time for him to have a little chat with Leo.

As he assumed, Raphael found Leonardo sitting on small round carpet, candles burning all around his room and incenses burning on his nightstand. Meditating, how original. Standing in front of him Raphael waited and waited and finally he heard a sigh, seeing Leo opening his eyes and looking up at him.

“Did you want something?”

“Yeah, ta talk with ya. Ya been acting weird and I’m sure it have something ta do with me so spit it out.”

Swallowing hard Leo turned his head away. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

Snorting with amusement Raphael crossed his arms over his chest. “Ya are bad liar, did ya know that?” Turning more serious he continued; “Ya better slam the facts on the table or I beat them out of ya.”

“I always have adore the way how you are intimidating others.”

“Sarcasm also doesn’t suit ya, Leo.”

Sighing Leonardo decided to ignore Raphael this time and go back to his meditation. Raphael waited a while, perhaps 30 second at the most, before his anger overtook him. Reaching down at his brother, his strong fingers took extremely tight hold on Leonardo’s bicep, pulling him up and slamming him hard against the wall. Placing his arms on both sides of Leo against the wall he kept surprised and shocked brother of his in place.

Leaning closer Raphael’s voice lowered in quiet but raspy level.

“I came here for answers and I ain’t leaving before I have ‘em. So be a good boy and spit it all out.”

Much for his surprise Leonardo realized he couldn’t say a thing. His voice had suddenly left him, his legs were starting to feel weak as he kept staring in those demanding gold eyes and his heart… it was speeding up with its beating. Heat had also start to spread on his cheeks so very slowly, hiding that pink blush from Raphael still. Rising his brow Raphael leaned a bit closer, keeping his eyes locked with those fresh blue eyes.

“What’s wrong with ya? Cat got your tongue?”

Seeing Leo licking his lips fast with the tip of his tongue, his eyes jumping between Raphael’s eyes and lips finally hit the message and truth in Raph’s mind. In slight surprise he stared with wide eyes into Leo’s, smirk slowly starting to appear on his face, revealing his sharp fangs. And his eyes were getting a bit more closed, having playful spark in them.

“Ooooohhh, now I see what’s the thing in here, Fearless.” Leaning more closer, so close that their noses almost touched, Raphael’s voice turned more seductive and low, causing Leo’s heart beat so fast. “Ya want me ta come closer, talk with gentle whispers, seduce ya and… ~”

Leaning so close that their lips just very gently and briefly touched each other, Leo’s hot and fast breathing hitting his lips with burning sensation, Raph whispered again; “...Kiss ya like they do in movies and TV shows.”

Still being at the lost of words Leo kept his begging eyes locked with Raph’s, nodding few times with so faint movement, panting louder than before. Damn, he was feeling so damn hot. Seeing little spark flashing past Raphael’s eyes, Leonardo closed his eyes waiting his first kiss but when shadow moved over him, his eyes slowly opened. Raphael was still keeping him between his arms, but he had pull away with small smirk on his lips.

“But I ain’t doing it.” W-what?! Why?! Those two questions must been showing in those blue eyes since Raphael soon continued. “I ain’t all that romantic. I don’t want my kiss ta be like in a movies or TV shows. It’s way too lame and over appreciated. Beside I want ta surprise ya with the kiss. Not give it ta ya when ya want it.”

Smirking and winking once to his brother Raphael stepped away, finding his way out of his brother’s room. The smell what met him in the lair was a sign their dinner was almost done. However Raphael couldn’t stop chuckling in his mind as he imagined how stunned Leo must be looking right now in his room…

–

Rainy night, slippery rooftop and way too many Foot ninjas. Their regular night patrol had got nasty turn when they were ambushed by Foot. Hard wind howled hiding the sounds of fight with the sounds of city from the night people who still were walking down on the streets.

Weapons clashed together, rain drops splashing down in puddles while part of the blood colored some of the puddles red. Leonardo was panting hard as he focused on those 3 ninjas in front of him. He had a chance to look over his shoulder to see how his brothers were doing and much for his relief Raphael and Don were taking care of themselves but Mikey seemed to be in troubles and it seemed neither Raph or Don hadn’t a chance to go help him.

Bending down and summoning all the strength what he had, Leo gave himself a good kick which sent him flying backward through the air, landing right next to his little bro with orange bandanna.

“Get down!”

Mikey dropped on his knees and hands as Leo’s katanas flashed in the air, dropping 2 heads from shoulders. Standing up slowly Mike kept his eyes on those dead bodies, whistling.

“Wow, dude. You really went into it.”

Placing his bloody blades in their scabbards on his back, Leonardo offered a small smile to his young brother who was now looking at him in the eyes.

“Yeah, I kind of hated to do it but it was something what needed to be done and I --- Out of the way!”

Leo’s warning confused Mikey so he didn’t move out of the way when a Foot ninja was coming at the from the air, blade ready to strike, so Leonardo pushed his little brother out of the way, tilting his head back just enough when that deadly blade swung past in front of him, making small cut on Leo’s neck. Holding his bleeding wound Leonardo stepped back pulling one of his katanas in his hand, following this ninja’s movements as he jumped and turned around to face this small clan’s leader.

Raising his sword to hit, this ninja approached Leonardo who lifted his own sword to his protection but suddenly his instincts told him to dodge. He took Mikey with him and jumped with short roll away from his opponent and when he turned to look around, they both saw Raphael standing at the spot where that ninja had stood just few seconds ago. Looking over at the roof’s edge Raphael made sure his target was eliminated and rest of the Foot had run away, he turned his flaming gaze to Leo’s way, locking into those surprised blue eyes.

“Leonardo...” Was low growl what came between Raphael’s teeth as he growled while approaching his two brothers, Donatello following events at the background. He had seen what Raphael was capable of doing when angry and he didn’t want to go in his way.

Mikey stepped away from Leo as he sheathed his sword, getting prepared to anything what Raph would say or do. Probably he would yell and try to punch him so Leo’s body started to turn a bit tense and getting ready into defense mode but when Raphael was right in front of him, his strong emerald green arms made their way around Leo’s smaller forest green body, bending him down backward to the side as their lips were slammed together by Raph.

Staring at Raph’s closed eyes in surprise, Leo let out a deep sigh closing his eyes, relaxing in Raphael’s arms. His legs were giving in and Leo was sure Raph felt it, but at the same time his brother was so strong that he could easily carry Leonardo’s weight in his arms. Kiss was deep and gentle, yet full of love and care and neither of them didn’t seem to have any rush to end it. At the background Mikey had made his way next to Donnie and was now staring his two older brothers with wide eyes and mouth open. Donatello, however, stood there as calm as he always was, lifting Mikey’s jaw up with the end of his bo staff, closing Mikey’s mouth.

“Yo, bro, I didn’t see that coming. … Does that mean we have to kiss too?”

“No, Mikey, it doesn’t.”

Hearing Mikey’s long whine at the background Raphael finally opened his eyes to half, staring down in that relaxed and calming face of his leader. Gosh, how much he loved that turtle in his arms and he hoped his kiss would deliver all his warm emotions into his brother’s heart and soul. Like if sensing Raphael looking at him, Leonardo revealed his blue eyes to those golden ones, smiling to his brother via his eyes. Their lips parted only for a moment, sharing few more small faster kisses with each other. Keeping his voice low, Raphael whispered;

“Ya got careless there, fearless. Ya almost got yourself killed.”

Lifting his hand lazily up, letting his fingertips travel over his fresh wound, Leonardo whispered back; “I know. I’m sorry.”

“Hm-mh. I forgive ya this time.”

“Was that kiss your forgiveness?” A hint of playful smile spread on Leonardo’s lips and it soon spread on Raphael’s face too.

“Njah, it wasn’t. It was our first kiss. Wanted it ta be special… Memorable.”

“That… it indeed was. Give me another one and sweep me off my feet once more.” Reaching his left hand on the backside of Raphael’s head, Leo pulled his smiling brother in another deep and gentle kiss, ignoring Mikey’s kiss sounds and luckily Don knew how to shut his little brother up – by slamming his hand on his mouth and dragging him down from the roof into sewers, taking him home.

Surrendering totally to Raphael and their kiss, Leo’s body went even more limp which made Raphael pull away with chuckle.

“Ya really are enjoying this, aren’t ya?”

“I told you to sweep me off on my feet, didn’t I?”

“Yeah and it seems I’m doing a damn good job with it.”

“I’m afraid you have to carry me. My legs are all weak.”

Raphael squat down with chuckle and smirk, pushing his arm under Leonardo’s knees, lifting him up in his arms in bridal style. This made Leo blush and hide his face against Raphael’s neck, taking deep calming inhale, sucking all that lovely scent of Raphael’s in his lungs. He never hadn’t realized how lovely and calming Raph’s scent was… But he had a nice tingling in his guts that for now on he would get to enjoy it a lot more and often.

[remmushound]

Curse of the Clans part 60! @selfindulgenz @scentedcandlecryptid

Content warning: blood, injury, insults, hatred, nightmares

“Uh…” Donatello was staring at the wall—in fact, he was staring right through it— as he witnessed the truck barreling toward them. “Uh uh uh—we should GO!”

With seconds to spare, Sunita snapped out of her stupor enough to practically tackle the four others and engulf them into her form just as the truck made contact, ripping through the hull of the mech and slamming into the empyrean supply. Sunita’s body absorbed the impact and kept those within her sheltering embrace safe. The green liquid spilled out through the cracks that the force sent spiderwebbing across the glass, leaking out onto the hood of the truck that had started to blare its deafening alarm.

Sunita let everyone go once she had gotten them to higher ground and away from the spilled empyrean.

“How does truck beat alien tech?” Donatello scoffed.

“Well, the mech wasn’t exactly designed for fighting.” Leonardo pointed out.

“Guys!” Raphael pulled himself out through the window of the truck and onto the roof , taking several steps back to avoid the spilled empyrean as he pulled Cassandra free. “I got your message! It was a smash message, right?”

“Uh. Yeah.” April said, shaking her head slightly, “And you really took it to heart.”

“Don’t say smash if you don’t mean SMASH!” Cassandra cheered, thrashing about in Raphael’s grip like an excited toddler.

“Point taken.”

Sunita made extra arms to be able to carry everyone across the quickly flooding room to the truck that was rapidly becoming a landbridge.

“Dad!” Raphael noticed the old rat and immediately ran forward, taking the burden from Leonardo and easily cradling his unmoving father in two hands.

“He’s alive, but he’s hurt— we have to get him back home.”

Raphael nodded, his breath quickening. He looked back up at his gathered clan, doing a mental headcount of all gathered. “Wait, where’s Mikey?”

“He’s up there with Krang—“

“You left him with Krang?!”

“Guys, this mech is going down!” Donatello said, and his words were true as the mech started to fall apart at the very foundations all around them.

“We have to go now!”

Sunita snared everyone including Raphael, dragging them out of the mech and away from the danger zone.

“No— we have to get Mikey!”

The mech stumbled, the last of the empyrean spilling out and taking the mech down with it. It took one final step and then powered down, collapsing on top of several structures and sending a shockwave that tore up asphalt and ripped through nearby buildings, some breaking apart into a cloud of suffocating dust. The first few seconds all Raphael could do was cough, covering his mouth with one arm while trying to keep his brothers behind him, as if he could spare them the choking pain. Donatello squeezed his eyes shut, clutching to Leonardo who had braced similarly and was holding his breath.

“MIKE!”

Raphael ran to the mech; Draxum was there first, vines and fists ripping through the rubble, tossing pieces the size of boulders as if they were pebbles. He didn't care that the rocks he threw nearly struck those behind him several times, Leonardo and April having to duck out of the way of the flying stones. Raphael knelt to join him, throwing the stones with just as much fervor but more aware of his family. Everyone else knelt to join, but there wasn’t much they could do with the heavy rubble, some half the size of their body or even bigger.

They cleared a path; a small space that Sunita was able to squeeze through, entering the dark mech below. Her slime gave off the slightest glow to guide her, dimmed greatly by the invasive dust accumulated in her fragile microbiome, but it was enough.

“Mikey? Mikey!” She saw him, little more than a shape. Unmoving. She hurried over to him, to the discarded bricks pinning him down, but she couldn’t move them. “He’s in here!”

More space was made; enough for Donatello to press himself through. He was able to lift the bricks that Sunita had been struggling with, tossing them aside so Sunita could grab Michelangelo and pull him free.

“Mikey…” Donatello took Michelangelo from Sunita, cradling the younger turtle with the affection one might show to a baby. He gently traced a hand across Michelangelo’s cheek and that made the turtle smile, just slightly, and raise a hand up to meet Donatello’s.

Michelangelo was more gray than green, dusty debris covering him in a thick layer that Donatello quickly worked to clean off. When his hand went to brush off Michelangelo’s plastron, it came back wet and red. Donatello stared down at the hand in growing horror before he shook his head, working to clean Michelangelo off faster before crawling carefully through the debris to pass him through the cracks and to Raphael, who handed him just as quickly over to Leonardo.

“Hey… hey hey hey little bro…” Leonardo said; April passed over her coat immediately for Leonardo to wrap Michelangelo inside, shushing him gently as he assessed the injuries to Michelangelo’s plastron. Cracks, a lot of them, and though the amount of blood spilled was very little, Leonardo winced at the thought of how painful such a sensitive area would be. It didn't help that Michelangelo was covered in dust and shivering from the shock of it all.

Raphael looked up from his two youngest brothers to watch as Sunita and Donatello crawled out to join them. Then he looked into the darkness beyond them, to the vague shape looming.

“Get back!” Raphael gathered everyone up in his arms, even Draxum, and pulled them away just as Krang busted free.

The utrom seemed worse off than Michelangelo had been, his slimy body bruised and battered purple, leaking a bright pink substance from his injuries. Several of the spines littering his body were bent or broken completely and some of his tentacles were drawn close to his body instead of being sprawled out like the other ones. His body was borne into the air by a small, floating platform that seemed just barely big enough to bear his weight, the hoverpod bringing him out to face the clan for a final stand.

The chakras all stood ready, weapons in hand; at least, those still able to stand were. Raphael held Michelangelo in his right arm, drawn tight to his chest so he could bring his tonfa forward to protect his baby brother. One by one the lights all blinked to life inside of each of them, soft heats blipping where their chakra were located. Sunita and Draxum, though they had no chakra of their own on display, stood just as strong in the face of pure evil.

Krang wasn’t easily deterred. Frowning, his thoughts escaping his controlled grasp, he closely considered his next move. There were seven of them, sure, but were the right seven? The orange and the indigo were missing and that made Krang grin. They were strong, but they weren’t enough, and in each of them he tasted the weakness that they buried inside, some deeper than others. The sweet taste radiating from Donatello was the strongest, most familiar to Krang much to his delight. The soft-shelled warrior.

Donatello’s mind was weak, just like his stance, and his grip on his weapon. When he looked at Krang, he saw many things; food rotting away in his grip, the water he drank running red, flowers wilting into dust. Cold, hunger, thirst, and most importantly pain. Glorious pain. When Krang looked at Donatello, all he saw was an easy target, and the first on his list to snuff out those irksome lights.

“Donnie

!”

“Huh?” Donatello frowned and looked around. That was Leonardo’s voice! But… where was Leonardo? Then again, where was anybody? From what he could see, he was floating on a solitary island all his own, no brothers no friends no Draxum or dad. Just an empty void, surrounded by smoke. Then the smoke took shape, and from the shape came Leonardo. “Leo!”

Donatello started to run to him, but quickly slowed. There was something strange about the atmosphere, a cold chill that he still had imprinted in his mind. Cold tentacles gripping and squeezing and ripping through the very atoms of his being. Leonardo’s approach only quickened, until his hands slammed against Donatello’s chest and shoved him to the ground.

“You’re so selfish, you know that?” Leonardo’s voice was his own, but empty.

“Wha…? L...Leo…” Donatello could only say as he stared up at the image of his brother with the cold eyes staring back at him, like someone had molded a life-like Leonardo out of clay.

“You just waltz around barking insults and sarcastic comments and hole up in your room all day while we do the real work!”

Donatello tried to back up— and backed straight into Michelangelo. He looked up, and Michelangelo’s eyes that usually held love were nothing but hate.

“You’re a narcissist!” Said the dark clone, “You literally altered us to be more like you and got upset when we were more like you!”

“I… I didn't think…” Donatlelo tried, and his eyes were burning and so was the rest of him as he tried to explain but the words wouldn’t come out.

“That’s exactly your problem! You think too much one minute and then not at all the next!”

Donatello stood up and tried to run, but Raphael stood in his way. “You don’t know when to stop and you just keep pushing all our buttons! You want to change us!”

“N...no! No, I love you guys!”

“Love?” This time it was April’s voice and it hurt deeper than all the others, “What would you know about love?! For someone with such a soft shell, you’re so insensitive and cruel! I ask a simple task of you and you have to go above and beyond and not in a good way.”

“You’re pathetic!”

“The only thing you’re good for is your tech!”

“And even that only works half of the time!”

“If it wasn‘t for your enhancements…”

“You wouldn’t even be on this team!”

“You’d be where you belong.”

“Behind a desktop…”

“And far away from us.”

Leonardo saw Donatello’s light flicker out, and he saw the distant look in his brothers eyes as he stared out at nothing and cried, mouthing words that came out silent. He immediately knew something was wrong, and he reached out with a hand to grab his brother and tether him to reality. Donatello blinked, and the nightmare was gone as he looked upon the tender eyes of Leonardo.

“He’s lying, Donnie!” Leonardo said, “Whatever he’s doing to you isn’t real!”

Then Leonardo was lost in a nightmare. An island of smoke, his senses little more than a distant memory, as if they had all been plugged with foam. His brothers came to him, shapes of hate and spite as they spat their words of discouragement and fraud.

“I can’t believe I ever trusted you.” Raphael said, “I give you the slightest taste of control and you rub with it like it’s your destiny.”

“It’s not.” Splinter was there, and he was whole—not injured. “Winning the Battle Nexus was just dumb luck, like everything you do.”

“And you never trust us to do anything, but expect us to trust you with everything!” Michelangelo this time. All of them were advancing on Leonardo and trapping him with their insults like dark storm clouds closing in.

“You couldn’t even made a portal to save our lives after you put us in danger!” Donatello said, his words most horrible to the slider for that was his twin. “You’re so hung up on being a champion that’d you get us all killed to boost your self esteem! And they call me soft!”

Raphael was next in line and next to grab Leonardo’s hand and pull him back down to earth before being lost to the darkness himself. Shadowed figures, nowhere to hide, surrounding him.

“You’re an animal. A vicious, violent animal.” Did it matter who was speaking? No. Not when then words were all the same to the snapper. All things he tried to tell himself were lies. “At the drop of a dime you could hurt any one of us.”

“Or kill any one of us.”

“And all the people of New York.”

“You try to convince yourself that it’s just a different persona…”

“But it’s not.”

“The savage you is the real you, and this facade you put up is the true persona.”

“Because you’re lying to yourself.”

“Raphie…” Michelangelo whined softly, gripping Raphael’s hand with his own; it was dwarfed by the size of the snappers hand, but he didn't care. Raphael was brought back down to earth, and Michelangelo was sent up.

“How could you be so childish in a time like this?”

“Earth to Mikey, you’re supposed to be focusing!”

“You’re fourteen— you’re not a kid anymore, but you still act like an eight year old!”

The words rang out in Michelangelo’s mind relentlessly, like a broken record.

“You’re so lazy! It’s not hard!”

“Why can’t you just be normal?”

“Just pay attention!”

“You’d be so smart if you’d just just—“

“Put in the effort—“

“And—“

“FOCUS!”

“Mikey!” Cassandra grabbed Michelangelo’s hand and took his place. Krang grinned as he neared the last light dropping out; just yellow and green left to go...

“It’s all your fault.”

“You’re to blame!”

“Their blood is on your hands!”

And the blood was— had hands were red and she tried to wipe them off but the red was growing all around her like a Red Sea— dark silhouettes swimming in it. The ones she had hurt, the faces of those she’d killed imprinted in her mind and coming to her every time she’d blink!

“You saw me burn up!” Mother Jones said, turning the blood to fire— and she was on fire!

“You watched her die!”

“You could have saved me!”

Cassandra backed up and collided with her foot masters.

“We raised you better Cassandra.”

“You betrayed us!”

“And your teachings!”

“And you were such a promising student!”

“No no no no…” Cassandra backed into Raphael, “Raphie help me…”

“Raphie?” Raphael laughed, “You think I like being called that? You think I like you?! Please, you were just the means to an end that overstayed your welcome.”

“Cassandra, those nasty words aren’t true…” Splinter’s grip was weak, but he forced himself to grab her. The evil, nasty lies rung just as clearly in his head as they did in Cassandra’s, and he couldn’t stand for that. The angry words came to him next, his sons and his mother and his grandfather and his ancestors, a suffocating amount of them.

“You failed us.”

“You were content to destroy us!”

“To never have children.”

“To abandoned the legacy of our clan for fame and fortune.”

“The best thing you ever did for thid clan was be expirmented on.”

“You didn't train your sons…”

“You didn't remember the stories…”

“You let Shredder live and walk again!”

“I’m sorry mama…” Splinter shrunk into himself, almost believing the words true until April grabbed his hand and pulled him out.

“Stay with me Splints…”

April was lost now, the turtles surrounding her with their cold, empty faces.

“It’s been months, April. Months! Yet still you refuse to recover.”

“You tried so hard to ignore the past that you almost destroyed the future!”

“The only good thing that came of you was being a vessel for Karai.”

“But your importance has quickly waned.”

“You’re not one of us. You’re human. You don’t belong in a mutant world.”

“You belong with your own kind.”

“Even though you should have died like Karai did.”

“Like we’re going to.”

“Like the story goes.”

April took those words and several more, but even as the brothers advanced on her to fill her head with fibs to rip her apart, she never stopped smiling. Even as she cried, she smiled, and when the images ran out of things to say, she looked up at them. Her heart was glowing brighter than ever before, the green enough to swallow her in its pulsating light. Those were all things she had told herself, over and over, so much that had lost their meaning to her.

“That’s a lie. It’s all lies. Karai never died.” The words pushed back the darkness, and she kept them coming. “She was only lost. Lost to the nightmares, fighting the darkness. The Shredder. I… I was lost after my fight with the Shredder too…”

“What are you doing?” Raphael’s voice slowly melted away into Krang’s.

“And I still am lost. Lost with this new power, lost with this pain that won’t seem to leave me alone. I’m lost but I’m still here, and every day I find another peice of myself to fix the puzzle. Who knows if I’ll ever find them all. But I know one thing I have found; why I’m still here. My purpose. Destroying you.”

[thatcrazyfanfictionwriter]

Secret of the Sewers: Showdown

Rows of Foot soldiers knelt in one of the large open floors of Saki Corporations. The elites were there too, all five of them kneeling in the front row of the assembly. Even Hun was there, though none of them knew why Saki had summoned them all so abruptly. Just then, Saki, decked out in his Shredder armor, walked out he made it to the center of a platform overlooking the troops.

"Warriors of the Foot," Shredder addressed. "Tonight, we finally eliminate an enemy that has plagued us for the past four years."

This was met with some surprised glances. Only a handful had known that the turtles were still alive, and those that didn’t know were shocked to learn it.

"For too long these turtles have ruined our plans and made fools of our forces." Shredder continued. "Well no more. Tonight marks the beginning of the end! Tonight, at long last, the turtles die!"

Now, the Foot soldiers let out a loud cheer at the call, eager for the deaths of their enemies.

…

Down in the sewers, everyone was in the middle of preparing for all-out war. Leo sharpened his swords, checking them to ensure that they were pristine. Donny was gathering up various tools and supplies that he may need during this confrontation, stuffing them in a duffle bag hanging from his shoulder. Raph was in his room, sitting on the floor with a weight set, working out his arms so he'd be in top shape. Mikey was testing out his three piece staff, getting in some practice on Raph's bag to ensure he could use it properly if needed.

Miwa and Hisako were also making preparations, but of a more personal nature. Miwa did not want to face the Shredder in the sweats Hisako had lent her, and her new sister had agreed. After a few failed outfits, Hisako came out of her room with a smile.

"Guys, I'd like to introduce you to someone." she declared.

The turtles all stopped what they were doing and gathered around Hisako's door. She smiled and pulled it open.

"May I present, Hamato Miwa." She declared.

Miwa stepped out of Hisako's room, a smile on her face. She was wearing a plain black t-shirt under a dark green hoodie, a pair of jeans and a proper pair of boots. She had a sword attached to her back and her hair was tied up in a ponytail.

"What do you think?" she asked.

All the turtles smiled.

"Nice." Leo complimented.

"Looking good, sis." Mikey agreed.

"Looks good on you." Donny added.

Miwa smiled, then looked over at Raph.

"You like it?" she questioned nervously.

Everyone looked at Raph, waiting for him to answer. Hisako watched him with no small amount of apprehension. Though he was becoming more open to the idea that Miwa was their sister now, he was still having the hardest time getting over everything she'd done as Karai. Still, he knew she was trying, and he knew he needed to 'turtle up'.

"It's alright." Raph finally replied.

Miwa smiled.

"Thanks."

About that time, Splinter emerged from his room, having been meditating this whole time. When he saw his children all prepared, as well as Miwa's new look, he felt a mixture of pride and fear. He had just gotten his daughter back, and he knew that there was a chance of losing her, Hisako, and his sons. And yet, seeing them all willing to lay everything on the line for one another filled his heart with great joy.

"My children." he called out.

All six of them turned towards him. He gestured for them to come forward and they did, taking up sitting positions in front of him.

"My children, I have no illusions that the battle we are about to commence will be easy. It will be a most trying challenge you, but I have faith that all of you will persevere. You are all ninja, and you are all honorable warriors, and I have never been prouder to call you my children."

He locked eyes with Miwa and smiled warmly.

"All of you."

The six all got to their feet, Donny glancing at the clock.

"It's almost time." he announced.

"Then let's not keep Shred-head waiting." Hisako declared. "Time to show him that when you mess with green, it's gonna get mean."

…

The Hamato clan waited on the roof of the Wolf Hotel, an old building that had been long abandoned and was currently for lease. There was a small water tower on the roof, one that the six were all leaning against in preparation for Shredder's appearance. Splinter sat in front of them in a meditative stance, his ears twitching at every sound the wind brought. Donny looked at a watch around his wrist, eying the minute hand as it reached midnight. The second it did, the Motorheads emerged from the shadows, swarming the rooftop like a colony of ants. They surrounded the tower and those gathered around it. They left a large enough space for a large puff of smoke to accumulate, allowing the five Elites to emerge, weapons at the ready. From the rooftop entrance, Hun came bursting through the door, leaving it dangling from a single hinge, dented beyond recognition.

"I see the pawns, the knights, and the rook," Hisako commented, pointing to the Foot, the Elites, and Hun respectively, "But where's the king?"

Just then, a blur zoomed up from the ground. Suddenly, Shredder landed in front of his forces, striking a dramatic pose.

"Hamato Yoshi." He snarled, his mask distorting his voice so it sounded as demonic as his mask made him appear.

"Oroku Saki." Splinter replied, not even opening his eyes. "I was surprised to learn you survived."

"As was I when I learned you were the rat who trained these thorns in my side." Shredder retorted. "How ironic that the street rat the council allowed into the ranks of the Foot all those years ago transformed into a true rat."

Splinter just stood up, taking hold of his walking stick.

"I long ago learned to embrace this form, and have accepted my life as Splinter." he explained.

"Bah." Shredder spat. "You've always been nothing more than a thieving pest, taking everything that should have rightfully been mine! It was bad enough that you stole Tang Shen from me, but now you take my daughter!"

"I am not your daughter, Shredder!" Miwa snapped before Leo placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her down.

Shredder's gaze visibly softened when he laid eyes on her. He slid his helmet off, looking at her with a hurt expression.

"I raised you, trained you, and taught you everything you know about ninjutsu." He told her. "I gave you anything you ever wanted, and this is how you repay me?"

"You also lied to me my whole life!" Miwa retorted. "You used me like I was just another one of your precious Motorheads!"

Mikey smirked at her use of the unofficial nickname for the Foot ninja.

"I've never been anything more than an instrument of your revenge." Miwa snarled, drawing her sword. "Well no more."

Shredder's fist clenched and his gaze hardened.

"So be it." He declared, his voice low.

He slid his helmet back on, then pointed towards the group.

"Foot Ninja, attack!"

"Let the butt kickin begin." Raph commented.

The Foot ninja converged on the group like buzzards on roadkill as the turtles met them all head on, blades, staffs and other weapons colliding. Leo's swords clashed with several of the Foot ninja, the ringing of the swords echoing through the night. Donny's staff managed to block several attacks from a few more swords, the metal successfully holding up against the sharp blades. Mikey swung his Nunchucks left, right and all over the place, hitting anyone who dare get in reach of his deadly Nunchucks of Fury.

"Hey Raph!" Mikey exclaimed. "You got an Elite on your tail!"

Raph quickly rabbit punched the incoming Elite, knocking the poor sap to the ground where he was instantly met with a hard kick.

"That felt good." Raph remarked.

That's when a punch from Hun came from seemingly out of nowhere, connecting with his chest. Raph went flying back, colliding into the supports of the water tower. As he regained his composure, Hun walked over to him, cracking his knuckles.

"I know how you feel." Hun replied walking over to the fallen turtle.

Miwa then leapt off of the water tower, landing right on Hun's shoulders and wrapping her legs around his meaty neck.

"Stay away from my brother!" she shouted.

Hun attempted to pull Miwa off of him, but she continually moved out of the way, narrowly avoiding his large hands. Using the hilt of her sword, she continually bashed Hun in the forehead, attempting to knock the behemoth out cold. Unknown to her, a Motorhead came up behind her and tried to slice at her with his sword. Fortunately, it was blocked by Leo.

"Careful Miwa." He joked. "It's not like you to get distracted."

"I'm not used to fighting with people I actually care about." She retorted, leaping off of Hun and sending him stumbling into the rooftop entrance.

"Gotta admit. It's nice fighting alongside you for a change." Leo shared, kicking the Motorhead away.

Miwa smirked, then approached Raph, holding out a hand.

"You alright?" she asked.

"Just dandy." Raph remarked, batting her hand away before leapfrogging over her.

He engaged with the hook swords Elite, clashing a bit before the two locked weapons. After struggling for a bit, Raph snapped the swords with his sai. He then leapt into the air and hit the elite in the face with the blunt end of his sai, knocking him out.

…

Meanwhile, Hisako had her hands full with a group of Motorheads and the Kama elite. She was moving about a mile a minute, trying to keep ahead of the multiple enemies closing in on her. Just then, Donny vaulted over her and landed behind her knocking away every Motorhead standing in his way.

"Isn't that usually the other way around, Don?" Hisako quipped, her fans slicing through the chain of an oncoming kusarigama.

"What?" Donny asked, activating the double blades in his staff. "A turtle's not allowed to rescue his little sister?"

The two then jumped up in the air, performing nearly identical split kicks on some of the Foot Ninja before landing back to back.

"Never said that 'big brother'." Hisako joked.

…

Leo was facing down a few Motorheads himself. He did a split kick, taking two of them out.

"Hey guys!" Leo called out. "I finally perfected my split kick!"

Raph knocked a Motorhead out of the way, looking at his brother with a smirk.

"Sorry, I missed it!" he called.

"Do it again!" Miwa insisted, a Motorhead locked in a hold in her arms.

Two more Foot ninja attempted to attack Leo, only to join the first to on the ground as victims of his split kick.

"One more time!" Miwa and Raph called in unison.

He performed it once more, leaving an almost perfect ring of unconscious Motorheads around him. Miwa successfully knocked out the one she had in a headlock before giving Leo a grin.

"Saw that one!" She called. "And I give it a ten!"

She held up ten fingers as Raph held up all six of his, earning a chuckle from Leo.

"What, only a six?" He joked.

"Hey, it's all I got." Raph defended, blocking a punch from another Motorhead.

Mikey meanwhile, was bashing away at every Motorhead in sight. As the numbers began increasing, Mikey locked his Nunchucks together into a three piece. He then continued his assault with a grin.

"Betcha didn't see that coming now didja?" He gloated.

…

While the four turtles and their human sisters dealt with all of the underlings, Shredder marched through the battle undeterred, locking eyes with Splinter. The rat had not moved from his meditative position since the battle had begun, though his eyes watched Shredder with a steel-like gaze.

"I have looked forward to this for some time." Shredder told him. "I had thought that fate had robbed me of my vengeance, yet here you stand."

Splinter rose to his feet, his claws grasping tightly to his walking stick.

"I too believed you dead Saki." He commented. "Though in a way, I was right. The aniki I fought alongside died long ago. Now all that is left is the monster Shredder."

Shredder just growled at the words being thrown at him.

"Look closely at this 'monster' Yoshi," Shredder spoke. "For it is the last thing you will ever see!"

Shredder then raised his claw and brought them down on Splinter. However, seconds before they landed, Splinter brought his walking stick up to block the blow. His tail then wrapped around Shredder's left leg, yanking him off balance and onto the ground.

"As I said before, I have come to accept this form." Splinter jested, his tail unraveling and coming up like a weapon. "And all the benefits it grants me."

Shredder slowly got back up to his feet, growling as he did. Shredder then sprinted towards Splinter and tried delivering a series of blows to him. Splinter blocked the attacks with his stick.

…

Miwa and Leo were surrounded on all sides by the three elites that were still conscious, as well as about a half dozen normal foot soldiers.

"You know, as far as dates go, this is one of my better ones." Miwa joked.

"Have you been talking with Mikey again?" Leo asked annoyed.

One of the Elites attempted a swing at Miwa, forcing her duck. She used his forward momentum to launch him into the air, where she joined him, spin kicking him into Hun. The behemoth had just begun to regain consciousness before the flying Elite sent him back into dreamland.

"Hey, I just think it's funny that we were 'dating' all that time and it turns out we were siblings." She remarked.

"Yeah well I'm still kinda weirded out that I had a crush on my sister." Leo replied doing a jump kick to one Motorhead.

"Don't forget the fact that before that, we were her pets." Raph added, barreling through a group of motorheads like a wild bull. "She technically owned us."

Miwa shivered at that.

"Okay, now it just got even more awkward."

"We are not having this conversation right now!" Leo yelled.

"Well we can't exactly go to a family counselor Leo." Raph argued. "Six o'clock."

Both Miwa and Leo did a 180, punching the Elite coming at them at the same time.

"Look can we just talk about this later?" Leo asked.

"Whatever you say Leonardo." Miwa told him, ruffling his hair playfully. "Now come on, I think Hisako and Donatello could use a hand."

…

Back with Splinter, he kept on the defensive as Shredder delivered blow after blow. Though he had yet to receive any wound more grievous than a few minor cuts, he had been unable to get a blow in offense wise. Shredder was even being mindful of the tail and had nearly cut it off twice already. Shredder then tried kicking Splinter, but the rat master ducked under it and struck Shredder in the head with his stick. Shredder's helmet rang like a gong, disorienting him for a second. That was all Splinter needed. He quickly kicked Shredder in the stomach sending him flying. He hit the support of the water tower, denting it slightly. Growling, Shredder straightened up and jumped right back at Splinter.

…

Donny planted his staff into the ground, using it as an anchor to perform one of his favorite movie stunts.

"I've always wanted to try this!" He cheered as his foot connected with several Foot ninja at once.

"Nice one Don!" Hisako cheered.

"Thanks!" Donny replied landing on the ground.

Unfortunately for Hisako, cheering for her brother left her open for attack, something the Kama elite took advantage of. The Kama caught her across the back, the blade slicing right through her shell backpack and narrowly missing his skin. Her eyes went wide as she turned on the guy, stuffing falling from the large gash.

"Did you just break my shell?" she asked, her voice quiet and hard.

The Kama Elite didn't even have time to blink before Hisako's foot connected with his gut.

"This shell was a gift from my friends, and you destroyed it!" she screamed, upper cutting the poor guy. "Nobody destroys my turtle shell!"

Her next kick connected right in between the guy's legs, forcing him to fall to the ground in a high-pitched puddle of agony.

"Ouch." Mikey let out. "Think that might have been a bit excessive?"

"Not a chance." Raph remarked.

Hisako let out a snort of anger as she slid her backpack off, looking at it sadly. Miwa placed a hand on her shoulder in sympathy.

"We'll get you a new one after we kick their butts." she promised.

Hisako smirked, then she quickly tossed the remains of her backpack at the spear wielding Elite, catching him in a rain of white fluffiness. Temporarily blinded, he didn't see the two girls coming at him until they kicked him. Miwa's kick got him in the stomach while Hisako's connected with his face. The two landed, then exchanged high fives with one another.

"Glad you're on our side now." Hisako told her.

"You kidding, I'm glad you're on my side now!" Miwa exclaimed.

"You can braid each other's hair later!" Mikey called out, swinging his three piece staff around. "We've got butts to kick!"

"Right!" The two girls said in unison.

…

Back with Splinter, he finally seemed to be gaining ground in his fight against Shredder. His tail was darting towards him, attempting to find weak points in the armor while his staff kept the deadly claws at bay.

"Your forces are dwindling by the minute." Splinter noted, hoping to goad Shredder into making a mistake. "You are losing this battle, Shredder."

"Well then," Shredder replied. "It looks like after I am done with you, I'll have to take care of them myself."

"You could never beat me when we were younger, Saki." Splinter reminded him. "What makes you think that has changed?"

Shredder growled at that remark and tried pressing the attack. Splinter continued blocking the attacks until he back flipped near the edge of the roof. He then motioned Shredder to come towards him, and Shredder did so sprinting. Splinter waited until Shredder was right in front of him before ducking under his attack and tripping him up with his tail, sending him over the edge.

"As the old saying goes, the bigger they are, the harder they fall." Splinter remarked, turning his back on where Shredder had fallen.

Miwa looked back at Splinter, smiling a bit as he emerged victorious. However, that smile quickly turned to a look of horror as she screamed.

"Father! Look out!"

Splinter turned around, only to be impaled through the stomach by Shredder's claw. The sound of metal entering flesh caused all of the Hamato children to freeze, turning towards their sensei and father.

"Dad, no!" Miwa screamed.

"Sensei!" The turtles exclaimed.

"Splinter!" Hisako shrieked.

Splinter coughed blood as Shredder raised him up, still impaled upon his gauntlet.

"This has been a moment long overdue." Shredder declared. "The final death of Hamato Yoshi!"

With that, Shredder tossed Splinter off the roof, sending him falling to his doom. In that moment, it was as if the entire world was moving in slow motion. Hisako dropped her fans, running at full speed towards the edge Splinter had been tossed off of. Any Foot ninja or Elite that attempted to stop her was immediately intercepted by a turtle, all of them working together with one goal in mind, keep Splinter from hitting the ground.

Hisako dove over the edge, catching Splinter around the waist as she attempted to catch the fire escape of the adjacent building. The sheer force of her momentum combined with Splinter's added weight nearly wrenched her arm out of socket, but she didn't dare let go. Mustering every ounce of strength she could, Hisako pulled Splinter onto the fire escape, laying him down against the wall.

"Sensei!" she exclaimed, yanking off her vest and using it to try and staunch the bleeding. "Sensei, stay with me!"

She put pressure on the wound as tears filled her eyes.

"Sensei!"

"H… His… Hisako…" Splinter tried to say.

Hisako let out a huge sigh of relief as she cradled Splinter's face.

"Sensei, I'm here." she told him. "It's gonna be okay. Donny can get you fixed up no problem."

"You must…. Return to the battle." he told her. "Help… your brothers… help…. Miwa."

"I can't just leave you here, Sensei." Hisako insisted. "I can't! I just-"

Splinter placed one of his hands on hers, giving her a reassuring look.

"I will… be fine… go…"

Hisako's breath hitched, then she closed her eyes. Taking a deep breath, she calmed herself down and straightened up. Her hands, covered in the blood of her sensei, clenched tightly into fists as she looked up at the rooftop where her family was still fighting.

…

After Hisako had jumped over the side, both Mikey and Donny charged at Shredder, double kicking him in the stomach. He went flying backwards, skidding across the roof and causing some sparks to ignite as he did. He flipped onto his feet as Raph delivered a kicked to his head and Leo aimed for the knees. Shredder easily ducked out of the way of Leo's attack and then jumped to avoid Raph's.

"Still as weak and pathetic as the last time we fought." Shredder sneered. "Just like the rat you call father!"

Raph saw red at that comment and blindly attacked Shredder with his sai. Shredder caught Raph's downward attack, twisting the turtle's wrists and forcing him to drop his weapons. Leo's eyes went wide as he gripped his swords.

"Get off of him!"

The blue turtle ran at Shredder, jumping into the air and bringing his swords down in an arc. Shredder was forced to release Raph so he could bring his arms up in defense. While Leo kept his claws busy, Mikey jumped on his back, wrapping his three piece around Shredder's neck, hoping to incapacitate him. However, Leo was soon kicked into an approaching Donatello, then Mikey was flipped off Shredder's back and onto the semi-conscious Raph.

"Shredder!" Miwa shouted.

Shredder looked up, just in time to see Miwa coming at him with all her might. Her sword came down on his arms, then she began a barrage of blows at nearly impossible speeds. Shredder blocked each one of them, glaring at her.

"Have you forgotten that I am the one who trained you?" He questioned. "You hold no surprises for me, Karai."

"It's Miwa!" She screamed.

She attempted another blow, but this time, Shredder caught the blade. Her eyes went wide as her weapon was wrenched from her grasp and Shredder's hand came out, grabbing her by the throat. He then threw her aside, where she rolled and coughed, trying to regain her senses and breath. With her out of the way, Shredder glared down at the turtles with burning rage.

"I have tolerated you creatures for far too long." He snarled, lifting his bladed gauntlet. "It's time to end this!"

"SHREDDER!"

The entire building shook as a shockwave of power broke through the night. The turtles all went wide eyed, as did Miwa.

"Uh-oh, now you've done it." Mikey warned. "You've unleashed the beast."

Shredder turned to where the wave had originated as the turtles and Miwa all scrambled for cover. From the street below, surrounded in a halo of green light, Hisako came rising up, floating in the air. Shredder gasped at the sight, this being the first time he had truly witnessed Hisako's "Dark Phoenix mode".

"Nani-?" Shredder tried to ask.

Hisako thrusted her hand forward, her finger splayed. The resulting power sent Shredder flying across the roof and into the water tower, which by now way beginning to lean slightly from all the damage to its supports.

"This is for my brothers!"

Throwing her arm to the side, she sent Shredder, as well as the few Motorheads that hadn't been taken out already, into the roof access structure.

"This is for Miwa!"

She brought her hand up, then shoved it down hard, bringing Shredder and his cronies down on the roof hard enough to leave impressions in the concrete.

"This is for Master Splinter!"

She did it a second time, then slowly lifted Shredder up and straightened him. By now he was groaning in pain and it was clear that he was clinging to consciousness by a thread. Hisako forced him to look her in the eye as she spoke one last time.

"And this… is for ten years… of HELL!"

With one hard shove, Hisako sent Shredder flying off of the roof. She then released her power, allowing him to plummet to the ground with no one to catch him. However, she still wasn't done with him. She turned her sights on the water tower, squinting at it as she shoved both her hands towards it. When the turtles saw that familiar halo of light surround the tower, all of them went wide-eyed.

"Can she do that Don?" Leo asked nervously.

"In theory, it's possible." Don replied, eyes glued to the scene. "But the mental strain..."

That's when they heard the sound of metal tearing free of the concrete. Hisako moved over where Shredder had fallen, gazing down on him with a cold, merciless expression. Down below, he was attempting to crawl away, only to freeze when the shadow fell over him.

"Oops."

Hisako's power cut off and the tower dropped, shattering upon impact and flooding the entire street with hundreds upon hundreds of gallons of water. The turtles and Miwa all came to the edge so see the flooded wreckage, all of them shocked at everything that had just happened. Then Donny looked over at Hisako to see blood running down her nose like a waterfall.

"Hisako!" He shrieked.

The power Hisako had manifested faded away as her eyes rolled back in her head. She would have fallen, but Raph caught her before she did.

"Good job, sis." he told her. "Good job."

That's when the turtles heard the ever familiar sound of cracking stone as the building began to shake.

"Um, I think she broke the building again." Mikey commented with no small amount of fear.

"Then let's get out of here now." Leo declared.

"But what about dad?" Miwa asked. "Where'd Hisako leave him?"

Donny did some quick calculations as they got off the crumbling building.

"Best guess, the adjacent building that way." he hypothesized, pointing. "Probably on a fire escape."

"Then let's go get him!" Raph practically screamed.

…

They made it to the other building just a few seconds before the other came crumbling down. They braced themselves for a few second until the debris field passed. Once it passed, they got on the fire escape, only to find a distinct lack of their sensei.

"Don, I think your calculations were off." Mikey commented.

Before Donny could retort, his foot met something hard and wooden. He looked down to see Splinter's walking stick, resting on Hisako's blood covered vest. He bent down and picked them both up, a sinking feeling in his gut.

"Guys, look."

Everyone gathered around, all of them silent for a minute.

"Splinter was here." Donny realized. "But he's not anymore."

"You don't think someone took him, do you?" Mikey asked.

"One of the foot maybe?" Miwa suggested.

The idea made all of them all shiver in fear. About that time, a large group of sirens was beginning to approach their position, alerting them to the possible dangers.

"We need to disappear." Leo insisted.

"But Splinter-" Raph began.

"We'll find him Raph, but we're no use to him if we get caught, and we still have Hisako to take care off."

Raph looked at Hisako, whom he'd draped over his shell to make her easier to carry. He sighed then jumped off the fire escape towards a nearby sewer grate. Donny followed soon after, still holding the walking stick and the vest. Mikey came third, then Leo prepared to jump. Before he did, he placed a hand on Miwa's shoulder to comfort her.

"Splinter's tough." he told her. "He'll be fine, and we'll find him."

Miwa gave a small nod, then straightened up. Together, the two jumped off the fire escape and joined their siblings in the sewers.

…

A ways across town, the guardian Samson walked towards a large office building, passing a large sign that read 'Galactic Enterprises'. The doors opened automatically for him as a man with light purple hair greeted him. The man then gasped when he saw that Samson had someone with him.

"Samson, what is this?"

"I had no choice." Samson replied in a hurry. "He needs help now."

The man looked at Samson, then whistled. Two guards came and relieved Samson of the intended patient, running off with them as the man stared down Samson.

"You know that you are taking a large risk by doing this."

"I know." Samson replied. "But whatever comes of my actions, I will take full responsibility."

The man sighed, patting Samson on the shoulder as the two walked deeper into the building.

…

Emergency crews were sifting through the remains of the water tower, sighing as they did.

"Seems half the buildings in the city are falling down these days." One remarked.

"I hear ya." a second replied.

While they exchanged pleasantries, some of the rubble from the building shifted, allowing for Hun to pull himself free. The two crew members hadn't noticed him, and he used that to his advantage. He grabbed them both, smashing their heads together so the fell unconscious.

"Master." He called as he pushed large sections of the broken tower aside. "Master!"

He finally managed to locate the Shredder amidst the rubble. He pulled him free, yanking the helmet off his head. Though he was obviously in a lot of pain, and no doubt had many broken bones, he was still alive. Hun breathed a sigh of relief as he cradled his Master.

"Fear not, Master." Hun assured him. "This fight is far from over."

With that, he disappeared into the night, taking the Shredder with him.

[twilightpony4]

Ola Americano... Turtle?: 16. I Don’t Like This

Jet black walls were trimmed in a once hot pink color that faded with age. The business’ sign was its name in script that resembled mostly of a Barbie font. Underneath it we're rearrangeable letters that spelled out titles in Portuguese. Finding the place was not so hard, but it was a long trek since they had to find their way through the bustling night near the famous Copacabana. Fortunately, the city was very similar to New York with its architecture, thus they were able to travel the best way they knew how. By rooftop. Settled in a more quiet setting, the mutants lurked around the standoff-ish building. With no windows and no easy access to the place alone, they had to settle for the most practical yet revealing way to see through. The door. It was obvious that it was a business for numerous individuals, both rugged and groomed, came through the front doors. The only problem was that there was a good flow of people coming through. Raphael had pointed out that there was indeed a door that was hidden in the dark due to the absence of light around it.

With the ‘ok’, the red brute took out his sai from its back sheath. With its small tip, he jiggled the doorknob as silently as he could. Donatello listened in closely to hear it unlock and nodded when he got it done. With the sai replaced, Leonardo jumped in to open the door for he had a ready and steady hand. His intentions were to just crack the door open. Fortunately, there was a chain lock that only let it go so far in case they accidentally swung it open. He gave a slow sigh after the fact.

The room was dark with ominous, neon lights that lit up in particular spots. The main scheme was a luscious purple followed by some blue and red hues here and there. With the dancing music, it looked like a hangout until they saw that there was a stage to their right. It was reflective, but extremely black. Most of the lights danced around the floor of the stage. Catching glimpses of the light, some skimpily clad women danced together in rhinestones. Leo slowly closed the door up until there was a sliver of space open. As he turned his head away, his innocent eyes were wide with scarring and fear. “Angel didn’t mention this.” He gulped, still trying to get himself together as he sat down beside the door. It just caught him off guard. Raphael, curious to see what got him riled up, leaned over him to crack the door open again. This time, the rest of the mutant gang wanted to peek in as well. Immediately seeing what was going on, they, too, turned around closely and re-shut the door.

“Naw, I’m out.” Raphael shook his head and put his hands up. “Turning around.” A hand stopped him after it snagged him by the hem of his pants. “Stay here.” Leonardo commanded. Raphael scoffed in disbelief. “You’re not serious, Leo.” “I don’t like it at all, but we got to see if he’s in there.” “How?” Donatello chimed in with a shaking voice. Aw, the poor kid. “Time to test how mature you guys can really be.” He said with a newfound confidence. Opening the door some, he tried to scan the dark room. Suddenly, he shut the door. It was almost a slam, which caused the clan to retaliate back at his carelessness. He quieted them with his reasoning. Upon his face, he was severely mortified with widened eyes and a tense posture against the wall. Again? “You know, on second thought, why-don’t-you-two-scope-it-out-first.” His attention was clearly on the two mutant sisters as he spoke breathlessly. Yet another scarring on the honor turtle. “What happened to our fearless leader?” Raphael teased with laughter behind his words. The leader cleaned up his act to roll his eyes. “It’s called ‘respect’.” He snapped back, growling in between.

Pushing past them, Mona tapped them both on the head to stop their bickering. Opening the door, she watched as the boys looked away. Venus just stood by for only one really needed to monitor the scene. The lizard lady sighed out of boredom multiple times. Seeing such a display unsettled her. Ultimately, this was frowned upon where she came up from, but since she also respected that this was how these girls could make some money, she was torn. Sure, some girls enjoyed this work,but she really felt bad for those who had to come to this as a last resort. She could see it on some of the girl’s faces as their expressions gave subtle cues of discomfort. She wished she could intervene on their behalf, but now was not the time. After some minutes, the naked women disappeared and a more modest act began to unfold involving a foreign dancer in traditional cloth. “There’s nothing ‘bad’ going on. You can look.” Mona spoke deadpan to the group. Once again, a little more shyly this time, they all peeked into the room. What they saw was a lot softer. On the stage was a dark skinned, Brazilian woman with short curls. She wore a sky blue rhinestoned brazierre and a long, silky skirt. Her act was belly dancing to Middle Eastern music. The gold accents and chains clinked numerous times as he moved her hips abruptly yet flawlessly. Taking in the show directly was unbelievable. Front row, taking up three seats, were their guys. Cha Ocho, alive, was on one end while another guy sat in the middle. Who could be next to him was none other than the guy they were truly looking for. Dark skinned with a mean mug and a short haircut was the man they were looking for (all thanks to Vincent for sending in a mugshot). Upon being in the front, the dancer paid more attention to them as they sat back and smiled at her. “Yeah, I can hang out with this guy.” Michelangelo slipped out. When he did, there was already a backlash of disapproving looks. He brought his hands up in surrender, but was very calm by closing his eyes and talking smoothly. “I know, I know, ‘Don’t be an idiot’.”

“What’s the plan?” Venus whispered, pulling everybody back out except for Mikey who was too infatuated by what was going on inside. “We bust in and ask Stockman’s friend a couple questions.” Raphael proposed by cracking the knuckles in his fist. A beat down was going to feel good after they did them dirty. “Raph, we can’t go in there.” Leonardo shook his head. “Why the shell not?” Was Leo just being a hypocrite earlier to stay, or what? “Just shake up the place a little bit without anybody catching us.” “No.” He spoke low and firm. “We need more time before the police try to arrive. Its gotta be something a little more subtle than that.” “Someone’s gotta go in.” Donatello reminded. Leonardo understood, but he wasn’t sure how or whom. Meanwhile, Michelangelo was still incognito with his ogling.

“Dang, look at that girl go.” He whispered in amazement. “Mikey!” Donnie whispered harshly. Then, he grabbed him by the shell and pulled him back from the door. “No, for real, she doin’ that belly dancin’ stuff! It’s insane! How her hips do that?” He whispered that last part partially to himself. “Look!” He urged them to see as he pointed. It got the attention of the others. The only one to delay was Leo, who only rolled his eyes and groaned at his childish ways. “Mikey, we don’t wanna…” His voice trailed off just as his eyes once it hit what Michelangelo was talking about. It wasn’t so vulgar of the sorts as the woman dressed in traditionally modern dress and jived with the beat. “wow, that’s pretty cool.” He had to admit as she popped and did a well done shake down. “Her outfit isn't revealing either. She almost looks like a…” Before Michelangelo could finish that thought, his voice trailed off. As if by magic, Venus, Leo, and Donatello all had a similar idea. Slowly, their heads turned towards Mona Lisa. The lizard lady was distracted from their stares for the longest time. Raphael was the first to see what was out of the ordinary as the rest of the group looked on at her. A moment passed until she gave herself a break from the dancing woman. When she looked back, she jumped from their stares. Her hand covered her mouth as she uttered something small.

“Do you need something?” She asked, quite confused and with a raised brow. “You need to go in there, Mona. Pose yourself as a dancer to get his attention.” Leonardo asked of her. The mere thought that he would suggest such a thing surprised her. Then, by the looks on the others’ faces, they were along with it too? Are they serious? “Do I look like a stripper to you?” There was a lot of attitude in her tone. When she asked, her head bounced as she placed her hands on her rocking hip. “You will when you jump on the pole.” The lizard lady glared at the young mutant. He took a step back. “I’m just saying.” “You’ll be fine.” Leo assured. “I’m a mutant.” She fired back. “And human, and you get the upper hand over Venus since she has a shell.” He pointed out. It was true. Mona would have an easier time explaining tail than a giant shell merged to her body if the question arose. “I'm also a minor?” This time, her voice was unsure in a last ditch effort. “But not by that much.” The leader smiled shyly. He was just as unsure as she was. Typical. A sickening feeling in her stomach visited when she took another look inside. Was she really going to do something like that? Putting herself out there like that, all eyes on her, was going to definitely be out of her comfort zone. Then, what was she going to do? Just the sound of the word ‘twerk’ made her cringe and this was a field where it was highlighted. The red clad terrapin took her gently by the arm. He pulled her back away from the door and spoke for her.

“If she doesn’t want to go, she doesn’t need to go.” Raphael argued. It was then Venus had a weird feeling. It started in her face as a current of electricity tickled her nose. The female turtle flared her nostrils briefly, but when it didn’t work, she used her arm to push it down. The feeling subsided some, but it was more comfortable than before. Paying back attention, she saw Donatello reach for Mona Lisa’s hand. Gentle and caring, his pulled it out of Raphael’s grasp. Mona wasn’t the one to be grabbed on, but she was too nervous that she let it happen. Also, who could turn away from those comforting eyes that kept her still?

“Just for a couple minutes so we know where Chapelin and Stockman are.” Donatello encouraged. He gave her hand a slow shake as if it would strengthen his grasp on her. “We’re right behind you.” Then, another hand took her free one. It was Michelangelo this time. She had to admit, behind her concerns, it was pretty cute that  the two youngest were trying to comfort the oldest of the group. “The world depends on this.” Venus spoke from behind Raphael. The combination of large brown and blue eyes followed by her sister’s reasoning was putting her own thoughts into overload. The lizard lady sighed, chewing on her bottom lip afterward. Mona removed her hand from the turtle boys’ grasp. “I’m going through the back.” She turned around bluntly. The lizard with a mission brushed past Raphael whose face contorted into multiple, frustrated scowls towards his team members. However, they were not concerned with him

“Whoa, wait up.” The turtle girl stopped her with a hand to her shoulder. Then, she cocked a brow and looked down on her. Mona’s eyes followed the hand that was outstretched to her. “Sports Bra.” She demanded. Repulsed by what she meant, her sister engulfed her chest in her arms defensively. “Venus!” “Hey, you have to sell it. Deception is the kunoichi’s true power, but those” The turtle girl pointed directly at her chest. “are a woman’s power.” Ugh! D**** social norms! It’ll be harder in the future, but this was a girl who couldn’t wait until a woman didn’t need to be sent out as an object for manipulation. Of course, she was trained for manipulating, but this was one aspect she liked to skip. “Fine.” When she pulled the cuff of her sleeve, the brothers looked away as she wriggled out of the tight contraption. They can tell she was really struggling with her disgruntled grunts. Or was that her being upset that she was actually doing this? “You want a world class stripper?” An unusual amount of confidence and baritone came out of the lizard lady. They were still looking away so they couldn’t see a ‘proud’ yet annoyed Mona Lisa put her arms up in a presenting fashion and walk away. “I’ll give you ‘Kinky Kunoichi’!”

Coming up beside them, the boys relaxed as Venus entered their circle. Mona had disappeared into the back. As promised, Venus looked down at her sister’s sports bra confided in her hand. She stared down on it like some type of trophy to get her sister out of her comfort zone successfully. Upon seeing it, Raphael shook his head and rocked his body. “I don’t like this.” “Just a couple minutes. Besides, Mona is a professional. She’s gonna squeeze information from that guy.” Donnie tried to make him feel somewhat better about the situation. Everyone knew Raphael was just as hard to get out of his comfort zone as the lizard lady. “Right after she gives him a lap dance.” Understandably irritated, the family’s eyes turned to glared at the unapologetic orange masked turtle. Shamelessly, his nose was back in the door and smiling at what he saw. The orange tails of his mask were abruptly pulled on. He forced himself not to utter anything as he was pulled back and up on his knees. Hovering over him, Raphael scowled sternly. “Not helping.” He whispered. Then, he dropped him, in which the bottom rim of his shell dug into his large calves. Pouting, Michelangelo muttered. “Should’ve just let me dress in drag and do the hula.” he offered. Donnie raised his brow in disapproval. “That’s an image no one deserves to see.” He commented. Michelangelo gave him a shrug. “Just trying to help.”