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Post by LilNinjaWolf on Jun 5, 2009 10:59:21 GMT -6
Thanks. Update will come soon.
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Post by LilNinjaWolf on Jun 11, 2009 11:26:42 GMT -6
Chapter 26
Mikey trudged on through the sewers doing his best to hold Leo up with his one good arm. Casey had Leo's other side. Neither said a word. Or any of the others for that matter. Splinter was leading the way to the lair, walking with April's help. Behind them Rai and Raph carried Don between them. So that left Casey, Leo and Mikey at the back of the pack. Mikey didn't care though. Before he woulda loved to run ahead, beating everyone home. But not today. He was still a little stunned that he was holding Leo, carrying him home. His brother was alive. He should've never trusted the Foot. They had thought Leo was dead, voicing their opinion to the Shredder, so Mikey had thought so as well. He let out a small sigh. Leo must have planned or used the Foot's actions to his advantage so they would think he was dead. Mikey was upset that he had let his big brother down. He had thought Leo had been killed and thus when the others had been captured, had given up hope of ever being rescued. He looked over at his brother, still out cold. As far as he knew, Leo hadn't even moved since he and Casey caught Leo before he fell to the ground. Splinter said it was exhaustion. Mikey had repeated that answer to Raph. But he was still worried. What if there was still a chance that he would loose his older brother?
“Hey guys?” Casey suddenly spoke up, breaking the thick silence. “You guys here somethin' or is just me?”
“You spooked Casey?” April asked whispering faintly.
“Shh...” Raph hushed the two.
Everyone stopped walking and listened. Splashes of someone or someones echoed through the sewer tunnel, getting louder by the second as if they didn't care that they could be heard by anyone else walking through the sewers dank tunnels.
“Someone is coming our way,” Splinter said softly. He looked back at them and cocked his head to the right. He and April slipped into the shadows of the next tunnel, the others following behind them.
Mikey waited tensely as the splashing grew louder, the footsteps grew closer. Time seemed to slow. They would surely be discovered where they were. His heart beat faster. What if they were Foot, or Purple Dragons? Or even Hun himself with some of his goons? Mikey's mind raced with other alternatives, each of them worse than the last until he finally caught a glimpse of a black group of people.
“Foot,” Raph whispered faintly.
Mikey gulped and watched, sure that the Foot soldiers would hear his pounding heart.
Half a dozen Foot soldiers ran through the tunnel the turtles and their friends had just been walking through. They ran crazy, out of their normal formation, giving no thought to being quiet or the echo of their running steps. Soon they were out of sight without the slightest stop at someone watching them run crazily through the sewers.
“Ok...” Casey murmured. “That was strange.”
“Weird is more like it,” Raph muttered. “You'd think they woulda been more quiet or somethin'.”
Splinter watched the tunnel intently. “Maybe stealth was not what they were after.”
“Then what were they after?” Mikey asked hesitantly.
“I do not know my son.” Splinter watched for a few more minutes, then he and April proceeded forward. “It seems they are gone. Though we will take another tunnel.”
Mikey nodded absently following behind the rest of the others like before. He didn't pay attention to the new tunnel they took, or the fact that it took them ten more minutes to get back to the lair than it would've if they hadn't seen those rouge ninjas. He only noticed they were back at the lair when everyone stopped again. He slowly looked up, mouth nearly hanging open. The lair was a complete mess, like a tornado had come and brought another one with it to butt heads until they had dissipated, leaving a total mess in their wake. He didn't remember the lair being this bad when they had been taken from their home by Keith and the Foot ninjas.
They slowly made their way through the debris and into the lab. April helped Splinter to sit in a chair after she righted it, then quickly turned two cots back to their normal position. Mikey and Casey carefully laid Leo on one while Rai and Raph laid Don on the other.
“What do we do now?” Mikey asked. He stared at Don, still out cold like Leo, and unmoving. Blood dripped out from the makeshift bandage that had been stained red.
“What do you mean Mikey?” Raph asked gruffly. He sat down in a chair with a pained grunt. “We're gonna get everyone fixed up.” He winced repositioning himself.
Mikey cringed. Raph had to be in a lot of pain. Lots of large spots were red with slight parts of skin pealing from the burns. He turned his gaze away, refusing to look to long at Don either. His poor purple banded brother was in the same condition as Raph with those burns. “But how do we get everyone fixed up Raph? Don does that and he's... out of it right now.” He plopped down on the floor and rested his shell against the wall.
“I'm going to do it,” April spoke up.
Mikey blinked, staring at her. She couldn't be serious.
“I'm serious,” April added seeming to read Mikey's thoughts, hands on her hips. “I knew a lot about treating injuries before I met you all and have done more research on it since then. Never know when it might come in handy.”
Splinter nodded slowly. “I trust you can do a good job Ms. O'Neil,” he said firmly.
Raph grunted but nodded with the others.
Mikey swallowed and sighed, nodding as well. He sure didn't want Raph checking his broken arm. He cringed at the thought.
“You do know how to sew up a gash like Don's don't ya?” Casey asked.
April nodded. “Yeah. Why don't you help me see if there's any clean needle, thread, antiseptics, and bandages.”
“Sure thing babe,” Casey answered, starting to look through the mess of things in the lab.
April gave him a half glare before turning to Rai. “Can you see if there's any salve? We have to get something on Don and Raph's burns.”
Rai gave a small smile and a nod, joining Casey in searching for the needed item.
Mikey watched all this in hopes that they would all be able to get fixed up. And that Don and Leo would wake up soon. He still had fears that the Foot would come back even though it would be the last place to look for your enemy in their destroyed home. He knew they wouldn't have come back if Master Splinter hadn't confirmed it thus saying it was safe. But he couldn't banish the thought. Or his still shaky feelings of loosing Leo then having him return in a short time. He blinked not realizing he had gotten a little teary and looked up when he felt a hand on his good arm.
“You ok?” April whispered.
Mikey nodded. “We're safe,” he said weakly. “And together.”
April smiled faintly. “Yes. We are.” She paused watching him for a moment before going on. “How's you're arm?”
Mikey looked at his broken arm and thought about it. “It feels fine.”
“Well I'll check it just the same.” April ran her hand along the splint and nodded. “They actually did a good job.”
“Who'da thought that?” Mikey half joked.
April's smile grew a little. “Yeah. Who would've thought.” She stood and went over to Leo, looking over his bruises and cut arm. She frowned touching his arm then forehead.
Mikey bit his lip. What had she found? He was afraid to ask.
“What is it Ms. O'Neil?” Splinter asked, beating Mikey to the question.
“It's a fever,” she said looking up. “I think he put too much strain on his arm and it opened up again and got infected soon after getting to the warehouse.”
“Will he still be ok?” Raph asked gruffly, though the concern in his eyes betrayed the gruff tone of his voice.
“If we have the right antibiotics, yes.” April looked around the lab a little worried.
“If not?” Mikey asked fearfully. He had seen shows where if someone's arm was infected and there was nothing to treat it with, the arm would have to be amputated. Or worse they died from a badly untreated infection. His heart raced, beating double time. There had to be something here. He wasn't going to loose his brother again. Not after getting him back when he hadn't really died in the first place.
“I'll send Casey to get something,” April answered Mikey's question. “Leo will be fine.”
Mikey numbly nodded. He sure hoped so, but that didn't keep his heart from beating so fast he could hear it in his ears. He started biting one of his nails on his good hand without realizing it.
“Found some!” Casey shouted triumphantly from across the lab. He quickly made his way through the mess to April and handed her the needle, thread, antiseptics, and bandages.
She took them and looked them over. “I hope this is enough. Now I need some antibiotics for Leo.”
“And that looks like?” Casey asked with a confused expression.
April gave him a little stare. “I don't know. A little bottle or something. I'm sure Don would've labeled it.”
“Oh yeah. That helps,” Casey returned, giving her the same stare and raising one eyebrow.
“Just go fine some,” Raph growled.
Casey turned muttering, going back through the mess.
April shook her head and went over to Don pulling away the makeshift bandage. She cleaned the area as best as she could and started to stitch up Don's side.
Mikey looked away, never being one for watching someone get stitched up. His eyes followed his tiger friend around the lab. Rai was still searching for that salve. Rai scowled, lifting large shelves then putting them down again. He turned and crawled under something. When Rai came up he was grinning. Mikey knew he had found some.
Rai quickly came back to April and stood next to her, patiently waiting and watching her fix Don up.
Mikey chanced a look back at Don and April and was relieved to find that April was finished with Don's side and now taking the container of salve from Rai, putting it on Don's burns. After she was finished she walked over to Raph. Mikey couldn't help a smirk. This would be interesting.
Raph glared at her and snatched the container. “I'll do it myself,” he muttered, starting with putting the stuff on his leg.
April shrugged and turned to go check on Leo. She touched his forehead again.
“I can't find it April!” Casey yelled.
She looked up and sighed. “Can you go help him Rai?”
Rai nodded and turned, going back through the mess to where Casey stood and started helping to search.
Mikey watched them for the moment then turned to watch April again. She was checking Master Splinter's leg, fixing the splint a little. She was frowning a little, but it quickly disappeared.
“There, that should be better,” April said standing.
“Thank you Ms. O'Neil.”
“Oh you're quite welcome,” she said with a small smile. “I'm going to go see if any of the water works anymore. We have to get Leo's temperature down.”
“There should be some cloths and a bowl under the sink if it is still intact,” Splinter said after a moments thought.
April nodded and left the lab, determination in her eyes.
The room seemed to quiet into a thick silence as soon as April left. Except for the rummaging that Casey and Rai were doing followed by Casey's frustrated murmurs. Mikey watched them intensely, fear coiling his muscles tight. Don always had antibiotics in here. He didn't know where he got them, but didn't ask. He just knew that Don would always have what they needed. Mikey continued to watch Rai and Casey go slowly back and forth from one end of the room to the other. Soon just watching them and his already tired body proved too much and he found his eyelids closing just as April returned with a bowl, pulling a wet cloth out and putting it on Leo's forehead. Mikey blinked trying to stay awake, but soon found himself sleeping lightly, chin resting down on his chest.
To be continued...
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Post by kat on Jun 12, 2009 3:44:40 GMT -6
I hope the foot doesn't find them in the lair...no one is up for a fight. Update soon.
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Post by LilNinjaWolf on Jun 20, 2009 15:35:01 GMT -6
Yeah. That'd be bad.
Chapter 27
Rai looked through the mess of junk in the room that was once Don's lab. Things were all topsy turvy. He and Casey had already righted many shelves, but that didn't help much in finding the antibiotics that April needed for Leo. He wasn't sure if they would find it in this mess. Many of the bottles were strew about the room, hidden under various objects. Others were broken beyond recognition. Rai sighed, not knowing what to do. Leo needed those antibiotics. He heard what April had said. He knew what could happen if they didn't get the antibiotics. He knew it too well.
Casey threw an object across the room at the wall, the object sailing right in front of Rai, causing him to duck. It crashed with a hard thud.
“Casey!” April yelled.
“It's not here April!” Casey yelled back, frustration unmistakable in his voice. “Not here.”
“Then don't go throwing things all over the room,” Raph glared at Casey. “Some people are trying to rest.” He looked at Mikey then glared back at Casey.
“We really need it Casey,” April said gently.
Casey sighed and turned back to trying to find it.
Rai let out his own sigh and crawled under what was left of Don's desk. There were a lot of broken bottles under it. He reached for one, picking it up carefully and read the label. Some sort of chemical he couldn't pronounce, let alone read. He put it aside and reached for another and another, each one not what he was looking for. Another thud sounded. Rai jolted hitting his head on the desk. He rubbed his head where it was sore and pulled himself out from under the desk, looking for the source of the sound.
“Sorry. Accident...” Casey called from somewhere across some fallen debris.
Rai shook his head and bent back down, reaching for another bottle under the desk. He didn't see any more bottles, but he reached toward the wall anyway. His hand brushed something sharp, digging into his skin. He bit his lip against the stinging pain and gently pulled the broken glass out and read it in the light. Antibiotics. He put his cut finger in his mouth to get rid of the blood and stood, putting the broken glass on the broken desk. He pulled his finger out of his mouth, still stinging, and crossed a few big broken objects to get to Casey. Rai grabbed his arm and dragged him through the debris to April. “The bottle of the antibiotics is broken,” he croaked out, his voice still hoarse and his throat sore.
April looked a little crest fallen. “Casey, I need you to go to the drug store.”
“I can't find the stuff in that place,” Casey complained.
“Just do it!” Raph yelled. “Leo needs it. Now. I'm coming with you.” He slowly stood up, wincing in pain and fell back down.
“No you are not my son,” Splinter objected. “You are hurt as well. You will do yourself no good to go.”
“But you can't go either sensei,” Raph protested. “You can barely walk.”
Splinter nodded sadly.
“I'll go with him,” Rai said, voice low.
“Wait a minute,” April interjected. She pulled a chair over and set it in front of Rai. “Sit.”
Rai stared at her, not comprehending.
“Sit,” she repeated.
Rai sat on the chair and waited, not knowing what April wanted to do. Though he knew it was best not to argue with April when she repeated an order.
“I want to have a look at your throat. It should be fine since you're still talking somewhat. So it's not obviously crushed, but I want to look just the same,” April explained.
Rai nodded a bit relieved now knowing what she wanted to do. “Ok.” He opened his mouth for her to have a look. She seemed to take a long time, but finally pulled back after awhile. He shut his mouth. “Well?”
“It's a little red and irritated,” April said. “Just do as Don said earlier and lay off talking so much. I doubt a little here and there will hurt you.”
“Thanks,” Rai said with a sigh. He stood, hoping his throat would get better soon. He hated the sore and scratchy feeling. “Are you staying here?”
April nodded. “I have to help keep Leo's temperature down. You two hurry back.”
Rai nodded. He started out of the lab, Casey right behind him, passing a sleeping Mikey on his way out. He was glad that Mikey was able to rest. The poor guy needed it. They all did. He could feel how worn out he himself already was. But Leo needed the antibiotics. So he would rest once they got it.
They exited the lair and clambered up a ladder to the surface. Rai checked inside his trench coat, satisfied that both sai were securely in their spot in his belt and closed the trench coat tight over his body. He pulled the hood up so none of the humans up here on the surface would be able to see his red and black fur. Or the fact that he was a tiger, not human. Screams in the night would not be good right now. Might even draw attention from any of their foes.
“You ready?” Casey asked impatiently.
“Yeah.” Rai started down the alley and turned right once they got out to the street. The nearest drug store was only a couple blocks away. But the one that would have what they needed for Leo was a couple more blocks after that. He hadn't realized that until too late and didn't want to go back into the sewers after coming up near the wrong one, so he pulled his hood a little more over his head and continued on down the street. Not a lot of people seemed to be walking the streets tonight, not like in the day time. But that was fine with Rai. Lots of people or no he wasn't bothered by it. Just if he was well hidden under his trench coat, he'd be fine.
They reached the drug store without incident and Rai pulled the door open, letting Casey go ahead of him. He eyed the street, making sure there were no Foot ninjas following them. Seeing none he entered the store, unintentionally tugging his hood down a little more. He followed Casey, quickly catching up to him. Casey looked like he was a little out of his league, looking at bottles of lotion instead of antibiotics. Rai shook his head. “It's this way,” he murmured heading in the right direction.
“Right...” Casey half chuckled. “I knew that.”
Rai shook his head looking for the right aisle, which shouldn't be too far away. At least Casey was close. Finding it, he began searching the bottle's labels, starting on the right side. Casey started on the left, keeping up with Rai. They were quiet as they looked and as they got towards the end of the aisle, Rai started chewing on his lip. It didn't look like they had it here. And this drug store seemed to have everything else too. Just not what they needed. They might have to go across the city to get what they needed. But Rai kept thinking that if that happened they might not get back to the lair in time.
“Uh... is this it?”
Startled out of his dark thoughts, Rai turned around to look at Casey holding up a weird shaped bottle. He read the label and sighed with a small smile, relieved. “Yeah. That's it.”
Casey half grinned. “Cool. I'll go pay fer it and meet ya outside.”
Rai nodded and started through the aisles, walking out the door and waiting for Casey. The night air was cool, a small breeze blowing in his face. No ninjas in sight. He didn't think there would be any, but it was still habit to check. One he would never loose. But he didn't care. It was a small price to pay.
As soon as Casey came out carrying the small bag, they slipped back down into the sewers and walked through the tunnels back to the lair. It seemed to take longer than the walk to the drug store, but that was probably due to the fact that both were starting to really worry they might not have enough of the antibiotics or not get back in time for the stuff to do anything for Leo. Finally after what seemed a long time they walked through the lair's front door and into the lab. April was squeezing out the cloth and replacing it on Leo's forehead. It looked like she had taken off the bandages on Leo's cut arm and had been starting to clean it.
“We got it babe,” Casey said, holding out the bag to her.
“Thank goodness.” April took the bag and pulled the bottle out. She put the bag aside and unscrewed the bottle, using it and some other things to clean Leo's arm.
Rai wearily sat down on the ground and leaned against the wall. He was more tired now, feeling sleep not too far off. The thought of it sounded really nice. He blinked tiredly as he watched April finish rewrapping Leo's arm and redoing the cloth on his forehead. “Is his temp down any?” Rai asked, breaking the small silence.
“Yes,” April nodded turning back to the others. “Some. It should be down a lot more by morning.” She looked at all of them. “You guys really need to get some sleep.”
“Yes. I think that would be a good idea,” Splinter agreed. He looked greatly tired as well.
“Fine,” Raph grumbled. He looked anything but happy. “But I'm staying right here.”
Splinter sighed but nodded. “That might be best.”
Rai was glad. He didn't want to get up at all. He could feel himself drift already. Everyone either leaned against the lab wall while they could find space or laid on the floor. Raph stayed right where he was in that chair, not looking like he would sleep yet. Casey pulled out another cot from the debris for April and sat on the ground, out in no time. April sat on the cot, but didn't sleep. She watched Don. Rai noticed that Splinter also didn't sleep yet. He also watched Don, who had to wake up soon. It would be no danger to let Leo sleep until morning. He was just exhausted. But Don should wake up. Should've been awake by now. Rai wondered why, not able to think of anything as to why the turtle was not awake yet. Maybe he too was exhausted. They all were.
“Guys...” a whisper echoed through the silent room.
Rai's eyes snapped up, seeing Don awake, not expecting it at the moment. He smiled lightly as April and Splinter crowded around Don.
“How are you feeling Don?” April asked.
“Sore...” Don moaned.
Splinter nodded. “That is to be expected my son. But you must rest now. We are safe.”
Don looked tiredly at them then the others in the room, eyes locking with Rai, who nodded tiredly. Don sighed and consented. “Everyone is ok?”
“They will be,” April reassured him.
Don smiled slightly. “Good,” he whispered tiredly, letting his eyes close.
Rai's own eyes slowly shut as he slipped into the darkness of sweet sleep, sounds of April and Splinter settling down to rest as well.
To be continued...
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Post by kat on Jun 21, 2009 4:24:50 GMT -6
So, everyone is gonna be ok...so far. But I'm getting a bad feeling about the foot being in the sewer...hmmm. Update soon!
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Post by LilNinjaWolf on Jun 21, 2009 15:46:16 GMT -6
Yep. Foot is always bad news. You will find out about that soon. I will be working on it very soon.
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Post by LilNinjaWolf on Jul 9, 2009 14:18:30 GMT -6
Chapter 28
His head ached and his limbs felt heavy, bruised, and beaten. He didn't remember much after what happened in the warehouse. It was all a blur, only remembering himself hit the wall and black out. And Keith hated not knowing. He finally pushed his eyes open and looked around, not seeing anything it was so dark. The floor beneath him was hard and cold. His hand were shackled behind him, his feet bound as well. He had been like this ever since he had woken up a few hours ago. Then he was in pain, now he felt at least somewhat better. Somewhat. He knew he had failed the Shredder. And failure never brought anything good. It brought darkness, despair, and pain. Lots and lots of pain. He had been through this before, again and again. Yet tonight he had failed again.
Keith pulled at the binds to no avail. They were secure just like he knew they would be. They only rattled, breaking the silence of the small dark room. He closed his eyes wondering what his punishment would be this time. His stomach rolled at the thought of the last punishment he had to endure last time.
He had been strapped to a table with chains that bit deeply into his skin. The Shredder had given him 'the speech' about failure. About consequences. He hated the speech and he hated the punishments. One of these times he wouldn't be able to take it. He would either die or revolt. The latter having more dire consequences than he thought he might be willing to take. But he kept it in mind all the same.
The Shredder was still in the room, standing at the doorway. He made a motion. A ninja stepped forward and injected him with something. Then the table slowly lowered into a large rectangular pool of water filled with eels. Keith's muscles tensed as he hit the water, then relaxed. He could no longer move them as the eels swam toward him, slithering against his skin. His muscles locked up even more thanks to the injection. Electricity from the eels coursed through him as they touched him. He held his tongue for as long as he could. And that seemed like an eternity with the high jolts from the eels. After a long time, he couldn't hold it in any longer. And he screamed. One loud and long ear splitting scream.
Keith blinked out of his memory, shuddering at the thought of it. That was the worst one yet. Luckily he had forgotten most of his 'punishments'. Forgotten because he wanted them that way. It did him no good to think about them. But now, he couldn't help but think of the last time as he lay bound in the cool dark room. The silence seemed thick, thick enough to slice it with a knife. His skin still burned. And he didn't know why.
The door to the room creaked, opening and letting in a shaft of very bright light. A figure limped into the room, leaving the door wide open with it's harmful bright light to those who had been in darkness.
Keith squinted his eyes at the brightness, his already pounding head worsening. He blinked as his eyes slowly adjusted to the light. He looked at his visitor not surprised at who he saw this time. The Shredder. But he seemed to missing parts of his metal suit. And his left leg looked damaged. But Keith took no comfort in that. The Shredder was no less dangerous like this. Keith gulped.
“You have failed me once again Keith,” Shredder spat, his eyes narrowed into slits.
Keith clenched his fists and kept himself from making a retort back. Whatever had gone down, it looked like the Shredder had barely made it out alive. Too bad. It would've been nice to not have to go through this. And he really didn't want to know what the Shredder had in store for him this time.
“If I didn't still have use for you I would've let you die in the explosion,” Shredder growled.
“What explosion?” Keith asked before he could bite his tongue against the question.
Shredder glared. “I owe you no explanation.” He seemed to smirk underneath that metal helmet. He came closer and picked Keith up by the collar. He dragged his gauntlet against the side of Keith's neck, from ear to shoulder.
Keith cringed as the blade slid across his neck from shoulder to ear, his skin burning hot, felt his own blood drip down his arm. The moment ticked by in agonizing seconds.
Shredder growled and threw him across the room. “That is just the beginning.”
Keith hit the wall hard, head smacking against the cement wall, threatening to knock him out again. His gaze slowly shifted upward, watched the retreating form of Shredder walking out of the room, being replaced with four ninjas. The four Elite guard. Keith shuddered as they came near him, stood over him and glared, one of them snickering.
“Another mistake puke,” the leader spat. “Come on boys. We have a job to do.” He turned on his heel and left the room.
The second grabbed the chain between Keith's feet and pulled, dragging him feet first out of the room. The other two walked behind Keith, watching him closely, ready to hold him if necessary.
Keith twisted and turned, trying to pull his feet from the Elite, but it did no good. He slid right down the halls they dragged him through. He swallowed hard once they stopped. The lead Elite smirked and opened the door, taking half a step back. Inside he saw an electric chair, the eel pool, a steel table with sharp instruments near it, and a few other torture devices. He hardened his gaze and braced himself. The Elite jerked him inside, the door slamming shut behind the group. The air was silent in the hall, not a sound came inside the room. Minutes ticked into an hour, into two hours until... a blood curling scream echoed, breaking the silence of the hall.
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Leo drifted in and out of sleep. He no longer felt hot. He remembered a burning heat throughout his body as he tried to wake up before, but it was now gone. His right arm hurt, but also not as bad as before. He slowly opened his eyes and looked around at his surroundings. Things were a mess in this room. He could barely tell that it was the lab in their old home. “What are we doing back here?” he whispered.
He continued his search of the room and spotted Mikey asleep leaning against the wall near the door. He looked really out of it, like he could sleep for days. Rai leaned against the wall not too far from Mikey, also asleep, with Splinter a little farther down the wall as well. Don lay in a bed next to him. He his heart lurched when he saw all the burns on his brother, with some sort of white stuff covering most of them. What had happened to him? How had Donny gotten hurt?
“He'll be ok.”
Leo's gaze snapped to the chair not too far away. Raph sat upright, looking dead tired. Leo didn't understand why Raph would pick a chair to sleep in when he was that tired. And his skin... He had burns just like Donatello. Why was all Leo could think at first. “You look horrible...”
Raph smirked. “I could say the same for you. You really stressed that arm of yours.”
Leo shrugged and winced from the bruises he could feel on his body. He tried to ignore the growing pain in his arm. “You wouldn't have gotten out of there if I hadn't done anything.”
Raph sighed. “I know. But we would've thought of something.” He paused, seeming to struggle with his words. “I just didn't want to loose ya.”
“You didn't need to lie to me to do that,” Leo countered softly.
Raph blinked, staring at him.
“The note in April's apartment.”
Raph smiled sheepishly. “Oh... that. Yeah well you would've come sooner if I'd told ya the truth.”
“And that's a bad thing?”
“Only when you're hurt,” Raph countered.
Leo shrugged. “Never stops you.”
Raph chucked.
“How'd you and Donny get those burns?” Leo asked, not being able to hold back any longer. He just had to know.
“Getting Don out of the warehouse. To get out Don insisted he distract the Shredder. He ended up getting a cut in the side, both of us burned.” Leo's eyes widened. No. He thought in fear. Why did Don have to get hurt? Once again his thoughts returned to Keith. How he was the one to let the man into their home. Leo swallowed hard. He had almost invited their destruction.
“Now hold on there Leo,” Raph quickly said. “His side's stitched up and fine. The burns are from the warehouse blowing. Rai set some charges and Don detonated them. Too soon in my opinion. Some burning chunks of the ceiling and wall fell on us.” Raph's words came a little faster, almost Mikey-like as he tried to reassure Leo that they would be fine. “Rai came back and helped get us out in time. We're all going to be fine ok?”
Leo nodded, relieved to hear all that. But it still wasn't right. He still felt guilty. It was his fault this had happened. Raph didn't have to say it. They all knew it. Leo knew they did. It twisted him inwardly as if it were a more harsh pain than his sliced arm. “Why are we here?”
“In the old lair? 'Cuz April said it's the last place they would look for us right now. Splinter agreed. But we still need a new home. One where the Foot won't know.” Raph smacked on fist into his other hand. “And then I'd like to have some words with them.”
“You'll do nothing of the sort,” Leo growled. He glared at his brother. He wasn't going to risk loosing Raph. Leo carefully turned on his side, his back to Raph and tried to rest, but couldn't. He heard Raph huff and settle himself in the chair. Silence settled on the room. Leo couldn't sleep even though he was exhausted. His failure kept him awake. Running through his head, like an unwanted mantra. His fault. He had believed Keith and almost lost his family. Because of him. His action. His mistake.
To be continued...
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Post by kat on Jul 10, 2009 3:36:22 GMT -6
Very good! Can't wait for the next...I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen.
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Post by LilNinjaWolf on Jul 10, 2009 14:06:11 GMT -6
hehe I'm not sure yet. But you will find out by... probably Tuesday.
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Post by kat on Jul 11, 2009 11:50:35 GMT -6
Can't wait...
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Post by LilNinjaWolf on Jul 19, 2009 16:15:52 GMT -6
haha life's funny. Doesn't always let ya do what you have in mind to do. *shrugs* But here's the next chapter. Chapter 29 Raph stared at Leo as he turned over, ignoring him. He sighed. So Leo didn't want him going after the Foot. That didn't mean he couldn't take some out when they ran into him. And for now, that was just how it was going to have to be. Whether he liked it or not. And he really didn't like it. He crossed his arms over his chest and leaned back in his chair. He wasn't about to go anywhere and he was comfy where he was. Well sort of, but he didn't feel like getting up. It wasn't like he hadn't slept upright in a chair before. He'd maybe be a little sore, but that was it. Though with his burns, he might be a little more sore by the time they all got up. Now that they were all stable and had their wounds tended to, it was time to find a new home and Raph couldn't wait. Cuz after they found one and got settled he and Leo needed to talk. Maybe he could get through to him. If he couldn't, maybe Splinter could, if it came to that. Hours later, Raph woke stiff and still upright in the chair. He could hear voices whispering. Looking around, everyone else seemed to be awake. All stared to his right. He too turned to the right. Leo was sitting up, eyes closed, as if he was meditating. But it seemed different this morning. Like maybe this time he was just sitting there, thinking. If that was the case, Raph had a pretty good idea of what he was thinking. Leo's eyes opened slowly, hearing the voices around him. “Morning everyone,” he said softly. “Leo!” Mikey sprang up from his spot on the floor and rushed over to Leo, putting his good arm around Leo. “You're awake!” Leo smiled. “Yeah Mike. I'm awake.” He hugged his brother tightly. The others slowly stood and joined in on the hug. Raph rolled his eyes and half chuckled, getting up and joining in on that hug. After every one pulled away, April disappeared out of the lab and came back to the group carrying two pizza boxes. “Breakfast anyone?” April asked, holding the top box open. “Pizza?” Raph asked a little perplexed. They like pizza, but they didn't really have it for breakfast. It was just weird. He was surprised that he'd rather have some of Mikey's famous eggs. He doubed the stove worked anyway though. “Fer breakfast?” Rai continued the question. April nodded. “Everything else was destroyed.” “You can't even get in the kitchen,” Mikey spoke up. “I checked just a bit ago. All our precious food...” He quickly got a piece of the pizza for himself and stepped back, taking a huge bite of his slice. Raph was surprised Mikey only took one piece. But he didn't doubt Mikey would be there for any leftovers, which Raph didn't think there would be much anyways. Like that stopped Mikey. After getting his own slice and one for Leo, he returned to his chair, eating his pizza and half watching Leo. He seemed to stare off and think about his own thoughts. Raph wondered again what those thoughts might be. And how troubling. He had no doubt, Leo took this whole situation to be his fault. It was just the way Leo was. But by the time they were all settled in their new home, he hopped to change that. At least for this situation. After finishing the pizza, everyone seemed to be getting ready to go out looking for a new home. And it was a good thought. But Raph didn't think Leo or Don should come along. Let alone Splinter with his broken leg. He looked down at his own burns and scowled. He wasn't going to let a few burns stop him. He stood and crossed the room to the doorway, crossing his arms across his plastron, waiting for whoever was going to come with. “Where are you going Raph?” Leo asked, staring at him with a hard gaze. “To find us a new place ta live,” Raph said without flinching. “But you're hurt.” “Yeah I noticed. Thanks fer pointin' that out.” Leo glared at him. “You'll only get yourself hurt worse.” Raph shrugged, having half a mind to send that glare right back. “I'll be fine. No ninja's gonna be out lookin' fer us. They're all getting themselves together again, building their army.” He scowled. “That doesn't mean you're right about that,” Leo protested. “Or safe out there.” “Leonardo is right,” Splinter said. “You cannot assume they will not be out there.” Raph nodded, biting back a retort. He wouldn't assume anything anymore. “You comin' Mike?” “You're still going?” Leo demanded. “Yeah. I can at least move and fight if need be.” Leo glared. “Then I am too. Someone has to keep you out of trouble.” “Oh no you don't!” Splinter and April replied at once, both grabbing an arm of Leo's to keep him on the cot. Splinter having a gentle but firm grim on Leo's wounded arm. “But...” Leo protested, struggling only slightly. “They'll be fine my son,” Splinter argued. “You must heal.” “Besides,” Mikey added. “I'll keep an eye on him.” He winked at Raph. Leo glared and relaxed, crossing his arms as soon as Splinter and April let go. Raph muttered mentally, rolling his eyes as Mikey joined him. “What about you Case?” “I'm coming.” Casey quickly joined Raph and Mikey. “I'll stay here,” April said. Raph nodded. “Look after Leo and Don.” “I will,” she replied. Don smiled faintly. “We're in good hands Raph. Just go find us a good home.” “Don't worry about that,” Raph replied. “And be nice to Mikey.” Raph rolled his eyes. “Yeah Don. I will.” He turned to their tiger friend. “Rai?” “Count me in,” Rai nodded, standing and joining the group at the lab door. Raph glanced at their team of four then back at the others. “We'll be back soon.” “Be careful,” Splinter warned. “We will,” Raph answered and turned, heading out of the lair. The lair that once used to be their home. But not any longer. Today they would find a new home. A better home. One they would protect even better than the last. Or die trying. --- Rai walked just behind Raph as he, Raph, Mikey and Casey left the old lair. He couldn't tell how long they walked, but it seemed like a long time. Their first object in finding a new home was to get as far from their old one as possible. The next objective was to find one in which they could easily disguise. Especially since Don couldn't do much to cloak their home right now. Everyone knew he needed his rest right now. As did they all. But that rest would come easier if they were concealed in a new home. “Is this far enough yet?” Mikey complained for the third time in the last two hours. “My arm aches and my feet hurt.” Raph grunted. He looked around. “Yeah. Looks far enough.” He half glared at Mikey. “There has to be some sort of space near here that we can use,” Rai murmured. “Let's split up. Case, you're with me. Mikey, Rai, call if you find somethin'.” Raph stomped off down the tunnel to the right. Rai watched him and Casey go before turning to Mikey. “How's you're arm?” “Just itchy,” Mikey conceded. “I just wish it hadn't been broken.” Rai nodded. “It'll heal soon.” He started down the left tunnel of the fork they had come to. He didn't say much after they started walking again. Talking didn't hurt his throat like it had the day before, but it still tingled every once and awhile. So he just continued on in silence, wanting to hunt Keith down and make him pay for what he had done. He knew that the thought must be on Raph's mind as well. But he also knew that finding the Foot wasn't an option. They all had to heal and likely by the time they were, the Foot would be well hidden, buildings their numbers and planning their revenge once again. He would just have to settle for the next time they ran into Keith or the Foot. He almost chuckled to himself hoping that time would be soon. “Hey Rai. Think this is big enough?” Mikey suddenly asked a few feet behind Rai. Rai stopped and retraced his steps to where Mikey stood. Being lost in his thoughts, he hadn't realized Mikey had stopped. The orange banded turtle stood in front of a barely visible opening. They stepped through the doorway and stopped in their tracks. Beyond the opening was a very large expanse of room. A set of train track lay across the far end of the opening followed by a set of stairs that had been caved in on. There was an old train on the tracks and different rooms on the left wall of the area, about eight of them in total. Rai nodded in awe to Mikey. “This should do quite well. The entrance is even pretty hidden and no one can get through those stairs up ahead there.” He slipped out is cell and called Raph. “We found something.” “Already? Well, we're comin'. See ya in a bit.” Rai shut his cell and walked about the area. It needed some repair, but not that much. Just a little cleaning and they could do the rest once they were all healed. Mikey ran into the rest of the area, beaming and quickly checking out the rooms and the train car. Rai stopped at the entrance and waited out in the tunnel for Raph and Casey to come down the tunnel that he and Mikey had just come down earlier. It wasn't too long until he spotted the two in the distance. “So where is this place you two found?” Raph asked. “And where's Mike?” “In here.” Rai entered the opening and stopped a few feet into the open space. He watched Raph and Casey walk in. Each glanced around the room with wide eyes. “Coool,” Casey said finally. Raph nodded. “Ya said it. This will work just fine. Even big enough for braniack's standards. I'm sure Don would love to have his lab in that train car.” He chuckled to himself. Mikey came out of one of the rooms. “Raphy! Isn't this place just the coolest?” “Ya said that about the last place,” Raph replied. “I meant it then too,” Mikey grinned. Raph shook his head. “Well let's go get the others then and see what they think.” Rai nodded and followed the others out, heading back to the old lair. Starting over with a new home didn't seem so bad after all, despite the feeling of wanting to cream Keith. To be continued...
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Post by LilNinjaWolf on Jul 20, 2009 7:47:51 GMT -6
Chapter 30
Leo sat on the floor with his knees pulled to his chest. His arms were crossed in front of him resting on top his knees, his forehead lying on his arms. He was alone in his room in their new home. When Raph, Mikey, Rai, and Casey had gotten back to the old lair after being gone for almost five hours he almost didn't hear them come in. He was so wrapped up in his own dark thoughts. He was grateful to be pulled from them at the moment, but right now they haunted him. Wouldn't leave him alone. Holding on like a leach that wanted to drain the blood from his body. Just like a few hours ago. Mikey was all excited by what they had found. A large open space, big enough to call their home. A room for each of them and a train car Don could put his lab in. They had packed up what little they now had thanks to the Foot and set out slowly to get to the new space. It took a few hours so those deeply hurt wouldn't get stressed from the long walk. Raph had made a good choice. It was far enough from the old lair as to not be easily found. Leo wanted to tell Raph and the others who had gone with him that they had done well, but Splinter had beaten him to it. He had failed to tell them they had done good. He gotten lost in his own thoughts again as those well enough started to clean the debris out of the new space. Once all the debris was cleaned away they all sat in the middle of the main area in a circle and looked at each other.
“What do you think of this place?” Splinter had asked.
“It's great!” Mikey said enthusiastically. His eyes had their sparkle once again. It had been so long since anyone had seen it there.
“I think it's better than our old lair,” Don said, practically grinning for the first time since this all began.
“Seems bigger,” Rai agreed. He only half smiled, but it was more encouraging than yesterday.
“Raph?” Splinter asked.
Raph grunted but nodded. “It's good sensei.”
Just like his old self. Leo thought to himself. He wished he could be his old self. But who was that really? A failure. So in a sense, he already was his old self. Hmmm... not really the conclusion he wanted to come to. Oh well. He could feel Splinter turning his gaze to him at that time.
Splinter nodded and turned to Leo. “What is your opinion my son?”
Leo had looked up into his sensei's eyes, pain in his heart. They had to move because he had let a Foot spy into their home. Because he had failed to detect Keith's dishonesty. He hid his pain from his eyes and put on a little smile so outwardly he looked fine. But on the inside he was far from it. Very far. “I like it. Feels like home.”
Splinter smiled and nodded his approval to them all. “I think we shall stay here and call this home then.”
“Cool!” Mikey shouted.
“So where are ya going to put a TV Mike?” Casey asked.
“Uhh...” Mikey looked around.
“I'm not sure that was a good question to ask Arnold Casey Jones,” April chided.
“Besides, you'll get Mikey dreaming,” Rai joked. “We don't have one yet.”
“We better get one soon then,” Raph said. “He's annoying enough as it is.”
Mikey just grinned. “I am not. That's all in your head!”
Splinter shook his head, apparently deciding to stay out of it.
Leo watched them bicker among themselves for awhile before he stood and slipped off to one of the rooms that had been designated his own. It was the closest one to the door. He had chosen it for himself, given the first choice of rooms. He wanted to be the closest to the door of their new home should they have another surprise visitor. He would never let another spy into their home again. He would never trust someone new. He just couldn't. These thoughts had driven him into the small ball he sat in now in the corner of his room. There was a very thin door on each of the rooms and his was closed, though sounds could easily be heard through it. Sounds that were starting to sound like fun and laughter. His eyes narrowed. He was starting to hate that sound.
Leo looked up at the door as thoughts of the past few hours left him. They all seemed to be back to their old selves. They were still hurt, but deciding to forget about the pain. Why couldn't he? He looked down at his wounded arm. True right now it didn't hurt, but he still saw the bandage. Knew there would be another scar. One to remind him of his failure. A reminder of the spy. His head slowly fell back down to rest on his arms. He couldn't do it anymore. He couldn't protect and lead his family. He only led them into danger. That was not acceptable. Not an option. Thus, it was his greatest failure.
A tap on his door interrupted his thoughts. Leo didn't even bother to lift his head. Maybe if he was quiet whoever it was would just leave. He didn't want to talk to anyone. Not now.
The door opened softly. A figure entered. The door eased shut behind them. Footsteps crossed the room, stopping right next to Leo. The room was quiet. Whoever it was didn't say a thing for quite some time. After awhile, whoever it was just plopped down at sat next to Leo. Still he refused to look at who had joined him. Leo just wished whoever it was would leave. The silence droned on uninterrupted until he had to look up, at the bowed head of Raphael.
Leo blinked, seeing his red banded brother sitting next to him, cross legged. His arms lay across his legs, his head bent down so he started at his arms. “What are you doing?” Leo finally asked.
Slowly Raph looked up and over at his brother. “I could be askin' you the same question.”
Leo looked away. “I don't know.”
“Sure you don't.”
Leo pursed his lips together. He wouldn't tell Raph what was going on. He didn't want to. Not now. Not ever.
“Look. If it's about that note I left at April's... I'm sorry,” Raph admitted softly. “I just didn't want you to hurt yourself by helping us. I told you that earlier and I meant it.”
“I know,” Leo answered after some silence.
“Then is there something else?”
“No,” Leo lied, a little too quickly.
Raph stared at him, narrowing his eyes slightly out of habit.
Leo wouldn't look at him. He didn't need to tell Raph what else was on his mind. There was just somethings he had to keep to himself. No matter how much Raph pried.
“Leo,” Raph tried again.
“What?”
“What else is wrong?”
“Nothing,” Leo said again.
“Yeah. Sounds a lot like nothin'.”
“You wouldn't understand,” Leo said without thinking. Once he realized the words were out of his own mouth, he clamped his mouth shut. He wasn't going to say another word.
“Wouldn't understand?” Raph balked. “Of course I would. We're brothers Leo. We're there for each other. We understand each other.”
Leo remained silent. He couldn't say anything or risk spilling what was truly on his mind. Raph would never understand him.
“Fine! Be that way! See if I care!” Raph stood, pacing around Leo's room, waving his arms around as he talked despite the burns on his skin. “It's not like I need you or anything. It's not like I want you around. Sulk if you want to. If you want to stick to yourself, just be my guest!”
Leo stood, giving Raph the hardest glare he had ever given. “Maybe I will. You obviously don't know what's going on! So maybe I should just go!”
“Then go! Why are you asking me?! You're the leader 'round here,” Raph argued, glaring right back. “Why should I care if something's bothering you? I only stopped in 'cuz I care!”
Leo snorted. “Yeah right.” Before Raph could respond to that retort, Leo stormed out of his room, passing by all the others with their shocked expressions and stomped right out into the sewer tunnels. Like Raph understood what was wrong with him. Yeah. In a million years!
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Raph stood shaking in Leonardo's new room. His anger reverberated through his whole being. Why did Leo have to be like that? Hiding his deepest problems. It wasn't right. It wasn't fair. It wasn't.... He growled. He didn't know what. But it had to stop. Tonight. If Leo wouldn't listen to him, he knew who would get into Leo's head. Splinter. He let out a snort of frustration and stomped out of Leo's room. He stopped a few feet from the door staring at the group in front of him. Oh great. They had all heard him yell at Leo. Just great. What else would go wrong?
The others seemed to sense his disgust and quickly turned back to what they were doing.
All but Splinter. He eyed Raphael carefully. “Come with me my son.”
Raph sighed. He was so in for it now. He reluctantly followed Splinter to his room and kneeled before his master, unable to look up at him.
“Look at me,” Splinter said gently.
Raph slowly looked up at the form kneeling in front of him.
“It will be alright. Your brother just needs time to cool off.”
“But that's normally me sensei,” Raph protested.
Splinter nodded. “Yes, I know. But it is still the same. Let him be for now. He will be back soon.” “But he's still injured.”
“He knows that as well. He will not go far.”
Raph sighed. “Can't you talk to him? He blames himself for letting Keith into our home and for letting the Foot in and destroying it.”
“He has told you all this?” Splinter asked.
Raph shook his head. “No. I just see it in his eyes.”
Splinter nodded. “I have seen some of it too.”
So Raph wasn't the only who who had seen it. “When master?”
“When Leonardo is ready.”
“Which is...”
“I do not know my son. It could be hours or days. We must first let him deal with this on his own. Only then will I go help him through this. Because until then... I am afraid he will not let me help.”
Raph nodded. He knew that all too well. But what if they waited too long? “So we just wait?”
“Yes.”
Raph sighed. That's what he was afraid of.
“You should go join the others,” Splinter said after awhile. “Do not worry about this. I will talk to him soon.”
Raph nodded slowly. “Ok sensei. I'll try.” And with that Raph left his master's room. He saw that Don was busy playing with the stuff in the train car with April looking at the stuff beside him. Mikey and Casey were actually going back and forth about comics. That was quite unusual, but it looked like Mikey was doing most of the talking. Typical. And Rai was sitting on the floor, leaning against the wall watching all of the others. Raph joined him and plopped down next to him.
“Splinter's worried too.” Rai said it more like a statement, not looking over at Raph.
“Yeah. Says he'll talk to Leo in time.”
Rai nodded. “Don't worry about it.”
“Hey, who says I'm worried?” Raph demanded.
“No one,” Rai said with a smile. “Just thought I'd say it.”
Raph froze, then chuckled. “Well tell that to Leo then.”
“I suppose I will if given the chance.”
“How's your throat?”
“Much better,” Rai said. “Your burns?”
“Hurt, but not bad.” Raph shrugged. “Could be worse. I'll be fine.”
Rai nodded. “Well I'm off to get some sleep. See ya in the morning.”
Raph watched his tiger friend stand. “Yeah. See ya.”
Rai disappeared into his room, the door closing softly.
Raph was tired. He knew it was late, but some how didn't feel like sleeping. He felt like sparing, but all he had was his weapons and he knew if Don or April caught him sparring he'd get the lecture of a life time from them and Splinter. Maybe Leo too if he would ever return to normal. He smiled. Maybe he should try it just to see if it would bring Fearless back. The thought was tempting. Very tempting indeed.
To be continued...
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Post by kat on Jul 20, 2009 10:43:00 GMT -6
Wow..two posts. Your too quick for me right now. I'm curious as to where this is going. Leo went out on his own...with foot in the area?? I hope that you can update soon. I have to go run some errands, but I'll will review on fanfiction too.
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Post by LilNinjaWolf on Jul 20, 2009 11:02:26 GMT -6
hehe yeah. I'm on a writing kick Next update will be later today hopefully. I'm trying to get this one finished so I can put my whole focus on The Classic Deception's ending.
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Post by LilNinjaWolf on Jul 24, 2009 9:14:19 GMT -6
Chapter 31
Leo walked stubbornly through the sewer tunnels. How dare Raph try and get into his head like he actually cared. He scoffed. He didn't believe Raph really cared that something big was really bugging him. He balled up his left fist and slammed it into the sewer wall as he walked. Pain reverberated up his hurt arm from the hit. His right hand came up and gripped his left arm. He slowed a little and calmed his breathing. This wasn't like him. He wasn't supposed to be carried away by his anger. He stopped walking and waited for his throbbing arm to stop hurting. He looked up at the tunnel's ceiling. “Why won't Raph just leave me alone?”
“Because you need a reality check.”
Leo scowled at himself. “I don't think so.”
“You don't?”
“No.”
“Then what are you doing out here?”
Leo's eyes narrowed into slits at the voice in his head. “Nothing.”
“Sure looks like nothing.”
“Now you sound like Raph.”
“See? You are a lot like your brother. Don't you think?”
Leo was silent for a minute. He continued walking, his head down. “Maybe.” “No maybe about it Fearless failure.”
Leo growled. “Don't call me that!”
“But you have failed.”
“I don't need you rubbing it in my face!”
“You're right. You don't. You do that to yourself. Just like right now.” “Stop! Just stop!” Leo tried ignoring the voice in his head and began running through the sewers. He hated talking to himself, but who else could he talk to? No one else understood. Even if he told them or not. He ran down many tunnels for what seemed like hours. He didn't know how much time had passed when he finally stopped running, bending over to catch his breath. He stayed like that for a few minutes before straightening once again, beginning to walk slowly. Low voices reached his ears after a few more feet.
“Come on. We're going to be late. Most of the other ninja are there by now.”
“Like they'll miss two ninja.”
“Yeah they will,” the first argued.
Leo crept up to a corner in the tunnel and peeked around seeing two ninja walking away from him. What were they doing down here?
The second scoffed.
“It'll be our deaths if we're late.”
“We won't be so late. The master's still punishing Keith by now.”
“Yeah, too bad he failed the mission.”
“He's gonna wish he died.” The first nodded to his partner. “And the master's not done with him yet.”
“Just glad I don't have to lead missions. I hate the punishments the master gives out.”
“Me too. Come on, let's go.”
The two ninjas ran off down the tunnel, completely unaware of the ninja turtle behind them.
Leo just watched them run off. He was too spent to chase after them. At least he didn't have to fight them either. He wondered what they were up to know. But it was good to know that Keith would be out of the way for a good while. The only good thing that came about from what had happened. Leo sighed and turned around, going back the way he had come. It had to have been a few hours and he shouldn't be pushing himself too hard. He really should be getting back home. He was just glad he wasn't talking to himself again on the way home. He didn't want to think about anything anymore. When he got back a couple hours later the whole place was quiet and dark. Not wanting to wake anyone up, especially Raph since he had yelled at him not meaning to, he tiptoed through their new home and closed his room door softly behind him.
“Anything happen out there?”
Leo nearly jumped out of his shell hearing the gruff voice in the darkness. He quickly calmed his racing heart and continued on to the blanket that lay on the floor. They didn't have much for beds yet, but at least they each had a blanket. He wrapped the blanket around himself and sat leaning against the far corner of his room. “Saw two ninjas.”
“And you fought them?” Raph stood in front of Leo, his arms crossed. One eyeridge was raised as if he thought Leo was nuts going out there.
“I'm not stupid Raph.”
Raph sighed. He was silent for a couple minutes. His arms fell to his sides, the annoyed look wiped from his face. “Yeah, I know. That's my department.”
Leo almost smiled, but it never reached his face. “I heard them talking about Keith. They said, 'The master's still punishing Keith by now'.”
Raph growled. “So Shredder's still alive.”
“Apparently.”
“Well, we'll get him Leo. I promise.” Raph's eyes hardened just a little before his usual smirk returned.
Leo barely nodded. He was exhausted beyond what he thought he had been. “April and Casey still here?”
“No. They went home a couple hours ago. Why? Ya need something?”
Leo shook his head. He was just curious. His eyes drooped halfway closed, his head lowering slightly to his chest as a yawn escaped him. He heard a sigh and felt himself being laid down flat on the ground as he drifted off. Maybe Raph did care. But Leo still didn't feel like trusting him with his most troubling thought at the moment. He just couldn't. Raph would be disgusted with him. He knew it.
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Splinter watched Leonardo over the next week as the days slowly slipped by. He didn't see much of a change in Leo. There wasn't as much anger, but there was no doubt about what Leo did feel. The blue banded turtle was depressed and hiding out in his room to avoid talking to anyone. He himself stayed out in the main part of the new lair to keep an eye on all of them and to not move too much to let his leg heal. It didn't bother him much, but it was starting to get very itchy. He was glad to see the wounds of the others were getting better as well. Don and Raph's burns were slowly fading, allowing the two more pain free movement. Raph refused to let Don do much with the cut in his side, but Don was still healing well according his his words. Mikey complained about his broken arm and Raph was quick to shut him up about it. Splinter nearly chuckled. At least his son's arm was healing. Rai seemed to be back in top condition now, his throat being once again normal. And Leo... his bruises from the fight looked mostly gone. The fever and infection never returned and he had his strength once again. His arm was still bandaged, but not so much in danger of the cut breaking open again. By the way Splinter's eldest son spent most of his time sulking in his room, he had no doubt Leo's arm would heal without being injured again. But Splinter was worried. He had expected his son to sneak off to train on his own despite Don's orders not to, but Leo didn't. He just hid in his room barely ever coming out. Splinter sighed to himself. He had to talk to his son today. Whether he listened or not. He had to try.
Dinner that day went smoothly. Raph went out to fetch pizza and it was dug into once they got back. Mikey even got Leo to join them out in the main room, but as usual Leo said nothing the whole time. He would just stare off at nothing, ignoring everyone unless directly spoken to, and sneaking away when he could. After dinner, Splinter knew without a doubt he had to try to reach his eldest son. Seeing that the others were preoccupied, he walked up to Leonardo's room and knocked softly. A barely audible 'come in' was heard. Pushing the door open, Splinter entered and looked about his son's dimly lit room. One candle burned in the far corner beside Leonardo. He crossed the room and sat in front of Leo. His son did not look up or acknowledge his presence. He merely sat there staring at the floor. Splinter sighed inwardly, not sure he was prepared for everything he knew Leo might say. “You're behavior is... troubling.” Leo barely nodded. He seemed to not be paying full attention.
“Is there something wrong?” Splinter tried again.
Leo's gaze slowly came up to meet his sensei's, shocking Splinter with their hollow stare. “Yes,” he said faintly.
Splinter was shocked to hear Leonardo admit that so easily and almost stuttered in his response back. “You agree...”
Leo just gave another slight nod.
“What is it then my son? What troubles you so?”
The turtle shook his head. “Can't tell you.”
“Why not?”
“Just can't.”
Splinter was puzzled at this. He sighed and thought back at Raphael's words a week ago. How the red banded turtle believed the problem was Leo and failure again. He knew this was probably it as well. “You have not failed us Leonardo.”
Leo cocked his head. “Haven't I?”
“No. You have not.”
Leo seemed to mull this over. He shook his head again. “That can't be true.”
Splinter sighed. This was going in circles. Maybe if he was more direct, he could get his answers and help his son. “Why do you think you have failed us?”
Leo's eyes narrowed, a spark of anger flashed, his whole posture stiffened. “I trusted him,” he said darkly.
“Who?”
“Keith.”
Splinter nodded slowly, understanding the underlying problem. Leo had let their adversary in by trusting him, thereby letting the enemy at his family. “Leonardo, trusting is something that is earned. It is not forged in a couple hours. You believed Keith had told the truth. That he had gotten in too far with the Purple Dragons. His story checked out followed by a clash with the Dragons that confirmed it. Even I could not foresee this outcome. You must not blame yourself.”
“But sensei, I should have known. I should have seen through his charade. Even Raph saw through it,” Leo threw back. He crossed his arms awaiting his sensei's answer to that.
Splinter shook his head. “It takes months or longer for your brother to trust almost anyone. That was his anger speaking. Nothing more.”
Leo sighed and looked back down defeated. “But I put you all in danger. It's my job to protect the family. I'm the leader. I should have known.”
Splinter's heart ached at Leo's words. His son had chosen to carry so much of a burden. And it is and would hurt him so much. “Leonardo.”
“No sensei.”
“Yes my son. You must listen to my words or this will tear you apart.” Splinter stood, taking one last look at his son. “I still love and trust you my son. We don't blame you or think you have failed us.” He turned and left Leo's room, closing the door behind him. He looked up to see the others staring at him. Splinter shook his head sadly and headed to his own room. He heard a snort as the others shuffled around. He hoped he had gotten through to Leonardo. Otherwise he didn't know what would.
To be continued...
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