Splinter crouched in the darkness, the piece of notebook paper clutched tightly in his ragged hand. The dizzy warning of danger swept through him as he gazed at its contents. My worst fears have come into being.
"What is it, Master?"
He looked up to find Leonardo's concerned face staring down at him. "It would appear that our attackers have come here to deliver a message." He handed the note to Leo and stood up.
Leo accepted the paper slowly and began to read out loud. "I have what you're looking for. If you want it back, you must surrender yourselves to me. Don't try anything funny. We will be watching."
His heart pounded in his chest and a lump began to form in his throat as he caught site of the signature. He lowered the letter and stared in disbelief at his frowning sensei.
"It's signed 'The Shredder'", he gasped.
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Casey and Mike laid Robyn on the bed. Mike gawked down at her for a moment, admiring her beauty. "She'll be fine.", he announced.
April sat on the other bed, the fear engulfing her as she stared at Donatello's still body. "What happened to him?", she gulped.
"The Foot, that's what." Raph laid the wet cloth on his forehead and knelt down on the floor next to the bed, a look of deep concern peeking out from under his harsh brown eyes. "C'mon, Donnie.", he whispered.
Megan stood behind him and laid her hands gently on his shoulders. He turned and gazed up at her for a moment, allowing himself to reveal the sorrow and doubt that clouded his thoughts. She wished more than anything that there was something she could do for him. Her sight fell on the wounded hand. Poor Don. He's lost so much blood!
Suddenly, there was a knock at the door. Casey reluctantly walked to the peephole to peer at the uninvited guest.
"Uh-oh!" Mike moaned, pulling Raph into the bathroom to hide with him. Megan helped April quickly cover Don's body with the blanket, leaving only his head exposed.
"Chill everyone. It's Leo." Casey announced, as he swung the door open. Leo entered quickly, shutting the door behind him as Mike and Raph came out of their hiding place. The somber expression on their brother's face sent a chill down Mike's spine.
"Leo? What is it? Where's Splinter?", Raph asked.
He took a deep breath and sat at Don's feet, pulling the blanket down to his waist to examine him. "Splinter's fine." He glanced nervously at the expectant faces. "But we found this." He pulled a folded piece of notebook paper from his belt and held it up for all to see.
Raph snatched it from his hands, his eyes running over the words, the anger building inside of him. He crunched the note into a little ball in his fist as the rage began to swell. The others stared at him in silent awe, waiting for the bad news. He looked at Casey, allowing their eyes to meet for the first time since the argument. He was still mad, but the desperation of the circumstances caused him to put that aside for the moment and dwell on the present.
Casey's brain hurt as he forced himself to hold Raph's gaze. I'm sorry, Raph. The fury mixed with concern in his eyes frightened him. What is it? What's happening?
"They've got Shadow!", Raphael growled.
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Splinter rushed through the lair, grabbing the supplies they would need for their journey. He had told Leonardo to get the others so they could plan their approach. The Foot were dealing with a young child's life, a child that meant a lot to all of them. He wasn't prepared for failure. He had most of it figured out in his mind already. They would stay up tonight, meditating and planning. They would sleep most of the day tomorrow and try to rebuild the strength that they'd lost in battle, especially Leonardo. He had lost a lot of blood today, and even though he had insisted he was fine, the pain of his injuries showed clearly on his face. Once night fell again, they would be on their way.
He went to the training room and grabbed up all of the spare weapons he could find. He even packed one of Casey's hockey sticks he had found laying against the wall. He went to the kitchen and opened the cupboards, stashing away as many canned goods as he could find. He was greatful that even though Michaelangelo had gotten his own apartment, he visited here frequently, and still cooked most of their meals. If it hadn't have been for him, this canned food may not have been here.
His body shuddered as he tried to block out the images of Shadow being tortured by the Foot. And the Shredder? Could it be that he really is still alive? He shook his head, tossing away the worry that invaded his mind. No, it is not possible.
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Casey punched the wall, sending trails of pain through his knuckles and down his fingers. "Dammit!", he yelled. "If they hurt one hair on her head..."
"But I thought the Shredder was dead.", Mike gasped. "I mean, you ki--"
"Yes, I did, Mike. I killed Oroku Saki." He thought back to that fateful night when he had almost been killed himself. He could still feel the blast from the explosion. A sick feeling came over him as he envisioned Saki's head in his hands.
"But then who...?" Raph was confused. Why would someone go around calling themself 'The Shredder'?
"I don't know.", Leo sighed. "But we're gonna find out."
"Now that's my kinda talk!" Raph's face lit up in an evil grimmace as he lifted his sais from his belt, allowing the light to reflect from the blades and onto the wall beside him.
"Now wait just a minute, Raph." Leo rose to stand in front of his anxious brother. "First we need a little sleep."
The glint in Raph's eyes let everyone know there was about to be an argument. Megan wanted to cover her ears and curl up in the corner so she didn't have to witness another blow up. Not again!
"Leo!", Raph yelled. "Come on, man. These pukes have Shadow!"
"I know that Raph.", he said calmly. "But we're worn out, and some of us are wounded."
"Yeah? Well, it looks like you're the only one who needs rest.", Raph protested. "The rest of us look fine to me." He glanced around at the others, his sight finally falling on the silent form of Donatello. Grief filled his heart as he watched the chest rise and fall faintly. Well, almost all of us. Hang in there Donnie.
The others were staring at the fallen turtle with sorrow in their hearts. Raph pushed the agony away and returned to the argument. "If you can't handle it, we'll go alone." He caught a glimpse of Leo's scowl and continued pleading his case. "Look at Donnie, Leo!", he yelled, thrusting a finger in Don's direction. "Look at what those creeps did to him!" The rage continued to build inside of him as he stared at Don's hand.
"I know.", Leo said annoyed. "And I want to get them back for this too, but Master Splinter said..."
"I don't care what Splinter said!", he interrupted. April stared at him in awe as he said these words. She opened her mouth to speak, but decided it was better to remain silent.
"Raph!" Leo was angry now. How dare he disobey Splinter's orders?
"No, Leo. This is Shadow's life we're talking about here!", he screamed. "What, are we gonna sit around on our asses and wait for our 'boo-boos' to heal while Shadow may be...", he stopped, unable to say the dreadful words that came into his mind, and gazed over at Casey.
Casey had remained silent throughout the argument, contemplating his own emotions. "Look.", he said, noticing all the eyes on him. "I'm sorry, Leo...but I have to agree with Raph. That's my daughter out there for chrissakes!"
Raphael grinned and shot Leo a triumphant look. Leo glared at Raphael and then turned his attention toward Casey.
"I understand you're worried for her. We all are." Leo lowered his head for a moment in silent sorrow. "But, we have to do this right. The Foot are very skilled. You saw what they did to Megan and Don...and even me." Leo looked at Megan, a silent apology on his lips. She shivered as she met his gaze, the fear and anguish turning into determination.
April looked down at Don again, her fear for Shadow multiplying. What if they had done something like this to her? What if she was already dead? She forced herself to push the terror aside. Can't allow myself to think that way.
"I know, Leo." Raph's sight fell on Megan and then on Don before returning to Leonardo again. "But, how long are we gonna sit around and wait for things like this to happen? Look how many people have gotten hurt already!" He stood up and walked toward the door. "I'm not gonna let it continue!"
Leo rose and blocked his exit. "Raph!", he scolded. "I'm not gonna let you do this!"
Raphael got real close to Leo's face, their beaks almost touching. "Then come with me!", he snapped. Leo had had just about enough. He placed his sore shell against the door, determined not to let Raphael leave.
"No!", he spat. "You're gonna do what Master Splinter says for a change!"
Seeing the rage that reflected in both of their eyes, Michaelangelo hurried to the scene. He ran in between them, attempting to pry them apart.
"Come on, guys!", he urged. "Can't we all just get along?", he smiled slightly at his joke, but sombered up again when he noticed the other two weren't laughing.
"Aw, come on, there has to be some way of settling this without killing eachother." He scratched his head as he thought for a moment. "Wait! I've got it!" A devilish grin spread across his face, "How about arm wrestling?"
The others frowned at him in wonder. "Arm wrestling?", they questioned in unison.
"Well...yeah, why not?", he shrugged.
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Splinter set their bags on the couch and looked around the room at the dead bodies that lay scattered all over the floor. We must leave here. He figured the best plan would be to find a place in the sewers many blocks from here to camp out in tomorrow. That way, if the Foot came back for another attack, they would be safe.
As he poked at the bodies with his walking stick, he silently wondered why the Foot was doing this. Leonardo had told him about their oath of non association, and how they had defeated all of Shredder's Elite. Why are they attacking now? Why did they try to kill Megan? What do they want with Shadow?
Sorrow filled his heart as he thought back to last night. The terror that had consumed him while Raphael was missing tore at him again. He envisioned Megan's bloody body as Raphael's words rang in his ears. "She's dead! He glanced down at the couch where Donatello's blood stained the cushions. Pictures of the limp body, of Mike and Megan struggling with their own fears as they sewed him up, of Leonardo blaming himself for Don's injuries flashed through his mind. He sat on the arm of the couch, the unmerciful guilt attacking him. I should have gone to them The vision of Don and Leo searching for Shadow, and the rat running through the tunnels, returned to his mind. Unable to control his emotions any longer, he covered his face with his hands and wept.
___________________________________________________________________________________
Leo and Raph sat across from one another at the table.
"This is rediculous!", Leo moaned.
"Whatsa matter? Afraid you're gonna loose?", Raph taunted. Heh heh! Play with his mind. This is gonna be a snap!
Leonardo glared at his brother, but said nothing as they removed their pads and placed their elbows on the table. The evil grin on Raph's face made him nervous. What kind of sceme is he conjuring up now?
Mike played referee. "Okay, on the count of three." He glanced around at all of the eager faces. Casey and Megan stood behind Raphael and April stood behind Leo. They had claimed that they weren't taking sides, and explained that it was just easier to fit around the table this way. Casey, on the other hand was rooting for Raphael all the way. Come on, buddy! You gotta beat 'im. It's time to bust some heads for Shadow!
"One..." Mike's grin spread from ear to ear as he watched the concentration in their faces.
The fire in Raphael's eyes matched the frown on his brow and the grimmace on his lips. Leo was lost in concentration, his eyes far away, his body stiff. I'm still pretty weak. What if I loose? What would everyone think?
"Two..." There they sat; Raphael, too cocky and confident for his own good, and Leonardo, the fear of failing creeping into his concentration.
"Three!" Mike giggled.
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It was dark as millions of pictures flashed before his eyes...
He was 2 weeks old again, the mutagen having only taken partial effect. He was the first to stand on two feet, while the others continued to crawl around on four. The master seemed very proud of his accomplishments...
He was three years old. He sat at the table with his brothers eating his very first pizza. The stretchy cheese and the tang of the tomato sauce made him feel as if he were really there again...
He was five. He had built his first transitional radio. This way, he told the others, they could track what was going on in the outside world. The master and even Leonardo seemed to delight in his invention...
He was six years old. He was on level thirty-two of "Alien Warriors", a higher score than even Mikey had been able to reach. Just as he was about to beat the game, Raphael tripped on the cord and pulled the plug on the blasted thing!...
He was ten. He sat at his computer, writing a new software program. He could hear the snickers behind him, voices taunting, "Computer geek" and "Egghead." He smiled and just ignored them...
He was fifteen. He stood in a dark alley with his brothers, surrounded on all sides by a gang. This was their first fight. He remembered the hard feel of the wooden bo under his hands as he striked...
He was eighteen. It was Shadow's second birthday. Her hair hung from her head in long curls, her face full of excitement as she tore into her presents...
Suddenly, the scene changed and he stood facing a white light. The luminescense was so bright that it hurt his eyes, and he had to shield them with his hand. He felt his body being pulled toward the tunnel. He wasn't afraid. In fact, for the first time in a long time, he actually felt at peace. A soft voice filled his ears.
"Come to me Donatello. Step into the light."
____________________________________________________________________________________
Their arms were locked in what appeared to be a stand still. Leo's eyes were fixed in cold concentration, his gaze avoiding Raphael's taunting expressions. Raph was proving himself to be a very worthy opponent as Leo's muscles strained to keep his arm up. He had never realized how strong his brother really was. I can't allow Raph to win! He needs to learn his lesson!
Raph held a menacing grin on his face, the anger and determination sending unanticipated strength to his arm. He had to admit, even with his injuries, Leo was giving him a run for his money. He told himself that he had to win. He had an urgent need to prove to himself and everyone around him that he could do it. Time to put Leo in his place!
Come on, Raph! Come on! Casey shook his fists in anticipation. Mike studied their arms carefully, watching as Leo took the lead and then Raph. He was enjoying this.
Megan thought it was slightly childish to be carrying on like this. Armwrestling over Shadow's rescue? But, she had to admit, she was anticipating the outcome as much as the rest of them.
April secretly hoped Leonardo would be the winner. She appreciated Raph's urgency in the situation, and she wanted her step-daughter back more than anything, but she had never known Splinter to be wrong, and she feared for everyone's safety. The last two days had been rough on everyone.
Leonardo could feel Raph faultering under the pressure. You're gonna loose Raph. Then you'll have to listen to me for a change! He was ready to get this over with. His arm felt like it was on fire.
Raphael gritted his teeth and tightened his grip. Oh no you don't Leo! His muscles hardened as he mustered up all of his strength. Your self discipline isn't going to help you now bro. He shot Leo an evil grin. Armwrestling is about skill, and sometimes skill means knowing how to cheat!
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"What is taking so long?", Splinter worried. Leonardo should have been back with the others by now.
It had been dark for a couple of hours. He feared their safety would be jeopardized if they didn't move soon. He glanced around at the dead ninjas again as a new found anger crept up on him. It is all because of you, Oroku Saki. If you are still alive, I will have my vengeance once and for all.
Long forgotten images of his dead master Hamato Yoshi flashed in his mind. He remembered the joy he once felt as part of Yoshi's family, and the pride he experienced as he learned ninjutsu. A tear streamed down his cheek again, matting the soggy fur as he pictured Shen and Yoshi's bodies falling to the floor. He thought about the turtles whom he had cared for as his own sons, how he raised them as warriors to seek his own vengeance. The guilt consumed him again. They are in danger because of me!
___________________________________________________________________________________
"Rrraaahhhh!", Raphael was getting angry now. Why won't the booger just give in already? But he knew Leo would never give up. He's too damned pig-headed!
Leonardo was beginning to tire. This whole thing is stupid! What is this supposed to accomplish? What would Master Splinter think? His arm and side throbbed, but he could sense Raph's impatience taking control of him again as his pull weakened. I'm winning. He inched Raph's arm down a little further.
Over the top! Over the top! Casey chanted to himself. His attempt at telepathy seemed to be working. Raph brought his fingers over Leo's hand, and curved his wrist, giving him the advantage. Now let's see what you do, leader boy!
Raph's move had caught Leo off guard. "Raph, what are you doing?" His brother just grinned menacingly and bore down on Leo's sore arm.
"Ow, Raph, that hurts!" He could feel his hold slipping as his concentration faded. No, gotta stay focused!
"And the fight continues as Raphael takes the lead.", Mike announced. "It looks as though Leo's previous injuries have gotten the best of him."
"Shut up Mike!" Leo scolded between gritted teeth.
Mike ignored him and continued his play-by-play. "Raphael is struggling though. Just look at that deep frown and that tightly clenched jaw..."
"Mike, can it, will ya!?", Raph snapped.
The others watched in wonder as the two struggled for the lead. Raph inched Leo's arm down a little further.
I don't believe it! April thought, Leo can't be loosing! He must be using some kind of strategy...
But, the truth was, the pain was beginning to be too much for him, and his concentration was slipping. Raph knew he was winning, and that was all he needed to get the adrenaline flowing. Mustering up all the strength he had left in his body, he shoved Leo's arm, pushing it slowly down until his hand finally touched the table.
"Yes!" Raph let go of Leo's hand and jumped up, raising his fists in triumph.
"Raphael wins!", Mike announced. "And the crowd goes wild!"
Casey and Raph exchanged excited high fives. Leo scowled at Raphael, the pain of defeat burning inside of him.
"You cheated.", he growled.
Raph glared back at him. "Aw, you're just jealous cuz you couldn't handle it, Leo! Face it, I won and you lost!"
The words cut into Leo like a knife. But I have never lost!
Casey gave Raph another high five before he began to dance around the room.
"Congratulations Raph." Mike patted him on the back.
Megan didn't know what to think. On one hand, she was happy for Raphael. He wanted to win so badly, but on the other hand, she felt sorry for Leo. He looked like he was in pain, and the look in his face let her know he was obviously disappointed in himself. She also didn't like the idea of Casey and Raphael putting themselves in such great danger.
April took a deep breath and closed her eyes. Great! There'll be no stopping them now!
"All right.", Casey announced, picking up his bag off the floor. "That settles it!"
Raph glanced at Leo. "We're going."
Leo was defeated, but he was still the leader. "Raph..."
"No, Leo." He stuck a finger in his face. "I won fair and square, and I'm going." He turned to Megan and pulled a sai from his belt. "Here."
Megan accepted it carefully and examined the sharp point, remembering the raw energy with which he had sunk it into his enemies.
"What is this thing?"
"It's a sai." Raph's expression grew serious. "If you get into any trouble, don't be afraid to use it."
"Wait a minute!", April interveined. "We're going with you guys."
"No April." Leo avoided her gaze. "It's too dangerous. All the women are staying here."
"Hmph!", Megan crossed her arms and frowned at him. "All of us women? What's that supposed to mean? You think we can't hold our own?"
Casey shot her an unapproving glance. "Megan, don't start."
"Well, it's not fair!"
April strode up to Casey and wrapped her arms around his waist. "Please don't do this.", she said softly.
Casey placed his hands over hers. "I have to April. You know that. And remember my promise? Well, here's my chance to fulfil it."
April was distraught. "Casey...I couldn't bare...to loose you too." She fought back the tears as she looked into his eyes.
Casey could sense her fear and sorrow. "Hey", he forced a grin. "Don't worry. This is the Case-mister you're lookin' at! Everything will be fine."
Raphael stared into Megan's eyes, that familiar giddy feeling creeping up on him again. "I want you to promise me something."
Megan's eyes were locked into his as she listened to his request.
"Look after Don.", he said solemnly. For the first time, Megan could see just how deep Raphael's emotions for his wounded brother stemmed. The sorrow in his eyes seemed to spread over his entire face as he looked at her.
"I will. I promise.", she gulped.
April gave Casey a final squeeze and forced herself to let go. The worry was taking over again, and she didn't know how to make it stop.
Raph noticed a slight smile playing at the edge of Megan's mouth. Then, she did something he would've never expected in a million years. She reached over and kissed him on the beak! He stared at her in amazement, his eyes wide, his jaw hanging open.
April stifled a laugh as she caught site of his face. Casey wasn't pleased. He frowned at the two of them, but said nothing.
"Whoa-ha-ho!", Mike cheered, grinning from ear to ear. Raph ignored him and gawked at Megan.
"Wha...what was that for?", he asked in surprise.
The smile was full now on Megan's face. "I never thanked you for saving my life."