"Mike?" Through his grief and his guilt, he barely acknowledged the shadow of his brother Leonardo kneeling next to him, a strong arm gripping his shoulder. "Mike, what is it? What's wrong?"

Raph stood silently at his right side, just staring at him in confusion. An eery feeling began to crawl up his spine. Something was about to happen, and whatever it was, he didn't like it.

Mike wiped his eyes with the back of his hand and sucked in a deep breath. He couldn't believe all he had learned in just the past half hour. It was overwhelming. How could she possibly betray him like this? He had given her his complete trust, opened himself up to her, and it had all been for nothing. She had used him, disgraced him, and now here he sat, under their eyes, knowing that he would have to admit that they were right all along. Having to acknowledge with disgrace that he had been intimate with the enemy, that he'd allowed himself to be tricked. He swallowed and closed his eyes, trying to push past the apprehension, the fear of what his brothers might say or do.

"Mike?"

"You were right." he forced out at last.

Raph shot Leo a knowing look, mixed with anger and apprehension. Leo wasn't quite sure he understood fully.

"Right--?"

"About her. About Amber. I--I know where Megan is..."

"But I don't think--"

He stopped short and stared up into the burning eyes, watched asfixiated as the mesmerizing, translucent green pools swirled around and around, entrancing him, almost seducing him to do their will.

"You will do as I say...Steven."

He took an ackward step back. That tone of voice--he knew it well. It was the same as that of his master's, the only one who had ever called him by his full first name. Frightened acknowledgement filled his face and he lifted his eyes again to stare into Philipe's. "Master?"

A slight grin of satisfaction, barely visible over the taut features, curled at the edges of his mouth. "It's about time your dense mind figured it out. You always were a pathetic, stupid little lifeform." He frowned at Dr. Hudson in contempt. "You would be wise not to cross me. Your daughter has already caused me enough grief."

Dr. Hudson's eyes grew very wide. He knew without a doubt that this man was telling the truth. He was indeed the man he had grown to fear and obey. "Y--yes, master." he stammered.

"Now..." The gaze from the green eyes seemed to burn into his mind, and he felt dizzy suddenly. "Dispose of her!"

Fear gripped him as he felt his arms begin to involuntarily lift the bundle. His mind felt hazy and disconnected. He knew it was his master's doing, and he also realized that he had no choice but to obey. Subconsciously, he knew that what he was doing was wrong, but something inside of him would not allow him to break free.

Philipe watched him lift her, noticed the fearful submission in his eyes, and it pleased him. He knew they would be coming soon. Amber's mind was weak. He could read her like an open book. He knew she'd betrayed him long ago. A vision flashed in his mind, an image of the past--a robot...his enemies...a wall...a turtle falling... He closed his eyes, subduing it for the moment. Now that she was bringing them here, she would learn the consequences of disobeying him.

Just as Dr. Hudson was about to leave the room with his 'package', Philipe held an arm out, stopping him. Suddenly, he had a much better idea.

"What the fuck is she doing here?"

"Raph, come on..."

"No, Leo. No. She doesn't belong here. She's doesn't--" He was furious as he stared into her frightened face, at the eyes so wide in terror. So this was the beauty Mike had spoken so much about. It was true, she was attractive. Her shoulder length blond hair was straight and smooth, and sparkled like gold when the light caught it a certain way. Her blue eyes shone with a strange intesity. But to him, there was no beauty in her. In fact, he hated her for all she'd put them through.

"Please..." her voice came out small and quiet, like a frightened child's.

Before he even knew what he was doing, Raph's hands were on her, gripping her forearms tightly, and shoving her firmly against the wall. How dare she even try to ask for their forgiveness or give them excuses? This was his wife's life she had put in jeopardy. A small cry escaped her, not from pain, but from fear. Keeping one hand securely fastened to her arm, he curled his fingers tightly around the collar of her shirt with the other, his eyes burning into her, his lips curled up into a snarl.

"How dare you?"

She couldn't speak. The terror had frozen her in place. His anguished face was so close to hers now that she could feel the warmth of his breath on her cheek. An anger burned in his eyes, so intense, she thought it would swallow her whole.

"Raph, come on, don't--"

"Shut up, Leo." he growled.

Amber swallowed hard. He could feel her body begin to quake under his grasp. She was afraid of him. Good.

"How dare you come here? How dare you lie to my brother like that? You're working for Baxter, aren't you?"

"I--"

"Now, I'm gonna give you five minutes to explain yourself, and then, if I don't like your answer, I'm gonna chop you up into a million pieces." He held the sai up and allowed the light to glare off the tip for emphasis.

Amber sucked in a breath and stared at him in shocked horror. She could feel her knees begin to buckle beneath her. Never had she seen someone so angry. The fury in his eyes was so intense, she thought they could burst into flame any second. As she allowed herself to glance at Michaelangelo for a very brief second, to catch the undenyable hurt in his face, she thought about how different these two brothers were. Michaelangelo was sweet and sensitive, and his anger and frustration only showed up as depression or sadness. Raphael on the other hand, had no quams about releasing his tension and relenting on the source of his anger. For a brief moment, she thought about Megan, and she couldn't help but wonder what it was that she'd seen in this monster of a turtle. Then her thoughts drifted, and all she could see was the blood...

Raph's angered expression softened a little as he watched the tears well up in her eyes. Deep down, he really didn't like to make women cry. Still, she had some explaining to do, and he wanted answers now. "If you think that making those big crocadile tears is gonna make a difference--"

"No..." she sobbed. "It's not that. It's just--I tried. I really did. I wanted to help her...I--"

His grip loosened a little and he studied her carefully.

"Raph, come on. Let her go." Leo laid a hand on his arm, and gently tugged him away.

Amber sank to the floor and burried her face in her knees. "I never meant for this to happen."

Nothing would ever be the same again...for any of them. She stared at the doll in her hands, flipping it over and over, admiring the hand sewn clothes, the matted yellow hair. It was old...older than she was in fact. It had been her mother's, and when she'd died, it was passed down to her sister. Then, when April had given her news about Shadow, she'd sent it to them for her. It was an old, musty doll now with a tattered dress and a light stain on the mouth where she and her sister had once tried to put lipstick on it so long ago. It was a simple thing really, but then, why now, did it mean so much?

She held the doll tight against her chest and closed her eyes. The smell of dust and age filled the hair and clothes, reminding her of times long ago. She couldn't believe that her sister was actually gone. Back when they were younger, she'd thought that nothing could ever touch them. And even now, as an adult, the thought of either of them leaving this world behind was almost unfathomable. Maybe it was due to the miracle of her extended family, or maybe she had just been living in a fantasy world. Perhaps it was a little of both.

"Mommy, mommy! I wanna go play outside."

She opened her eyes and looked down at the little rounded face, those twinkling blue eyes that stared back up at her so intently. It seemed she was still too young yet to understand the full impact of death. That was at least one thing she could be greatful for. Despite the violence they had endured, neither Shadow nor Christian would suffer much from this ordeal. "I don't think that's such a good idea right now, sweety."

"But mommy..."

She hated forbidding Shadow from doing the things that all normal kids her age did, but it had to be this way. The world outside was a dangerous place, and as long as Baxter was alive and free somewhere in the city, none of them were safe.

She glanced at Trevor. The boy sat silently in the corner with a book. He ran a finger lightly over the page as he read, his lips moving faintly with the words. His head was down, his face taut and almost expressionless if not for the hint of sorrow in his eyes. She wished she could find the right words to comfort her nephew, but none came. She couldn't even find the right words to sooth her own aching heart right now, and she doubted if she ever would.

Leo looked at her gravely. "And that's everything?"

"Everything I know, yeah." It wasn't entirely the truth, but she just couldn't bring herself to tell them about the birth. It would raise too many questions that she wasn't ready to answer. She glanced back at the turtle who stood away from the others. Suddenly, she found herself wanting to reach out and comfort him. "Oh, Mike, I'm so sorry...I..."

His head sank lower to stare at his hands. He refused to look at her.

"So where's this lab?" Raph held the sai up to the light again, studying the tip to make sure it was sharp before sliding it back into his belt.

"It's in downtown Manhattan...I can take you there."

"Good. Then let's get going."

Right as Raphael turned to go, the door creaked open, and in walked a sleepy Donatello. Leo glanced at the others. Bad timing.

"Go where?" Don asked.

Raph glanced at Leo for a reaction, and when he got none, he simply said, "To seek vengeance." and pushed past him.

Don glanced at Amber and then stared at Leo. "Who's she? What's going on?"

Leo really didn't think Donatello was up for this, but it would have to be his decision. Afterall, if someone had hurt or killed the woman he loved, he would want revenge to restore her honor too.

"Don..." he laid his hands on his brother's shoulders and gently stared into his eyes. "This is Amber. And she knows where Baxter is."

They were growing close. He could sense their thought patterns. The one, Leonardo--his was the strongest, though unreadable at such a distance. And she was with them, leading them here. He didn't know whether to reward her for their capture or to kill her for her betrayal. It didn't matter now though. They were walking right into his finely woven trap. It would only be a matter of time before his enemies--all of them--were destroyed.

The chill night air burned into his skin as he casted his eyes skyward. The moon had risen over two hours ago, full and bright, illuminating their path in the darkness. He figured it to be around ten o' clock. Luckily, it had stopped snowing several hours ago, though the thick blanket of white that covered the streets had already thoroughly frozen and numbed his feet, causing them to sting and rendering it hard to walk.

He glanced over at his brothers. Raphael was just ahead of him, taking the lead next to Amber. He could see the tension in his face, the veins in his clenched fists ready to burst through the skin. He kept his eyes on her at all times, almost as if he was scrutinizing her every move. Donatello walked in silence next to him. The sorrow still burned in his eyes, but there was something else there now too - a sense of determination, and revenge. The latter was something he'd never really seen in Donatello before, and he had to admit, it frightened him a little. Michaelangelo took up the rear, walking slowly, his head down. Leo could sense he wanted to be by himself right now. A few times he'd almost gone back there to put an arm around his shoulder, try to cheer him up, but he respected Mike's privacy, so he decided to leave well enough alone.

Finally they were here. As Amber led them to a dark wall of the building, Leo scanned the area, running his eyes over the old brick, noting the security cameras and trip wire alarms that decorated the place. It was going to be a difficult task to enter the building undetected.

Raphael noticed it too. Gee...kinda like Mission Impossible or something...

Amber's hushed voice broke their train of thought.

"This is the back door. It's where I usually enter and leave the building. No one from the street will be able to see you back here, but there is a camera posted above the door. The security system here is very tight. That's why it's been so hard trying to get her out of here. She tried escaping once, but..."

She glanced over at Raphael and could see the anguish and determination behind his eyes as he stared up at the massive structure. She was still deathly afraid of him since that incident back at the house, but a part of her understood. A part of her wished she could comfort him somehow. And still, he didn't realize the full impact of all of this. She couldn't tell him. She was too afraid.

"Raphael, I'm so sorry--"

"Save it." he said quietly, his eyes unmoving.

She turned toward the others, spared a glance at Mike, who still stood there like a lost child, starring down at the pavement. All was quiet for a few moments until Leo broke the silence.

"Okay then. I think our best option would be to head to the roof. Amber, you can enter your normal way, so as not to arouse suspicion. We'll meet you inside and you can show us the way. Don? Do you think you can disable the alarm systems?"

The turtle spoke for the first time since they'd left on their journey. "No problem, Leo. Though, if they're as tricky as she says they are, it may take me some time."

"Good." Leo nodded. "It's settled then. Everyone ready?"

Each of them nodded in agreement, and Amber nervously made her way toward the entrance. She reached in her pocket, pulled out an access card, and was about to swipe it through when Raphael grabbed her arm, stopping her. She turned, startled, almost letting out a cry of surprise.

"And remember...no funny stuff. I'll be watching you." With that he turned and walked away into the darkness. Amber stood there for a moment, frozen in fright. He hates me...they all hate me... Finally, she slid her key card into the door and dissapeared.

The house was silent. The children had been tucked into bed over an hour ago. She could still remember the look on Trevor's face as she pulled the blankets over him. "Auntie April...mommy's in heaven now, right?"

She shivered. It had been the hardest five minutes of her entire life, explaining what had happened to her sister, why she'd died, and trying to comfort her ten year old nephew. It was hard explaining such things to a child. And with one this introverted and quiet, it was hard to tell what was going through his mind.

Poor Robyn. She'd waited so long to see her son again. At least she'd gotten to see him one last time before she died. But now poor Trevor would be left without a mother or father to raise him. He had never really gotten the chance to know her, and his father had treated him so badly. It still enraged her when she thought about the report she'd gotten when the turtles returned home. She was glad Donatello hadn't told Robyn about it. At least this way, she'd died without all the pain of knowing the truth.

The truth...it hurt sometimes. And sometimes, it was unbearable.

She continued picking up the toys and mess the children had left scattered all over the living room floor. Usually she'd make them clean it up before bed, but tonight she'd decided to let it pass. She needed something to do to keep her mind busy. As she stooped down to pick up a blanket, she noticed the book Trevor had been reading laying in the corner. She picked it up and turned it over to stare at the cover.

"Neuromancer...by William Gibson..." It sure didn't look like a children's book to her!

When she opened the cover and began to read a few paragraphs, her suspicions were confirmed. Not only was the book geared toward adults, but it was filled with so much technical mumbo-jumbo, she could barely understand it herself! How could a child possibly be interested in something like this, let alone read all the big words? Pictures...it had to be the pictures. She flipped through the book, but found nothing but several more pages filled with big words and fancy descriptions.

"Strange..."

He must have taken this from Don's bookshelf. It was clear to April that he could have only been pretending to read it, probably in an attempt to be more like him. It seemed he had really taken a shining to Donatello recently. Poor kid. After his mother's death, Don was really the only parent figure he had left, besides her and Casey.

Fooling the security camera at the roof's entrance was easy. Don used his old standby "bird picture in front of the lense" trick to buy them some time. And since it was dark, it would take even longer for anyone to notice anything fishy about it. It was the wiring that was the tricky part. Not only did the system consist of an intricately net design of wires and switches, but it was everywhere. He'd already found three switches on the roof alone, and Raph had almost accidently tripped one while trying to get the outside door to open. Luckily, Leo had spotted it right on time, and Don was able to disarm it after some dilligence.

Finally, after searching the roof thoroughly one last time, he decided it was safe. They hurried through the rooftop's fire door entrance, Leo first, followed by the other three. As soon as they were in, Don closed the door firmly behind them and they split up, sinking into the shadows.

"Ahhh...good. You're back."

Amber wasn't so sure she liked his tone of voice. There was something weird about him, and he was looking at her funny. Philipe looked different - even more evil and sinister somehow. Something wasn't right. His eyes seemed to sparkle again, almost to the point of glowing. His gaze was so bright that it was almost blinding. As she stared into his eyes, they seemed to pull her deeper and deeper, until...

She found herself in a void. She was alone, yet she felt a presence all around her. Images began to flash before her eyes, disturbing pictures of evil and death. She saw the little metal robots called the mousers, watched them chase a woman, trying to tear her apart. She saw a dark skinned man with glasses and a white lab coat - Baxter's old body. She shivered as she remembered its decaying state in the stasis room. She saw four green heros, watched them defeat Baxter and break free. Then the images shifted, and she saw a giant robot. She watched in terror as it chased the same woman whom the mousers had attacked so long ago... She was seeing his thoughts!

Suddenly, everything was becoming clearer. He'd known about the mutant baby before ever laying eyes on it on the monitor. He'd been able to anticipate Megan's escape. He had known she was leading the turtles here!

She shook herself, breaking the trance, and found herself standing in the room, exactly where she had been just a few moments ago. She looked at her father. He seemed to be hurrying around mindlessly, almost zombie-like in his actions, and his face contained no emotion or thought. When he glanced up at her for a brief moment, it was almost as if he was looking right through her.

She shivered visibly. An eery feeling crept up her spine. She turned to look at Philipe once again. He could see the fear in her eyes, and he couldn't help but smile. He had her right where he wanted her now. No longer would she be able to resist him. He had her father under his control, and soon she would be joining him.

As his grin grew wider and more menacing, Amber took a step back. She wanted so badly to look away, but something inside of her wouldn't let her.

"Where are the clothes I told you to bring?"

The clothes! In all the confusion and excitement, she'd forgotten all about them!

"I...I uh...I couldn't find the ones I had at home. It's been such a long time since--and there weren't any stores on the way back, so--"

"How dare you disobey me?" His eyes burned into her, and she thought they would seer her soul.

"Fear rippled through her, yet she stood her ground. This jerk had done nothing but treat both her and her father like garbage. "How dare you think you're so better than everyone else? Tell me one reason why I should do anything you say!"

She immediately regretted her outburst as a look of pure anger and evil filled his face. "You will do as I say, because I am the reason you were brought here. I own you and your father. He obeys only me. I'm the one he serves, and I'm the one he killed for."

Suddenly, that image of the dead body flashed in her mind again. She could see it falling, see her father's knife plunging into the flesh again and again, all the blood...she closed her eyes, trying hard to bury the memory, wishing the vision would just go away.

"That's right...I made him kill that man. He had no choice. I am all powerful now! No one can stop me. My brain has been charged by every computer in New York. I can control any creature, bending its mind to my own will. Soon, I will be in control of the world's political leaders. All will bow down to me. And do you know the grandest part? I will never die. As soon as this body begins to decay and wither, I'll transplant my brain into a younger, more fitting model. All will bow to the name of Baxter Stockman!"

She took a step back, the fear filling her now. Suddenly things became clearer. "You..."

She took another step back and almost tripped over her own feet. "You sick bastard!"

He laughed. "You are expendable, you and your father both. So tell me now...what is your choice? Will you serve me, or will you die?"

She wasn't sure what to say. She hated the thought of serving this body stealing murderer and aiding him toward his evil purposes, but the thought of death by his hands wasn't any more pleasant.

"You would be wise to do as I say." He moved toward her.

She walked backward. "First my father...then me...and now...now Megan...I'll never--"

He raised his voice and moved toward her, slapping her sharply in the face. "Don't you ever disobey me again!"

As she tumbled back, he moved closer, prepared to strike again, when a hand gripped his arm firmly. Startled, he glanced up and found himself face to face with a creature he despised. A look of anger filled the green face as he spoke.

"Hasn't anyone ever told you it isn't nice to hit a lady?"

Don had traced the security system's main controls to the building's air ducts above the ceiling. The space was small, and he was forced to crawl as quickly and quietly as possible on his elbows. His plastron barely made a noise as it slid over the thin metal. He knew he had a limited time frame to work with. Leo was already making his way toward the main lab. These things were tricky though. He realized that it took a good scientific mind to construct these things so cleverly. He'd never seen a system so difficult to shut down. It was intricate in every detail, down to the last wire.

Finally he arrived at yet another panel in the tunnel's wall, about six inches square, like the ones previous. He pulled out the pocket knife again and pried open the cover. A mess of tangled wires peeked out at him--blue, read, green, orange--it would take a good deal of strategy to pick the correct color to cut.

Each control panel he came to seemed more intricate and delicate than the last. It began with a simple wire, which he cut almost absent-mindedly. Then gradually, more wires were added, then came buttons to add to the misery. The last panel he'd come to was equipped with it's own tamper-proof alarm system. He'd almost accidently pushed the tiny button as he was reaching for a wire, but he'd caught site of it right on time. After some analyzing and careful examination, it appeared to be a trigger of some kind. He was sure he didn't want to find out where it led.

He stared from the green wire, to the orange wire, to the white wire to the red wire, and back again. He had to make a decision, and quickly. Baxter had designed this place almost too well. He must have anticipated this night. All he could think about were the mousers, his evil creation that had killed Robyn. His heart filled with grief and dispair, and even hatred towards the man that did this to her. He hated the thought of killing when there was hope for peace, but in this case, it was a matter of honor - Robyn's, Trevor's and his own.

He thought about the blood that would be shed tonight, saw its deep crimson soaked into the carpet on April's floor, and without any more thought, he cut the red wire.

He dropped through the ceiling swiftly and silently. His feet made no noise as they hit the ceramic floor. He tossed the ceiling tile to the side, not bothering to replace it over the hole he'd created. If security in this place was as tight as Don and Amber had said, his presence was probably already known.

Brushing off the dust and debris, he began to survey his surroundings. He appeared to be in some kind of lab room. Machinery and monitors filled three of the four walls, and in the center sat a funky looking examining table. The very sight of it sent chills down his spine. As he approached its metal surface slowly and cautiously, vivid memories began to flood his mind. His visions were returning. He saw himself laying there, strapped down to the table's surface. His wrists and ankles were shackled down tightly, and he couldn't move. He sucked in a ragged breath and shook himself, realizing for the first time, that these weren't his own thoughts, but someone else's.

He pushed the thoughts away and cleared his mind. He was on a mission. There was no time for fear. Gathering up his courage, he ignored the bed and headed toward the hallway.

"Mike?!" Frankly, Amber was surprised that he had come to her rescue. After what she'd put him through, she really couldn't have blamed him for letting her suffer. But she realized that Mike wasn't like that. He was caring and considerate, always choosing the way of honor, even if others didn't follow the same rule with him.

"You..." Philipe's eyes narrowed until they were just slits, the green of the irises raging like rampant waves.

Mike swallowed and stared up into the angry face. How did this man know him? There was something familar about the way he carried himself, but the long black hair, the stunning green eyes...he just couldn't place him.

"Let her go." Mike said. The anger in his face matched that of the strange man's.

"I'm afraid I can't do that. She knows too much. Besides, how enjoyable it must be for you to see the woman that scorned you suffer. Tell me, was she your first?"

How could he possibly know about any of this? Maybe Amber had told him...but why would she? He spared a quick glance at her, and could tell by her expression that she was just as horrified and surprised by his words as he was. He scowled into the man's smiling face.

"Just took your manhood, and discarded you like a peice of trash." he continued. "A pity really. You two make such a cute couple."

Suddenly, Mike could see her standing before him, scantily clad in just her underware. Her smile was enchanting, and she beckoned him toward her. He moved to kiss her, but she slapped him across the face. He cried out and staggered backward, hate burning in his eyes.

Amber stared at Mike in shock. "W...what are you doing to him?"

"You see..." Philipe ignored her and continued to direct his words at Michaelangelo. "She's wicked...evil. She doesn't want you. She only brought you here so that I might destroy you."

Mike grabbed his head and shut his eyes tightly. "No...no, you're trying to trick me, you--"

"You're a fool!"

Mike opened his eyes and stared into the man's. He could see the colors in the irises swirling together like giant pools of paint, and he began to fall deeper and deeper...

"Mike, no!" Amber cried out, breaking the trance.

Mike shook his head and blinked a few times as reality returned to his senses once again. He looked up just on time to see Baxter slap her again, this time knocking her to the ground.

"You'll pay for that!" he screamed at her.

Suddenly, it dawned on Mike. "Mind control..." He wouldn't get away with this.

The man had read his thoughts. "Oh...can't I?" Soon, his feral grin was all that filled Mike's vision.

"Raph?"

"Leo, you made it."

"Raph, what are you doing here? You're supposed to be on the other side of the building standing guard!"

"Standing guard my ass, Leo! My wife's in here for pete's sake!"

"I know...I know that Raph, but you have to--"

"I don't have to do anything you say! I'm here for one purpose, and one purpose only...to get Megan the hell outta here. You understand that?"

Leo lowered his eyes for a moment. He could feel Raphael's pain radiating from him like the sun. "I know Raph. I know what you're going through, but--"

"How, Leo? How could you possibly know? You've never even been with a woman! Your honor won't allow it!"

Leo could feel his face grow flushed with anger. How dare Raph talk to him like that? Still, he felt sorry for his brother. And he wanted nothing more than to find Megan and her unborn child and get them out of this place.

"Raph, look..."

"No...you look, Leo. I'm sick of following your orders all the time. This is about me, not you. It's about my family and my honor, and I'm the one who's gonna find her. I'm sick of your condescending attitude. You've had this stick up your butt ever since you let Splinter die--"

"What?!" Leonardo couldn't believe what his brother had just said to him. It was unbelievable that even he could be so cold and cruel. "You take that back!"

"Oh yeah?" Raphael got up in his face. "And what if I don't, Leo? Huh? Whatcha gonna do then?"

Leo slid one of his katana out of its holster. "Don't make me use this, Raph."

"Sure..." Raph taunted. "Like you have the guts..."

Leo took a step toward him, but made no advance with the weapon. Raph pulled his sai from their resting place in his belt and gripped them firmly.

"Come on...take your best shot!"

"Just--one more wire--"

The sweat beaded up on Don's forehead and dripped down to his shoulders. His thick fingers moved as carefully and quickly as possible. He held onto the white wire delicately, trying his best to hold it steady. One false move and his hand would hit the trigger, setting off the alarm system in the panel.

Finally, he'd gotten the wire in the correct position, and began to cut away at the casing.

He was angry, yet he knew that Raphael was just acting out of frustration and adrenaline. It was hard for them all, not knowing where Megan was or what had happened to her since Amber had left here several hours ago, but for Raphael, it must have been unbearable. He could understand his brother's anger, he just wished he wouldn't take it out on him.

But Raphael wasn't about to let up. He wasn't going to back down until he got his way. Leonardo could see the anger and determination in his eyes. He'd only placed Raphael in that position since Mike wasn't in the mind frame to play guard, and Donatello was busy disarming the alarm system. Perhaps he should trade places with him and let him have his way. He was right. Megan was his wife, and he should be the one to save her.

"You're a jerk, Leo, you know that?"

"Now, come on, Raph, I was just trying to fit us all with positions that--"

"That would make you look like the hero!"

Leonardo was insulted. That wasn't fair. "Look, if you want to play hero so bad, let's switch places then. I'll stand guard and you can search for Baxter and Megan."

"Oh yeah, sure, Leo. You're probably only saying that now, because you know that whoever finds Baxter is gonna be killed."

"What!? Raph, come on now--"

But Raphael wasn't listening anymore. He gripped the sai tighter, and was coming closer. "Always watching out for yourself, aren't you Leo? Always taking the credit. No wonder you were Splinter's favorite."

"Now wait just a minute!" Leo was starting to get angry. He knew Raph was upset, but he wasn't going to let him accuse him of such things.

Suddenly, and without warning, Raphael was on him--feet kicking, fists punching, weapons stabbing. Leo had no choice but to retaliate. He only hoped he could subdue his brother before either of them did any major damage.

"No!" Michaelangelo shook himself again, and when he blinked, the images were gone and he was standing in the lab again.

It wasn't working. His mind was too strong. Evidently that rat master of theirs had taught them something about mind games. But fortunately for him, he still had one pawn left, and this one wasn't going to break the trance so easily.

Amber took a step back. She could see the evil in Baxter's eyes again, and she knew what he was trying to do. Even with his distractions, the hurt and pain she'd put him through, Mike had still been able to usurp Baxter's advances. Suddenly she realized just how strong he really was. She only hoped that she could endure half as much.

The pain in his head was excrutiating. Closing his eyes, he threw down the katana and gripped it with his hands, trying desperately to subdue the pounding in his temples. Raphael had finally let up, but not without leaving him bruised and battered. He sucked in a ragged breath and rose to his feet.

"Look Raph, I'm sorry I didn't take guard. We'll switch places now, okay?"

His brother didn't answer.

Probably still mad at me...

"Raph? Come on...let's stop this fighting. We're here to save Megan, remember? It's not doing us any good to fight amongst ourselves. That's probably what he wants us to do...we're just wasting time..."

Still, his brother refused to speak to him.

"Raphael..." When he opened his eyes and glanced down at his brother, he froze in terror. His eyes were closed, and he lay in a crumpled heap on the floor. A thick pool of blood formed beneath him, caused by a severe head wound and several cuts and punctures to his arms and plastron.

"Raph?! Oh my god...what have I done?"

He had only been trying to get his brother off of him...to defend himself. How could this possibly have happened? He thought he had been so careful!

He rushed to his brother's side and gently rolled him over onto his carapace. He lowered his head, frantically listening for a heartbeat. Fear and guilt choked in his throat. Come on, Raph...come on...you can't be dead... All that answered him back was silence. He began to shake.

"No...oh god, no!"

He shook the motionless body, hoping...praying that he would wake up.

"Raph? Raph can you hear me? God, this can't be happening...Raph!"

But it was no use. God, I...I killed him! I killed my own brother! The sorrow, the guilt, the dishonor weighed on his shoulders, and all he could do was cry.

Finally, he broke away and stared down at his hands...the hands that had killed one of his own. They were covered in blood--his brother's blood. And his quiet sobbing turned into ear-piercing screams of terror.

"Please Amber, he's trying to trick you. It's me...it's Mike."

She stared at Baxter's form uncertainly. He definately looked like Baxter. Every detail was in order from the long black hair to the swirling green eyes. But the voice--it sounded unmistakably like Mike.

"I don't...I don't know..." She gripped the knife uncertainly.

"Please Amber, it's me. He's playing a trick on you. He wants you to believe that I'm him."

She stared from Baxter's body to Mike's. Could it be that Baxter had switched bodies with Mike? It was so confusing. Baxter had proven to be a mind magician in disguise. Who could she believe?

"Amber, remember that night I came to your house? That night that my friend died? That was two nights ago. I was upset, remember?"

How could anyone but Mike possibly know about that?

"He's lying!" Baxter's voice screamed from Michaelangelo's body. "Don't believe him! I'm Mike! Amber, he switched voices to confuse you!"

Her head was spinning. Which one was telling the truth? A light pain began to spread behind her eyes as she looked from one to the other. She knew that the moment of truth was upon them. Someone was going to die tonight. She could only hope it would be Baxter.

Sharp pointed objects flew past Don's head, riccocheting off the metal walls and sending eery echoes through the corridor. Luckily, the air duct was wider here, allowing him to stand upright. He tucked himself into the wall, barely breathing as he waiting for them to pass. They continued their attack for several minutes, whizzing past him high and low. He couldn't move. Even on hands and knees, they were too low to miss him.

After several minutes, all was quiet again, and Don carefully stepped away from the wall. He knew that he had very little time to difuse the rest of the alarms. Luckily, this was the first switch he had tripped. Hopefully, it would be the last. He stepped carefully around the sharp objects, realizing that they were arrows, and continued on his way. Baxter really was demented. He had thought of so many fiendish plans to keep people from discovering his precious hide-away. Don figured he must be even more unstable than ever.

As he passed a bend in the corridor, he heard a loud click. He froze in place. His weight had depressed the metal tile under his foot. He had no idea what would happen if he removed it, but he knew it would do him no good to just stand here. He'd have to move sooner or later.

Shit...now what?

He lifted his foot carefully and threw himself down to the floor as more arrows began to fly overhead. A sharp pain struck him in the back of the leg as he fell. His relexes hadn't been fast enough. A warm, tingling sensation began to spread through his thigh, but all he could do was wait as the arrows continued to fly past him.

"Don't come any closer!" She gripped the knife tighter, her head pounding. If either of them made a move on her, she would kill them and ask questions later. The body of Michaelangelo took a step toward her, and spoke with Baxter's voice.

"Come on, Amber, put the knife down."

"One more step and I'll kill you!"

The fear rose in her, to the point of nearly snapping. This was insane! How could she possibly know which one was which?

"Amber, please don't hurt me. Don't you think you've done that enough already?" Baxter's voice pleaded from Mike's body.

"He's not Mike, Amber, I am." Baxter's body took a step toward her. "Don't listen to him." He reached out a hand and grabbed her by the shoulder. "Don't--"

She let out a scream, cutting his words short as she drove the knife straight into his chest.

"Poisonous darts!" Don whispered, barely conscious as he pulled the tip of it out of his thigh. He could already feel the intense heat spreading through his limb, working its way up toward his plastron, and down toward his foot. He tried to stand, but found he couldn't. He had neither the strength, nor the feeling in his leg to apply pressure. Slumping down again on the air duct's floor, he began to crawl, dragging his wounded leg behind him. He was so tired, but he knew he had to carry on.

She stabbed him again and again, the knife plunging deep into the chest, into the skin on his arms and legs. He would die for all he had done. He cried out in anguish, tried to push her away, but the bloodloss had already made him too weak.

Suddenly, the mist cleared from her vision and she dropped the knife, her eyes widening in shocked fear. Red sticky liquid covered her arms and hands, and pooled beneath her on the floor.

She stared down at the dying body below her. Blood was slopped all over the floor, and it covered him almost completely. Large gashes laid his chest open, and she could see some of the muscle and bone peeking through. She wanted to vomit.

"It's over now." she heard Baxter's voice tell her. She glanced up at the form of Michaelangelo, and he smiled. But there was something about his smile that wasn't genuine. Then, in an instant, she realized why. Michaelangelo began to transform, the plastron turning into a human chest and torso, the skin turning to flesh color, and hair filling the head. It was Baxter. Michaelangelo had really been Baxter all along! She had killed Mike!

Her heart began to pound in her chest as she kneeled at the turtle's side, not caring that the legs of her jeans were soaking up the red liquid. She wanted to scream in terror, but her voice choked in her throat, and before she could even run or cry or try to get away, everything went black.

Baxter's mouth curled into a grin as a loud buzzing noise began to echo through the main laboratory and down the halls to the smaller offices. He glanced down at the mangled turtle, barely conscious. He was dying. Bleeding internally. It was only a matter of time.

"Looks like your brother missed one." He bent down and pushed the unconscious girl out of his way so he could retrieve the knife from the floor. He studied the red liquid that had already begun to solidify on the blade. "Too bad for him. His death will be much slower than your own."

A low buzz began to pulse through the hallways, eventually turning into an ear piercing screech. He glanced around, searching for the nearest door. They would know he was here now. He had to find shelter.

The door opened easily, and for a moment, he thought it might be a trap. He'd been searching for over a half hour now, and had found nothing but locked doors and scarcely furnished rooms. This one was different however.

As he stepped inside, he was surprised to see it was well lit. The other rooms had been so dark in comparison. He shut the door behind him, hoping that somehow this would pass so he could continue his search. He wasn't leaving here without her.

As he scanned his new surroundings, he discovered the source of the light. A group of candles atop high holsters and candelabras were clustered around a small table of some sort near the far wall. In his curiousity, he moved toward them, ignoring the eery feeling that had begun to tingle through him. Something wasn't right. He could feel it.

As he got closer, he could see why. He stopped short of the table, paralyzed in shock. It was her--his beloved Megan, laying silently on the hard wood surface. Her eyelids were shut tight, her hands laid neatly at her sides on top of the brown blanket and thin white sheet that had been pulled up over her stomach. He was overjoyed to see her. He'd found her at last! He rushed to her side and stared down at her silently, not wanting to wake her yet from her peaceful sleep. But the anger began to build in him when he saw the condition she was in. Her face and arms were crusted with dirt and blood. Her hair was a tangled mess, and her dress, which was once a brilliant blue, was now soiled and torn like something had attacked her. How dare Baxter treat her this way! He would pay for what he'd done, both to Megan and to Robyn.

"Megan..." he said softly, brushing the matted hair from her forehead. "Megan, wake up. It's me...it's Raph."

She didn't stir, just laid there quietly in deep sleep. He had to admit, even in this horrific state, she was beautiful. He leaned closer to her, studying her long eyelashes, the delicate lines of her mouth. He wanted to kiss her. It had been so long. He leaned down to do so, but something stopped him.

"Megan? Megan, wake up." He took her hand, and spoke a little louder, deciding it was time now to wake her and get her out of there before someone found them. "Come on, babe, it's me. I'm here to take you home."

But still, she didn't move. A wave of panic flooded through him. What had they done to her? What if she was under some mind spell and couldn't wake up?

"Megan..." He laid his hands on her shoulders and shook her gently. "Come on, Megan, you have to wake up now, we have to get out of here!"

Still nothing, not even a stir. Their situation was getting urgent now. He began to shake her more fiercely. "Dammit, Megan! Dammit! Wake up! You have to--"

In desperation, he laid his head on her chest, searching for a hearbeat. That bastard! She better be okay! But it was very difficult to hear anything over the wail of the alarm. Closing his eyes, he focused all of his concentration on finding the pound of her heart. She had to be alive. He was here to rescue her! After a few moments, he raised his head and glanced around the room desperately. He was alone. There was no one there to help him.

Crying out in despair and determination, he kneeled down next to her and pressed his fingers to the side of her neck. "You can't leave me, dammit!" Maybe he just hadn't heard her heart because of the loud noise all around them. A few seconds later, Raph retracted his hand in terror, and gripped her arms tightly. Dead...she was dead! A fury built up in him, so deep, so utterly heart shattering, that even above the wail of the alarm, his voice echoed way down the adjoining halls.

"NOOOOOOOOO!!!!!"

There was only one thing left to do. It was the right thing. He stared down numbly at the corpse of his brother. There was so much blood...so much blood. He wasn't afraid as he gripped the handle of his katana tighter and rose it to his plastron. It was only right to die at his own hands to restore the honor he'd taken from Raphael.

"For you, my brother--for honor..." he whispered. Fear gripped him then, and he realized he really didn't want to die. But it was the only honorable thing. Accident or no, he'd killed Raphael, and over a rediculous argument. He took a deep breath and began to push. He could feel the tip of the blade begin to sink into the shell.

"How very noble of you." A voice from behind startled him, and the trance was broken. He dropped the blade in surprise and turned to see a handsome young man with long black hair and viscious green eyes watching him in amusement. He rose to his feet and stared at the man for a moment, trying to figure out how he knew him.

He didn't wonder for long. The man sent out a mental picture, and in a matter of seconds, Leo understood everything.

"You..." he whispered.

"Very good, turtle boy. Very persceptive. I always knew you had it in you. That's why I chose you."

"The images...all my nightmares...you planted those in my head! You were trying to drive me into insanity!"

"Insanity? Hmmm...what an interesting choice of words. But my plans for you were far greater. Thanks to you, I have already defeated two of your brothers, and as you can see, you've killed the last."

Leo couldn't help but glance at Raphael, and when he did, the blood seemed to spread even further, to bubble and thicken. He closed his eyes and sucked in a breath. This had to be a mind game. Baxter was just trying to scare him. His other brothers...they couldn't possibly be dead. But the alarm system had been triggered, which meant that Donatello had probably run into complications...

"No!" He couldn't allow himself to believe it. He couldn't let Baxter win. "It's not true. None of it is true. My brothers...I feel them. They're still alive."

He opened his eyes slowly and frowned down at the body of his brother. He focused all his concentration on denial. He couldn't have possibly killed his brother so easily. Even Raph wasn't that careless.

"No..." he said aloud. "Raphael is alive."

Slowly, the vision of his brother, and the blood began to fade, until all that was left was the tile floor on which they stood.

"An illusion!" Leo gasped. "I was about to kill myself over a goddamn illusion!"

He couldn't believe he'd let Baxter trick him. He should have been stronger than that. It scared him to think about what might have happened if he'd actually gone through with seppuku. A shiver ran through him.

Leo reached for his sword on the floor, but before he could even grab it, everything went black.

The fury bubbled inside of him as he tried desperately to drown his sorrow and despair. The tears poured down his cheeks like hot rain as he stared into her placid face. She had been the only one who had ever really understood him, the only one who'd really known him for who and what he was, and she'd accepted him. She'd never asked him to change. Still, she had changed him. The past year and a half had brought so many changes to his life, he could hardly remember his world without her.

As he thought about everything she must have experienced in the past few weeks, the anger began to well up again. "He dies." Raphael hissed. "I swear it to you, Megan. I vow vengeance. He will suffer. He'll--"

An object in his periferal vision stopped him mid-sentence. He turned to stare at it, and discovered it was a small cage-type apparatus of some kind, too small for someone his size to fit into. As he studied it from afar, an eery feeling swept over him, and he was compelled to examine it further. Swallowing hard, he glanced once more at Megan and touched her cheek. Then he walked slowly toward it, his senses heightened. He would be ready if anyone decided to spring a trap.

"My god..."

As he peered between the bars, his eyes widened in shock. A little creature stared up at him in wonder. He returned the amazed stare, instantly stricken with pride and sorrow.

He pulled one of his sai from his belt and pried at the lock until it snapped open. He pulled the door off the hinges and reached inside, feeling his heart in his throat. It was beautiful, the most awesome thing he had ever seen. He stared down at the bundle in his arms and tears began to fall again. He didn't bother to try to conceal them.

He was a daddy. This was his child, the perfect being he and Megan had created together. It was a part of them both, a part of her that would live on forever.

It's not afraid of me... He smiled a little at this revelation. I'm not a freak to it. It's like me.

He carried the child carefully to Megan's bedside and laid it on her chest. As he unwrapped the blanket from around the tiny body, he began to shake. He bit his lip to stop an audible cry from escaping. The baby had on no clothes, and he could now see its entire body. It was so much like him! He stared at the fingers and toes, the same number as his own, at the trace of the shell on its chest and back. He had never really desired to be a father, but then, he'd never known a baby could bring so much joy.

"It's a boy..." he whispered to Megan.

He had his mother's big eyes and long lashes, the small button nose. He had her dark hair, and soft skin.

"It's a boy, Megan." he said again, running a finger along her cheek. And he's--he looks like you. He's beautiful, just like you."

Despite what Donatello had said about their genes and their DNA, Raphael knew that this child was a miracle. Even after the colorful speeches, he believed that they were alone in the universe, that there would never be anyone just like them. It was still the truth, but this child was the closest they could ever hope to get, and it gave him a new hope that their memory would be carried on.

And I'd give up forever to touch you
Cause I know that you feel me somehow
You're the closest thing to heaven that I'll ever be
And I don't want to go home right now

And all I can taste is this moment
And all I can breathe is your life
Cause sooner or later it's over
I just don't want to miss you tonight

And I don't want the world to see me
Cause I don't think that they'd understand
When everything's made to be broken
I just want you to know who I am

- GooGoo Dolls, "Iris"

"Nooo..." Leo pulled at the restraints around his wrists and akles, but it was no use. He was securely fastened to the table. A nauseating dizzyness passed through him, and everything around him began to spin. He knew he was losing consciousness, and he mustered all of his strength to remain awake and aware. Soon though, his mind gave in and returned to darkness.

"Hmmm...what a pity..."

Raph whirrled around to face the green-eyed man. It only took him a moment, with Baxter's help, to register who's mind was behind the attractive outer appearance.

"You...bastard!" The rage began to bubble through him, heating his very veins with anger and fury. He was mocking his pain!

"My my...such harsh words coming from a freak like yourself." Baxter said casually.

Raph's jaw clenched tight and his eyes lit up with fire. "Who the hell are you to call someone a freak!? You body snatching lunatic!"

"Do I sense a little jealousy perhaps? I surely can't blame you, looking as you do. Even your god-forsaken offspring looks like a monster."

If Raphael was angry before, now he furious. Baxter could call him anything he wanted, but when he started mocking his child, that's where he drew the line.

"In fact, that's why she's dead."

Raph fingered a sai in his belt. The fury continued to swell, growing into untamable, relentless rage.

Baxter glanced emotionless at Megan's body. "She died giving birth to your freak! You killed her...you and that baby of yours..."

"I said SHUT THE HELL UP!"

In a matter of seconds, both sai were out of his belt, and he was on top of him.

Baxter's eyes narrowed to slits, and suddenly, a gust of wind came at Raph, so powerful that it threw him back against the wall. The scientist had definately gained strength since the last time they'd met up. No matter though. One way or another, Baxter was dead. Raphael vowed his life on it.

In an instant, Raph was back on his feet, the sai gripped tight in his hands. A strange feeling came over him for a moment, but it quickly passed. Was it Baxter's fear?

Raphael charged again, this time making contact with the flesh on Baxter's left arm. Baxter let out a yelp and wrapped his fingers around the wound.

"You'll pay for that!"

"Oh yeah, what're you gonna do?"

His eyes narrowed again, and a pain began to spread through Raph's head. As it spread, it grew in intensity until his brain felt like it was on fire. Clenching his jaw, he tried to ignore the seering pain and focus on the one thing that meant more to him right now than anything else--killing Baxter Stockman.

Suddenly the scene faded and he was in blackness again.

No...he's playing mind games again...I can't let him win...I can't believe--

Raphael's death flashed before him again. He stared at the broken body of his brother, the blood. Baxter's words echoed in his ears. "Thanks to you, I have already defeated two of your brothers, and as you can see, you've killed the last."

The sweat poured down his forehead as he tried desperately to break the trance, to seek the truth. But he couldn't break free from the haunting images. Perhaps this was the truth. Maybe they were all dead afterall...

Raphael glared up at Baxter with a look so full of hatred, it would have scared the devil. Baxter recoiled, and Raph could feel his fear.

"You killed my wife, you son of a bitch..."

Baxter said nothing, but prepared to defend himself again.

Suddenly, the world around Raphael dissapeared, and he found himself in a black void. Blood dripped from a knife in his hands, and pooled at his feet. On the floor next to him was Megan, a big gaping wound in her chest.

"No..." Raphael dropped the knife. "No! I didn't kill her!" he screamed at the darkness. "You hear me!? I didn't kill her!"

The scene around him faded and he found himself in the lab again. A wave of dizziness hit him and he almost stumbled over.

"You demented son of a bitch! Don't you ever blame me for what you did! You killed her! You killed my wife!"

The rage in Raphael's eyes burned into Baxter. He realized that maybe he'd pushed the turtle a little too far that time. His anger was untamable. He was like a wild, slashing bull, charging toward the red cloth.

Baxter knew he had to do something fast, or he would be killed. Mustering all of the mental power he had left, he sent a charge out, so powerful, it knocked him backwards. Suddenly, the computer screens, lightbulbs and other electrical appliances exploded, sending wires flying with bits of burning, broken glass. As the rubble hit the floor and bounced off the walls and furniture around them, it ignited, alighting the room in flame.

Baxter let out a cry of surprise as Raphael pounced on top of him. Agony spread through his jaw as the turtle's fist made contact with his face. He punched and punched, again and again, until his fists ached. Then, in a last desperate effort, he lifted the sai and plunged it into Baxter's stomach.

Baxter slumped forward and didn't move. Raph threw down the remaining sai and hurried to Megan. "It's finished." he said softly. "He's dead."

Just--a little--farther... Unbeknownst to either of them, Donatello had slithered into the room just moments earlier. It had been above this very room that he'd been hit with the dart. Figuring that he would only be able to slide himself through the air ducts so far, he'd decided to cut his way through them and lower himself into the building, where there was at least hope that one of his brothers would find him.

He'd seen most of the fight, and he knew about Megan's death. He thought about Robyn, and a great pain spread through him, threatening to swallow him whole. Gulping up another painful breath, he planted his fingers against the cold, unforgiving tile floor, and dragged his body forward, plastron first.

Raphael's back was to him, and he was whispering something inaudible to Megan. He was almost there. If only he could call out to him, but his tongue was swollen from the poison, and his voice was weak and dry.

Another pull with his arms. He was a few feet closer. But as he neared the scene, he was met with a ghastly sight. Baxter was still alive! He saw his fingers twitch, his eyes open, his hand reach for a charred knife on the floor. "Now you die!" he choked as he raised the weapon to the back of Raphael's neck, ready to stab it into him.

"Noooo!" Donatello gasped. He reached for Raph's sai, and mustering all of his strength, he jabbed it straight through Baxter's heart. The scientist let out a yelp of surprised, and then finally, slumped over dead.

"Foh Wobyn!" Don croaked.

Raph whirrled around just on time to see his brother kill Baxter and then slump to the ground.

"Don!"

They hurried through the halls as fast as they could. The fire was spreading fast. Raphael carried Megan and their son in his arms, but it was difficult to move very quickly with the added weight of Donatello, who's arm was slung around Raph's shoulders. The poison had spread through most of his body already, and even with Raph's help, he could barely walk.

Raphael knew their situation was urgent. They still needed to find the others and get the hell out of here before the place burned down. They were a good way down the hall from the fire now, but he could still feel its heat and smell the smoke. He blinked a couple of times to clear the stinging in his eyes.

"Waph--gotuh huwwy..." Donatello mumbled.

Though painful, Raphael knew what he had to do. Carefully, he took Don's arm and lowered him gently to the floor, then stared down at his dead wife in his arms. He just couldn't carry them all. They'd never make it. And his brothers could be in trouble. Although it pained him to admit it, she was dead. He couldn't save her. Besides, she would have wanted it this way.

Gently, he laid her down beneath a large desk for shelter. He knew that once the fire got to her, there would be no stopping it, yet it gave him a little comfort to know that it would take a while before the flames would reach her body. He bit his lip, trying to be strong, trying desperately not to cry.

"Ai suru, Megan." he whispered. "Sayonara. Until we meet again."

Cradling his son in his arms, He snatched up Megan's blanket and wrapped it around himself like a cloak, shielding them both from the heat and smoke. He ran to Don and scooped him up again, and they hurried down the hall.

Chapter 14 Coming Soon!

Lightning Crashes

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