An injured Raphael stood next to April on the roof top and yelled, "Ya did it, Sensei. He's gone. Shredder's gone."

"My family," Splinter said and smiled.

"Look out!" Don screamed from down below, where he stood with Leo and Casey.

Before anyone else could utter a word, Shredder rose from behind Splinter, picking him up and thrusting his blades into the aged rat's heart and tossing him over the rooftop. A helpless Raph, his brothers and their friends could only look on, sheer disbelief and horror etched on their faces, as Splinter slowly fell to the pavement, before he landed in a crumpled heap, his life source pooling around him. Infuriated, April released her magic powers and sent Shredder crashing into a trash compacter. "Oops," Casey murmered, as he hit the on switch.

April and Raphael joined the others and watched, as Don checked his pulse. "He's gone," Don said miserably.

"Papa," Mikey wailed, wringing his hands, tears streaming down his cheeks.

Raphael hid his face in his hands, as Leo just looked on, too shell shocked to say or do anything. Splinter was gone and Leo was now the clan leader, as well as the father figure. A huge task for anyone to undertake, let alone a teenager.

Memories of Splinter hit the brothers like a freight train, as they picked him up and loaded him into the van, ready to take him home, each lost in their own thoughts. As they headed home, Raphael thought, Dad showed the ultimate love, sacrificial love, so we'd be safe, but I feel like a failure. I should have helped him. Now he's gone. How are we ta cope without him? We're all still a bunch of kids. What are we supposed ta do without him?

BACK IN THE PRESENT: MARCH 26

Raphael awoke with a start at two a.m., sweat beading his forehead. He'd been having the same recurring dream for weeks. Splinter's death. Feeling like a failure for not protecting his dad, even though Mikey had pointed out Raphael had been wounded at the time and couldn't have done anything, but it didn't make him feel any better. How I miss Dad, Raphael thought, kicking the bed sheets off of him. I wish I could hug him one last time and tell him I love him. His green eyes misted over and tears ran down his cheeks as he thought of the last time he and Splinter had spent time alone.

The ancient rat had said, "I am proud of you, my son. You are becoming a fine ninja and you are tempering your temper. Maybe it has something to do with young Mona Lisa, huh?"

Raphael nodded, as he patted Chompy, and said, "Yeah. I really love her, Dad, and she loves me."

"I am glad for you, Raphael. It is not easy for one, especially a mutant, to find love. "

"I think she's the one, Dad, and someday, I wanna ask her ta be my mate."

"Do not rush into things, Raphael. You are still very young and your feelings may change in time."

"I doubt it, Dad."

"Heh. I, too, thought so when I was fifteen, but we broke up when we were eighteen. And then I met your mother. Mona Lisa may be the one now, but she may not be the one later, Raphael. You are dismissed and may join your brothers in the lounge. One last thing."

"Yes, Dad?"

"I love you," Splinter said, reaching out his arms. Raphael placed Chompy on the ground, before going to his dad and hugging him tightly.

"Love ya too, Dad."

"Now, go, Raphael."

"Hai, Sensei."

Raphael picked up Chompy, went into his bedroom, put on a rap CD and climbed into his hammock, Chompy on his chest. "That Alopex is something, huh, Chompy?" he said. "But she's no Mona Lisa. And Dad's wrong. Mona's the one. I just know she is."

Back in the present, Raphael checked his phone for any incoming calls or texts he may have missed when he was asleep, but there were was nothing. Mona hadn't contacted him in months. He knew it was hard to send intergalactic mail and she was a busy woman defending her planet, but surely she could make time for me, he thought. I love her and I thought she loved me. Knowing he couldn't get back to sleep, Raphael dressed and went into the kitchen.

XXX

Leo was in the kitchen when Raphael arrived, drinking his tea, a distant look on his face. "Hi," Raphael said, placing Chompy down on a chair. He cracked open the beer and downed a third of it, before wiping off the froth from his mouth with the back of his hand.

"You know alcohol's forbidden, Raphael," Leo said crossly.

"Says who?Ya? Ya ain't the boss of me, Leo."

"I'm clan leader, Raphael, so I am."

"Then act like a leader, Leo!" Raphael snarled. "All ya do is meditate and drink tea, while Mikey sits in his room cryin' and Don's in his lab. Ya don't talk ta us. We need ya. I need ya! And ya've done nothin' bout the bastard. He's still walkin' around, breathin'. Karai said he is. Why haven't ya done somethin'?"

"I'm waiting for the right moment, Raphael."

"Right moment?" Raphael sneered, his green eyes blazing. "It's been months, Leo! Maybe ya just don't have the balls ta take him down. Yer weak!"

"How dare you!" Leo shouted, his sapphire eyes stony, as his own temper started to boil. "You know it's not that. Me and the Mutanimals are waiting for the right moment to attack. When his guard's down. Don't you think I want Shredder to suffer as much as you? Splinter was my dad too, Raphael, and I miss him every day! The world's so much greyer without him around and I don't know how to be there for you guys. I don't do emotions, Raphael. I'm the leader."

"No. I think yer a coward," Raphael growled. "I'll avenge Dad's death."

"You'll die. You're not as…."

"As what? As skilled as ya? I could kick yer ass any day, Leo!"

"Want to try now, Raphael? Go on. Beat me and you can be clan leader. Let's see how you like the responsibility!" Leo roared. "You think it's easy? Because it's not!"

"I'd a better leader than ya. I'd kill the Shredder and I'd be there for my bros, instead of bein' emotionally unavailable."

"Fuck you, Raphael!" Leo snapped, balling his hands into fists. "I'm done. Consider yourself the leader. I'm out of here."

"Good. We don't need ya," Raphael yelled, determined to have the last word. When he was sure Leo had left, Raphael grabbed Chompy and stormed out of the lair, needing space to cool down.

Mikey entered the kitchen, flanked by Don. "The same fight they've had for months," Mikey said dejectedly. "Think they're gone for good this time, Don?"

"No, they'll be back, Mikey."

"Do you think our family will ever become whole again, Don?" Mikey asked hopefully. "We need Leo and Raph and they need us."

"I honestly don't know, Mikey, but I hope so. Come sleep with me tonight. I could use the company."

"I miss Papa."

"I do too, Mikey, but just know you have me and I'm not going anywhere," Don said, and led his brother to his room.

XXX

Seething with rage, Raphael found his favorite roof top and sat down, swinging his legs over the edge, Chompy on his lap. Glancing out at the city below, he said, "Chompy, all me and Leo do is fight. What kinda life is that? I hate it. I want my big bro back. I want the family back as it was. Us trainin', havin' fun. Dad. Things ain't the same no more." Raphael wiped tears from his face and said, "It sucks and there's no one I can talk ta. Not even Mona and it's my birthday in a couple of days. My fifteenth. I know it don't matter, but it'd be nice if someone would remember it. No one will. They're too wrapped up in their own misery. Fuck!" An anguished howl escaped his throat and he said, "Fuck. What's the point of livin?" Ain't like no one cares!" Chompy nuzzled against his plastron and plastering a small smile on his face, Raphael said, "Ya do. I know ya do, Chompy, but it'd be nice havin' someone ta hug, and who can talk back ta me. I feel so alone and unloved. There. I said it. I'm lonely, Chompy."

"Hello, Raphael," a female voice said.

Raphael glanced up and saw Alopex. "Ya spyin' on me?" he demanded.

"No. I couldn't sleep and went out for a walk. You okay?" she asked, concern in her amber eyes.

"Fine."

"That's good. Can I sit next to you?"

"Free country," Raphael said casually.

Alopex sat down and said, "I saw you with your brothers and I'm sorry, Raphael."

"Thanks."

"Want to talk about it?"

"No."

"I understand. You're not one to discuss feelings, but the offer stands."

"Why do ya care how I feel anyway? We don't even know one another."

"I sensed something when we first met. Something special about you. You're different from your brothers. Do you remember, turtle boy, how our eyes locked onto one another's? We had an instant connection. I think we're both loners and could be good friends."

"So we did, but I ain't available. I got a girlfriend."

"Then why isn't she here with you?" Alopex asked, patting Chompy, who nuzzled into her touch. "Sweet guy."

"She has obligations. Not like that's yer business. Leave him alone. He's my pal!" Raphael said possessively.

"Fine," Alopex said, withdrawing her hand. "And you're right. It's none of my business, but if she loved you, Raphael, she'd be here for you. And I'm not trying to hit on you. Just trying to be a friend. I sense we both need one."

"I don't need anythin'," Raphael retorted. "I can take care of myself."

"How old are you, Raphael?"

"Fourteen. Why?"

"I turned sixteen last month."

"Nice."

"And I'm all alone. I have no family other than Tiger Claw and he hates me, so I understand how you feel."

"No, ya don't. Ya know nothin' how I feel and who cares 'bout Tiger Claw? He's a psycho and dishonorable anyway tryin' ta attack ya from behind! He deserved ta have his arm chopped off. He can't clap no more! What's next if he pisses ya off? His head?"

"I hope it doesn't come to that. I didn't enjoy hacking off his arm, but he left me no choice. Still, he was, is family. I'm lonely, Raphael, and I sense you are too. You have your pet, but your brothers? How are they dealing with things?"

"How do I know if I talk ta ya, ya won't sell me down the tube? Ya could even be workin' for Shredder?"

"I had an offer to work with him, but I refused. I'm a loner, like you, Raphael, and I also need a friend, so why would I betray the only person, who may become one?" Alopex asked, placing her hand on his heart. "I sense we are a lot alike. We could be good for one another, Raphael. Help one another emotionally."

Raphael stared into her amber eyes and sensed she was being sincere. He could always tell a bullshitter. Heaving a deep sigh and stretching out a hand, he said, "This stays here. Deal?"

"Deal," Alopex said, shaking it.

"My brothers are so wrapped up in their own misery, we don't talk and when we do, me and Leo fight. He's like a piece of rock, so emotionless, so not there, it's scary. We need him. I need him and he's just not there, but physically he is. Ya understand? I talk ta Chompy. He's all I got. Mona, my girlfriend, hasn't answered me in months. I've sent her billions of texts and called, but nothin'. I don't get it. What did I do wrong? Why hasn't she been there for me when I need her?" Raphael asked, choking back a sob. "Shit. She betrayed us once and I forgave her, but this….She must know I've been tryin' ta contact her."

"I'm sure she knows, Raphael, but maybe this is her way of saying she wants out."

"But what did I do wrong?"

"It's not you, Raphael. I'm sure you're a lovely boy, but maybe you two aren't suited. Mona feels it and isn't woman enough to tell you. I think it's cruel, because you deserve to know why, but sometimes, Raphael, we don't get what we want. It's just best to let things be and move on."

"I loved her, Alopex. Truly. Madly and all of that shit. She was my first love."

"First crushes can be hard," Alopex said, looking distant. "I had a boyfriend too."

"And?"

"He was killed in battle. Noble warrior called Killian."

"I'm sorry."

"It's all right. I think about him a lot and I miss him, but I know he wouldn't want me to wallow in my grief. He'd want me to move on and live my life, which I'm doing. I think Mona wants you to do the same thing."

"Oh, be real! Who'd want me? She was my only shot at love, ya know."

"Maybe not, Raphael," Alopex said with a smile, placing her hand on Raphael's plastron, and sending a shiver down his spine. "Life's unpredictable and you're still young. You need to open your heart to new opportunities that may arise, including a new romance when you're ready."

"Like ya, ya mean and shouldn't ya be open too?"

"I didn't say me, and no. I'm not looking for a romance. Just friendship."

"Yeah. Anyway, I'm lonely as hell, Alopex. I miss my bros and wish things were like they used ta be. Leo…I wish… He's just a huge jerk, thinkin' he can boss everyone around now he's in charge."

"Leo's what, sixteen? Being that young and in charge must be tough. I bet he's scared, Raphael. This can't be easy. Think about it. Looking after three younger brothers as well as yourself is no mean feat."

"Yeah, I guess. Hadn't thought 'bout it," Raphael said sheepishly.

Alopex removed her hand and said, "You feel, but so do your brothers. They're hurting too. You aren't the only one, who lost their dad."

"I guess. I also feel like a failure. I was injured and couldn't help Dad when the Shredder attacked him, but I feel like…I should have… That I wasn't a good son after all he did for us," Raphael sobbed.

Alopex pulled him close, stroking his shell reassuringly, and when they'd pulled apart, she gently thumbed away his tears and said, "Raphael, you were a good son and I have no doubt your Dad loved-loves you and is watching over you. Don't blame yourself. There was nothing you could have done in your condition. Splinter wouldn't want you to blame yourself and would want you to live your life and be happy. Do that for him. Honor him. Cherish his memory, but do not give up on life."

"Yeah, but how can I be happy and move on with all this sadness inside of me, Alopex?"

"You can write about it."

"That ain't me and what do I do 'bout Mona?" Raphael asked, slumping his shoulders.

"Mona is your call. Personally, I'd leave her alone. The non-contact says volumes about what she wants. If she really cared, she'd make an effort no matter what's going on. I need to go."

"Will I see ya again?" Raphael asked, to his and her immense surprise.

"Of course. We're friends," Alopex said, digging into her duffel bag and retrieving a piece of paper. She wrote something on it and handed it to him. "My number. Call me if you want to talk."

"Thanks, Alopex."

"Don't mention it, Raphael."

"Raph, if we're gonna be friends."

"Alo. I'll see you," Alopex said and planted a quick peck on Raphael's cheek, causing him to blush. "Take care, Raphael, and try and talk to Leo and your other brothers."

Raphael tucked the phone number into his obi and said, "So, what do ya think, Chompy? Think she can be trusted? Nod if ya think so." Chompy nodded his head and Raphael said, "What do ya know? Yer just a dino turtle and don't know 'bout life."

Dawn breaking, Raphael quickly made his way home and climbed into his hammock. Reaching for his phone, he typed a message. "Mona, I'm done. Ya know how much I needed ya, especially after Dad died, but ya didn't and don't give a fuck. I ain't gonna crawl no more. I got somethin' better. Someone. Her name's Alopex. She's real nice and funny and fuckin' sexy, really loves me and I love her, so ya can fuck off. R."

"That's tellin' her, huh, Chompy?" Raphael said, stroking his pet, which was on his plastron. Chompy nodded. "We don't need Mona. We'll be okay." Raphael typed another text. "Don't know why I'm sendin' this. Ya could be trouble."

"So could you be, Raphael," was the reply.

"How'd ya know this was me?"

"You're the only one, who has my number."

"Wow. That's special. I'm yer only friend. Ya don't let people in."

"Nope. Don't trust easily and I sense you don't either."

"Got that right. Anyway, thanks for earlier. Helped ta talk a bit."

"Sure."

"Hey, ya busy tomorrow night? Wanna hang out?"

"Love to, my friend, and Raph, you can call and text me any time."

"Ditto. Hey, I took yer advice 'bout Mona and told her I'm done."

"That's good, Raphael. I'm glad she's out of your life. You deserve better."

"Yeah. Anyway, night. See ya tomorrow."

"Night, Raphael. Sweet dreams."

Raphael lay back in his hammock, absent mindedly patting Chompy and said, "So ya like Alopex, Chompy?" His pet nodded and Raphael said, "Yeah, she's sweet. It's nice ta know I have a friend. Fuck Mona. No matter what, I ain't crawlin' back ta her."

His heart feeling a bit lighter, Raphael closed his eyes and had the best sleep he'd had in months.

A/N Ever since I saw the Tale of Tiger Claw, I've been itching to write an Alopex/Raph romance. Love her and her fiery nature. In the comics, Raph admits he loves her, so they are going to get together romantically. Yay. They're so adorable together! And I'm hoping that happens in the 2012 series.