Slash And Burn

By: Phoenix Ride

Ch.1: Jealous Eyes

Once again, things seemed to be going peaceful for the turtles as they relaxed back in their lair. There were no mutant baddies about, no more mutant canisters to catch. And Shredder and Karai had been quiet for a couple of days now, so everything was normal.

Well, as normal as it can get in a lair of mutant turtles and a huge, talking rat. Most people would freak out if they ever saw these creatures in real life, but April O' Niel, and their new friend, Casey Jones, were the exception to that rule.

April owed the turtles her life and so much more. She loved hanging out with the guys. There had been a little snag when the turtles had accidently turned her dad into a mutant, but that was all water under the bridge now.

She hadn't spent all that time away in total depression, it was while she was gone that she had met her new friend, Casey Jones. Flunking at math, April was assigned to be Casey's tutor, and even though he had some rough spots, the hockey player proved himself to be both tough and reliable.

It was really hard to keep Casey in the dark about the turtles lives, especially when he witnessed all of the strange attacks targeting April. Casey eventually met the turtles, and he and Raphael hit it off from the start. Which was no surprise to April, after all, the two were somehow alike.

Casey and Raph toughed out through a few scrapes to get where their friendship was right now. Now, all the time, you could see them laughing and fighting like they were long lost kin.

Although a little odd to the family, it pleased the turtles to see Raphael actually reach out and connect with someone. Showing his feelings out in the open, without concealing them to Spike.

Spike, now there's a name none of the turtles ever wanted to remember again. He had been okay as pet, but once he had mutated into Slash, he was an out of control monster. It had nearly killed Raph to take him out last time, and it left him in depression for quite a bit.

"Raph has Casey now" thought Leo, happily in his mind " He's a perfect replacement for Spike,"

Mikey and Don were inclined to go with Leo's thought for they had witnessed Slash's rampage first hand, nearly getting beaten to death by the dangerous turtle. Don was a little jealous of Casey however, because sometimes April's attention would turn towards him, but when Donnie thought of Splinter's falling down lesson, he learned to let it go.

"Want to go on patrol?" said Casey, turning to Raph, after Skullarex blasted his virtual ship to pieces. "I don't mind beating you at videogames, but let's go bust some heads!"

"Yeah" said Raph, excitedly " Let's head out!"

"Raph, Casey, wait!" said Leo, immediately turning towards the pair " It could be dangerous out there,"

"Leo, we haven't heard of any crimes in weeks" said Raph " at least not from the Foot or other mutant creatures we now. Me and Casey will be fine, just think of it as a normal patrol,"

"A patrol into disaster," Leonardo thought, then said out loud " Fine, but be careful okay?"

"Roger that!" said Raph, saluting, and dashing off towards the sewers.

"And Mr. Jones" said Master Splinter " make sure you are both back in time for evening training,"

"Right," said Casey, and followed Raphael.

"Boys will be boys," said April, as the two vanished out of sight.

"True" said Splinter " those two get along well together,"

"Ah man" groaned Mikey " Raph spends all his time with Casey now, I felt better when he had Spi…,"

The orange-masked turtle quickly quieted as he received stern glares for almost mentioning the name. Spike was nothing more than a distant memory now. Slash was a monster, and he had to be stopped.

Meanwhile, hanging out in the dark parts of the city, a large and powerful turtle skulked the rooftops, searching for scum to beat.

His green eyes blared under the black shades of his mask, anger prodding every jump he made. Slash's mind was only set on one purpose, Raphael's wish to be free.

He would have succeeded last time too, if Raphael's morals hadn't got in the way. Raph needed to be reminded about what a true warrior should be, and Slash was just the turtle to teach it to him.

"I'll show Raphael just how much he needs me" thought Slash, darkly in his mind " I've been planning our little reunion ever since our last fight on the roof,"

Stopping mid-step, Slash paused and tilted his nose up towards the air. Sweat and adrenaline could be scented on the wind. A wild grin curled up on Slash's face.

"Raphael is nearby," said Slash, and immediately jumped towards that direction.

Reaching the street, Slash paused on the rooftop and waited, looking across. Raphael should be appearing any moment now.

Slash wasn't disappointed, for soon the red-masked turtle jumped into view, being followed by some strange, human boy.

"Odd" thought Slash, curious of Casey's presence "Why is he here?"

Sneaking closer, but making sure he was still out of sight, Slash trailed behind the unexpected duo, curious to what this was all about.

"You're slowing down Case!" shouted Raph to the weary human " Your skinny legs can't catch up!"

"Just you wait Raph!" said Casey, running harder to end up beside Raphael " I'm going to speed right past you,"

"You can try," laughed Raph.

Slash was stunned. Raph was happy, actually happy. Just as he had been with Slash before the vendetta tore them apart.

Slash stood behind, grinding his fists in anger. He couldn't believe it! He had been replaced! Raph now had a new best friend! And a puny human at that!

How dare he?! Slash was the only one suited enough to be Raph's right hand man. This Casey had to go, as well as Raph's brothers. Slash wouldn't have anyone take Raphael, not on his watch.