I still do not own TMNT so please resist suing me.

A/N I made some title changes just FYI. I am really bad at deciding on titles so I apologize for the change. Here's a nice short chapter to ease us into Part 3. Enjoy!

Part 3

Chapter 1

Leonardo was frustrated. I could tell there was nothing he wanted to do more than finish our journey to the lair as fast as possible. Only problem was, he couldn't even stand. Currently, he was leaning against the sewer wall in support while breathing heavily. The swim downriver had been exceptionally easier than the day before, but between yesterday's upriver marathon and this morning's challenging… experience… He was at his limit. In his exhausted state, there was no way he could continue, let alone face the army of alien robots awaiting us at home. That didn't mean Leo wouldn't be stupid about it, "Come on bro, you got to rest. There's no way you're going to make it there today."

Leo's mouth formed a tight line, "I don't have the luxury of rest. Every second we waste is a second Mike and Don don't have!"

"Don't you think I know that? I fought those things too remember?" he raised an eye ridge at me, "Before I transformed, idiot! But in case you haven't noticed I am no longer gamera-sized and as much as I hate to admit it, I can't take those tin cans alone."

It was true. Since this morning's "events" I had remained my normal handsome self. Well almost normal. I still had these weird sensations occasionally run through my scales like they were trying to shift in place, but I hadn't mentioned it to Leo. He was so happy to have me back that I didn't want to burst his bubble. Besides, he had enough to worry about already. I didn't want to add the threat of me having a relapse to the list. Once we rescued our brothers, I would get Donnie to check things over for me. Hopefully, my body was now mutagen free and these sensations were just a side-effect from the last transformation that in time would disappear. Hopefully.

Leo, ignoring me, inched himself along the wall trying and failing to hide his pain. I grabbed him by the arm, "Look Leo, you can move along like this all night and still not get to the lair by morning or you can rest now and after a few hours of sleep we book to the lair in no time flat."

He turned to me, eyes filled with worry, and then slumped down onto the damp stone and held his head in his hands, "Why did this have to happen now? The one time I couldn't be there? Is the universe purposely trying to rub it in my face that I can't be in two places at once?"

I sank down beside him, "I think that's exactly what the universe is trying to tell you, Fearless. As much as you try you're only one turtle Leo. I know it's cliché, but all you really can do is try your best. Sometimes though you gotta make hard decisions based on who has the most need. You knew I needed you more than Mikey and Don did. Trust me, you're not giving them enough credit; they really can take care of themselves. Me on the other hand, well I don't think things would have turned out so good if you hadn't be there."

He lifted his head up slightly and I hoped he could see that I had meant what I said. I hissed in pain as a tremor suddenly went through my outstretched leg. I grabbed it before Leo could see the shifting scales. He jumped in concern, "Raph you ok?"

I massaged my leg and the scales settled just as quickly as the pain had come. I knew Leo did not have the energy to deal with this right now. I continued to stare at my calf as I massaged it hoping to make the lie convincing, "Yeah, just a muscle spasm." I looked up and shrugged, "Guess you're not the only one who's beat."

He seemed to buy it and closed his eyes as he leaned back against the wall. "I guess we really do need to rest a bit."

I snorted partly in victory and partly in relief that he missed my lie, "Maybe that's why I've been after you the last twenty minutes to give it up. You know, just cuz you're the Leader doesn't mean the rest of us can't order you around once in a while. How's it go "an officer physically unfit for command" or something along those lines?"

He laughed, "Well technically our chief medically officer would need physical evidence to support your claim. So without Donatello here I reject your claim. It doesn't matter though, because last time I checked Star Trek is fiction – not reality."

I rolled my eyes and grunted, "Says the mutant turtle to the other mutant turtle while contemplating how to take on robot aliens with ninjutsu. Yeah our lives are totally the same as Real Housewives."

We both laughed at that, but finally Leo appeared to admit defeat by curling up on the floor, "Well when you put it like that of course it sounds ridiculous. Take first watch for me?"

I smiled into the darkness, "Course."