REPOST**

In all his years of fighting, all the dangers he and his brothers had faced, Leo had never imagined a defeat such as this. Being struck down in battle by a worthy foe, sacrificing himself for a family member or friend, perhaps sickness, or even the hopeful (although unlikely) death by old age; all possibilities he had considered. But this?

He shifted slightly, unable to rise from his knelled position on the floor, but wanting to reassure himself that his muscles still worked. His arms ached from being pulled back behind his shell, where his wrists were bound and linked to the floor by a chain- the length of which too small to allow him to stand. He twisted his wrists, feeling the joined cuffs biting into his skin, aggravating old wounds from his past resistance.

He sighed, closing his eyes although that did nothing to ease his discomfort or even shield himself from the blinding lights above him. He turned his thoughts away from himself and toward his family, feeling utterly helpless. He hadn't been able to sense their presence in days…and with each day he grew weaker. Were they even still looking for him? He knew they were, of course, but a part of him wished otherwise- he hoped they wouldn't find him...wouldn't put themselves in danger.

'Raph. Don. Mikey...Father.' he felt tears sting his eyes. 'I'm sorry.'

The sound of the door opening caused him to jerk, but he was long past expecting a rescue, and knew right away who had come. A swell of anger flared in his chest, and he was almost glad for it- glad that he was still able to feel something other than despair. He kept his eyes to the ground, and listened to the tapping of heels as she came to stand in front of him.

"Hello, Leonardo."

He hated how she sounded almost pleasant, as if she were greeting an old friend, rather than someone she had imprisoned and tortured.

He swallowed, glaring at the floor.

"What do you want?"

It seemed like days since he last had anything to drink, but he managed to make his voice come out steady, his tone cold.

She chuckled, a sound that grated on his nerves.

"Now is that any way to greet a lady?" she asked, "and to think, I even brought you a present."

He didn't rise to her bait, refused to look up at whatever she had to offer- it always came at a price, and he'd sooner die than tell her what she wanted to know. Sell out his family? Never.

"Whatever it is you're offering- I'm not interested."

She took a few more steps forward, her black pointed shoes now filling his vision- a stark contrast to the plain white floor and walls he was use to. He frowned at her lack of concern with being so close to him, and was tempted to jerk forward in an attempt to attack her- the chains would hold him back, he knew, but she would at least be startled. It was almost worth the energy he'd waste, and the strain on his arms and wrists, just to see her reaction, but he held back.

'Raph wouldn't have.' he couldn't help but think, trying to ignore the prickling sensation behind his eyes as he thought of his hotheaded brother.

"You could make things so much easier for yourself, you know." the woman mused. "Surely you must be hungry? Thirsty? Maybe you'd even like me to remove those cuffs and let you stretch your arms?"

Leo kept his eyes on the floor, refusing to even show interest in her offers.

"As stubborn as ever, I see." The women noted, not seeming the least bit upset. "But regardless, I'll let you keep this gift- after all, I'm sure he'd want you to have it."

He frowned at her words, but before he could even ponder their meaning, something fluttered down into his vision and landed silently before him. He felt his breath catch in his throat and his eyes widened at the sight of his younger brothers bandanna; so tattered and covered in blood that you could barely make out it's signature orange color.

The women took a step back, smiling down at her captive who looked as if he were in shock.

"You've been quite a disappointment to me, Leonardo," she informed him, smirking slightly. "Perhaps your brother will be more cooperative."

"No!"

Like an explosion Leo suddenly lurched forward, a sound very much like a growl escaping him as he glared up at her, ignoring the painful tug of the chains behind his back.

"Where is he!" he demanded, struggling against the chains. "What have you done with him!"

The women stepped back with a smirk, a sudden gleam in her eyes as she took in his reaction.

"Now, now," she chided. "Where are your manners?"

Leo growled again, half raised off the floor yet still held back by the cuffs and chain. He took in quick angry breaths, his body felt like it was shaking- from anger, or muscles exhaustion, he wasn't sure. His mind went over everything he'd been subjected to since he was taken- the beatings, the interrogations, the starvation and lack of sleep, being chained like an animal- all of it he had endured, he'd held his ground. But this? The very idea that his little brother had been captured, that he had been hurt, and that this monstrous women would put him through the same ordeals.

"Where. is. my. brother?" he spoke each word deliberately, his voice low with anger.

The gleam was in her eyes again, her smile never wavered.

"Perhaps if you asked nicely, I'd let you see him," she said, her voice patronizing. "Just say please. Can you do that, Leonardo?."

She was mocking him, toying with him. For a moment he swore his vision flashed red, hot anger surged through his chest, and he jerked forward in his restraints- wanting so badly to remove that sickening smile from her face. He wondered vaguely if this was the kind of rage his brother felt so often.

"Just one little word- that's all it'll take."

She wanted him to beg, wanted him to plead. Leo closed his eyes tight, his anger and pride whispering 'No. Never. I won't give in.'

"It's your choice, of course," she replied, as if not at all concerned. "After all...I'm sure your brother will understand."

Leo's eyes opened instantly, finding his brother's mask still laying before him, torn and bloody. He listened to the sound of the door opening as the woman made to leave, and the smiling image of his youngest brother suddenly sprang to mind.

'..Mikey..'

"Wait!"

His voice was strained, but seemed loud in the silence of the room. His knees finally gave out and he found himself kneeling on the floor once again, his energy spent.

"Yes?"

He gritted his teeth at her false innocent tone, imagining her satisfaction- but this wasn't for her...it was for his brother. For Mikey. He had to see him...had to see for himself if he was okay.

"Please." the word was no more than a hiss, a strained whisper, but it left him feeling sick.

"I'm sorry?" She pretended not to hear, and Leo felt another wave of anger come over him though it was quickly cooled by despair.

"Please." He swallowed, both the nausea and his own pride, "Please let me see him. Please."

He'd never hated the sound of his voice so much before.

"Now that wasn't so hard, was it?" she said, sounding satisfied.

It was only after she was gone that Leo noticed the tears trailing down his face.