Disclaimer: I own nothing, sadly enough. All rights belong to Mirage Studios and Nickelodeon.
A Wilted Rose
Marble steps glittered in the moonlight, their glowing luminescence blocked where a man lay. The chill March breeze flitted playfully through the short tresses adorning the man's head. The cold marble and fliting breeze should have goaded the well dressed man from his slumber, yet he did not stir. Surrounding his still form a fine misting spatter of dark, dried blood discolored the few small stairs and the aged wooden doors they led to.
"Hey buddy, it's getting late why don't ya get in the church and sleep it off." An older man in sweats knelt by the downwards facing man. He reached his age spotted hand to shake the younger man awake only to stop a fraction of an inch from the suit clad shoulder.
"Jesus Christ!" the breath left the older man's throat in a strangled gasp. He had seen his fill death and destruction when he served as a junior ranking officer a long time ago, but the years had dulled the mind numbing fear and subsequent immunity against the specter of death that filled the war worn veins. Now, with a shudder of terror and a furtive look about him with hardened eyes, the old man rose to his feet, racing to the nearest corner store, every step a prayer falling from nervous lips. It was not finding a dead man that had scared him, it was the warmth still exuding from the corpse and the jerky spasms from the muscles exposed within the horrific hollow eye sockets that told of his recent death. The killer could still be nearby.
"Help, police!"
Headmaster Barkus entered his office early the next morning with a tired yawn. His days started early and ended late. He lived for his work, and after a career in the military, his wife divorcing him for always being away while he put his ass on the line for his country, the routine was welcome. The kids were mostly grateful to have a place to stay. Here, he was a father figure, without the headaches of a thankless and faithless wife. It suited him just fine.
The moment he shut the door behind him he froze, there was something off about his office today. He stilled, cold grey eyes searching every inch of his private sanctuary over, until he noticed the small pile of discs, manila envelopes and the one external hard drive that occupied his chair. Without even thinking, Barkus called the police. The last thing he needed was a bomb going off in his office with so many children in the area.
With the police on the way, he rushed from his office, going straight to the front entry and sounding the alarm for all to evacuate the building. Dr. Bates and Mr. Russell led the boys from the dormitory, while Sister Mary Elizabeth and Miss Stevenson led the girls, all in their night clothes and bleary eyed in the early hour. Young voices rose in fright, too loud whispers of fire and bad things filling the corridors.
"Everyone, attention, kids follow your assigned counselor. Everybody find a buddy and hold hands as we cross the street! Boys, I don't care if your man enough to grow a mustache and draw your own tattoos, you will hold another boy's hand across that street or so help me!" Barkus growled, his standing threats a long held joke amongst the older kids.
"Headmaster? Where are the Brothers?" A young boy asked as he pulled his buddy, a teen of seventeen, to Barkus' side.
"The Hamatos? They're not here?" Barkus demanded, about to run to the boy's dorm when one of the girls spoke up.
"Sir, I overheard Mr. Russell giving Raphael permission to attend something called ROTC." The girl's ebony hair was everywhere as she rubbed sleepy onyx eyes. "I think they all went early. There were voices in the hall earlier."
Barkus felt his ire rise, if he found out that this was caused by those boys he would send them to boot camp himself! His thoughts were cut off as he ushered the tail end of the students out of the orphanage just as the SWAT team showed up with the bomb squad. The many police and fire vehicles kept the kids interested and entertained as he informed the unit commander of the situation.
"Are any of your children not accounted for?" Lieutenant Blackwell asked after Barkus finished.
"Well, one of our older kids, Raphael Hamato was given permission to attend the ROTC at the university. His brothers are not here so we're hoping they went with him, but we have no sign out papers for them." Barkus rumbled worriedly.
"Listen, give us some photos and descriptions of these boys and we'll send someone to check on them. For now, just keep your youngsters out of the way and out of the streets. We'll finish here as fast as can." The Lieutenant looked away to his men, his deep brown skin and dark curly hair belying his origins somewhere in the Middle East. As the officers went to work, Barkus returned to his kids, hoping against hope that the four brothers were safe.
"Lieutenant!" A young dark skinned SWAT officer jogged up, eyes bright with shock, "Sir, you've got to see this!" The men jogged into the orphanage and to Barkus' office looking at one of their men who had already checked the media upon the chair for bombs or hazardous material. Upon his left arm rested a small lap top that displayed a young girl, maybe sixteen at most sobbing and crying as she was fondled by an older man with long blonde hair.
"Remember, Sherry, say one word, breathe anything to Barkus and you will never see a family, ever," The long haired man said in a sickening purr towards the young girl as he pulled her head closer and forced a deep kiss.
"I p-promise Mr. Van Dross, I won't tell." The girl sobbed as the man stepped away, drawing a frightened boy of about fifteen into the camera's view.
"Jarrod, you will be taking my place when you're older, so for now let's begin your education. Take her." The man barked at the terrified boy…
The kneeling SWAT officer swallowed sickly, "Man, this Van Dross dude is sick. I don't know what's been going on here, but from what the girl from the disc said before he had her clothes off, she praised this place as her sanctuary. She practically called that Barkus dude her surrogate father. Seems this sicko's been preying upon this place for years." The Hispanic officer replied with a grimace as he stood, ejecting the disc and placing it gently with the others.
"Hey, wait," a woman stepped forward. "That kid, the boy. I think he was in the news this morning." The only woman on the team was taller than her colleges by a good head and well muscled, somehow mixing the well toned physique and her own natural beauty into a stunning figure.
"Where did you see this Rosie?" the Lieutenant asked immediately curious.
"The kid was Jarrod Van Dross, adopted son of that sicko who had been raised here. He died today, after being in a shock induced coma for four years. No one knew what caused it, though the doctors all claimed some type of violent sexual assault. The poor kid never woke up to testify."
The varied officers called for the regular police, handing over the documents and media devices to their counterparts before vacating to a call on the lower east side, apparently the Purple Dragon clan had gotten sloppy, caught in their own bank heist. This was going to be adventurous. The Swat officers raced off with a whoop, unaware that someone else had gotten to the gang well before them.
"Dude, you're seriously making me tired just looking at you." Mikey gaped as Raph finally jogged up to them at a central cement bench close to the open field he had been put through training maneuvers on.
Steam rose from Raph's skin, perspiration beading along his shaved head and sliding down his neck to further soak the grey 'ROTC ARMY' shirt given to him yesterday. The drills had taken most of the early morning while the others had sat around completing assignments or reading ahead.
"You know Raph, if you keep this up you just might learn to follow orders." Leo ribbed his younger brother, earning him a halfhearted, sated snarl.
"Well, someone's in a good mood. I think the exercise has done you some good." Don grinned at his tallest brother fondly. It was rare that Raph would just snarl at Leo's taunting. Usually harsh words and fists were his reply.
"Yeah, this whole business ain't been too good fer my temper. You know me, if I can punch it, I can beat it." Raph replied calmly, the endorphin rush still high enough to make him almost lethargic, though the others were all too well aware that he would be wound all the tighter later on when the high faded and the afteraffects of yesterday's venture resurfaced.
"Dude, the paper is out already?" Mikey gaped as he jogged to snag an early edition before the dew made it soggy. He raced back to the table looking over the front page before suddenly freezing mid step, "Uh, guys?" He held out the paper to Leo, showing a photo of Jar on the front page, with the announcement of his death after being in a coma for four years. "This is so totally creepy, bro!"
Raph stared in stunned horror at the picture on the cover. There, staring calmly out from a dark background was Jar. The article spoke of a now ninteen-year-old young man who had been in a shock induced coma for the last four years. Where the authorities had never discovered the cause of the boy's – Jarred Van Dross – condition they had plenty of suspicion. Jarrod's adopted father, Anthony Van Dross, had been devastated at the time. The police had considered him their prime suspect, only there was no evidence against him. The boy's only testimonial were the signs of sexual activity, whether as a willing participant or not was never proven.
Jarred had died at one-thirty the previous night, a strange contented smile on his face. The medical staff all felt that an angel had guided young Jarred, and all were sad at his passing, as it always hurts to lose someone so young.
Raph swallowed painfully, his eyes stinging with unshed tears. He had held, loved a spirit waiting to pass.
"What do you want?"
"A memory."
Those words made sense now, Jarred, Jar – whoever – had wanted to feel loved, if even for the wrong reasons, and to move on. The astral projection he had been pulled into the night before had been amazing, and if that was Jar's parting gift, then it would be enough for a lifetime. It was more than he deserved, as it was likely the most any of his brothers would ever receive of such passion from another. Still, his body longed to join with the other boy – Spirit? Serpent? – once more. Jar had been addicting, someone he would be willing to stand beside forever.
Seeing his one night stand spirit-lover staring at him from a memorial photo taken four years ago was macabre and surreal. Raph would remember Jar forever, to honor the boy who had died alone in empty silence.
"How – I don't believe it, he was a ghost – more like an astral projection. As if he could manifest a physical shape, but how did he find us?" Don murmured, his ever questioning brain immediately turning to unravel the current mystery.
"Hamato!" Captain Epps called as he jogged across the field with a police officer in step at his heels, "You need to find your brothers, Officer Bearing needs to speak with you."
"We are his brothers." Leo said calmly as he stood to face the men, once more frustrated that so many assumed them to be unrelated just because of Raph's changed skin tone. "What can we do for you Officer?"
"You are the Hamato brothers?" Bearing asked calmly, pulling out his note pad and looking over four pictures of the boys. "Well, there was a disturbance at the orphanage –"
"Is everyone alright?"
"What happened?"
"Do we need to go back?" three of the brothers immediately clamored, each concerned that something could have come after them at their unwanted second home. Officer Bearing looked them over silently, studying the boys critically.
Raph rumbled threateningly in the back of his throat, all earlier good feelings long gone as he leaned forward, dark eyes boring into the officer's with dangerous ferocity, "Answer." The low rumble visibly shook Bearing and even Epps was looking at Raph with discomfort shining in his eyes.
"There was a scare at the orphanage, it has turned out to be nothing, but the Headmaster wanted to be sure that you four were actually here and not in some kind of danger." The morning light glinted off of the officer's badge, shining a ray of light onto the open paper.
Raph followed the stray beam of light to where it rested on Jar's face, and froze, his focus solely on the picture before him, tuning out the officer and his brothers. Jar's eyes, they were emerald. Their glittering depths an exact match for Raph's former skin coloring only deep like a cut gem. Why had the specter of the unconscious boy held golden eyes?
Mind racing he thought back on all that Sensei had taught them about meditation, if there was an answer, Splinter would know. The thought held little comfort. They still had to find their father, and that would have to wait just a little longer.
Could another spirit have taken over? Or used the latent life force within Jarrod Van Dross as a link to the living realm? Raph stilled, his thoughts going back years ago when they were still fresh from returning from the Utroms. Splinter had been meditating, his spirit and mind reaching far away from his physical form, reaching that of a dying man in Japan. The two had swapped bodies, the old man gaining the form of their father for a day. They had helped the old man pass on his heritage to his grandson. When the passing was complete Master Splinter and the old man returned to their bodies.
"I will be waiting … Like you, I am not as I seem. You'll understand soon, just remember me, and remember this jungle…"
"Raphael!" Leo barked, finally breaking into Raph's haze. Leo looked worriedly at his brother. Raph was expressive, in his own way, but he had been completely blank as if in a trance for the past few minutes, sitting so still that he could have given Master Splinter a run for his money in the meditation department.
"Leo, what if Van Dross did this to him?" Raph asked quietly, still staring at the green eyed boy in the picture.
"But," Donny objected immediately, "Van Dross adopted him! How could he?"
"Rememba what that creep did ta ya and Mikey, Don. He touched you." Raph snarled staring down his younger brothers.
"Whoa, who touched your brothers?" Bearing demanded, breaking into the sibling brawl just waiting to happen.
"Yestaday, we had just taken our entrance exams fer Saint Joseph's Catholic High an' were waitin' fer school ta start. We were talkin' ta a girl who had taken a 'position' wid Van Dross to get a job an' please 'er parents. Only she didn't know what kinda monster he is. He saw us and figured us fer bein' model material, 'specially Mike an' Don. He didn'a just touch 'em. The sick bastard caressed their faces. I wanted ta punch the bastard but Father Steve was comin' up an' we promised Barkus no fights." Raph growled with an ugly snarl, eyes glittering dangerously with imagined vengeance.
"Raph," Leo warned, "cool it. Nothing happened to our brothers, nothing will."
"Oh and how do you know that Fearless?" Raph snapped, eyes livid. "That sick bastard could've done a lot more if Fathah Steve hadn't been comin' an' you know it!"
"Raphael." Leo snapped, the effect of the full name immediately cooling Raph's temper by a degree or so.
"Did you boys report this to anyone?" Epps demanded, immediately angry at the sicko who could get under his newest and youngest recruit's skin so easily while filing away the affect Leo had on him.
"No," Leo replied calmly, "We were complying with the girl's wishes, though I guess it's too late now." The oldest brother sighed in resignation. "Uh, sirs, we still need breakfast and if we don't move we'll be late. May we go now?"
"Go on," Bearing sighed, "I won't keep you, but stick close to either the campus or Saint Margaret's, okay? I don't need any more statistics."
The brothers chorused their agreements as they jogged off to the nearby student union and the many venues offered there. Raph led the way to a small health breakfast kiosk, knowing they needed to literally eat and run. The brothers quickly picked up their food paying for it with funds on their student cards. Raph led them to an empty corner near their English class.
"Guys, Casey held me up last night, he thinks he found sensei, but can't reach him. I think Sensei's in meditation, only so deep he either can't get out or won't. We need ta go bust him out afta' school. We think he's in Judson Memorial ovha on the lower East side." Raph began around mouthfuls of egg sandwich.
"You saw Casey?"Leo demanded angrily.
"Yeah, he had an issue wid' da Foot." Raph smirked, "I took care of dem, but that still leaves Sensei."
Leo sighed, "Alright, we'll contact Casey and April. We will check out Judson Memorial and see if Splinter is there." Leo shook his head, what could they tell the authorities? 'Guess what? We found our father zoned out in a homeless shelter.' It would never work.
"Leo, we need Sensei to find us to go home." Don reminded gently, shrugging with defeat. His mind on the same path as Leo's.
"Dudes, you're forgetting one major detail!" Mikey pipped up, "Today's the day they file the found child report for us." The others stared at Mikey blankly, wondering what he was working up to.
"Wait, that means that they have to go to the police." Leo paled, "Guys, this could make things awkward."
"Not if Sensei already has filed a missing person's report." Don piped up beaming, suddenly on the same conclusion Mikey was painting. "We need Nobody. He still has a police persona he uses for official business. We file a report with him for ourselves dated the night we went missing. According to procedure they have to wait forty-eight hours before filing the reports.
"By the time Barkus reports finding us they'll already have us in the system!" The brothers nodded.
"Alright, Mikey once we get out of class get in contact with Nobody. Don, call up April and Casey. They need to be there to get Sensei to their place. Once we get done with classes we need Nobody to get in contact with April and Casey, preferably with the file already reported. After that, I don't care if getting back with Sensei takes one day or a year, we will act as if we still are searching for Sensei." Leo stared each of his brothers down engraining his words in them. They all nodded as they bolted from their seats heading towards their first class of the day, and the only one they shared.
In breaking news today The New York Hunter has struck again. A jogger discovered the grisly murder scene of yet another victim early this morning as he was passing Judson Memorial Church on the lower east side. Police officials have announced that the killing is indeed another of the Hunter's attacks and not the feared copycat killings that police profilers and psychiatrists alike have predicted.
"City officials, police and the state militia have been working around the clock to identify and capture this serial killer who has yet to fit any known profile. Tonight's killing will make the sixth victim of the Hunter since the first body was discovered less than six months ago. Tonight's victim was twenty-eight year old Doctor Zuan Jin Woo of Taiwan's Royal Medical Hospital.
"Police however state that the Hunter's victims have had seemingly no similar traits to go on. Individuals ranging in age from eleven to ninety-eight from all ethnic backgrounds and religious affiliations have been targeted. The police insist that they are working round the clock to find this killer, however, until the person or persons responsible are found they request that all civilians remain in their homes as much as possible, or travel in groups after dark."
"In other news, millionaire entrepreneur Anton Van Dross was taken into custody for running a child pornography ring. Details are sketchy but it appears that video documentation of him molesting young girls from a nearby school were discovered, along with the disturbing footage of him sodomizing his own adopted son. While the footage is too graphic to show on television, it will be used as evidence against Van Dross when his case goes to court sometime in September. Van Dross has been held without bail, and according to our correspondents within the courthouse, no bail hearing will be scheduled.
'From the district Courthouse, this is Cathleen Mabel for Channel 3 News.'
'Thank you, Cathleen. Well, last night was not very nice to several members of the notorious gang, the Purple Dragons. An attempted bank robbery was thwarted by someone whose calling card bears a striking resemblance to the Nightwatcher; the vigilante who vanished after the destruction of Winters' Corp Tower late last year. It is uncertain if the violent vigilante is back, however the sight that greeted SWAT teams this morning have many begging to differ…"
Leo stared at the TV in the Student Union in silence. Fear ran up his spine and all he could think about was Splinter. They had to get out of here; they had to get to the church! Raph and the others approached with dark expressions, they knew it was time to find Splinter as well.
"Ready?" Leo asked with reigned calm. He was in leader mode nothing could shake him now he couldn't let himself be weak.
"Let's book." Raph rumbled. The four turned as one away from the still droning TV, bolting out of the union and across the courtyard to the library. During their first day at the university they had overheard that the basement of the library led to the abandoned underground bomb shelter beneath the school that led to a sewer line across the way. They descended into the bowels of the university complex rapidly, each twist and turn bringing them back to familiar territory and a sense of safety they had not felt since becoming human.
Raph took the lead soon after they entered the sewers. With their lair having been discovered, they did not know what would await them, and Raphael was determined that if anybody was going to run into something nasty it was going to be him. The twisting paths they bounded through seemed dank and eerie in their human forms, they somehow felt more exposed without their shells upon their backs.
Despite the tense prickling along the alien hairs along the backs of their necks they pushed on, completely staggered when a side tunnel that looked promising led out almost directly into the passage that led to their hidden front door. Raph glanced at Leo once, asking permission to return to where their adventures had started. With a nod, permission given, they entered, stunned into complete shocked silence when the door opened, revealing their lair – just as they left it.
"Um, is this even possible?" Mikey asked once the door closed behind them. "Nothing has been touched!"
"Except," Don corrected him, "There were spider-bot pieces strewn everywhere, and now they're just gone. Who would attack mutant turtles in a sewer and then cover their tracks? It's not as if we can call the police." The others just looked equally shocked at their quiet home.
"We have to do a full reconnaissance." Leo said calmly, the fiercely guarded façade he presented telling his brothers exactly how much this rattled him, "We need to scope out the lair, all of the emergency exits, and determine if there are any clues remaining about why Stockman attacked us." Leo looked to each of his brothers to see if they were all with him. He smiled grimly at their determined faces. It was time to get to work.
They split in two groups; Raph covered Donny, ensuring their brainy brother had someone to guard his back while the techno-turtle went through the old security reels from the five days that they had been gone. Leo and Mikey on the other hand went to look for clues. Don scanned the data stored on his computer files. His system was highly encrypted with a fail-safe backup virus to eradicate all available data such that no one could find anything about them should the pass attempts fail one too many times. It was so well designed that six hacking programs that he had downloaded couldn't even break into his system.
Raph, meanwhile, allowed his more suspicious nature to come into play and scoured every inch of the lair, starting with Master Splinter's room. Their father's quarters were the cleanliest, and the most organized. Splinter was a creature of constants, and his once constantly burning brazier seemed like a token of doom as it sat cold to the touch. The rest of the downstairs was completely intact as well. The remade Shellsub, the Battleshell, their five matching cycles, the Sewer Slider, the hover boards, their Nightwatcher Battle suits; everything was right where it was supposed to be, even diving into the underwater access way showed no signs of forceful entry. Finally Raph slipped through the maze of their lair to the bedrooms, starting with Leo's at the far end of the hall. Leo's room had been trashed. Raph held his rage clenched between his teeth, his molars grinding despite his best efforts to remain calm.
Raph, like all the turtle brothers, knew how to read the others by not only their actions but their messes as well; it was a little quirk they had developed. Raph had memorized every inch of his brothers' rooms, and their Master's. He always knew just by stepping into their rooms what kind of mood they were in and how best to piss them off just by how they maintained their quarters. Leo's was the easiest. He, of all of them, had the fewest possessions, all of his storage space going to books and scrolls. Raph knew immediately that they had trashed his bro's room to find something. He just didn't know what, especially as nothing seemed missing, at least nothing that Raph knew of.
The next room was Donnie's. Their resident egg-head only used his room about half the time, the rest of the time he spent in either his lab or the infirmary. Don's room was trashed as well. Miniature models of all of his inventions lay scattered across the room, text books and manuals strewn all over the floor, the once neat bed was ripped to shreds and the only teddy bear that Don had ever claimed as his own had been utterly destroyed. Raph nearly howled his rage. They had destroyed his little brother's only claim to childhood. This was gonna be a blow that Donny would take badly, he cherished that bear. It had been given to him on his second birthday, by Raph himself. Raph had been in one of his meanest stages that year he had growled and snarled that he wasn't getting anything for any of his brothers. In the end, he got no presents, his brothers too upset at him while he had given each of them their most beloved toy.
Raph stilled mid-step and raced back to Leo's room. The white, plush toy rabbit had been destroyed as well. The only toy Leo had kept and part of the reason he worshiped Usagi Yojimo, was scattered in little fluffs of white along the floor. Raph's steps suddenly became silent, no padding no thumping each step too quiet to hear. In the lab, Donny paused and cringed. His brother was pissed; he would stay here until Raph was finished. Then he would talk to the only turtle that could scare him.
Mikey's room was the worst, his usually disarrayed mess of a room was now covered in fine confetti of all the comic books, posters, and artwork his baby bro had collected and made over the years. Raph nearly saw red, he couldn't stand this. The only things they had ever called their own, the few possessions that they had scrapped together from dumpster raids, junkyard scavenging or collecting and selling tin cans, had been destroyed. Raph felt a sob hitch in his throat as he saw Mikey's favorite toy panda bear, the eyes the only parts he could recognize, the rest mixed with the confetti on the floor.
Raph silently stormed to his own room, there finding his few belongings broken or smashed, his weights embedded within the wall and his worn out over used, duct taped punching bag little more than a pile of sand. The deep sinister growl that left Raph's throat nearly made Donny wet himself. The younger brother had never heard such a terrifying noise before. Throwing caution to the wind Donny fled his lab and raced through their lair to find his brother. Raph stood just outside his room, his mouth set in a fierce snarl and part of his lip bit so harshly between clenched teeth that blood slowly trickled down his chin.
"They trashed our rooms Donny." Raph ground out. Don blinked and looked to his room, should he look? "They destroyed Tsuki, Kahi, and Rollo." Don gasped, his Kahi, his teddy bear, was gone. So were his brothers, Tsuki the white rabbit and Rollo the panda. Each was considered to be precious, and all were the best gifts ever given by Raph. Donny felt tears slowly trickle down his cheeks, the feeling of tears running over his human skin only further heightening the anger he felt at Stockman. Then he turned with silent rage and picked over his room. From what he could tell nothing was taken, nothing stolen. The illogical aspect of it made him want to scream, while the cruelty to them made him want to be like Raph, capable of destroying anything without remorse.
"Raph, the only person who has been in here has been Leatherhead. We need to get the others and pay him a visit." Donny growled. Raph nodded, the pair left their beloved and now trashed lair to find their brothers and the one creature who they thought they could call a friend. The trek down to the tunnels was silent and tense. Donny was seething over what had been done to them, but he was even more afraid of Raph right now. Raph's dark skin and glowing eyes made him seem far more terrifying than ever before. Donny forced himself not to gulp when Raph pinned him with a fierce stare.
"We're gonna stop him for good this time. I promise." Raph ground out and continued storming down the tunnels on unnaturally silent footsteps. Donny shuddered at the rage held in Raph's dark eyes. He guessed that the toys Raph had given to his brothers had been more important to him than they had realized. The pair was relieved to finally see Leo's pale skin. The other two turned and immediately went on the defensive when they saw Raph's fierce face and Donny's nervous yet angry one.
"Someone trashed our rooms and our rooms only. The rest of the lair was untouched. They wanted to make this personal." Donny spoke before Leo could. Seeing Leo's eyes harden as he looked at Raph then Donny, he was very glad that Leo's anger was directed at Stockman instead of Raph. "Tsuki, Kahi and Rollo have been destroyed, yet nothing was taken. The only person my security system recorded entering the lair was Leatherhead." The four turned as one to trek down to the lower level abandoned subway station that Leatherhead called home.
They ran from the area of their lair, taking the fastest route to Leatherhead's lair. As they rushed through tunneles and access points they sped up until they came to the runoff tunnel at Sixteenth and Stone. It gave them the willies this time. None could explain it, yet the dark tunnel seemed malevolent. The four increased their pace just a little, and hoped that they could get to the next turn without any mishaps. When the hair on the backs of their necks started prickling, they all knew that whatever stalked them would not let them leave the tunnel. The four glanced at each other and nodded, then faded into deeper shadows.
They clung to the walls, leaping on silent feet as they attempted to pass the one patch of inky darkness that radiated a malevolence that was nearly tangible. Raph saw something move towards Mikey's position. He didn't know what it was, but just the brief glimpse of blue skin and glowing yellow eyes made his blood run cold. Raph immediately leapt to follow, his head growing fuzzy and his vision seeming disjointed from the rest of him as he drew ever closer to whatever hunted his baby bro.
Mikey's now human face stared with hollow eye sockets into the darkness, bits of his body missing and the sewer floor misted with a fine spray of red. The other turtles stared in shock over their youngest brother's still corpse. Raph choked on a sob. Why couldn't it have been him? The others were closer to each other than they were to him. They couldn't live without Donny's kind knowledge, or Leo's stern wisdom, or Mikey's playful laughter. They didn't need his harsh anger, why couldn't it have been him?
Raph shook his head, startled by the tears that trickled down his cheeks, had it all been a hallucination? No, Raph knew that it was too real, it had been a vision. The shadow that was stalking Mikey - Raph growled in rage and attacked the shadow, kicking and tearing with fists and feet. He pulled his long sai from the straps across his back hidden beneath his clothes and stabbed the creature as many times as he could, his vision red, the image of his baby bro dead as a human to never run the tunnels as a turtle again, it tormented him. He had to destroy this monster that would take away his baby bro.
With an eerie multi tonal scream the shadow vanished, the tunnel returned to just a normal tunnel. Mikey stood transfixed in horror mere inches from Raph's sai. Raph gulped, the shadow had almost gotten his baby bro, had almost made him skewer Mikey with his blade. "What was that?" Donnie stammered.
"Raph, what happened?" Leo demanded.
"It - it - the thing, I - it" Raph clenched his teeth as tears poured down his face from the memory of the vision. The others gasped and stared, they couldn't remember the last time Raph had cried. "That freak was gonna kill Mikey!" Raph screamed. Mikey paled, Leo glared at the lone drop of blood that hung from Raph's sai. He now wished that the thing's corpse hung there instead.
"What did you see?" Mikey asked in a voice that said he clearly didn't want to hear, yet had to know.
"You - you were lying right there, your eyes were missing, part of your scalp, the tips of your fingers were missing and holes riddled your body where parts had been ripped out. Mikey I saw you dead. And there was no blood. The - that monster even took your blood." Raph's voice quavered as he tried not to lose it in front of his brothers, he had to be strong, because that was all he had. Leo was Splinter's favorite; he could lead, do any move, meditate for hours, come up with a plan in seconds and usually make it work. Donny was smart he had his technology, his computers, his science, and he could even patch up the worst of their wounds and find ways around any security system. Mikey was - well, Mikey, he could make any of them laugh on their worst days, come up with hare-brained schemes and pull through alive when the rest of them would still be stuck wondering what to do. He was an amazing cook, and if not for him Leo would have starved long ago. Raph looked at his own trembling hands, he was angry, he was rash, he endangered his family constantly, never got along with anyone and they would most probably do better if he had dropped off of the face of the earth long ago.
"See, I told you he was our secret weapon!" Mikey crowed, breaking into Raph's painful thoughts. "Dude, you did it again! We didn't even know we were in danger and you like totally scoped out the enemy and took him down! I didn't even know anyone was there. Man Raph you have the luck!" Mikey enthused as he hugged his brother from the side keeping clear of the twin trembling sai. Raph squirmed under the attention until he felt Leo's five fingered hand upon his shoulder and stilled.
The two oldest brothers locked eyes, Leo's scared and thankful eyes staring straight into Raph's self hating and recriminating ones. "Thank you." Leo said it so softly that Raph almost didn't hear it. It made him still for a moment, all three of his brothers were looking at him with a strange glint in their eyes, it took a while for Raph to place it, and it made him want to weep when he finally did. They were saying without words, that they loved him and that they were proud of him despite his many faults. Raph couldn't remember being on the receiving end of one of those stares for a very long time. It was usually his way of telling Leo that he really did care about him, but was just too stuck up to say so.
"The New York Hunter!" Donny gasped. Leo and Donny suddenly looked at each other and Leo gasped.
"You're right. That killer has been hunting the streets for the past six months, each victim being mutilated just like - like your vision showed you, Raph. His latest victim was found on the steps of the Judson Memorial church on the East side." Leo looked pale and greenish at his baby bro. They had just run into the New York Hunter. Raph felt his blood boil.
"We need to get Splintah back, regain our shells, and see if it was Stockman who trashed the lair or someone else. Once were through and our Fathah's safe, then we go after this huntah!" Raph growled, the others just nodded, even Leo.
"Come on turtles, the faster we reach Leatherhead, the faster we can go after Splinter." Leo commanded, goading his brothers to move along once more. They raced at a fast clip through the remaining tunnels reaching Leatherheads lair minutes later. They entered quietly, each slipping past infra red motion sensors and pressure sensitive plates along the floor.
Mikey had just begun to breathe a little easier when the terrifying snarl rang through the echoing lair. He turned and screamed, his signature girlish eek ringing through the lair. The snarling stopped mid-snarl and the looming figure stepped into the light.
"Michaelangelo?" Leatherhead asked incredulously, immediately ashamed of his actions.
"Dude, you totally have that whole intimidating persona down pact!" Mikey grinned, forgiving Leatherhead his actions immediately.
"We apologize for not knocking but we have an emergency at the lair." Leo broke in, his face and voice tense and hard. "We saw you on or surveillance records, and no one else, but parts of our lair have been trashed, and we need to know why."
"You speak of the destruction within your rooms." Leatherhead slipped back into the darkened corridor and down to his kitchen returning swiftly with a tea tray and guided his visitors to a small seating nook. He shook his head and looked them over again. If it were not for Mikey's scream they would have been attacked, and possibly killed by now. "I still am having trouble believing my eyes, though your knowledge of what has transpired at the lair has only proven that you are who you claim to be."
"We saw through the stored surveillance files that you entered our lair and left hours later. What were you doing?" Don asked softly, he still whished for proof that Leatherhead wasn't responsible in any manner for the state of their lair.
"What you saw was merely a hologram I set up in case any came back to search your lair. The initial holograms were deactivated by your mere presence; otherwise it would have appeared that the entire lair had been completely ransacked. It was a precautionary measure should any find your home. They would see that it looked abandoned and ruined. They would have had to continue their quest to find you elsewhere."
"So ya mean that all that junk, the shredded things, the stuff embedded in the walls, it was an illusion?" Raph asked bewildered. Leatherhead nodded calmly and continued.
"Just before you went missing I discovered a new computer language that allowed for massive storage potential within the smallest amount of allotted space. I had a disk with me along with the holographic displays I used in your lair when I went to visit you the morning of your disappearance. When no one was home and the lair was cold, I feared the worst had happened.
"I began to search all of our enemies' files with the help of Dr. Honeycutt. The only lead I had obtained was references to a mutagen Stockman has been working on. It takes a previously mutated creature and gives it a human appearance; however the files all stated that it was still in the research phase of development." Leatherhead looked to the others and his eyes suddenly lit up.
"There was another file that I dismissed! It stated that four young mature estuary turtles had been brought in for testing. I had at first believed that they had discovered an anti-mutagen however no reference to a rat was made. The file also listed that a man had been sent to Judson Memorial."
The brothers paled as Leatherhead's words only confirmed Casey's reports of Splinter being at the church. Unfortunately, Judson Memorial was the last location of the New York Hunter. The madman could have killed their father if he had indeed been sent there as a human. "Thank you Leatherhead, but we have to go." Leo stood and bowed before turning to the entrance and bolting, his brothers at his heels as they raced back to their lair. They knew where they had to go, and Judson was just far enough away that the sewer slider was necessary. Don quickly found out that teenaged humans have much smaller hands than turtles. It took him much more effort than usual to keep the slider under control. Twenty minutes later they were parked a few blocks away from the church, each now carrying their spare weapons strapped under their clothes so that they could travel above without alerting others of their secrets. Leo still felt naked without his blades choosing a brace of kodachi instead.
From a dark alley one block away from Judson Memorial Leo slowly slid the manhole cover off and peered hesitantly about the trash strewn, deserted alley. He carefully slid the cover aside, making no noise and clambered up the last few rungs of the ladder to the surface street. Leo signaled to his next brother, and then dove silently behind a dumpster. Donny followed then Mikey. The three had noticed Raph had become increasingly silent and withdrawn a sign that did not bode well, for all too soon their hot headed brother would lose his temper in a big way. Only now, they were not turtles that people would run from, but young humans who people would try to restrain and take away, even separate them forever from each other if it was ever discovered they had broken their agreement with Barkus. That was something none of them wanted.
Raph slipped out of the man hole and slid the cover back in place. Leaping up he bounced off a wall above the dumpster where his brothers hid and landed silently a mere few feet from the alley entrance. With a subtle signal, he waited until a group of kids passed then walked nonchalantly down the sidewalk towards the shelter. Moments later Leo, Mikey and Donny slipped from the alley, their similar features allowing them to go unnoticed together down the street to eventually catch up with Raph.
The four turned as one and walked boldly up the church steps, until something caught their eyes, stilling their breath and forcing them to pause. There before them, five steps up was a strange red misting stain across the steps. Raph froze and gagged looking wide eyed and pale beneath his dark skin. The others hovered around him until Mikey made the connection.
"Dude, that was almost me wasn't it?" Leo and Donny stared at Mikey in horror. That was what Raph had saved Mikey from? That was the fate their baby bro had nearly faced? Leo and Donny felt the rage building within them. Someone was going to pay for targeting their family.
"May I help you four?" A warm woman's voice asked kindly above them. From the church door, a middle aged woman stood garbed in a habit and smock. The four looked up at her, Leo stepping to the front.
"We are hoping that you can. A friend said that someone who looks like our missing father was spotted here." Leo looked up at the woman.
"Oh my, such a mature young man, and who are these fine young gentlemen with you?" Leo suppressed an internal smile. The woman thought that they were 'little kids'. It was going to be tough keeping Raph's temper in line.
"We're all brothas." Raph responded stiffly. "Miss, have ya seen an Asian man about four foot six wit grey hair?" Leo and Donny looked worriedly at Raph, he usually was a hot head, yet right now he almost sounded nice.
"Um, brothers, you say? Well, I have seen some diverse families, but yours is by far the most - colorful I have seen to date."
"You could say that again lady." Raph muttered beneath his breath sounding more like his usual self.
"As for the man in question, I would better be able to find him if I knew his name."
"Hamato Splinter" four voices responded as one. The woman blinked at the determination the four showed in their young eyes and nodded.
"Yes, I know of Mr. Hamato, however I do not think he is the same man you once knew. Please prepare your selves." The woman turned and escorted the four into the church. They walked in silence through the grand chapel, through the calming garden behind, to a rather run down ramshackle long barrack building that housed the homeless away from the church grounds proper. With silent steps the five entered the heavy-aired building, the stench of unwashed bodies and despair heavy in the hazy room. To one side a clearing had been made where an old man sat meditating.
"He refuses to move, and he has not eaten or drunk since he came here. He said that he was going to find his sons then he came in here and has not moved since."
"Come on guys, it's time we got our father." Leo nodded towards the small, kneeling figure before them. The woman stared wide eyed as the four boys sat in a half circle around their father and fell into the same meditation stance. Within moments the entire group was motionless.
"Sister Clarence, what is going on?" Brother Izekiel asked from the doorway.
"These boys have claimed to be Mr. Hamato's children, when I told them what has happened to the old man they just did this." she gestured helplessly from where she stood to the five frozen figures.
"Master Splinter!" Leo called into the white mist.
"Master!" Donny looked about and shook his head sadly as his search for his master seemed futile and now he could find none of his brothers, "Leo!"
Mikey grinned he had gained a lot of skills when fighting for the Ninja Tribunal, and if he had learned anything it was that with meditation and concentration he could do anything! The youngest turtle knelt in the mists and concentrated on his father, thought only of the beloved, whiskered, furry face that had always protected and watched over them since they were little. "Sensei?"
Raph felt only rage, they should have just been able to find their father! It was not too much to ask, was it? He just wanted his father back, that and to become turtles once again. He hated being human, hated having soft, delicate skin coated with that useless delicate peach fuzz humans claimed to be hair that only served to get irritated when putting on too tight of clothing. "Splinta!"
"My sons." the mist immediately cleared revealing their beloved sensei. The aged rat paced forward evenly with his walking stick in hand, his tail swaying with each step in the manner that always spoke of silent happiness. "I am glad you have found me my sons. Take this as a lesson in why we must clear our minds and hearts of anger, rage, and anxiety. With such emotions held within us we may become lost inside. Thank you, for you have rescued me once more." Splinter spoke with wry bemusement at his own predicament.
The four looked at each other happily and ran to embrace their father. The joy of being reunited was short lived however, when Raph looked down at his green three fingered hand. "We need ta get back, we're all still human, and the Hunta is still loose." Splinter looked to Leo for an explanation, which was given succinctly. Splinter frowned.
"You are sure you are uninjured Michaelangelo?" Splinter asked of his youngest.
"Hai, sensei, I'm fine! Raph here saved my bacon!" Mikey beamed at Raph who shifted uncomfortably at all the attention.
"Thank you Raphael, you have once more shown the loyalty you harbor so greatly. Also you have learned of selflessness and compassion. You have grown stronger, my son." Splinter praised and looked to all his sons with kind loving eyes. "Now, we shall return."
The four nodded and bowed to their father.
Everyone in the shelter gathered about the serenely kneeling father and sons. The group had been in silent meditation for only a few minutes when, just moments ago, they had shone with an eerie bluish light. At first everyone had scrambled to get away from the blue light and the strange mirage of four turtles kneeling before a rat that had taken place momentarily of the five humans. Finally one of the boys stirred, the second palest of the group shifted and grimaced.
"Oh man my legs! They're asleep! Talk about ouch - were talking major pins and needles here dudes!" Mikey exclaimed loudly making the other three boys flinch at his loud tone.
"If you meditated more you would not have pins and needles." Leo groused to his younger brother and grimaced, hiding the fact that he too had terribly stiff legs.
"Ow! I agree with Mikey. My legs hurt too much from simple meditation." Donny spoke up breathlessly as he maneuvered numb legs out from under him to stretch before him and wake up.
"Oi, Leo, that wasn't normal, was it?" Raph looked to his eldest brother with a grimace.
"What the - " Donny trailed off as he attempted to move his legs and failed utterly., "How can that be? We - but - huh?" Donny looked from his nearly lifeless legs to his brother's faces.
"My sons such meditation takes great energy. You four are still young, though you have gained much training are still new to this type of deep meditation. It will take your young bodies little time to regain their strength." Splinter responded sagely and stood easily from his stiff pose. "Come, my sons, much time has passed and we have delayed too long."
The four immediately took to their feet, uncaring of pain or stiffness as they followed their father through the shelter on stiff and wobbly legs, ignoring the many staring faces. The many men and women who called the shelter their home glared sullenly at the intruders, mistrusting of those not of their ilk.
"What kind of foul demons are you?" A man asked warily, not believing his eyes that the younger men were just ordinary humans. The father was weird enough, but when people are desperate they do drastic things. Other men of the shelter who were just as mistrustful of the strangers in their mists closed ranks beside the grizzled man, forming a wall between their fellows and the intruders.
"You looked like a bunch of monsters, all kneeling together. You turned into somethin' unnatural. You freaks better get out of here, especially you, old man." A braver soul than the rest stepped forward, throwing a clump of fallen masonry at the older man's head.
"Father!" Raph stepped protectively in front of their father willing to take the assault rather than let it harm their Sensei as Leo leapt into the air, kicking the projectile into a distant corner.
"Leave him alone," Mikey glared at the many homeless faces, finding none of the good will he believed in so completely.
"We don't know what kind of evil you have brought in with you!" the first man growled, hardened, world weary eyes glaring at them venomously.
"Don't start notin' ya can't finish pal." Raph rumbled as he stepped menacingly towards the older human.
"Damaro!" Splinter hollered and glared at his sons. "It is not wise to offend those who feel that their cause is great without justification."
"But Master Splinter!" Leo demanded ready to point out that the crowd had slung the first insults.
"No 'buts' my son, we must face this with wisdom and compassion." Splinter turned to the crowd who now muttered darkly about Leo's calling their father 'Master'.
"Many of you have come to this sanctuary in your times of greatest need, as did I when my sons were nowhere to be found. I now humbly ask that you let us leave as we came. We will trouble you no more." Bright grey eyes looked over the crowd before them. He suppressed a shudder as he took in the many troubled faces; he found that for once being able to speak to humans as an equal was a rare and disturbing feeling.
"My sons are all I have in this world. They have seen more of this city than I have, so I stayed and reached out to them. Fortunately they found me, and were able to reunite our family. I know that there is great danger beyond these walls. I have seen much that has wrought great horror and pain upon this old heart. My sons are my world. I have lived these past fifteen years solely for them, as they have been my entire world since I adopted them when they were very young." Splinter looked over the crowd and to his sons who stood around and beside him with faces bearing a mix of mistrust for those around them and pride and love for their father. Splinter sighed.
"Come, my sons. It is past time we went home." Splinter sedately paced towards the door. The four boys following after with eyes trained on those who posed the greatest threat to their family.
The crowd milled for a moment debating what to do until curiosity won out and they followed the mixed family, only to find the courtyard abandoned, as if they had never existed.
The five rode in silence in the Sewer Slider as they traveled back to the lair. The brothers had one hour until they had to be back at the orphanage for their curfew. The pre-arranged meeting time with Leatherhead and Nobody was fast approaching as well. They would have just long enough for Donny to attempt to identify and take apart the hologram projectors the humanoid alligator had placed within their lair before they had to focus on their official reuniting with their father.
Once back the others immediately went about double checking the security perimeters. Mikey and Raph did a patrol, resetting the many perimeter sensors and replacing the few simple pieces that Donny had made to be easily swapped out. Raph handled the mechanics side while Mikey watched his back. The two also did a sweep to find any remaining pieces of the spider bots, yet the tunnels were suspiciously clean.
"I still think we should collapse this main tunnel and create a new entrance from a lower level." Raph groused as they returned to the lair. "That, or else abandon this one and find a new place. I mean it ain't as if we havn't had to do it before." Raph hated even thinking about a new home. This place was the best, they had only lived here a couple of years since the old lair was collapsed by Karai, but it was still home and the most spacious one they had ever known at that.
"Raph," Leo sighed tiredly, "For once you might have the right idea. Donny has been looking over the schematics of the tunnels that connect to our main ones and thinks he may have found a way to secure most of them against unwanted intruders without alerting the tunnel workers of our presence." Leo took Raph aside to show him some schematics. The two spoke for the entire time Leatherhead was showing Donny and Mikey his holographic projectors and how they worked. Donny was eating up the technology, while Mikey was just wondering if he could get his games in immersive 3-D now.
"Leatherhead," Donny looked up at the taller mutant, his eyes gleaming with the light of an idea, "would you be able to make holograms of us in these human forms? I think that having the ability to walk as a human may be necessary for a while even if we do find a way to revert back to being turtles. We still need to find a way to stop the Hunter. It nearly got Mikey, and it's hunting all over the city."
"I believe I can accomplish what you ask, Donatello. I may even be able to develop a smaller more portable hologram projector each of you can wear. It may take some time, but with Professor Honeycutt's assistance it should be possible." The alligator smiled down on his friend and inspiration, constantly awed at the level of intelligence in the home schooled former-mutant turtle.
"My sons," Splinter called from the main room. Everyone left their tasks and turned to their father while Leatherhead remained near the back, allowing Splinter this time with his sons. "Nobody has arrived." The group went into the TV area of their lair, greeting the black clad super hero warmly.
"The Turtle Titan said you needed my help, what do you need?" Nobody asked evenly, his harsh voice rumbling softly.
"Headmaster Barkus of Saint Margaret's Orphanage along with Counselor Russell was supposed to file a found child report today. They put it off at our request, as we said we could find Splinter in two days." Leo began, "But, we never officially did. They think we're still at school. Is there a way you could file reports of us as missing children, only dated for two days ago?" Leo asked quickly. They were running out of time. He stepped swiftly to his messenger bag he had left behind while they went to find Splinter, pulling out a thin accordion file. "April made these for us, its adoption papers and birth certificates."
Nobody took the file, pulling out the papers and scrutinizing them carefully. "I'll take care of it. You four continue your rouse." He turned to Splinter beckoning the diminutive older man, "Come with me. I'll make sure your report is filed and you can claim you've come to check on any results."
"Be careful my sons, the Hunter has gotten too close once. He may try again." Splinter cautioned before slipping quietly from the lair.
The brothers left immediately, turning right from their home and following a different path that led to the bus route they usually took from the campus. It was not until they reached the surface again some ten blocks later that they realized how much better life was as a turtle. With their shells covering them they had had no use for clothing except for as a disguise, and now they discovered why sewer workers were never happy – their clothes smelled foul.
"Dudes, this is so not cool!" Mikey grimaced, reaching up to hold his nose, only stopping when he realized the stench was emanating from his skin as well. "Eeew! Okay, being human now officially totally sucks! We didn't smell like this as turtles – did we?" He shared a horrified glance with his brothers, the thought of reeking this badly on a daily basis making them all a little squeamish.
"I doubt it." Raph groused. "We're ninja, and ninja don't stink. If we had the Foot would have found us each an' every time, but we sneak right under their noses regularly."
"Come on, this way!" Don beckoned, suddenly brightening. He led the others towards a small second hand clothing store. "We can get some different clothes at least." The others nodded in silent agreement and entered the store, immediately heading to the men's racks. The bus usually took forty minutes to get to the orphanage from campus. They had very little time.
"Just grab something guys, we don't have time." Leo warned. They all grabbed clothes that looked their sizes, heading to the cash register and paying swiftly.
"Dude, the next time I say collecting cans is stupid, hit me." Mikey shifted uncomfortably at the back of the bus, the dimmed stench of the sewer lessened with the different clothes. None of the brothers spoke of the embarrassment of having to change completely in the too small curtained off dressing rooms in the dingy store. Their most recent escapades had only added to their distaste of being human.
They were only too glad to finally disembark from the bus a block from the orphanage. Now that they were finally free of the baleful glares of the other passengers who did not appreciate their ode' de sewer they felt less pinned down by the unwelcomed scrutiny. The walk back to the orphanage was silent. They had too much on their minds, they had their father back, they had their home, and yet they could not return. For now, they had to be the good little human kids.
"I never thought that being topside as one of them would hurt so much." Don looked dejectedly at his feet. "We have to hide just as much now then we did before."
"No Don, yer wrong there. We have ta hide more up here. Down there, we're free. We only have ta hide our faces. Up here, as we are, we gotta hide ever'thing. I ain't allowed ta blow off steam wheneva I get pissed. Mikey can't be hyper. Ya can't work on yer experiments or nutin; an' Leo can't train. We ain't ourselves up here. We're shadows of who we're supposed ta be." Raph rumbled, his ever growing agitation showing in his voice, the others suddenly realizing how calm Raph had been over the past few days.
They were all hiding their stress as best as they could, but it was hard to not be a turtle. Gone were the shells that protected them, along with the thicker skin and denser bodies. Human bodies were too narrow, they had no bulk and they were so fragile. However, each one of them knew that if they had been born human, then changed they would have hated the very things they lost. It was almost amusing. To become a turtle would more than likely be any human's worst nightmare.
The steps leading up to the orphanage loomed before them, the slowly sinking sun casting the lower levels of the city into an early twilight while the sky still shone its brilliant blue overhead. They paused halfway up the steps, as one looking back over their city. Three days ago they had loved their city. Three nights ago they had been grateful for everything they had despite all the battles life had thrown at them. They were turtles and they loved being what they were. Now though, they felt jaded.
Dreams of being human had tantalized them from their earliest memories. While human kids had been able to play in the sun, they had slunk underground in eternal darkness. Yet, for now, they had to hide from the darkness that had defined their lives, and live in the very sun they had longed for. Humans, for the greater majority, were hollow creatures. They filled their lives with empty diversions, never truly knowing what they lived for, or what they died for.
"Let's get this over with." Leo looked at his brothers with resigned eyes. It was time to play the fools again. None of them wanted to return to the orphanage, none of them were ready to let go of their former lives so easily. Finally, they turned, ascending the last few stairs in silent despair.
The orphanage was abuzz with rumors and chatter. Everyone knew that Van Dross had been busted; the strange documents found in Barkus' office that morning had been a godsend for the many girls and few boys who lived in constant fear of discovery. They now knew, it was not their faults. They were victims, and they were coming forward to the police in droves. Kids as young as ten from all over the city were telling the same story, each with their own psychological scars.
Barkus sighed. The long battle for the mental stability of his charges had finally been addressed. For too long the children he protected had shown symptoms of abuse, yet no source could be found. They finally had the culprit and he was ashamed to say that he had signed Jarrod Staten Van Dross over to the creep willingly. Anton projected himself as such a wonderful being. 'The most terrible monsters in the world are those in human guise.'
He mulled the thought over darkly, mentally berating himself for not looking deeper in to the man's files. It was a moot point though. Jarrod was dead, finally free of the silent coma. He just hoped Van Dross never saw the light of day again. Ever since Officer Bearing had reported that his four newest charges, the Hamato brothers, had been approached in an inappropriate manner by the slime ball Barkus had fretted over the boys. He scanned the hall, eyes lighting upon the very boys who were occupying his thoughts.
"Boys, come here." Barkus said as he approached the quartet, feeling his nose wrinkle at the stench that wafted from them. "What happened to you?" He demanded looking sternly over their obviously second hand clothes.
"The sewer line broke over at Thirty-ninth and Main. Unfortunately, that was where we went to inquire if our father had been seen by the staff of the soup kitchen behind Saint Mary's cathedral." Leo replied, lying smoothly to the head master.
"Well, go get cleaned up, but I expect you four to be in my office immediately after."
The boys turned as one, trudging down the hall to the communal showers. After a quick shower and yet another set of clean clothes they returned to Barkus' office. The headmaster sat with a file folder sitting on his desk, his hand resting on the bulging item.
"Please sit, I need to know, what happened with Van Dross yesterday, and why didn't you say anything?"
Mikey looked up at Barkus aith solemn eyes, being serious for the fist time with the man, "There was a girl with us, one of Van Drose's protégés, she asked us not to talk. Van Dross was holding something over her, and with how he could charm everyone we figured no one'd believe us anyways."
Barkus sighed and shook his lowered head slowly, "You're probably right. Van Drose has helped this orphanage a lot over the years. Donations, birthday parties, holidays, Quincineras and Bah Mitsvas, he has given so much. Its just too bad he did it to keep us clueless. Now, I filed your reports with the police this morning for having found you four. They said it may take some time to locate one man in this city, so don't get your hopes up for a quick turnaround." Barkus looked the boys over with scrutiny as they shifted uncomfortably and nodded
"Also, in light of what happened with Jarrod and Anton, I'm taking extra precaution with all of my remaining charges, that includes you. I will not release any of you to anyone unitl I can do a full check on them. Do I make myself clear?"
Raph rumbled, but remembering the image of Jarrod from his memorial picture and the still tingling in his arms from where he had held the other boy the night before forced him to acede the man's point. Leo and Don shared uncomfortable glances, they had only covered their adoption papers with Nobody, they hadn't even thought of creating a personal file for Spliter.
"I had hoped, that I could have gotten started on that last point while you were away, however when I requested information on your father, Splinter Hamato, there was no such person. Now, I need the truth: Who is your father?"
Mikey stared at Barkus, lips twitching at the corners. Don held the bridge of his nose, mentally counting backwards hoping his little brother would not do what his mischievous eyes were threatening. Leo and Raph shared a horrified glance, both opening their mouths to warn Mikey to keep quiet, only they spoke too late.
"Luke, I am your father." Mikey rasped, his eyes glittering as he readied himself to launch into a full re-enactment of Star Wars.
"Mikey, what did we talk about?" Don asked patiently.
"But!" Mikey protested, going into full baby brother mode.
"Don't. Just – don't Mikey. I know – but for once, listen to me. No games, not now." Leo warned. After Raph's words earlier about not being themselves Mikey had apparently taken it into his head to act 'normal' in his own annoying fashion.
"Aww, but I had it down perfectly!" Mikey whined with a dramatic pout. While Barkus just watched them, trying desperately not to laugh at the four who were finally – finally – acting their age.
"Bro," Raph wrapped his arm around Mikey's neck. "Ya promised ta wipe the floor wid' me in Mortal Kombat. Behave, an' I might go easy on ya."
"Deal." Mikey beamed, immediately happy to sit back and watch Barkus squirm.
"Our father is Hamato Splinter." Leo responded to Barkus' question, apparently throwing the man off with his sudden response after Mikey's intervention. "If he has a Japanese name we do not know it. He has always been Father, Master Splinter or Sensei to us. He's taught us everything we know."
"Very well," Barkus rumbled, "What does he do for a living? Where does he work? How does he provide for you? Does he have medical insurance? What about his friends? Does he hang out with anyone?" Bakus asked firing off his questions without leaving room for the boys to respond. From the shell shocked expressions, it also appeared that they had no answers.
"What are ya getting' at?" Raph demanded defenses up and hackles rising as he stared down the headmaster.
"Raphael, I know very little about any of you, nothing about your father and I am increasingly being forced to address the option that in reality you four are orphans. At this point I am assuming you have been living off of the streets until recently and now, finally tired of being homeless you invented the whole 'father' story to get yourselves taken care of." Barkus replied evenly with worried eyes.
"Dude, that is so flawed. We're fifteen and in college. Don's in a Doctorate's program. How could homeless kids teach themselves that? Besides, when someone's lived on the streets long enough you can tell. " Mikey challenged bewilderedly, wondering where this guy had gotten such a crack-pot story.
"Would having a description help?" Don asked calmly. At the man's nod he elaborated. "Father is four-six weighs approximately ninety-eight pounds, has short graying brown hair and grey eyes with flecks of brown. He has a long silver mustache and beard which reaches his waist and is usually bound with a small gold clip just at his throat. He walks with a wooden walking stick carved with a figure of an eastern dragon wrapping around it and usually wears the traditional clothing of Japan as his father taught him.
"He enjoys watching soap operas, especially Days of Our Lives. He has green tea and rice for breakfast, usually fresh vegetables and noodles for lunch, and whenever we can get him to go for it, the occasional pizza, although he hates pepperoni and is the only one who likes anchovies."
Barkus gaped. He had not expected the boys to actually have such a well defined image of what they wanted their father to be. "That is impressive, do you have a photo?"
"Oh yeah, let me just grab it – wait I almost forgot, we got dropped here in our underwear!" Raph barked eyes flashing. Arms crossed angrily across his chest, he glared at Barkus for being an idiot.
"I need more to go on. How about an address? A phone number? Anyone we can contact who has legal permission to represent your father?" Barkus opened his mouth to continue his questions when his phone rang. With a glare he shooed the brothers out of his office, "We will continue this later."
Scowling and angry the brothers left, heading to their chores and the south study room afterwards. It was going to be a long night filled with the homework and waiting. They only had to hold out until the files could be connected. They just had to wait.
"This is Barkus." The headmaster spoke after the brothers had left his office and listened carefully to the gravelly voiced man on the line who introduced himself as a police officer.
"I have a report filed by a Mister Kifu 'Splinter' Hamato and a copy of the reports you filed for a Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello and Michaelangelo Hamato. The descriptions of the boys are identical. Would you be able to bring the boys down to the station tomorrow?"
Barkus frowned, somehow this screamed set up, but he just could not figure out how this could be possible. "Unfortunately no, we have state mandated protocol which forces us to wait a full week before we can act when this affects the charges within our facility. My hands are tied until then before they can be brought to potential relatives. I am sorry, but the earliest I could arrange it would be next Saturday."
The voice on the line paused, and keys clacked on a keyboard, "Very well, I apologize for interrupting, be at the station at eight."
"Yes, we will be there." He listened to the officer and jotted down the location of the appointment, immediately thankful that he had a full week to investigate this 'Kifu' before their appointment. By eight next Saturday he would finally know if he faced placing the boys with better families that would actually care for them.
Barkus hung up the phone, looking back up to the closed door with resigned eyes. Now it was time to do his research, he hoped this Kifu Hamato had a rap sheet a mile long. The boys had seen things that kids should never have seen, and this father of theirs' must know something. For all of them it was a long week filled with frustration and silence.
Their scherade had gone on for a solid week, ROTC at five-thirty for Raph, a solid two hour study session for his brothers. Classes from seven until three, lunch at eleven-thirty. It was a structured life they never wanted, and yet, they had no other options. Extra course work and prowling the streets before dark filled their only free hours as they searched for leads on Stockman and Bishop.
Here, again the brothers discovered that being human had its disadvantages. While they were still as stealthy and swift as they had been as turtles, they lacked the mass and strange features that made them intimidating. Raph was immune from that, but it only made strangers treat him more as a thug.
As the next Saturday loomed ever closer Barkus grew increasingly nervous. Kifu was clean. He had tax exhemption, no drivers' lisence but held an annual transit pass. His New York identification card was up to date, he had no loans, no citations, and was a well respected member of his community. He aided the homeless, assisted troubled youths, and was an investor in the well respected O'neil Cargo and Freight enterprise run by none other than Miss April O'Neil. The files on Kifu 'Splinter' did little to ease Barkus' worry, it felt too much like Anton's file, filled with glowing reviews but used only to masquerade nefarious intentions.
Friday night came again, and Barkus was forced to summon the brothers to his office once more. As they entered, he could only watch the boys with resigned eyes, "It looks like you four got a reprieve. Someone claiming to be your father has approached the police, and has filed a report. We have an appointment at eight tomorrow morning with an Officer Nanashi to ensure that he is your father."
"They – they found him!" Leo sat forward excitedly, anxious to be freed of the orphanage.
"Hold on." Hands raised to forstall further outbursts, the man continued, "This will be just an interview. As I said earlier, you four will not go anywhere until I am confident that this Kifu is a good father to you and that you are in a good home environment. Don't go packing anytime soon. Now, get out of here, go rest. We leave at seven-thirty sharp." Barkus shooed them out before they could protest.
The boys filed out of the office, each praying that this would work as they all returned to the dorm to collect books and notes before returning to the study hall, Mikey and Raph signing up for the antique arcade to see who could beat the other this week.
"Master Splinter, you cannot return to the sewers just yet. Since your sons have come into the orphanage they will be monitored by protective services. You need a real home, and paperwork documenting who you are and that you actually do have a place to live." Nobody explained to the aged man, still uncertain how to deal with having the four best infiltrators he knew suddenly being human children.
"I understand, Nobody-san, I will not take up more of your time. I will speak with April-san and Casey-san. They may have an idea of what I should do." Splinter rose and bowed to the uniform clad hero, preparing to leave when a large figure blocked the doorway.
"Sentry, what are you doing?" Nobody asked gruffly of the suit clad figure.
"Same thing you are, helping the Turtle Titan. Nano heard about the Turtles' plight and wanted to help. They are the reason he's safe with us and not throwing temper tantrums in the junkyards." Silver Sentry replied as he shut and latched the door behind him.
"I do not wish to trouble you, or Nano-san. You all have much to do." Splinter replied, hoping to not offend the super hero he had only met once or twice before.
"As the Titan would say, dude, chill," Sentry smiled warmly. "Nano has come up with a scheme that will let you live a double life unquestioned and get your boys back sooner. You are a government special agent."
"You flew into a building again, didn't you?" Nobody dead panned, refusing to listen to the nonsense spouting from his colleague's mouth.
"Ha! No, doing that once was lesson enough." Sentry laughed, "Actually, according to the FBI any individual with exceptional information on the Triceriton Invasion has been automatically been brought in for questioning and debriefing. The turtles were in the thick of the Invasion and probably know more about them than any other creature on Earth. Therefore they would be given level three clearances and Master Splinter as their guardian would warrant a level two clearance."
"Sentry-san, how does my sons knowing of the Invasion warrant us such status?" Splinter asked of the dark skinned man.
"Easy, your boys have seen the Triceratons in action along with their technology. Such information is priceless. So you have your alibi, you live off of a government paycheck, your boys are completely taken care of and the government will fully reimburse the orphanage as well as take on the rest of your sons' tuition costs should they wish to continue with their studies." Sentry rested a file upon the table before Splinter, allowing him to look over the file in silence.
"This is just a cover up?" Splinter asked quietly, his eyes shimmering with a resigned light for having to live as much of a lie as humans as they had lived in darkness as mutants.
"No, this is a fully sanctioned privilege approval through the Justice Force. We have been given authority through the FBI to dispense this stipend upon any who meet certain criteria when their assistance is needed. And, your family surpasses each and every stipulation they could throw at us to ensure we never used it. The best part though, is that with a full council approval, the FBI signs the checks and looks the other way, no questions asked.
"You and your sons will be set for as long as you need to be human." Sentry smiled warmly; glad to finally be able to do something for his friends who had literally led an army of superheroes to save them all from the end of the world.
"Thank you, Sentry-san, I believe this will aid us greatly in finding a temporary home." Splinter replied.
"About that," Nobody broke in, "There is a place, right above your lair actually that has recently been vacated. It's a dual shop space. On the front it is a small dojo and the back has a garage with living space above for rentals." He dropped a set of keys on the table on the manila folder.
Both disguised heroes beckoned Splinter to follow them, taking him to the property they spoke of and called upon the rest of the Justice Force to help recreate the lair in the two structures above. The turtles' rooms were remade in the top story of the dojo, each redone has it had been originally. The super TV set was replaced with a wall sized plasma screen entertainment system. All of their remaining gear stayed below in their real lair which would allow the brothers to 'move out' of their father's house if they needed to while staying in the lair.
A hidden door was installed that led to the lair, while the garage was filled with all the tools needed for basic vehicle maintenance along with a couple of fixer-uppers for Don and Raph to work on and sell if they chose. Anything with alien technology or hover capacity was left safely underground, along with most of their posessons. It made the living spaces above the dojo Spartan and spacious, very refined while reflecting each brother's personality. The work took a lot of time and some doing, but it finally got finished on Thursday night, giving Splinter a chance to familiarize himself with his new home. Exhausted at the end of the day and anxious to get to his remade room on the ground floor of the dojo, Splinter bid his many friends goodnight and locked the doors of the house, suddenly finding himself feeling claustrophobic in the small structure knowing his sons were nowhere around.
With the early pre-dawn glow came Captian Epps to pick Raphael up the next moring. Despite it being Saturday ROTC was still in session. Raph, though bleary eyed and groggy was still excited, nerves jangling in anticipation of the upcoming training.
"Hamato, you like this, don't you?" Epps asked as he kept his eyes on the road before him, mentally cursing the traffic.
"Yeah," Raph shrugged slightly, "I mean my bros have always been more – brainy. I guess. Don's a genius, he's younga then me and in a doctorate's program. Leo's analytical, he can break any situation apart and determine what ta do. Mikey is- well, Mikey. He creates the most fantastic things out of absolutely nothing."
"What about you?" Epps glanced at Raph, hoping for something this kid thought well of himself.
"Dunno. I'm – Leo and I haven't always gotten along too well. I'm a hot head, rash, angry, selfish. Though sometimes I'd just like ta prove him wrong, just once." Raph sighed whistfully, not realizing he had poured out so much of himself to this stranger.
"Is that what all your brother's say?"
"Don – well, I've given him a hard time recently. Leo was sent off ta South America for a while, martial arts training. And, Don was left 'in charge' by Sensei. I think for those two years we hated each other. Though, a couple a times he's called me brave, and stupid and reckless. But, it was worth it, to see yer little bro's eyes light up like that. Man, it's the best feelin' in the world.
"What about Mikey? You two seem close."
"Dunno, kinda. Guess Mikey an' I share a fixation on speed. He loves his board an' I enjoy my blades. Get us together and things get interestin'."
Epps laughed, "Don't take them too seriously, kid. Family makes us stronger." He leaned over slightly, "I learned that one from my wife and two little girls."
"Yeah, together, when we ain't got our egos in the way we can get a lot done."
They pulled up to the university staff parking, both slipping silently from the van. "Raphael, you enjoy ROTC." It was a statement, but Raph answered anyway.
"It ain't the training, sir. Masta Splinta put us through more rigorus exercises since we could walk. Part of being raised by a martial arts master. But it's the maneuvers, following someone else's orders that, even fer just a small amount of time, are immutable. That I can't just ignore. It feels – kinda like I'm finally getting my head screwed on right."
"Good, Attention!" the parade ground bellow pulled the morning session of the ROTC into order and as one the small unit fell in and began their morning calisthetics.
Barkus met the Hamato brothers outside at seven-fifteen. Raph, still damp from his shower and seemingly calmer from the ROTC training that had pulled him from his bed two hours earlier, led his brothers from the orphanage with Leo at his elbow and Don trailing at the back. The difference the most hostile of the four displayed with the military-style training was immediately noticeable showing a calm side to the angry youth that made him appear the twin to Leo. Barkus was impressed with the transition and hoped it would continue. Seeing what the ROTC could do for one of the older boys held great potential for his younger children to see what such a program could do for them.
"Into the van, and lets go." Barkus gestured to the dilapidated vehicle and climbed into the driver's seat.
The boys climbed into the back, each anxious to get their charade over with and finally be free to hunt down Bishop. Free to return the favor the maniacal genius, Stockman, had done to them in giving them human appearances. The brothers would ensure neither mad man would ever be able to touch them again.
The van pulled slowly out into the early morning traffic and traveled slowly to the nearby station the usual New York traffic keeping their pace at a crawl. The ride was silent, Barkus tense and uneasy. He refused to believe that the boys had been dropped onto their doorstep out of the blue and that their father miraculously reappeared, finding them the moment he filed the found child reports. He did not believe in coincidences and this screamed of a plot.
The modern cement and glass structure of the police precinct hunkered low in its dingy corner of town, all around it much taller buildings loomed casting the station into eternal shadows filled with the sense of unease and suspicion. The five piled out of the van, Mikey bounding ahead taking the small flight of stairs three at a time while the others trailed behind. Barkus could see each boy's anticipation and excitement at possibly being reunited with their father. It nearly broke his heart knowing that these boys would only see plenty of grief in the days to come.
"May I help you?" A bored looking middle aged black woman sat behind the registration desk, looking Barkus and his charges over with jaded eyes.
"I hope you can, I am Anton Barkus, Headmaster of Saint Margaret's Orphanage. I have an appointment to speak with Officer Nanashi." Barkus looked around the precinct carefully, keeping a weather eye on the thugs and criminals passing back and forth in handcuffs, making sure none of them got too close to his charges.
"He's waiting, third floor room 316, can't miss it." The woman pointed up towards the ceiling, her shoulders stiff with the dislike of her morning visitors.
Leo nodded his thanks, leading his brothers and Barkus through the throngs of criminals to the elevator. The brothers comfortably striding through the masses, seemingly unconcerned at being so close to so many of the criminal element. As they passed through the precinct Barkus became more and more uncomfortable with each passing moment. These boys should not be so at ease in this mad house. Hookers, druggies, thugs and people so lost and full of despair or hate that their pain was tangible filled the narrow halls and cramped half-sided cubicles.
The elevator ride was short, all within silent with their own thoughts, allowing each to focus on what was coming. The brothers could only think of their father, and finally seeing him once more. The elevator dinged as the doors opened revealing a brightly lit corridor with dingy white walls and aged wooden doors spaded evenly along the hall.
"This way," Don led the way out, following the door numbers to room 316. Raph stepped around Don as they continued down the hall, knocking on the door gruffly and waiting only momentarily for the voice from within to bellow for them to enter before slamming his way into the room.
"My sons" A tiny older man of Asian descent stood from the chair he had been sitting in, and stepped forward. "I have been very worried these past days for you."
"Sensei," Raph breathed, eyes glistening with the joy of seeing his father that he did not show on his face. Behind him Mikey bounced around him, and hugged their father, the others following immediately. Leo, Don and Raph engulfed baby brother and father in one large group hug, Splinter's face barely visible between his much larger sons' shoulders glowed with joy.
"Kids," Splinter smiled hugely as he hugged his boys tighter, all too glad to be squished between his children.
"I apologize, but I must insist on an explanation for all of this." Barkus rumbled suspiciously not liking what he was seeing, despite his gut instinct telling him that the small family's joy was in no way a sham.
"Headmaster Barkus, formerly of the Army Rangers, retired Colonel – served in Iraq, Syria and Afghanistan. Six tours of duty and discharged with honors after being wounded in Desert Storm and a recipient of the Purple Heart." A clinical voice sounded from behind the group as the door shut with a soft snick of the lock.
Barkus spun looking upon a black man in a black suit with equally dark glasses. The man stood just behind the group, leaning against the door. Barkus suppressed a shiver, the suit gave him the shivers, he was from the government. Barkus had dealt with these types before while still serving, and he knew he had just been trumped.
"I am Agent Silver. Your presence and assistance during the last few days with this – incident has aided us and the Hamato family greatly. However, you must understand that events beyond your control or understanding have been unfolding. Your orphanage will be reimbursed for services rendered to the Hamatos. Your head councilor, doctor and you as well shall also be compensated for your efforts regarding the care of these boys.
"Your involvement with the Hamatos will be negligible from here on, if at all. Please step outside I will be with you shortly." The agent shifted his focus from Barkus to the officer sitting behind the large desk at the back of the room.
Barkus followed his gaze and froze, the officer sat in darkness as no more than a shadow. Only the small family stood in the dim light of the room, now standing separately although Michaelangelo kept closest to the small man and Don looked close to tears of joy.
"I refuse. Although these boys have been in my care for only a short time I'll be damned if I allow them to go back to a home where they don't even know their own father's name! Their backs are scarred and no extreme sports no matter how dangerous create scars identical to knife wounds. Now, I demand an answer or I will have child services down here faster than you can say FBI." Barkus snarled staring both the officer and Agent Silver down.
"Headmaster Barkus, if you will indulge me a few moments of your time. I believe you deserve an explanation." Splinter said gently. "Only I must beg you to listen to our tale entirely before making any judgments, and to please never speak of this beyond these doors." Barkus nodded and Splinter knelt down on the floor, his sons flanking him on their knees leaving the spare chair to the head master and making the former soldier extremely uncomfortable.
"Several years back the Triceriton Empire invaded the Earth. My sons had been one of the first to be captured and had direct contact with them. Donatello, my most curious student began to immediately attempt to understand their technology. In the course of their capture he learned much that few others had discovered about the invaders. Leonardo used what Donatello had discovered to get them free from the Triceraton's clutches and together my sons escaped after Michaelangelo and Raphael had sabotaged much of their captor's technology allowing a rebellion to occur within the ranks of the Empire.
"With their experiences my sons were intercepted by the Justice Force. When I arrived they had explained the events of their capture to the superheroes and they, on behalf of my sons and me filed for special status within the government. Due to my sons' many experiences they have been placed under my protective custody until their majority. It is my duty to stay with them and protect them from any harm that should come our way.
"Unfortuanately a rival anti-government agency has obtained information regarding our location and attacked us in the night. One of our allies transported my sons to your orphanage to keep them safe from the attack and to prevent our enemies from knowing their location.
"It is assumed that one day the Triceritons may return again. On that day all of my sons' combined experiences with them previously will prove invaluable in defending our world against further attacks." Splinter looked Barkus over, taking in the disbelieving expression and sighed.
"Sensei, why should we tell him anything? He's been tryin' ta prove us as bein' abused by ya. He was willin' ta even separate us, and don't pretend ya nevah said anything, I heard ya!" Raph barked standing up. The calm relaxed air the ROTC had imbued with him had already burned off and Barkus felt a shock run through him at how swiftly this boy had recovered.
"Raphael, sabate!" Splinter barked, face impassive despite the fire that shone from his eyes.
"Sorry, Sensei." Raph bowed to Splinter and returned to his former position.
Barkus watched in amazement, continually reminded of a military unit in the behaviors that the Hamatos displayed. "Merciful Mary mother of God, you're serious! You four were actually on the Triceraton ship?" Barkus looked from one brother to another.
"It was ships, plural. The sick fanatics had us across the universe ta their motha ship within hours." Raph growled.
"Barkus-san, you have taken care of my sons in their time of greatest need. Please, accept my gratitude and do not further involve yourself in matters that will only endanger your orphanage. Too many have been involved already." Splinter responded.
"So, an ally just happens to know your house is being broken into and instead of calling the cops he grabs four teenage boys and drop them on my doorstep and vanishes without telling you where they were placed. How stupid do you think I am?"Barkus demanded.
"I dropped them off." A woman's voice spoke up. From the darkness of the furthest corners stepped Amada Dome, one of the superheroes of the Justice Force. "The boys had to be moved before the rival group could get their hands on them and, I have been leading their operatives on a merry chase across the eastern seaboard with my machines to keep the brothers safe. If I had let Splinter-san know where his sons were he would have come to you, and they would have followed. Do you want rogue cybernetic monsters crawling through your orphanage, slaughtering your children and have the government cover the entire thing up as 'the former military head master losing himself to PTSD slaughters his entire orphanage and kills himself'?"
Barkus paled as the full impact of what these people were saying finally sunk in. "You mean, if any group wanting to know what these boys do had discovered where they were, they would have killed everyone in my orphanage just to get four boys?" He had heard of worse things during his time in the military, hell he heard of worse things in the morning news. But, those worse things did not involve his children or his home.
The group he faced nodded silently each showing in the hard lights behind their eyes exactly how much danger his charges had been in, how much danger the entire group faced on a daily basis. "I understand, nothing we have spoken of will ever be repeated, you four were reunited with you father and went home. End of story. No questions asked, it was just one of those rare happy endings that never seem to happen anymore." Barkus stated simply and rose from the hard chair. "Good luck boys, take care of your father."
"We will, and thank you." Leo replied as he rose and the entire family bowed, arms stiff at their sides as one. The sight stirred a long dead cinder of emotion deep in his soul, for the first time since before he left the military, he felt the smallest stirrings of hope. This was one happy ending, maybe soon there could be more.
A/N: The mention of finger tips and portions of the scalp refer to 'spirals', places within the human body that hold magical properties. Check out 'Navajo Blue' which is the movie the idea came from. Other missing body parts came from City Hunter and other anime.
Also, I have absolutely no idea on how police proceeding work. Anything to do with missing children and police work is total crack.
