We do not own TMNT 2003, only the plot.

Chapter 4: White Tile

It was like they could never catch a break. One week it was an attempted alien invasion. The next was a world domination scheme. One day, stop the Shredder. One day, stop the Foot. One day, try not to get captured. One day, try not to die.

Of course, 'they' aren't normal. Four mutants living in the sewage system of New York isn't exactly considered 'average' by anyone's definition. But anyways, more or less, today was one of these break less days. Their long time, and arguably first enemy (after the Shredder) tried once again to disect them. He failed of course. But what was so baffling wasn't why he was so fixated on studying their insides. No, what had them so aghast was that other turtle. They hadn't seen him before. They heard of him, sure. Not from Bishop but from their father. He used to tell them stories of a fourth brother. And really, how many mutant turtles were there in the world? How many TCRI buildings existed? How many little boys dropped a glass jar of turtles about 16 years ago?

A manhole cover was moved aside and three figures jumped down. They moved quickly and quietly. Swiftly, like the deadly ninjas they were. Being already accustomed to the twilight in the sewers, they didn't use flashlights. It was a very useful skill, especially at times like this; when enemies are constantly scouting for you.

A silent curse and thud made the blue and purple masked ninjas, known as Leonardo and Donatello, to stop and turn around. On the sewer ground was their brother Raphael. They watched him stand... or rather, his silhouette. On the wall, propped up in a sitting position, was the thing that tripped Raph.
Digging in his duffle, Don took out his flashlight and aimed it at the wall. Unconscious was Finn, who held onto his leg.

"It's that other turtle!"

"What's he doing down here?"

"Ain't it obvious, fearless?" Raph stalked to his brother. "He here to get rid of us. Adios! He works for the Bishop, Leo."

"Look!" Don beamed the light on Finn's leg, to get a better view of the injury on his thigh. It was barely visable anyways, since he had his hand grasped around it. He could, however, see blood caked on the injured turtle's leg and hand. Don gingerly moved it, earning a small subconscious groan from Finn. "He was shot!"

"So? He got what was coming to him. Big whoop." Raph crossed his arms.

"Raph," Leo hissed, "We can't leave him here."

"I dont see why not."

Don frustratedly wiped his face. "He'd probably die without proper medical attention. Please Raph?"

Raph rolled his eyes."Fine! But when your little 'help the helpless' plan backfires, and he wakes up and goes nuts on y'all, don't go hollering my name for help..."

Leo went over to Finn and grabbed his shoulders. Don carefully took his legs, causing Finn to hiss in pain. They headed back on track, moving fast but careful. The lair came up and they quickly took Finn to their makeshift infirmary and set him down. From there, Donnie cleaned and dressed Finn's wound.

Gosh, his head was such a dazed mess. His thoughts were scattered, unfocused. But what was apparent in his maze of thoughts was the fact that his leg was hot with pain. He groaned and sat up. His eyes were still shut with exhaustion. Finn did not take in account that he was not at all in a place he was familiar with in the slightest. He guessed, his father must've found him and brought him back to the facility to heal.

He rose from the bed he laid in and walked... More so, limped his way to what he guessed was an exit. The other side was dimly lit so he had to feel around. His knuckle bumped into something and it fell to the ground with a loud clatter. Moments later, the light switch was flicked ON. Another mutant turtle stood there. It wasn't until then that Finn recollected some thought. His father couldn't possibly have any idea where he was. He was in the arms of his enemy! Is that why it was so hard to think? Did they drug him? A few deep breaths. Try not to panic. Get back to the facility. Breathe. Get back to the facility. Panic, Finn, panic! GET BACK TO THE FACILITY!

Finn sharply dashed to the lair's exit but the turtle beat him to it.

"Wait! You're not completely well yet!" He held Finn's struggling frame down; just barely.

"Raph!" The turtle yelled and immediately, two other turtles ran into, what Finn guessed was, the living room.

Raph quickly raced to them and helped to hold Finn down but they still struggled. The little damn thing wasn't so strong, per say, just very... persistent.

Finn continued to writhe in the two's grip and his elbow hit Raphael in the beak. This distracted the turtle long enough for Finn to use his flexibility and wiggle his way free. He made a mad dash to the exit once more but was tackled by the third turtle. He held Finn down as the mentioned thrashed about, eventually tiring and passing out.

"Good job, Leo. Help me bring him back to the lab."

After checking Finn's wound, Don pulled the blanket over the frayed turtle.

"Yeah, good job and whatever, but what about when he wakes up tomorrow?"

Raph was already grumpy by nature. He was also grumpy when he didn't get enough sleep. And he was most definitely grumpy when he had a feeling and no one listened to his premonitions. But Leo, too, had this feeling. Something was definitely going to happen. And whether the outcome would be good or bad, Leo knew deep down that it would not be known; unless taken head on with some calculation. Much like chess.

And this game has only just gotten started...

Sorry for the wait! :)

TCPL/ JE2