Don't own and all that jazz -_-


Chapter: 8

(Splinter:)

"That much radiation would kill everything in the sea. Including the plants." Nathan added. "Which produce 50 to 85 percent of the world's oxygen." He explained. "If we don't stop them. The world will suffocate within a year."

"Where?" Splinter asked immediately. It was clear that these people had to be stopped and they had to be stop now.

"I can show you." Nathan said as he struggled to his feet.

Splinter was at his side in an instant, helping him to stand. "April. Start getting these people to the stairs. I will return as soon as I can." He ordered and she immediately started to tend to those who couldn't walk on their own.

Carefully he led Nathan into the main room. Having to support him slightly so he wouldn't collapse. When they walked through the doorway, the doctor paused shortly and looked around at the frozen, nuclear park in sight shock. But quickly recovered and identified the place they needed.

"That door, over there." He said pointing to one of the security locks on the west side of the room. Splinter confirmed his directions with a nod and helped him walk through the frost covered barrels. "They must have been forcing the slaves to dig the tunnel before." Nathan explained. "But they all eventually died. That's why they captured us."

"Died?" Splinter asked. "From the radiation?"

"No." Nathan stated simply. "The waste has actually been here long enough, that it's deteriorated to a safe level. I'm guessing they died from suffocation."

Splinter looked at him out of the corner of his eye, as he considered that. Then it hit him. The high-security rooms were designed to keep the toxic waste contained and safe. Which meant that they had to keep out the elements and therefore; air.

If the Garbage-Men had kept a large amount of people, in the same room, for a long time. Especially if they were forcing them to work. They would have eventually run out of oxygen.

He realized that; this was likely how the mob had forced them to dig. Locked into a room that would eventually run out of air. Survival would give you the strength to do so amazing things. Even dig to the surface. Of course most wouldn't have had a clue that they would have actually drown instead.

He figured that once the tunnel filled with water. The Garbage-Men and Purple Dragons would just get to safety and blow the dam. Leaving their prisoners to either drown or suffocate.

Now he understood why the prison had been abandoned. They had either been moved to another location. Or died making the tunnel.

When they got to the door Nathan had indicated. They both started chipping away at the control panel. Until Splinter could once again swipe the key-card and open the door. Using the wall as a support, Nathan immediately started into the tunnel.

"Carl?" The doctor yelled into the huge hole that had once been the back wall of the storage room.

He didn't get a response.

Splinter pulled a little flashlight from his pocket and pointed it down the tunnel. Being careful to shine the light away from the floor. If these people had been in here for too long, he knew what he would find.

"Carl? Jesse? Answer me!" Nathan ordered. And Splinter swiveled his ears searching for any sign of life. He had seen the river outside; it couldn't have been more than 100 yards away. They should have been heard.

"Nathan?"

Splinter paused when he heard the quiet voice. And stopped his companion before he could yell again. Before pivoting the light toward the far end of the tunnel.

He quickly moved it downwards, when a face appeared in the beam and turned away in pain. Then forms started to appear. Moving away from walls where they had collapsed and walking into the light, like it was there to take them away to a better place.

Both Humans and Mutants emerged from the darkness. Most were pale and weak. From starvation and endless weeks of work. They were all covered in mud and it was obvious that they had been extremely close to death. It was remarkable that some were still alive.

"Jesse, Carl." Nathan yelled and suddenly he was sprinting down the tunnel, like his wounds no longer hurt. And quickly embraced the young women who had spoken earlier. Before pulling a man into the hug as well.

Splinter could sense a strong bond there. Maybe not blood. But brothers and sister all the same. He respectfully gave them a minute and checked on the others.

Many were bruised and tired. But could probably walk on their own, if it meant leaving this hell-hole behind them. Thankfully, they were all still alive. Though he could see it in the eyes of some, that they weren't sure if that was a good thing or not.

It was obvious that many of the Mutants had been slaves for most, if not all of their lives. The old and the sick. Ones who wouldn't have earned enough money to satisfy the market, were brought here, to give their lives to this tunnel.

Splinter turned his light toward the back wall. Examining the tunnel closely and discovered that there was indeed a small amount of water leaking from the wall. The prisoners had obviously realized that they would die either way, so had refused to dig. But even this little amount of liquid, would eventually tear through the foundation and flood the tunnel. They had to find a way to contain it.

Several minutes later, he had led everyone from the hole and back into the light. April, had done as she was told and got everyone to the stairwell. But had to go back for more, when she was told that the other two rooms contained prisoners; as well.

Splinter made sure to return to the top of the stairs and secure the other door. So they wouldn't be surprised. And helped people get comfortable on the steps, until they had everyone present.

When he checked the remaining door, he had never been so happy to find himself outside. But he quickly squashed his joy for another time and surveyed his surroundings. Luckily the gangs hadn't thought to guard this door either and they had a clear shot to the forest.

Unfortunately they would also have to go over a fence and cross several feet of open ground, which was flooded with a search-light. On top of that he was suddenly informed that they were missing someone.

"Casey isn't here." April said as he came back into the door.

"He wasn't in the other rooms?" Nathan asked, helping someone sit down at the top of the staircase.

"No, we checked." Another rebel stated.

Splinter sniffed the air again. "But he was here." He stated.

"They took him." A female Mutant suddenly said further down the staircase. And everyone looked at her. Her voice was worn and painful, like she had gone most of her life without using it. Most likely as a defense to avoid having her vocal-cords severed.

"Who? When?" April asked her respectfully.

"I don't know who he was. But he wasn't a Garbage-Man." She answered in a small voice.

"A Purple Dragon?" Nathan asked her and she nodded. "How long ago."

"I don't know. But your friend wasn't here very long." She responded.

Splinter nodded and said. "Thank you." They all understood the risk this woman was taking to speak to them. They weren't about to disrespect her by not acknowledging that. She nodded back slightly, before returning to her sulking.

April was about to say something, but Splinter placed his hands on her shoulders. "I will find him April." He assured her. "I need you to get these people to safety."

She looked around at the prisoners that crowded the staircase. Even most of the rebels were in no condition to fight. They would be no help against the Purple Dragons and they knew it. She turned back to him and said. "Alright. But what are you going to do?"

"I'm going to clear your exit." He informed her, making for the door again. "Once I give you the signal, get these people out of here. The building will no longer be safe."

"What's that supposed to mean?" Nathan asked. "What signal?"

"You're going to bury the tunnel." April realized.

"We cannot leave it to chance. This place must be destroyed." Splinter stated and she nodded in agreement. "As for the signal." He said looking at Nathan. "You will know it when you see it." The doctor raised an eyebrow at him in confusion, but didn't argue. "But first." Splinter continued. "I need a favor."

Splinter stuck close to whatever shadows there were, keeping the two watchtowers within his view. In their life, they were most likely stabilizer beams for the cooling towers. But if he could get to the top, he could immobilize the searchlights, giving April and the others a clear path to safety. On top of that, it would also be a great vantage point to search for Casey.

Taking a little detour at one of the massive cooling towers. He soon found his way clear and made for the watch post. However he was forced to employ nearly every Ninja tactic in his arsenal, so as not to be spotted by the men in the Eagle's nest.

Not willing to be seen climbing the ladder. He circled around to the dark side of the tower and used his shuko spikes to climb the wall. About half-way up however, he noticed movement on the ground and stopped to observe.

Several dozen Purple Dragons were gathered in an area surrounded by some questionable looking buildings. Which Splinter couldn't help wondering might have been the nuclear plant itself, at one time. And realized that this was likely the courtyard the other guard had told him about.

It was not hard to spot the large muscle-bound man meandering about among the masses and immediately identified him as the leader, Hun. However Splinter didn't see anyone that fit the description of the Garbage Man. But figured with all the gang members joining the party, the man would eventually show his face.

Splinter readjusted his potion, trying to get a better view of the rest of the yard. He was sure Casey was down there somewhere. He could practically smell the teen's aftershave, but still couldn't see him.

Deciding that he had collected all the information he could from the scene. He continued his climb to the top. Once there he looked under the safety bars and found two more Dragons, playing cards.

He honestly couldn't help roiling his eyes at that. How these idiots had caused so much damage, was beyond him. All he could say was that their leader must have been one seriously commanding individual.

Quietly he produced a small piece of stone from a crumbling brick in front of him and launched it to the other side of the tower. Where it clanged against the metal railing, causing the two men to look toward the noise.

Not a second later, they were both out cold. Visualizing a world of conquest and carnage. And wondering what it would be like to have the brain capacity of a plankton.

Splinter quickly tied them both to the center support beam. So they wouldn't wake up and walk right off the tower. Then got up to examine his surroundings again. Just as he had planed, he now had full visual of his objectives and could even see Casey. The teen was bruised and bloody, but thankfully still alive.

Of course Splinter couldn't say how much longer that would remain true. As the vigilante hadn't paused a second in his escapade; of telling the goons around him, just what he thought of them and their mother's.

After another minute of analyzing his angles. Splinter returned to his mission. Quickly he acquired one of several rifles, left leaning up against a wall and re-positioned himself to take his first shot.

With carefully aim, he shot out the searchlight of the other watchtower. The silencer on the end of the gun, doing its job perfectly to conceal his presence. Splinter smiled to himself, he may not like guns. But he couldn't deny that they were still plenty useful for other things.

As he casually reached up to twist the light bulb of his own searchlight, until it faded.

He watched the clueless goons in the other tower, meander about, trying to figure out what was wrong.

When he was sure they couldn't be seen, Splinter took a couple steps back and flung the rifle out into the air. 30 seconds later it crashed into the concrete fortified ground right in front of the emergency door. Where April and her group of escapees were waiting.

His sharp night vision gave him full visual of the group. As they bolted from the side of the building and headed for the fence. One rebel quickly stooped and retrieved the gun, before turning to cover their getaway.

The group had to stop at the barrier for a minute. So Nathan could use a pair of wire-cutters to open a way through the wire mesh wall. Then carefully started leading the wounded into the forest.

Splinter looked around when he heard a radio's squealing interference sound behind him. And quickly located the walkie-talkie. "Yeah?" He asked the little box in a flawless interpretation of a gang member.

"The damn lights went out again." A man on the other end stated and Splinter realized that he was talking to someone from the other tower.

"Probably another f***ing power outage." Splinter stated, wincing at his own language. But he wanted this to be believable.

"Great." The other man moaned. "I'll check it out. You call the boss." He ordered in a tone of voice, that Splinter recognized as someone who had just dumped his responsibility on someone else. Then the line went dead, before there could be any argument.

Splinter smiled as he put the radio back. The goon had just made his life so much easier. When he looked back at the ground it was to find that April, Nathan and several other rebels had returned to the fence. And a minute later, were back at the building.

They spoke amongst themselves for a second, before splitting into two teams and congregated at the two main-doors. While a third returned to the basement, via the emergency entrance. Splinter had only to wait a couple of minutes, before they appeared again. This time burdened with frozen and knocked out guards, Dragons and Garbage-Men.

He was happy that Nathan had agreed with him, that the men needed to be removed from the building, before they destroyed it. Despite what they had done. Burying them under twelve tons of rubble was not the way to punish them for their sins.

When they had all gathered at the back of the building again. A large transport truck pulled up beside them. To which they quickly loaded the unconscious gang members in and drove them to a safe, but secluded area of the plant. Several minutes later he saw the same headlights, followed by several others. Heading into the forest to pick up the prisoners and get them to safety.

Splinter whipped around when he suddenly heard yelling from the courtyard and feared they had been discovered. However it seemed that the gang was only celebrating.

When he looked closer he found Hun in the middle of the chaos. Holding a canister of pure, concentrated Mutagen, directly over Casey's head.

(Donnie's: POV)

When the man stood up, I thought he would kick Raph in retaliation. But my heart stopped when I realized that wasn't the case. As the guy just pulled a gun from his pocket and aimed at my brother. "No!" I screamed, but my voice was drowned out when the gun went off.

Leo struggled harder than ever to get free and Mikey seemed to have actually gone into shock. I closed my eyes and jumped as the shots rang out again and again. As the man emptied all six of his rounds, until an eternity later, the gun finally clicked on empty.

I was afraid to look up. I didn't want to see what had happened to Raph. I didn't want to find my brother dead. But something kept nagging at me, telling me that this was somehow familiar.

Suddenly I remembered a lifetime ago, when we had almost been separated from Raph before. When the solid steel of a cage had kept us apart. But back then, even in my panic to free him, my world had still been stable. Still the same. For my brother had still been in it.

Somehow, this felt no different. It was the only thing that gave me the courage to look up.

To say I was relieved was an understatement. As Raphael was indeed still alive. It had never even occurred to me just how this miracle could even be possible. But it seemed that the gang members around the room weren't quite so apathetic.

"What the f***?" One of them said kneeling down to examine my brother's back where the bullets had gone through his shirt.

Raph cried out in pain when they touched one of the wounds. But the men didn't show any indication that they cared. Instead one of them just ripped a hole in the back of his sweater and reveled that the bullets had lodged themselves in his shell.

My brothers and I looked at this in shock. We knew our shells were strong. That's why we had used them in our past fights. That's why I had once used mine to deflect a knife, meant for my throat.

But they weren't invincible. We knew this from our time in the lab. As the White Coats had never had a problem getting samples of our shells. And a gun was more than ten-times the strength of anything they had used.

But even though Raph was obviously in a great deal of pain. His life had been spared. And from what I could see, there wasn't even any major damage. As the bullets had all been stopped in their tracks, before reaching his body.

"That's new." The mob member laughed as he knocked his fist against Raph's shell, causing him to cry out again.

"Stop it!" I yelled at the man, before I could stop myself. And they all looked at me.

The man laughed again. "These little f***s are just full of surprises." He stated and got up to descend on me.

Raph struggled to free himself. But he could barely move, let alone push four full-grown men from his back and limbs. I saw tears in his eyes, as he was forced to give into the agony.

The pain was so strong even my brothers and I could feel it. Like an army of glass shards were imbedded in our backs. And a deep ache reverberated in our very bones, from the force of the bullet's impact. I knew that if it was this bad of us, it had to be hundred times worse for Raph.

The bullets may not have killed him, but I feared that they might have permanently removed his superior strength and power. None of us had ever been so badly hurt. And I knew; if even one of those lead bullets had hit his spine. It would have caused immeasurable damage. He might never walk again. And even with all the sunlight in the world, he would never recover.

I was so focused on the Raph, that it took my brother's panic to bring me back to my own impending doom. And I immediately made eye contact with the man towering over me. Determined not to show any fear. But now that our armor had been revealed, I had nothing left to surprise them with.

The goon smiled cruelly at me, before kneeling down to crush my head into the floor with his knee. I tried to push him off. But with the other men still holding my arms behind my back, I couldn't get any leverage.

"Freaks aren't supposed to talk." The man ordered, rubbing my face into the carpet. "That's impersonation." He continued, as if he was educating a class. It was obvious that he had given this speech before and it was, no doubt, one of his favorites.

The fact that he was now ignoring my brother. Who had just single-handedly proven the expectation to the rule; guns + bullets = death, to focus on me. Proved that he thrived on fear, manipulation and pain. I had nothing to defend against a curtly of that strength and he knew it.

I couldn't help but panic a little, when he smiled again and reached for something in his belt. I was afraid it would be another gun. But it turned out to be a knife. I big knife.

"And slaves don't give orders. They take them." He said swiftly punching me in the jaw. I tasted blood in my mouth, but my glare only intensified.

The man only laughed, like he was watching an amusing family movie. And put the knife up next to my face. "I think I need to put this freak in it's place." He declared, turning the blade slightly and I felt blood trickle down my cheek.

"No don't." Scott yelled suddenly. "He's done nothing to you."

"Shut the f*** up." The man yelled at him. "His very existence makes me sick." He retaliated, roughly turning my head and put the tip of the knife to my throat. Right where my vocal-cords were.

I realized in a panic, just what he intended to do and my fearless demeanor crumbled. "And the punishment for speech; is removal." The man snickered in my ear, as I felt the blade pierce my skin.

(Splinter:)

Splinter panicked slightly when he saw the Mutagen. There was no way he could get to Casey in time to save him. And he could clearly see what the Dragons had in mind.

As an anthropomorphic substance. The Mutagen needed two different DNA's to make a Mutant. If it only had one, than that person would mutate into a hideous, unstable form. He had seen a few that had been unfortunate enough to withstand such a torture.

Those that survived; wished they hadn't.

He could have shot the canister, but that would only have released the Mutagen sooner. The only chance he had was to put his plan into motion and hope that the distraction would be enough to save Casey.

Quickly and effectively, Splinter took up another rifle and aimed. This time on a little blinking light set into the side of the eastern most cooling tower. Which was one of several bombs, courtesy of the toxic land-mine beneath the west cell block.

It only took a second for him to assure his target and fired. But the shock wave rocked the plant for almost a minute. He held on to the safety bar out of reflex. As more explosions were triggered around the base of the old building, nearly splitting the tower completely in half.

In pure domino effect, it toppled over into the west tower. Which had been fighting a losing battle with Mother Nature, since the day it was abandoned. Meaning its corroded supports and walls couldn't take the strain and immediately buckled and fell as well. Splinter's target, the smaller western cell block, reminded him of a tiny shack, fortified to withstand quakes from bellow. Only to be crushed by its non-resistant neighbors from above.

In a mater of seconds the building was crushed and buried under the rubble. As the collapsing tower continued its downward fall, straight into the river. Effectively damming the flow and stopping anything that might one day leak into the water.

Splinter didn't waste a second celebrating his successful Armageddon and threw himself over the guard rail. Using one of his Tegaki claws to slow his momentum, as he slid down the side of the watch tower. Nearing the bottom he jumped off of the wall, using a skillful roll to cushion his impact, before bolting for the courtyard.

Hun was already ordering his men around. Trying to figure out what had happened. In the process, sending several trucks full of goons barreling out from between the buildings. Right into Splinter's path.

Figuring there was no longer any point to stealth. He just jumped onto the hood of the first, causing it to screech to the halt. Before making his way to the roof and jumped onto the next vehicle. That had had to stop as well, in response.

This caused a chain reaction down the line, in which Splinter was more than capable of making his way over the carnage, using the roofs and hoods. As the tucks piled up behind him, effectively blocking the road and trapping most inside their vehicles.

Hun, who had been in the first truck, was now yelling at the top of his lungs. As Splinter bolted for the other end of the courtyard. Casey couldn't help staring at him in shock.

"Casey." Splinter whispered, snapping the kid out of his daze.

"Splint –" He tried to say. "How did you –"

"Later." Splinter ordered and drilled one of his kunai into the chain, restricting the teen to the ground. Casey nodded and stepped expertly over his cuffed hands so he could have them in front of him. As Splinter continued to dig the chain's bolt out of the concrete.

The loud groaning of twisting metal sounded out from behind them, just as the shackle finally came free. And they both turned to confront the new threat, finding Hun striding up to them, in the act of cracking his knuckles.

Splinter spotted behind him, the crumpled form of a door that had been crushed and thrown across the lot. He could definitely see why the Purple Dragons followed this man. His very presence commanded authority.

Splinter quickly surveyed his surroundings, looking for any means of escape. "If you see an exit, take it." He ordered Casey, who nodded understandingly.

"Oh you're not going anywhere." Hun declared with a growl.

"You've lost." Splinter stated calmly. "There's no longer a reason to fight. Stand down." He didn't think the brute would accept the invitation, but it was worth a try.

"Oh I don't think so." A voice suddenly proclaimed behind them. Causing Splinter and Casey to turn sideways, trying to keep both men in their line of sight.

Splinter was just starting to wonder, how he had not picked on the second man's scent. When the sound of clanking started toward them, from the dense fog that flowed from one of the buildings. And he saw something that nearly uprooted his composed demeanor.

If Hun was 'The Hulk,' then this new guy was his malformed, steroid-enhanced cousin. He was actually so massive he couldn't walk on his own. Instead he stomped around in a large crab-like machine. That looked to have been made from scraped cars.

On top of that he was filthy. And he actually smelled so bad, Splinter had assumed he was just apart of the plant's endless source of ungodly odors. "The Garbage Man I assume?" He asked and the man paused, looking at him with small, beady red eyes.

"You've heard of me?" He asked between disgusting slurps of his own saliva.

Trying hard to ignore the over-powering need to hurl, Splinter answered simply. "Yes." The Garbage Man just laughed and continued walking his strange lumbering contraption forward. Forcing him and Casey into a smaller and smaller space up, between the two brothers.

Splinter could see that the two were actually twins. But the resemblance was short-lived. In fact, they kind of reminded him of oil and bone. Both sharing the same origin. But over time had become something completely different.

"Splinter?" Casey brought his attention to the slowly increasing herd of gang members, of both Garbage-Men and Purple Dragons. Who were quickly circling the area, readying themselves for a fight.

"I know." Splinter stated. Then in the last-minute to reclaim an element of surprise, he attacked.

Rushing forward to meet Hun head on. The man was stunted by the sudden charge, which gave Splinter enough time to land several blows. But it was to no-avail. The man was made of pure muscle. It was like trying to chop a tree down with a feather.

So he changed his strategy. Ducking under an attack that might have taken his head off, had it hit. Splinter roiled around behind the brick-shit-house and kicked out at his right ankle.

The behemoth immediately fell to one knee, in a struggle to support his massive weight on one leg. As strength and size gave out under the inevitable inability to stand.

Just as Splinter gained an opening to knock the man out, a shadow alerted him to a presence from behind. And he turned just in time for The Garbage Man to swipe one of his mechanical crab legs through the air, like a pointed, metal battering ram.

Splinter didn't have enough time to get completely out-of-the-way. But he avoided the worst of it. Unfortunately, his dodge and the impact landed him flat on the ground. Where he struggled to get back to his feet, before the man could impale him with the metal leg.

However, he soon found that his new opponent was effectively distracted. As Casey had jumped onto the walking system, wrapped the chain of his cuffs around the man's neck and pulled back as hard as he could. While he reached forward to steer the metal contraption away from the fight and into a large group of onlookers.

Splinter turned and roiled, when Hun appeared over him again. Then jumped back to his feet. Unfortunately, it was just in time for one of the other Dragons to press his gun into his back.

The new threat was just enough to make him hesitate. Which was long enough for Hun to plow his fist into his side, taking him to the ground again. Splinter heard the gang members around them cooing and shouting out encouragements to their leader. Before a massive hand folded around his throat, cutting off his airway.

"You don't get it, do you?" Hun suddenly asked with an air of knowing something Splinter didn't, before lifting him straight off the ground. "We've already won." He snickered, causing the Ninja Master to look at him.

"All it took was one rat." Hun stated shaking Splinter a little, emphasizing the word he had chosen to use. "And your little safety house fell." Splinter felt the blood in his veins freeze. "Without your little operation, the Trade will rise. Stronger than ever. And you and all those other freaks, will populate it."

(Donnie's: POV)

I knew my brothers were yelling. I could sense their desperation and fear. But I couldn't hear them through the pounding in my ears. But as I struggled to escape the knife digging deeper and deeper into my neck, I realized that the sound was not in my head.

A roar rocked the house and suddenly I was no longer the center of attention. Instead that honor belonged to something very big, very mean and very angry. That had just barreled through the front door, taking a good portion of the wall with it.

Time seemed to stand still, as the creature studied the room, with a blinding white gaze. That promised destruction to anything that threatened it. And of course, when the second of shock was over, the gang members became that stupid threatening force.

Even if they had gotten the chance to shoot, I doubted it would have mattered. I read once that you could empty several rounds into the skull of an adult gorilla. But it would still have time to rip you apart before its brain registered that it was dead.

And this creature looked like it could have eaten that gorilla for breakfast.

Still in shock, I barely reacted when Leo suddenly pulled me out-of-the-way. Mikey too was instantly in the corner, when given the order to move. It didn't even take our oldest brother a second to get us both to safety and turned to go back for Raph.

However the thing that was currently mowing over men; like they were lawn gnomes. Was also thrashing through what remained of the living room. Leaving no room for Leo to return.

Mikey helped me sit up and held the remains of a pillow to my neck. I could feel the blood oozing from the wound. It made me light-headed and dizzy. But I still tried to analyze the situation, looking for anyway that we could get to our other brother.

However in doing so, I noticed something kind of strange. The creature, whatever it was, seemed to be taking special care to avoid hurting our brother. In fact, I could have sworn that it was actually protecting him.

"Scott." A voice yelled suddenly and we all jumped and turned to the door again. I don't think my heart could have soared any higher, when I saw August rush into the house. He quickly grabbed Scott under his good arm and helped him to his feet. "What's going on?" He asked. "Where's April?"

"She's with Splinter." Angel answered, shakily getting to her feet as well.

"Splinter?" He asked, confused.

"Yoshi." Scott explained. "They took Casey. He and April went to find him."

"How long ago?" August asked.

"Only a couple of hours." Perry stated. "Then these guys showed up." He said nodding at the goons that now littered the floor in various stages of unconsciousness. We didn't hear what they said next. As the large thing, that had just destroyed the living room. Realized that it was out of enemies and put its nose up to our injured brother.

Leo's protective instincts kicked in immediately and he was across the room in 0.9 seconds and actually punched the creature right in the face. If circumstances hadn't been so dire, I might have actually found the image funny. There was Leo, a solid 3-foot; nothing, staring down this monster-of-a-Mutant, who stood at a good 12 feet or more.

Mikey helped me up and we soon joined him. Where I quickly tried to asses my injured brother's condition. Thankfully he was still conscious, but was trying hard not to move. Obviously still in a great deal of agony.

Mikey wined in a tiny voice. Wanting to comfort him, but hesitant to touch for fear of causing more pain.

"Don't move him." Scott ordered suddenly and we looked up as he came around and pressed a figure to Raph's neck. But the scientist recoiled immediately when my brother let out a small whimper of pain. "You're going to be OK." Scott assured him kindly, looking around for anything that might help.

"He needs medical treatment." Declared the one-Mutant-destruction-crew. "I can help." He stated, but Leo was having none of it, as he continued to stare down the Mutant with a passion.

"Easy there; champ. He's on our side." August ordered, lifting Leo straight off the ground. My brother seemed almost more surprised by August's words, then the fact that he was suddenly air-born. But that was Leo for you. His instincts were sometimes so real; it took him off guard to discover that they weren't always right.

"This is my friend." August explained, maneuvering Leo under his arm so he could motion toward the giant alligator standing in the room. Who actually bowed politely to us in response, as August introduced him as, "Leatherhead."

(Splinter:)

Splinter's vision was suddenly crowded with images of the west side cell block. Cages, blood soaked floors and piles of corpses. Things he would see in his nightmares for the rest of his life.

He would not allow that fate to befall his sons.

His attack came so suddenly, that Hun still stood there grinning like a marauder for close to a second, before he realized he'd been stuck. A swift, hard blow to the stomach had him doubled over from the sheer force of the hit.

But he grip on Splinter's neck had not wavered. So he swung out with his claws, catching the left side of the man's face and digging deep into the skin. Causing Hun to scream in pain and finally drop his victim, in the natural response to clutch at his injury.

As their roles swopped and Splinter became the predator. He landed skillfully on his hands and feet, taking only a second to regain his bearings. Before he attacked again.

In one final, earth-shattering, blow. He threw his shoulder into the living wall of meat. Sending him flying backwards into a crowd of onlookers.

Everyone fell silent as their leader fell to the ground in an unconscious heap. And remained in their state of complete shock, as Splinter rushed into the fight between Casey and the Garbage Man.

Swiftly moving between the two, just as the walking trash-compacter was about to crush the other. Splinter aimed skillfully at the machine's weakened leg joints; completely leveling one claw, followed closely by another.

The machine bucked, as Splinter turned casually to haul Casey back to his feet. "Good hell." The teen stated impressed, while Splinter quickly surveyed the area and located an exit, in the form of a large gate in the outer fence.

Suddenly one of the formerly stunned Dragons recovered from his shock and lifted his weapon in retaliation. But Splinter just turned on him with eyes that promised no mercy, should he continue his assault. The man froze in pure terror and backed up with the rest of the gang members.

Satisfied that he had everyone's attention, he started for the gate. In a mater of seconds, he and Casey were deep in the forest beyond. And not a single man had lifted a finger to stop them.

(Donnie's: POV)

"Donatello!" I opened my eyes, when I heard my name spoken. But the faces were blurry and the colors swirled sickeningly. "Donatello!" The voice ordered again. And I looked to my right to discover a blob that curiously resembled Scott.

There was also something bright and hard to look at directly. And I realized that what ever it was; was making the area very hot. It was then that something was waved in front of my face and I jerked back slightly.

"Easy, easy." I heard August say, at the same time that a hand was placed on my shoulder. When I looked towards the source, I found that my vision was getting better and smiled him.

"How are you feeling?" I heard a deep voice ask and looked around to find the new Mutant, Leatherhead, watching me worriedly. I wasn't exactly sure how to answer, as I had no idea what had happened. But I was momentarily reprieved from the action, when Mikey suddenly crushed me in a hug.

Leo was quick to loosen his grip before I lost consciousness again. And I gave him a look, as my silent request for an explanation. Which he quickly told me, in our old language, that I had passed out from blood loss.

Now that I thought about it, that actually sounded reasonable. I did remember stubbornly refusing medical attention, feeling that Raph was in a more dire need. I guess I was so focused on my brother's safety and health, I hadn't even registered that I had collapsed. 'No wonder Leo looked like he was ready to deck me.'

"Donatello!" Scott said again and I looked back at him. "Can you breathe correctly?" He asked. In response I took a big gulp of air, which hurt my throat slightly. But otherwise everything seemed to be in working order.

I nodded in response and everyone let out a sigh of relief. It was then, that I felt a hand touch my shell and turned around to find Raph leaning up against the wall behind me.

My own injuries were quickly forgotten and I descended on him. His body had been wrapped in carefully applied bandages and he didn't seem to be in as much pain as before. However, he seemed far more apprehensive about my injuries then his own.

It would seem that we both suffered from the same form of stubbornness. Which it would appear, that Leo was well aware of. As I heard him sigh dejectedly behind me.

I ignored him for the moment and gripped Raph's shoulder, just to assure myself that he was actually still there. It was then that it accrued to me, that he was sitting up. I hoped that meant that he might eventually recover, but we still had a long way to go. As sitting, standing and walking were three very different things.

I was worried Leo might be close to a mental breakdown. As he wasted no time ordering Raph and I not to move, under threat of death. Though it was clear that the only thing keeping him from actually killing us, was the fact that he was still so relieved we were both alive.

Several minutes later, after obediently sitting still, so Leatherhead could treat my wounds. I watched a fire eat away at what remained of the barn. Mutants and other rebels were working quickly to put it out before it spread and were steadily succeeding. However our once beloved playground was long gone.

It was then that the sound of a familiar vehicle rumbled up the road. And my brothers and I immediately tensed. August immediately picked up on our nervousness and looked toward the noise as well.

When several trucks came into view, Leo was ready to call a full on retreat. However, it seemed that our caution was not needed. As the small line of military trucks came to a quick stop and produced countless Mutants, Rebels and April.

"Uncle Augie." She screamed and barreled into the man so aggressively that he was pushed back several steps.

"April." He said hugging her back fiercely, before looking out at the gathering she had brought with her. "You've currently been busy." He stated in mild shock, than narrowed his eyes, as he scanned the crowd. "Where's Yoshi?" He asked.

"Getting Casey." She answered, descending on us in common, over-protective-April fashion.

"You saw him? Is he okay?" Angel asked desperately. April quickly informed her that everything would be fine, while not actually answering her questions. It was then that the doctor from the day before, 'Nathan,' tripped up the stairs after her.

"We need to go." He yelled. "If the Purple Dragons know we're here, they'll throw everything they have at us."

"I leave for one month." August declared with the air of an annoyed parent, who had turned his back for a minute, only to find that his kid had gotten a hand stuck in the cookie jar.

(Splinter:)

Casey wisely didn't say a word as they ran through the forest. Splinter informed him, in a few short sentences, that his rebels were safe and the remaining Mutants had been freed. But was otherwise set entirely on returning to his sons.

He couldn't believe that he had not felt that they were in danger. Had he really been so set on his mission that he had ignored the signs? Ignored the cries?

As they got closer, Splinter could smell smoke and blood in the air. Which pushed him to run even harder. He almost completely missed the dirt road, but Casey called him back, informing him that it would take them directly to the farmhouse.

Only minutes later they saw the barn, being consumed by fire. April and the other rebels had already arrived and were fighting to put out the flames. Multiple military trucks had been parked along the road, ready to take prisoners to hell. Only those that had been apart of April's convoy, had avoided a quick death, by the semi that had barreled its way through the rest of them.

Splinter recognized the symbol on the side and realized that it was Joe's. And quickly ran around to the rear, where people were being treated for injuries and loaded into the back. The smoke and mixed scents in the air, were disorienting and he didn't sense August until he nearly ran head-long into him.

"Yoshi." The man stated, shocked by his sudden appearance.

"Where?" Was all Splinter could say. His old friend was quick to pick up on his fear and led him around to the back of the truck, before pointing toward the front porch. There Splinter immediately located four little faces, as they all turned to him and lit up.

He was so relieved, tears fell from his eyes. And he was across the lawn so fast; he didn't even remember the trip. Gathering them all into his arms, he held them as tightly as he dared.

"My sons. My sons." He said over and over. 'They were safe,' 'they were alive.' The weight that had nearly crushed him; lifted so suddenly he thought he might float away on his own ecstasy.

"Yoshi." Splinter looked up a few minutes later, when he heard his old name. And turned to see August kneeling next to him. "We have to go. It isn't safe here." He said and Splinter nodded.

It was then that April gently started to lift his arms, to free the children from his hold. "Try to be careful. Raph was shot." She explained in a shaky voice and he immediately started to examine said Turtle.

He realized the child was leaning up against him, unnaturally. Like he needed Splinter's support to keep him upright. It wasn't uncommon for any of them to be so clingy. But Raphael had never done so in the presence of strangers.

"Raphael." He said gently and touched his shoulder carefully. He pulled back when the child flinched. But the Turtle looked up when he heard his name and gave Splinter a weak, yet happy smile. Then nuzzled back into his arms.

"He'll be okay." A deep, kind voice assured him and Splinter looked up to find a large Alligator Mutant kneeling down to his level. "My name is Leatherhead." He introduced himself, when Splinter gave him a questioning look.

He recognized the name immediately. As the friend August had gone to retrieve. "Leatherhead." Splinter repeated, sitting up straighter. "Thank you for coming all this way." He said bowing as much as he could toward his new ally.

"It was my pleasure." Leatherhead stated with a polite bow in return. Then returned his attention to Raphael.

"I think he's going to be alright." April relayed, after checking the Turtle's pulse one last time. "The bullets didn't breach his shell. But we still need to get them out as soon as possible." She declared.

"He's certainly a tough one." The alligator agreed. "But someone will need to carry him." He explained and Splinter nodded in confirmation. It was then that he noticed April was checking Donnie as well.

His panic was renewed, as he realized that Raphael was not the only one of his sons to be injured.

"He's okay." April stated immediately, gently turning the child's head so she could examine the bandages around his neck.

"They tried to –" Leatherhead started, but stopped, unable to continue. But Splinter nodded in understanding. He knew what that must mean. The Purple Dragons had tried to sever his vocal cords.

"We're ready to go." August yelled suddenly, from the middle of the yard. Where he stood with Casey, using a large pair of pliers to remove the chains around his wrists.

There was a sharp snap and Casey was suddenly in full-on command-mode. "Everyone in the truck." He yelled toward his rebels, who were putting out the last of the flames and herding people around. Trying to organize their getaway.

Splinter gently lifted Raphael into his arms and made sure the other three remained close. Before heading over into the chaos. Casey's truck driver, Joe, was running about, trying to get people situated. So he could back his truck up and get out of there.

"Come on people, in the back. There's plenty on room." He yelled before turning and nearly ran into Splinter.

"Hey there champs." He said kindly to the Turtles, who smiled sadly at him before cuddling back into Splinter's robes. "Yeah, I hear yah. Hell-of-a-way to start the morning." He stated, then looked up and started yelling again.

Splinter kept them all close and maneuvered out-of-the-way. So they wouldn't be lost in the foot traffic. However, all four Turtles flinched away when they came up to one of the military trucks.

"What is the mater, my sons?" He asked worriedly.

"Their familiar." Splinter looked around when Scott spoke at his elbow. "We used the same trucks to transport them, when they escaped." He explained.

Splinter nodded in understanding and stooped to address the Turtles. "It is alright, my sons. We cannot take them anyway." He proclaimed. "There could have traps or trackers inside."

"We're taking the armored truck." Scott answered; this had obviously been his reason for coming over in the first place. Remarkably, said truck was actually the only thing to have survived the barn fire. Aside from being almost completely black with ash, it looked to be in perfect condition.

August, Angel and Leatherhead were already there. Working frantically to remove debris from its path, so they could get the vehicle out. When the beast finally roared to life, everyone piled in. It was a tight fit, but in the end they managed and even had some room to spare.

Casey was still running around, shouting orders and making sure no was left behind. When his doors were finally closed, Joe needed only a minute to whip his large semi around the house. And was soon barreling down the dirt room with a purpose.

August quickly pulled the armored truck up next to Casey, who immediately opened the passenger door to get in. However he paused suddenly and looked back at the house they were forced to leave behind.

Everyone knew how he felt. In only a few short weeks, the farm had become their home. It was hard to believe that it was no longer safe. Casey sighed, then jumped into the truck and August drove them away from the condemned heaven.

(Donnie's: POV)

No one spoke, as April entered into her third hour of the painstaking removal of the six bullets in Raph's shell. Thankfully they'd had some pain medication. So he wasn't in too much discomfort. But I still feared he would have tried to kill something, had Leo and Mikey not been holding his hands.

Of course April had confined me to a seat, drinking orange juice. In an attempt to speed up my blood count recovery. Even though I would much rather be near my brothers, I didn't argue with her. As I was sure that this was just one step below a plastic safety bubble.

Leatherhead was proving to be an impressive doctor himself. Not to mention, his shear strength was shown to be useful for many things, other than flattening Purple Dragons. As he was actually able to hold Raph off the ground, so he didn't have to move. As Splinter gently re-wrapped the wounds April had treated.

The sun had finally risen and they'd managed to maneuver him to lie under a window and have the rays hit his back. We could only hope that its continued exposure would help.

It was obvious that Raph's shell was still extremely sensitive to the touch. So they decided to give him a break, three bullets in. And let him steel himself, for the remaining three. However, the slightly less-depressing atmosphere was suddenly shattered, when Casey unexpectedly initiated a conversation.

"It was him." He suddenly growled with a great deal of hatred and everyone looked toward the passenger seat in confusion. However he didn't appear to have any intension of humoring us with an explanation.

"Pull over." He commanded suddenly and August did as he was told, still totally lost. Casey suddenly jerked the CB mike from the dash-broad with such force; I thought he might break it. "Joe. Park it!" He order into the little speaker, then kicked open his door.

(Splinter:)

"Casey what's going on?" April asked, but the teen just jumped out of the truck and slammed the door. As the semi swerved off the road and parked a ways ahead of them. Everyone else piled from of the truck as well. Mostly out of eagerness for any excuse to get out and stretch their legs.

"Casey." Angel tried, running up next to her brother. "What was who? What are you talking about?"

"The rat." Casey bellowed and Splinter's ears twitched as he remembered. "Hun said there was a rat. A traitor. He gave us away. He sold us out." He explained, his voice getting louder and louder with every word. "It was him. The Mutant."

"What Mu –" April tried to ask, then suddenly remembered the Mutant from the other day. That had attacked Nathan and the other doctors.

"Casey." Scott tried to say, but the teen was beyond reason.

"It was him, I know it." Casey yelled, as they reached the truck and Joe came around to see what was up. "It can't just be a coincidence. He ratted us out."

"Casey." Scott tried again, but to no avail. As the hockey junky just threw open the doors to the truck and jumped inside.

"Where is he?" He yelled, making the Mutants in the truck jump and back away from him. "I'll kill him." He screamed hunting desperately for his target.

"CASEY!" Scott yelled and everyone looked at him.

"WHAT?" Casey yelled back.

"He's dead." Scott stated and just like that everything was calm again.

"What?" Casey asked again, shocked.

"He died in the fire man." Joe explained. "He gave his life to hold up the roof long enough for everyone to get out."

"He did?" Casey asked totally floored, looking around at all the Mutants that suffered from burns of various degrees. Most of which nodded in agreement at Joe's words.

Splinter lowered his head slightly upon hearing this. Admittedly, he too would have thought the same thing as Casey. It would seem that even in this age, you truly couldn't 'judge a book by its cover.'

"But –" Casey started. "If it wasn't – then who?"

"I don't know." Joe admitted. "But we'll find the bastard. And we'll make him pay. I swear it." Casey's anger quickly deflated and he looked around at everyone in the truck. Before promptly issuing an apology for the intrusion.

A minute later they were all walking back to the armored truck. Leaving Joe to secure the doors once again. It was then that Scott spoke up once more.

"You know, something's been bugging me." He admitted and they all stopped to look at him. "You said that the early warning system couldn't be turned off?" He asked Angel and she nodded. "Then how did Tezz get through the first day we were here?"

Casey started to answer, before realizing that he didn't have one. The pieces suddenly clicked and everyone looked back at the truck. Just as Tezz threw open the doors and bolted for the forest.


Sorry that took so long. I'm still trying to figure out what I'm doing with this part.

R&R