A/N: Hold on Raphie! Hehehe! Just a bit more to go! Hope you're all enjoying so far!

Raph clung to Vivi's large foot, but she was heavy in this form. "Ya gotta change, Doll, or I'm gonna lose my grip!" The words had barely left his lips when she began to morph. His mouth hung open, hoping he wouldn't drop her. The weight in his hand turned to nearly nothing and for one terrible moment, he thought he'd lost his hold on her. A small soft body formed in his hand, he drew it close before opening it. In his palm was a white mouse. He blinked. "Vivi?" The mouse bobbed its head. He frowned. Even in this new form he could still see her injury that covered nearly her entire side. The little mouse looked lethargic. He set her gently on his shoulder. "Hold on."

Reaching into his belt, he jabbed his other sai into the mountain side. He took in their situation. They were dangling no more than ten feet from the precipice with a thousand-foot drop beneath them. Ten feet. I can do that. I just gotta be careful. He didn't have the convenience of his Shuko spikes, not that he could have reached them if he did have them. Using his toes, he caught them on any small outcropping he could find and pushed himself up. After several inches, he removed one sai to jab it in higher up. Although it felt like hours before he reached the top, it had only been a matter of minutes.

He pulled himself over the ledge and Vivi scurried off his shoulder. A moment later she was in her natural form again. She threw her arms around him. "I'm sorry! I'm sorry!"

He let out a heavy breath and returned the embrace. "It's alright, we made it. I shouldn't've pushed ya so hard. You're still recoverin' from what Shredder did ta ya."

She trembled. "I'm sorry! If anything had happened to you because of me-!"

Raph pushed her back just enough to look at her. "Hey, ya did your best. We're a team, right? And that means we look out for one another."

Even in the moonlight her violet eyes shimmered with tears of shame. "I love you."

"I love ya too." He kissed her brow, drawing her close again. After a long moment, he sighed. "We gotta take Temprez to the healer."

She nodded as they stood and Raph lifted Temprez into his arms. "This way." Vivi headed in the direction of the barrier. Once again, they stepped inside to find the gray stone wall and walked down to the gate. Vivi paused, her violet eyes darting around the entrance. It was late, so most would likely be asleep for which she was grateful. The night sheltered them as they turned and passed several rows of houses. At last, they came to the healer's home. She stopped to place a small hand on Raph's large bicep. He nodded his understanding. The healer might not be so nice, because he was an outsider.

She took the few steps to the door and knocked. A light came on upstairs and footsteps followed. A moment later the door opened to reveal an older man. He had white hair and pale green skin. He looked slightly annoyed when he opened the door, but the expression changed to surprise. "Vivistarbita! Where have you been!"

"It's a long story. We need your help."

He gasped, his eyes locking on the torn flesh of her left side. "You're injured!"

She shook her head. "Don't worry about me. It's my sister that needs your help." She gestured at Temprez, still cradled in Raph's arms.

The man's eyes narrowed on the turtle. "You brought a stranger to Sogel!"

She ignored the comment. "Please, Doehcar. Temprez needs your help."

Doehcar frowned, then sighed. "Very well, what is done is done. Bring her inside." They stepped into the entryway and the man closed the door behind them. The healer was used to unexpected visitors, it was the nature of his job, and so he was always prepared. He opened a door to their left and led them to a cot across the room. "Lay her here."

Raph did as directed. But when he leaned over to lay her down, Doehcar's brow bunched. Now that he was near the turtle, a new understanding took hold. He glanced at Vivi. "You're mates!"

Raph scowled. He was getting a little tired of their immediate bigotry towards them. "Look, are ya gonna help 'er or not! Cause if ya ain't we need ta find somebody that will!"

Doehcar frowned as well. "I will help." His eyes dropped to the Turchan on his cot. She had multiple lacerations, blisters, and frost bite. "What happened to her?"

"She was attacked by an Elf. He tortured her with magic." Vivi explained, anger and regret in her voice. Temprez was like this because of her - because she was protecting the egg. I'm so sorry, Tem. Please, be alright. A tear slipped down her cheek. Raph wrapped an arm around her shoulders to pull her close, but remained quiet. He wasn't sure what to say to comfort her. Temprez was in bad shape, even he could see that.

There was a small gasp as the healer lifted Temprez's hand. "Kefru gauntlets!" Ire filled his voice. "Who put these on her! Was it the Elf! Where is he!"

"No, he ain't the one that put 'em on 'er." Raph explained.

"Then who?"

Vivi took in a deep breath. "They're not sure, but they believe it may be Tehron."

"They?"

"Yes. Effsu, Quassu, Attenmir, Vicbra, and Delten are wearing them as well. They are waiting for us at the foot of the mountain."

Doehcar had turned his attention back to his patient and was already reaching for his supplies. Although their village was hidden, it did not lack the modern-day conveniences. He placed an oxygen mask over the girl's nose and mouth to help with her ragged breathing. He was deeply concerned. "I will do what I can, but she will not heal properly until the gauntlets are removed." Vivi gave a slight nod. She understood. Her sister would recover, but at a far slower rate.

Raph frowned, looking down at Vivi. "We need ta find this Tehron creep."

"I know where to find him." She started to towards the door.

"Vivistarbita, be careful with your accusations. Tehron's family is powerful and holds a great deal of influence over the council. You had better be certain he did what you believe he did, before you accuse him in public of such atrocities."

The couple stopped to look back at him. Raph growled. "Is that a threat!"

The old healer shook his white head. "No, it's a warning. I have had dealings with that family in the past and it did not turn out well for me."

"Don't worry, Doehcar. I have no intention of making this public, unless I have to." She placed a warm hand on Raph's arm. "And by then we will have all the proof we need." Taking her mate's hand, they stepped back out into the quiet night. Sogel still slept, its streets quiet and dark.

"So, where we goin'?" They hurried along the stone pathway nearly at a run.

She stopped and pointed at the only three-story building in sight. It seemed to tower over the rest of the village. "There. It's his family's home."

"You really think he'll be in there?" The guy couldn't be that stupid to hide in plain sight.

She frowned, a memory floating through her violet eyes. "He won't be inside. He'll be in the pergola near the rear. He told me once that was his favorite place to go and think."

Nodding, he stepped forward taking her hands and guiding them over his shoulders. "I can get us there faster." Vivi opened her mouth to protest. "Don't argue. Your side's all tore up. And I can tell it hurts for ya to shift, so get on." Frowning, she complied. Wrapping her arms loosely around his neck, she melted against him. Raph took in a deep breath as he pulled her legs up on his sides. Even now, her touch sent tingling spikes of electricity racing through his body. "Hold on." Her arms only tightened slightly. He smirked. She trusted him so fully, that she knew he'd never let her fall.

Vivi closed her eyes as Raph sprinted forward and sprang off something, landing on the flat rooftops. Like in the city antennas and vents littered the flat stone rooves. But they posed absolutely no challenge to the ninja. She could feel his muscles flexing as he carried them swiftly to their objective. They were indeed a perfectly matched set drawing upon each other's strengths and aiding in their weaknesses. Her arms tightened around him as a possessiveness blossomed inside her. He was hers and she was not going to let anyone change that. Tehron would certainly try, but he had no chance. In truth, he never had. He may have wanted her, but she had never felt the same. Raphael was her other half and together they made a whole, unbendable and unbreakable.

When Raph reached the street that passed in front of the large home, he stopped and lowered her to the ground. He glanced down at her and couldn't prevent the small smile. That fire was burning behind her violet eyes again with determination. He squeezed her hand. They slipped around the side of the house and into a small garden beyond. Cautiously they approached the pergola, where a man stood with his back to them. Beyond him was the beautiful landscape of mountains, forests, and winding streams that sparkled in the moonlight. Vivi understood why this was his favorite place. The view was breathtaking.

"Vivi, I'm glad you're back." Tehron turned towards them. He had expected her, but not the odd turtle creature beside her. He continued unfazed by the unexpected guest. His gaze swept across her wounded side and he frowned. "What happened? You're hurt. Have you gone to see the healer?"

Both of Vivi's blue brows rose. He almost sounded genuine in his concern. Raphael growled. This guy was playing dumb. "Ya know what happened!"

"I assure you, I don't." He took a few steps towards Vivi and Raphael's growl increased in volume. The turtle and Turchan regarded each other. Tehron was a good-looking man by human standards. He was tall and broad-shouldered with silky blonde locks that were long enough to be tied at the nape of his neck and startling blue eyes.

Raphael, however, was still a good three inches taller than him. He snorted. "Yeah, right."

Tehron decided to ignore him, turning his gaze to Vivi. "Let me help you. I can have Doehcar brought here, if you prefer."

"We have already been to the healer." Vivi's voice was tight with the restraint of her own temper. "We left Temprez with him."

Tehron lifted a blonde brow in mock surprise. "Your sister? Was she injured as well?"

"Stop the bullshit! You put those damned bracelets on 'er! Now you're gonna take 'em off!" Raphael glared at the man over Vivi's head.

"What a mouth on you. Really, Vivi, why are you associating with those far below your class?" He returned Raph's glare, before glancing down at the small female. "What is this thing doing here anyway? You know it's forbidden to bring outsiders into Sogel."

Raphael was just able to catch Vivi around the waist as she shot forward, rage written in her soft features. He pulled her back against him. "Wait, Doll. We need 'im to take the cuffs off."

Tehron scowled at the contact. "Take your disgusting hands off her. She belongs to me."

Vivi tensed, scowling. Then a thought struck her. He didn't know they were mates. He'd been upwind of them the whole time. She smirked, hugging one of Raph's large arms that was wrapped around her. "Actually, I'm his as he is mine. We are mates."

That did it. Tehron's false exterior of composure was lost. His voice broke the quiet of the night. "What!" He'd made a deal with that Elf. Take care of the others in exchange for the anthology, but leave Vivi for him. She would be distraught and seek comfort from someone, and he would be the only one left to turn to. But now he was going to have to do things the hard way. A roar left him as he transformed into a giant cobra.

"Aw, shell!" Raph dove to the side, Vivi still clutched in his arms, as the snake struck out. They rolled across the hard earth. Raph sprang to his feet with ninja speed. He was ready when the second strike came. His sai caused a long slash mark across the things belly. The cobra hissed loudly, darting to and fro while he tried to dig his poisonous fangs into the turtle. But Raph was fast and skilled, each strike was met with one of his own. It wasn't long before Tehron's glossy hide wore dozens of cuts and stab wounds.

The Turchan grew tired of the exchange and brought his giant tail around into Raph's chest. Vivi had gotten back to her feet by now and she watched as her love was thrown back, the wind knocked out of him. She turned her fiery violet eyes on Tehron. "You'll regret that!" Despite her injury, she forced her largest and most powerful transformation into being.

Raphael's eyes were as round as saucers as he stared up at the creature towering above him in a protective stance. The only word that came to mind to describe her was magnificent. Her blue scales glimmered in the moonlight, her underside was pure white, and her wing span was nearly fifteen feet in width. Sharp white teeth were displayed when she tilted her head back and let out a bone shattering roar. Raph had to cover his ears and even the giant cobra backed away. But the withdrawal was momentary as Tehron became a similar beast, but on a larger scale. The black dragon formed, crushing the pergola in the process. Lights inside the large house came on, not that any of them noticed.

Vivi did not give him a chance to strike first. She sprang forward, wrapping Tehron's neck in her powerful jaws and digging her claws into his back. Tehron thrashed, trying to dislodge her. That's when Raph spotted it. Her left wing was torn and bright pink flesh shone along her side where scales had not formed. She was still vulnerable, even in this state. He stood unmoving, not certain what to do or if he could do anything at all.

Suddenly, Tehron threw himself backwards, crushing Vivi into the rocky ledge, her head dangling off the side of the cliff. The black dragon flipped, pinning her with a claw sinking into the exposed flesh along her side. She let out a wail of pain.

The dragon above her snarled. My father never should have let you live! But he thought you would be useful. He was wrong!

Vivi squirmed, trying to ease the pain in her side. What are you talking about?

The black dragon's blue eyes were cold in the moonlight. You were supposed to be a perk. He wanted me to use you. But I would have been gentle. I would have taken care of you, as long as you gave me what I wanted.

Vivi was trying to push him off her with her legs, but he was so much bigger than her and she was already tired from the previous battle. And what is that?

The same thing my father was after the night he burnt your home to the ground – the dragon egg. He dug his claw in deeper. I want that egg! And I want it now!

Blood seeped from the wound. Never! Vivi's violet eyes held the same defiance they always had. She would protect the egg with her life. It was a baby, just like Faith. And she'd never let anyone harm it.

Then I have no further use for you! Die! He raised his other clawed foot to slice her head right off.

Raph had been watching the encounter with growing fear. She ain't strong enough for this yet! And he'd been proven right when Tehron pinned Vivi to the ground. His heart jumped into his throat and without thinking he charged across the space between them. His mate's howl of pain seemed to cut him to the bone. The smell of her blood struck him and his mind seemed to blank, but his body kept moving.

Tehron hadn't expected the turtle to appear out of nowhere or the bite of metal in his chest. "Stay away from 'er!" Raph drove the sai in deeper.

The dragon seemed to choke, his eyes bulging. He stumbled asway from the psycho turtle. He instinctively returned to his humanoid form to conserve his energy, but it was in vain. The weapon had struck true. The sai had slipped through his ribs into his heart. He went down like a bag of rocks.

Raph took in a deep breath, his senses finally returning to him. "We did it." They'd all be okay now. Letting out a sigh of relief, he turned to Vivi expecting a warm smile. But what he saw took his breath away all over again. She lay on her side unmoving with a puddle of blood forming beneath her. "No!" Rushing forward, he gathered her in his arms. "No! Vivi!" Yanking off his mask, he pressed it against the wound trying to stop the blood flow. "Come on, Doll. Stay with me. Ya gotta stay with me." Her eyes opened just a sliver and immediately closed again. "I'll get ya back to the doc, just hold on." He lifted her off the ground, clutching her to his chest. But when he turned to head back to the healer's home, he found his way blocked.

A small crowd had formed and several resembled Tehron. A woman was knelt over the young man's body. "Tehron! Tehron!" She pulled the sai from his chest and glared at Raphael. "You killed my son!"

More angry voices joined hers. Raph's grip tightened on Vivi. He tried to make his way around the crowd, but three of the men stepped into his path. He growled. "Get outta my way! I ain't got time for this!"

The one in front wore the same silky blonde hair as Tehron, though both his skin and eyes were different. He glared. "I don't know what or who you are, but you will regret killing my brother!"

More men surrounded Raph. He couldn't put Vivi down to fight or she'd bleed out. He had to figure a way out of this and fast. The problem was the angry crowd was quickly growing. "Stop!" Effsu's commanding voice bombed across the plateau and every soul did just as he said. A hush went through the crowd and it began to part. Effsu led the four changelings and three turtles through the mob.

Tehron's brother stepped into his path. "You don't have any say here, Effsu! This thing just killed my brother!"

Vicbra growled at Effsu's left. "Your brother is a traitor! He conspired with an Elf to trap us!"

The man pointed a finger at the larger changeling. "Liar! You have no proof of that!"

Delten tossed the Kefru cuffs at the man's feet. "We have plenty."

The three brothers had moved past the arguing men to Raph's side. They gasped at the sight of Vivi. "What happened!" Don moved to place a hand on her brow, which was soaked in sweat.

"That creep got 'er in the side! She's losin' blood! We need ta get 'er to the healer guy!"

Leo frowned, even he could tell she was going into shock. He spun on the crowd. "Out of the way! Now!" The Turchan seemed to startle at the turtle's equally commanding voice and moved back. They pressed through the throng and sprinted down the path, Raph leading the way. They made it back to the healer's home in record time. Raph didn't bother to pause at the front door, shouldering it open.

Doehcar darted into the hall. His angry expression turning to shock. "Hurry!" Turning back into the room, he pulled another cot away from the wall.

Raph laid her on it, but did not release her. He could feel her blood hot and wet seeping between his large fingers. "Vivi?" He croaked softly. This time there wasn't even the flutter of an eyelid. Panic was creeping over him. He wasn't aware that anyone was speaking to him, until Leo's hand latched onto his wrist to pry his hand from the wound.

"Let him look, Raph." Leo's voice was firm, calm and somehow gentle all at the same time. Raph lifted his head to look his elder brother in the eye. Leo felt like he'd been punched in the gut. His brother's caramel eyes held such desperation, panic, and…fear. Pressing a hand against his chest, he forced him back two paces. But that was as far as Raph would move, his gaze locked on Vivi's face again.

Mikey squeezed his shoulder. "Let him work, bro. She'll be alright, you'll see." The younger turtle felt his own heart twist inside of him as he looked down at his sister. If she died, little Faith would lose her mother and Raph might lose his mind.

Don stepped up next to Doehcar. "I'll help. Tell me what you need."

The older man pointed at a cabinet. "A sutra kit. She's not healing fast enough to stop the bleeding."

Leo frowned. "She's still weak. It hasn't even been twenty-four hours since we rescued her from Shredder."

"I tried ta… I didn't want 'er ta…" Raph cursed under his breath and pushed Leo aside to grab Vivi's hand. "Ya can't die. Ya hear me? Ya can't! I ain't gonna let ya!" He let out a small gasp as her hand tightened around his and simultaneously a voice spoke inside his mind.

Raphael…

Even the sound of her voice inside his head caused a shiver through his body and sent his heart racing. "I'm right here." He ran his large fingers gently down her pale cheek and she turned into his touch.

Hope sprang into the brothers' hearts. "She heard you, Raph!" Don couldn't prevent the excitement from seeping into his voice.

Raph smiled. "Yeah, I know."

A/N: Just one more chapter to go! Send me some of those awesome reviews!