Hey guys! Welcome back! I feel like I am sort of on a roll now...got school, job, homework, and sleep patterns down so that's good. Now I can focus on fitting writing in somewhere.
Special thanks to: Sairey13, Lucy Dragneel4life, leggo lover 99, Orange Dash, Candymouse22, Rhodesincolumbus, Turtlefanforlife1982, Madi, YahiKonaNagato21, TheMaskedTimeLord, aya14902, tmntlover2013, Emily, k, Sara Hamato, RaphsWrath2423, jadebabe2000, and Guest!
To Sara Hamato: I am so happy that you like my story! I understand needing Google Chrome to translate into your Spanish, I have taken 3 years of Espanol in High School and this semester in college I am taking Spanish 101! I also understand why you perfer Leo's suffering fics because I am the same with Mikey. We love to see our favorites fall so they can be picked back up again! ^-^ Gracias Sara! Enjoy!
To jadebabe2000: Thanks so much for your compliments! It made me feel so good about myself! Yes, I take alot of time into my writing most of the time lol! I watched alot of TMNT before I became a lover of it so I knew alot about the characters :) I am happy that everything fits. I just imagined that, in the case of his little brothers' lives, he would panic really really hard! Enjoy! :D
Thanks to everyone else too, for their comments! I am trying to give everyone a chance to be responded to (in case you don't read my other stories this is a new thing I'm doing) so I haven't forgotten/ignored you!
I hope you like this chapter as well since this story is almost at its end! Poor Leo... T_T WARNING: slight gore/intense pain...no one kill me...
HAPPY READING! I own nothing but the beautiful (yet sometimes dark) thoughts I type...
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Leonardo's Point of View:
My head felt like a whoopy cushion. I felt like someone had hit me repeatedly across the skull with their fists. I opened my aching eyes and saw that I was still staring at the dark white roof that almost looked...yellow? I blinked and groaned, trying to rub my face but finding that I couldn't move my hands...or my feet?
I panicked until memories flooded to me in a rush. Razhar hurting Karai, I stabbed Fishface, so much blood, Razhar kidnaps me, Shredder tortures me, I hold my tongue, being strapped down, being hit with a bō staff, injected with something made in hell, seeing Mikey...
Fresh hot tears flooded my eyesight and I tried to keep them at bay. I clenched my eyes shut and felt them run down both sides of my face. Mikey was so upset, he wants me to live...I'd love to...but it's not exactly my choice anymore!
God, why was this happening to me? I opened my eyes, which were slightly less blurry than before, and swallowed my emotions before Shredder could come in and see. If I died it would be with honor and the fact that I gave him no satisfaction of seeing me break!
"I'm a person too..." I muttered sadly to myself as I let the rest of my emotions lock away deep in my brain. A shuffle cause me to jerk in shock and my heart to jump in panic. I turned my head to see Tigerclaw, arms crossed over his big chest, staring at me with no emotion. I felt my face heat in embarrassment and anger. How long had he been sitting there? Why didn't I sense or see him? Did he see me cry?
"I see you're awake," He stated the obvious and if I didn't know any better he sounded awkward, "How do you feel?"
My surprise and confusion went right out of the imaginary window as I glanced hotly at him. "I was just injected with a drug from hell that caused me so much pain I blacked out so how do you think I feel?"
He pursed his lips unhappily as his one eye narrowed but I did not feel scared anymore. He stood slowly and looked over his shoulder for some reason.
"Are you still in pain? How bad is it?" He asked me seriously but almost as if something important depended on my answer. I rose an eye-ridge at him.
"Of course I am still in pain. It feels like my head is a baseball field!" I growled while glaring at him. I didn't trust him or anyone else here. "Why are you even asking? Making sure I'm in as much pain as possible for as long as possible is that it?"
He said nothing but walked over with a syringe that made my eyes bug out of my head. I tried to escape but he injected the contents in my arm. I almost gasped and waited for the pain, willing it to all be over, but he glanced up at me in almost amusement. "It is for pain relief, young cub."
I gaped at him like a particularly stupid fish. He was giving me something for pain? Or was kindness a part of his game? I quickly shook my head and narrowed my eyes at him, feeling a coolness in my arm where he injected the contents of the needle. It was a bit uncomfortable but not painful at least.
"Why would you do that?" I practically snarled at him but he was, again, unfazed by this. He stuffed away the syringe in his vest.
"The Shredder thinks that it is for pain but it actually relieves it. Unless you have a death wish or a scheme against me you might not wish to let him know that I gave this to you," Tigerclaw replied in a hush tone. I said nothing and let his words process. I flinched when he leaned close to me, "I do not like you personally, cub, but I do admire your spirit. I also do not like this method of things that the Shredder has chosen to do."
I couldn't think of what to say in response so I said the first thing that came to me, which mind you is not always the smartest thing to do. "Shredder has always done things this way."
"Not always, young cub. His hatred runs deep for you and your family," Tigerclaw murmured with a thoughtful look on his face, "I wish to serve my Master honorably but for this I cannot. I also wish to defeat you and your family honorably, and for that I am going to help you to them."
My eyes went impossibly wide and my mouth fell open. I went to say something, though I'm not sure what, when I had a small but painful coughing fit. Tigerclaw seemed slightly alarmed and I now know why. I felt the blood trickle from my mouth and my ribs felt like they were on fire.
"The pain relief should take affect around 10 more minutes," He informed me as he stood there awkwardly, not knowing what to do. For once I felt positive feelings surge forth. Tigerclaw was an honorable ninja, he was going to help me. Granted, he still wanted to destroy me or whatever, but at least he wasn't going to let me suffer any longer! "Do not celebrate too soon, young cub. Shredder is crafty and if I am caught we will both die in horrible ways."
"So when can we go?" I asked trying not to sound desperate but definitely coming off as eager. His lips formed into a thin line and before he answered the door slammed open, making both of us flinch noticeably.
"Have you contacted them?!" My eyes were wide at the tone of Shredder's furious voice. At first I did not know what he meant or who he was talking to. He surged forward and Tigerclaw automatically stepped back but never took his eyes of Shredder, "Have you?! What did you say to them?!"
I opened my mouth but got slapped harshly in the face, making me gasp in pain and surprise. The action stung my cheek so much I already felt it swelling. Blood pooled in my mouth from biting my gum and me head swam viciously.
"You must have contacted one of your wretched brothers through meditation!" Shredder claimed while I tried to recover form the blow. Inwardly I almost panicked. I contacted Mikey but that was purely by accident. I didn't mean to but even so I am glad I did.
My vision came back to me and I noticed Shredder was downright enraged as he took a step towards Tigerclaw. "He doesn't seem like he has suffered as much as I liked! What did you do to him?! Why did you allow him to contact his family?!"
"Master I did nothing of the sort. I injected him with more pain inducers as you have done earlier and he blacked out from pain twice. Isn't that right, cub?" Tigerclaw glared at me and it took me a moment to realize he was telling me to play along with his eyes. I glared and refused to answer, pretending to make my body shake though I really didn't need much help in that department.
Shredder just glared at me and looked back at Tigerclaw, somewhat resolved as he walked around the side of the table I was strapped to. My eyes never left Shredder.
"Good Tigerclaw," He praised as I felt sick to my stomach, "But his family is on their way and I mean his entire family and friends. Someone has told them of our location and they are arriving far too soon for my liking."
I perked up at that detail but it was squashed when he looked back down at me with the type of hatred that just spelled murder. I, once again, swallowed my emotions deeply to hide them away. I kept my face impassive.
"Who did you contact Leonardo? How many will be here?" He questioned as he unsheathed his gauntlet blade. I just stared at him and vice versa, "Is your whole family coming?"
I still did not answer him and had to bite my already swelling lip when he lifted his arm and hit my shin hard. I almost gagged at the feeling of his blade cutting almost down to the bone. My face grimaced in pain but I kept my tongue.
"Tell me Leonardo and your suffering will end," Shredder spoke down to me in a snarl, but I refused to answer him. It was silent for only a moment before Shredder turned around, "I must say that your courage is commendable, but foolish."
Tigerclaw literally went rigid and my body shook as my mouth dropped in horror. Shredder grabbed the mechanical drill and walked over to me. He turned it on and gave it a few tries, the loudness of it making my heart jump and squeeze. I couldn't get enough air. Shell..
"All you had to do was tell me," Shredder taunted as he put the drill to my plastron. I screamed loudly and saw that Tigerclaw turned away with clenched fists.
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April's Point of View: (around the same time as Leo's)
"Do me a favor, Casey, and fix some chicken soup," I ordered as I put on hand on my hip. Casey had the TV blaring in the pit of the guys' lair. He was here to help Mikey and I but I also knew the guys felt better about us having any sort of protection.
"Uh, some chicken soup?" He questioned and I rolled my eyes, wringing the cold wrag that I had wet for Mikey's forehead. I was on my way back to his room to check on him. Mikey had been unresponsive since he woke up from sleeping and seemed uninterested in anything, which had me deathly worried.
"Have you even tried cooking before?" I asked with my eyebrow raised. He blushed and looked away. I rolled my eyes. "Just get some chicken noodle soup then. You just need to find the can, open it, put it in a bowl, and heat it up. Not too hot, okay?"
His face brightened and I allowed a small smile to drift on my face as I rolled my eyes again. He straightened and I was glad to see no pain on his face when he did so. "Gotcha, Red! I'll get that done pronto!"
"Thanks!" I called over my shoulder as I once again headed to Mikey's room. As I pushed open the door one-handedly I saw Mikey laying in the exact same position as before. His eyes were red and glazed with fever. His complexion as pale. I was even more worried sine he looked paler than he did when I last checked on him which was half an hour ago! He was awake and staring at the wall. It was like Mikey was slowly wasting away.
"Hey Mikey," I greeted softly, pushing my thoughts into a more positive tone. He didn't answer or flick his eyes to see me. I walked over to his bed and felt his forehead. I was alarmed to feel it was hotter than before. "Oh Mikey..."
I placed the cloth of his head and he actually slightly hummed in contentment and his face flashed pain. "Need anything Mikey?"
He nodded and I perked. "W-Water..." Then I winched at his raspy voice. It sounded like he had cried himself to sleep and to the point of where he lost his voice. It sounded like a faint whisper.
But I nodded and grabbed the glass net to his bed. I gently lifted his head and helped him drink. He was so weak that he spluttered a couple of times before I finally thought he had gotten enough. "Casey's making you some chicken soup, Mikey."
He smiled only slightly as he looked at me. I almost cried at how weak and sickly he looked. Mikey's freckles stood out against his skin harshly and his baby blues were cloudy and unfocused sometimes.
"W-We need to get your temperature down otherwise you'll only vomit," I told him gently as I wiped his face, his eyes closed.
"B-Bros," He croaked quietly and I nodded, feeling tears in my eyes.
"I haven't heard anything yet but I know they'll be alright," I said and he frowned a little but didn't say anything. I knew from how Raph and Don acted earlier that he was very depressed and pessimistic about Leo.
"T-Talked...to Leo," He whispered as my eyes widened and he looked me straight in the face, "A-Alive...for now.."
"That's great!" I cheered softly, feeling relief and grabbed his hand, kissing the back of it. His expression was unreadable but I continued to wipe his face and neck, "Let me go get a cool bowl of water and some more Advil. I also need a thermometer."
I put my hand on his cheek lovingly and walked out of his room with the door open. I heard Casey shouting a little bit and giggled to myself as I filled a small bowl filled with cold water. I quickly went to Donnie's lab and grabbed the thermometer and some Advil.
As I walked back into Mikey's room I saw his eyes slightly wide and his breathing slightly off. I panicked as I let down my materials on his side table and quickly tried to soothe him. He began to twist like he was in pain and kept muttering Leo's voice.
I paled. Whatever is happening to Leo is affecting Mikey too...
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Raphael's Point of View: (around same time as Leo's)
"So we are all agreed on our roles?" Master Splinter asked as he looked at everyone with seriousness in his brown eyed gaze. I watched as everyone, except Mr. Kurtsman who was obviously drivin', nodded their heads at my Sensei, "Good. Let's teach the Shredder a lesson about taking one of our own."
Donnie and I smirked at tha Mighty Mutanimals' look of confused surprise that quickly turned ta confused happiness at bein' includin' in our close-knit group. Sensei also smiled until we all jerked ta tha side because of a sharp turn that Kurtsman apologized for.
"So we're goin' around back, right Sensei?" I confirmed. Sensei looked at me and nodded his head with a small smile.
"You, myself, and Slash are going around back to catch the Foot bots' attention," Sensei explained, "Donatello, Leatherhead, and Dr. Rockwell will go into the basement level to search for Leonardo."
"Yes, the storage area is the best bet for us," Donnie spoke up as he seemed eager, tha flames practically in his eyes and I smiled at that. Dr. Rockwell had the location up on tha screens inside tha van, "Raph, Sensei, and Slash can enter through the window on the first floor while we try to find the entry point to the storage area or basement if you will..."
"Pete and I will keep in communications here in the van," Mr. Kurtsman added as his eyes trained on tha road. Pete flashed everyone a wide beam, "If anything goes wrong speak up and someone will try to help. In and out as fast as you can."
"Agreed," Slash grinned as he punched one fist into tha other. We smirked at each other before he turned ta Leatherhead, "We will give you guys enough cover until you inform us that you have Leo safely in tow."
"Okay," LH agreed with a battle ready face. I loved how pumped up all our friends were ta save Leo. Shredder and his goons have one hell of a battle ready for them when we get there!
"Also if push comes to shove and we are held back then go on without us and we can catch up. What matters most is Leonardo," Slash added as his team looked horrified by that idea.
I opened my mouth ta say somethin' when a jolt of agony hit me full force. I gasped and so did Donnie, whose face twisted into surprise pain. Before I knew it Donnie and I were doubled over with Sensei's hands on our shoulders lookin' worried.
I began to panic at this unknown hurt that apparently both Donnie and I were sufferin' from. It couldn't just randomly come up, right? So why are we both hurtin'? A new thought occurred ta me as tha pain peaked and then began ta die down...Leo...Fearless was hurtin' badly! Donnie gripped my other shoulder for support, lookin' panicked so he must have come ta tha same conclusion.
"-ons...my sons, please tell me what is wrong?" Sensei sounded increasingly panicked. I was able ta look up at him and his eyes widened like he finally got it. He straightened tha same time I did. I helped support Donnie.
"What is it?" Slash asked lookin' concerned as Dr. Rockwell studied us with wide eyes behind him, "Somethin' wrong?"
"Leo's hurtin'...he's...God, that hurt so bad," I whispered with wide eyes. Donnie was shakin' like a leaf in my arms and Sensei's eyes narrowed.
"What makes you think that?" Dr. Rockwell demanded while Leatherhead and Slash shared a look. Pete just blinked stupidly.
"It's...just a feelin'," I explained, still feelin' tha after affects of that pain as I rubbed my fingers on Don's shell without really realizin' it.
"As ninja we can sometimes have a great sense of things...but as a ninja family that bond is even stronger," Sensei explained as he gazed at us with a hardened face. Man, Sensei was even more pissed than me right now!
"Well don't worry, we will be there soon and we will teach them a lesson," Leatherhead's face also hardened but his fury was clear on his face, so much so I'm surprised his eyes didn't glaze over. Slash and Dr. Rockwell took a step away from him.
"How far away are we?" Sensei asked with rare anger in his eyes. I looked down at Donnie, who looked up at me at tha same time. Fresh tears swam in his eyes and his mouth was pursed but he didn't cry. I could take one look at my little genius brother and tell that he was tryin' his best not ta have another damned panick attack. Yup, Shredder's gonna pay! I'm rippin' his tongue out of his mouth and shovin' it right up his ass for this!
While the others weren't looking I used my thumbs and wiped Donnie's tears away. He was surprised by tha notion but he smiled up at me with that gentle smile of his as he stood shakily on his feet. Donnie was independent so it was hard ta be a big brother ta him sometimes. Especially when he hardly plays tha little brother card, but when he does...it's usually because of a really bad reason.
I smiled back and then it quickly disappears when Mr. Kurtsman announces we are five minutes away. Everyone immediately began ta recheck their gear and get ready both physically and mentally.
I'm comin' for ya Fearless. Stay strong and alive...
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Tigerclaw's Point of View:
I kept my mouth shut tight, which was really hard, once my Master was through with the young cub. He wiped his hands with his mouth twisted in disgust. Shredder looked very angry now, though. The young cub, Leonardo, had not said one word about his family.
Shredder stepped toward me and I forced myself not to flinch at the sight of the young cub's blood all over his metal armor. His lip curled as he looked back at the young cub. "He blacked out again. How useless is he? I knew that their will was strong but there is no way he can keep this up forever."
My face hardened. "He will die before he gives up his family, Master Shredder."
Shredder stared at me without emotion for a minute before he hummed in agreement. "Then I will bait out his family and kill Leonardo before them. I have no further use for him when they arrive after all."
I was horrified at what he was suggesting but I kept my face impassive and nodded my head. Shredder looked at his armor and growled. "I am going to go clean up. Watch Leonardo, Tigerclaw. His family should be here to rescue him soon and I want to be ready for them."
"Hai, Master Shredder," I bowed and he slowly left the room, wiping at his metal armor. As soon as the door closed I drew closer to the young cub with my heart melting into sympathy. I was an assassin and I have done horrid things to get information but not even anything as horrid as this.
The young cubs limbs were still restrained and had fresh bruises, some more horrible than others. His arm was blackened in the spot where Shredder had injected that prolonged non-deadly poison in his system. I scowled at the newly drilled holes in his plastron. They were only deep enough to nick the skin beneath the plastron but it was still bleeding nonetheless and I could not imagine the pain of having your plastron drilled through. Not to mention that the holes were carefully drilled around the slash marks from the whip earlier on.
The young cub was deathly pale and breathing slowly. I feared for his life. I quickly checked his pulse and was relieved to find it there but slower than I was used to. I looked from side to side and retrieved a cloth from inside my vest. It was too small but it would have to do until I could get him to his family. I know that purple banded cub had medical knowledge so he should be fine after getting to them.
I wiped away all the blood on the young cubs plastron and then put pressure and some of the holes in his plastron. I figured that it would regrow with time but for now it would be painful and open for infections.
I quickly released the young cub of his confinement and carefully picked him up. I placed him on both of my shoulders and walked towards the entrance with a scowl on my face. I looked out of the window of the door and saw the two Foot guarding the door. My lip curled into a smirk.
Carefully taking off my belt I strapped the young cub to my back by wrapping the belt around my waist and his shell. I was certain he was safe, well as safe as he could be for now, and knocked on the door. One of the Foot opened it and froze when he saw us. They both were confused and I used that to my advantage, knocking both of their heads hard together with my bare hands.
I stepped over their bodies and heard the young cub whimper in pain. I glanced behind me to see his beak scrunch up but as far as I could tell he still wasn't awake. I clung to whatever shadows I could, grimacing and a few healing bruises I had on my own body.
"Master Shredder says there is an intruding van!" I froze and listened intently at the group of soldiers talking around the corner. "We are to from squads to stop them from rescuing the leader and capture them for Master Shredder!"
"He's already got squads protecting all three levels, he needs more to cover the entrance and exits!" Another added as my eyes narrowed.
"Let's go then!" The one from before boomed and I retreated in the shadows as they began to leave. Luckily they didn't cross here and see the two Foot unconscious in the hall.
I waited until I couldn't hear their footsteps before stepping out. I rushed towards the corner and rounded it. Since I was on the basement level I needed to somehow make it to the first level undetected and out an exit before Master Shredder can suspect me.
I rushed through two more hallways, having to stop only once to let a marching group of Foot soldiers go by. I paused outside the computer room that Shredder set up. I was alarmed to see him in there but on the screens I saw that some sort of silverish van was parked and a large turtle was exiting.
I was relieved when I reconigzed the purple and red banded cubs with their rat sensei. I just needed to get to them, get their attention away from the fight and/or van so we're not detected.
"Ungh..." I froze and looked behind me as the young cub moaned. I decided not to stay too long so I ran off. I came across the holding rooms the young cub used to be in. I snuck in the first room and grabbed the young cubs katana's, protective gear, and his blue mask. I stuffed them all in my belt and vest where I could.
"Ti'erclaw..?" I stopped and looked behind me as I secured the young cub's weapons in my belt. He was staring at me with half-lidded eyes. "Wha happ'n?"
"Shhh little cub, I am taking you to your family now. Quiet," I warned and he stared in silent surprise when I petted his head. I felt awkward but I didn't know how else to soothe him.
I heard a noise and retreated to the shadows as the young cub let out a weak yelp. A Foot ninja stopped and peered into the room before following his team away. I stepped out and gestured for the young to be silent. He nodded as he stared at me, his cheek rested on my shoulder weakly.
A few minutes later and I had managed to find the stairs that led to the first level. This is where it gets tough. If I used my ice ray weapon then everyone will know that I helped the young cub...or if I am caught.
I fluidly rushed up the stairs as the young cub held his breath to keep from yelping or whimpering in pain and distress. I made it to the top and nearly froze at the Foot ninja that were at the top. Before they turned I hit the back of their necks hard. The young cub let out a shuddering breath. I turned and rubbed his head again and he actually smiled a little at me. It seems this trick is working.
I heard noises and narrowed my eyes. I stepped over the bodies and turned the corner cautiously. I froze when I heard a battle yell.
"TELL ME WHERE THE HELL MY BRO IS!"
I recognized this as the red banded cub. The young cub behind me jerked in shock and his eyes went wide but I shook my head. He bit his lip and groaned softly when I shifted. His arms wrapped around my neck and I tightened the belt to keep him from falling.
Seeing no one down this hall I rushed through it and stopped at the end of the wall. I looked out the window that was at the end and saw the rat sensei, red banded cub and large turtle pushing our soldiers back. The red banded cub used his arms, not his hands, and his legs pretty well. The rat sensei hardly even let anyone near the red banded cub.
I kept moving underneath the windows so I was not caught. The large turtle and red banded cub's voices and battle cries remained loud until I made it to the end of that hall.
"Hey!" I froze and saw a few Foot staring at me with wide eyes. I narrowed my eyes and grit my teeth. The young cub on my back gently squeezed my shoulder and he hissed in pain. "What are you doing?"
I charged forward as the young cub shouted in pain. I quickly snapped the necks of all five of the ninja. The young cub was breathing harshly and I petted him once more. "Sorry, young cub, we are almost out of the building."
He paused, his cobalt eyes serious. "You killed your own...?"
"I am an assassin, this should be no surprise to you," I replied bluntly and he went silent but stared at me with something unknown but I knew he wasn't really judging me.
"My..family...where are we..goin'?" He asked with hooded eyes. I smirked at him because for some reason the young cub was amusing best when angry.
"I am heading out the window that will take me to the allyway," I explained as he stared at me. I began to step over the bodies and cling back into the shadows best I could, "If I have to I will hide you somewhere so you can reunite with them. They are right in Shredder's sight as of now."
The young cub gasped and looked behind him. "Do not struggle, young cub, I am sure the rat won't let your family be hurt."
"No!" He growled but I kept moving. He fell limp, which alarmed me at first, but he was staring at me when I turned, "Why are you helping me?"
"I like your spirit," I told him with a scowl, "If I were to defeat you it would be honorably. This is not honorable what has happened to you and your brothers."
I watched as he frowned sadly. Plus he would make a fine young cub warrior but not that he needs to know that. Too embarrassing. I continued to the window and made sure that no one was around before I began to climb through it.
I jumped down onto the ground and comforted the young cub when he bit back a painful shout. I waited until he was better before moving to hide him.
Then I'll have to find a way to reunite him with his family...
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Tigerclaw is earning a soft spot in my heart :] I love how soft he is getting with Leo even though he's like "I still want to honorably kill you" then another part of him is like "you'd make a fine cub for me" LOL
Hope you enjoyed! Please leave your thoughts with me because I love to hear them! I'll respond to the review that stands out. One or two...
Next chapter is Leo's rescue! Or is it...? :D
STAY AWESOME! ;3