Splinter sat in the lotus position, meditating, trying to make contact with his sons on the astral plane, but to his immense disappointment, was unable. "What are you doing, old man?" Alicia asked.

"Trying to make contact with my sons."

"By praying? If prayers worked, I wouldn't be in this fucking hell hole."

"No," Splinter said, slumping his shoulders. "Meditating. It calms me and I'm usually able to make a connection with my sons on the astral plane, but there's nothing this time. Not even with my eldest son, Leonardo, and I always make contact with him."

"Probably dead," Alicia said bluntly. "If so, don't feel so bad. At least they're not suffering. I think they're lucky to be out of this shit place, even if it's via death."

"I won't believe that. My sons aren't dead. Maybe injured, but not dead. They can't be. They're all I have."

"Oh, now you're upset. Before you were furious that they were fucking. What a hypocrite you are, old man. If you truly loved your sons, you'd love them no matter what they did or who they were."

"I do love them. It's just my culture…."

"Fuck your culture. And fuck you," Alicia said coldly, her brown eyes flashing. "It's true, Splinter. Love is meant to be unconditional. Personally, I think your sons are lucky they found love even if it is with one another. It's something I always wanted. To be loved and accepted, but I was always the odd one out at parties and at school. The geek, who was constantly teased and at home my parents... Let's not go there. I'm not seeking pity. Just stating a fact. And then, when I finally meet someone, who likes me, I'm kidnapped! You speak of your sons, but there's so much anger and judgement there, Splinter. Not unconditional love. You're a terrible father."

"I raised those boys from infancy, taught them everything I know, loved them, worried over them."

"Sure, but they're not little kids any longer and are capable of making their own decisions. They want to be together and if you love them, and they're still alive, you need to accept that. You've spoken of Raphael and his bad temper. Perhaps his love for Leonardo will help him mellow a bit and he'll be calmer and happier. Wouldn't that be pleasant? Michelangelo wouldn't feel so sad and think he was alone. Donatello, knowing he's found love, would spend less time in his lab and would be happy. And Leonardo could relax a bit more with his lover. It's not a crime they found love, Splinter. They need love and deserve it. They can't just be your pawns in your fight against your nemesis for the rest of their lives. There's more to life than that."

"They aren't just my pawns!" Splinter snapped.

"BS. Yes, they needed to be taught ninjitsu to defend themselves, but they didn't need to be a part of your vendetta with Oroku Saki. You groomed them for your own personal revenge. Did it ever occur to you that all they really wanted to be was kids? Of course not, because you're a selfish, hypocritical old man! Fuck! You piss me off big time. It's no wonder Raphael was always so hot headed. You'd annoy a saint."

Splinter had never been spoken to that way in his life and at first, he bristled, his dark eyes stony, but upon reflection of her words, he said, "You're right. My boys just wanted to be kids and I didn't allow them to be. I used them in my quest for revenge and I should be ashamed of myself."

"Yes. You should be. But if they are alive and you are reunited with them, let them be teenagers and have fun. Tell them they don't have to fight Saki anymore. Maybe move to another city and spend your days in peace. Or give them a choice. They can be ninjas or have a quiet life doing what they want to do. I'm pretty sure your sons would choose the latter. Leonardo, Donatello and Michelangelo don't enjoy fighting and Raphael….Well, he can use his aggression on something less dangerous. Like video games."

Splinter sighed and said, "You are right."

"I usually am."

"And if you get out of here, where will you go?"

"No idea. I wasn't close to my family and the few friends I have would freak if they saw me. I have nowhere to go."

"You can always stay with me and my sons. After all, we might become parents and it's best for the little ones if the parents live close to one another, so they can properly co-parent."

"I'll think about it. I'm a loner, Splinter. Always have been."

The door opened and Sergei and a henchman Splinter hadn't seen before, stepped inside, pushing a trolley on which were a TV and a DVD player. Sergei flashed the DVD in his hand and said with a malicious grin, "A homemade movie, which I know you'll love, rat. I certainly get off when I view it." He popped the DVD into the machine and pressed play.

Leonardo and Casey immediately appeared on the screen, kissing and groping, Leo's churrs sounding like that of a purring, pleased cat. "What is that?" Splinter asked. "Why are you showing me such filth?"

"That," Sergei said. "Is the former Leonardo and the former Casey Jones. Now known as Tiffani and Chantelle. Quite remarkable and just look at Tiffani's legs. They're nearly as gorgeous as Scarlet's."

"Turn it off," Splinter said, feeling tight in his chest and sadness engulfing him.

"Why? Don't like it? Let me turn up the volume," Sergei said meanly.

Sergei did and Splinter covered his ears, trying to block it out. Splinter hadn't been aware that his son could make those noises and it sickened and horrified him to the core. What have those monsters done to Leonardo to make him so pretty, he wondered? Where is my brave, muscular son and where are the others? Have they suffered the same fate? And how can Leonardo enjoy what he's doing? Has he no pride? Or have they stripped it from him?

As if reading his mind, Sergei said, "Your other sons are no more, but they sure make beautiful girls. Exquisite and they'll bring in a lot of money for my pal. I believe you know Oroku Saki. I sold them to him for a good price. They'll be cared for, as long as they do what they're instructed, which is to pleasure the clients. Saki will be sending me videos of the girls, so you'll be able to see how they're adapting to their new life as whores. I'll be visiting them too and if you're a really good rat, I'll be able to let you have a visit and try one of them out. You might like Scarlett. She's fiery, but sexy and her legs and boobs. Wow. She's something extremely special."

"You're a psycho," Splinter said heatedly. "They're just kids. Innocent kids! And I would never….They're my sons... Suggesting that's repulsive."

"Not sons anymore. They're girls, who'll make my friend wealthier than he's ever dreamed of. I'll leave the video on repeat, okay? I know you secretly want to jerk off. Why wouldn't you? It's fucking hot. I must go. Have to see how my new recruit, Swallow's doing. Later, rat."

Sergei left the DVD on repeat and, along with his thug, exited the room.

Splinter held his head in his hands and a stray tear coursed down his cheek. My sons, he thought dejectedly. My beloved sons. How I miss you and I'm sorry for all you've endured. I'd give anything to hold you and tell you I love you.

"I'm sorry, Splinter," Alicia said, placing a paw on Splinter's shoulder. "That must have been pretty tough to watch."

"Yes. And knowing my sons are no longer the young men they were becoming, but girls and sluts at that. They must be mortified, especially Raphael, who prided himself on his masculinity. I assume Scarlett's him, because he's the only one of my sons, who had a fiery nature. Raphael would rather die than be a weakling. I must escape, find them and save them."

"There is no escape, Splinter. I've tried so many times and been thwarted. Your sons are doomed to live out their days as pleasure slaves and this is our life."

"I refuse to accept that," Splinter said firmly, and set his mouth in a thin line. "I will find my sons and I'll find a way of changing them back."

Splinter sat down in the lotus position again and began to meditate, hoping he'd connect with his sons this time. Please, he thought. Make contact. I need to hear from you so badly. Please. I need to tell you I love you