April trembled as she reread the note for the thousandth time. Though she had never seen it, she knew this had been written by the Shredder's hand. It only added to the fear of losing Donnie to those monsters. Yet, why did she care so much? In the last few months…she couldn't rest without finding him and once they had…all she wanted to do was being in his arms. She hugged herself sightly. Why was she feeling so drawn to him now more then ever? Why did she care for him above the others, above even her own boyfriend?! What would Casey think of all this? Given everything they had been through, given all he had scarified for her? He loved her, it was clear as fucking day he loved and adored her and tried his best to make her happy but…she was finding it so hard to return his affections. Now she had to worry about the Foot Clan knowing where they lived. They weren't safe in New York but she wasn't going to leave. No matter what, she was going to stay!

Her father was far from pleased by any of this. The foot clan knew where they lived, they knew the connection to the turtles and frankly it was getting out of hand. As much as he owed to them, he had to think about his daughter above all else. They couldn't stay in New York, not anymore and he was going to tell her they were moving very soon. Now unfortunately was far from the right time but, within the next month or two they would say their final good byes and leave behind that world forever.

"He is alone…" she wiped her eyes. "The turtles left with Splinter…no one is there with him! I don't like it!" She clung to the phone, wanting to call Donnie and check in but his brothers only just left. It wouldn't look good and perhaps he would think they were babying him too much. He seemed pretty annoyed by it at the baby shower. He was never one who liked to be the center of attention.

"It's okay." Casey cooed softly, rubbing small circles on her lower back. "Donnie is a big turtle, I am sure he will be fine. If anyone can handle being alone it's him." He recalled how he would spend hours in his lab, alone and working on whatever project he had at the time. More so he just wished to reassure her. April hasn't been right since her father told her about the babies possibly not making it. Hard as it was to face science, Casey himself would not lose hope. Hell he even stepped away to do something he hadn't done in a long time. He got on his knees and prayed. He prayed for April, he prayed for Donnie, most of all, for the babies. Knowing the soft hearted turtle, losing even one of them…he dared not to think of it. Hopefully the man upstairs would find it in his heart to bless them.

She shook her head. "He hates being alone." She reached in her bag and pulled out the diary. "He says it right here." She pointed to it, clearly written about how he felt disconnected from his brothers. That no matter how hard he tries there always seems to be a gap that divides them. He hates being alone, even if working on projects, he yearns for someone to talk to.

"There is nothing you can do about it now, sweet heart, you can only do so much. It is up to him to make the changes needed in his life to make things better. You cant expect to change his world out of the blue just because of what you read." Kirby sighed softly. She was so much like her mother. Always trying to help those in need.

"He deserves it! After all he has been through…" she hugged her legs to her chest. "after all I put him through…" tears flowed from her eyes. She was the cause of most of his stress and suffering. She had treated him so horribly and yet all he could see was what made her great in his eyes. Never once did he write something foul about her. Only ever love and admiration. Never once did he write sick fantasies of them being together, the only thing she could find was that he dared to dream of holding her hand and kissing her.

"Red, you cant blame yourself for any of that. Donnie knows he pushed you over the line, he even wrote it himself. You set your boundaries and I am afraid there was no other way." Most of what was written was before he met them. He couldn't argue anything before that. Most of what Donnie wrote he could agree with, seeing her in much the same light. Yet, Donnie sought to protect and defend her. April didn't need defending. She was a strong woman. Donnie could see that now. Yet, to hear about what he felt even as they were together. It did make him uncomfortable. April was his girlfriend, he trusted and loved her, but he wouldn't just lay back and let him take her.

Kirby became even more upset. After all, he wasn't there for most of this. To hear this…on top of what he read in those books that April kept in her bags…the Diaries…He was going to have a heart to heart with Donatello. He clearly had feelings for his daughter and he was not going to just sit by and let him sway her or guilt trip her into a relationship. He was a fucking mutant turtle for crying out loud! A pregnant one at that! He didn't need his daughter to feel responsible for him and his babies! He didn't need her wanting to blow off her studies to try and support them! That is why the needed to move to get out of New York, far away from the Foot Clan, The Shredder, the Kraang and all the fucking mutants that seemed to be drawn to his only child. Even more so…he needed to get her away from Donatello, lest he fear the look in her eyes…the same look her mother used when she looked at him in their youth.

~LRDM~

A table had been set up, pillows brought out as well as two glasses and a tea kettle. The two clan heads sat across from each other. Rivals, enemies. Splinter's ears stood at attention, twitching with each and every sound. Shredder was oddly at peace, not fearing anything as he poured the tea for the man he hated the most. Once the kettle was set down, Splinter took the tea and poured Shredder's cup.

"I do not see the son in question." Shredder was clearly annoyed at the lack of attendance. Though he could understand their precaution. He clearly had the upper hand, they were playing it wise, erroring on the side of caution.

Splinter set the kettle down and took the glass in his hands. "The injuries he received have not fully healed. He was unable to make the trip without fear for his health." Not a full truth but not a lie either. Donnie's pregnancy was affecting his health. "I am sure you can understand this decision. It seems you desire him at full health."

"A momentary lapse of judgement I assure you, I wanted him alive and unharmed." He glared at the pig mutant, covered in bandages from his punishment. "I assure you, the party responsible had been delt." he turned back to the rat, his hand balling into a fist. Oh how he could easily slit his furry throat. He could do it too. Just a quick swipe and it would all end. Even before his sons could stop him. His eye twitched. No, then he would lose any chance he had to gain Donatello. If he killed the rat, there was no hope of making the turtle comply.

The old rat nodded, sniffing the glass of tea to ensure nothing had been added. "While I do believe you desire my son alive I cannot help but wonder what that truly entails for him." He was not truly considering trading his son to Shredder. While he knew the man would never hard his daughter, there was no guarantee of such for his son.

"I desire for him to create the retromutagen to change Karai back." He tapped the glass of tea, impatiently. "Once he has done so I will release him." This of course was a lie. He had no intention nor desire to let such a mind go to waste on the likes of them. While he could find little value in the others, Donatello was the only one well worth it.

Splinter stroked his beard. "Why not allow us to take Karai? My son can change her back much quicker from his own lab then one that is foreign to him." He counter offered. If he was able to get Miwa back, he was sure he could convince her to stay with him.

Shredder growled. "I would not trade her to you without collateral." He wasn't stupid and Yoshi seemed to feel he was. There was nothing that could be more upsetting then to think he would give her up with the tide tilting in the rodent's favor.

"You can take me then." Splinter offered, all at once he heard his son's complaints. He raised his hand and they were silenced. "I am willing to come without a fight, in exchange you give my sons Miwa. When she is healed, we will return her to you and I shall go free." It was a long shot. There was a huge chance at betrayal but the only life lost would be his. It would also prevent his nightmares from coming true. From Donatello becoming a Foot Ninja.

The Clan leader laughed in his enemy's face. It was too rich. "You think you are smart. Offering yourself? That is rich even from you!" he set the tea down and leaned forward. "I am afraid at the moment, your son holds more value to me then even you do." He gestured to his men. "I have made a promise to them as well, for their loyalty, I will ensure they become human. I can not stop what they may do if I can not do so." He leaned back. "Word in the underground as, your son has a handsome bounty for live retrieval by the Kraang. Other mutants not affiliated with me are searching for him as well." He crossed his arms over his chest. "It would be a shame to lose him to those whom you can not trust."

Saki was smart. He expected nothing less from the man he once called brother. This was a game. The chance for a clear winner was not so cut and dry. Donatello was at risk no matter what he decided, be it by Saki or the others that sought him. With the creation of the retromutagen, his son had sealed his fate. "So I am safe to assume you will accept only my son, Donatello?"

"You assume correct." He took the mask off. His face clearly seen as he picked up the tea and took a sip. "I can assure his safety. I can assure he will have access to things he could only dream of. Technology he could only read about. One step closer to being part of the world above." He smirked. "Imagine if only he had been born human. What wonders could he have accomplished? What discoveries could he have made? What would the world be like…if his mind were put to far better use…then tinkering with filth and trash?"

Splinter's ears lowered. "If only." He stated lowly. His heart ached. Even knowing the man was simply trying to entice him. Offering glamorous things but there was little to show for it. His son held no safety with him. There was nothing to stop him from hurting him. Nothing to change the fact that there was little he could do and offer to ensure Miwa would come home.

Leo narrowed his eyes. "Shredder is playing games." He scuffed. His grip on his ninjatos tightening as he stood a head of his brothers. Even from the start it was made clear Shredder had the upper hand. More men, more leverage…they were playing into his hand. Perhaps this was the dread he was felling? Yet, it wouldn't explain the pull he felt to go back home, to be with Donnie.

"What are we gonna do?" Mikey asked, perching on top of the water tower's railing just above Leo. He didn't like this. Looking out he could see easy pickings and those that would be hard to fight, the ones they called mini bosses such as Rahzar and Fish Face. None of them were happy to see Tiger Claw again, he was nearly on par with Shredder when it came to fights. For once, he was glad to have Slash on their side.

The large mutant turtle glared. He wasn't expecting to be called out on a mission. Frankly, he was far from in the mood to deal with the Clan shit that Raphael was so adamant that he take place in. He wanted to get home to his mate, to his Donatello. Not piss around with the affairs of them trying to get the rat's snake of a daughter back. He met the bitch and needless to say he wasn't a fucking fan. The woman was far from his mate, a far cry from perfection.

Raph was sitting on the roof's edge, one leg bent as the other dangled off. Sais singing as he twirled them. "So, If it comes down to it…whose gett'en who?" he had his eye on a few rematches he wanted to settle. Mostly out of spite and to put those cocky bastards in their place. He wasn't about to fuck around anymore. He was out for blood because less of them meant less people after his brother. He didn't give a fuck if Splinter approved of killing or not, he was going to do whatever the fuck he needed to protect his brother.

"You don't think dad will really trade Donnie…Do you?" Mikey's voice was small, as if he were talking to himself. He was worried, given what had happened and how quick their father had been to strike Donnie for showing even the smallest of defiance toward him. Not to mention what he called him…would he consider it?

The eldest sighed heavily. He didn't want to consider it. Donnie was just as important as they were to Splinter. What happened was just a heated argument gone awry…wasn't it? "I don't think so." Was all he managed to say. Not fully decided either way. He was worried, perhaps their father considered it as a course of action. After all he had told him that is what a leader needed to do. Think of every possible outcome and plan for it. One of the possibilities was him turning Donnie over to the Foot Clan and Shredder. There was little doubt if he did it would be after the eggs had been born. Handing over a pregnant turtle…it would be too hard to explain and too hard to plan for more outcomes. Donnie would also refuse to give birth while in the hands of the enemy, let alone even allow himself to be traded as far along as he was. No, he was sure Donnie would not back down if his babies lives were hanging in the balance. Even against their father.

"Didn't sound too convincing there Fearless." Raph slapped the sai into the brick, cracking it in several large pieces. "Mikey, Splinter, even if he does agree, I wont let it happen." He looked to his little brother. That face…just what happened in the bathroom between him and Donnie? "I aint gonna fuck'en let nobody put their hands on him. Sure as fuck not any of them low life pricks!"

Rahzar snarled. "Who you calling low life? At least we don't live in the fucking sewers!" He snapped. Teeth exposed as he took a step toward them. Even if they were on the other roof he could hear every word they said. There was doubt in their voices on if their so called father would make the trade. Interesting to think that something had caused tension within their closed family.

"Easy, do not forget what Master Shredder had said. We are to guard his daughter." Fishface reminded him. He was not about to get into trouble again because of other's failures. He had had enough of the beatings because of them and he was not about to suffer more because the brute let childish taunts get to him.

Bebop snorted. "Y'all do know like…them are teenagers right? Fifteen?" he tilt his head to the side. "Bradford…you're like what…fifty?"

The wolf mutant turned to the warthog and growled. "I am thirty-three!" he snapped, watching as the pig winced and fell over. He smirked, still he could scare the shit out of that bastard any day. Him and Stockman were easy as fuck to intimidate and boss around. Weak willed buffoons.

"Okay okay! My bad man, blame it on the messed up mutagen making you look older. I'm just saying, they are kids my man, let their childish words roll off ya…" he held his hands up, hoping he wasn't going to get another beating from someone other then Shredder. One fucking mistake and he was beat nearly to death.

"Yeah Rahzar! Listen to Pumba! We are just a bunch of immature kids!" Mikey called out. "Act your age bro or go back to preschool!" He loved taunting them. They always were easy to rile up just because of a few lame jokes. They were nearly as easy to provoke then Raph was.

"Pumba?! Who ya call'en Pumba you…you…Oogway looking motherfucker!" Bebop shouted back, waving his arms around as Rocksteady held him back. "Let me go ya Russian Bastard! I wanna tear into his stupid ass!"

"Was it not you comrade who said they were just childrens?" he tilt his large head to the side, not sure why his friend was upset. Pumba was an awesome character from the movie. A little show but very loyal.

Mikey snickered. "One often meets his destiny on the road to avoid it!" he shouted back. Laughing even more as Bebop was restrained by Rocksteady. Given their relationship, he wondered if they were finally going out. "Listen to your boyfriend!"

"Michelangelo!" The sharp tone from his father shut him up quickly.

Splinter sighed. "Forgive them…they each handle stress in different ways." He didn't need him aggravating the army of Foot Clan Ninja. They were severely outnumbered. No reason to provoke a sleeping bear if there was no cause to do so.

The Leader of said clan turned back to him after glaring at his men. That pig was becoming more of a burden then anything. "It was my clan that started it. Though I will ask you keep your sons in line." He huffed. The orange one was the most annoying of them all.

Oh that was a low blow coming from him but Splinter simply shook his head. "I will if your men in deed learn to act their age. Teenagers are quite rebellious at this age." He smirked and sipped his tea. "I am sure you would agree." Of course he was referring to Miwa and her rebellion of Shredder when the truth finally came to light.

~LRDM~

"What?! You can't be serious!" April looked behind them. Sure enough the same car that had been following them for the last three miles was there. Black, sleek, unmarked and with dark tinted windows. Clearly the poster child for cliché bad guy car. "We can't go to New Jersey it will take too long! Donnie needs us!" she didn't want to leave him alone any longer then they had to. The last thing in the world he needed was to be left alone with his thoughts.

Kirby sighed softly. "April, we don't have a choice. If we are being trailed we need to be sure we lose them before going else we could be playing right into their hand by leading them to him. Donatello will be fine." He wanted to comfort her but there was so little he could do. He promised to take them to the turtle's home but needless to say he was going to ensure their safety above all else. Stopping now would only leave them open for attack.

"But…" she was pulled back by Casey.

"Listen to him. We have someone tailing us right now and there is no doubt they plan on us leading them directly to Donnie. The turtles all being gone is obviously what they planned on." Yet, even to him that was too obvious. There had to be more going on that they remained unaware of. The Foot were clever when they really wanted to. If it was them in that car, they were too noticeable. As if they wanted to be seen. Perhaps their goal was not to follow them to Donnie, but ensure that they stayed away.

She sat back in the seat, arms crossed and clearly agitated. "I could just use my powers to disabled the car…" she muttered. Mostly just a joke before she realized the possibility. Perhaps she could! What if she pulled the right wire? What if she stalled the engine or drained all the oil?

"No! We don't even know for sure if that is them. It could be an undercover cop." Kirby pointed out.

Both teens looked at each other before they rolled their eyes. Yeah, her father was still very new to the whole Foot Clan of Ninja. It was them. They knew it deep down and after some time you got a sixth sense for this. "Still, it is a possibility." She muttered.

"Jellybean, I know that you are worried, we all are. Donatello is pregnant and alone, his mind isn't in the right place…" he realized that he was only making it worse. Why was he so bad at this? "What I am trying to say is that even with everything that happened…From what I seen of him he is doing fairly well all things considered."

She scuffed. "All things considered what would you have done in his situation?" she snapped. She was being hard on her father yes. She loved him so dearly but he could be so…so…detached.

"I cant say…I haven't been…well you see the thing is it wouldn't be the same…I don't have the genitalia to…" his face was red as he felt the heat raise. "I…I just…well…" he shook his head. "I don't know okay." He wasn't a mutant turtle, he wasn't a female and he wasn't pregnant. How was he to know what he was going through?

April sighed. "That is exactly what I'm trying to say! Donnie is many things but…even he has limits and his sanity and mental health have been plummeting. You and I wont see it. None of them are telling us anything and it is frustrating!"

Kirby shook his head. "You cant expect them to. You aren't his family April, they have no obligation to tell you anything and I know it hurts but you need to respect their wishes."

"But I lived with them! I trained with them! I fought with them! I am family, Master Splinter even told me so!" he did. When she was living with them and helping them by buying much needed supplies. He even told her he thought of her as his daughter.

Casey sat back, fiddling with his phone reading over the texts from Raph from the past few weeks. Mostly just him asking questions and shooting ideas off of him. Even if him dating April put a strain on their relationship, Raph still went to him as a best friend. He recalled them talking at the baby shower.

"So how has Slash been acting?" Casey asked watching as the large mutant was talking to Leatherhead. They both seemed to be enjoying the other's company.

Raph rubbed the back of his neck. "Been as good as he can. Ain't like adjust'en is easy. He isn't used ta us and hav'en ta be more civil. I mean he wasn't like this fer long ya know." He shifted his wight from one leg to another. "Donnie aint so fond of it. When Slash gets close…ya can see how much he is on alert. Hell the last time Slash touched him he froze in pure terror, beg'en 'im not ta…ya know."

"Do you think it's a good idea to keep them so close? I mean if he is acting like that…" Casey wasn't sure if he could even give advice on this. He was just some dumb punk, what could he possibly say about someone's mental health?

The dark skinned turtle looked around before pulling him further from the others. "In all honesty, I don't think it will last. Donnie is try'en fer my sake and I think because Slash is da pa of his kids that he wants to try 'n keep 'im in da picture but…" The look in his eyes was something he never seen. A deep emotional conflict. Raph was torn. "If it comes down to it…I will have ta hope Slash will see reason ta leave. In da long run…this aint gonna work out fer neither of 'em. Donnie's mental health is really shit lately 'n it's confus'en as fuck to."

Casey tilt his head to the side. "Confusing? Has he been using science talk on you again and you just don't understand it or…"

Raph shook his head. "Naw, aint that just…" he bit his lip unsure if he should talk about this. "I'm just confused cuz well be talk'en at night and well…he'll kiss me and…it gets heated…" he paused and looked his human friend over. "I don't think ya wanna hear this…"

He snorted and smiled at him. "Listen, I am still curious about my sexuality. I have watched two men go at it online and well…I think I maybe pansexual. I don't mind hearing what you have to say because well…you are both my friends and if you need to talk about it to someone outside your family I want to be that confidant. You're my best friend Raph, I can handle it." He gave a smile and it seemed to ease his friend's mind.

"If ya say so." He shook his head and continued. "Well when shit gets heated he will show signs of submit'en. Like we were kiss'en the other night, I laid him down and he spread his legs for me. I mean it was fuck'en hot watching him do it and I could hardly contain myself. Ya don't know how badly I was tempted ta…" he stopped and cleared his throat. "Anyway, I thought maybe he was try'en ta make it easier ta kiss 'im so I moved between and started kiss'en 'im again. It was like fire! Hot and amazing! Everything I fuck'en dreamed but better…" his cheeks were turning red.

"Then…out of no where…he churred and I swear the sounds he made…it did shit ta me…shit I never felt before…as high as I was feel'en…it came crash'en down when he moved my hand ta his…" he looked away. "He said he wanted it. That he wanted me ta…with 'im…" he could see how flustered his friend was. How utterly confused. It was cute really to see Raph acting like a school boy with his first crush. "What he said…it didn't match what his eyes were say'en…I cant quite place it or even explain it but…even if he asked…even if he wanted it…I could tell he wasn't into it. Like he didn't want it…just…maybe he thought he did…I don't know…"

He wished he could have told him something to make him feel better but…he couldn't. There was so little that he could say because just like Raph, he was a virgin and didn't have experience in handling someone as broken and traumatized as Donnie. No matter how much he wanted to help, there was so little he could do but provide and ear and offer comfort.

"Gah…" He turned to April who was holding her head. From the looks of it, another episode. Visions, Splinter called it once. Donnie said it was some neurological connection to the world especially those closest to her. He even said with training she possibly could master the use of it, but that would come in time and when they had a better understanding of how it worked.

"April?!" Kirby was bout to turn into the nearby gas station to check on her. He was told about this but this was the first he had seen of it. He was afraid for her because it looked like she was in severe pain.

Casey looked up and put his hand on the distressed father's shoulder. "Don't stop. I can tell you now that they are the Foot following us. Keep driving." He said softly, giving the shoulder a squeeze of reassurance. "I have seen this enough to know how to handle it."

Kirby though upset, decided not to stop and kept going on their path.

"April." He turned to his girlfriend and held her hand. "What do you see?"

She held her head. Visions flowing so quickly to her that she could hardly make them out. "I…I cant tell…too many…too fast…" she tried to concentrate, tried to focus on the images as she felt a sharp pain shoot through her. "I…the lair…water…" she needed to focus harder. An image of red eyes appeared, harboring a streak of purple accenting them so well. "Donnie…"

Concern in the car raised. What was going on? Was Donnie safe? Was he under attack? Was he hurt?

"Have to focus…" she smacked her hands against her head. "Come on!" she shouted in frustration at herself. She had to do this. She had to focus! "Blood…" she was trembling now. Her head hurt but she couldn't stop now. She had to push herself. Blood slowly seeped from her nose.

"April stop!" Casey grabbed her hands, lifting her head. "You said if you got a nose bleed to stop! Donnie warmed you about pushing yourself!" The fear was that it could damage her brain and/or mind. That it may cause her to kill her brain cells if they were put under too much stress.

She shook her head. "Pain…blood…Donnie…" She opened her eye, showing a brilliant light. Staring ahead, emotionless.

"What's happening?! What's going on?" Kirby asked clearly not please at whatever was going on with her. He knew this had nothing to due with the turtles and that it was something with the Kraang from what he was told but he was scared for his daughter.

Casey looked to Kirby, eyes wide. "I don't know…" he said softly, turning back to April. "This is new."

~LRDM~

The lair…she was standing in the lair. Why? How? She was just in the car with Casey and her dad when…Donnie! She looked around. He was standing still by the kitchen, hands resting on the counter for support. She sighed with relief as she walked toward him. "Oh my god Donnie I am so glad you are okay!" she smiled but soon it died as she got close. A look of pure fear played on his face as he looked down. She followed suit and gasped loudly, hand moving to her mouth. He was in labor.

A mix of water and blood pooled at his legs. Her eyes darted up as he moved to walk. "Donnie let me help you!" She ran to him but he didn't listen. "Donnie! Donnie!" She reached out to touch him but her arms fell through. Stumbling back she looked down at her hands. Ghost? No, she didn't think she died in the car. This sounded more like…like…what was it Donnie said? Astral Projection? Perhaps she was doing that?

Tears fell from her eyes as she looked at the mix of horror and pain in his eyes. She couldn't imagine giving birth alone. They had to get back! She had to tell his brothers!

~LRDM~

The teen nearly jumped from his skin when she took a deep gasp of air. God damn it did she need to be so terrifying like that? "April!" he hugged her tightly. "I was so fucking scared!" he cupped her cheek and looked her over. "What the hell was that?!"

She stared at him, panting and trying to catch her breath. "We…back…lair…" she spoke between her breaths. Tears flowing from her eyes. "Donnie…eggs…"

Casey shooshed her. Slowly petting her hair as he tried to calm her down. "Breathe. Come on calm down and breathe." He showed her how he wanted her to breathe, in through the nose and out the mouth slowly. She followed him, slowly she was able to calm down.

"Donnie is in labor! We have to get back!" she shouted.

Kirby narrowed his eyes. "There is no way…given his size and calculating the gestation period…" he thought a moment. "He is nearly two months early."

"It doesn't matter! He is giving birth and we need to get there now!" she pulled out her phone and began to text his brothers. Sending out the code they made for just this occasion as not to be intercepted. The code word came just after movie night.

She sent the text code.

Peaches

~LRDM~

Claws dug into the tree's rough bark. Knees bent on both sides of the hole he had dug resting on the soft overturned dirt, deep enough for half of his body to sick out but he was sure would fit his eggs nicely, safely. Claws dragged down as he felt another contraction shot through his body. It hurt so much! Too much!

'Breath…push…' the voice whispered, guiding him. Donnie willingly obeyed.

The worst pain he ever felt in his life as he took a deep breath and pushed. He could feel it, slowly moving down his body through his cloaca. It was a feeling he never wanted to experience nor thought he ever would. Never in his life had this scenario come to mind and it disturbed him greatly, given how he prided himself on being able to predict the various outcomes.

After a moment he had to stop, his breath coming in pants and he opened his blurry eyes. The room seemed to spin as he turned his eyes to focus on the tree. Resting his forehead against the hard bark, taking in the scent he knew all of his life. The smell of the tree his father grew since they were tots. It was a comfort to him, now more then ever as he was prepared to bring his babies into this world under the very tree he helped to take care of.

'Breath…push…'

He took a deep breath and pushed again, this time he could feel it breach the end. Slowly pushing it past his ring of muscle. 'Slow…easy…' he calmed himself, taking a quick breath as he lowered himself as far as he could go, wanting to ensure the fragile egg didn't have too far to drop. 'Push…' He pushed, following the orders of what he could only assume was his instincts. Yet, even as he pushed it felt as if the egg would go no further. As if it was stuck in place.

This had been going on for nearly an hour, or so he believed. Breathing, pushing, contractions rippling through his body like a searing wave of pure agony that had a vendetta against each and every muscle he used. Alone. He was alone to suffer even when they all had told him they would be there to help him through it. Yet, what was he to expect of them? When he needed them, truly needed them, they always seemed to fall short of their promises. Even if it was not their fault and he told them to go…

Tears flowed from his eyes as another contraction hit. He could do nothing more then cry out in agony and searing pain. They expected him to do this again? They expected him to give birth to more children when he felt such horrid pain as this? Heirs for the clan were needed, and in the eyes of their father…because he was unmarried they would be bastards.

'Big…Too big…'

This was something he feared. Tortoise eggs were huge compared to turtle. The mix of DNA would have cause such to affect the sizing of his eggs, making them larger then his body could handle. There was little he could do. He was trapped her until his eggs were born. He wasn't going to run about with an egg breaching his body. Taking a deep breath, he began to push again.

'Tear…will tear…' the voice warned.

If they didn't come out they would die. He couldn't allow it. He couldn't lay there and let his beloved eggs die. He would do anything and everything to ensure his children survived. If it meant he would tear his body in the process then so be it. His body would heal, but the loss of his egg would he would never forgive himself for. Not when he could suffer a short pain to do so. Physical pain would not last.

The egg pushed through, along with a new pain and the scent of blood. Now half way out, the radius of the egg had pushed him past what his body could handle. He could feel where his skin tore open, feeling the horrifying burning sensation as the warmth of blood trickled down his thighs. He tore an a quarter inch of his body in the process of giving birth but he couldn't stop now even as the fresh tear in his flesh burned, he couldn't stop. He had to keep going he had to endure. There was no time, no time as the egg breached the limit his body could take.

'Push…almost…push…'

Another deep breath and he pushed again. This time he felt the egg touch the soft soil, prompting him to raise his hip and left gravity do the rest. His body shook as he slowly looked back. Laying in the soft black dirt was a oval shaped egg, off white with small dark specks about it. It was…beautiful.

A wave of joy overwhelmed him as he covered his mouth with one hand. He choked on a sob of pure happiness as he looked down at the vessel for his children. His hand slowly moved from his mouth, reaching out with a shaking hand to ever so gently touch it. The egg was smooth and warm to the touch, though wet and sticky from the mucus and blood mix resting atop it. Ever so slightly, he could feel the tiny little pulse from the heartbeat. This sent a new wave of pride within him. It was not all for nothing. The suffering, the pain…it was for them…for his children. For he very reason he lived.

'More…there are more…'

He gently rubbed the egg with his thumb before pulling away. He could not hold off on the birth of the others. A few more…just a few more and he could rest. His legs were trembling badly. That one egg had taken so much from him. An egg about the size of an American football, had passed through his body and he was going to have to push another even though it had nearly taken him an hour to push that one out. His claws flexed, digging into the back of the tree. He could do this. He had to.

'Breathe…push…"

He took another breath, deeper than before as he prepared himself for the next egg that was going to pass, knowing it would injure him further but he couldn't stop. Not now, not until each egg had been born into this world. His babies…his darlings…his treasures…his now and forever…

'Push…must push…'

He pushed, feeling the egg breach his cloaca and stretch his body past the point just as the other had, he took a smaller breath and pushed…the egg was on the soil as he lifted his hips. The soft clatter of the shells rubbing against each other was heard. That one was easier…perhaps the worst was over with the first one.

'Rest…'

Donnie laid his head against the rough bark of the tree, there was little way to know just how many he was going to lay. Anywhere from one to eight was his guess but it could be more. Even so, he would do all he could, he would take all he could to protect them. Even if it cost his life, he would gladly sacrifice himself for the sake of his babies. He wondered if they were going to be girls or boys, if they would be an even mix or not. Either way, no matter what they were he would love them dearly, eternally, unconditionally.

He turned back, looking down at two oval eggs that lay with in the nest he had created. Lowering himself slowly, careful not to irritate the rip to his body any further. With his trembling hands he picked up the first one he laid. Gently, ever so tenderly, he wiped the dirt and grime from it. Careful not to harm the egg as he held it to the light. Tears formed in his eyes as pride once more swelled within his heart. Inside was a web of veins that connected to a small crescent bean. His child, his baby. Spike's seed had taken, mixing with his own and creating a new life.

Pulling it back, he held it to his chest, holding it protectively. His. They were his. No force in the world would change that and no force ever would. They were his young, his babies, his clutch. No one would harm them. No one would even get close enough to them to do it. His babies. His beloveds. His everything.

He set it down, careful not to harm it as he took the other one in his arms. Again he carefully wiped the dirt from it, allowing the lovely color to show. Beautiful, even with the adorable little spots that differed from their sibling's shell. Unique to each precious life that was housed within. Slowly he raised it to the light. Again finding the web of veins and small bean that showed there was indeed a growing turtle within.

Perhaps, he had been wrong. Perhaps the mutagen and Raph's DNA was enough to alter Spike's own to make them compatible to breed. Even so, would that mean Raph was technically the father as well? This made him frown. He was sure if that logic came to play, Raph would want to be close to them. An alpha turtle…he began to growl at the thought.

No.

No.

No.

No.

NO ONE.

He set the egg back down next to it's elder sibling.

No one was going to get close. Not their uncles. Not their grandfather. Not their father. No one. No one but him. Their mother. Their protector. The very turtle that carried them for months and wished only to keep them safe. Only Donnie could do it.

'Time…more…'

He felt his body contract again. Groaning softly as he stood up on his tired legs, the muscles screaming at him to rest longer. There was no time. He had no time. His babies needed to be born. His babies needed to be loved. He moved back into position, claws digging into the now scared tree. He was unsure how many he had left. Yet he would do what he needed to. To ensure that each baby was born. Even if he suffered through pain to do so, it would all be worth it when he watched them hatch. When he would be able to see them for the first time. Their cute little faces. Their adorably large eyes. The different patterns of their shells. He smiled through the pain and tears. He had yet to meet them…yet his heart was swelling with love.

~LRDM~

It had been a few hours. Little was resolved in that time and it was growing increasingly apparent that little would be. Both Clan heads were refusing the give the upper hand to the enemy and their Clans were growing agitated by the wait. Both sides tried to handle boredom as best they could while still seeming as though they were alert and ready to fight.

Leo was increasingly irritated. He had suspected that they would be gone only an hour or two at most but this was dragging on far longer then he would like. Something in his gut was telling him to go back home. Back to Donnie. Yet, he had to push that aside because he had to focus on Shredder. If he made one movement out of line he had to be the one to defend their father.

"I have a bad feeling." Mikey said. It was uncharacteristically serious. He was feeling off ever since they left and he couldn't shake the feeling of dread in the pit of his stomach. "Something just…feels off Bros." He looked to them. Clearly they felt the same. Why was this taking so damn long?

Raph was leaning against the brick wall. His eyes narrowing as he nodded his head. "This shit is tak'en too damn long. Obviously Shred-head isn't gonna give up Karai and Splinta aint given up Donnie. We need ta stop pussy footing around and fuck'en get home." He scuffed.

"Don't like it." Slash snarled. "Fells like they are stalling." He muttered mostly to himself. He wasn't very good at plans, tactics or anything of the like. He just wanted to get back to his mate. With Donatello being home alone any number of things could happen and he didn't want to be here when he could be with him.

Suddenly their phones all went off at once. Whenever that happened it was never a good sign. They with drew their phones and looked down at the group message. Each one feeling their stomach drop the moment they read the single word text from April.

Peaches.

Donnie was in labor.

Donnie was giving birth.

A million questions ran through their minds. How did she know? Did they make it to the lair? Was Donnie doing okay?

Another text.

April: Donnie alone. In NJ.

Donnie was alone.

Donnie was alone.

Donnie was alone.

Donnie was alone.

There was no time to waste. This had to come to a close and they needed to leave Karai, much to their regrets. Leo moved to the edge of the rooftop. "Sensei! I beg my forgiveness!"

Splinter's ears perked at his son's voice. The code for urgent news drawing his attention. "You are forgiven my son." He replied. 'Tell me now.' He watched Saki's face as he tried to decipher what was being said. A tactic they were both familiar with but there was no uniform code.

Leo nodded. "Peaches."

Saki was confused by what was going on. Granted it was obviously coded speech, but the manner it was used was beyond his understanding. Needless to say whatever peaches meant had a significant impact on Yoshi. His face had shock and fear written all over it. His mouth had dropped open and he turned to Karai, still asleep in the cage. Torn between staying and going he was sure.

"I apologize. We must be off…" he began, bowing his head but keeping his eyes on him now.

Shredder narrowed his eyes. "A shame we couldn't come to an agreement. Though, it would there was some issue concerning Donatello." Oh the look on his enemy's face was priceless. He obviously was correct in assuming it was about him, after all he and the human girl and boy were the only ones missing from the group.

"You are correct. As I have said he is not well and it would seem his condition took a turn for the worst. Perhaps we may speak on this at a later date…" he tried to offer a reschedule but he doubted that he would take him up on it.

Saki smirked. "By all means." He rose with Yoshi each bowing their head slightly, eyes always locked on the other. "Foot! We are leaving." He heard the odd complaint but all he had to do was extend the blade of his gauntlets and they were silenced. "Until next time." He placed the mask back over his face, throwing down smoke bombs. When it cleared they were all gone.

Splinter sighed softly. There was little more to be done. As much as it pained him to lose his chance at regaining his Miwa, he was grateful it had not come down to bloodshed. Turning to his sons he gave them the signal to run. Not having to be told twice, each took off with him close behind them. Just like before, they branched out and took different routes home. He could only hope and pray that Donatello was okay.

~LRDM~

Mikey ran faster then he had before. Dipping, ducking, Dodging and weaving through any obstacle that presented itself before him with amazing feats of agility. He would not comment on them. Not when he knew time was of the essence. Donnie was giving birth and he was alone. He wouldn't be able to handle the hot water, to wrap the eggs in towels and place them in the incubator. He needed him there. He said so himself when Mikey had asked about what they should suspect when he gave birth.

That feeling in the pit of his stomach was valid. He knew he should have gone home, he just knew it! Nothing had happened and no one was there for Donnie! No one was there to help him. To take care of him! To reassure him that everything was going to be okay! He could only imagine how much pain his brother was in. Suffering alone as he always had. Mikey wasn't going to let that happen. Not now not ever again.

He looked to his right, spotting the slower moving emerald skinned turtle that was catching up. So Raph made his way to the main tunnel, that's fine. The more people there the better chance Donnie had to survive. A sudden fear washed over him. What if they were too late? What if something happened?! What if there was some kind of breech birth?!

Tears filled his eyes as he viciously wiped them away. NO! He couldn't believe that! Donnie was strong! Stronger then any of them and he was going to make it! He was going to survive this and so will all his eggs! Donnie loved them. He said so himself! He loved his babies. He loved his family. He loved him.

~LRDM~

He was never going to make it before the others. Raph knew this well enough. He was always the slowest of his brothers, but what he lacked in speed he made up for in strength. He Didn't care who got there first, only that they were able to help Donnie. Be it Leo or Mikey, he hoped they would get there before Splinter because he didn't want him anywhere alone with their brother. Not after what he did.

Needless to say, he looked to the side, watching as Slash struggled to keep pace. For his size restricted his movements in the tunnels, he urged Raph to not worry about him but go and help Donnie. That was the main priority. Not who made it first or who would be near him. Shit was going to hit the fan sooner then later and he was ready to take Donnie far away if he had to. With or without their brother's help, Raph wasn't going to sit by and let Donnie get hurt living under their father's roof.

No, he could only think about keeping Donnie and his babies saft. Fuck Splinter. Fuck Leo, who put a fucking collar on their brother. Fuck Mikey if he sided with them. Donnie sad so himself that he wasn't a god damn prize to be won and frankly that is what it seemed like between Splinter and Leo. That they decided he was the best choice for him without even consulting Donnie. When he spoke up he was struck for it. Fuck their father. He better never let him see him near Donnie again. He wouldn't hold back.

~LRDM~

Leo ran as fast as his legs could carry him. Running with the swiftness of the wind it's self but even so he felt he was going far too slow. He pushed himself, pushed harder then he had in his life to try and go faster. Faster. FASTER! He urged himself on, pushing past the burning in his lungs to try and keep up the pace. Donnie needed him. His fiancée needed him.

Tears filled his eyes. He had broken his promise. He swore to Donnie he would be there when he gave birth to the eggs! He was alone now and Leo had only himself to blame. He knew something was wrong, he felt it. The look on Donnie's face played in his head. The fear, the uncertainty…the longing. Donnie was afraid to be alone even if he said otherwise. He should have known better! He should have been better!

He stopped in the fork to catch his breath and double check that he wasn't being followed. There was no way in hell he was going to allow himself to be tailed and lead them to Donnie and the babies. Looking back he could see no signs that he was followed. Even so, as a precaution he would double back down another sewer lose, if he were being followed, who ever it was in what they called the labyrinth. The vast twisted maze of tunnels that had a clever and hidden path only they knew. Donnie was always the clever one. Without thinking he ran toward the tunnel that lead to the labyrinth. He had little time to waste and he was sure they would lose him there.

At the entrance he knelt down. Listening for any echoing sound. A faint fall of footsteps had his heart pounding in his chest. No doubt that they were following him now. A low growl escaped him as he stood up and took off down the tunnel. Past the waterfalls that would hide his scent, down the left tunnel where he took a deep breath. He could smell Donnie. Only path would lead them out and it was the one that they alone could smell. The scent of a female turtle, a scent they didn't know was so unique about Donnie. They had used his scent because it was the one that stood out the most because it was so different.

Another low growl escaped him as he heard his unwanted tag a longs pass through the waterfall. Snarling softly, he took off into the maze, following the scent that meant home. The scent of his brother. His lover. His Fiancée. His mate. He had to get to him. Had to be with him. He ran as fast as his legs would take him, hearing the soft sound of footsteps slowly vanish as they turned the wrong way down the maze. He allowed himself to smile. No one was going to hurt his Donatello.

~LRDM~

Mikey was first in the lair, jumping over the turnstiles and into the living room where they had left Donnie on the couch. Raph and Slash were next, stopping by his side. All three panting. Each looking about for the missing turtle. "Dee!" Mikey cried out. Taking off to the couch to look under the covers. The scent that hit his nose was overly sweet. Was that a good sign or bad? He was sure as he jumped over the couch and headed to the kitchen.

Raph looked to Slash who in turn nodded before heading up the stairs. He took off toward the lab. "Donnie!" he threw open the door, looking at the empty lab. His eyes landed on the incubator. There was no doubt that Donnie had not planned for this. Slowly he moved to it, picking it up before he made his way back out to the living room.

"He ain't up here!" Slash shouted. He just finished checking all the rooms, each empty. His heart was pounding. Where was his mate?! Where were his babies?! The thoughts of his brother played in his head. Was Donnie planning to kill them? Did he hate him and them so much that he would kill them? He shook his head. NO! Donatello was not like that! He would never kill an innocent child no matter who the father was!

"Not in da lab!" Raph replied.

A shriek came from the kitchen drawing their attention. Without hesitation they were there in but moments. Looking down beside Mikey at the puddle of what looked to be water and blood. Mikey looked up at them, hands trembling. "He…he was bleeding earlier…Nothing too bad…just trying to clean himself…" tears filled his baby blues as he watched Leo run over to them.

"Where is he?!" he asked, looking around before he noticed the puddle before them. His eyes widened. "Is this…"

Mikey nodded. "His water broke here…we checked the lab…the rooms…kitchen and living room…"

Leo walked forward, noticing the smaller spot of blood and water leading to the Dojo. He looked to the others. "Why there?" he wondered. None of them seemed to know but he looked to Raph and smiled. "Good Idea…we don't know if he gave birth to any yet." He turned back to the Dojo, taking off with the others closed behind.

The inside of the Dojo was trashed. Tatami mats thrown about, turned over or destroyed. The weapons and rack were missing. Wood from the floor laid scattered about. There was destruction everywhere they looked and each one felt the cold chill of fear run down their spines. Had the Foot been here?! Had they hurt Donnie?! Had they taken the eggs?!

They drew their weapons, Raph setting the incubator down before doing so. They were prepared for a fight. Prepared to die or defend their brother and his young. Each step they took drawing them closer to the only source of light. A small crudely made lamp, made from broken bits of wood and a heat lamp hung over a hole just under the tree. Why was that there? What was going on?

As they came closer, about fifteen feet away they heard a deep guttural growl. Each felt the warning in the pit of their being. A warning to stay back or face death. They pushed on though, moving closer before they got another deeper growl. They could not pin point where it was coming from, but they knew who it came from. It was the same warning that Donnie gave when you got too close to his belly. Was Donnie in that hole? Was he hurt? Injured?

"Guys, cover me." Leo said softly.

Raph scuffed. "Why ya fearless?" He moved forward as well. "Donnie aint just yer's on account of that collar!"

Leo rolled his eyes. "It isn't about that! It's because we don't know if the enemy is here." He narrowed his eyes. "Stay back, it's an order." He turned around, hearing Raph grumble about the fucking hierarchy bullshit. At ten feet he heard nothing but was able to see a small sliver of yellowish-white in the hole. His eyes narrowed, trying to focus on it.

Without warning a naginata was thrown from the tree and lodged itself right next to him, deep into the wood flooring. He barely had time to register what happened, turning to where it came from he was greeted with an olive colored flash before he gelt the impact of a kick knock him back to the others. Raph was there to catch him, ensuring he didn't go too far.

It was a fucking sight. The moment Leo was focused on the hole, the naginata was thrown. Donnie jumped from the tree, landing a well placed kick to Leo, all at once, kicking off of him and dislodging the naginata only to use the momentum to land back in the tree. Raph was fucking impressed as she by the speed, precision and strength. It was fucking terrifying.

"Found Donnie." Leo grumbled, using his ninjato to help him stand. Did he have to kick him so hard? He rubbed his shell and shook his head. Damn, he wasn't ready for that. "Guys…he's protecting the eggs." All eyes fell to him. "I saw them, not sure how many there are but…I know they are in the hole."

"TURTLES BURY EGGS!" Mikey shouted, smacking his hand on his head. "No wonder he came here! It is the only place close that has dirt!" he read that in the book but never through Donnie would bury his babies. He didn't think that would be a big part of the labor and Donnie never mentioned it…Donnie. His eyes looked up at their brother.

He stood tall, balancing easily on the branch with the naginata behind him at the ready. His eyes, they were so small, so filled with determination. Yet what scared him to the core was how red they looked. How…savage and feral he seemed. They were trained on the group, watching, calculating. "Hey…How far did Leo get?"

"I'd say ten feet…" Slash spoke up. Keeping a close eye on the nest. "Maybe he attacked because he is a opposing Alpha?" perhaps he was defending the nest from those who would possibly kill the young.

Raph tightened the grip on his sais. "What do ya think? Maybe Slash can get closer? He is the biological father…"

"Worth a try." Leo turned to him. As much as he didn't like it, if Donnie was defending the nest he wouldn't come to them willingly. "Let me try talking to him first." The others nodded. Maybe he could be reasoned with. Stepping forward, he stopped when he heard the growl. Ten feet. He slowly lowered his weapons, showing that he meant no harm. Another foot and Donnie moved to a defensive position. "Donnie, I know you are defending your nest. Relax please, we don't want to hurt them, nor you. Come down and we can get them in the incubator…"

A growl was his response.

"That is a no then…" He sighed softly.

Slash grew impatient. Standing up he moved toward the nest. "Don't care if you can reason with him or not, I am going to my eggs and will help my mate…" The moment he got to ten feet Donnie launched from the tree, dropping to the ground lowly, he used the naginata to knock him from his feet. Slamming the pole arm into the ground for leverage he kicked the shelled tortoise across the Dojo and into the wall. With drawing the weapon, he tried the same with Leo only to he stopped.

They were close as Leo held onto his weapon and arm. "Donnie stop! We don't want to hurt you!" Yet there was no understanding behind those eyes. It was pure instinct and adrenaline. Yet, he also caught the labored breaths and felt the tremble in his legs. With him so close, he could smell the scent of blood on him. "You're hurt!"

Before he could act, Donnie ducked down, sliding the wood staff between his legs and shifted. Leo fell on his shell and was kicked back to the others. Mikey watched as Donnie collected his ninjato's and walked backward back to the tree, ensuring that his eyes remained trained on them all.

"He ain't try'en ta hurt us." Raph was able to realize this quickly. He was keeping them at bay, ten feet from the nest and taking the weapons. "Guys…" he looked to his brothers. "I see blood on his legs…" his voice cracked.

Mikey wiped the tears from his eyes. "What do we do?!" he asked. They couldn't get close. Hell Leo was their best fighter and he was knocked back twice. Slash was the biggest and strongest and he was trying to pull himself out of the wall. "What if he bleeds out!"

"I assure you he will not." Splinter stepped forward, kneeling down and looking Leo over. "You did well not to hurt him. I will handle it." He stood up only to be stopped by a sai being thrown at his feet. Shooting a glare at his hot tempered son.

Raph stood his ground, returning the glare tenfold. "If ya so much as hurt 'im again…I assure ya it will be yer biggest regret!" he snarled.

Splinter scuffed, using his tail to retrieve the sai and toss it back. "I will not hurt him." With that he turned back, looking at his son who was staring at him with those eyes…eyes like he had seen in his nightmares…eyes that held nothing but deadly intent. He took a step back, trying to steady himself. This was not his nightmare…they were never in the lair when they fought him. This wasn't that. This was something more primal. A mother defending her children.

A low growl escaped his son. A warning that another step would be met with repercussions. Splinter made his move, darting at the nest to draw him out of the tree. Just as he thought, his son threw himself between the intruder and his eggs. Moving back he narrowly dodged the blade of the naginata as it swiped at his head. He was within five feet of the nest, able to see into it at the small eggs that were housed there. It was short lived as Donatello swiped at his legs with the pole of the weapon. Splinter dodged easily, moving to his hands and knocking the weapon from them and several feet away. This did not stop him. The determined mother ducked low, avoiding the tail. Once down, he kicked off the ground with those long powerful legs and delivered a jab that knocked him back a few feet.

The father knelt to stop his momentum, looking to his son with awe. All the lessons he had been trying to teach had sank in. He moved with such agility like Michaelangelo. He demonstrated such power like Raphael. His skill was matched for Leonardo. His eyes widened. All these years…all these years he had to come to the realization now, when his son was thinking of nothing else but to defend his young with his very life. That Donatello had been holding back because he never wanted to hurt them. He looked down at his arm where those claws had cut into him. Thick blood oozed from the wound. Now, with his eggs on the line he was willing to defend them, willing to harm them and if need be to defend his nest…kill them. Fear took hold of him. Staring in those eyes…those piercing, glowing blood colored red eyes…eyes of a feral monster, a demon. "No one goes near him or the nest!" he gave the command little room to argue.

Yet it was too late. Mikey was already making his way to the nest. The feral mother growled at the rat before turning and taking off after the other turtle. Claws brandished and ready to defend the nest of helpless eggs.

Splinter ran off, watching as his youngest defended himself against his brother. Trying not to hurt him.

"Donnie stop! It's me! It's Mikey!" He pleased, the chain in his nunchaku wrapped around one of his wrists. "I don't want to hurt you or your eggs bro! We need to get them in the incubator! You said it was important!" Yet Donnie didn't stop. He growled and used his other hand to try and swipe at his face. Trying to claw his eyes out by the look of it but Mikey turned his head in time to only fell the sting against his cheek. Twin marks lay across his freckles, bleeding as he looked back intime to see his brother kick him back to the wall.

"Enough!" Splinter growled, refusing to hold back now. He ran at his feral son, dodging the swipe to his face by ducking down and throwing a kick to his abdomen. The cry that echoes in the Dojo was one of sheer physical pain. He watched as Donatello held his belly, blood now flowing in thicker strands down his legs as they trembled.

He took a few staggering steps backward before he turned himself around. Falling to his knees, he carefully climbed into the hole, sliding down the side and stopping shy of the eggs. He tried to stand, crying out when he couldn't and falling to the side. Eyes filled with tears as he looked at his babies. Slowly he reached out, grabbing the nearest one and pulled it to him. He curled into fetal position around it, his arms holding it close as the darkness slowly consumed him. In his feral mind, he knew the others maybe lost but perhaps just one would live.

Raph trembled with visible anger. He hadn't held back! Splinter hadn't held back and he knew Donnie just gave birth! He just fucking had his kids and he was just defending them! Like a real parent! Why did he have to hit him in the stomach?! What the fuck was Splinter's problem?! He gripped the sais, ready to attack their father when he saw Donnie in the nest.

He fell to his knees. Tears pouring down his cheeks at the sight of his brother in the nest. There were four eggs, four beautiful eggs that were perfect in every way. Yet, what broke him was that Donnie was using his own body to protect one of them. He wiped his tears and moved into the nest with Leo. "Slash, the incubator…" he called as he helped the eldest moved the unconscious body from the egg.

"I can't lift him…" Leo admitted, looking to him with pleading eyes. "Be careful…Mikey is on the phone with Leatherhead." Leo bent over and took the egg gently in his hands. It was smooth and warm and…big. Something that size came from Donnie?! Taking a small breath he could smell the sweet scent of Donnie on them, mixed with a new scent, one he never smelled before. The scent of eggs.

Slash lowered the incubator, looking to Raph as he stepped out of the hole and laid Donnie down on the tatami mats. His yellow eyes looked away from his mate to his eggs. Four beautiful babies! Four! He was a father! He reached out his hand, motioning to Leo to give it to him. "Please…" he smiled. The eldest of the brothers sighed and gave up the egg to it's father. Once in his hands, he nuzzled it with his beak. Cooing softly, happily. His heart filled with sheer happiness! "My baby…" he cooed. "My sweet baby…"

"You have to put it in the incubator." Mikey reminded him. Taking one of the eggs in his hand and moved to the machine his brother built. He placed it in the slot and watched the section light up, below it a heart monitor. The straight line began to show life, much to their relief. "Donnie said they have to stay in until they hatch." He reached for the next one and put it in the slot beside it. Once again it lit up and showed signs of life. He watched with approval as Slash did the same. The slot lit up with a warm light before the heart monitor showed the heartbeat.

Leo was holding the last one. The look on his face showing worry and confusion. The egg was colder then the others. Even with the heat lap that Donnie made…shouldn't it have been warmer? He shook his head. No, it was nothing. He turned to the incubator, setting the egg down in it. The light flashed on for a moment before they saw the light turn red, different from the others. A small beeping could be heard every two seconds, accompanying the message that brought tears to every eye there.

It couldn't be true! Slash pulled the egg out. "It is busted!" he growled. Placing the egg in a different slot. Once again the same result, the same beeping and the same message. He growled again and tried the next slot. The result was the same no matter which one he tried. He took out one of the others, pausing a moment when he felt the temperature difference before he placed it in. The same result. The same error. He felt a tightness in his chest. Tears flowing from his eyes as he watched the message continue to flash. Hoping praying to any god that would listen that it just wasn't so.

Raph placed his hand on his friend's shoulder. "I'm sorry…I'm so so sorry." Tears poured from his eyes as he hugged him tightly. There was no words to comfort him. No words to express the pain that he was feeling. That was his kid…his baby!

Each slowly looking to Donnie. Each trying to figure out a way to tell him. Each bowing their head in sorrow. He didn't know. He fought so hard to defend them and he didn't know.

Beep. Beep. Beep.

No Heartbeat. No Heartbeat. No Heartbeat.

A/N

I know it has been a long wait but this chapter was rewritten over a dozen times! Each time I felt it wasn't good enough and well…I am not 100% happy with this one but it is by far the best one that I made. It is a very long chapter, longest one I did for this story and well…I feel truly one of the saddest.