A/N: Massive thank you again for all your incredible support and reviews. I read each and every one and each makes me smile. Thank you all for your support and get ready for what (I think) will be the penultimate chapter! ;P
Thanks again to you wonderful Guests who leave your thoughts as well as the amazing Raigon and Turtlecrazy714 for their kind words. :D
Now on with the show!
Chapter 19
"Rin. Pyo. Toh. Sha. Kai. Jin. Retsu. Zai. Zen. Rin. Pyo. Toh. Sha. Kai. Jin. Retsu. Zai. Zen."
A soft voice crept into Raphael's consciousness, a swirl of soothing Japanese accompanied by a warm glow deep within his heavy chest and caressing his weighted eyelids. He didn't feel right as such, however something was changing with those mystical words.
"Rin. Pyo. Toh. Sha. Kai. Jin. Retsu. Zai. Zen."
"Father, I believe it's best if you rest. You haven't stopped all night."
"No, Donatello, your brothers are more important."
"Rin. Pyo. Toh. Sha. Kai. Jin. Retsu. Zai. Zen. Rin. Pyo. Toh. Sha. Kai. Jin. Retsu. Zai. Zen. Rin. Pyo."
Steadily, his eyelids felt lighter, as did the weight in his chest and at last his body felt his own. Cracking open his eyes, a blurred face appeared above him, relief obvious even through the hazy gaze.
"Raphael? Can you hear me?"
"Y...yeah…" A sharp cough made him jolt up, yet a cup of water was pressed to his cracked lips and he took a thankful gulp, blinking the entire time – trying to clear his vision. A green hand was wrapped around the cup, attached to a green arm which in turn led back to the calming image of Donnie beside Yoshi.
"How… how're you?" Raph half slurred, full sentences still too much effort at that moment in time. A disbelieving grin stretched across his younger brother's face as the water was placed back out of view.
"You're the one who basically took down the Shredder and did goodness knows what to Kitsune!" The genius shook his head, "How are you?"
The question stopped Raphael in his tracks as the memories came flooding back, the battle, the brutal face off in the spirit realm and then arriving back just to step in-between his family and the shredder…
"Leo!" Raph's eyes widened, a wave of pain spiking down his face at the movement and something warm appeared on his cheek – yet that was inconsequential. As Donnie darted forth with some padding which he pressed to one side of Raph's face, the brothers' eyes met. "What happened with Leo? Is he alright?"
"Alright is an overstatement considering Shredder basically skewered him through the side." A strangled noise came from Yoshi – however Donnie merely shrugged in ways of apologising. "Raph doesn't do well with half truths, Father. He needs to hear it as it is." Times like this made Raph appreciate Donnie's scientific heart for matter of fact statements would get straight to the heart of any matter. Still meeting Raph's eyes, Donnie's gaze was soft. "He's alive. Still unconscious but Father's been using a healing mantra to help both him and you – as well as other troops needing assistance – I'll fill you in on the rest later – but Leo's organs were thankfully missed in the attack and by some improbable odds, he won't suffer any long term affects."
"Good. Now you." Steadily his voice was strengthening and he propped himself up on one elbow – still with his brother pressing padding to his face darkening half of his vision.
"Just a broken leg, sprained wrist and minor cuts." That matter of fact tone returning once again. "Father has a fractured wrist, a couple of minor stab wounds I've already treated and a more serious wound to the collar bone area which I've stitched and means no dynamic movements of that arm until the healing process is a little further along." With the last statement, Donnie turned to glared pointedly at their father, obviously an argument they'd already gone over before Raph woke up. "But as for you…"
"Wait." Raph held up a bandaged hand – strange he didn't realise he'd done anything to his hands – "What about Mikey? Did April's team get Mikey out and away to safety?"
"First off, Raph – we're still in the Oroku compound," and so they were – looking around it turned out they were still in the great hall – a fact Raph hadn't even clocked yet. He was obviously still out of it to miss that. "So no, they didn't get him out however, they are still with him in his room. After our battles all finished he had another attack and was lashing out so we deemed it safer for him and April's team to keep him there since we now control the Oroku clan."
Raph blinked. That was a lot of information in one go.
"How's he now?" Once he'd gotten his head around everything his brother said he jumped to the most important question on his mind.
"More settled." Donnie's face wasn't satisfied with the answer, but it was clearly all he had. "Since Shredder changed the drug dosage to keep him from saying anything he shouldn't it's been impossible to reach him. He doesn't react to me, or to your names. Not even when I mentioned the "Demon" he fixated upon for so long… Nothing." Donnie swallowed thickly. "I will work out what Shredder and Kitsune – I'm guessing she was involved as well with this level of meddling with people's minds – did to him." Raph nodded the grim affirmative. Beside them Yoshi's face darkened, appalled by the manner of which his foe had chosen to silence his youngest son. "I will figure it out, Raphie… We won't stop fighting to save Mikey." Raph placed his bandaged hand over Donnie's trembling one, gripping it tightly in a silent agreement of their promise.
Twisting away from Donnie, the elder turtle regarded their father.
"So what else do I need to hear?" Around the hall he could see their fellow Hamatos resting against kit and tending to any wounds. There didn't seem to be any unease or tension and the guards stationed around the room didn't seem concerned that any attack would actually occur.
"The majority of our forces escaped unscathed and we had no fatalities." Yoshi began calmly. "Shredder is defeated and Kitsune is secured and will face trail for her part in the crimes against my family. She's still unconscious so we have guards monitoring her and they'll alert us the moments he even stirs. The rest of the council has been detained – all separate from one another to avoid bloodshed since some of them I do not trust to turn on one another." Raph breathed a sigh of relief at that, knowing the scientists were not as guilty as Kitsune while Jenika was merely loyal to those who gave her a chance to provide for her daughter. "The members of the Oroku clan have agreed to a truce until we have a meeting regarding how to go forth. But until then I am now master of the Oroku clan..." Yoshi did not look overjoyed at the mantle placed upon him.
"Now you." Donnie's voice was gentle as he removed the padding from Raph's face – yet the light didn't return to that half of his vision. He blinked. Then blinked again. "I'm sorry Raph… But…" The genius' voice cracked slightly.
That was when he understood Donnie's tone.
"Lost an eye, hey?" Raph sighed.
"Not lost – merely sliced… I believe it's an open globe rupture – but I'm not an eye specialist. I'm sorry Raph… I can only limit infections and keep it clean. I can't return your sight…"
"We knew it wasn't going to be easy." Raph forced himself to say. There was a long road ahead of him, he wasn't a fool – loss of half his vision was a major change which couldn't be conquered by pure will alone, however when he lunged at Shredder he didn't expect to escape alive, so somehow he would find a way to manage. He offered his genius brother a small smile. "Leo managed to adapt, so I will too."
"I am so sorry I could not protect you both…" Yoshi finally spoke up, his tone heavy and eyes sorrowful. "It is a father's job to protect his children, yet I have failed to do so, first after I lost Shen, then when trying to save you… I am ashamed of my failings… One day, when we have saved Michelangelo and restored order to these clans, I hope you can forgive me..."
"Did a day go by when you thought you may as well give up hope of never telling us the truth?" The elder turtle interjected. Yoshi's eyebrows knitted together, his brow furrowing.
"No. I would never –"
"And did you think you were better off without us?" Not letting him finish, Raph pressed on.
"Of course not – I –"
"And, wouldn't it be easier to forget rising up against the most powerful clan in New York?" Sensing what Raph was up to, Donnie joined in, assaulting their father with questions.
"But my family matters more than –"
"Of course organising a high risk mission to infiltrate an enemy compound shows no compassion." Donnie was smiling, as was Raph.
"That's right – and charging at the enemy to protect your children shows such a selfish nature…" Raph winked.
Finally Yoshi's shoulders slumped and a small smile crept onto his lips.
"Thank you my sons…" He whispered.
"You saved my life multiple times." Donnie assured the man, "And you opened our eyes to the truth. Why would we choose to ignore the fact someone risked it all to bring us home?"
"So I forgive for the horrors you had to endure?" Yoshi dared to ask.
"It wasn't you who was to blame." Raph reassured, "It was Saki. Everything comes back to him, Hun and Kitsune." He looked across to the makeshift stretcher beside him where he could now see Leonardo, his skeletal chest peacefully rising and falling. "When he awakens talk to him. He's suffered the most and maybe then you can see he doesn't blame you for anything. He never gave up and he never stopped fighting. He knew you would come, and you proved him right." With a soft nod he offered a smile. "No one blames you for anything. Believe that, for it's the truth."
Blinking through damp eyes, the older man reached out and grasped Raphael's scaled hand in his own, the gratitude he felt needing no further words.
"But back to what you need to know," Donnie held up a finger, "That slash to your shoulder needs rest as well, so no serious physical activity for a while, especially with the amount of blood you lost added on top of everything else. Your hand –" he continued, noting Raph's gaze, "Just a slash – nothing too major in comparison to your other wounds yet it still needed a couple of stitches."
Feeling much more stable than he had been mere moments before, the elder turtle swung his legs off the stretcher so he sat side by side to his brother, touching shoulders in reassurance that he was still there – the slight relaxation of the genius' frame such a gesture was appreciated.
"So what about the clan? Fill me in."
"I've agreed to find a suitable leader for the Oroku clan who will be allied with the Hamato clan. We want no more war so we shall strive towards a new era of peace. Many of the clan wish to return to Japan, so those who wish to do so will be allowed to leave. We shall have to choose a strong leader for them and ensure there will be no lasting hostility between our clans." The old man sighed, biting his lip in thought. "Diplomacy was never my strong suit." He admitted, as if that were a great sin.
"Donnie can take the lead then." Raph decided. "With his knowledge of the clan partnered with his logic, he'll fin us the best candidate. Besides," Turning to his brother with a smile, "I'm sure there's a certain red haired scientist who is going to be more than happy to assist." Yoshi laughed at that, bringing a deep blush to Donnie's scales.
"Speaking of April, she and Mr Jones have just arrived." With a ndd, he rose and beckoned the arrivals towards him. As they reached the old man, April dashed forth and wrapped her arms around his waist, Yoshi returning the embrace with a soft smile. "Thank you, thank you both." He addressed both humans warmly, "You risked so much for our family. From the depths of my heart, I am forever grateful to you two."
"No prob Sensei." Casey waved the compliment off, yet Raph could tell the younger man was just as emotional.
"Seriously Case," Raph stood gingerly, ensuring he felt stable before stepping forth. "Thanks man." He held out a hand which Casey instantly grabbed and pulled the turtle into a bone crushing hug bringing a yelp from Raphael and a cry of warning from Donnie. Casey released the turtle with a curse, apologising profusely and checking him over for any reopened injuries, yet Raph waved him off laughing. "Honestly, it's fine." He met the man's eyes, "I'm starting to recall the past more freely, so soon, I hope I will remember you fully, and all that once happened."
"I'll be here when you do." Casey winked. "I've been risking my neck trying to sneak closer to you for all these years, you ain't getting rid of me that quickly!"
"You guys take as long as you need." April agreed. "We all know Shredder's teachings won't be easily erased, so take your time. This crazy family is finally back together so that's all that matters for now."
"So…" Never one for honest, heartfelt talk it seemed, Casey gestured awkwardly to what must be a good sized slash running down the left side of Raph's face.
"Yeah, blind." Raph ignored April's gasp of horror and Casey's curses. "But I'm alive. And free. So I can learn to deal with it."
Sensing Raph's discomfort, Donnie filled the two in on what they had been discussing beforehand which of course, April readily agreed to assist with.
"But who could be trusted?" She puzzled. "Those higher up have the respect already in place to lead the troops yet most were loyal to the Oroku name. We can't put a Hamato soldier in charge as that isn't a peaceful move and we need a warrior who can lead by example…"
"I mean council wise we have TC, Doctor Chaplin and Harold Lilja." Donnie counted the names off on his fingers. They weren't entirely loyal to the Oroku name as such, just what the clan allowed them to do.
"And Jenika." Raph interjected. All four sets of eyes turned to him.
"The scary Master assassin?" Casey scoffed.
"Didn't she uphold the Oroku name within her unit with an iron fist?" April added.
"She did." Raph emphasised. "Not my place to explain, but basically the clan offered her protection and an income to provide for her adoptive daughter. She was hesitant about the clan going back to Japan and longed to stay here. I know for a fact T.C will jump at the chance to return back to Japan, so for an ally clan in New York, he wouldn't be any good."
"What about your authorities?" Donnie sidestepped the suggestion.
"All three are strong leaders, but were loyal to the Oroku name… But they did respect me…" Raph mused, considering the idea.
"We shall hold a meeting with all potential candidates and see what conclusion we reach…" Yoshi offered his judgement. "Will you both be up for such a confrontation this evening?"
"Wait –" The elder mutant suddenly realised the matter had not yet occurred to him, "How long have I been out for?" The supposed execution had begun in the evening, so for his father to refer to the next evening must mean he had been unconscious for a good few hours.
"It's currently eleven in the morning." Donatello reported, "So you were unconscious for around thirteen hours." Raphael hummed in acknowledgement, working out the timescale for the rest of the day.
"Yeah, I'll be fine for this evening. As long as Leo wakes up before then. Agreed?"
"Agreed." Yoshi turned to his eldest son. "If you will now excuse me, I shall continue to try healing Leonardo as much as I can."
"I'll stay with you." Casey surprisingly spoke up, yet from the way he was looking around he was intending to act as Yoshi's personal bodyguard until a truce was officially agreed upon.
"Shall we go to Mikey?" Desperate to see his little brother, yet recalling Donnie's earlier explanation of Mikey's condition he knew whatever the genius thought best would have to be obeyed.
Standing, Donnie inclined his head, offering a small wave to April as they moved towards the exit of the great hall. "What is it?" Raph stopped his brother as soon as they rounded the corner, out of sight of their father and newly found friends. He knew his brother, knew every subtle signal and the exact ways to tell Donnie was holding something in.
Donatello paused, opened his mouth and then, shockingly, burst into sobs. Scrubbing his eyes furiously, the genius took great gulping breaths as if trying to calm himself yet merely bringing more tears to his eyes.
"Oh Don…" Raph stepped forth and wrapped his arms around his lanky brother, feeling him tremble in his embrace. "We're okay, we're safe…"
"I couldn't... do anything…" Donnie got out between sobs. "I couldn't... stand up... to him… I was useless!"
"No, Donnie, listen to me, you fought just as hard… You stopped T.C, you faced Shredder… How is that not doing anything?"
"But you, father and even Leo… You were all strong…" In his arms, Donnie was still shaking.
"Who stepped in despite knowing the odds better than any of us and not only fought but assisted with the aftermath, healing the wounded?"
"Yeah but in battle…" Donnie attempted to rationalise but Raph spoke over him.
"You're a scientist. You can fight but you don't want to." Squeezing his brother's trembling form tighter he pressed his forehead against Donnie's own. "You cannot blame yourself for being more of a pacifist at heart. The ability to stay true to your ideals takes real strength. You saved my life, you saved Mikey's life, you saved Leo's life… Need I go on?"
Another broken sob escaped the genius, yet this time it sounded relieved.
"You don't… you don't blame me?" Came a broken whisper.
"Never."
Donnie tightened his grip on Raph.
"I'm still sorry…" He murmured.
"As am I, otōto. As am I…" Raph soothed. "But this nightmare is nearly over… We have to look forward."
With a sniff, Donnie withdrew, wiping his eyes.
"That was pathetic." Pulling a rag from his utility belt he loudly blew his snout.
"Nah. It was needed." Squeezing Donnie's shoulder the brother's continued on, Donnie keeping his head bowed, yet the tension in his frame fading away with each step. "You know, it's not logical to keep it all in…" He threw back with a smile, recalling the advice Donnie would always give him after panic attacks. This brought a snort and a gentle nudge to the ribs.
"But in all seriousness – about Mikey…" Don brought the tone back down. "He didn't recognise me when I saw him earlier – he's so far gone… I just don't know what to do..."
"I understand… Even if…" The words were heavy on Raph's tongue, "Even if he doesn't remember us, if they have twisted his ability to recall the past beyond repair… We make him comfortable. Even if he doesn't know it, we're his brothers and we won't abandon him…"
The taller mutant inclined his head, determination sparking in his still damp eyes. Reaching the corridor they knew so well, they swapped some words with the Hamato soldiers standing guard outside the door before entering.
"Mikey?" Raph tried as the padded door clicked shut behind them. "You awake bud?"
Yet there was no response.
Michelangelo lay on his bed – his frail arm bruised where the harmful IV drips had been removed – eyes wide open yet glazed and unseeing. He didn't appear overly stressed at that moment in time, nor did he show any reaction to the brothers entering the room.
Slowly Raph approached the bed, kneeling at the side and gently placing his own hand over his baby brother's, feeling the steady pulse beneath his fingers. Turning to his face, Mikey still showed no reaction, the light from above casting gaunt shadows over his face from the pronounced cheek bones, making the youngest mutant appear more skeletal than usual. In silence, Raph bent over and placed his lips to Mikey's forehead, pressing a feather light kiss to the scales, rubbing a thumb over the area.
"You're safe now, otōto. We'll protect you. Just know your brothers love you and we'll never give up on you." With a final touch to his hand, Raph stood and offered Don a sad smile. "You want to say anything before we head off?"
"No." Don sighed. "I sat with him earlier. I don't want to risk overwhelming him."
With a tap to the door, the brothers were let out the room and made their way back to the great hall – hearts heavier than before, but now steeled at the task that would lay before them that evening. No more danger could come to Mikey – that they were now even more certain of.
…
…
…
Upon entering the great hall, something had clearly happened for there was a large crowd by the raised platform. Rushing forth, the mutant brothers both began running through any possible scenario that may of occurred, from assassins to a traitor in their mist when they caught the boisterous laugh of Casey through the crowd.
Slowing their dash, the brothers exchanged confused glances. Obviously there was no need to panic.
The clan members that made up the crowd soon realised the mutants were hovering around the back so quickly parted to let them through, each face showing a smile or at least relieved glances, yet as they stepped towards the centre of the crowd, they realised what the excitement had been.
Sitting upright, one hand clasping Yoshi's arm while his entire form was pinned by a gentle bear hug from Casey Jones himself, was Leonardo. Awake and chatting to his father with such a relieved and overjoyed expression, it seemed his face would split apart from the width of his smile.
As the mutants reached their awakened brother, Casey backed off, and Leonardo – with Yoshi's steadying hand – rose, facing Donnie and Raph with that same relieved smile.
"Thank you." He breathed, and in the blink of an eye, all three brothers were wrapped in one another's arms – no one caring if they were seen with tears on their cheeks – something about the moment just felt so right. It was as if a missing piece had finally slotted itself back into their lives, the brother they had gone so long without knowing at last reunited with them.
Through the tears Leo was whispering words of thanks while Donnie and Raph were doing the exact same. "Otōtos" and "Anis" were exchanged with glee as the three embraced, taking comfort in the mere presence of the others.
"You're free…" Raph murmured at one stage, only to be met with a calm.
"Yes. We all are…"
Questions about Mikey were answered and wounds questioned. When Leonardo heard of Raphael's eye, he sadly placed a hand over the bandaged wound and promised to teach Raph all he had learnt with how to adapt to half vision. All the while Yoshi stood by their side, tearful still form the conversation he had been holding with Leonardo before their arrival yet a smile on his lips.
Gradually they separated allowing Raph to take in those around. April was still present, talking with Angel off to one side while Casey – now unable to hug Leo – had his arms wrapped around Shadow's shoulders, the need for some physical grounding apparent – yet he was not the only one. Amongst the troops many had arms draped over shoulders or were wrapped in fierce embraces. Their ten year long mission had ended in success at last and many were able to freely reunite with those they had been distanced from for so long.
With hours still to go before their planned meeting regarding the future of the Oroku clan, everyone was clearly making the most of the moment. Smiling and laughing, it was clear what they had all been fighting for – the ability to be a family once more. Unlike the rigid Oroku clan, this was clearly a clan based on mutual trust and respect as well as the idea of family rather than the hierarchy that had governed Raph and Donnie's lives for so long. It was wonderful.
People Raph and Don didn't even know came up to them and embraced them, patted them on the shell or just grinned – sharing their joy and cause for celebration.
At one point Yoshi came up to Raph and nodded his head.
"You were correct, my son." Together they looked to where Leo was happily conversing with some Hamato soldiers. "He told me nothing was my fault… Not losing his mother, not his fight against Karai, not losing his brothers nor his years in captivity…"
"He's got a strong heart and knows right from wrong…" Raph smiled, pride burning in his chest for this elder brother he had known for mere days. "I knew he couldn't blame you."
"I am so grateful for all my sons…" Yoshi admitted, eyes shinning. "I must have been blessed to still be trusted by you all." Raph looked to his father, then back to his brothers and returned to his father. Before he thought any more he wrapped the older man in a tight embrace, offering the reassurance his father needed that his sons still trusted him.
Amidst the chaos of the celebrations, the heart-warming image of the clan's leader embracing each of his sons multiple times would imprint itself into each of the clan's members who had been present, the proof of all they had worked so hard for proving the worth of their sacrifices.
…
…
…
By that night the Hamato clan had put their celebrations on hold and had arranged the great hall with a circle of tables – ensuring no one person was at the head of the meeting – even going so far as to ensure nobody sat in line with the throne nor the great Oroku symbol on the wall above.
At the appointed time, each of the council members were brought in and sat at the table, unarmed and under the watch of several guards. Other leading members of the clan took seats including Raph's authorities. Yoshi and his sons – obviously excluding Mikey – also took seats.
"First, I would like to lay out what I believe is most beneficial for both clans." Yoshi opened. "After this I shall listen to all you have to say and we shall proceed from there. Is this acceptable?" There were curt nods.
"I am aware many of the Oroku clan longed to return to Japan. I will agree to this as long as that clan remains an international ally to the Hamatos and no lasting warfare is declared. I also believe a settlement of the clan should remain in New York for you have built a strong empire that if felled could lead to more dangerous gangs arising to grab power." The Hamato leader, Raph noted, was meeting every Oroku member's eyes as he spoke, leaving none unaddressed. His humility despite the power he wielded was a strong quality Raph had never realised that had been so lacking from the Shredder.
"The clan located here shall work as partners with the Hamato clan – sharing intel, scientific research, medical knowledge and supplies and missions when required. We shall set up a council in both clans that can coordinate all this. Then we have reparations. For the crimes against my sons," his voice grew cold, "I was prepared to track each member that personally wronged these young men and make them pay, however, I have been talked out of this." He turned to Leonardo who took up the narration.
"We only ask for changes to the disciplinary programs of the Oroku clan – making firmer distinctions as to what type of prisoners or criminals deserves certain punishments. Younger enemies can be raised within the clan rather than directly punished and morally questionable methods such as mind control, and drugging will be banned." Leo spoke calmly through all this as though he himself had not experienced all these horrors first hand. Yoshi inclined his head in silent thanks before continuing.
"All this will be the ruling of the councils so will be set in stone at a later date. But as for leadership – we want a member of the Oroku to lead the clan in the new direction. We have discussed the matter internally and believe one of the former council members should be a strong central figure. Yet we want to hear your thoughts."
"I request to return to Japan." T.C spent no time beating around the bush. "I did not remain loyal to the clan because of Saki but a debt to the clan who raised me and provided for me especially after my injury." He gestured at the stump – his artificial arm having been removed for security reasons.
"Would you be willing to be considered for a leader of the Japanese branch?" Yoshi put forth receiving a curt nod.
"Only if the clan agree with the choice."
"I agree, if only I am permitted to act as second." Norio, the most serious of Raphael's authorities spoke up, the suggestion being greeted with a murmur of approval.
"As for the New York leader, are there any suggestions?" Yoshi turned to the others.
"Jenika." Raph spoke up when no one offered any suggestions causing the woman in question to raise her head in surprise. "With Hoshi and Tadao potentially as her generals if they trust one another and agree. Between them they have the strength and intellect to make the right decisions."
"I… I consent." Jenika finally spoke up, the look in her eyes showing Raph how grateful she was at the chance to stay in the city while providing for her daughter.
"Any objections?" Yoshi turned to the others when Hoshi stood and – from the guard behind her, she grabbed their tanto and spun, knocking them back. Before anyone had a chance to move, the authority had leapt across the table, blade poised ready to strike Jenika.
"TRAITOR!" She cried, brandishing the tanto - only for the woman to parry her away with her bare hands, trapping Hoshi's wrists and twisting, trying to make her drop the weapon. That moment had given the others a chance to act. Guards went to step in, yet Hoshi managed to throw Jenika off balance, slashing her thigh when Raph, Leo and Yoshi stepped in. Together they joined the fray, forcing Hoshi back and disarming her.
As she struggled in Raph's grasp, Yoshi took stock of the situation.
"We'll deal with her later. Anyone require medical attention?" He addressed those nearby.
"Minor, but yeah." Jenika raised her hand, her other clamping down on her bleeding leg.
"Um…" Leonardo seemed annoyed as he looked down. Raph froze as a cold laugh bubbled from Hoshi's lips.
"Long live the Shredder." The Oroku woman spat on the floor.
"Crap." Raph cursed, unable to run forth due to the prisoner in his grasp.
Leonardo lowered himself into a chair, breathing deeply as his hands clasped his side. Somehow, in the chaos, Hoshi had impaled Leonardo in the exact same spot he had just been sewed up after his battle with the Shredder. Instantly, Donnie, April and – to their surprise – the Oroku scientist Rockwell were at the eldest Hamato's side.
"He's losing a lot of blood! I need something to stop the bleeding!" Donnie yelled out, frantically tearing apart Leo's shirt to access the wound.
"What type?" Another scientist yelled.
"O negative!" Donnie – having tended to Leo earlier – responded.
"You used the last of that stock earlier." Came the horrified report. "We were already low…"
"IS ANYBODY HERE O NEGATIVE?" Desperation crept into the genius' voice. "And someone hurry with those medical supplies!"
"If I may offer a suggestion…" Rockwell timidly spoke up, the desperate glance Donnie cast him encouraging him to talk up fast. "Your other brother is O negative…"
"We cannot stress Mikey out further!" Donnie pleaded, yet the Oroku scientist held up a finger.
"The research we were working on was suggesting that in certain forms, the mutagen that transformed you can possess healing properties…"
"Side effects?"
"Not known."
"What odds do we have?" The scientist in Donnie took over.
"Without immediate attention, 78% of fatality after his earlier wounds." Rockwell offered in an equally emotionless tone. "60% of the blood itself from your brother helping him recover. But 50% chance of side effects. But I can only surmise that it may cause some type of mutation yet the healing benefits of the blood should save his life."
"If we wait to find someone with the right blood and get a transfusion ready?"
"60% of shock setting in and fatality."
"We have no choice." Donatello admitted. "Help me bring him to Mikey. Raph – lock her away…" He growled, glaring at Hoshi. Leaving his family and some Oroku members to help Leonardo, Raph and a couple other soldiers helped wrestle Hoshi away, down the corridors and elevators till they reached the lowest levels of the compound.
With grim satisfaction he tossed the woman in a cell – the very same one his brother had been imprisoned in – only two down from the still unconscious Kitsune.
"Watch them." Raph ordered the Hamato men that had assisted them.
"Don't worry." One stated.
"Go see to your brother." The other nodded. Raph smiled in thanks.
Without looking at Hoshi – not wanting to waste any more time on the traitorous woman he had once trusted – he rushed back up the corridors and elevators, impatiently watching the numbers tick upwards. Eventually he reached Mikey's room, chest heaving from the effort and barged straight in.
"Shit…" Cursing, he took a moment to make sense of what he was seeing before him.
Two turtle mutants lay side by side, lines of precious blood spanning between them as a third mutant checked their vitals…
"He's stabilising." Donnie didn't even turn around. "But…"
"But there were side effects…" Yoshi finished, kneeling beside Donatello.
Leonardo's life may have been saved, yet his existence would be forever changed… The mutagenic blood that had helped seal his wounds had transformed him – ensuring he would never again walk in public or know what a truly normal life could be.
In the white room, watching over the two unconscious figures, no one had any more to say.
What could they? They'd saved the young man only to take away his chances of being a normal youth.
In his heart, Raph only hoped they hadn't just destroyed the bond they'd just regained.
AND IT'S DONE.
That's a lot to unpack.
- What will happen with Leo?
- What will happen with the clans and the truce?
- What will happen to Kitsune?
- WHAT WILL HAPPEN?! XD
Thank you all again, leave your thoughts, reactions and comments. I appreciate every single one.
LL99 Out.