Splinter was alone in the underground den and he watched the TV intently. April was on the television screen.
"...and in a bizarre final note to the mysterious disappearance of TGRI, this message was delivered to the station earlier today." She picked up a piece of paper and began reading. "'To Leonardo, Donatello, Michelangelo, and Raphael: Thanks for your help, dudes.' Signed Professor Jordan Perry." She grinned slyly at the camera. "Of course, we can only guess at its meaning. And now this..."
Splinter clicked off the television with the remote control. His four students were returning home. He could hear them in the tunnel above.
Despite their victory, the four Turtles were in no mood for celebrating. They had brought Rose home with them. She carried Shredder into the den, laid him gently on the floor, and collapsed on top of him, sobbing again.
"There's still some antimutagen," Don gently told Rose. She understood, and nodded weakly.
"That won't work," Leo whispered to Don.
"I have to try. I hate seeing her like this."
Splinter approached Rose then. He laid a gentle hand on her head and told her, "You are welcome in our home."
"Thank you," Rose managed to say.
Splinter led his students to another area of the den. They gathered around him for his words of wisdom on the fierce battle they'd just fought - and won - against his greatest enemy.
"Were you seen?" Splinter asked.
The Turtles exchanged glances. What Splinter didn't know wouldn't hurt him.
"Of course not, Master Splinter," Leo assured him.
"We practise ninja," Donatello reminded Splinter.
"The art of invisibility," Michelangelo added.
Splinter picked up a newspaper from the table. He opened it up and showed it to them. On the front page was a very large picture of four Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles on the stage at the Dockside Club. The headline read,
NINJA RAP IS BORN!
"Practise harder," Splinter said.
Without a word, the four Turtles began doing back flips.
"One...two...three..."
CONTINUED IN THE SEQUEL