Chapter 38: The Decision

Donatello couldn't believe his ears as he stood there in shocked silence with his brothers staring at the restrained villain before them.

His grip on his bo-staff tightened. He wanted to be angry. He should be angry. He couldn't forgive Baxter he couldn't! Not after all that he'd done!

"Revenge and vendetta will only lead to a life of pain and suffering. In order to move on, it's important to let the past go. Forgiving is not the same as forgetting. But holding onto that pain will only weigh us down." Leo's words of wisdom rang in his ears. Donnie let out a sigh, surprised at his own waring emotions. Truth was that as much as he wanted to be angry at Baxter, he also wanted to forgive him. He couldn't understand it! And looking over at his other two brothers he saw that they were perplexed with the same inner conflict.

Looking down at the ground, Donnie let his intelligent brain take over contemplating the complex equation set before him. He had looked through Stockman's briefcase, and although there was a possibility that it was staged, Donnie didn't think so. He knew how he organized his own equipment, it was less organized when it was intended to be seen only by him and Baxter's briefcase indicated as such. Which left Donnie spinning because the contents seemed to validate Baxter's words. There were notes, equipment and tools that contrasted his previous plan. The equipment he carried was not capable of mutation, especially not on the level the Reverse Retromutegan required, the notes were although addressing the reverse retromutagen were more speculatory of the contents and how to address and reverse the effects. Although part of him didn't want to believe it, the evidence provided supported Baxter's claim of wanting redemption.

There were other factors as well. He had kept a close monitoring on the city's activities and all evidence pointed toward the fact that Baxter had left town. He had abandoned his temporary station in the warehouse. He had completely disabled his security systems and the M.O.U.S.E.R.S, which haven't been seen sense. Which coincided with Leo's statement that Baxter had promised to leave them alone. Donnie let out a sigh, and although he didn't want to admit it there was also the factor of sixth sense. Although not coinciding with scientific theory, his life as a ninja had taught him to trust his intuition and sixth sense, as illogical as it may seem, he knew to value this instinct. Currently his intuition was telling him that Baxter was telling the truth; the desperation in his posture, the pure emotion in his voice and eyes, it was undeniable. He had heard sincerity in Baxter's voice, and although his internal lie detector wasn't as exact as his fathers' and leaders he was fairly certain that Baxter was indeed truthful.

He wanted to make things right.

He wanted forgiveness.

And Donnie needed to figure out how to take this.

On one hand he didn't want Baxter anywhere near his brother. He knew Mikey and Raph would feel the same.

On the other hand, was it logical to deny help if it was offered to them? He had promised Leo that he would do everything in his power to restore his memory. Stockman had created the serum in the first place, he was the most qualified to reverse its effects. If he was offering to help, shouldn't Donnie accept that help? Didn't he owe his brother that much, to at least try?

On the other hand, he didn't trust Baxter and was afraid of an ulterior motive. "I'm not going to expect you to trust him or hope for him to change. But I do hope that you can learn to forgive. For your own sakes. Let the pain go. Don't let hatred harden your hearts, or destroy the caring and loving spirits you all have." Leo's words echoed back to him once more, resonating deep in his heart. He didn't trust Stockman, but he didn't want to become cold hearted or so close minded that he would turn away an opportunity that was handed to them. He had promised his brother that he would try. He knew it was hard, but deep down he knew what the right thing to do was.

He exchanged a glance with Mikey and Raph, seeing the same hesitancy and fear in their eyes that he felt. Alongside their apprehension though he saw a reflection of his own inner debate, and like him they had reached the same conclusion. They were willing to listen. Donnie let out a breath through his nose.

"Donnie" Leo placed a hand on his shoulder, his concerned sapphire eyes reflecting love and understanding and saying more than words could. He would support his brothers no matter their decision, and that was more relieving than Donnie could express. Placing his hand on top of his brothers he gave it a squeeze.

"Are you sure guys?" Leo asked. Donnie didn't know when they had formed this half circle facing away from Baxter, but from the look on all his brothers' faces he could tell they had all reached the same decision. It never ceased to surprise him how they could communicate with just their eyes, how words were not needed.

"Yes, I'm sure"

Leo nodded, accepting his brothers' answer but his eyes suggested that they were going to have another conversation later, just to make sure. No doubt their big brother would check in on them later just to make sure they all really were okay with this decision.

"Raph, Mikey?"

"I'm willing to give him a second chance. He seems sincere, and maybe he can fix this, you know"

"You sure?" Leo looked at each of his brothers. "I believe Baxter's being sincere but if you guys have any reservations..if you don't want to trust him then.."

Raph placed a hand on top of Leo's shoulder giving it a squeeze. "We're sure bro. Though if he does anything to cross us" Raph spun his sias in one hand. Leo nodded understandingly.

"Okay Stockman" Donnie turned around locking eyes with the scientist. "For the sake of good, we're going to give you a chance. Just one mind you."

"So, you better not do anything to make us regret it" Raph growled. "Even the slightest suspicion that you're up to no good" Raph twirled his Sias expertly in hand, letting the warning gesture finish the sentence for him.

"No funny business, I promise. I just want a chance to fix my mistake."

Leo nodded, a quiet understanding passing between Baxter and him.

"Okay" Donnie let out a sigh. He had some of the notes concerning the Reverse Retro-mutagen, but not all of them. Honestly it had been a headache parceling through the half data. Having Stockman's help meant he could finally work with all the pieces to this puzzle. But that meant he would need to bring Stockman to his lab.

Shooting Leo a look, he could tell his big brother was already one step ahead of them.

"Alright Baxter" Leo untied the scientist's hands. "If you're going to work with us, we need to go over a few ground rules."

"Okay" the scientist breathed, flexing his now untied hands to get feeling back in them.

"First, our location remains a secret. Which means no trackers can come with you. Donnie will check you and your luggage before we head down, which you will have to be blindfolded upon entry." As Leo spoke Donnie set about checking Baxter and the briefcase for trackers, nodding to his eldest brother that nothing of the short was found.

" To keep the location of our home secret you can not leave while you're there. As our guest you will be respectful of our sanctuary. Meaning your best behavior. If I even hear about anything negative in any way occurring between you and my little brothers" Leo squared Baxter with an icy stare.

"I understand," Baxter nodded. "I'll be respectful"

Leo nodded.

"In that case" the eldest smirked. "Raph?"

"With pleasure" Raph smirked before throwing a burlap sack over Stockman's head.