Chapter three:

We were lucky that on that day we did find some Footclan members that we fought. So when we got back and both had minor wounds from the fight they didn't inquire further. We did tell them that we accidentally ran into each other out there then found the enemies.

Which was good enough for them.

Donnie just made sure that any injuries we did have were taken care of.

It's been a few days since then and I've been thinking a lot. I have been spending nights with Leo when he agrees to it. I don't push him into it. I wonder if maybe I'll be able to sneak a camera in his room then capture what's going on. I'll have to be really sneaky. I would ask Donnie for help however he'd ask questions. I don't want to go behind Leo's back on this. So I'll bring the idea up with him. I head around finding him in the training room using the punching bag. "Leo." I speak quietly to not catch anyone else's attention as Donnie and Mikey are in the living room watching Tv, while Splinter is in his room.

Leo stops and turns to me as I approach him.

I glance back to make sure that no one is spying on us. I turn back to him when I confirm that we're good. "I think I can sneak into his room when there's enough time. I can hide a camera in there. That way even if he locks the door we still will have the proof that we need." I tell him my plan to which he looks a little concerned.

"What if you get caught?"

"I won't." I assure him taking his hands into my own. "I swear to you. I won't be found out. And I'll make sure that he won't realize that there is a camera in there. All you need to do is pretend that it isn't there either. Like you know nothing. I just wanted to include you in my plan."

Leo stares into my eyes for a few moments longer then nods. "Okay." He agrees. "Just please be careful."

I lean our foreheads together. "I promised that no one else will know didn't I?" I point out to which he smiles the softest of smiles.

We pull away and I head to leave the room before we're found together.

I start to head to my room when I pause by Splinters room.

Splinter opens his door stepping out. He glances to me as I turn to him. "Ah. Raph. Could I speak with you for a moment?"

I give him a curious look at this. "Sure Sensei." I go along holding back any feelings that I feel as soon as I see him; now that I know the truth. I follow him inside where he shuts the door. I sit on my knees as we face each other. "What is it you'd like to talk to me about?"

"Raph. You're the strongest out of your brothers." Splinter tells me to which I think to myself 'Don't go trying to flatter me.' While not letting him see anything. "And if anything were to happen to Leo you will become the new leader of your brothers."

My eyes widen slightly at him. "You're not suggesting that something is going to happen to Leo are you?" I question to which he shakes his head.

"No. Of course not." Splinters assurance only slightly calms me down. He could be lying so I'll have to be careful. "I just wanted to bring this up to give you something to think about. I know it's you who has been going out at night and stopping criminals. You have done well in no one else knowing that it is you. However perhaps you should start reflecting on your behaviour. If there is a my chance at all of you needing to step up, well what will you do if that day comes?"

"I would do the best that I could sensei." I tell him. "For the sake of those who would be turning to me. I just don't really even like to think of Leo leaving us in any way. No matter how small of a chance that may be."

"I understand." Splinter nods his head to this and he almost seems to be studying me.

I keep myself under control which admittedly is harder than I thought it'd be. I can't let him know that I know.

"No one wants to think of such a thing happening. Considering the enemies we face, especially you all face, it is best to at least keep that in mind. Like you said the chance for something happening is small, however that doesn't mean we should dismiss it fully. You're second in command for a reason. I know that you have a lot of potential in you. That is all. You may go."

I force myself to dip my head to him. "Okay Sensei." I get up and head to the door pausing before I open it. "Just so you know though. No matter what enemy we face out there I'm not going to let something like that happen to him." I open the door and leave his room with that. I head to my room and sit on my bed thinking over what just happened. I am going to have to make sure that he really won't do anything like that to Leo. I won't let him kill him.

Even if he locks the door it won't matter.

If I hear him actually try to kill Leo I will bust down his door. I don't care what anyone will say. I'll just have to at least listen to any sessions in his room to ensure this. I may even have to set up a code word or something with Leo. I would like to have such a thing in place just in case. I get up and head out to find Leo. As soon as I step out I turn noticing the front door close. I glance to Donnie when he is passing by me to get to his room. "Who just left?"

"Splinter went out and took Leo with him. He said they were gonna go visit April and Casey for some training." Donnie tells me then continues on his way.

"Ah. Thanks." I tell him then clench my teeth as I know that this isn't good. I head to the door and open it enough to peek out. I don't see anyone so I step out quietly closing the door. I head off with plans to find them. I can't give him a chance to do something do something to Leo. I start to really get anxious that he was warning me what we he was going to do. I pause noticing a sewer lid being put back. I know that they went that way. I climb up the ladder then wait a few moments before peeking out of the sewer lid. I catch sight of them walking away far enough that I should be able to quietly climb out.

Leo turns to glance away then he notices me.

I give him a look of assurance that I'm going to follow him. I do see in his eyes that he feels a little better at this.

Leo turns away pretending that he hadn't noticed me.

I slip out quietly setting the lid back down. I hurry to a hiding spot. I pick behind a car. I slightly peek through one of the windows. I do see Splinter slightly glance around. I don't see him notice me though.

Splinter turns away looking glad. He nudges Leo into an alleyway.

I quickly move from my hiding spot going to the next one. I crouch behind some garbage cans watching them head further into the alley. I won't let them out of my sights. I spot Splinter glancing to what looks to be an abandoned property. I have a feeling that's where he plans to take Leo. I move to hop into the tall grass of the yard.

A bunny hops out casually which helps cover up the sound of me entering. It looks to Splinter and Leo surprised then hops away.

"Turn." Splinter hisses to Leo who doesn't argue and they head towards the abandoned home.

I keep myself hidden then when they head inside I get up. I hurry and use a fence to jump up to a window. I get inside as the window is wide open. I carefully crawl along the floor to make as little noise as possible. I stop as I find a hole in the floor. I look through it to where I see Splinter grab Leo tossing him to the floor. I clench my teeth to try to control myself. I grab my phone and start recording a video as Splinter looms over him.

"You don't deserve to be leader." Splinter growls to him. "You're just lucky you're the oldest. That's the only reason I'm letting you stay leader. You're the worst out of all of your brothers."

I clench my hand not holding my phone at hearing this. I want so badly to make him regret those words. I just need the proof that somethings going on. I know Leo understands this. I will only intervene if he tries to kill Leo. As much as I hate having to sit back and watch this.

Splinter slams his cane down onto Leo's chest making sure to hit his shell. "You know it'd be better if you disappeared. Then you wouldn't be holding them back. You're useless." He then kicks Leo hard enough to push him onto his back.

Leo tries to shift to his stomach clearly not daring to get up. He is stopped when Splinter slams his staff down close to his head.

I tense up starting to wonder if this is it. I might have to step in and stop him. I'm scared he does actually plan to kill Leo.

"Give me one good reason I shouldn't lift your brothers burden of you right now." Splinter demands in a snarl.

Leo glances away with half open eyes. "I can't. I deserve it all." He responds sounding defeated which does seem to please Splinter.

"At least you know your place." Splinter slams a foot down onto Leo's arm hard. "I'll give you that." He moves his cane away though I still don't relax. He gives Leo a few more hits mainly on the shell.

I don't let myself glance away. I have to make sure that I get it all on video, plus I also have to make sure he doesn't try to kill Leo.

Splinter berates him and attacks him for a little while longer before moving away. "Get up and brush yourself off. You'll be staying with me to train Casey and April. Only so no one knows."

"Yes Sensei." Leo shifts and Splinter turns heading for the way out.

I stop the video lowering my phone. I find a small piece of wood debris. I gently drop it to let it bounce off of Leo.

Splinter is out the door already.

Leo glances up spotting me.

I show him my phone to tell him I got the proof. I then look at him asking him if he's okay.

Leo gives me a small nod before he gets up brushing himself off. He finishes only to head off with Splinter.

I carefully check and this time they are indeed going towards Casey's place. I stay hidden to wait. I hop down when I know I'm good. I still follow them ensuring they go to Casey's which they do. I turn heading off satisfied that he'll be okay for a little bit. I get back home and grab some of the first aid stuff putting it in my room. I've gotta convince Leo to let me get our brothers involved. I am very worried that Splinter is gonna kill Leo. I can't let that happen.

After they return home I text Leo asking him if he wants to meet me in my room.

Leo texts back that he'll be there soon.

I put my phone down and wait not rushing him. I know that he can't be seen coming into my room.

It only takes a few minutes before he quietly slips inside. He closes the door then heads over to me.

I get up and meet him halfway. I begin checking him over to see how he's doing. "Is there anything concerning you feel anywhere?" I inquire to which he shakes his head. I can tell that he's telling the truth. I nod softly and put an arm around him. "You know he's wrong." I remind him. "You're strong. We would be lost without you. And don't forget that you've never burdened us. He's lying through his teeth about everything he said."

Leo nods softly though he clearly still looks like he's feeling a little depressed from it.

I don't blame him as he's been hearing those harsh words for so long. I can't imagine how hard it was to have to be told that over and over again. "Talk to me Leo. Let your feelings out. You know you can do that with me." I encourage him gently placing one hand on his cheek.

"I'm trying to believe you. He's just drilled those words into my head saying I have to remember them." Leo tells me slightly glancing down. "It does make me feel a little better to hear you say that though."

"Don't worry. I'll say it more than enough times to drill my words into your head." I tell him as his eyes look to me. I can see a small smile at hearing this. I'll accept it.

No matter how small a smile is a smile.

"Can you... Say it again..." Leo's voice is so quiet I almost missed it.

"I have no problem with that. You never have and never will be a burden to any of us. We love you Leo. I love you. He's lying to you and you shouldn't listen to him. You're amazing. The best any of us could have ever asked for. It doesn't matter if you're not perfect all the time. No one ever is. It's impossible. No matter what mistake you make well never think any less of you. It happens and that's okay. You deserve to be our leader because you're so great. You're smart and you handle leading us so well. You even handle me at my worst moods like the champion you are."

"Thank you." Leo mentions to which I give him a smile.

"I'll say it as many times over and over as you want." I tell him still smiling.

Leo stares at me for a few moments as if contemplating something. He then leans in before I can say anything and presses our lips together in a kiss. His action does surprise me. He quickly pulls away with wide eyes realizing what he's just done. "I'm so sorry Raph! I was just-"

I cut him off by gently pulling him into another kiss. I want this too and it feels so good to know he feels this way too.

We break apart and look each other in the eyes. We can see the feelings for one another we've been trying to hide for so long.

"You don't have to be afraid." I tell him keeping my gaze on him. "Not with me."

We lean into each other closing our eyes as we let ourselves kiss each other once more. Our lips move lovingly against one another's. We also bring our arms to be around each other. His arms around my back and my arms around his waist. Our bodies pressing up against each other as we enjoy this moment between us.

Even though I'm just kissing and holding him I feel like I'm heaven.

We break apart after a little kissing and open our eyes to look at one another. We share a smile as were both truly happy that we feel the same way.

Everything else for right now is gone. It doesn't even matter in this moment here together.

"I wanna sleep in your room tonight." Leo informs me.

"You're always free to beautiful." I confirm to him causing him to smile even more.

He also blushes a little at my comment of him being beautiful.

I kiss his cheeks. Damn I love him so much.

He pulls away after staying close a little longer. "I'll see you tonight." He tells me like a promise that we were going to be cuddling.

Sure we've done it other nights when we sleep in the same room. It was originally to comfort him, show him I care, that I'm there for him, and to make him feel safer as well as help in getting him a good nights sleep. Now I can add that it'll be us showing each other our love to one another.

"I'll see you then. Can't wait." I see him give me a smile then he sneaks out of my room. I sit back down on my bed. My heart is filled with so much joy. I am going to save him and we'll live happily ever after together.

The next day I head towards the front door. I'm planning to meet up with Leo at an agreed location. I will need to bring up that we really should tell our brothers. I don't want him to have to live in fear of Splinter anymore.

We have to do something.

I make it to the surface and take a turn to start heading to meet Leo. I catch something as I turn though I pretend I didn't.

A glimpse of Splinter facing me.

Shit. I'm being followed. I continue to pretend that I haven't noticed. I walk past the turn I was supposed to take to head where Leo is waiting. I decide that I'll go to a spot where I can do some training.

Surely that'll satisfy him enough to leave me alone.

I get to a wooded area that seems pretty secluded. I'll defend myself if I have to though I doubt he'll attack me. I don't see him knowing that I know the truth. I approach a sturdy looking tree checking it out before shifting into position to train. I can feel his gaze on me though I pretend that I don't. I focus on the tree and swing as I start. I let it absorb my anger as I swing attack after attack at it. I use a nearby tree to give me some air and I slam an upper branch down. I roll quickly getting to my feet facing the same tree once more.

A bush rustles and before I can turn a voice speaks. "You are doing quite well."

I turn to see Splinter casually approaching me. I fake surprise at seeing him. "Sensei? What are you doing here?"

"I was simply in the area. I saw you head to do some training and I thought I'd see how well you're doing."

Bullshit.

I nod to go along with his lie. "I can't let myself fall behind."

"No of course not." Splinter agrees and stands next to me. "How about I help you a little with your training today?"

"Sure." I agree since I have to keep playing along. "Where should we start Sensei?"

"Use your sais. Try getting the best hits you can on the tree."

I grab my sais ready to do this. I'll just pretend that this is a normal training session. I can see in his eyes he seems sure that everything is fine. That I don't know anything. I'll have to keep that up for now.

Indeed it does turn out to be a pretty normal training session.

Splinter just would tell me I'm doing good, have me show off some moves and suggest a few things to improve myself.

As if everything is normal.

I make it back afterwards to which Splinter heads to his room. I head to mine quickly opening my phone. I check that everything is on it. I did secretly keep an eye on him but I wanna make sure he didn't find a chance to grab it. I sigh almost silently in relief that it is indeed my phone. I still have everything on it. I text Leo with hopes that maybe we can still meet up.

Hey. Sorry I missed our meeting. Splinter followed me. So I had to pretend I was going out to train instead. Im all good now. We can change our meet up location and I'll meet you there.

I decide to grab a towel from my weights rack. I wipe down myself then toss it away as I get a response. I check it.

We can still meet up at the same location. I kind of thought that something happened. It's good that you're okay.

I smile softly and type quickly back.

Sounds good. I'll meet you there. And yeah don't worry he didn't do anything to me.

I exit my room to which I glance around.

No one in sight.

I head quietly to the front door and I quietly exit. I head away and get to the surface. As I walk all the way to that location I am alert for any followers.

None.

I climb upwards and make it to the rooftop where I'm meeting Leo.

Leo turns as I arrive and heads over to me. He hugs me as I hug him back.

"I told you I'm okay." I assure him to which I feel him nod. I keep him close to me for a little longer then he pulls away. I let him to find it's only enough so we can look at each other.

He leans in to which I meet him halfway as we share a kiss.

Our eyes closed as we show our love to one another. We pull away after a few moments and open our eyes to look at each other.

"I guess we should talk." Leo brings up to which I nod.

"We have the proof now. And seeing him act like that to you. Literally taking you away from home. I'm scared he's going to try to kill you." I tell him knowing that he really should know. "We need to act before he does decide to go through with it. He even gave me a talk not long ago about if something happened to you, well then I'd take over as leader. I don't want to lose you."

Leo takes a deep breath. He does still look worried about telling the others. He also clearly knows that we are very likely running out of waiting time. "How do we even bring up such a thing with them?"

I want to tell him but honestly I don't know. "I can do some research. Find the best way to talk to them about it. And with the video proof they can't deny that we're lying. Maybe we might just have to get them alone away from the lair then just explain. I want their help to chase him out before he does the unthinkable to you."

"I know." Leo places a hand on my cheek. "Lets at least check out what others say is the best way to approach it with them. We should try to do this gently since they're not as emotionally strong as you."

"Okay. I'll make sure to do that. Then we can discuss how we'll do it. I can even talk to them on my own if it'll be too much for you to have to tell them. You could just wait in a safe place while I bring it out to them. Unless you think you can join me. It is up to you."

"I think we'll see when we get to the time to tell them." Leo tells me leaning his forehead against mine closing his eyes softly.

I place a hand on his cheek lovingly. "Okay." I agree to that. "Then it is a plan."

We share another kiss as we let the world, including our worries, melt away for now. We can focus on each other for now.

I won't go further than he wants. I can wait for him to be ready. I don't mind.

Even if it's after we get rid of Splinter for what he's doing.

We discuss each way that the internet suggests to be able to tell our brothers. We let it take a few days as I can tell that hed be more comfortable if it's planned.

"I think we should be ready to explain it to them." Leo mentions to which I nod.

"Yes. I think we will. Remember if you want you can stay in a safe place while I talk to them. Unless you want to be there." I remind him to which he nods his head that he understands.

Later the next day I come out of the kitchen spotting Splinter hiding some rope in his robe. I get a sinking feeling at seeing this. I turn away to pretend I didn't see. I have a feeling that something bad is going to happen. I notice from the corner of my eye Splinter approaches Leo from behind as the other is sitting on the couch.

Leo is just trying to relax and enjoy a little tv so he doesn't see Splinter coming up.

I turn to fully look at them ready to run in if needed.

"Leo." Splinter speaks causing Leo to turn to him. "I need to go to the store. Would you come with me?"

Leo gets up and starts to follow him.

I rush in as my instincts scream that he's going to kill Leo. I quickly move between Splinter and Leo stopping Leo from walking.

Splinter turns as I didn't hide that I did this.

It's just us as Mikey and Donnie are at Aprils, not that it matters to me even if they were here.

"Raph?" Leo questions sounding confused as I stand with one side facing both of them.

"You're not going." I tell Leo giving him a worried soft look. I then turn to Splinter narrowing my eyes at him.

"Raphael what is the meaning of this?" Splinter questions narrowing his eyes as if trying to figure out if I know.

I'm not going to hide it, not when he's trying to lead Leo away after grabbing rope plus who knows what else. I have to stop this moment before Leo ends up dead. "Well how about you explain the abandoned house that day?" I question him to which he does look surprised.

"Raph." Leo tries clearly worried about what I'm doing.

I glance to him giving him an assuring soft look. "It's okay Leo. I know what I'm doing." I turn back to Splinter giving him a glare. "Yeah. I'm not stupid. When you gave me that little talk I picked up that something wasn't right. Then when you took Leo out I went on instinct." I know I'm lying a little however he doesn't need to know that. "I followed you two. I saw what you did." I growl to him glaring no longer holding back my anger and hatred in my look. "You're not taking him out there." I turn away and gently nudge Leo to follow me. I keep myself between Leo and Splinter as I lead Leo away from Splinter.

Splinter growls a little glaring at me then he heads off into his room.

I get Leo to the kitchen and glance back to make sure Splinter didn't come back out. I see nothing so I turn to look at Leo more softly. "Leo. You can't go with him. I saw him grab rope and who knows what else. I think he was going to kill you." I explain which makes Leo's eyes widen at this.

Leo definitely understands why I stepped in now. He hugs me a little tightly, not enough to hurt me, to which I hug him back. "Thank you Raph."

"Anytime Leo." I assure him. "You're not leaving my sights for awhile. Also you're sleeping in my room for sure until this is all over. I'll be making sure that I'm locking the door. I know I'll be woken up if he comes in since I'll hear the lock if he manages to get it open. I'll keep you safe." I feel him nod knowing that he truly understands my reasoning. I wish I could have taken Splinter out right then and there, however Leo is my first priority. I needed to just protect him first before anything else. "Leo. I need to tell the other two indeed sooner. I can leave you at Aprils or Casey's. I can talk to them and they'll keep you safe while I talk to Mikey and Donnie. If that's what you wanna do. Trust me. Me and Casey talk about a lot and I know he's pretty emotionally strong. He can definitely handle the truth."

"Okay. Tomorrow you talk to Casey. Then the day after that I'll stay with him and you talk to the others. Just make sure to be careful when telling them." Leo agrees and pleads with me.

I give his forehead a kiss. "Don't worry. I will. We've done our research. I know how to do it in a gentle way."

He nods and snuggles into my embrace as I hold him against my chest.

I don't care if it'll seem weird to Mikey and Donnie. I'm not letting Leo leave my sights for awhile.

Later after dinner, we ordered pizza today since Splinter stayed in his room, me and Leo are sitting on the couch together.

I slightly turn hearing a door open. I spot Splinter emerge.

Splinter looks to me seeing that I'm sitting with Leo.

I narrow my eyes as if telling him 'yeah that's right. I'm not giving you another chance.' I keep my eye on him as he even glares back before leaving the lair. I don't care where he's going. I turn back checking on Leo. I see that he has tensed up as if picking up that it was Splinter. I put my arm around him pulling him against me until he relaxes. I do keep him there even after as he doesn't seem to want to pull away.

Donnie went to his lab to get some work done and Mikey had gone to bother him.

Besides I'd happily explain it away if they inquired to it. I don't really care what they think. I'll make sure they understand why I lingered around Leo so much when they learn the truth.

The next day...

"I'll go to Aprils." Leo tells me as we stand on the surface. "You go ahead to Casey's."

"Are you sure you don't want me to walk you there?" I question. I know it's the day I'm supposed to talk to Casey, I just am still kind of anxious because of yesterday.

"I'm sure. If I notice him I'll run to Aprils. He won't do anything if I'm with April. And I'll still be quick to get to her place." Leo promises me. "It's not that far from here after all."

I let out a breath and honestly I do trust him. Even though I have no trust on Splinter trying to get the jump on Leo. "Okay. Text me as soon as you get there." I share a quick kiss with him.

"I promise I will." Leo agrees then heads away as I watch until he's out of my sight.

I turn away with a deep breath then I start to make my way towards Casey. I let myself go over how I'm going to tell Casey to try to ignore my anxiety. I will be anxious until I get that text from Leo that he had made it safely. I am regretting letting him go alone but I do trust him.

Plus he did promise that if he saw Splinter he'd run to April.

I take a deep breath to try to help calm myself down.

Have faith that he'll be fine.

I pause when I am almost at Casey's. My phone is ringing and I take it out. I see that it's Leo calling. I quickly answer as my heart pounds. "Leo? Are you okay? What's going on?" I question immediately worried that he's in trouble.

Before he can say anything the phone is knocked away then the connection is lost.

I almost swear that it sounded like the phone was smashed. I turn running in the direction to take the path Leo would have taken. I stuff my phone away as I run so I can grab my sais if needed and be ready if a fight happens. I keep running as I search all along the way that he had gone to get to Aprils. "Leo!" I call out just begging him to answer me. I don't care if it's even just a cry out for help. I keep going and I'm almost at Aprils when I spot something down a blocked alleyway. I skid to a stop fully turning panting a little. My whole body tenses as my eyes widen at what I see in there. "LEO!" I scream and rush over falling to my knees beside him. I should have gone with him. I can see that he has wounds and his swords were tossed away by the entrance. I reach out checking his pulse point, watching Donnie do it over the years I figured it out, to try to

find a pulse.

Nothing.

Leo's gone, I was too late.

I lower my head as I let my tears start to fall. I stay on my knees right beside him.

There's no doubt who did this.

'This shouldn't have happened! No!' Tears are streaming down my face as I stare at the sight before me. 'I should have prevented this!' I turn enough to see the others as I hear their footsteps approaching. I see them stop as they see what I've found. Two of them have horrified sad looks... One of them is keeping his head down. I watch him approach the body, just as the others rush towards me and the body. My eyes narrow. 'If I had one wish in my entire life, then I wish that I could have another chance to go back and fix this... Stop this...' I close my eyes wishing with all my heart for it to come true... As my mind flashes back to just a few weeks ago...

Everything feels like it's falling apart beneath me. Like a hole is going to be sucking me down into some endless void.

I could have stopped this from happening. I should have done so. I should have realized that this would happen. I know it's my fault that I let him go alone then he was killed for it. I still won't let him get away with this.

Splinter is watching me as the others are freaking out over Leo being dead.

I stare back as I finish letting the memories go through my head. I narrow my tearful eyes at him.

Splinter likely lead them here on purpose. He probably got them all together then lead them to this location. He wants to make sure that we knew, that I knew, what happened. He knows that only I'll know that it was him who did this. He's acting upset however whenever no one else is looking he gives me a victorious look.

My hands clench tightly as I want nothing more than to beat that smug look off his face. I turn in surprise as suddenly I am hugged. I see Casey who looks at me tearfully clearly upset, yet wanting to make sure I'm okay. I can also hear the others sobbing and crying over Leo's fate. I'm reminded that I'm not the only one hurting over what has happened. I lower my head closing my eyes tightly while he just pulls me close to comfort me. I just wish that I would open my eyes and I'd be back to before this happened. I just want to still have him here with us.

"We'll find who did this to him." Casey tells me like a promise.

I almost want to snap at him that I already know. I just can't choke out any words as it's all just sobs.

"We should get out of here before anyone notices were here." Splinter points out and I glare at him at an angle that no one else can see.

Donnie picks up Leo's body while Mikey grabs Leo's swords. They both along with April are so distraught at this.

I won't bring up the truth right now. I should let them process this a little then tell them. I am encouraged to my feet by Casey. I feel him stay by me as we walk with the others.

We take him home for now though no doubt a burial will be taking place. We just gotta find the perfect spot before tomorrow.

For now Donnie stores Leo's body in his lab. He without a doubt will look on Leo's body for clues to who did this.

I'm not sure if Splinter had left any evidence it was him. I just don't doubt that the killing blow was that slash on his neck. I try to figure out what had happened. My best guess is that Leo tried to call me when Splinter started hunting him down, maybe he was moving to corner Leo so Leo knew to dial me so at least I'd know he needed help, then Splinter probably pushed Leo... No... Slammed Leo into that dead end alley taking his swords away and killed him. I won't let him win like this. I move away from Casey and April seeks his comfort, Mikey ran off for time alone. I can feel him watching me as I head to Donnies lab. I head inside and I spot on a desk by a machine the blueprints for the machine. I would have paid it no mind if it wasn't for the words.

Time machine.

I look it over then turn to the machine realizing that's the time machine.

"I know what you're thinking Raph."

I turn to see Donnie approaching me. "Donnie. You have to let me do this." I tell him to which he shakes his head.

"Raph. I want things to be fixed too. I don't want this to have happened. But that machine hasn't been properly tested. What if it malfunctions and hurts you or worse?" Donnie points out. "Look I'll run some tests over the next while. Then we can try to fix things. Okay?" He looks really upset still and I can tell that his main thought is that he wants Leo back too.

"Fine." I mumble then leave his lab. I head to my room locking the door. I lay down and close my eyes. I let myself cry as I remember my memories of Leo. I devise a plan. I don't care if it might kill me. I have to fix things. I'll wait until Donnies asleep and sneak in. He won't be able to stop me then. I stay in my room just grieving Leo's passing and waiting for the time to come. My body starts to shake as the grief has time to truly sweep over me. I clutch at my bedsheets as I wish that Leo was in my arms again.

It's not fair! It's not fair that he had to leave us because of an evil mind of Splinter!

I clench my teeth and just curl up in my grief. I feel like I'm being torn in two. I lost the love of my life to that monster! I can hardly hear a knock at my door.

"Raph? Do you wanna talk?" Casey's voice comes through.

"Leave me alone!" I shout at him not hiding my grief.

Casey pauses before responding. "Okay. I'll give you some time." He agrees and I let the world fade around me.

"I love you." I whisper to Leo sadly. I just want him to be able to hear those words... Even though he isn't here. "I love you. I love you. I love you." I repeat a few more times before falling into grieving sobs. I don't even realize the time go as I just stay there remembering Leo, and feeling the pain of my grief. I confirm that I can't wait for Donnie to test the machine. I can't stand this feeling knowing that Leo's can't just walk through that door alive. I have to get back to Leo. I have to be with him again.

It is late at night.

Everyone should be at least in their rooms.

Plus if Donnies in his lab this should have been enough time for him to pass out. He does work late sometimes, no doubt he'll do it this time too, then when he does he passes out in his lab.

I sneak out after ensuring the coast is clear. I head quietly into Donnies lab. I make my way to the time machine. I pause as I see Donnie had fallen asleep with his head on his desk. I spot a blanket on a nearby chair to which I pick it up. I carefully drape it over Donnie then head for the time machine. I look it over and realize that the control panel is just outside. I set the date to which I want to go back. I end up picking just yesterday. I see no reason to go all the way back. I just need to prevent his death. I hit start then hurry in and the door closes. I take a deep breath. "Please work." I plead as things start up. I start to see light all around me, and my body feels like there's electricity shooting through me.

On the other hand Donnie blinks tiredly as he starts to wake up. He shifts up wondering what woke him up. He feels the blanket slide down. He glances to it waking up quickly. He then turns with wide eyes at the time machine when hearing it truly go. He realizes quickly what is happening. He rushes towards the machine stopping just in front of it as it finishes.

The door opens showing no Raph.

Donnie checks the log and it looks like everything went as planned. He blinks then looks back to the machine. "Save him." He pleads to his brother quietly.