A/N: This chapter is supposed to be short. Sort of keeps the tension/suspension up, don'tcha think?

On a platform above their heads, Splinter and Shredder were at it. A series of back flips and spin kicks occurred during their fight. While fighting, it was easy to see who was winning out of the two. Shredder was larger, fuller, and stronger than Splinter, but it was he who was failing in the attempt to harm the small rat.

Leonardo led the pack up the stairs and onto the platforms. "Hurry up you guys!" Leo yelled as he reached the top of the steps. He stopped, frozen stiff, afraid he would interfere with the fighting.

As Shredder charged at him, Splinter did a back handspring to avoid being hit. Skidding to a stop, the Shredder turned, growling at Splinter.

Splinter had a twinkle in his eyes, as if he were young yet again. He knew something that the others didn't. Splinter looked to his sons, they looked frightened. He didn't blame them. Could this be the last time they'd ever see him?

Leonardo especially had that look of fear on his face. Would he have to step up? Would he need to jump in and defend his sensei? He'd do it in a heartbeat.

But to be the sensei? If Splinter died...he couldn't do it, even though it was expected of him. Leo watched intensely, studying every move his master made. The quickness of the old rat! It was amazing. He was surprised Splinters reflexes were in such tip-top shape.

Mike and the others watched also, itching to help out. But they knew this was not their fight. 'Just say it,' Mikey thought. 'Say the word and we can go in there and rip Shredder in half!'

But the word was never said, and the turtles did not move.

They did not move when Shredder was slammed into the wall.

They did not move when Oroku regained his stance and slashed at Splinter.

They did not move when Saki made contact with Splinter's head.

They did not move when Splinter dished out his own variety of hits.

And they did not move when Shredder grew angry and ran at their sensei.

But they did move, finally, when Splinter when tumbling over the railing, Shredder hanging on to him…