Angel: Hi guys! Sorry for the wait, they decided to wait until today to release this episode online...but I also wanna talk about something. Around last month, someone COPY AND PASTED my story and made it off like it was hers originally! Hell no! And it was on Wattpad where I found this of all places! She didn't even bother switching Amy's name in some chapters. It wasn't exactly like mine, but she still got most of it from me. Even most of the dialogue and the moments with Leo and Amy were copied WORD FOR WORD.

She took it down, so you won't find it, but I am pissed that someone did this. I wanna say this to all the writers out there who like this show: If you wanna write about it, don't get it from me! Most of the fanfiction I've seen so far are about Donnie or Leo. There's also this twin thing with them...? I have no idea where that came from. Write about that, don't copy it from me! I'll definitely report that person for copyright if you have the NERVE to do that!

And please, don't go asking around for info on what happened, because this is the first time this has happened to me. And this person didn't even have a good reason: She said it was because she idolizes me. Okay, but that doesn't mean you should take my stories and copy them word for word. That does not justify anything. I'm such an inspiration to this person and yet that's a reason to take my story and post it somewhere else? What is wrong with people?! First Raven perez on here who disrespects me and now someone from WATTPAD?! I'm not even active on there that much except to support RedBat with her drawings!

*sighs slowly* Okay...rant over...let's just get started with this episode...

Also, thanks for over 100 reviews and for over 50 of you favoriting this. I wasn't expecting this so soon since we're not even halfway through this season yet. Seeing that...makes things better...only a little.

I'm also not too pleased that this is the 23rd episode, but it's only two episodes I'm missing, so I'll just delete this chapter and re-post it whenever they decide to release episodes 21 and 22. I know it's not ideal that they keep doing this, but what can I do? It's been over a month and I don't want to keep you guys waiting any longer. The Purple Jacket is going to be released on the 26th if you wanna see it aired, though, so not sure when we'll see episode 21 or 12a. Hopefully we don't get another episode that's not in order, because that would mean I'd have to delete two chapters and rearrange them. Also, for those who didn't know at this point, they released episodes 11a and 11b back in December which I've already done a long time ago, so go ahead and read that if you want to.

I should probably stop talking since you guys wanna read this one, okay I'm done ^^'

PS: Considering how it's Friday, I have no clue why it took so long for this to be uploaded to the internet. My only options at the time were to either pay for it on Youtube or download it, and I did not want to do either. Mostly because I'm not paying just to type it once, I need to save money, and because I didn't want to take too much data from my phone. Not even Bug Busters took THIS long to get on the internet. It was on dailymotion first before I found a better site to use, and dailymotion is too slow on my phone and my computer...plus, you can't rewind, which I need to do so that I can get every word.

It doesn't help that I NEED a new phone and computer, but kimcartoon or watchcartoononline is just better on my electronics...despite my phone being outdated as hell and my computer breaking apart at the seams. Thanks to the two users who tried to help by giving me the link ^^' So, sorry for the wait, shutting up permanently.

At a bio dome in daylight, the turtles and Amy are getting their shells/butt kicked. Mikey, Leo, Donnie, Raph, and Amy are all hit one by one by orange claws, sliding to each other on the ground. Amy is between Leo and Donnie, her hair splayed underneath her.

"Okay," Raph says to his groaning brothers and friend, "That did not go as planned."

They stare at him blankly. "Maybe not the result you wanted, but the result I expected," Donnie speaks up.

"Donnie, stop being cocky," Amy deadpans next to him and he huffs.

"I'm not cocky. I'm right!"

Two pairs of yellow glowing eyes stare at the group from the bushes. At this point, they're already on their feet, not sure of what to do.

"We're getting our butts kicked on an everything level," Raph sags his shoulders as Amy is holding a spear, the weapon rested on her shoulder.

"We've gotta do something to help. They are scaring everyone out of the bio dome, and you know what a fan I am of experiential learning!" Donnie says in determination. Amy raises an eyebrow at him as Raph rubs a temple, trying to concentrate.

"Come on, Raph! Think of something useful!" He encourages himself, but has nothing, growling to himself in frustration. A record scratch is heard as Amy, Leo, and Donnie are giving him looks.

"I'm sorry, did you just say that out loud?" Leo asks knowingly, Raph looking away sheepishly.

"Okay, who are you, and what have you done with the real Raphael?" Amy places a hand on her hip. Never in her life has she ever heard Raph say that.

Mikey sniffs the air and the others looks at him. "Do you smell that?" They all sniff the air, their eyes widening as two shadows jump behind them, laughing.

"Duck!" Donnie warns and everyone jumps out of the way except Mikey, who has a claw over his arm.

"More like crab," He pinches the fingers, looking up and screaming. He leaps to his right as a mutant crab lands on the ground, along with another. They both have light blue leotards with a crab claw as the symbol. One of them has black hair while the other one is bald.

"Ho ho ho! Step one of our plan! Disrupt the school field trip."

"Step two," The other one speaks up, "Strike a pose." His brother balances on his head using a claw.

The five just stare at them as they strike another pose. "We are nailing this production!" Before they were mutated, they used to be in the circus. They strike more poses before one of them aims their claw at them.

"Come here, my little turtle. Let me pinch your cheeks," He eggs, pinching his claw.

"How dare you take something as sweet as cheek pinching and make it menacing?!" Mikey points at them accusingly.

"Uh, Mikey, they're villains. That's what they do," Amy points out and he smiles sheepishly.

"Taste my claw!" He fires multiple claws and Leo slides in front of the others, swinging his sword with a laugh. He makes a portal appear, getting rid of the claws.

"Hang on!"

"What's going on?!"

Leo laughs at how well he's doing, grinning at Amy widely. He suddenly gets punched in the face with a claw, getting hit with the ones fired. The Sando Brothers just laugh at him.

"Leo!" Raph exclaims as Amy looks over the turtle.

"Are you okay?" She asks in concern and he just groans. Mikey jumps towards the two crabs with his whip, spinning the end of it. The fire spirit appears, heading right towards the two mutants, but they jump past it like it's nothing. He tries again, but because of their agility, they have the advantage. He throws it wildly, trying to catch them, but it hits him in the face.

"Mikey!" Raph shouts, Mikey groaning like Leo. He's caught in his whip and Raph yells, looking at the two crabs. He clenches a fist as they just chuckle and he leaps in the air, landing on a vine. He pulls out his tonfas. "Cracking like a boss!"

He taps into his smash jitsu ability, but the weight makes the vine crack and he crashes into vines as he falls onto the ground.

"Raph!" Donnie yells as Raph is down as well.

"Get ready to get clobbered!"

Amy groans at the joke as she stands up, Donnie pressing a button from his tech staff. However, it's out of batteries. After that, he just gives up, lying down on Raph's plastron. Amy facepalms at this, spinning her spear. She runs towards the brothers, swinging her spear towards them, but they jump out of the way.

One of them laughs as he grabs Amy with his claw, spinning her in the air. "Whoooooa!" She shouts as she lands on the ground, feeling sick from all the spinning. She holds her head as she feels dizzy. Today is definitely not a good day.

"It's five against two, and you don't stand a chance." Suddenly, a pink portal appears underneath the two. "W-What is going on?" They both fall through it and everyone looks at Leo.

"That was not me," He denies after a few seconds.

The two brothers land somewhere dark, sitting in a chair. "What's going on?"

"I don't know, but I really like the look of the spread," The one with the hair looks at the seafood buffet.

Hypno-Potamus is sipping a drink, just having some tea until the pink portal captures him.

Repo Mantis is at an elderly home, trying to take back a tank. "Give it to me!" He wrestles with a woman before he also falls through the portal, the woman hugging the tank.

Meat Sweats is in his lair, eating a meal that he prepared himself, watching TV. "And now, back to Kondescending Kitchen." Something pink comes from the floor and he screams before he falls too.

Brit Worley is peeking around the corner of Smith's Sweets, waiting for Amy to come back. He's in his mutant bull form. He giggles evilly as he holds a stink bomb. He was planning on throwing it at her when she arrives, and her reaction would be worth it. The pink portal appears underneath him and he falls through it.

All four villains land on the floor in the same room as the Sando Brothers.

Leo groans as he leans against the chair, all of them exhausted from the recent fight. Amy has already gone back to the bakery, to check on Chewbacon and to get some work done. Raph sighs slowly at their lack of progress lately.

"We can't keep failing only to luck out at the last second," Raph remembers all of their previous fights, remembering how most of them ended up with them being lucky coincidences that they were defeated. Either it was someone else or by their own choice for the villains to give up. "I know no one wants to hear it," His brothers stare at him as he looks serious. "But we need-"

"Don't you dare say the T word!" Mikey warns him.

"Training."

All three groan at that. They didn't think they needed training because they thought they were good enough on their own.

"What's training gonna do for us? What we need is better mystic weapons," Leo waves his sword. "Does anyone wanna trade?" He looks at Donnie and Mikey.

"Mystic weapons or not, we need to get better at...everything!" Raph tells them. He stands on the chair in front of Leo, causing the brother to recoil back in surprise. "When I look around in this room, I see nothing but potential! Who's ready to tap down that potential? Huh?" He looks at his brothers eagerly, but no one answers. "Huh? Take it up a notch?" He then points at Leo. "You, being the best of the best? Yeah?"

Donnie and Mikey cringe, looking away.

"Uh, well..."

"But who's gonna train us?" Leo asks, arms crossed. "Who's gonna be our sensei?"

The news is on in Splinter's room, but he's too busy snoring to care. He would rather watch his commercials than the boring old news. He looks peaceful as he's curled up in his small blanket. The turtles all stare at him, having waited patiently for a little while now.

"Master Splinter!" Raph shouts loudly and the rat springs up, eyes wide.

"I swear I've never been to Dallas!" He denies quickly before he turns around, seeing his sons.

"Master Splinter," Raph opens his eyes as Leo and Mikey stare at him pleadingly. "We need your help. We need you to train us, so we can be...heroes." Raph looks up at the ceiling at the thought of being able to take down anyone. Splinter narrows his eyes, nodding with a serious grunt.

He goes through a wall of weapons. Raph, Leo, Donnie, and Mikey stand behind him, their hands behind their backs as if they're soldiers. "Glad you boys are back for some more formal training!" The rat casually puts a mace over his shoulder.

"Yes!" Raph exclaims enthusiastically.

"It is not going to be easy," He walks past them. "I will break you down to your core, like a snowball! Then, I will build you back stronger, like a snowman!" He spins a sai in his left hand. He throws it over his shoulder, Donnie narrowly missing it by the head. "Now, let us begin!"

Raph and Leo stare at him in awe as he takes a sword.

"Turn the level up!"

"Yeah!"

"Yes, all of us say yeah!"

Splinter lunges the sword forward... but then he uses it to put in a tape. They give him blank looks as a Lou Jitsu movie plays. The movie star turns to the screen.

"Hot soup!" He declares, his sunglasses glinting a little. He spins around a fish.

"First, we will watch Lou Jitsu, in One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Dead Fish! Followed by-"

"Are you serious?" Leo stops the tape as they block the screen. "This isn't training."

"This is absolutely training!" Splinter insists, "You are not ready for more than this. Lesson one, WWLJD. What would Lou Jitsu do?"

"What?" Leo asks in disbelief. "How is thinking like Lou Jitsu gonna help us?"

Splinter sighs slowly, closing his eyes. "Lou Jitsu cares about you in many ways than you could ever know."

"What?" Mikey questions in confusion.

"This is the first and only time I will ever say this," Donnie rolls his eyes about what he's about to say, "But Leo is right."

"Plus, we know all these fights by heart," Leo speaks up.

"Oh," Splinter rolls his eyes at their cockiness, "Well excuse me. I suppose you know the fight in Little Jacob's Ladder?" He holds out the DVD.

Raph chuckles at the thought. "Do people even use ladders anymore? Isn't there an app for that?"

"We need more!" Mikey insists, his shell to Splinter. "We're ready for the floaty wings to come off!"

"We need real training," Leo explains bluntly, "Not whatever this is," He rolls his eyes at how outdated these techniques are. "At least Amy was willing to do it."

"Yeah, what are the odds that we ever fight in a fish market or ladder factory?" Donnie raises a brow in boredom.

"Lame," Leo mumbles.

"Well, look at you fancy pants boys," Splinter remarks, hands on his hips as he's standing on his chair. "You think you know everything. Well, let me tell you about the boys who know everything."

Mikey groans as he already knows he means them. "Well, they don't."

Raph sighs at this. "They should listen to their father! Who know everything!"

Leo rolls his eyes. "What do you even know about training, anyway? You're just a rat."

Splinter pauses at that, feeling a little hurt. "We need a tiger."

"We're out of here," They start to leave and Splinter glances at them. They couldn't leave, they don't know how the training could benefit.

"What?"

"Which you already knew, cause you know everything," Raph retorts to him and he stumbles, standing on the chair and crossing his arms.

"No! You will go nowhere! You are all grounded!"

"What?!" They all exclaim at him.

"And give me your weapons. You don't deserve them!"

They all groan, throwing their weapons to the ground. He looks at them sadly, sniffling at how cocky they're being. He stares at where they once were as they're already gone. He sighs, hoping that they'll understand...

Repo Mantis sticks his claw into the wooden table. "One of you muties know what's going on here?" He demands from the Sando Brothers. "I got a birthday cake that needs repossessing."

"I demand to know who kidnapped me so I can sue!" Brit slams down his fist.

"Which one of you brought me here?" Repo ducks from a flying razor ring. "Who do I have to cut in half and then not bring back together?" Hypno threatens before a hammer is slammed in front of his face, causing him to fall to the ground.

"All I see is fresh meat for me to batter fry!" Meat Sweats looks at them, sounding hungry. Purple vines grab his arms, throwing him up into the air.

"Silence, Meat Sweats," The vines throw him away, allowing Baron Draxum to step out from the shadows. Huginn and Muninn chuckle as they're resting on his shoulders. "I am the one who brought you here. I look around this room, I see nothing but potential." All the villains grin at him. "Who thinks it's about time we-"

They hear scrapping and turn to see a chair being moved towards them. They just stare as the chair slowly stops between Repo and Hypno. Warren Stone makes himself known, struggling to bring his gauntlet up. It lands on his head and he slides off from underneath it.

"Please, continue."

Baron Draxum sighs wearily, deciding to let him stay. "We join together today for one simple menacing pu-"

The lights turn on and Todd is there as well, holding a tray of lemonade. "Lemonade!"

They're actually in a hotel, using one of the rooms as their conference room. "I hate to brag, but it has been called both life-changing and dream-making!" Todd smiles at them. "Who wants some?"

Everyone but Baron raises their hand. All the portal jumping made them thirsty.

"What's going on here?" Baron demands as he didn't remember having Todd being invited. "Who is this?"

"Todd, sir. Trust me, he's as bad as they come," Huginn tells him.

"I told you to get me the baddest, meanest, most skull-crushing mutants," Baron starts off, "And you bring me...that guy?"

"Lemonade!" Todd sings and Baron sighs in defeat. He just wanted to get the point across.

"Everyone at this table shares a common enemy. We are here to destroy those teenage mutant ninja tur-"

He stops as Hypno sips the delicious lemonade, smacking his lips. Baron snorts in annoyance at the interruption.

"We are here to-"

One of the Sando Brothers smacks his lips.

"Everyone-"

Repo then interrupts with the lip smacking.

"Okay now," Then it's Warren. One of his eyes twitches as everyone won't shut up. "Now. I brought you here-"

He hears it from underneath him and he looks to see even his own minions interrupting. He slams down his hands. "Enough! I brought you all here because the turtles, my creations, and Amelia-"

"Love those guys," Todd speaks up from behind him.

"Are ruining my plans for yokai-kind to reclaim our place on the surface! With your help, we can take 'em out and you can be free and finally become everything I so badly want you to be!" His left hand grows purple, causing the cups of lemonade to be destroyed. "Now, who's with me?"

They all stare at him, staying silent.

"Excuse me," Warren waves a hand, landing on the table. "I, Warren Stone, former anchorman and their official greatest foe, have a few questions. Before I join this ghoulish gang-"

"I'm sorry, who are you again?" Baron rubs his chin.

"I have no idea," Huginn whispers quietly.

"Why is one of his fists so big?" Baron whispers back.

"Why is one of your fists so big?!" Muninn asks loudly, Huginn facepalming. Someone knocks on the door and the bellhop peeks inside.

"Excuse me, sir, there's been a slight problem with your credit card. It's, uh, a cocoon?" He looks at the purple item in his hand. Warren lunges towards him, the gauntlet shooting a wave of lightning at the man. He laughs and everyone claps at his skill.

"Impressive," Baron admits.

"Small query. How do you know so much about all of us and why do you keep saying you created the turtles?" Meat Sweats asks in confusion, his mallet on the table. As far as he can tell, those who get bit by the bugs are turned into mutants. After all, that's how everyone else besides Draxum got to be who they are now. So the turtles had to have gone through the same process, right?

"Yes, and how does little Amelia fit into all this?" Brit smiles so wide it's creepy, rubbing his hands together. He's got a little something up his sleeve for her, hoping that he can get his idea approved. Not only would he get his revenge, but he can take down Amy with it.

Baron Draxum takes a seat, preparing to explain himself.

"I-"

"Glad you asked!" Huginn interrupts, holding up a finger.

"We'll take it from here, boss," Muninn says to Draxum, clearing his throat. Suddenly, the lights go out, leaving only two spotlights on the two small creatures. However, the villains can still be seen in the darkness, including Draxum.

"He is the very model of a warring warrior scientist," Huginn starts off, gesturing to his boss. "He's mutated things from vegetable, animal, to cyclist." He and Muninn fly off of Draxum's shoulders with their retractable wings. The evil alchemist rubs his temples at his minions' antics. Sometimes they'll completely goof off, making him wonder why he even keeps them around.

"We want those little turtles and girl, to crush them with our iron fist," Muninn clenches his fists to the Sando Brothers, flying over to Warren, Hypno, and Repo. "From Brooklyn to the bowery, he'll grind them into nothing mist," He joins the spotlight with his partner, everyone staring at them. Huginn lands on Meat Sweats' shoulder.

"As a boss, he is extremely caring and at times," He hugs the pig's face, "Quite passionate."

Muninn appears on Meat Sweats' left shoulder. "Yet all they do is treat him as their classic villain antagonist," Muninn places a hand on his cheek as emphasis for how Baron actually felt at the time. It is true that he's tired of them interfering with his plans and refusing to join him. Maybe when they're beaten beyond recognition, they'll finally come to their senses.

"Our evil friends here today, he has some exciting news!" The two land in front of their boss. "Exciting news! Was thirteen years ago today he made those turtles with the ooze and five years ago today that the girl's siblings were killed!"

"Was thirteen years ago today he made those turtles with the ooze and five years ago today that the girl's siblings were killed!" The rest of the villains sing in realization. "Was thirteen years ago today he made those turtles with the ooze and five years ago today that the girl's siblings were killed!"

"At the Battle Nexus, Draxum found himself the perfect human fighter. He was the greatest champion, his abs were no tighter."

"Mutating him was going to be nothing short of masterful, with warriors made from him, the Baron would be oh so powerful."

"Mutating him was going to be nothing short of powerful," All except Draxum sing, "With warriors made from him, the Baron would be oh so powerful."

Muninn gestures to Draxum, as he's actually sipping some of Todd's lemonade. "Their rejection of him is nothing short of blasphemous!"

Huginn uses Draxum's hair as if it was his own. "In several social circles, he is viewed as simply," Draxum punches him, causing him to crash against the wall. No one uses his hair like that. "Fabulous," Huginn finishes wearily, Draxum smiling wickedly as he's sipping some lemonade. Even though Todd wasn't as deadly, he does make good lemonade. He closes his eyes in defeat.

"Fine. I guess I'll give them what they want," He jumps and lands between all the villains so that they can pay attention to him. Suddenly, it's as if there's fire behind him, making him all the more menacing. "After I gave the turtles life, my lab was set on fire and destroyed by a cheesy action hero whose movies I don't enjoy. So I presumed them lost and therefore I had all but given up, only to discover weeks ago that they in fact had not burned up," He grabs Meat Sweats' cheeks, throwing him back into his seat.

"Now that you know their origins, it's time for us to make our plan!" He then looks down at someone. "And yes, we'll need the skills of everyone including Anchorman!"

"And yes, we'll need the skills of everyone including Anchorman!" All of his allies except Warren sing, who smiles widely. He struggles to move the gauntlet on his arm. All of them pump their arms, Brit spinning a towel in glee.

"Now my friends the time is here, we mutants come together for a stand. Let's put a close on the first meeting of our merry little band," Draxum holds out his arms as the purple vines surround him. "So join me in ending them, our greatest foes for I insist," The vines break through the walls of the conference room, taking Draxum with them. "I am the very model of a warring warrior scientist."

The other villains run out of the fire, ready to start on their goal. "So join him in ending them, our greatest foes, for he insists. He is the very model of a warring warrior scientist."

Draxum smiles at the recognition, as he's certain that this little team of his will destroy the turtles. For Amy, he has plans for her. He looks down at his allies.

"Now, for some unnecessary, but highly destructive violence. My Evil League of Mutants!" He declares at the team he's just named: The Sando Brothers, Hypno-Potamus, Repo Mantis, Meat Sweats, Warren Stone, and Brit Worley.

With this onslaught of foes as his companions, there is no way that the turtles and Amy can defeat him now. And then he can continue with his plans to mutate all the humans so that mutants can rule. Mutants will be the superior race to the thoughtless humans, except for one special human he has in mind. Nothing will prevent him from achieving his goals...

Even if he has to destroy the turtles and Amelia himself.

Donnie sighs as he jumps past the moon, Mikey, Leo, and Raph following after him. "Cowabummer," Raph complains as Leo's on the phone, leaning against the water tower. They're looking over Smith's Sweets.

"So you guys got grounded?" Amy asks as she's slowly mixing the eggs with the batter that's stirring from the mixer. Her phone is to her ear.

"I can't believe he grounded us," Raph complains, hand on his cheek.

"I can't believe you guys snuck out," Mikey points at them, "And I had to come just to keep an eye on you!"

"Don't worry, I've taken care of everything," Donnie informs the others, "Dad will never know."

He set up a bunch of dummies at the skate park. Splinter looks at them, having no clue as he nods his head. The Leo dummy falls down.

"Why did you get grounded?" Amy asks and Leo scoffs.

"No reason, we just...told him he can't train us and then he took our weapons."

"What?!" Amy exclaims as she suddenly stops the mixer. "Why would you say that to him?!"

"Because he can't train us!" Leo repeats to her.

"Yeah, but you don't say that!" She retorts back. "If MY father were still alive, I would definitely never tell him! Just because his methods might not work for you doesn't mean they don't work in general."

Leo rolls his eyes. "Why can't you train us?"

"I have to work, Leo. That doesn't exactly give me free time to train four mutant turtles," She deadpans, glancing at Chewbacon. He walks towards the door to get the mail from outside.

"Oh, come on!" Leo whines and she gives a blank look. "You know so much and we're getting so little..."

Amy sighs slowly, glancing away. It's not like she doesn't want to help them, she just can't do it whenever they want to... "You shouldn't have said that to him."

"We need training!" Leo insists to her.

"No, what you need is a reality check. You just don't want to face facts. Splinter is your father, you can't just ignore him. Maybe if you listened, we would've defeated those sorry excuses for seafood."

Leo grunts, crossing his arms. "Easy for you to say, Miss Know-it-all, you didn't defeat them either. If you do know so much about these mystic weapons, you wouldn't have gotten your butt kicked..."

Amy says nothing and she shakes her head. Certain memories of middle school come back to mind and it all sounded too familiar to her. "Idiot." She then hangs up and Leo looks at the phone in confusion. He sighs loudly, causing his brothers to turn to him as he drags a hand down his face.

"Maybe she's right," Raph says slowly.

"Yeah...I know," Leo admits, and as soon as he got down there, he would apologize.

Mikey hears a door close, looking to where it came from. "Ohmigosh, check this out!" He points downwards and Raph places his hand on his head, looking in the same direction.

"Guys!" Leo and Donnie peek behind him to see an Origami Ninja and a Foot soldier standing near Amy's bakery.

"The device is accounted for. And not a turtle in sight. Let's roll," Foot Lieutenant knocks on the back of the van door. There's a pizza box sitting right outside the entrance to the bakery.

"This is our chance to get our train on!" Raph grunts in frustration. "We don't have any weapons." He sags near Leo.

"If we can't beat crab men with weapons, how would we beat these guys without them?" Leo asks.

"I can't put a smile on this crumb sandwich. What hope do we have?!" Mikey complains, eyeing the pizza box. Chewbacon has the pizza box in his mouth, holding it out to Amy.

"A pizza? If this is Leo's idea of an apology, he needs to step it up," Amy shakes her head, holding it in her left hand. She shrugs and walks towards the door, throwing the pizza box onto a table. Suddenly there's an explosion, the blast so big it knocks Amy through the glass window and onto the sidewalk.

All the turtles gasp in horror.

"AMY!"

"Omigosh, her place just exploded!"

Acting quickly, they jump down and rush over to her. There's little glass pieces in her hair, Chewbacon slightly hurt as he's looking down at her. Donnie rushes inside the shop, seeing that the pizza box was actually a bomb. The place is a mess, but no major damage has been done. Papers are strewn all over, some chairs knocked down. A table is broken in half and the tablet is cracked. The display case is slightly broken, but otherwise intact.

Leo shakes the girl, but she doesn't respond. "Amy? Amy! Speak to me!"

"Wake up," Mikey whimpers in fear and there's nothing. Leo closes his eyes, trying not to cry as his eyes are full of rage. The Foot did this, they planted that bomb. But why? Why did it have to be her?

"I'm sorry, Amy..." Leo whispers softly. "If I wasn't such an idiot, you'd still be right here..."

The turtles close their eyes until they hear a groan. The four give a look of shock as Amy slowly sits up, holding her head. Her ears are ringing and her head hurts.

"What happened...?" She murmurs, shaking her head as she's a little disoriented from the blast.

"Thank goodness," Mikey sighs in relief as they surround her.

"Amy..." Leo hugs her gently. "Are you okay? I'm so sorry..."

"Sorry? Why are you...?" Amy finally looks up and gives a look of horror. "No! My shop...!"

"There...was a bomb," Raph says slowly. "The Foot left it."

"Oh god..." She covers her eyes, trying not to cry. "Oh no..."

Leo grips her waist as she cries a little. She gasps, looking around rapidly. "Where's Chewbacon? Is he hurt?! Please don't tell me..."

"He's right here," Donnie holds him out and Amy hugs her pig, holding him gently as he has some slight burns.

"...Why did they do this?" She closes her eyes.

"I don't know, but we'll get 'em," Leo promises her, rubbing her back soothingly. "They messed with the wrong girl."

"Why can't something just fly out of the sky and solve all of our problems?" Donnie holds up a finger and as soon as he says that, five flyers land on their faces. Raph groans and looks at it.

"What's this?"

"Magic-saurus?" Mikey asks in confusion, wondering if that's even a thing.

"First robot dinosaur magician?" Donnie reads the upper right corner.

"One show only!"

"Tonight in..."

"New Jersey?" They read in unison and Raph reads one of the last lines.

"Free pizza?! This is the kind of mindless entertainment we need, to forget how Splinter grounded us."

The others cheer and Leo sees something else. "Hey, they can fix your shop!"

"Huh?" Amy looks up at him and he holds it out to her. She sniffles, wiping her sleeve as she reads it. "So...they can repair the damages," She sighs slowly in relief. "Thank goodness..."

"And...we owe you an apology," Leo admits, everyone else staring at him. "Okay, fine, I do. What do you say, my lady? Apology free pizza and magician?" He grins, holding out his hand. Amy looks at it, grinning herself as she takes his hand. She needed something to take the mind off of the bombing. That, and...

What day it was today.

They run across the rooftop, Mikey sliding against the edge. Amy runs after them, trying not to smile. When they arrive, it's a fish and ladder market as they're at the mark of New Jersey.

"Are you sure we're in the right place?" Leo asks skeptically, looking at Raph.

"Flyer said it was in New Jersey," Raph states, reading the sign. "Welcome to New Jersey, turtles and Amy."

Donnie looks at the spray paint words. "That's oddly specific..."

Raph pulls open the door and Leo chuckles nervously. "Okay..."

Mikey laughs as he slides inside. "We're sure showing Pops! Ha ha!"

Despite their suspicion, they step inside anyway. "Sneaking out, chilling in a fun, totally not scary..." The doors suddenly close, leaving them in darkness. "Pitch black warehouse."

Spotlights turn on above them, Mikey jumping onto Raph's shell. "Ooo, ambience."

"You know what that means?" Amy asks in confusion.

"Well, well, well. We meet again." They hear a deep voice and Leo rubs his chin as it sounds familiar.

"Where's that voice coming from? Wait, wait, don't tell me." He closes his eyes in thought.

There's a curtain in front of them as the spotlights move around. "You all entered, but none of you will exit." The spotlights join together as the curtains move away. "Welcome to your worst nightmare!" Baron Draxum steps out.

"Baron Draxum?!" Raph exclaims as they recoil back in fear. Mikey cheers for the 'performance.'

"Oh yeah! Go, go, go hey! Magic-saurus, Magic-saurus." Mikey claps as Raph brings his head down, slowly bringing Mikey towards them.

"Wait a second, this guy's a warrior scientist and a magician? Talk about a triple threat," Leo smirks at Raph.

"Boss, you didn't tell us you could do magic!" Muninn exclaims excitedly. "We love magic!"

"Can you turn Muninn into a bunny?" Huginn asks and Baron shakes them off his shoulders.

"Silence! The magic was a trick! This is a trap!" He snaps his fingers and the curtains open fully to reveal the Evil League of Mutants. They all gasp at the team.

"Breaking news, you're toast!" Warren grins wickedly.

"Liver toast!" Meat Sweats grins.

"Crunch crunch crunch crunch crunch!" The Sando Brothers repeat.

"As an actual magician, I'm offended by this charade," Hypno gestures to himself.

"I'm about to repo your lives," Repo smirks at his pun.

"Time for you to go down," Brit smiles and Amy narrows her eyes at him.

Leo gestures to them. "This is why you never go to New Jersey!"

"One last chance, children. If you join me, I can teach you how to maximize your potential, be all that you can be. The bakery and family are no longer there to distract you from your destiny," He looks at Amy. "What's your answer?"

"You threw me off a roof!" Leo points out, hands on his hips.

"Distractions...?" Amy murmurs slowly and she drops her weapon in shock. "The bomb...the reason why you killed my siblings five years ago today...is because you think they're a distraction?! BASTARD!" Amy lunges towards them, but Leo and Raph hold her back, the tears falling down her face. She struggles for them to let her go, but they hold onto her.

"So that's a no to joining me, then?" Baron asks as he ignores Amy's outburst. "Fine. You reject me again for the last time. Now your story ends."

"Wait a minute, is that Todd?" Donnie asks in shock, pointing to behind them. Amy stops struggling to see the capybara mutant.

"Hey, how do you like my new friends? They are so serious, I'm like what and they're like aaaah! And I'm like-"

"Enough!" Baron shouts as he looks at them. "Now the story ends! Attack!" He points at the group and the league jump into the air.

"Abracapow!" Hypno spins around with his rings.

"Time to pay the payment!" Repo soars towards them.

The Sando Brothers spin around as they hold hands.

"turtle bones!" Meat Sweats holds his hammer. The five look around nervously. Not only do the turtles not have their weapons, they'll have to fight this whole team without 'em.

"Uh..."

There's screaming from inside the warehouse before it explodes, sending all of them flying. They crash near some boxes.

"Do you think Splinter's gonna be mad that we didn't listen to them?" Mikey asks, Leo popping his head out from the inside of a crate.

"You and Dad were right, Amy. And we were so mean to both of you."

"Apology accepted..." Amy replies as she sticks her head out from another crate.

"It was a pleasure serving with you guys," Mikey says in lament, Donnie lifting his head.

"You smell that?"

"Is it Raph's 'facing impossible odds' stink?" Leo asks him.

"No," Donnie holds up a fish. "It's-"

"Ladders!" Raph shoots up from a crate full of fish, some landing on Donnie in front of him. They see a bunch of ladders in front of them. "It's the fish market ladder factory we never knew we always wanted!"

"WWLJD," Leo replies in realization. "What would Lou Jitsu do?"

"Splinter's training really did have a purpose," Donnie says in understanding.

"I guess Dad was right," Mikey adds in as a ladder lands in front of Leo. He smiles slightly at Raph.

"Let's make 'im proud, boys...and girl. Mellie, you've seen the movie, right?"

Amy smirks, changing her spear into a ladder. "Do you need to ask?"

They hear laughing and turn to Meat Sweats. "Time to make turtle soup, and human for dessert!"

The League of Mutants laugh as they charge forward. "Cowabunga!" Raph declares as the others charge forward, Donnie spinning a ladder. He spins it towards the fish underneath him, causing some to fly towards the Sando Brothers and Meat Sweats. The crab brothers trip, but Meat Sweats laughs as he swings his mallet. Raph knocks it away with the ladder, spinning it and capturing the mallet with it.

"That's too much flavor."

Raph knocks the mallet out of his hand and trips Meat Sweats, grinning. "Who needs mystic weapons?" He catches the mallet and slams down the ladder, opening it. Leo jumps, climbing it.

"When you've got fish and ladders?" He jumps into the air, Amy, Donnie, and Mikey holding their ladders.

Brit, Repo, Hypno, the Sando Brothers, and Meat Sweats look up at them. Leo kicks and punches the brothers at the same time. "Kick and punch!"

Donnie attacks Hypno while Amy and Mikey attack Brit and Repo respectively.

"Huzzah!" Warren shouts, flying into the air hoping to fight someone, but lands face first near a crate. He recovers quickly. "I am Warren Stone, your greatest foe, and-"

Mikey steps on him, tripping. "Whoa!" He has no time to look on what he slipped on as Repo flings his claw at him. He lands on his shell, opening up the ladder as Repo is stuck between it. Mikey throws Repo off and kicks the ladder at the mantis mutant, sweeping his leg to make Repo stuck in the ladder. He slams it down and it opens, sending Repo flying. He crashes near Hypno.

The hippo mutant throws his razor rings at Donnie. Donnie uses his ladder as a shield, but the rings start to cut off the rungs one by one. He climbs, but is soon out of ladder. He grabs another one just in time.

"Back to razor rings!" Hypno attacks him again. "Oh, that's magic!" Donnie scrambles to stand across from him, throwing the ladder at the mutant. It bumps against his belly, leaving it in the air. Donnie quickly uses it like monkey bars, spinning around and kicking Hypno in the head. He lands on one of the crabs that was chasing Leo.

"Ho ho!" Leo flings his fish with a yell, hitting the other crab brother. He does it again and lands on a pile of fish, grabbing two swordfish from underneath him. He captures them and uses them like swords, hitting the mutant fiercely. He throws one of the fish into the air, combining it with the other one. "Catch of the day, swordfish!" He hits the crab with the sword, sending him literally spinning into the air.

He looks towards the other brother and Hypno, who were hoping to escape. "Uh oh." The crab sinks into the hole and Hypno glances to where he was. Leo spins around, throwing the swordfish at him.

The other brother lands near Draxum, who was watching in shock.

Amy crouches down and leaps into the air. Brit skids to a stop in midair, wondering if Amy was really going to hit a kid. His question is answered as she captures him in her ladder, spinning it around like a bo staff. She lets him go and he crashes against a crate.

She sprints towards him and he takes off one of his retractable horns, throwing it towards her. She grips the ladder and flies past his face. He screams, but nothing happens. Suddenly, his clothes fall down and he yelps, covering himself up. He backs away in embarrassment.

"What is happening?" Draxum demands, "How are they so good with fish, and ladders?"

"Hot soup!" All five declare as they're dealing with the mutants. He pauses, one of his eyes twitching at the phrase. He knows that phrase. He's heard it before.

"Hot soup?"

He remembers to when he was at the Battle Nexus, to observe all the mutants there. There was one particular fighter that stuck with him, though, who was not a mutant. It was Lou Jitsu, who would say that exact catchphrase.

"Hot soup!"

He would fight that exact same way. "Lou Jitsu...it can't be..."

Raph grips the ladder like Lou Jitsu would. "Laddering like a boss!" He spins the ladder and the others cheer. Lou Jitsu would do that exact same move...it's as if he's actually seeing Lou Jitsu right now. Raph spins the ladder and winks, just like him.

The mutants all stare as Raph brings the ladder towards him. He hits Warren, then Repo, Hypno, Meat Sweats, and the Sando Brothers.

Amy leaps into the air, spinning her ladder around as she swings it like a baseball bat, firing an electric ball at Brit. He's electrocuted, but not enough to harm him mortally as he flies into the air. Some of the fish are swept away by the girl and turtle's move. There's a glint and smoke comes from them, just like with Lou Jitsu would do at the Battle Nexus.

"Now that your minions are done, let's tango, you sheep-looking-"

"Where did you learn to fight like that?" He demands and Amy glares at him. Her ladder turns into a deadly cannon.

"Oh, only from the greatest action film star in history."

"Lou Jitsu!" The turtles all shout and Amy's hand wavers from the cannon. She looks at Baron with hate for what he's done. This psychotic mutant killed her siblings so she would focus on fighting? To be his fighter? All of that, because he thought family and work were a mere distraction?

"How could you morons possibly know Lou Jitsu?" Baron asks in disbelief and Amy lowers the cannon, wondering where this conversation was going.

"His movies!" Mikey smiles, "Are you a fan too?"

"No!" Baron waves it off. "I knew Lou Jitsu! He was the greatest warrior in the Battle Nexus! His human DNA, and with my ooze, gave you life!"

Raph drops the ladder in shock, Amy fully dropping the cannon. "What...?" She murmurs slowly.

Raph's knees sink to the ground. "Say what?! We have Lou Jitsu DNA?"

Mikey gasps sharply, looking at the ladder. "You mean..."

"Cowa...boy, am I speechless," Leo slowly drops the fish.

"Of course...it all makes sense," Donnie looks at the ladder and then at his hand. "So cool..."

"Yes!" Baron steps towards them slowly. "This is what I've been trying to tell you! You're destined for so much more, all of you! Amelia, you can be so much more than a baker! Now that you have nothing in your way, you can become my right-hand woman!"

Amy says nothing as Raph stands up, looking at the villain before turning to the others. "Omigosh. Lou Jitsu's our dad!"

"Huh?" Baron asks in confusion as the turtles are cheering/fanboying. Amy can't help but giggle, covering her mouth. Leo and Donnie hold hands, jumping together like they're girls.

"Wow!" Mikey places his hands on his cheeks. "Leo, you kinda look like Lou Jitsu!"

"I always knew I felt famous," Leo rubs his chin with a grin.

"Guys, guys!" Raph looks at them. "Do I look like Lou Jitsu?!"

Baron's left eye twitches as they still don't understand. "I totally see the resemblance!" Mikey answers, Leo nodding.

"Mhm. Yep, I see it too, yup."

"The connection to Lou Jitsu is not only emotional, it's biological!" Donnie inspects Raph's arm.

"Oh woooow," Amy giggles at their reactions.

"ENOUGH!" Draxum shouts, the purple vines lifting him up into the air. "If you five cannot see the true merit of your potential, then I have no further use for you." He laughs evilly before a pink portal appears above him. "Whatt the-?" He's sucked into it.

"Wait, we have so many more questions!" Raph leaps towards the portal, but is too late as the madman is gone. "Leo!" Raph shouts at him.

"I swear to pizza supreme in the sky, that wasn't me. I don't even have my sword," Leo crosses his arms.

"Well if it wasn't you, who was it?" Mikey wonders and Amy sighs, grabbing her ladder. It turns back into her regular weapon and they stare at her. She's quiet as she looks to where Draxum disappeared.

"Mellie, why didn't you attack him when you had the chance? He was right there!"

Amy turns back to them, looking upset. "What kind of person would I be if I did?"

They say nothing, glancing at each other.

Draxum lands in an alley, looking up. "What's going on? Who brought me here?!"

The only answer he gets is laughter as he can see two flames in the distance.

"This the sheep guy?" Foot Brute asks his partner.

"Be cool. He's a warring warrior scientist," Foot Lieutenant tells him.

"Sweet. Triple threat," Foot Brute grins widely.

"I will end both of you," Draxum threatens.

"Easy," Foot Lieutenant replies, "Easy. I think we just might share some of the same goals. Like getting rid of those pesky turtles and the girl! Remember that plan the bull had? We planted that bomb there..."

"...I'm listening." Draxum walks forward and gets into a van. Foot Brute drives the 'Foot Shack' and drives away.

Amy summons her bike and walks towards it. The turtles remember what happened earlier and Leo steps up.

"Amy...where are you gonna stay until your place is fixed?"

"With my mother?" Amy asks like it was obvious.

"No way!" Leo denies immediately. "So that she can hit you? So that you'll cry about your injuries again?"

"What?" Donnie asks, not sure if he heard that right.

"She hits you?!" Raph questions in shock.

"Yes, okay? My mother can get violent at times, but it's not often!" Amy retorts back, crossing her arms. "Where else am I gonna stay if not my apartment?"

Mikey thinks to himself as he holds up a finger. "You can stay with us!"

"What?!"

"I actually like that better. At least you'd be safe," Leo crosses his arms.

"I can't stay in the lair. My life is on the surface," Amy insists and Donnie shakes his head.

"Afraid not. One with capgras delusion can get violent at any time, I did my research, and with her state, you should've told your friends!" Donnie gives her a look, gesturing to himself.

"What was I supposed to say? 'Hey guys, my mother beats me because she can't control herself.' That's a real conversation starter," Amy huffs as she gets into the driver's spot. "Besides, it's not all the time."

"It shouldn't happen at all," Leo sighs at her. "Please, my lady. We have room for you."

"And it'll be fun!" Mikey exclaims, hugging her and she shakes her head slowly.

"Is that a yes?" Raph asks her and she snaps her fingers, pointing to the seats.

"...Fine. But only until my shop is fixed."

They cheer at her agreement, jumping into the seats.

Later, the turtles sneak back into the lair from above, Amy holding two duffel bags. All except Leo land safely.

"Land safely," He says in pain and Donnie looks up.

"Hey, what's Pop's chair doing-"

The light turns on and the four shout as Splinter is sitting there, having found out long ago they snuck out. "Where have you been? I was worried! Didn't I ground you? And why is Amelia here with bags?"

Leo high fives him. "Yeah, and you took away our weapons."

"We're really sorry," Raph drops Mikey out of his arms. "A-And we learned a really important big secret today, alright? We-"

"Me first," Splinter interrupts him, sighing slowly. "Being a single parent is... what I wanted to...I-I did not mean to lose my temper earlier. I-It is just that sometimes as a father-"

Leo puts a finger over his lips, interrupting him. "I can't let you finish that awkward parenting speech when Lou Jitsu is our father! Boom! Mind splosion."

Splinter gives a look of utter shock. "Who told you? I mean, how did you-?"

Donnie leans in towards him. "What Leo means is Lou Jitsu is our human DNA."

"Well then," Splinter actually looks serious. "I guess you know that I am in fact-"

Leo places a hand on his shoulder. "We know this is a lot to take in, but we just want you to know..."

"That regardless of where our DNA is from, you're still our dad," Mikey finishes, Donnie nodding slowly.

"And...we're sorry we didn't listen to you, Dad," Raph tells him sincerely.

"Yeah, what they said," Donnie jerks his head at his brothers. Splinter smiles softly.

"My sons...but answer the question. Why does Amelia have clothes?"

"Her shop blew up and she needs a place to stay, so..." Mikey looks at him pleadingly. Splinter grunts in thought.

"Dad, please. Her mother's in a bad place and we won't leave Amy with her."

"Alright. Fine. But you bake me muffins every morning and cake every night," Splinter points at her and she gives him a weak smile.

"It's a deal, Master Splinter."

"Group hug!" Raph grabs Splinter and they all hug him.

"I wonder where Lou Jitsu is now," Mikey says.

"Wherever he is, I bet he's being awesome," Leo whispers, Splinter smiling a little. He chuckles at the thought that they really don't know the truth...

The turtles are staring at something above. "She's been up there ever since she's been here."

"Can you blame her? Didn't she mention it was five years ago today that her brother and sister were killed?"

There's a pause and Raph looks up. "Why didn't she tell us?"

"She probably didn't want to talk about it," Mikey frowns a little. "Someone should talk to her."

"I'll do it," Leo immediately jumps up higher, the others shaking their heads at him. He lands on the upper level, where he finds Amy sitting right in front of her temporary room. She has her head down as Leo sees water falling down. "Ames? What's wrong?"

"N-Nothing...I'm fine," Her voice is a bit raspy from the crying. She wipes away the tears using her sleeve.

"Doesn't sound like it," He sits next to her. The girl hugs her legs, looking away as she tries not to let more tears escape her. One of his legs dangle as he looks up at the roof, deep in thought. "Was it because of what Draxum said?"

"Not just that," She sighs, sniffling. "My siblings...five years I've spent without them dealing with my mother's illness. I...I worked so hard at that bakery. I pushed and pushed, and for what? That?! I'm a terrible owner if I let that happen..."

"That's not true," Leo says sharply and she looks at him, her eyes slightly red. "You're the most successful person I know."

"R-Really?" She murmurs and he smiles softly at her.

"Of course. Before you know, you'll be back to making those delicious muffins and pies and cakes again. Letting someone blow it up doesn't mean you're a horrible baker or owner."

"Thank you, Leo. That means a lot," She smiles weakly and she sighs.

"Come here," Leo engulfs her into a warm and comforting hug. She hugs him back in satisfaction, burying his face into his plastron. "Feeling better?"

"A little."

They fall into a comfortable silence as they enjoy each other's presence until she speaks.

"Five years goes by fast..."

"...Will you tell me how it happened?" He asks and she closes her eyes.

"Yeah...I might as well."

"Sprinkles, sprinkles, sprinkles, sprinkles, a pocket full of sprinkles, sprinkles, sprinkles, they'll all fall down!" A girl giggled as she had partially blond hair in a braid. She fell onto a table, an older man shaking his head at her antics. He had Hispanic skin, black hair, and brown eyes. He was wearing a Santiago's Sweets apron, wiping down the counter.

"Since when did sprinkles go with cake?"

"Since now!" The girl exclaimed, looking at awe at a finished cake in front of her. She reached out to lick the frosting, but the man pushed her away.

"Alina, you're supposed to be watching Elena and Lucia."

"But this cake needs sprinkles!" The girl pouted at him.

"Mom will say no."

"No she won't," A 9-year-old girl piped up in sign language as she had dark brown hair that stopped just below her shoulders. She had blue eyes and fair skin. "Mom says that a baker's creativity never diminishes, it just gets better!"

"I wish she'd stop saying that," He glanced at the 10-year-old Amy, or Alina as she was named back then. He smiled softly at her. She had a passion for baking, sometimes helping him around the shop. It wasn't his style, so Alina would be the perfect choice to take over when she was older.

He glanced at a two-year-old Elena, his daughter. She was quietly playing with her toys, unlike her aunts.

"Oh, I know! Oreos! Oreos would go perfect with this!" Alina insisted, looking at the list from the customer. "The Sanchez family don't seem to mind them."

"If you go, all five of us has to go," Her older brother pointed out.

"Please?" Alina gave him puppy eyes and Lucia did it too. He sighed slowly at his little sisters, taking off the aprons.

"Fine. You win...for now. But I'll leave Elena with Carol at home."

"Yay!" Alina cheered, eyes shining. "Can we take your bike there?!"

"Alina," Marco chuckled slightly, "We all can't fit on the bike. We'll have to take the car."

"But it's so cool!" Alina pouted a little as Chewbacon moved around her. "Hey, if you get tired of it, can I have it?"

"Sure, when pigs fly."

Lucia said something in sign language. "No you can't have it either, Luce."

The girl pouted.

Baron Draxum waited above the rooftops as the Santiago family got into the car. "Why is that girl so important, boss?" Muninn asked in confusion, Huginn shaking his head.

"Don't argue with the boss."

"Let's just say it's...instinct." The car started up, signaling it was time to make his move. He made a vine appear as the car started to get away and it pierced right through the car. Alina shrieked as they flew towards a pole, and then there was a crash.

Alina covered herself up, shaking as she could hear was honking. She peeked out from her jacket, seeing her brother had gone right through the windshield. "Marco? Marco! Big brother?!"

She called out his name but he didn't answer as his eyes looked glassy. Alina blinked back tears as she could already tell...

He was gone.

She then looked to her father next to her, hearing the police sirens heading towards them. She didn't call the police, but she was glad that they were coming.

"Daddy, the police are coming," She shook him slightly and she heard a groan, meaning he was still alive. Some blood was seeping down from his head. "Daddy?"

She then moved her eyes towards her little sister, who had some bruises. There was a crack in the window near her seat that had some red liquid around it. Her heart broke as she managed to crawl over her father, shaking the little girl. "Lucy? Lucia? Lucia, answer me!"

There was none.

Alina sobbed a little before she peeked over to her mother. She had hit the front window at the driver's seat, her cheeks and head scraped. "Mommy. Mommy!"

She couldn't stay in there any longer.

The little girl, with all her might, opened the door near her and stepped out, seeing the vines near the trunk. "W-What are those? What happened?"

She followed the trail of vines towards the rooftops...seeing him.

Seeing Draxum.

He just grinned slowly and Alina gasped softly, realizing that he did this. She clenched a fist to her heart. "A mutant..."

And with that, Draxum left Alina, also known as Amy, alone with two gone and two remaining.

"It was horrible," She whispers as Leo takes it all in. "Seeing them like that...I was only 10. No one should ever have to see that..."

"...So that's why you couldn't do it. Why you couldn't hurt Draxum," Leo says slowly and she nods.

"...He might've killed them...but they wouldn't have wanted me to do that for them. I'll get justice for them some other way. Leo...thank you for this. I needed to get that out of my chest."

"You're welcome." He's happy that she trusts him as a friend, but he can't help but wish that they could be something more. He wants for them to be something more, but for now...

He's okay being her friend.