Outside Chance

by WhyIsThisHappeningToMe

(set post s4 of TMNT 2012) Leo has to make a lifechanging decision when the rebel-foot clan destroys their home. In a desperate attempt to escape, the turtles use the strange substance 'purple ooze' to temporarily become human as a means to an end. But when the brothers are sepperated during the seige, how will they be able to find each other again before their enemies does?

17. Farewell Transmission (Finale part III)

Donnie tried not to let his nerves get the better of him, staying close as Simon led the way. He still felt the ache in his chest from the beating, wanting to believe that the person inside was still there, that they weren't led into a trap, but he couldn't ignore the facts. And fact was, that if they weren't careful, then chances were Simon might go back to his primal instincts, or whatever it was the serum had turned him into. Going after the cure could either lead them straight into the heart of Tatsu's headquarters, or miraculously to the sample left behind by their fearless leader. And while he was still on guard, questioning if their friend here could still control himself, Donnie had to be an idiot not to notice the pathway changing significantly for every building block they leapt past.

A similar feeling that bugged Donnie because he couldn't for the life of him figure out why. Attention half kept on any soldiers trailing them in the darkened mists, as well as the tower by the other end of the city- glowing neon lights shining through like a warning, but he recognized that building too. As a matter of fact, the closer they came to wherever it was Simon was taking them, whether compelled by the cure itself or simply by his own intuition, the closer it seemed the building approached them from the horizon. Reaching all the way up through the skies as flickering lights kept motioning in the abyss- not unlike the veins of every creature they'd come across, every innocent bystander fallen victim to the purple mutagen. I wonder if…

They suddenly stopped, Simon having them wait by the edge of one of the apartment blocks, paving way to yet another street darkened below. Except this one was different. Something about the lack of lights perhaps, or just the eerie silence that seemed to guide every motion below to a silent wind seeping through. But either way, Mikey too seemed to feel it, eyes glaring up as the trio leaped down into the open- Donnie helping Mikey down by the shoulder. He didn't know if he should be grateful that by whatever miracle medicine allowed his brother not to feel enough pain to be rendered immovable, or worried out of his mind because what if this was simply the purple mutagen making him not feel it yet…?

"Haven't we…. Been here before?" Mikey muttered clutching his arm tightly, as if for comfort. Simon too seemed bothered by something, making Donnie all the more eager to keep his distance, despite him clearly showing signs of reconnaissance. But whether or not it was enough to lead him and Mikey safely to the cure, was yet to be known. Because so far, at least from what Donnie could tell, there was nothing but more empty buildings in sight. Certainly no where Leo would've thought to hide it, unless he'd been spending his patrols a little differently than they'd thought.

"Simon, where are you taking us?" Mikey asked, just as something moved out of the corner of Donnie's eye.

"Wait, Mikey-

He didn't really think before suddenly his hands where over Mikey's mouth, dragging the pair behind what appeared to be a nearby shoe store for cover. When Mikey stopped squirming, that's when Donnie pointed him to the direction of the four figures standing vicariously alert above the high rises surrounding them, observing them, but not attacking. Not yet.

"They're watching us…"

Mikey's eyes shot up, fear turning to sheer annoyance as he seemed to catch onto the whole no killing that seemed to be a main topic of these guys- though Donnie was sure if Tatsu's orders weren't different they'd probably not strain from trying. They'd kicked their butts so many times by now, let alone killed their leader, some of them were bound to hold a vendetta.
"Again?! Man, when will those guys give it a rest!?"

"They must be looking for Karai and the others. Oh no… only two hours left- we should speed this up"

"Two hours?!" Mikey shrieked, all color leaving his face.

"Head down!" Donnie, quick to drag his brother to ground level as the soldiers started moving closer, figured that if they weren't there to attack, surely, they must be after the cure too. Or worse, they'd already found it, and was now trying to make sure no one would be able to get to it. Though judging by Leo's tenacity so far in keeping it safe, Donnie seriously doubted it.

"Where's April when you need a superhuman telekinetic?" Mikey muttered, and despite their previous circumstances, Donnie couldn't help but agree… too bad reality have other plans. They stayed close to the alleyways, Simon, despite his size, making his way after them as quiet as could be. Turns out, wherever he was leading them, the closer they got, the faster he became as well, shoving past broken glass, tipped over trash cans and abandoned moving boxes with ease. More and more eager to get to where they were going, as if something was pulling him in that particular direction- and Donnie noticed one of these shops they passed as similar too. The old candy store, he'd walked- no, ran past so many times before. Why do I remember that…?

"Simon!"

Suddenly, their friend stopped dead in his tracks. That is to say, he decided to run right out into the open again, something making him let out a roar as he shivered and struggled. Almost like an invisible force were attacking him all of a sudden, and Mikey was already on his way there to help.
"Mikey, stop! They can see you!" he called, barely enough time to drag him back to the corner, where the soldiers seemed to notice something in their direction move from the shadows. Mikey was anxiously starring as Simon continued to squirm, both him and Donnie thinking the same thing because right now, it had been more than a day since his transformation. And yet that didn't ease their concerns, the pit in Donnie's stomach as he saw the look on Mikey's face, trying to reach out to him once again, because what else did they have to lose? But then, he noticed something else too. Something he couldn't believe he hadn't noticed sooner.

"West 69th… why does that- wait… of course! But then…"

He could almost see them running there, an entire street covered in lights and ghouls, banners hung up around every corner. People roaming the place as their laughter drowned out the night, zombies and skeletons, ghosts and what other monsters lurking would all of a sudden be welcome. And he remembered it, the jawing spectacle suddenly turned into a literal shadow of itself, because this was it. The place they'd go, where they'd always go, every night on Halloween. The right building, the right place at the right time. It was… it was genius. Of course, that idiot would choose the one place they hadn't seen for so long to hide it- it had to be. No wonder Karai couldn't have known, no wonder Simon had led them here… Now the only remaining question: How the shell do we manage to get past those guys?

"Uh, Donnie? I think something's wrong…!" Mikey called, dragging Donnie back to earth and his little brother was not waiting anymore as Simon suddenly seemed to collapse on the ground. He ran towards him at lighting speed, Donnie powerless to stop him but it was too late. They weren't alone anymore.

"Simon?" he called, reaching out a hand, but as soon as he did something else seemed to move closer, and it wasn't the foot soldiers. Before either of them could get out of the way, Simon suddenly leapt to his feet, howling out into a beastlike roar that echoed for miles- shielding Mikey from the mutant about to stab him in the chest. Donnie hurried over there, dragging Mikey away by all means necessary as his brother called out- the creature burying the closest resemblance to teeth it possessed directly into Simon's shoulder.

"Simon!"

"Mikey, wait!"

Donnie tried to usher him away, something else behind him grabbing on to his staff and before he knew it, he was off his feet- slamming into the nearest pole with one skull cracking hit to the forehead. Everything was a blur as Donnie struggled to regain his senses, Mikey quick by his side, helping him to his feet as more and more mutants came out of hiding. Fighting and biting and clawing at Simon, before inevitably turning towards them in return.

"Oh no…"

"We need to help him!" Mikey yelled, leaping forward but Donnie was just a few seconds away from missing the mutant jumping him from the right. He used his bo to jagg between its teeth, already feeling the weight of it like a lot more than it usually has, his arms wavering slightly though he remained mostly steady. "No, we need to help ourselves first! We need to get to higher ground, come on!" He fumbled in his pocket after anything useful, a couple of throw stars that he with some luck used to deflect the creature's glow onto itself, kicking it once for good measure before running in the other direction.

Mikey, though significantly faster, almost didn't see the creature aiming its claws at him from behind, had Donnie not used the sharp end of his bo to pierce through it. Mikey rolled to the side dodging every creature he could, but there was too many. Certainly, too many to fight by themselves- no they needed to get the heck out of there and now.

"Mikey! The shop!" Donnie yelled, pointing him towards the candy store again where the cover from outside should by all means be enough to leap them onto the roof. And while Mikey initially seemed to agree to this plan, running fast pace towards the nearest streetlamp in an effort to swing himself up there, before he stopped dad in his tracks.

Simon was still fighting the mutants one after the other, biting and stabbing and clawing every attacker in sight, but he was still outmatched. Scrambling to the floor as Mikey, instead of leaping onto the cover, used the steel beam to swing himself onto the mutant towering over Simon.

"BOOYAKASHAAA!"

He grabbed his last remaining nun chuck and wrapped it around the creature's neck, coursing it to fall backwards, looking almost like an automatic bull ride, as it shook and leaped and did basically everything in its power to knock him off of it.

"Mikey! What are you-oh for the love of…" Donnie muttered, readying his weapon as he too, decided that trying to convince Mikey not to do something, was probably just as easy as climbing mount Everest with nothing but a toothpick and a set of string. He ran for the mutant closest, knocking it away from Simon, and avoiding the poisonous spikes at the end of its claws by any means necessary.

Unfortunately, as one of them, this one sneaking up behind Mikey grabbed him and knocked him to the ground, Donnie was too busy not getting stabbed to be able to help. He heard something sharp pierce through the air and noticed only too late that this was Mikey's cast, now sliced across the arm, only barely ripping it apart entirely, but he didn't seem too hurt by it. Also making Donnie wonder, just how good his medical skills were, for the cast to stay solid, though Mikey certainly didn't seem too impressed. In fact, as Donnie tried to kick away his opponent to reach him, something fell out of his pocket- in the process making him notice how Mikey's one arm clearly wasn't enough to keep his monster at bay, kicking and squirming and probably gritting his teeth just to get free, but he didn't have the strength. It's started.

But then, he also noticed the big box sliding across the pavement right next to him, and Donnie suddenly had an idea- remembering his previous reprogramming like a prayer answered.

"Mikey! The remote!" Donnie called, desperate for him to notice.

"What?!"

"USE IT! BIG RED BUTTON! PRESS IT!"

Mikey looked down, struggled to reach out, but managed if just barely to grab it by the end of his fingertips, understanding suddenly on his face, before he hesitated.

"But you always told me explicitly not to press it!"
"But now, I am telling you TO JUST PRESS THE BUTTON!"

And so, with a knot in his chest and his eyes squeezed shut, Mikey pressed the thing. Something clicking inside the controller as both brothers waited in anticipation. Come on, come on, come on…! There was a silence, then a crash soaring through the skies and then-

"Holy chalupa…"

Donnie couldn't believe his eyes. But there, before anyone knew it, came the loud unmistakable rumble above, as the metal toaster soared by the thrust of an automated jet pack straight into both mutants at once. Donnie jumping to cover along with Mikey, as Metalhead shot out a beam of light, sending every mutant inside into a fit of pain from a mile radius at least before they squirmed and started running. Simon the only one still remaining.

When every mutant had seemingly left the street, and let's face it, they probably had, Metalhead settled down, recalibrating his motor wings and retracting them back into its holster, before stretching out its arm with a thumbs up into the air.

"YES! HAHA! YEAH SON!" Mikey yelled, leaping into the air.

Donnie couldn't believe it… it worked. Something he build, and it worked. Didn't blow up, didn't decide to exterminate all humanity (what was left of it anyway), nope. It actually did as it was programmed to… and Donnie couldn't be more proud. He got to his feet, smiling in relief as he made his way over to Mikey thankfully unscathed, and put his hand on his head,

"Good job Mikey" he said, Mikey responding by promptly and without much warning embracing him in return. The feeling didn't last long though, as a silent whimper suddenly sent Mikey to the other side of the street, where Simon now lay motionless on the ground.

"Simon!"

He slit down along the concrete, Donnie not knowing how or why he'd acted that way earlier. Though something told him, that perhaps the answer wasn't as much that the mutagen was already making him deteriorate, but maybe it was simply Simon fighting not to lose sight of himself. Trying to remain, without giving in to the mutagen's twisted nature, leading him down a path he might not be able to return from. Mikey tried to fold his hands over Simon's head, waking him up, trying to assert the damage. But as his eyes trailed down to the broken limb right now swallowing up into what looked more and more like a beating heart, it soon became very evident.

"W-we need to get him some help!" Mikey muttered, panicky starting to tear his shirt apart to little avail, before he then realized he could use his mask instead and began untying it. And as he did, Simon moving slightly by the notion, probably reawakening from the pain- that's when Donnie's gaze wandered back to Metalhead 3.0 illuminating the street corner where one sign in particular stood out to the others. The same one confirming his previous suspicions, indicating that if the vial was truly hidden there, somewhere on this very street then... oh no…

"No, no, no I'm trying to help you! Just hold still- Donnie?! A little help here?"

But Donnie didn't answer, too caught up in his own head. They're still watching us, he thought. We can't find them, we can't evade them… we get the cure, and then what? What are we going to do? What am I…?

And it was then Donnie had an idea.

A horrible, horrible amazingly bad awful idea, that even though thinking about it was enough for him to wish that any other option was available. But the more and more his mind churned, the more he realized that the only way for them to get what they wanted… he'd have to… "Mikey…?" he called, hesitant to tell him but Donnie honestly didn't know what to do. He told himself that he was done lying… that no matter what happened, they were done separating. But this was all or nothing. Donnie realized something the other's hadn't, and he'd swore to himself that whatever happened, he was doing it for his family. Everything that he'd done, had been for his family. Ever since he first stole that vial of mutagen, up to all the experiments they'd carried over, now resulting in their home being invaded once again. Because he couldn't keep his curiosity to himself. Because he dared to believe they deserved more than the cards they'd been dealt. And it was that believe that right now, if Donnie wasn't mistaken… was most likely going to be the only thing that could save their lives.

"Dude, what are you doing? Help me get him… up… from the… ground! Argh- " Mikey called, struggling to carry Simon, in the end falling back down restlessly biting his tongue.
Donnie could feel himself hyperventilate, scanning his brain desperately as he tried to recall through the darkness of west 69th where he'd have to look first. And then, he did something else, something he was initially afraid of doing for most of their mission, having grown so accustomed to their de facto leader calling all the shots. But since he wasn't exactly around anymore, Donnie chose instead to confide in Leo, not knowing if this would be enough to talk him out of it, but honestly, none of them had any more time left to be indecisive. He picked up the communicator. Heart leaping in his chest as his eyes stayed on the neon building in the distance.

"Leo?"

Suddenly, the light turned green in the corner, a buzzing emitting from it before finally a voice came through- that, and what sounded like blades clashing and screams somewhere on the other end.

"Not a good time right now- argh-! Please tell me you found it…!"

"I think so, it's just… do you see that big bright building with the neon lights that you'd practically have to be blind not to notice down by Macon street?" he asked, grunts and breathless heaps making it through the communicator in a whirlwind of static to accompany it.

"A little preoccupied at the moment to- argh- but yeah, isn't that building TCRI? "

"I think that's where they're transmitting it"

"What?!"

Donnie could hear Leo practically falling out of his chair if he sat in one. And it made sense- no matter how you looked at it, the only way to emit the gas as fast as Tatsu had accomplished, it must've come from the source of the mutagen itself. Not the first time that building had been used for nefarious means, and despite the Kraang having left the building for good, that certainly didn't mean it wasn't still dangerous.

"The gas! That's why… that's why it spread so fast- why Tatsu gained control of the power, the Kraang basically turned it into a giant generator with the power crystals from dimension X! Just like at OLS! It's… it must be what's controlling it"

"And that's good!?"

"One drop… that's all it takes. One drop and we can turn this whole thing around it's just…" Donnie muttered, starring at the purple vial stored in his belt. The one that supposedly could make him… make them, stay like this… at least for a little while longer, just long enough to make it permanent. All his heart work finally coming to fruition, his family at peace, no longer hiding, no longer restricted to the underground… and all of it was in that vial. One single drop, and that would be it. The fact alone was almost terrifying. Incredible but… terrifying all the same.

"Just what…? Donnie?"

"Remember when you told me I didn't have to fix everything? Back at the lab?"

Leo paused, the sound cutting out ever so slightly, but there was a worry in his tone all the same, "Donnie…? What are you-

"Well, I've thought about it… and I think you had a point. I gotta go"

"DONNI-

He put down the communicator. Well, maybe tossed it was more accurate. If all went well, then he wouldn't be needing it more anyways.

"Unless you're ordering a pizza D, might, I dunno, HELP ME OUT HERE?!" Mikey called, still in the midst of trying to drag Simon from the ground and towards wherever it was he had in mind would be safer than out here in the dark. Donnie felt awful. Thinking back to all the time wasted, all the time spend running around searching for his brothers, being hassled by the people he worked with, or losing opportunities left and right like he hadn't worked every day of his life to earn it. Thinking of how different things could've been if they'd never split up in the first place, if his brothers could just understand. This was their last chance. And Donnie wasn't about to let it go, no matter what it took… no matter what they might think of him, it didn't matter.

Not anymore.

"Do you trust me?" he asked, voice regurgitating in his throat, like it was half stuck in there, knowing this question probably wouldn't even make a difference.

"What?" Mikey muttered, panic on his face as he saw Donnie pick up the controller to Metalhead 3.0- now marching up behind him step by mechanical step.

"I'm gonna take that as a yes." he then said, not looking as he flipped one of the primal switches, as a result, making Mikey unable to react before suddenly a net was wrapped around him, shot straight from Metalhead's palm- now obeying Donnie's every whim. Mikey didn't understand, the look on his face as he struggled to get free probably going to be burned into Donnie's mind forever.

"Donnie?! What are you doing?!"

"I'm sorry! Really, I'm… I'm really sorry. But this is the only way!" he yelled, not wasting another second before he made his way down the street, Metalhead close behind as the foot soldiers observed the scene in wonderment, weapons at the ready.

"Donnie! What are you- DONNIE! DONNIE COME BACK!" he heard him yell, again and again long after Donnie had climbed the buildings, looking back on his brother still tangled up on the pavement, pleading for him to come back.

But Donnie had come this far, and as far as he was concerned, the only way left was forward...

---

"You're here"

Raph still couldn't believe it. He was here. Well, he was here, and he wasn't. He knew he wasn't, of course not, that would be insane but… even so, if that wasn't his father sitting down there… who was it? His subconscious? An illusion? Just some sick twisted manifestation of the mutagen slowly ending him in his last moments? Was he simply desperate enough to believe it was actually true, that after all this time of failing again and again, somehow, he'd managed to reach him. After all this time… spending night after night, trying and failing to see anything but the image of their father tumbling over that edge- just to sit there. Pouring tea, greeting him with a smile, the same kind eyes the same raggedy fur, his voice somber and collected. Everything exactly like it was.

Raph really couldn't believe it, heart beating rapidly in his chest, alert but at the same time, too relieved to care. "You're really here… I can't believe it. It worked"

"Won't you join me?" he said, gesturing to the other side of the small table. And just as Raph was about to sit back down in front of him, jaw still agape and if he was being honest still a little on edge, he noticed the walls of the dojo, the ground beneath his feet move, almost. Like it was on the verge of dissipating in front of his very eyes any moment now, barely holding itself together, though Sensei didn't seem to be affected by it.

"Where are we? What's… happening?"

"Your mind is at great risk here, along with your body. Too much strain can tear it apart if you are not careful. Which is why I am afraid I cannot advice you to stay for long, Raphael" he said, Raph flinching by the mention of his name. He couldn't remember the last time someone had said the full of it, never in his wildest dreams imagining he would hear Sensei say it again. Guess he was wrong. But at least he wasn't dead then, the thought had crossed his mind briefly while being here if he was being honest… but it still sucked to know that even his time here was limited.

Raph sat down slowly, trying not to let his surroundings distract him from what was on the outside. He was still stuck in a cage after all, still dying, his brothers out there somewhere in danger. And he had no way of stopping it. No idea what to do, no one to turn to except… except probably the last face he expected to see.

"Sensei, we need your help. Maybe now more than ever… Tell me, how do we take down Tatsu?"

Sensei didn't say anything at first, stirring the tea as he poured another cup for his son. Then he said, with a cheeky little grin on his face, the same grin he'd usually have whenever he was leading up to some lesson in mind, though in this case, Raph had no idea what could even come close to it. Let alone when he asked,

"Is that what you really want?"

Raph tried to ignore the doubt now seeping in through his brain, thinking back to everything that bastard had done to them so far, "What I- of course it is! Sensei, they city is overrun with mutants, we- we don't know where the cure is, and the longer we wait, the closer we are to- to…"

Raph paused, blinking rapidly as he noticed his hands… three fingered, green, mutant hands right there as if they always had been. Now he definitely felt like he was dreamin'. Barely noticing that he was himself again until he saw it with his own eyes, one solid shell on his back as well as the solid plastron keeping him safe. He was him again. Somehow beyond all odds, not feeling any different because of it, though the sight of it surely felt more right than anything that'd happened ever since the change.

Sensei took a sip from his cup, keeping it close to his chest as he stroked his beard thoughtfully.

"While Tatsu is indeed a foe to be feared, he is not your enemy to conquer, my son. You cannot defeat a demon without first conquering your own"

"Yeah, I know, I know, my anger- I get it, you've already told me this a million times! But how the shell is that going to help us if Tatsu's out there with his little henchmen trying to cut our family's throats and I am just stuck here!"

Sensei put down his cup. "Raphael, you're upset. It is perfectly understandable to feel frustrated and lost in this great time of need. But you cannot let your feelings of anger and resentment guide you to a futile victory, if it means sacrificing your sense of compassion for those you hold dear. And I suspect that is not why you came here. To me. Seeking guidance"

He wasn't wrong. As usual... Because when it all really came down to it, all this time as he'd done everything in his power to get back to the others, to get their lives back the way they'd always been- he didn't do it just to get back at their enemies. To let out even more violence and anger pent up inside, eliminating another threat just because it was all he could do. No, what Raph had wanted, more than anything and perhaps even more than he'd ever thought he could admit to himself… now that he'd found him again. He just wanted a second chance. He felt his knuckles tighten, throat closing in on itself like the entire world around him started to cave. One word… that's all it took. Just one word, to say,

"I'm sorry I couldn't save you… I was there on that roof; I was right there and yet I just… I did nothing, when I should've done something. And now you-… Sensei I'm so sorry"

"My son, I feel you tend to put the burden of the world on your shoulders. You feel responsible, but my passing is not, and will never be your burden to bear. No matter what you tell yourself, you need to accept this, in order to move forward"

Raph swallowed his tears, thankful that the others weren't here to see them, because if they did, he was sure they'd never let it go. He felt his hands around the cup, not really for drinking it, more just to feel the warmth of it as he watched Sensei sip his. Just like he'd always done after every training session, he'd just sit and not have a care in the world. It was something Raph had always envied, more so than Leo more times than the others being allowed to join him. That envy that because he was the oldest, he'd somehow always be the closest to their father. But now that he was gone, it was like… like river over stone. Because no matter how you looked at it, the world kept changing, time would keep moving forward and that rock would still just lie there, not a care in the world. Immovable, stuck in the same spot probably forever. It didn't matter how much time they'd spend with him because, at the end of the day, he'd still be gone.

"I don't understand… why you didn't come to me. I've tried to see you for so long, but everything I tried you just wasn't there. Why?"

Sensei, got up from his seat, his cane still in hand as if it had never broken, and he moved over to the open terrace, looking out over the small dam he used to call his home., "Raphael, you are without a doubt the most challenging mutant to walk this earth. You believe action is the way, rather than words, and you have proven time and time again how you are willing to do whatever it takes to keep our family together." he said, turning back towards Raph, unable to look him in the eyes, out of fear that if he did, no one would be there. That changed however as soon as he put a hand on his shoulder, encouraging him to meet his gaze, "You my son, are so much more than you give yourself credit. And I knew, even when you were a small boy, that you are capable of many things. I believe now is the time for you to look inside of yourself and ask: what is it you want?"

Raph didn't know what to say, recalling Casey's words again like echoes of yesterday. So, that's what it all came down to, huh? As if it was that easy to answer. Raph had known what he wanted to do, ever since this whole circus got started but… if his brothers weren't there too, then… what was even the point? They had to stick together, that's how it'd always been ever since they were little. Why should that change? Why did it have to change? Casey wasn't entirely wrong when he said Raph was afraid that the others would leave him… of course he was, who wouldn't be afraid of ending up alone? They'd already lost so much, it wasn't fair… but… maybe Donnie was right too. Maybe, this was a second chance. Or maybe the right thing to do was just the hardest thing as well, as it so often had proven to be… letting go, letting them go once and for all… if that's what they wanted, who was he to stop them? How was he supposed to know what the right thing to do was, now that they might not even have time to decide at all…?

"I don't know… Sensei, I can't do this alone, not anymore. You gotta help me here, please. I need you"

A smile crept over the old rat's face. "My journey ended a long time ago, and I have found peace knowing you four have grown up to be the exceptional beings I always knew you'd be. Whatever it is you choose, remember you are never alone, Raphael. Even now, in this cage, your brothers will always have your back, just as you will theirs, just as I will yours. So, in your darkest hour, don't forget them… And don't forget me. "

"Then, what do I do?" Raph asked, voice low, like a little kid's too afraid to ask their parents permission for something. Sensei gazed over to the tapestry of the dojo, walls cemented by hundred long years of history, wrapped in the feud that nearly ruined their lives- by the very end of it, two figures standing side by side. Brothers, no idea of the rift that would soon rip this whole building to pieces.

"There was once a time, when I too had to choose between tradition and my family. A decision that inevitably shaped the course of my life, just as I have no doubt it will yours. Now I am afraid it is your turn to decide."

"I don't understand…"

"Raphael" Sensei grabbed Raph by the shoulders, starring into his eyes sternly, "Ask yourself this: what is most important to you?"

The room started to flicker again, the outside sky slowly withering away as Raph noticed his breathing was becoming more and more stale. He didn't need Donnie to figure out he probably didn't have a lot of time left, deciding instead to just let his arms wrap around his father. Embracing him, illusion or not, burying his head in his chest as he wished more than anything that this wasn't the last time.

"I miss you, Sensei" he whispered, arms embracing him in turn as the cold metal below him started to drag him further and further away.

"I'll never be far"

…

"Get up. Now."

When Raph opened his eyes, the cage was already unlocked, foot soldiers dragging him to his feet as something sticky ran down his nose. His sai's where gone, along with his communicator- probably smashed to pieces by now, unless Tatsu had some other purpose for it in mind. He still felt dizzy, the flickering lights of the hallways not making him feel any better as the foot soldiers continued dragging him into the meeting hall- dumping him on the cold marble floor. When he tried to get back on his feet, he also noticed the cuffs were gone, markings from the previous ones still edged into his skin.

The entire place was still the same, dim lighting over a depressing cold hue of stone and bad interior designers with way too much time on their hands. 'Cept this time, instead of mutants to join the fray hoards upon hoards of foot soldier instead surrounded the place, all making the room more and more reminiscent of a fighting ring than anything else. And he supposed with this places' history, it sort of were. Tatsu standing firmly atop the steps, without his mask and cuts over his left chin- not as collected as he'd like to appear, Raph could already tell. Having dealt with his fair share of thugs and smugglers long enough to know a guy trying way too hard to look intimidating. And Tatsu here, was angry. The little twitch in the corner of his left eye said it all.

"I didn't know we were having a sleepover"

Tatsu tried to conceal his annoyance, probably thinking his little bug soldiers would be enough to make Raph feel cornered... As if the cage wasn't enough before.

"Laugh while you still can, turtle. It will not last long" he said, hands behind his back as he slowly made his way down the steps, taking his time, fiddling with something around neck before stopping short in front of him. When he finally lifted the thing, Raph noticed at once the golden liquid inside the vial as the cure, dangling it in front of him like meat on a hook.

"Tell me where Karai is, and I will give you the cure" he said, and despite his nerves weighing him down, Raph didn't let that stop him from exuding a giant scoff.

"You gotta be kidding me… I don't even know where she freakin' is!"

"You will tell me where she is hiding," he continued, taking a solid step back, arms spread out to all sides as each foot soldier surrounding him grabbed onto their blades, one after the other, "Or my foot soldiers will make you"

Raph felt the bindings around his bruised knuckles with his index finger. Almost forgetting they were even there. A few weeks ago, he probably would've enjoyed this. Would've probably not even been scared, instead just picking up where they'd left off and enjoyed every second of it, because he had nothing left to lose. Nothing but his fury to lean on, to take his mind off of things. But he wasn't an idiot. Tatsu knew he was telling the truth; he wasn't going to give him that cure if it meant Karai's head on a silver platter.

"Forget this… "

So instead, he just walked away. Or well, he tried to, not really getting that far before one of the soldiers wrapped his arm around his back, something going crack in the bone as he was unceremoniously forced down on one knee, biting his tongue not from screaming.

"Make this easier for yourself, turtle. I am a man of my word, after all. I will honor my vow to let the mutagen destroy you itself, but I can make use of you still. Or, make it so much worse. Your decision"

Finally, the soldier let him go, something heavy dumping down in front of him and as Raph wiped his nose, still leaking with something too dark to be blood, he realized it was his sais. Scraped up in places he didn't remember them being scraped up, and this alone was enough to make him want to burst a blood vessel, but he picked them up anyway. Scanning the room, this whole place was surrounded from top to end. They were just… standing there. It was creepy. Like observing a lamb send to the slaughter they just stood there, faceless ghouls eager to put their weapons to use before their master. Or simply hoping that by doing so they wouldn't be joining the chaos outside. But Raph knew better by now.

"I'm not playing your games anymore. You want a rematch so bad; you can take it up with Karai. I'm dying anyway, alright? Who are we kidding here- I know you'd never give me that vial, even if I told you, which I don't. "

A smirk made its way across Tatsu's freaky pale face, "As you wish" he said, nodding once before soon every foot soldier in the room approached him, surrounding him from all sides and Raph knew immediately this wasn't going to end well- let alone in his current state, he could barely keep his balance.

"Take his arms first. Then his legs. He won't be needing them soon"

---

The second quake came in the form of one of the pipelines keeping the tower above ground to collapse, tilting the various books and scientific equipment to all sides, as the relentless creatures roamed loose outside. Piercing through the roof of the tower as if it was made of paper and making the act of trying to predict where the next hit would be a little more than impossible.
Leo heard the receiver to the communicator go silent, yelling out for Donnie to pick it back up despite the little light in the left of the device going red.

"What was that?!" Karai called, slicing away at two spikes like it was an average Tuesday.

"I don't know but I think Donnie's onto something, about the emissions"

"Would be nice if he could elaborate a bit more- Look out!"

Leo duck to the floor, scrambling for anything he could use to defend them, but coming up with next to nothing but a broken CD holster and dusty cassette tapes. However, after his soon to be fifth attempt at throwing the things at the monsters, Leo soon came to the conclusion that maybe he needed to try a different approach. That being not getting his head sliced of in the process, "What do we do?" he called, Karai piercing another creature tearing through the roof with ease, the reward being one solid blade slicing its left eye in two.

"They're after me… we have to leave, come on!"

Karai reached out her hand, before Leo could even get back on his feet dragging them both towards the exit, Leo feeling the pit in his stomach grow as the place came down upon them.
"But I still don't remember anyth- I can't help them like this!"

"You're not exactly going to remember much if you're already dead now, are you?! We have to go!"

"It's no use… I- I can't- It's just nothing! "

"Look out!"

Karai shoved Leo to the ground, two creatures coming up behind her with purple goo dripping from their fanged necks. He didn't even blink before she was on her feet, deflecting each blow with an ungodly precision, before flipping backwards and onto the next attackers back. She stabbed into its side, Leo only now noticing the severed tentacle wrapped around his ancle, in turn making him very eager to try to get it off.

Karai let out a yelp, the creature shoving her off its back all of a sudden, and as she did, to Leo for the first time without concealing it by the hem of her sleeve, her skin suddenly turned. Arms stretching out in a second or two, and turning into two pairs of white snakes, now wrapping around their pursuers before biting them relentlessly. Leo almost froze, not knowing what to do, how to react as Karai's eyes turned almost a toxic green hue, pupils resembling that of a snake as she mercilessly came down upon the creatures- Each letting down a wince of pain, before she made her way back to Leo still struggling to comprehend what he was seeing. She had a cut in her side, clutching it tightly as two foot soldiers resurfaced behind them, each carrying what appeared to be two yellow canisters around their neck. Snapping their fingers, almost and without question, the creatures suddenly got up from the ground, hollering out in a demonic screech running towards them at full speed.

"This was a mistake… "

"It's not your fault! Argh-" Karai bit her lip, the pain from her wound probably hurting like all hell right about now, as Leo struggled to figure out a way out of there. They started running, the tower already collapsing around them, pieces of wood and metal flying to all sides as the creatures tore it to shreds trying to get to them, "Until you start realizing that, things won't change and you won't allow yourself to remember! You need to- " she paused, deflecting another attack from the two creatures as her arms started to shake, "- you need to face it!"
"How can I face anything when everyone's lives are in danger because of me?!"
"By taking your own advice- " she said, slicing the mutans arm with one solid blow, before suddenly and without warning she kicked the beam holding the last remnants of the tower together, "-Leo, we have to go!"

Leo nodded, head running wild trying to come up with something as the tower started to crumble. But then, as Karai struggled to stand up right, Leo had an idea- wrapping his arm around hers as pieces of metal and books raining down blocked the mutants' path.

"This way!" he called, thankful that Karai at least trusted him enough to know whenever he had a stupid idea that might just work. They slid down the roof, Karai helping herself down to the ground with her blade still clutched tight in her hand, the second mutant successfully escaping the ruckus behind them. Leo glanced around the street, panicky, desperately searching for something, anything until he was almost ready to abandon the idea altogether. Luckily, he didn't have to, leading them both stumbling along the pavement, Karai struggling but steady as Leo locked eyes with the nearest car rolled up on the sidewalk. He grabbed Karai's blade, bracing himself for committing, what he was sure Hopkins would tell him was surely a week's detention, a crime by promptly slamming the end of it at the glass.

"What are you doing?!"

When the first hit wasn't successful, he then tried again, lump in his throat as the mutant came closer and closer- now by some miracle breaking into several pieces. There came a loud crash echoing through the street, quickly followed by the car alarm going off and bellowing loudly, lights blinking in the shadowy corner. The mutant fell to the ground screeching, legs flailing as its puppet masters struggled to command it back on its feet.

"That should hold them off, for now" he heard himself mutter, dragging the pair into the closest cover- that being the half open, half kicked open boutique shop whereas luck would have it, the blinds were still intact, shielding them from the outside. He put Karai down, already bandaging her wound through gritted teeth as Leo kept a look out, the ruckus from the car alarm only serving to attract more victims in the foot soldier's vicinity.
"Are you okay?" he asked, equally impressed by Karai's tenacity as he was terrified by it, wondering how many times she'd done this already.

"I'm fine. I told you, I've had worse" she said, taking a deep breath before checking her belt for anything they might use. Leo ducked down, more soldiers joining the fray and it made him wonder if splitting up was such a good idea. What if the others were in danger…? Or worse, what if Tatsu and his goons had already found them? Was that what Donnie was trying to tell him? That that's where they were headed? And what about Raph? How could they be sure he wasn't already… he couldn't be. Not yet, Donnie made that very clear, there was still time to make this right. Only thing was, that didn't exactly help them get out of here to find them with the foot still on their tail.

"What do we do?"

She didn't answer, instead handing Leo the blade she'd a few moments ago used to cut him loose from a blood thirsty mutant with black spots for eyeballs. Same one with the Hamato crest edged into the side, "Here. You'll need something to defend yourself"

"But that's not-

"It is now. I know, I know, not as flashy as two swords at once, but at least you're not compensating with this one"

Leo didn't know what to say, well aware that Karai had multiple weapons and was more than capable of taking care of herself, but even so… looking at that blade, he couldn't help but feel like maybe… maybe he wasn't ready for it. Not yet.

"I-

However, he didn't get much time to protest any further before the communicator beeped up again, Leo panicky answering it in a hurry, as foot soldiers scouting outside turned the corner. Hoping it would be Donnie finally calling him back with a status report, he was unnerved to find the voice on the other end even more freaked out than the previous one.

"LEO!"
"Mikey?"

There was a loud buzzing of static followed by what Leo were to guess to be footsteps, Mikey running breathless somewhere the signal kept blaring up, the panic in his voice bleeding out and making even Karai nervous. He tried to collect himself, the sound emitting a loud clanking noise that made it seem like he momentarily dropped it, before quickly picking it back up, something distorting his breathless rambling, "There's- look I think something's wrong- with Donnie"

Leo could almost feel his heart jump right up into his throat, "What?!"

"Just get over here! We're on West 69th street! So just stop asking questions and GET OVER HERE! I- I don't know if- I don't know if I can keep up with- just hurry please!"

The signal ended, Leo recognizing the street number, though he was too busy going through 'everything that could possibly go wrong' scenarios in his mind to linger on it, starring back on Karai for guidance on the subject. Her on the other hand, was already back on her feet, determination on her face.

"Go"

"What about you?" Leo protested, already shaking his head.
"Tatsu's after me, not you- going to where to cure is, will only draw more unwanted attention to ourselves. I can lead them away- buy you guys some time!"

"You have to be really stupid to think I'd just leave you behind!"

She put her hand on his shoulder, once again somehow beyond all logic and common sense, entrusting him like they'd always done- memories be damned, "You're not. Leo, the other's need you more than me. You just have to realize that" she said, pulling the bug-eyed mask over her face as she readied her second blade, this one a size smaller but more flexible, "Now go!" she yelled, approaching the door as Leo staggered backwards toward the back exit. He felt the sword in his hands, something almost comforting about it, as if it had always been there. As if this was exactly where it was supposed to be, right there, in the palm of his hand. And starring back, a doofus with a blue mask tightened around his face and a cut on his upper lip, just like it had always been.

"Be careful" he said, and if he didn't know better, he'd have sworn he saw a smirk underneath that mask, returning his glare.

"When aren't I?"

---

What have I done what have I done what have I done what have I done-

Donnie felt awful, sick, something clawing at his throat like it was trying to escape and he couldn't swallow it back down. He kept running through the darkened streets, trying not to look back, trying not to stop himself, trying with everything he had left- the small timeframe still available to stay on his path. Ignoring the voice yelling at him at the back of his mind that this was wrong, that he had to go back, to apologize. Telling him that he'd done it again, he'd let them down, he let Mikey down… abandoned him. Abandoned his promise.

And now, he was all alone again. Running through the old meeting place that used to be their little secret away from Sensei, out into the real world once and for all, the ultimate retreat. He tried to take himself there, step by step, recalling a time when the only thing they had to worry about was Sensei grounding them and forcing them off of TV for a month or two. And they'd gone anyway, together, in the dead of night letting the colors and costumes and endless parade of monsters invite them into a whole other world than the one they'd grown up in. Feeling like they belonged, despite the dangers, despite the fact that one wrong encounter could result in them being discovered. Their secret out, their lives up in jeopardy. But they'd gone anyway. It didn't matter to a kid if you might get in trouble for something you know you're not allowed to do- as long as you were in it together there was nothing to stop you.

That's what Donnie clung onto. As he swung himself to the roofs of West 69th, having just used Metalhead 3.0 to tie him to a pole. Basically, betrayed him again, leaving him behind to be blunt. Sacrificing his integrity for the greater good, because wasn't that what it all really came down to in the end? I'm doing this for us. To keep us together. To make our family whole, while we still have time. No, keep it together! This is the only way. They have to realize that… sooner or later, they'll understand… maybe… hopefully.

And so, with a heavy heart, Donnie finally made his way to the place- the main square, usually covered up in tacky Halloween decorations and pumpkin faces whenever they'd visit the place the previous years. People gathering around in their baffling costumes and pointy hats, while an old marching band played spooky tunes carrying the night. Now, little more than an abandoned water fountain, covered in snow. Not even the street lanterns to illuminate its path, except for the slightly shimmer of moonlight cutting down through the water. The foot soldiers were still watching him eagerly as he leapt for the icy stones surrounding it, his hand already freezing as it traversed the waters, digging and searching. Every crook and corner, every stone left unturned, Donnie ignored the pain, the numbness already making him wonder if his arm would freeze off before the viooze could decompose it first, and he was biting his lip trying to remain calm.

Come on, come on, please…! Please be here… please!

But then, just as he was about to lose all hope, something caught his attention. What appeared to be something plastic-y edged into the side of the rock just around the other side, and Donnie used his other, less frozen cold and severely blue hand to dig it free. It was edged on pretty tight, and with the lack of proper lighting to illuminate his path, trying to figure out what it was exactly only really became possible once he twisted it right off the side and out of the pool. Oh, Leo you absolute moron…

Clutching tightly, right there in his hands was none other than Captain Ryan, the old Space Heroes action figure that Leo spend probably most of his childhood adoring before he could let it go, in this case quite literally. And right there, in his arms edged slightly between the plastic arms of the figure, was one big golden glowing vial- about the size of a candlestick, as fresh as the day he made it back in the lab. Stored safely in probably the least likely place imaginable, right underneath their noses this entire time, and Donnie was almost about to laugh at the absurdity.

He'd found it… the cure, after all this time, here it was… right in the palm of his hand.

He wedged it free ever so carefully, amazed by the lack of damage to the glass as he held it up into the sky- the glow reflected back in his eyes like it possessed him completely, relief washing over him as he let go of a breath, he didn't realize he was holding. But then, something else approached from behind- Donnie quick to store the cure into his belt as he turned around at once, bo staff at the ready. And of course, there was Mikey, out of breath, red in the cheeks and absolutely devastated once he locked eyes with the vial resting in his belt.

"What are you doing, D…?" he almost whispered, making that knot in Donnie's throat tighten even further. He still didn't get it… of course he didn't, why would he? Swallowing his guilt, Donnie forced himself to look his little brother straight in the eyes, bo still at the ready.
"What I have to"

"W-well, don't! We were supposed to do this together, remember?!" Mikey looked like he was just about ready to burst, glaring everywhere in the area as if searching for some solution to this, some explanation that could ease his mind, but of course that wasn't how things would go, knuckles white over the grasp of his nun chuck, but still letting the chain hang loosely by his side- not wanting to use it, but… something told Donnie, that just might be the case. Because he wasn't going to back down, not now. Not when they were this close to freedom.
"Mikey, don't make me fight you- I'm trying to do us a favor here!"

He paused, eyes wide piercing through Donnie who struggled to do anything but return the glance, even though everything else inside him wanted more than anything to just drop his weapon and go home. After a while of wordless conversation, it seemed Mikey too had made his decision… the cure before all else. And he went into fighting position. Not like in the dojo, not like during training. Simply ready to do whatever he had to, despite this probably being the first time either of the brothers had truly faced each other like this, one tiny glowing canister coming between them.

"Drop the vial, D. Now"

I'm doing this for you I'm doing this for you I'm doing this for you, Donnie reminded himself, perhaps enough times to fill a library with that sentence alone. Because it was true. Even back when he wasn't even sure he was alive, that's what it was all about. Everything he'd done, everything he'd achieved… everything had always been for them, and them alone. His family. Their future, now up to him to protect. After everything that'd happened, it all came down to this.

Mikey was the first to move, quick on his feet but slightly more jumpy than usual, as he reached out for the cure. Donnie was quick to dodge, swinging for his knees in a rather, poorly thought-out attempt to stall him long enough to make a run for it, before feeling his arm twist behind his back. He saw Mikey using the same strategy, given one of his arms didn't work and the amount of excess he'd used so far was only alarmingly impressive, if not worrisome as well. He tried to reach out for the cure again, focusing every kick as a means to knock Donnie off his feet, instead of actively going out of his way to hurt him. Donnie knew this, he knew exactly how much of an advantage he had but could still not make himself useful and end the fight quickly.

He tried to flip him into the fountain, Mikey easily escaping his grasp as he like lightning was behind Donnie, sending him into the ground with one solid kick to the shin.

"Sorry!" he exclaimed, snatching the cure from his pocket in one solid motion before turning his heels- Donnie barely making it in time before he by some miracle grabbed Mikey's ancle, sending his brother to the ground as well, nose first and he let out a groan as the cure rolled away from his hands.

"Argh- " he muttered, Donnie already running fast pace towards the vial, snatching it before he could regain his balance. Mikey got back onto his feet, slightly flimsy and woozy in his movements, but nonetheless managing two kicks to Donnie's stomach, sending him into a coughing fit as a result, guilt very prominent on his face. He tried to return the favor, blocking his hands one time after the other, each blow harder than the next for every time he tried to take it back. When that finally seemed to lose its momentum, Mikey instead went for his legs- nearly sending Donnie's skull at a seventy mile per hour left turn towards the edge of the fountains edged rocks, if he hadn't rolled to the side last minute. He felt another kick to his shoulder, couldn't help but feel slightly annoyed by this, not so much because he was trying to steal the cure from him, but more because this was the fifteenth time, he'd beat him on a one on one. Not goofing off, not practicing unruly moves none of them had ever even heard of before, for once in his life, even with a broken arm managing to stand his ground. He would've won, even Donnie knew as much. Already feeling the bruises bobbling up under his skin, surprised that his bo hadn't broken in half yet, because Mikey was even faster than he already anticipated. Just as stubborn about that vial as he was, and not to mention even more eager to get it back to his friend, still lying unconscious in that alley right this second.

But then, something seemed to slow Mikey down. His eyes losing focus, his arm falling to his side as he began to sway, and Donnie knew exactly what this was, a lump in his throat at the realization. I'm doing this for you, I'm doing this for you, I'm sorry… And so, instead of wasting away another opening, Donnie was swift to shift Mikey's balance- sending him to the ground in under a second or so. As he tried to get back up, the world most likely spinning, Donnie had the tip of his blade shot from the very end aimed directly for Mikey's throat, keeping him down. The vial, still in his belt, snow dancing down around them and at least two of his human teeth feeling unusually loose over his (now) sore chin. And the look on his face, the confusion, absolutely bewildered and afraid. He couldn't understand, couldn't find an explanation for why, and Donnie couldn't provide any. Not like this. Not here. A part of him hating every second of this despite his better judgement, but he knew what had to be done. This is our only shot. But even so, that still didn't take away the pain he felt by it, regretting almost every choice he'd made so far except for this one…

"I'm sorry Mikey" Really, I-

"Why are you doing this…?" he asked, tears building in his eyes though he kept them in. Donnie bit his lip, struggling for words, the soldiers still with their eyes at the back of his neck and he knew he had to follow through on this… for his sake.

"I am not going back again! Not after everything we've been through, no- This is the only way. I know what I'm doing here-"

"No, you don't! That vial is our only hope to safe Raph! There has to be another way! Just TRUST us! You promised you'd save him! You promised you'd save Simon!"

"DONNIE!"

They both turned their head, equally surprised to see Leo of all people running full speed toward the pair, a blade in his hand and just about as confused to see Donnie with a blade to Mikey's throat. But then his eyes noticed something else, glowing still in the side of his belt, "The vial…!"

Donnie, realizing his time was up turned back to Mikey, wanting to say something else, something that might make it easier, something that could turn this whole thing around for the better, but it was too late to think of what. Instead, staggering backwards, afraid, desperate but most of all, decided.

"You'll thank me when this is over" he muttered, sparing both brothers one last glance in shame as he smashed the powdered flash bomb to the ground-

"WAIT!"

-a thick cloud of purple smoke evaporating around them as Mikey helplessly called out.

But he was already gone.

---

The ringing in his head only grew louder for every hit, his head feeling like a broken record of cuts and bruises. Raph held his own for the first half of it, taking the pain in stride for the chance to get some pay back finally, but he was still too weak to actually win if that was even still an option. Tatsu was toying with him. Turning this 'interrogation' into nothing more than a spectacle for him and his followers to gawk at as Raph was struck to the ground.

They came from all sides, again and again, swinging their blades, bashing him against the marble floor repeatedly. One enemy down only allowing another to get the upper hand- and Raph was already losing energy. Losing track of how many ribs were probably broken by now, spitting out blood before forcing himself back to face them. Letting out a roar as he kicked and bit and did everything in his power to fight back. Refusing to allow them the satisfaction of seeing him like this, rifts and cuts reopening all over. The entire room spinning, everything drowning out except for the empty glowing eyes coming at him from all sides, pummeling him one after the other, blow after blow, kicking and fighting an unfair fight with everything they got- only thing motivating Raph to keep coming back up again, being the never-ending reminder that he still had a family to look out for. Somewhere, behind those walls, out there in the infested hell scape Tatsu and his buddies had turned it into, and Raph wasn't just going to stand by while he had his way with it.
He forced himself up, everything shaking, his limbs tightened and bruised, arms keeping him down towards the ground and making it so that the only thing he could catch glimpse of was their leader observing the fight with glassy eyes.

He tried so hard to fuel it… concentrating on his anger like it was all he had left, imagining the million different ways he could shove his face through the glass. He wanted to scream, to call out and break everything in his path if that's what it took, but his body severely disagreed. The bashing of the fireflies' wings growing louder and louder despite never staying close, just looking at them and their glowing bright lights turning into all but a blur. Not being able to dodge when a fist aimed for his nose send him rolling to the ground, ringing in his ears like a broken microphone. Helpless against the pain consuming him all over again, just like it had the first time, now unable to escape it. No tunnel, no debris clearing his path, no light on the other end luring him out into safety. Just, a swarm of soldiers all melting into each other, a great big shadow drowning him in the pace.

But then, amidst the chaos, almost like he was watching a dream, echoes of what Raph at this point could only assume was his consciousness desperately trying to stay awake, he saw Sensei again… well, the closest thing to he supposed. Putting up ornaments on the tree, Donnie and Mikey fighting over where to put the last piece, as Leo was practicing in the dojo despite Sensei telling him not to. He saw everything in bullet time, like his mind was doubling back down memory lane, like it had given up entirely. Embracing the darkness for what it was, his time stripped away from him, all this anger and resentment for nothing. A time wasted building up vengeance instead of listening to his brothers. Enjoying the simple things, or whatever it was Casey had told him. But now all he could look back on was just… that. A whirlwind of bad decision all leading him to where he was now, bleeding out, the life leaving him little by little. A trap by his own making, because he didn't listen, because he couldn't allow himself to see the other side of it. Wouldn't as much as begin to comprehend a future out of the shadows, some place they wouldn't be feared anymore. Where they didn't have to be heroes to feel important, they just had to be and maybe that was enough. Maybe there really was a place like that, but if there were, Raph surely wouldn't be there to see it.

But didn't have to mean his brothers wouldn't either.

Raph grit his teeth, opened his eyes and started pulling himself upwards. Every strained muscle or broken bone forced to rekindle, a loud roar escaping the back of his throat as he with determination forced himself back on his feet. Pushed off every attacker in sight with the last remnants of energy he had left. They came back swinging, Raph quick to duck down, using his sai to flip his opponent into the next. Grabbing one by the head and bashing him against his knees as he kept going. Receiving what might've been a fatal blow to the head, he quickly shook it off, not caring about the burning sensation on the side of his head but instead just kept walking. He stabbed one soldier in the hand, shouldered him to the side as he bashed through the remaining enemies, many of which had now met the floor on his behalf. Dodged, and blocked and screamed his heart out, giving it everything he had left because that's what he was supposed to do. Because it was everything he could do. Receiving blow after blow he returned the favor, flipping into the air with one solid kick to the stomach, started to come into a run as every enemy in his way tried to stop him. But he came anyway.

Rushed them with one elbow to the side, flipping one soldier onto his back before shaking him off entirely, until finally, when there was no one else to block it, the only enemy who remained an opponent was the blind swords man lying in wait. Raph starred at him for a moment, wiping the blood off his face, as he in heaving breathes stumbled forward- that stumble turning into a run, turning into a furious roar, and he leapt forward. Sai's high in the air as he prepared to take him by surprise, but alas, only getting about one inch from his face before suddenly lifted high above the ground. Hand around his neck and Raph couldn't breathe, couldn't move. He dropped his sai' to the ground, Tatsu not even looking his way before he had Raph at his mercy, pulling him closer as he kicked and screamed and did everything, he could do to get free but it was no use.

The Blind Swordsman had him exactly where he wanted him, whispering into his ears like an insect, "I will find them. And when I do, I will enjoy watching you dissolve, atom by atom."

And just like that, Raph was then thrown through the air, watching everything happening at once, time slowing down momentarily before making impact- not even knowing what he hit before everything turned to black, heart slowing down inside his chest.

---

Leo held out a hand, helped Mikey who was at this point fairly certain this was a nightmare, further emphasized by the fact that Leo right now held Karai's blade in his bel, back onto his feet. Arm feeling like someone had set fire to it, and the bruise on his forehead not helping this in the slightest.

"Can you walk?"

"Is that a sword...?"

"Focus, Mikey!"

Mikey shook his head as if to put it back into place, "I'm fine, dude come on!"

They both started running towards the building where Donnie was already out of sight, panicky searching for a way up there, but as Mikey was already one foot on the fire escape, Leo had another idea. Waving him over to the nearest window on second floor, broken open by what Mikey was really hoping wasn't a swarm of mutified people inside.

"This way's faster! " he argued, pulling them both into the darkness.

"Are you insane?!"

"I know! I know, but frankly I don't think we got time to play it safe" he called, and Mikey couldn't argue there. With his broken arm, and Leo's bump on the head, Donnie remained the fastest of the two, scoring two abnormally large human legs to boot. And while he hated leaving Simon again, he also realized that the only way to help him was with that vial. The one their brother had for some reason decided to snatch for himself. He still couldn't understand, couldn't make sense of this at all because this was nothing alike the Donnie he knew. The Donnie he knew would never betray him like this or do anything that could put them in danger. But then he remembered the other vial, strapped to him, the human one or the prototype one or whatever it was he'd told them was in there to safe them, and he couldn't help but wonder… does he WANT us to stay human so badly? Is that it? After all, he did call them freaks back in the metro station… and if there was anyone who knew Donnie the best, it was Mikey. He knew how much his brother wanted to stay like that, how much he wanted a chance at the human life, and he couldn't blame him. He too figured that hey, if they stayed like this, he wouldn't have to worry about freaky ninja robots, alien blobs from outer space, assassins, getting dissected ect… he could stay with Simon and the Robertsons and his brothers without having to worry. But given everything that had happened so far, he also realized that maybe that fantasy was a little hard to turn into reality, once your best friend was forcefully turned into a mutant himself. Mikey was done lying, he was tired of it… Not caring what happened after this, just like he'd always been since all this crazy stuff began. He didn't care what happened to him, he just wanted his brothers to be safe, to be with them, to not constantly have to worry about anyone getting between them. But now, he couldn't help but worry that… maybe Donnie was a little more than willing to make that the only option,

They continued running through the building, an office looking quarter it seemed, abandoned by the people working here as the city was overrun. Everything overturned, and luckily Leo had enough muscle memory to remember how to parkour past it quick enough not to lose pace, Mikey staying close. They navigated their way through the hallway, up the stairs into one of the offices, until finally they made it to the other side of the building. Only one window separating them from the outside- Donnie running right past them and now they were all over ground. Leo and Mikey shared one single look of communication, before Leo promptly kicked the window in, balancing his way over the ledge in the same carefully calculated maneuver he'd done when they were still mutants, before helping Mikey swing to the other side. One building away from Donnie running fast paced in the other direction, only speeding up once he realized the others were right on his tail.

"Donnie! STOP! This isn't you!" Leo called, stumbling shortly before continuing forward, but he wasn't listening.

"He's not listening… he's not listening, what're we gonna do if he's not listening?! "

Leo sighed, fingers closing around the wakizashi as he starred dreadfully into the reflected steel and back to Donnie. "Take him down... Somehow"
"But it's-

"I know! " he called, clearly hating the idea as much as Mikey, but staying on task regardless, "I know… but if D won't listen to reason, then we have to get that cure whatever it takes"

Mikey gulped, nodding shortly as he focused on sliding down the nearest glass rooftop in their path. Already out of breath, he nearly had a panic attack as the shadows moved from behind them as well, doubling over into what looked like twelve pairs of glowing eyes.

"He's headed for TCRI!" Leo called, pointing towards the big neon building that rightfully so, appeared to be the only building left in New York still powering electricity, and it made Mikey wonder how in the shell he could've missed it before.

"I don't think he's the only one dude…" he yelled, dragging a breathless Leo's attention behind them, towards the battalion of enemies very eager to make sure that cure wasn't going to cause them anymore problems. Mikey on the other hand, was already fairly certain with their limited time left alive to boot, that this wouldn't be much of a problem for them anyhow. "What do we do?!"

Leo paused, wheels spinning, sweat on his brow and very much not in the mood for a puzzle solving, as they struggled to keep up with their brother, equally losing his speed as they approached the high rise. But then, a light bulb seemed to go off atop his head, making Mikey in return almost stumble over the following ledge in their path, if he hadn't pulled himself to safety via the chain of his nun chuck.

"You still have that glitter bomb?!" he called, eyeing Donnie expectantly from below and Mikey quickly dug into his pockets.

"Yeah?"

"Use it!" he yelled, and finally Mikey could see where he was going with this. Without a second to hesitate, Mikey used the momentum from the leap to the next building to instead swing himself high into the air- meeting Donnie's gaze for one moment of utter shock and horror, before Mikey with a heavy heart launched the glitter bomb into the air and kicked it at full speed towards his brother.

It landed with a big PHOW sound, Donnie coughing out his lungs as the glitter blinded him in his path and caused him to immediately stumble. There was a loud clang, as the vial rolled out of his pocket and across the ground, nearly making it to the edge before as if by fate, stopping short right before it would be lost forever. Leo helped Mikey to his feet, weapon at the ready as all three surrounded the vial, Donnie now covered in glitter and not looking very happy by this.

"One last chance Donnie! Hand over the cure. Now."

"Come on, D, you're better than this! "

Donnie looked down, brows furrowed, "I'm…" he began, lump in his throat, before he then met Leo and Mikey's eyes with an almost hesitant but resolute gaze, reddish eyes piercing through them like a knife, "I can't let our only chance go"

Mikey shook his head, feeling his heartbeat louder and louder in his chest because this couldn't be real. There was no way Donnie could just betray us like this… not him. No matter how much he thought he was helping, not even he would just turn his back on them. It just didn't make any sense- Mikey taking a step forward, perhaps without even realizing it, struggling to find a logical explanation here, something that would explain why Donnie was right now fighting against them after everything they'd been through.

"Raph is counting on us- how can you do this?! We trusted you!"

"Stay back-
"No!" Now Leo was the one to break in, equally confused, frustrated and above all else, disappointed. He aimed his blade, "Either you explain to us right now why you're stealing the only thing that might save us or you move out of the way. Donnie, this isn't worth it. You don't get to just make that choice for us! That's not how a team works!"

Donnie closed his eyes, took a breath and activated the switch in his bo to turn it into a spear, before taking one more step towards the vial,

"Try me"

Mikey didn't hesitate. He leaped forward, reaching out for the vial in one fellow swoop, but Donnie was already there, flipping him onto his back and in the commotion sending the vial rolling down the side.

"Mikey!" Leo called, going in he turned his blade and blocked Donnie's path. Donnie- quick as ever to push back, he used Leo's weight against him and nearly send him off the roof, if Leo hadn't rolled onto his back last minute, swinging the blade over his head. Mikey tumbled down the pipeline of the building, reaching out with his one good arm left as the pain in his shoulder started to make tears well up in him, but Mikey forced himself to ignore it. He slit down the side, latching onto the outturned bricks seeping through the cracks, as he in one last minute effort, managed to catch the vial soaring through the air with his teeth.

"I got it!" he called, struggling to get back up, but right as he did, Leo was send falling through the air right next to him- only managing to stay on the roof if Mikey hadn't caught him last minute. "Thanks…" he muttered, but that's also when they realized the cure right now was rolling down towards Donnie, flipping it into the air before closing his fist around it.

Leo jumped back to his feet, Mikey following him closely as Leo's blade barely missed Donnie's knees- Donnie jumped into the air as Mikey regretfully managed a blow to his face while distracted, making him drop the vial as a response.

"Argh!"

"Sorry!" Mikey quickly exclaimed, hands held out to check the damage, but he didn't get far before Donnie reached out for one of the broken pipes scattered by the railing.

"Me too!" he exclaimed, locking Mikey's good arm behind his back as Leo jumped him from behind. He quickly flipped into the air, deflected his sword with a broken roof tile and created some distance. It was almost impressive how sturdy he kept himself, not even batting an eye as Mikey tried to wrap his chain around his throat, before seemingly without thinking used the door to the lower hallway to block his efforts. Something heavy hitting Mikey square in the spine and he could see just a glimpse of guilt on Donnie's face before he grabbed the vial, jumping across to the other side.

He scaled the building, faster than Mikey and Leo could get back up on their feet, beaten and bruised, before crawling up the pipelines that seemingly surrounded TCRI like snapes wrapping around the exterior.

They started running, now more slowly than before perhaps, but nevertheless keeping their pace. Whatever Donnie was planning, the last thing they were going to do was let him waste their only shot at living. But as they were running, Leo looking particularly more fatigued than before, something shot up in Mikey's mind as he saw the pipes. Something that gave him an idea, one he could only hope would actually work, because so far, their luck had been few and far in between. He hollered over by Leo, right now struggling to make his way over the panels of glass and oozing smoke surrounding it.

"LEO! Kemari Damare!" he yelled, pointing aggressively at the pipes stretching up into the sky- where Donnie was, right now getting away if they didn't hurry.
"What!?"

"KEMARI MAN! KEMARI DAMARE!" he repeated, seeing the realization wash over Leo once he glanced to the top of the building.

"Oh… OH!"

They nodded to each other, running up the side, as fast as their cold bodies could carry them, Donnie finally in sight. Mikey prepared himself, not knowing if there was still time to talk their brother into some common sense, but nonetheless reminded himself that he totally owed him for this later. He let go of the railing, let go of his nunchuck and hollered out into the snowy winter night as loud as he could-

"BOYAKASHAAAAA!"

-before promptly tackling Donnie to the ground. He didn't get a second to react, before Mikey had him pinned down, Leo using the pipes to swing himself up into the air, reaching out towards the vial right now soaring through the air. As time seemed to become slow motion, Mikey and Donnie too held their breath as Leo with one last faithful swing grabbed the cure, and like a ninja landed safely on the roof in one solid leap.

However, as Donnie shook Mikey off, stumbled towards the machinery embedded into the walls of TCRI, their light shining brightly of red and green hues, something seemed… off. The entire ground shaking below all of a sudden and Mikey nearly stumbled backwards, all the while the color left Leo's cheeks. And as he slummed down towards their brother, he could finally see why. Heart stopping momentarily, because this couldn't be real and yet…

The vial… was empty.

Without a second to lose, and without either of them being prepared, Leo was now the one who tackled Donnie to the ground. Except this time, he stayed down, not fighting back as Leo slammed him against the rocked ground below, sword at his throat and rage in his eyes.

"Where is it?" he said, almost snarled, Donnie struggling to get the words out, so Leo had to repeat himself even louder, "WHERE IS IT?!"

"I d-don't… I don't have it"

Mikey picked up the vial, wanting to cry, this couldn't be it… not even a drop left, but an empty canister. Raph… Simon… it was gone, it was just, gone… all of it, their last chance… And they were too late. A heavy growl escaped Leo's throat, his voice a shadow of itself but just a deep empty void of anger.
"You… what have you done?"

"Leo… I-

"WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!"

"SAVING YOUR BUTT!" Donnie yelled, leaving Leo a giant question mark, though that certainly didn't erase his anger, tensing up to the point of shaking- Donnie simply just… taking it. Lying there and not batting an eye, despite just costing us everything.

"What the hell are you even-

"SHhhHH! Look" he whispered, hastily pointing towards the building opposite to TCRI. The one just a few moments ago, though Mikey had nearly forgotten, swarming with foot soldiers watching them. Observing them, leading them towards their scape coat, now completely and utterly gone. As if they'd never been there in the first place. Leo looked absolutely dumbfounded, jaw agape as the reality of the situation seemed to slip, Donnie growing blue in the face.

"What…?" he muttered, not realizing he was still pressing his weight on Donnie, now most definitely not breathing properly.
"Hey, Leo? I uh… I can't really breathe" he gasped, thrown into a coughing fit as Leo backed away, brow lifted and very much not understanding what was going on. He wasn't the only one.

"I'm sorry I had to fool you like that-

"What!?" Leo exclaimed, not even allowing him to finish the sentence. And definitely not to elaborate further, before Mikey nearly involuntarily jumped on his shoulders and started kicking- the million different things that was now doomed because of him clouding his mind and not the fact that Donnie was not even fighting back anymore.

"I CALLED YOU MY BROTHER! RAPH DEPENDED ON YOU! YOU PIECE OF-

"MIKEY IT'S OKAY! It's okay! It's over now! Ouch…" Donnie tried, struggling to get him off and it wasn't before Leo helped him down from there that it dawned on him that something was different, that the anger just a few seconds ago painted on Leo's face had right now dissipated into a desperate need of an explanation. Either way, the fight was over. For some reason… wait, "Huh?!"

Donnie let out a sigh, cringing as he felt the cut from Leo's blade on his cheek and he sank down on the ground exhausted but oddly enough… relieved at the same time.

"I know this sounds… insane but, I needed them to think we lost the cure- Look, just hear me out here- the foot knew what we were searching for it ever since we left the tower, and do you really think they'd just let us take it and walk away?! Of course not! I had to give them a reason to think we were fighting each other, fighting over it- that we wouldn't be a threat anymore- to… to buy us some time"

Mikey was still not following, Leo struggling to wrap his head around this to the point it looked like he was about to have a stroke, "But why… why the hell didn't you just tell us?!"
"I figured, if you thought I was going to actually trash it, it would be more believable. Case in point…. And with my track record so far… I just thought…" Donnie said, not able to look the others in the eye but instead resorting to nervously twirling the fabric of his mask between his fingers. Mikey honestly didn't know if he was supposed to be impressed or furious, if he was being honest, he barely understood half of this. Still recovering from overexerting his arm as much as he already had. Of course, Leo was the first to speak up, pacing back and forth trying to make sense of it,"So let me get this straight, you broke our trust, stole the cure, let a dozen foot soldiers chase us through the city, and made it seem like you were gonna destroy it to… to get them off our back?"

Donnie avoided their gaze, numbing it over for a while because honestly, when Leo put it like that even Mikey had to agree it sounded insane.

"Not my best plan I realize… but it worked, didn't it?"

"But if you didn't trash the cure, what did you do with it?" Mikey added, still panicky at the thought of their bodies melting into yogurt at any moment. But then, almost as if he'd forgotten for a moment, Donnie pulled out, wouldn't you know it, a second vial from his back pocket. Mikey turned towards the empty once again, turning it over in his hand until he noticed the three small initials engraved into the side of it, reading: property of OLS laboratories. Of course…

Donnie got up from the ground, pacing over to the pipes of the building all connected to a small generator, and that's when the rumbling from beneath their feet finally started to make sense. The pipes too, all connected up into the clouds, turning the snowy atmosphere lighter and brighter by the second. Mikey hadn't even realized, but that was okay, because it seemed like Leo hadn't either.

"It wasn't hard to figure out the biggest transmission site for this stuff would be the same place it originated from- I mean we kinda did blow up the last alien underwater transmission site so this was really just the obvious candidate. I just connected the dots. Kraang never did know how to be very inconspicuous did they?" he said, knocking once on the steel machinery for emphasis.

"Wai-wai-wait you - you mixed it? Already?"

"I told you. One drop of the chemical and the cure will react to the viooze with its mutagenic abilities- resulting in the compound recontextualizing itself with the new matter instead! I told you I knew what I was doing" he said, reeling back his enthusiasm just as he'd said it- after all, he did trick them. Even if it was for the right reason. Donnie pulled out the vial again, glaring into it not with malice but, probably the most hopeful Mikey had seen him ever since they got Leo back to the lair, "There should be just enough to transform us back."

There was another pause, Leo staggering forward clutching his bruised arm. None of them knew if he was going to punch him, or yell at him or plain just walk away, but instead, completely unexpected to boot, he put his hand on Donnie's shoulder and starred. Donnie let out a nervous laughter, scratching the back of his head like that would somehow help him find his sanity.

"I know I keep saying it, but I promise this is the last time I ever-

Before he knew it, Leo then pulled him in for a hug. Donnie's eyes widening because this was probably the last thing he expected him to do- welcoming it nonetheless. When he finally let go, it seemed their older brother slipped right back into his old ways, dashing him on the shoulder before smilingly making their way back to the ledge. New York's gloominess dark hues turn from a purple smog into the cure's yellowish gleam slowly but surely. It'd worked… they'd actually… done it. One drop, that's all it took, and now screams of terror was turning into hollers of cheer all around them, Mikey not being able to contain his smile at this.

"You're a big jerk you know that?" Leo muttered, as Donnie still slightly guilty about the turn of events allowed himself one crooked smile of relief.

"… I think I'm starting to. But better that, than a janitor, right?"

"I dunno. I kinda liked the jumpsuit" Leo muttered, Donnie now being the one to dash his brother playfully, a mini brawl erupting between the two.

"Uh… guys?"

But then, as Mikey gazed over the horizon, initially with relief and joy because, if the city was turning back to normal then, what did they have to be afraid of? Except for the big reddish hue right now making its way over the sky. Dawn. And just like that all that relief turned into instant dread as the three realized something monumental, pulling them all right back into the crossfire.

"Oh no… Raph"

---

When the first emissions started erupting, Tatsu didn't know what to think. It wasn't possible, his soldiers had told him so. That the Kappa of legend had turned on each other, that they would no more reach the transmitter than they would tear each other to pieces trying to get the cure first. He'd ordered his mutant servants in pursuit of their leader; more disappointment headed his way. Not only had they escaped, but they'd managed to somehow smuggle the last weapon used against him right underneath their noses. Incompetent fools. For years had Tatsu served his clan, his people, carried the great burden of the Foot clan's empire with pride. He'd spend years preparing himself for the day when he'd eventually have to take up the mantle as leader, to continue where the great Shredder could not.

And yet, with everything at his grasp, the entire city of New York in his palm, still he neglected the softness left behind by his great master, now coming for him undoubtedly with intentions to kill. The Hamato clan once more clinging to its last remnants of life, even when everything seemed lost. He should've seized the kabuto when he had the chance… should've eliminated Karai when she was nothing but a nuisance, even going so far as to take precautions for his master's assassins. Just four simple minded mutants, not even old enough to understand the full grasp of this glorious endeavor. A world in which the Foot would remain strong, mutants no longer at the mercy of humanity's detest and disgust. It was his honor that had led these kappas away… he'd been too careful to see. Too reassured that the poison in their veins would end them before long, but it was already too late.
He knew this the moment his loyal foot soldiers returned with the news that the emissions had been defiled by the cure, every street corner stretching from Manhatten to the sea now spilling up with the purple one's creation. The very foundation to their victory, a brief moment of clarity as the darkness of the dojo roamed around him. The emptiness from his loyal followers now fighting the very beasts they'd created. Turned on us… traitors the lot of them. And Karai… she did this. That little Hamato brat was the course of this- she had to die.

Even if I cannot have this city… I will take great pleasure in cementing your abomination on my wall. Along with your patrons.

…

It was dark in the room, Raph didn't even realize the hollowness of the place before he slowly came to, everything numb around him. The slightest movement of his fingertips sending a surge of pain throughout his weakened body. Everything was silent, the few rays of sunlight making its way through the glass making him wonder how long he had left. If the reason for the silence was because he'd already past, not just Tatsu's bug eyed creeps growing tired of turning Raph into a pile of meat on the ground, and just up and left after a while.

But then he turned his head, Tatsu pacing by the window, fists clenched tightly by his side and face pulled into a grimace. He slung his knifes into the wall, a crack emerging from his outburst- only interrupted by sounds of screams echoing somewhere behind those doors separating them from the outside. Raph would probably have enjoyed seeing the fear on Tatsu's face a whole lot more, weren't it for the fact that as soon as the screaming stopped, he marched over to Raph. Picked him up by the scruff of his neck and turned him facing the door, knife against his throat. He was afraid. He'd lost, it was obvious, poor guy didn't even know he'd have it coming before it was too late. And though Raph knew it was useless to try and edge himself free, he still struggled to stand up right, as the last remaining foot soldiers guarding his sanctum sanctorum too started to show fear as they drew their weapons.

"I know you're there" he said, as more yelps and screams were heard circulating the area, picking them off one after the other. The sound of their weapons clanging to the grounds, before being pulled up into the dark and Tatsu gulped as a result, "But wherever you are, Karai, don't expect me to be merciful this time"

They were already here. Tatsu steadying his grasp around the blade, turning both him and Raph around fearfully to try to lure out the culprits picking off his soldiers one after the other, but it was already too late. Tatsu was all alone. Nothing but the sound of his panicking breathing and the cracks of the facility circling him like an invisible monster closing in, Raph not needing to look to know the battle was won. It had to be. They'd done it… they'd actually, really done it, hadn't they? he thought, not hiding the smirk creeping over his scarred lip.

"You think you have won this battle? You are fools. One step and I will show you exactly what it means to win" Tatsu growled, and Raph could feel the cut of the blade sink even deeper into his neck. But then, sounds of footsteps nearby send him jumping into the air, alert and awake. Not ready for what happened next-

A loud CRASH emanating from behind them- the entire glass wall erupting into a million pieces as none other than Metalhead 3.0 crashed through, Mikey on his back, shielded by a broken off piece of scrap as he shot through the room, shards of glass raining down on Tatsu. He tried to duck to the ground, interrupted immediately by two bodies falling from the ceiling, approaching behind who else but Leo and Donnie, blades in hand and cuts on their faces. Tatsu backed away, knife still on Raph's throat, but this was his window of opportunity. Bewildered by the following events, Raph didn't waste a second kicking Tatsu's chin and practically throwing himself forward, out of his grasp as he stumbled backwards towards the now open entry way. He didn't get very far however, before another knife pocked his spine- Karai standing firmly behind him. Cornering him from all sides.

"It's over, Tatsu" she said, as a dry laughter cackled out of the old ninja.

"Foolish child… It is over, when I DECIDE IT SO!"

Karai didn't have the time to block, before Tatsu promptly grabbed his knife and kicked hers away. He spun around, fast on his feet, dodging and blocking every attack like he was dancing up a waltz with her. Karai grew more and more persistent, quickly coming up behind him and aiming her blade for his head as he without the sight to look, managed to dodge it- grabbing her hands and throwing her over his shoulder. Now Leo joined the fray, yelling out in anger as he almost without thinking managed to overman him little by little. Keeping up with his steps, and every movement for a while, his skills with a sword resurfacing again almost like it had never left him. He kicked Tatsu in the stomach, sliced the fabric of his left arm open before his opponent could return the favor. He kicked Leo to the ground, slicing at his head if he wasn't quick enough to dodge it, before in one motion he managed send both him and Karai in opposite directions.

With nowhere else to go, he made his way outside, jumping from wall to wall faster than the others could keep up, before he made it to the roof- Donnie the first one there to intercept him. And though he managed to get one solid hit at him, twirling his staff in the air before pinning him against the tiles- his luck quickly turned for the worse as Tatsu landed one solid hit to his face, sending him dizzily into the wall where he struggled to get back up. The others crawled after him, Mikey helping Raph to his feet though he still struggled, as Leo and Karai climbed the building, Donnie fending for his life.

Tatsu used four pairs of throw stars to break his grip around the bo staff, leaving him defenseless, staggering backwards for every kick and hit too fast for him too keep up. He felt dizzy, everything spinning, and it wasn't just from the blows to his head- Leo and Mikey felt it too. Gasping as Tatsu got ready to pierce Donnie's shoulder in with his katana, Raph was the first to act. Always expect the unexpected.

"Donnie!"

He closed his eyes, got ready to receive the blow panicky, but stuttered as the glass of the roof cracked as well. When he opened his eyes, he saw Raph and Mikey on the other side- Raph having successfully jagged the end of his sai directly into the glass below Tatsu, were a stream of muted fireflies shot up around him. Drowning him, stinging him, and causing the Blind Swordsman to lose his balance as they all swallowed him hole, furiously cutting them away with his blades, mostly aiming for Donnie if Leo hadn't been there to defend him.

"You lost me everything… you insignificant little brat! You are nothing but a yokai- a kaibustu! I have sent many of your kind to hell in my service to the foot- a mercy for the likes of you- and you could've changed everything!" he yelled, Leo barely able to keep up but standing his ground, "A place were mutants and freaks would rule by my side- no longer slaves to those who detests our very existence. The outcasts, the freaks… And you threw it all away. Now I will make sure you will die screaming! And if your feeble body will not suffice in granting this, I will let my blade decide your fate!" he said, hacking away at him, again and again and again, a precision slowly driveling away from his grasp in favor of raw strength and power.

Leo fell to the ground, Karai using her powers to bite into Tatsu's neck, though he was quick to kick her away, ignoring the two bloody holes now piercing his flesh as he marched towards Leo in huddled steps, Donnie nearly knocked unconscious.

"You think being blind to the world is a weakness. But I have learned that it is a blessing. To thrive in ignorance, than strive for enlightenment is nothing but a child's dream." He said, not even looking as Leo tried and failed to overpower his opponent. But only moments after he got back onto his feet, could he feel all air leave his lungs as Tatsu kicked it out of him- grabbing him by the fabric of his mask and lifted him high into the air where Leo was left sprawling and kicking desperately, but to little avail. Tatsu raised his blade, pulled it in a precise ninety degree angle and aimed it right for Leo's heart, voice lacking any resemblance of compassion left, "Allow me to wake you up- allow me to upon your eyes, once and for all-

There was a loud sizzling sound shooting through Tatsu's back, making him completely freeze up. Dropping Leo immediately as his entire body went into an involuntary spasm, barely staying on two legs even after it was done. Leo blinked a couple of times still trying to grasp what just happened, along with Donnie and Mikey, now starring back towards Raph sitting with Metalhead 3.0's remote control, the damn toaster's hand shot out from the container and directly onto Tatsu's spine where the electricity boiled his blood. He let out a crackling wail, like a dying animal, throwing something sharp faster than the eye could tell towards his attacker- but with a force too great for his bridled body to handle.

He stumbled backwards, groaning, trying to stay away and cutting out left and right through the air but there was no one there. Nothing but the edge of the church where he nearly tripped over, was it not for Karai holding him upright- eyes piercing through his empty shell.

"Goodbye, master" she said, before letting him fall. Everyone flinching for a moment as his screams cut through the air, fireflies still swarming around them now following him down into the shadowy waters below. Bubbles resurfacing briefly along with his mask, right now nothing more than a bad memory as the Blind Swordsman disappeared into the deep.

She got on her knees, helped Donnie back on his feet along with Leo, the shock of what just happened still settling. Mikey tried to help Raph up into a standing position, but with little luck, his brother smiling wearily at him for a moment before nodding towards Donnie reassuringly. They all starred down into the deep where Tatsu had fallen, half expecting him to come back up at any minute now, but no… just the waves smashing against the rocks below could be heard, as the morning sun broke through the skies.

Their moment of silence wasn't long though, as sounds of voices began to tap at the edge of the churches broken roof, everyone on their guard as a pair of hands started climbing through the hole. Then, a hat. A big black witch's hat with golden rims popped up, followed by none other than Shinigami, gracefully meeting Karai's gaze and bursting into one big smile. Hamato soldiers right at her heels, each bearing the human eyes underneath their red attire, armed and prepared, but, maybe even a little bit disappointed as seemingly their great foe had already been taken care of.

"Shini!" Nonetheless, it didn't take long for Karai to jump into her friend's arms, hugging her tightly as the soldiers scavenged the area for any more enemies in sight.

"Did we… do it?" Donnie asked, carefully, hoping not to jinx it despite circumstances telling him that might just be the case, and Leo nodded excitedly.

"I think we did…!"

Mikey got up on his feet, hand in the air and jumping high enough to make the brothers think he was trying to reach the heavens themselves.

"WOHOOOOOOO!" he screamed, a big wide grin on his face as he forced his brothers into a big embrace- victory theirs. Their greatest enemy defeated, finally peace and not to mention they were finally together again, as a team, once and for all… They'd actually won. They could barely believe it!

"Guys…?"

But then they turned around, Raph swaying on the other side, still bended down on the broken glass shaking. His teeth gritted as he shakingly pulled out a throwstar, the Hamato crest still edged into the side, out of his gut and let it clank to the ground.

A weak smile forced over his bloodied lips before he fell over.

A single breath leaving him in the fall.

---

Hopkins slammed against the wall of the crate, shoulder first and it started to dawn on him just how much his old body was willing to take. He tried to get out of the way, reaching for his gun, but there was still too much humanity left in them for him to get a clear shot. And even if he did, he didn't have nearly enough bullets. He tried instead to get through the short cut, but quickly regretting this notion as one of the PD tackled him to the ground, something stinging him in the shoulder. It started churning and twisting, deeper into the bone, and Hopkins was just about ready to vomit as he saw it was from one of their freaky spikes. Right now, digging into his flesh like paper. He gritted his teeth, tried to stop himself from screaming out given his voice so far had little left in it- scrambling for his gun instead and he aimed the barrel against his forehead.

Saw the thing's eyes meet his and remembering if only briefly, what he looked like before the mutagen must've gotten to him. Hands shaking around the trigger, because he just couldn't do it. Despite everything the PD had done, all the people they'd killed or turned into monsters, despite how much Hopkins saw the justice in this outcome, it was still too much. And he wasn't a killer. Refused to let the foot have their way, and decided instead of shooting his head, to aim for the spike. There came a loud bang the PD member or, what was left of him shrieking bloody murder, letting go of Hopkins who felt the spike come loose like someone had just wiped salt into the wound. A big bloody mess of flesh left in its stead, as he used the container to slam over the mutant's head and out of the way. He ran for it, nearly tripped a few times on his way into the warehouse and felt more than a little tempted to just turn around and forget this entire thing but he was too far gone. Remembering the layout of this place like the bag of his own hand, and so he continued running. One good hand wrapped around the plastic latch as the other grabbed hold of the blood spilling out of him, though Hopkins choose not to think about it.

As he was just about to make his way where the crates were, however, something else found him first. A hoard of mutants in his way, all headed straight for him. Exit blocked because of course those bastards would've followed him inside as well, bullet or no bullet. He wondered for a second if this was it. If he should just give it up, put down the container and accept defeat. After all, what did he have left to lose? But then, as he was charged by glowing monsters from both sides, something else came a running. Probably the last thing he expected to find in a place like this, but low and behold, before the first mutant could as much as take one bite out of him, a boxing gloved fist suddenly and perhaps out of the blue shot into it. Then another hit from behind, first he saw a baseball bat charging the beast, a girl holding the end of it and swinging it to all sides like it was second nature. Then more people entered the lair, jumping down from their hiding places, barb wire, old cans and whatever other tools lying around could defend them ready to be put to use. An entire ensemble of homeless and abandoned people coming to his aid, to the person working for the very people responsible for their misery. Fighting off the creatures by every means they had, the first person to knock Hopkins' attacker flat on his ass, being an older fellow with raggedy boxing gloves and a bruise over his eye. He helped him back on his feet, nodded approvingly before he turned around to punch yet another one into oblivion.

"GO! We got this!" he hollered, slamming his old knuckles together and making Hopkins also have a serious existential crisis as he ran for the crates, his hoarse albeit energetic voice still ringing down the other side, "COME AND GET SOME YOU SONS OF BITCHES!"

He made his way inside, rightfully so, watching as the entire lair stocked with mutagen bid him welcome. He was right, he thought, thankful that despite everything that's happened, he'd at least paid enough attention to recognize the pattern. And there was even more this time to boot. Not just the crates, entire barrels stocked on the stuff right there for the taking, probably twice the amount it was before, and he began working. Starting from corner to corner, he poured the nitroglycerin in all directions, creating a small pathway circulating to the very center. The emissions from outside thickening the air around him like someone had stuffed a thick cloth down his throat- making Hopkins have trouble breathing. His arm was still a wreck, blood seeping down his sleeves like the entire thing had always been a dashing pink instead of the clean white it used to be. He looked around, closed the doors and fumbled after a small lighter in his pocket. One last gift from Layton that he never in a million years thought he would have to use, not being much of a smoker himself.

But he supposed the universe was just funny like that.

He found a spot around the crates, the lighting from one of the small above windows hitting him just right as he sat there. Wishing to God that he'd bring a latte or, maybe just a snack or something, anything that might do the trick. But at least he never had to worry about the overprized stuff back at the station- lord knew that stuff was nothing more than dirt in a cup. He leaned back, readied the lighter in his hands as he thought about all the things he'd left behind. Not much of a legacy if you really thought about it. A career in ruins, an old apartment probably still with the stove on, and a snot nosed Space brat roaming around with the rest of the freaks living in this city. Right under his nose, all this time, and yet… he couldn't help but wonder if maybe Leo would've been better off without him. If he could've found his brothers, mutant turtles or not, a whole lot faster if Hopkins' hadn't been involved. What are the odds. Never had kids, and yet here the universe just goes on ahead and gives him that little squirt ruining his life, messing everything up for him… he missed that brat. If he was being honest. Wished that, if things had been different, he could've done better- at least, now he could rest assured that wherever he was now, he wouldn't be alone. That's good enough for me… so how about it, Layton? One more for the road, just like the good old days? He held up the lighter, flipped it once, then twice, then thrice-

See ya soon, old friend…

And then, he let go.
Watched as the fire spread from his spot to the circle he'd made with the liquid, all around the place closer and closer and closer towards the crates- Hopkins closing his eyes expectantly as he waited for the impact, the big boom, ready to blow him away.

But of course, the universe just wasn't that kind.

"Not today you pathetic excuse of a detective, get UP!" someone yelled, shaking Hopkins rapidly from side to side until he opened his eyes to see, Kurtzman standing with a shotgun in front of him.

"What are you doing here- it's going to-

"Tell me about it when we're outside, now RUN! I'm not leaving an old friend behind! Not anymore!" he called, forcing Hopkins to his feet despite his weight slowing them down, and it took the detective a good hot minute to realize that Jack had actually followed him here. Actually, came back for him. Hopkins opened his mouth to thank him, maybe the blood loss causing him to not get a sound out, he didn't know, but either way his thank you was soon cut short by the blast behind them, crates already going up in flames.

"NOW!" he yelled, kicking the door open as they stumbled outside, knees scraping against the concrete and before either of them could get any further, they felt the wind knock both of them off their feet.

Glass and splinters and basically the entire warehouse erupting into flames around them from the giant blast, as Hopkins felt himself land in the cold icy water of the docks. The shock itself more than enough to wake him up, his wound numbing to excruciating degrees as he resurfaced, afraid he might go into cardiac arrest at any point. First thing that came up beside him was the shotgun, in one long unbearable moment of thinking Kurtzman had somehow not survived the impact, breathing out in relief as he too came back to the surface. Spitting out water as the two watched the entire building go up in purple smoke and fire, not a trace of it left unscathed. And Hopkins, very much still alive.

"You know, any sane geezer with common sense would've walked away" he said, Kurtzman letting out a heavy chuckle, clapping his old friend on the back triumphantly.

"Not all geezers"

---

"Raph… Raph! "

They were all at his side in the blink of an eye, slipping in the broken shards briefly before turning him back around, his bloodied face enough to make all of them go pale. Donnie tried shaking him gently, then a little harder if only to get a reaction out of him, but not happened. His chest barely moving, but heart still beating at least. Despite his injuries, despite how many broken bones and the blood loss making his already pale face resemble that of a ghost, for some reason he was still with them.. Mikey tried to hold back a sob, Leo's face pulling together as he too tried to feel his pulse- and finally Donnie, scrambling to his knees, to the cure, holding it up in front of him like a plea as the others looked the wound.

"I-I I have it- we got the cure! We have it! So what- I mean… " he looked to the others, already feeling their hearts sink as Raph's breathing became more and more unsteady. I did this... Donnie thought. If I'd told him before, he wouldn't... he only got left behind because I-...

"Guys...?" Mikey, muttered, eyeing the sunrise- not with relief, but instead absolute terror. It was time… Now or never, and they all knew it. Donnie desperately trying to wake up their brother, because now was the time to decide, if he'd even be able to hang on for that long. One last chance to change things for the better. Whatever that would look like. "Eaph… w-what do you want to do? Well? Come on! … Raph?"

He shook him again, panic rising in his chest as Raph's lips began moving ever so slightly, "I'm s-sorry…y-you... you d-... you did the right.. th-thing.." he muttered, too low to hear it properly, as he winced from the pain rising in his chest. Something dark leaving his mouth as his eyelids grew heavier by the second.

"Wh-what? Raph!" Donnie tried shaking him again, struggling to think of something to shake him out of it, but if they moved him now they'd all be goners.

"How's the wound?" Leo asked, dreading the answer though a part of him already knew. Donnie gulped, remembering the last time they were in this position, just as helpless then as they were now- and as a result making him almost want to slap their brother if that's what it took.

"Not good" he muttered, Leo closing his eyes as Karai's and Shini's gazes met his in pain.

"Raph... listen to us, you need to snap out of it! We can't move you, so just- damn it, open your eyes and stay with us you big jerk!" Leo yelled, but Raph wasn't repsonding anymore.

"Are you guys feeling slightly woozy or is that just me…?" Mikey said, and Leo too noticed how unusually pale he'd gotten, head swaying from side to side, struggling to keep it together. Donnie starred at the vial, hand still covered in blood as he shakingly tried to collect himself.

Their time was up. He'd known this for a while, but even with that in mind, nothing could've prepared him for this...

"Guys, we have to decide now. Human or mutant?" he asked, though both Leo and Mikey only seemed to be focused on their de facto leader bleeding out on the ground. "Well?! HUMAN OR MUTANT?!" Donnie exclaimed, and Leo put a hand on his shoulder, reassuringly. Donnie took a deep breath, eyes flailing from the cure to the purple vial, before ultimately putting both down and looking his brothers square in the eyes, "Look, whatever you choose, we'll always have each other. No matter what, but in the end it's up to you- only you, what you want… it's never going to come between us again, so… what's it gonna be? What do you want?"

They didn't say anything, nothing really but the cold winter air swaying their hair to all sides, as Karai and the others watched from afar. All just watching in silence.

All this time, Donnie had done everything in his power to retain the life that he'd always wanted, despite it not exactly turning out in any way like he imagined it. He still truly believed that there could be a life like this for them somewhere- to become someone new, a fresh start. But he also believed that whatever happened next, it wouldn't mean anything unless they did it together. Because in the end that's what it really came down to, wasn't it? Whether or not they were human or mutant, it didn't matter if they didn't have each other. Mikey probably knew that better than anyone… carrying Sensei's words over long after his passing. No one knew what the right decision was here.

None of them, not Leo, not Mikey, not Donnie, and probably not even Raph… But, maybe that's also why, as they sat there choosing their future, their enemy defeated, their home safe, somehow it felt like whatever they choose, it wouldn't be anything that they couldn't handle.

"What's the worst that could happen?" he said, Donnie closing his hands around the vial. Mikey putting his hand over it as well, thoughtfully thinking back to to Simon, his family... Just everything that had filled his up to this point… everything telling him the same thing that he'd probably known for a while now. He looked to the others, closing his hand around the vial determined.

"For Simon…" he said, and Donnie nodded in approval, turning to Leo still gazing out over the horizon, "Leo?"

When he turned back, the cut on his head slightly less evident than it had been a few days ago, he looked decided. Glancing towards Raph one last time before meeting Donnie halfway and him too covering his hand over it, decidedly.

"I'm with you"

Donnie let out a sigh, dreading what would happen next. But all the same, leaving their chance up to fate as he too made up his mind once and for all.

"Then I guess it's settled then"