Deep down in the sewers of New York city a tall humanoid rat walked on a pipe. His muscles were a tad stiffen. It was night on the surface, so little risk of being spotted, yet still couldn't wipe away this uneasy feeling that there's going to be something big happening. He sighed.

"S-Sensei?"

As he stopped walking and perked his ears up, he looked behind him to see a familiar blue headband wearing humanoid turtle, his son, Leonardo, appearing to be clinging tightly to the pipe they were on. The young turtle had his dark blue eyes closed about as hard as he clung to the pipe, shaking.

"I don't think I could make it." He squeaked out.

He thought about it, like he did, not so long ago. This is the first time in years of hiding from their adversaries that he allowed his only child to company him with gathering some much-needed resources. As much as he would like to keep Leonardo home and safe, he knew that the youngling would have to help him out sooner or later and that they did need some warm blankets for the coming winter. Though, he didn't count on Leonardo's past traumas to bite them in the tails later.

The old Sensei went over to his frighten son.

Kneeling down, he said "Leonardo, focus on my voice?" in calm and gentle voice.

"H-hai Sensei."

He gotten up and took a few steps forward before ceasing again. As he looked back, he asked "Come Leonardo?"

The turtle child slowly inched closer.

The old master repeated himself and Leonardo did the same as last time.

This cycle continued until they gotten to the end.

The Sensei then moved and picked up his little one.

Leonardo didn't struggle.

As he placed the child down the ground, the rat farther praised him. "You have done good my son."

"Thanks, Sensei." Leonardo uttered as he opened his eyes and his body loosen up and he started to get back on his feet.

The rat gave a smile to his child.

He was proud of his boy that he plucked up the courage to go with him but knew all too well that Leonardo's fear would have to be delt with, if more challenges make themselves known as the one tonight. The farther could see Leonardo gaining stronger each day. Someday, he might surpass him, however, said Sensei knew that Leo could have all ninja training he could learn, but with them being all by themselves, made things more difficult. The master should know, after what he's been through for the last few years. It was a miracle that he was able to keep Leonardo.

"We can keep moving sensei."

The old rat looked over to see his son was now standing, staring back him with an enthusiastic face.

After his smile returned, kept walking with Leonardo following right beside.

Just then, he perked up his ears, Stopping, he looked up to celling.

"What's wrong Sensei?" He son uttered stopping in front of him.

The old rat narrowed his eyes. What was that? He didn't know what made that noise, but he knew something was coming, he could sense it.

All of the sudden, the celling fail in front of him, he jumped back, causing him too almost loose his footing. As he turned back, he saw that the area between he and his son was at was now covered oor to ceiling in a pile of dirt and rock.

"LEONARDO!" He called out with shock and panic.

"Sensei?" He heard his child respond.

"Are you okay?"

"Yeah, but the celling caved in."

"Hm,"

The old rat thought about what the next course of action they should take. Given the noise heard and the celling falling down, there appeared to be construction above. That would explain what just happen, however that also bring a new problem, where should they go. He could always tell Leonardo to go to meet him at the manhole cover a distanced away, but that would mean he would have to go topside just to reunite him. The Sensei could always tell his son to stay put and he'll go and meet back up with him, but what if the construction would increase bring more ruble from the celling down to his kid. If they stay, there longer than what was said about the second option could be applied to this one only both of them would be affected. It was a tough one, but he has no other choice.

"Leonardo." He called.

"Yes Sensei."

"Listen, I need to topside and head into the manhole cover on bleaker. I 'll met you there as soon as I can."

"But I never gone topside before?"

"I know. There's construction up above and we could be buried underneath the dirt from the ceiling."

"Hai sensei."

"Good. Now go."

"Good luck Sensei."

"You too Leonardo." As he heard his child running off, the old rat did the same. Despite his calm demeanor, he hoped that Leonardo would be alright. Only time would tell.