Worlds Below

Epilogue:

Vincent staggered a bit, and Mike and Raph gladly helped support their friend, back to father's library where he and many of the tunnel citizens waited anxiously for word, though the pipes had all ready been ringing the news of the intruder in their midst and Vincent return. For many of those gathered in the room, only seeing Vincent for themselves would really put an end to their concerns.

Catherine rose suddenly and left the room, father smiled "They must be getting closer." He announced, though everyone was fully aware of that fact.

She returned with her arms around Vincent, father got up and went to hug, his adopted son. Vincent wrapped an arm around him.

"I was worried about you." Father scolded.

"You know I would not have caused you any pain if I could have prevented it" Vincent replied wearily.

"You need medical attention" Father noted, "We can't have infection getting into those wounds." He glanced quickly at the turtles, with the numerous cuts they had sustained and Splinter who was soaked. "Some dry clothes, hot soup and tea for all of you if you like."

Mary got up "I'll bring some," She offered quickly.

Mouse smiled, "You brought Vincent home. Mouse thanks turtles. Mouse not know if he could trust turtles. Mouse trust now" he offered his hand.

"Oh is that all it takes to earn your trust" Raph grunted.

Father turned and bowed to the four turtles and Splinter " It is a great joy having him back here."

Splinter returned the bow " I understand your happiness. But we were merely returning the favour, for you returned Donatello to us first." He shook his head, "I know I would appreciate something warm about now."

Father nodded, "But the man who did this..." he began uneasily.

" I dropped him down the abyss Father. He is no more." Vincent stated simply.

Don, Raph, Mike and Leo glanced at one another, wondering if they ought to say something. Mike began to open his mouth, but Raph smacked him on the back of the head, and Leo gave Mike a stern glare speaking silently that there would be time for that later, they all knew that Bishop had survived many things a normal human wouldn't. This was not the time to spoil the victory though, there would be time later to warn their friends and in the meantime they, themselves would have to be more vigilante.

XXXX

Life has an awful way of intruding and so it was well over a week, before the turtles saw Vincent again, they had been preoccupied with the Foot, for some time and had decided to meet with all their new friends and arranged to meet with Vincent in the chamber of winds, which caught the cross current of drafts from subways, and who knows what other places, it howled and often made musical notes in the holes along the chamber walls.

"How ya feelin Vincent?" Mike hailed upon seeing his friend.

"Much better I do heal quickly." Vincent gave a faint smile, "But father is very worried when I go topside now" He furrowed his brow, " I hate to cause him such concerns, but there are times it can't be avoided."

"He is your father, they tend to worry. Even though they know how careful or capable of caring for yourself you may be" Leo stated, placing a hand on Vincent's shoulder. He took a breath as he was about to say something and found Vincent speaking with him "There is something I must tell you."

Mike laughed, "Jinx."

Vincent chuckled a little, "You first Leonardo." he stated.

"Look we haven't heard or seen anything of Bishop..." Leo began.

"Why should you, he is down the abyss." Vincent replied.

" There have been times before when we thought that Bishop was finished, that there was no way he could escape or come back to haunt us," Leo explained, "Yet he seems to have more lives then..." Leo paused.

"A cat?" Vincent concluded knowing his friend meant no harm.

"Exactly, in other words don't be too surprised if he returns. If we find anything we will let you know." Leo concluded. "The thing is now Bishop knows of you, he will be looking for you; if by some miracle he has survived yet again."

"What was it you wanted to say Vincent?" Don wondered.

" I thank you for letting me know this, but" Vincent bowed his head, "Understand I still want to be your friends, but I must protect my family and do not wish to worry my father so, the people here depend on safety I can not have danger following me, or have others searching for me."

"So your going blow us off," Raph growled sneering a bit.

"No" Vincent shook his head, "Father and many of us who live down here still wish to keep in contact. Father feels it would be good for me, to have others who share much of my existence in my life. It is just that it is not safe to be with you above ground where your enemies can see us together and perhaps learn about me then." He hastened to insure, "In fact father wanted you to join us in our harvest festival, or thanksgiving."

Mike smiled, "We will so be there. I'll bring the pumpkin pie and the buns."

Don nodded "We understand your decision Vincent, and we will honour it." He smiled a little, "But more importantly I'm glad we can all remain friends."

The end.