A/N: Alright guys. This is it. But don't worry, this is not the end. I just couldn't believe that this story came so far like this! Thanks a lot, dudes! And I'm really sorry that I wasn't able to update the earliest. I got sick this past few days, and I wasn't able to type a thing in my tablet. But actually, this chapter was already written (Last September 12 dudes!) and just waiting to be typed. And what is worse than that is, I accidentally deleted the half part of the chapter! Permanently! I almost threw my tablet!

I hope this is good enough!

Wait. *checks her profile* Wait a minute..?! More than 2500 views?! Wow! Thank you very much!

Chapter 5

The kunoichi came 'home' from the long night that had happened. She entered her room and removed her wooden slippers. After placing several steps inside her room, she released a deep sigh and laid on her bed.

Her room is designed with Japanese interiors. The place is big enough for a teenage ninja to sleep and act normally. When she's outside, she cannot show that she's tired or whatsoever. They say, "A dog is completely free without a leash". Unless caged.

Her room has a single window where she can see different higher structures around theirs, including the New York City's magnificent views.

Beside her soft enough bed, is a lampshade, which acts as a light for the whole evening. Being a girl of course, she has her own bathroom inside, most likely for privacy. Karai grabbed a pillow and squeezed it. She closed her eyes for a while and crouched on her bed.

'Oh! Midnight! ' . She remembered her deal with Leonardo. She pulled herself up, and checked her T-Phone. '8:05 a.m. Too early for midnight.' There are still no sign of messages or calls from the turtle. It's been two hours since she left Leo, but still, he's not telling whether he got home alive, nor he is still in one piece nor anything

She pulled herself out of the bed and went towards the bathroom. She turned the faucet of the sink and fetched a handful of water. The kunoichi splashed the liquid onto her face, and grabbed a towel. She wiped out the makeups on her face, then her lipstick. She glanced at the mirror. From there, she saw a typical teenager, not the deadly kunoichi she was trained for.

She went out of the bathroom and took a set of casual clothes. A plain ruffled blouse, a skirt with the length until the bottom of her knees and a set of underwears. All of these are in pink color, and yes, it is her secret favorite one. Even Shredder doesn't know about it. Even her best friend .Or maybe he does, somehow.

She took off her metal gears and left the black suit. She entered into the bathroom, and started the cleaning session.

After some minutes, she went out, wearing the clothes she got. When she is at this state, wearing casual clothes like the other girls of her age, she felt the longing freedom; a time without a chain on your wrists. She is, at least for some time, away from her 'father's' hold.

Suddenly, someone knocked from the outside. She walked towards the door and opened it. " What do you need?" "Master Shredder wants to see you in the throne room." "Right now?" "Yes" "I'll follow. Give me a minute" She shut the door close and went towards her cabinet.

She must be ready-really ready. She knows what will happen once she'll talk to Shredder. Her 'father' will be extremely mad at her. This can't be good. She taught. Karai grabbed the T-Phone and placed it inside the cabinet. She must not show this thing to Shredder of course. Her secret could be turned into shattering glass.

The kunoichi opened the door, paused for a while and breathe out. She walked through the dark alleyways, lighted by ultraviolet lamps. She reached an elevator and entered. The lift went up.

The elevator stopped and the automatic door opened; the Shredder's throne room. "Karai, I know you know why I called for your attention" Shredder stood up from the 'throne' and walked. The teenager walked also, towards her 'father' and kneeled.

"I need your explanation, child" Karai inhaled and clenched her fists. "I know you wouldn't understand even if I state my explanation" "I am not here to understand, I am here to listen!" Shredder unsheathed his metal claws from his hand and threatened Karai. She bowed down and closed her eyes. "I am only a girl who finds love from somebody that my father did not give to me. Is that my fault that I felt that I am not loved by you?!" She raised her head and both eyebrows met at the center.

"Is that what you learned from that turtle?! Are you losing your mind?!" Shredder stepped nearer. "I am not. I am just over about that stupid vendetta of yours! Don't you see?! Many innocents are getting involved by that revenge! Why don't you just fight Hamato Yoshi face to face! Do not involve me, or his sons! We've done nothing about the past. Only if my mother can see what's happening. Only if there's a caring father!" Karai frowned and placed her chin on her chest. The Shredder kneeled and held Karai's chin up.

"My enemy is your enemy also, my child. You are just a child of mine! What will happen to me, will happen to you also! Your mind is only poisoned by Yoshi's disciple and you even grabbed the bite! I don't care about other people's lives; or any turtle's life. I will do whatever it takes. Even killing a certain reptile . Everything that I do is for you, Karai. It is for our family; for your mother." Shredder let go of her.

The raven haired teen decided not to open her mouth once more. She knows that it will only make the matter worse. "If I saw you and that Leonardo together, I will not hesitate to end him, in front of your eyes! Understood?!" Karai's eyes narrowed. She felt the violent pumps of blood within her. She clenched her fists tighter and shut her eyes, airtight.

Shredder turned his back and walked away. Karai stood up, still feeling the rage within her. She turned also and went off. Selfishness. Pure evil heart.

She came back to her room and opened the cabinet where she placed the T-Phone. She lay on her bed and opened the phone. The device lighted her ivory white skin. A silent tear fell down on her cheeks. Not again. She wiped it using a finger.

A message. She got a text message from everyone-knows-who. She felt like there is a horde of butterflies in her stomach; a very unusual feeling for a kunoichi like her. She smiled a little, barely seen on her face. She opened the message.

Karai, sorry to say but this is not Leo, who wrote this message. This is Donatello, and I just used his T-Phone. Actually, Leo wants to write this message instead, but we forbid him. The reason is, he's too tired and we are still conducting some tests. Honestly, this past two hours, he wasn't awake, and he was under a slight, uh, unusual brain activity that I am still figuring out. But don't worry, he's now awake. I think that's all. I'll let Leo talk to you later when he is ready.

Even though Leo's brother told her not to worry, she cannot pull herself not to. Especially now that Shredder threatened his life. She stared at the phone and let herself drift into sleep.

Leo gained some of his consciousness. He slowly opened his eyes and saw a very bright light that seems to blind him. The scent of the place is very familiar; the chemicals and some other laboratory stuffs. No. Not again. I don't wanna go back to that hellhole. He waited for his vision to clear out, and for him to know where exactly he is. He tried to move his hands, even if it is hard.

"He's awake! Finally!" What the-?! How in the world? He heard Raph's voice. The white haze that covers his eyes went out, allowing him to see things clearly. He blinked his eyes several times and turned his head to the right, only spotting Donnie and Mikey coming to him, followed by Splinter and April. Donnie's lab. Right. One of the safest places in the entire sewers.

He opened his mouth to speak, but there is no voice coming out. His throat is completely dry. Dry like a desert and rough like a sandpaper. "Water" Come on guys. I need water. Isn't it obvious? "Yeah right! Water!" Raph ran outside, more likely to fetch a glass of water.

Mikey ran towards him, grabbed his hand and cuddled it like a teddy bear. "H-hey.." Worn out voice. When was the last time I had my concert? "Thank the mighty pizzas! You're alive!" Of course I'm alive, silly. Leo raised his other hand, and used it to pat Mikey's head. He gave Mikey a smile.

The red banded turtle rushed inside, holding a glass of water that some of its contents spill out. "Here!" Raph went beside Leo and assisted his elder brother to angle his head. He placed the lid of the glass on Leo's lips and let him drink the water. The blue banded turtle greedily drank all of the glass' contents, that some of the liquid drooled down.

"How are you feeling?" Raph placed a hand on Leo's shell. "Thanks, Raph. I'm fine now." The azure eyed turtle released a genuine smile full of reassurance. Raphael rolled his eyes below, and returned the smile to his brother. Damn Leo. Don't smile at me like that.

It was an awkward silence around the lair for awhile. Everyone doesn't know what to do or to say first. All eyes are on Leo, while they are observing every second of his movements.

"Alright guys. It's been a while. What happened?" He observed his brothers, his friend and his sensei. They all seem fine, besides of some minor bruises. "Since no one wants to talk.. Then.. I'll start talking." He sighed and tried to stand up. He lost his balance, but Raph was there to catch him.

"Uhm.. Sorry for everything I did and said. It was like; I am not a good leader... Not a good brother to all of you. I'm really sorry" He bowed his head down and closed his eyes. "No Leo, it's my entire fault and you know it. I am a rude brother to you. I never thought of what you feel all the time, and it was.. All I think is my own. I should be the one to apologize" Raphael bowed his head down. "Raph.." Leo stood up on his feet and placed a hand on Raph's shoulder. "... You're so funny when you say sorry" He smirked and chuckled. The two younger turtles giggled also at Raph. The red banded turtle blushed slightly in embarrassment and frowned. "I'll definitely punch your face, Leo, only if you were feeling alright" Dammit Leo.

"Come on, I'm just kidding. It's not your fault. Don't blame youself, Raphael" But I regret blaming you. He remembered the time he felt anger to his brother. He couldn't hide himself in that. Raph smiled at him, and he replied with a smile also.

"Sensei.." Leo turned to Splinter. "Gomenasai no ai " Splinter stepped forward and wrapped his arm around Leo, hugging the turtle. "It's fine, my son. I understand" The blue clad turtle closed his eyes and cried. Tears are flowing down from his azure eyes. "Sensei! I thought I wouldn't see you again! I thought that everything's over!" He said, hugging his father very tight in every word he says.

His brothers, including April, smiled at them. She doesn't expect that Leo, as she knew is as strong as a lion, will fall like this. He is only just a teenager; perhaps younger than her for a year. She finally understood this matter; that even the toughest ninja needs a family to lean on.

Leo released from the hug and wiped the remaining tears using his fingers. Splinter smiled and placed a hand on Leo's shoulder. "All that matter is that, you are safe, Leonardo. All of you are here. Just always remember; your family won't ever try to leave you behind. We are always here, for everyone" The ninja master walked away and went towards the dojo.

"I am not here to break the drama, but I think we need to talk about what happened to you, Leo" Donatello faced his brother. "Then I will start.. From the very beginning.."

The blue clad turtle told the story starting from his capture until the time he lost his consciousness after he had a talk with Karai. Of course, he did not told them about happened between him and Karai.

Before he could finish the story, his eyes captured a set of syringe beside him. Remembering what happened to him inside the Kraang lab, he developed a phobia. His eyes narrowed and he bacame pale.

"Leo, what's wrong? " Donnie saw his brother's behaviour. He turned to the direction where Leo is staring. He saw the same syringe. He grabbed one of those and showed it to Leo. "What is the thing they injected to you?" Donnie asked calmly.

The blue banded turtle flinched a bit and closed his eyes. "K-Karai said, they injected me, mutagen. But I don't know if, she's saying the truth, but, she looked sincere." Everyone that listens almost dropped their jaws when they heard it. Donnie even slipped the syringe from his grip. "Wait bro, are you serious?" Mikey asked. "I think, he is indeed serious. Leo, if you mind, I will just get a sample of your blood" "Is it really necessary?" "Yes Leo. It is necessary" The purple banded turtle said

The leader nodded and bit his lips. "But since you have PTSD-" "Uh, Donnie, what is PTPT?" Mikey raised a hand and asked Donnie. "It's PTSD. Also known as Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. I've read about that on April's Psychology book" The purple banded turtle winked at April. "It's the condition of a person wherein he develops a fear about what happened to him in a matter of time that caused him stress or something that made him hurt. It is another type of trauma that occurs to people who experienced a certain abuse. However, we have remedies. We must expose the patient to a stress-free environment or let him relax for a while." "Okay.." Everyone (except Donnie) said in unison. Donnie has that effect on anyone.

"Now. To avoid potential increasing of the effects of the stress, I need Mikey and Raph's help to assist me in collecting a sample of Leo's blood" Raph held Leo's left arm, while Mikey placed himself at the back and used his hands to cover his brother's eyes.

"Alright bro. Stay calm like what you always do" Donnie held Leo's right arm and injected the syringe, collecting a little bit of his blood. The eldest winced in pain, but then he remained calm. "I'm all done" The two turtles let go of Leo. "What do you think you'll discover, Donnie?" April asked. "I don't know, April. But I think it would blow my mind"

"Thank you, Don. But I need to talk to... Karai, because I promised her" The blue masked turtle insisted. "Leo, set aside your girlfriend. She could wait." Raphael answered. "But-" "I'll send her a message and say you are fine" Donatello said and smiled. "I think somebody needs this" Mikey grabbed something in his side pocket. "It's Leo's T-Phone. I saw it in the Shellraiser of course" They all raised a brow and glared at Mikey. "And why did you get that?" Leo crossed his arms in front of his plastron. A universal gesture of explain that to me.

"Uh, 'cause you know. My T-Phone is 'low-bat' and I think I could use that to….play games" Mikey scratched the back of his head and smiled. "To play? Come on Mikey. You know I hate using my things without my permission" "Uhm. I'm sorry. But I was about to-" "It's alright. I understand. But today's the last time" Mikey nodded nervously.

"Okay. Mikey, give it me." Donnie stretched his hand, and Mikey gave the phone to him. " But why could Donnie can use it?" "Because he had my permission ." The orange banded turtle pouted and stepped back. Leo smiled at him. "Alright. You can borrow that after Donnie finishes his work" A smile returned from Mikey's face. Donatello on the other side opened the T-Phone and typed a message. After several seconds, the purple geek is finished. "There. All done" Donnie handed the phone to Mikey.

"Uhm, Don..." Leo stopped Donnie. "Yes?" "Sorry about your T-Phone" "No.. It's okay. Don't even think about it. I have tons and tons of T-Phones to make, but brothers? I can't recreate them" The purple banded turtle released a toothy smile. Leo replied also with his own kind of smile.

April and Mikey went out of the lab. Raph walked towards Leo and asked him. "Are you hungry? It's breakfast time, you know. Mr. Genius will just concentrate on his work" "Yeah, of course. I am starving for pizza his time" Both of the eldest went outside, with Raph still assisting his older brother.

I'll take that as a compliment. Donnie thought. He poured a drop of blood into the stage plate of the microscope and focused the magnification. There, he examined the sample. Hmm. This is interesting.

"There. Sit down, fearless" Raph supported Leo to sit on the couch. "You know I'm not a limp. I can sit or stand on my own" Leo shook off his brother's hand away from his arms. He then sat down and pressed the remote. "Fine. But don't let me carry your shell when you faint" Raph turned back and crossed his arms.

"Really? You carried me all the way down here? What a sweet brother. Thanks" The blue banded turtle smiled. Raph rolled his eyes to the right and then he smiled a little. I hate that smile. He sat down on the floor and grabbbed his comic book.

"Uhm, Raph?" Leo asked hesitantly, while tapping his fingers together. He didn't expect Raph to answer, like what he always does, but unbeknownst to him; his younger brother always listens to him. "I wanna talk to you" "About what?" The red banded turtle did not avert his gaze on the same page he's been reading the whole time. "Let's talk.. On the hill.." Raph looked straightforward and raised a nonexistent brow. "So it's that serious?" Raph looked at the corner of his eyes, where he spotted Leo nodding.

The hill they were talking about is the place where the two of them talk secretly. Not even Splinter knows about it. The hill is a place somewhere in the sewers. They both found it when they were still little, and since that day, it became their secret 'hideout'.

The two eldest is seen walking beside each other towards the hill. Splashes of cold sewer waters can be heard. Even at this situation, they both keep their stealth. What is a ninja if he could be sensed? Only echoes from the running waters are heard.

It was an awkward moment of silence not until Raphael broke it. "So, fearless. What do you wanna tell me?" The blue banded turtle raised his left hand to signal Raph to keep his silence. "Oh come on. We'll be talking any-" Leo placed a hand on Raph's mouth. They both hide in the shadows. Their eyes were barely visible.

Two humans walked past their direction without noticing the two teenagers. They literally held their breath as the two men went near to them. After a few minutes, the persons patrolling the sewers are nowhere to be seen. Leo let Raph go. "You don't need to drag me like that!" "Ohh.. What if I didn't? Screams of terrified humans would dominate the whole sewers and our faces could be seen on the next issue of New York Times. You like that to happen, don't you?" Leo raised his non existing eyebrow and crossed his arms. Raph was not satisfied with his elder brother's sarcasm.

The red banded turtle rolled his eyes and ignored Leo. He kept his bursting anger for a while to get rid of the next sermon. They continued to walk. From a distance, a blue light from the topside illuminated a certain part of the sewer maze. Memories flashed from the minds of both turtles. It's been roughly a year since they last went to this place.

A big military tank stained by many mosses and weeds is seen. Leo hopped and sat on top of it. Raph followed him and sat beside his brother. The blue banded turtle raised his head and looked up. A steel railing is there covering the place, but the remaining space is big enough for them to see the day light. When they were little, curious thoughts wandered their minds. How did this tank get below here? In fact until now, they still ask their selves about it.

"I just want to ask, what happened when I was gone? I mean, what did you think about.." Leonardo turned to his brother and met his gaze. "To be honest, it's been a very rough time. Actually, I became...insane without you. I cannot think properly when…when you tried to kill us. I just really blame myself about it, no matter how many freaking times you say no." It may not sound Raphish, but when they are both here, Raph is able to show his soft side. He becomes more open, especially to his closest brother.

Leo can't hide a smile. He looked up and checked his thoughts. "Dammit Raph. I..made a very huge mistake." Raphael raised a brow. Is this Leo talking? Why is he using my words? "I know it's a bit weird hearing me using those words instead of their Japanese translations, right?" The blue banded turtle chuckled shortly and punched Raph playfully on his shoulder. "Okay. Just tell me your so-called mistake. I'm already itching. These mosses ruin my shell" Raph scratched his back and frowned.

"I..blamed you for everything. I even wished for your.." Leo closed his eyes and clenched his fists. Raph placed a hand on Leo's shoulder. "I even wished for your death, Raph! It's the most terrible thing to think of! I hate myself right now. I can't forgive myself for doing that! No matter how hard I try to get rid out of those thought, it kept coming all the time! I don't want that to happen, Raphael. Please, help me" A tear flow down from the corner of his eyes. The sunlight from the above lit Leo's azure eyes and made it shine with it.

"Forgive me brother" Raph dragged Leo on his plastron and gave him a very affectionate hug. Leo's eyes narrowed a bit, then closed. He rested his head on his brother's shoulder and let his tears flow down at last. Raph tapped his elder brother's shell. "I, we are just here for you no matter what. We won't leave you" He closed his eyes also. The moment lasted for a long time. Once the tears subsided, the blue banded turtle released himself from the hug and wiped the remaining tears from his eyes.

"Are you now feeling better?" "Thanks, Raph" Both turtles went down of the old vehicle. Raph crossed his arms. "We're normal now. Just keep everything that we have discussed on ourselves only. Anything that gets outside-" "Will receive a meltdown!" They both said in unison. The two oldest members of the Hamato Clan fist-bumped, sign of their promise that must not be broken; promise between brothers that was made secretly.

They headed towards the lair with a light heart. Both successfully made each other feel a lot better.

While they are walking, several footsteps arose. They stood shell-to-shell and made their fighting stance. Having no weapons, they clenched their fists and looked around. All of a sudden, an arrow shot Raphael on his shoulder, which made a deep cut on his flesh. "Shell!"

"Raph!" He turned to his injured brother, and immediately removed the arrow from his brother's shoulder. Massive flow of crimson liquid is seen. "Are you okay?!" Leo checked the arrow. He saw some brownish fluid from the tip. The red banded turtle's vision became a little hazy. The whole world is crushing towards him. "That...thing…makes me..." Before Raph could finish, he collapsed below, losing his consciousness. Leonardo caught his brother and his eyes narrowed. Who in the world are trying to attack them?

He rolled his eyes around. From the shadows, silhouettes of ninjas in black were revealed. He gritted his teeth and placed Raph carefully on the nearest wall. He stood protectively in front of his fallen brother. Foot Clan! The ninjas revealed themselves to the turtle. An unknown figure emerged from the darkness; a mutant feline that shot Raphael.

A/N: What was that? Okay, so what do you think of Leo and Raph's brotherly relationship? I know it's a bit, cheesy, but, let me know what you think about it….

So there's some familiar mutant on the scene. Wew. Shredder worked so fast xD

So guys, watch out for the next events! Thanks for reading!

"Cockroach... Why did it have to be a cockroach.." -Raphael

Uhm.. Cockroach? Seriously?