A/N: Aww, thanks guys for the faves and reviews. They keep me going. And I hope you're all having a great holiday weekend!
Time seemed to hold no meaning within the void of darkness. It clung to her, suffocating her. She tried to move, but it held her trapped within its grasp. "Raphael! Raph! Where'd you go!" At last release as light filtered through her mind. She could breathe again. She could move again. But she hung alone within the void. Her heart cried out for her love once more, but the sound stuck in her throat. Noise fluttered at the edge of her awareness. Voices, distant but somehow near. They were unfamiliar and fear raced through her. She didn't want these strangers. All she wanted was him. Leave me alone!
"Raph…"
The voices faded as she felt herself being moved, like floating on a waive. Time still eluded her as she drifted in the twilight between dreams and wakefulness. Her heart ached to feel safe. She was desperate for it.
"Raph…"
The first thing that she was truly aware of where the large cool fingers on her face. Then his scent swamped her and her heart cried out. Mine!
The soft rumble of his voice squashed her fear and sent a familiar shiver through her body. "I'm right here, darlin'." Slowly her eyes fluttered open to meet his intense gaze. Tears streaked his face as he leaned over her. They fell haphazardly against her cheeks. "Don't try to move." She sucked in a sharp breath and his other hand tightened around hers.
She licked her dry lips, her eyes drifting to his shoulder. It was bandaged. So that was a dream. But it felt so real. Her eyes met his again. He was pale and shaking, and it made her worry about his injury. "Raph…"
He shook his head slightly. "Don't try to talk, darlin'. You've had a rough couple of hours. Just rest. I'm right here and I'm not goin' anywhere." He gave her a soft kiss and rested his cheek against hers for a moment.
Raph had to fight the overpowering urge to sweep her into his arms and carry her away, when her eyes finally shut. He sank heavily into the chair beside the bed, still clutching her hand. He closed his eyes taking a deep breath. He swiped at his face, the motion making his shoulder ache.
Across from him, Sarah looked out the hospital window at the gray clouds in the distance, mulling over what the doctor had told her. He'd said the procedure had gone well, but she'd need monitoring for a few weeks. Raph and Mira had shown up shortly before Cat had been brought back to the room. She'd had to restrain him as they'd rolled Cat in, explaining that she couldn't be moved. She had to stay very still and flat. She hadn't told him that she'd have stay that way for days. He'd look so torn and broken, that tears had blurred her vision momentarily.
She glanced over her shoulder at him. He didn't look so good. But at least he was awake, that was a definite plus. The ride over had probably taken a lot out of him. A part of her wished that Donnie had forced him to stay, but she knew that probably wouldn't have gone over well. Cat had obviously wanted him here too. She'd been mumbling his name when they'd brought her in.
Her gaze roved the room. Jamie was standing near the door, looking out the small glass window in it. Keeping alert unless someone tried to come in, so Raph and Mira could turn on their holos. Sarah smiled to herself. Jamie was like Leo in that regard, very protective of their family.
Mira sat in another chair near the foot of the bed, her head down. Sarah could tell her daughter was tired and she could feel her anguish. She went to her and wrapped her arms around her. Mira instantly returned the embrace, shuddering beneath her mother's hands. Sarah stroked her shell gently and kissed her round head. "She'll be okay now." She turned her head enough to meet Raph's eyes. "I promise." His eyes shimmered, but he gave a silent nod of gratitude. Mira nodded against her mother's shoulder, feeling her confidence.
Sarah stepped back, releasing her. "I think I'll go to the cafeteria and get us all something to eat." She paused beside the door to give Jamie a warm hug. She waited until the hall was clear before slipping out and heading for the cafeteria. Once there she sat at a table and wept, releasing the pent up fear and anxiety that had held her in its grasp the last six hours. She suddenly felt Donatello's presence with her, wrapping around her like a warm blanket. His love and faith washed over her, settling her tumultuous emotions. She could almost feel his arms around her and she relaxed into the comforting embrace of their bond.
Don took a deep breath, feeling Sarah at last calm. He knew nothing was wrong and that it was only her anxiety over Cat coming once again so close to death. Looking at his cell, he considered calling her. But words were just words. Their bond spoke more to one another than their mouths ever could.
"You ready to go, Donnie?" Leo asked from the doorway.
"Yeah." He gave the photo of his little family on the desk a quick look, before throwing the duffle bag with the supplies over his shoulder. It was already late afternoon and they didn't want to wait any longer. Yoshi needed them. He followed Leo into the living room where Mikey was talking to Kala.
"Are you sure you'll be okay?" His hands shook as he squeezed her slender fingers.
Kala smiled reassuringly. "We'll be fine. Won't we Ona?"
Ona smiled as well, hiking Katsu up on her hip. "Yeah, absolutely."
K-three stood beside Mikey, frowning. He wasn't so sure he liked leaving Katsu there with only Kala and Ona to protect him. He'd seen these Foot robots in action. They weren't something to scoff at. Kala patted his arm. "We are perfectly safe. Donnie's got this place fixed up better than Fort Knocks."
Leo frowned. "You could stay, Mikey. It'd probably be best. You're still hurt."
Mikey shook his head. "We've been over this, Leo. I'm coming." His gaze shifted to Kaz. Raph had helped him search for his son, when the others hadn't. He owed his brother the same.
"Let's go then." Leo hit the button for the elevator.
Mikey leaned down and pecked Kala's small pink lips. "We'll be back soon. And we'll be bringing Yoshi home."
K-three ran a hand over Katsu's round head. "Be good." The tot gave a little nod, his large eyes sparkling. He was unusually quiet, sensing the tension in the air.
Kaz touched Ona's cheek. "Call if you need us."
She nodded and they climbed into the elevator. Ona gave a shuddering sigh and held Katsu a little closer. Kala's arms wrapped around them. "Everything is going to be okay. This is the way things are. It's something you'll have to get used to. It's who they are."
Ona nodded. "I know."
Outside, dark rain clouds had rolled in, hiding the sun behind its heavy curtain. Leo felt the universe was finally giving them a break. The darkness would help conceal them. They could strike their enemy early than anticipated and rescue their lost family member. We're coming Yoshi.
Yoshi lifted his head off the cold cement floor. He had no idea how long he'd laid there. Had he slept? He wasn't sure. Trying to rub his face, he lifted his bound hands and hissed in pain as the motion caused the cuffs to chafe against the clotted wounds on his wrists. He shifted slowly to his knees. His body was beginning to ache from being kept in such a confined position for so long. He also found that he was hungry and thirsty. He licked his parched lips and stared at the dried speckles of blood on the floor.
No more self-pity. I need to do somethin' before he hurts Mom and the others.
But he didn't get a chance to consider his options as voices came from outside the room. It was the first time he'd heard voices since his capture. Curious, he strained to listen. They were getting closer, becoming clearer.
"It's in here?"
"Yes, but-"
"Lord Krang wants to see it."
The door opened and Yoshi stared slack-jawed at what entered. He really didn't know what to make of the thing. It looked like it was made of rock. The creature turned to Cole who was scowling in the doorway. "Open it."
Cole glared coldly. "No. I don't take order from you."
The creature turned with a speed that Yoshi couldn't have imagined that it had and slammed the Neutrino against the wall. His large hand wrapped around the young man's neck. "Open it." Cole grimaced, still glaring but passed the rock monster his keys. The rock soldier smirked, releasing him. "That's a good pet. Maybe your people aren't as dumb as we thought."
Cole looked like he was about to smart off, but decided against it. His eyes flicked to Yoshi. "Krang promised me vengeance. That's the only reason I came to this filthy backwards dimension in the first place. He's mine."
The soldier turned his back on him as he started to unlock the cell. He gave a gravely chuckle. "I'm sure Lord Krang will give you what's left."
Yoshi wasn't entirely sure what was going on or what this thing wanted with him, but what he did grasp was that he was about to be unchained. Or so he thought. He set his jaw and growled as the soldier approached him. He'd make a break for it. Maybe he still had time to save the others. But his plans shattered as the creature reached down and plucked the chain from the floor like it was a flower. He was yanked to his feet.
Although his hands were still bound, he was now able to use his legs. "Get off me!" Using his chained hands as clubs, he swung them at the soldier's head. It felt like something snapped in one wrist and Yoshi cringed. The rock soldier continued to stand holding the end of the chain like some kind of leash. Yoshi kicked at him and regretted as it sent a shockwave of pain up his leg. He stumbled back, glaring. "What the shell are you?"
"Cooperate urchin or you'll regret it." The soldier started to drag him from the cell, but Yoshi resisted. He had a feeling he had better chance against Cole than this thing. The soldier struck him hard across the head and the room spun. "I warned you." Yoshi growled and spit a mouth full of blood into the rock man's face. "Mutant filth!" He slammed Yoshi into the back wall of the cell so hard he lost his breath. A large stone hand wrapped viciously around his throat. Yoshi squirmed, kicking and fighting for air.
"Kill him and I'll make sure Krang knows you did it." Cole leaned against the far wall, watching. "He did want him alive, didn't he?"
The soldier released his hold on the turtle and Yoshi sucked in a breath through his injured windpipe. He decided rather quickly that provoking this creature was not a good idea. He was dragged from the cell, while still trying to catch his breath.
The rock soldier glared at Cole as he passed. Yoshi was still attempting to clear his slightly blurred vision when they entered the main part of the warehouse. He was stunned to see three dozen more of the rock men lined up as if ready to march into battle. To one side was a glowing doorway, Yoshi recognized it as a portal like the one his uncle had. When he was jerked in that direction, he nearly panicked. He couldn't be taken through there. If he was taken to another dimension, his family may never find him. He started to fight with renewed vigor.
The soldier started to struggle with him but stopped as something else stepped through the portal. This time Yoshi couldn't prevent the look of shock and total disgust that passed over his face. It was some kind of squishy pink thing inside some kind of mechanical body. "Ew…Now that is gross!"
The soldier hit him in the stomach, making him double over. "You will show our lord, proper respect." He turned to Krang. "My Lord, I was bringing him to you, just as you requested."
Krang moved forward. "I decided that this operation needed my personal attention. The demise of the turtles has been botched one too many times."
"Not by me." Cole strolled around them to glare at Krang. "We had a deal. I plan to deliver."
Krang snickered. "I certainly hope so. But in the meantime," he moved towards Yoshi, "I want to know how you freaks managed to procreate."
Yoshi glared. "I won't tell you nothin'."
Krang sneered. "I thought you might say that. Then we'll just have to do this the hard way." His mechanical hand turned into a rotating blade.
Yoshi grit his teeth. Uh, this could hurt.
"Okay, is everyone in position?" Leo spoke into his headset. He and Shinta were standing at the sewer entrance that led up into the warehouse above.
Don crouched on the roof with K-three. "Team two in position."
"Team three in position." Mikey was hunched across the street from the building's front door with Kaz.
Leo glanced down at his son. "Stay close." The teen nodded and Leo turned his attention back to the mission. "On my mark guys not before." Leo moved aside the grate and lifted himself into the subbasement. Reaching down, he gave Shinta a hand up. They crept along until they found a stairwell up. As silent as shadows they ascended. Edging along, they found another shorter set of steps that led up into the main area. Leo muffled a small gasp at the sight that met him.
Three dozen rock soldiers stood, ready for battle. And on the far side of the room was none other than Krang. It had been a long time since he'd seen this particular enemy. Time hadn't seemed to affect the alien brain, though it was hard to tell with all the wrinkles. But the most shocking thing of all was Yoshi. The young turtle's hands were chained and rimmed in dried blood, and one side of his face was turning purple. He said something and the rock soldier holding the chain hit him in the stomach. Leo couldn't hear what was being said, but he could tell Yoshi and Krang were exchanging words.
"Yoshi!" Shinta gasped quietly as he saw the creature approach his cousin with the rotating blade.
Leo shot him a look that silenced him and turned away from the entrance to speak into the headset. "Now!"
The building shook as an explosion ripped open the front of the warehouse. A second later another sent the occupants into darkness as the electricity was cut off. Cole cursed. They'd struck earlier than he'd been expecting. He grabbed the radio. "Destroy them!"
The message was received by the Foot-bot standing watch over the lair. It signaled its receipt and the group fell upon on the garage. An alarm wailed as the back door was ripped from its hinges and the twenty Foot poured inside. Don's security system kicked on. Electricity was cut off from the elevator, locking it on the lower level as a blast door sealed off the entrance entirely. Meanwhile, laser blasters descended from the ceiling and began their barrage. Several droids were picked off in the first few minutes, until the blasters were disabled.
Downstairs Kala jumped off the couch as the alarm went off. She turned to the security feed above the elevator and gasped. "No!" This was not happening again! But there they were - Foot soldiers inside the garage.
Ona scurried over to stare at the screen. "Who are they?"
Kala immediately tried to calm herself. It wouldn't do to upset Ona and Katsu just yet. "They are Foot soldiers. They're robots controlled by an enemy."
Ona thought of Raphael and paled. "Can they get down here?"
Kala frowned. "No….I mean they shouldn't be able too. Donnie has installed all kinds of security precautions." But even as she spoke, her confidence wavered. Mikey had told her that these robots were upgraded from the ones they'd fought many years ago. That was how Raph had gotten injured.
Katsu climbed off the couch as well and came to cling to Kala's leg. He whimpered softly, sensing their distress, and Kala picked him up. She continued to watch the screen as the security blasters were taken out and the soldiers moved to the elevator. The sound of something cutting through metal came from above as the robots sliced their way through the blast door. Kala knew there was also a laser grid inside the elevator shaft that would have been activated by the alarm being triggered. She hoped it would hold them off. The two women turned to stare at the elevator as there was a crash inside the shaft. Metal scraped metal.
Kala gasped again. They were inside the shaft! She grabbed Ona's arm and pulled her towards the sewer entrance. "We have to go now!" She hoped that there weren't Foot waiting for them on the other side of the door. She keyed in the code as Katsu began to cry. To her relief, when the door slid open no one was there. Shoving Ona through, she hit the panel to lock it behind them. She was sure it wouldn't keep them from being followed but it might give them a head start.
An explosion inside nearly took the Neutrino off her feet. Katsu gave a sharp wail and Kala clutched him closer. "Shh, you have to be quiet sweetheart." She shushed him gently. He buried his face in her shoulder, but remained silent. Kala's blue eyes met Ona's dark ones. "Run."
A/N: Uh, oh... Hehe, REVIEW!
