Chapter 11: Learning the Truth

Though their injuries weren't nearly as severe or as fatal as their last battle with the Foot had been three months back, they still took their toll on the four heroes-in-the-half-shell and their human companions as they began to tire out on their way to the hideout. They hadn't stopped running since they'd entered the sewer tunnels, wanting to get as far away from the junkyard as possible without leading the Foot or the Kraang right to their master.

So just in case they had attempted at pursuing them, Leonardo had led them through a maze of different tunnels that even they didn't recognize, zigzagging through pipes and leaping over storm drains until they reappeared through the subway unit that was closer to the hideout.

Maybe the confusing pathways they'd taken would mislead the Foot.

"L-Leo…can we rest…for a sec?" Donatello panted as he trailed behind, stumbling slightly over his own two feet as he struggled to keep going. "I…I feel as if my head's gonna explode…"

"Me too," Michelangelo puffed in agreement alongside Donnie. "I think I broke a rib or something. I…I can't breathe or run anymore, dude…"

Slowly skidding to a stop at long last, Leonardo looked back at his brothers and the three humans, who were now a sweating, panting mess. It was true; they all pretty much looked like trash – bruises discolored their skin, blood dripped down Donatello's head from the injury he'd earned from his descent into the building after Dogpound had thrown him, Casey's left eye was turning slightly black from a knock from a Foot Bot, April's leg had taken a nasty blow from Fishface's metallic foot, and Raphael's face was beginning to swell. And as if that weren't enough for the poor red clad turtle, he was the one carrying Dr. Falco on his back this whole time, up until now that is, where he let the scientist slip off his back to stand on his own.

Not that Leo himself looked any better, with bruises littered across his skin and the deep claw marks on his arm that was starting to go worryingly numb during the past hour and a half. Lucky for him that Dogpound had used his smaller arm for that attack.

Casey held up a shaking, gloved hand as he huffed heavily. "…I…I-I have to agree with them…on that one, Leo. I can't…stand…anymore…" he stuttered, leaning his uninjured shoulder against the slippery sewer wall.

With her hair matted and lose from its usual ponytail, April bent forwards, planting her hands heavily on her knees as she gulped for air. "I-I never understood how…how turtles could…ugh…move…so…so fast," she groaned. She was certain that she'd lost more weight within the last hour than she'd ever managed to lose during her whole life. Her legs, chest, and even her arms were burning from all of this, and she wasn't too sure if she could take this anymore.

After this, she swore never to complain about Splinter making her run laps around the dojo ever again. And she bet that the boys felt the exact same way.

Nodding wearily, Leo let out a long breath. "Okay…we're a safe enough distance away now anyways…" he blew. "…let's take a breather…"

They needed no further permission as instantly the six teenagers fell to the ground in a heap of exhausted limbs, all of them letting out simultaneous, heavy sighs of relief. It mattered not that the ground they sat upon was wet and dirty; they didn't even have the energy to move or even complain about anything anymore.

They'd been through far too much all in one day to complain about a little sewer water.

However, Dr. Falco continued to gaze at the turtles in awe, too amazed to be worn out (though he shouldn't be worn out at all due to being carried all the way here by Raphael). "Four walking talking turtles…" he breathed in a daze. Watching them fight, watching them run and leap from sewer pipes and train tracks throughout the course of their escape was more than Falco could've ever asked for.

They were utterly amazing!

The turtles tiredly looked up at him from where they sat on the floor. "…yeah, this guy is P.H.D material alright," Raph chuckled blearily as he leaned on Leo's uninjured shoulder, and let April lean on his own as he slung an arm around her. Casey had pretty much already passed out on Donnie's shoulder, and Mikey had flopped himself on top of Leo's lap like a panting dog, but Leo didn't complain as he rested his arm atop his shell.

Falco ignored the sarcastic comment made by the red turtle as he planted his hands on his hips, still grinning. "…you are so intelligent," he alleged, "it's incredible…how….how on earth…?"

Sensing the next predictable question the man was sure to ask, (because seriously, who wouldn't ask where they came from?) Donnie let out a weary sigh. "Well, I guess I'll have to explain it to you then," he droned. He usually wouldn't mind explaining things to people. In fact, he took great joy out of people actually wanting to listen to what he wanted to say. But right now, after everything that they'd been through that night, he was just too tired to really give a crap. Nonetheless, what had to be done had to be done. Bing careful not to jostle Casey too much, Donnie sat up as much as he could so that he could look up at the scientist. "So," he began resignedly, "fifteen years ago –"

"Fifteen years ago you and your brothers came into contact with the green colloidal gel down in a sewer which transformed you into your present state," Falco interjected without pausing to take a breath.

The teenagers looked up at him in wide eyed surprise. Even Mikey and Casey, who'd pretty much been asleep until this point, were staring up at Falco.

"Um…yes," Leo said, sharing a look and a shrug with his brothers, "that's about it…give or take a few extra details, but yeah..."

Falco clapped his hands together once and beamed. "Fantastic!" he chimed.

Half an hour later, the four turtles and their three human companions finally managed to run the rest of the way, pushing themselves one last time until they were back at the entrance of the hideout, dragging themselves pitifully down the steps and stumbling over to the 'main area'. From where they'd been sat waiting anxiously for their return, Master Splinter and Keno immediately stood up upon their entry.

"Oh, you're all okay!" Keno cried out as he ran towards them, thanking the heavens above that they were still alive. Raph was almost knocked over as Keno barged into him and wrapped his arms tightly around his shoulders. "Thank god! I thought you were gonna die out there!" he wailed as he buried his face into his shoulder.

Splinter let out a heavy sigh of relief as the teens entered one by one. The rescue mission had been a success, and April, Casey and all of his sons, re-joined once more by Raphael, were all safe and sound back in their temporary home. Well, apart from several injuries and the distinct smell of blood that filled the air and entered the rat's nose. If it weren't for the fact that they were still on their feet, he would have panicked.

"Uh, y-yeah, it's good to see you too, Keno!" Raph wheezed as he shifted awkwardly in the young boy's grip. He should have known that Keno would be worried about him after he told the kid to leave him behind, but he hadn't expected the hug. He wasn't really a hugging person to begin with, and getting hugged from anyone made him feel a little irked. Plus, the fact that the kid was crushing him in his arms wasn't exactly helping him heal. "Uh, dude, I'm in pain, here!" he barked.

Keno gasped in realization, and he instantly released him. "Oh god!" he cried, taking a good look at how banged up they all were. "I'm sorry! I'm so sorry!"

Raph waved him off with a faint smile. "No big deal…" he reassured, though in truth, he really was in a fair amount of pain.

Setting his staff aside, Splinter quickly moved towards them, taking in just how badly hurt they were. They were all bleeding in places, and Leonardo's arm had four, large claw marks that were still dripping with blood; the wound must have reopened during their journey back. Anger boiled within him at the sight of his children in such a damaged state, but he forced himself to remain calm as he approached them. "My sons, what happened? Are you boys alright?" Splinter asked, unable to mask the worry in his voice.

Leonardo looked up at his father as he finally managed to catch his breath, reassuring the old rat master with a tired smile. "Yeah…yeah we're okay. Don't worry Master Splinter," he said. "Also, we managed to rescue the TCRI scientist, Dr. Falco. I think…I think he has the answers to what the heck is going on here…"

Splinter turned to the other human standing behind April, watching Splinter with a cautious look as he waited for his answer. Despite himself, he couldn't help but feel an uneasy shiver run down his spine; a scientist in a lair full of mutants? There was no way he'd be able to sleep without the thought of a butter knife slitting him or one of his sons open during the night.

Still, if he could trust Kirby, then perhaps he could attempt to trust this man as well. Just so long as he was kept away from anything sharp.

Also, if what Leonardo said was true, then he had to listen to what the scientist had to say. It was important, now more than ever before, for them all to know the truth behind everything that had transpired fifteen years ago.

Nodding once, Splinter rested a hand on Leonardo and Raphael's shoulders. "Indeed. But first, you all must get your wounds treated, right away. And then you must all rest," he told them firmly, though he knew the exhausted youngsters wouldn't argue about it in the least. "I will show Mr. Falco inside so he can rest as well," he said, looking back towards the scientist.

Falco nodded his gratitude, his expression remaining cool and collected. But at the sight of the giant rat, his inner scientist threatened to show itself again, though it was in his best interest that he kept his mouth shut.

As Splinter beckoned them all to get their injuries attended to, Raph stopped Casey by reaching out and lightly grabbing his shoulder, making the boy turn around to face his friend with a raised brow. "What's up?" he asked, shoving his hands in his pockets.

Clearing his throat once, Raph scratched the back of his head. "Um…Casey," he began, "I…I never got the chance before to say…thanks, for saving our shells back there. If you and April hadn't shown up, then we'd all be goners…" The green eyed turtle looked up at his human friend, his gaze full of remorse. "…and also…sorry. For making you guys worry, and stuff."

Now Raph just felt awkward again. Apologizing and thanking people wasn't something he normally did, and it made him feel mushy. But he had to let his best friend know that he meant it, every single word. They all owed him and April their very lives for what they'd done for them.

Casey blinked once in surprise. Did…did Raphael just thank him, and then apologize to him within the space of five seconds? Wow; today really was a bad day after all. Smiling, Casey just shrugged. "No problem, Raphie-boy," he said, "after all, we are the 'Saving the Asses of the so-called 'Skilled Ninja Warriors' When They Get Stomped' squad! We're always there to have your backs, dude….even if you are a bit of a jerk for letting me miss out on the smack-down before you got your dumbass caught!"

Smirking widely, Raph reached up and smacked Casey over the head. "Yeah, yeah, I get it! I was a dumbass for not bringing you along. But…we're good now, right?" he asked.

Grinning and rubbing the back of his head from the smack, Casey reached out and slung his arm around the smaller turtles' shoulders in an friendly headlock. "Yeah, man. We're good."

After their wounds were tended to and wrapped up by Splinter and Keno, Casey, April and the turtles were told to rest for a few moments to regain their strength before Falco revealed what truths he had to tell. Unsurprisingly, they all obeyed without complaint as they trudged off to their designated subway cars, practically dropping themselves onto whatever beds they had.

However, it was during this time that Raph, though he too was emotionally as well as physically drained, found that he couldn't even shut his eyes. As his pet turtle Spike walked over his chest and nuzzled himself on his master's stomach, Raph stared up at the ceiling from where he lay on the cushioned seats of the train car. The young turtles' mind was too busy reeling, thinking over and over again about what could have happened back at the junkyard, if April and Casey hadn't stepped in when they did…

And the look in Leo's eyes when their gazes had met, back when they were just inches away from being dropped into a vat of mutagen…

Raph growled. "Screw this," he muttered aloud as he took Spike and set him down on the seat, sitting up from his 'bed' and trying not to move too quickly lest he do himself another injury or undo all the bandages as he stepped out of his car. After sucking in a deep breath to prepare himself, (for what exactly, he didn't know) he moved towards the train car that served as Leo's room. He knocked on the door first before going in, and Leo sat up on his 'bed' upon his brothers' entry.

Looks like someone else couldn't sleep either.

"Hey. How're you doing?" Raph asked as he sat down next to his older brother.

Leo shrugged, but then winced faintly as the action pulled at one of his stitches. "I'm Fine. You?" Leo asked in reply.

"Been better…" Raph said casually as he silently looked around the train car, making a face. "So, you guys chose this place for us to hide while I was gone? And I thought all the really good dungeons were in Europe," he joked, trying to lighten the older turtles' mood a little.

His efforts were not wasted as Leo chuckled at the remark, which in all honesty was kind of true. "Yeah, it's not much, but remember; it's only temporary. By the way, how are Mikey and Don doing?" he asked. "They both looked like they were about to pass out…well, not that we were any different…"

At the last part, Raph couldn't help but smirk. "Yeah, you should've seen yourself, fearless; you looked like Dogpound on a hot day," he snickered, and only grinned wider when Leo sent him a look, but he was still smiling. "Donnie's okay," Raph said, leaning back against the bench, "though he's gonna have a hell of a headache in the morning. And it turns out Mikey really did break a rib back there…"

His previous smile gone in a millisecond, Leo snapped his worried gaze to him. "What?!" he cried.

"Don't worry though, Donnie fixed him up!" Raph urged, raising his hands in surrender, "He's good. Don't panic, jeez."

Leo let out a breath of relief, his tensed shoulders sagging. "Good. And for your information, I have a right to panic," he alleged, "Tonight's been a crazy one…"

Raph smirked. "I'll say."

"I mean, first we had the mutagen, now we have Robo-Ninjas, Mutant Dogs and Fish and now Alien Brains in Robot bodies?" Leo sat back and shook his head. "Makes 'Space Heroes' seem like a crappy soap opera in comparison."

Raph laughed out loud at that. "Finally seeing the light are we, fearless?"

Leo rolled his eyes with a smile and gently elbowed his younger brother, who retaliated with his own little shove. "Can it, Raph," he shot back.

They mutually sat there in silence for a while, both bothers lost in their own thoughts about the evenings events. Sliding his gaze to look at his bandaged younger brother, Leo finally broke the silence as he cleared his throat, gaining the red turtles' attention.

"Listen, Raph," he began hesitantly, "about earlier. I know you think that this whole thing is your fault…well, it's partly…but the thing is, it's pretty much more my fault than it is yours. I didn't handle the situation all that well to begin with like I should have. I shouldn't have argued with you back there…as your leader, and your older brother, I'm responsible for all of you…and I should have been more careful…" He trailed off as he looked off to the side guiltily, gently putting an absent minded hand over his bandaged right arm.

Remaining silent, Raph noticed the gesture as he watched Leo, and saw the distant remorseful look in his eyes. The bandages wrapped around those bloody claw marks seemed to glare back at him, reminding him of his terrible mistakes…

It was just like the time he and Leo had argued back at April's apartment, back when they'd lost Splinter and had their home destroyed. His temper and bad attitude had gotten out of hand, so he'd wandered to the roof to let off some steam, which was when the Foot ambushed and attacked him, beating him near to the point of death. Leo had taken the full responsibility of that as well; he'd even stayed by his side the entire time whilst he lay unconscious in a bathtub, waiting for him to wake up.

He'd never said a word about it to Leo, but after the whole ordeal had come to an end, and they'd finally gotten their home back, Donnie had taken Raph aside and told him what had happened to Leo whilst he was out.

Leonardo, his strong, wise and faithful leader, had been broken. Leo had nearly lost himself to despair that time, and it was all Raph's fault for letting it happen…just as their near death encounter with the mutagen had been his fault as well.

He gazed at the hidden scars on Leo's arm again. He felt his anger boil inside of him.

That was my fault Leo, not yours…I'm the one who should feel guilty, not you…not again…

Unable to stand it any longer, Raph shook his head and growled before he leapt towards his older brother without warning, and wrapped his strong arms firmly around his shoulders, burying his face into the crook of his neck and squeezing his eyes shut.

Leo became frozen on the spot, his blue eyes wide and unseeing and his body going rigid in Raph's embrace which was rough yet somewhat affectionate. This was absolutely not what he'd expected from his bad tempered brother, who hardly ever hugged any of them in this way out of fear of looking like a dork. He thought he'd be hit with maybe a snarky remark or something, but nothing like this. He struggled to form words as he looked down at the top of Raph's head. "…u-uh…R-Raph?" he stammered.

Raphael held him tighter, forgetting about both their injuries. "Leo…" he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm…I'm so sorry, man. You were right, I was wrong. I shouldn't have gone out like that. I could've gotten myself and the whole team killed because of what I did. I…I almost lost you guys tonight. I just…I just thought I had to go out there and stop them somehow. I didn't want it to happen again. But because of me, it almost did…"

Leo could hear the quiver in his voice, and his body relaxed in the stronger turtles' hold, though his brows creased in confusion. "What? What are you talking about? What didn't you want to happen -?"

Then it hit him. He realized what Raph was talking about. Raph was trying to prevent them from finding the lair and taking them again.

That's why he'd gone up to find Keno a stop the Foot himself; he wanted to protect them.

Leo sighed gently before he returned the hug, holding his brother as tight as he dared as he closed his eyes. "It's okay, Raph," he said softly. "I get it now. And I forgive you. We all do."

Smiling against his shoulder, Raph hugged him tighter. "I'm glad you guys are okay, Leo…I mean it, brother."

Later that evening, everyone had finally recuperated enough to leave their subway cars and gather together in the main area, taking a seat anywhere they could as they prepared to listen to what Dr. Falco had to say.

Sitting on the floor next to Donatello, April looked to the corner of her eye to see that the purple clad turtles' fingers were drumming tensely against his leg as he stared up at Falco. April could tell just by looking at him that he was anxious to hear the truth behind everything; the mutagen, their mutation, their true purpose…but he was also afraid that he wouldn't like what he was going to hear.

Frowning, April reached out and laid her hand atop his, stilling his fingers with her gentle touch. Blinking in surprise, he turned to her, and was greeted with a pure, reassuring smile. He smiled back, happy in knowing that she had his back.

Once everyone had settled down, the scientist stood before them all, clearing his throat once, and then he began.

"Fifteen years ago, my colleagues and I discovered an old factory that hadn't been used in years, littered with crates filled with strange canisters of glowing ooze, which when brought back to the laboratory for investigation, was identified as a 'mutagen' of some kind. We never figured out where it truly came from or who created it to begin with, but we learned through several examinations that it had the special properties to mutate the physical appearance of organic life forms. Unfortunately, a shrewd scientist must have thought at that time that he could make money from this discovery, and so during the night, he stole one of the canisters. A strange man, he was. I remember how he never spoke, never interacted with anyone…and he showed almost no emotion whatsoever. But we never saw him again after that, assuming something terrible had happened to him. Of course, laboratories were crude back then, so a theft or an accident was just waiting to happen –"

"Wait," Donatello interjected suddenly, standing up and walking over to the scientist as the others in the room watched, "so you mean to tell us that the discovery and the loss of the ooze…was just a big mistake?"

Falco turned to the tallest turtle. "…Donatello, was it?" he asked. Donnie nodded, and Falco hummed in thought. "Well, I'm afraid that in our finding and taking the mutagen triggered their originators, the alien race known as the Kraang, to hunt us down and, somehow, eventually coming into contact with the Shredder, forming an alliance with him and waiting for the opportune time to claim what was theirs. I also recall hearing something about how the mutagen doesn't seem to work the same way in which it was meant to upon its creation in this dimension."

Donnie's shoulders slumped dejectedly, his head hung down as he stared at the floor. "...so it's really big mistake..." he sighed.

April saw the purple turtle's downcast look and stood up to place a comforting hand on his shoulder. Donnie reached up and covered her smaller hand with his own, all without averting his gaze from the floor as he gently squeezed it.

Keno looked up to the scientist. "So, what's going on at TCRI now, Dr. Falco?" he asked.

Falco turned to the others, putting a finger to his chin. "Well, I'm sure you all already know this," he gestured the turtles, "but there was a floor that all personnel were for some reason forbidden to enter. I'm sure you've probably figured out by now that the Kraang were using that floor to hide themselves and continue with their experiments. I imagine they're trying to remove any evidence of the disposal process, and evacuate the premises should any mishaps ensue. And as we know, one or two rather big mishaps have occurred..."

Sat on the couch beside Splinter, Leo nodded sourly. "Yeah. Dogpound, Fishface…and the Shredder," he grimaced.

"Yes," Falco established, "And he's obsessed with killing you all..."

"Oh yeah?" Mikey sighed, putting a hand over the part of his plastron where his broken rib was. "Well, we kinda already got that impression, like, three months ago, dude..." He shivered slightly at the memory of their first battle on the rooftop. He still had nightmares about that night, only instead of watching Shredder fall into the garbage truck, he watched as his blades ran through his shell and pierced his stomach…

Lowering his head in thought for a moment, Splinter stroked his long, white beard. "It appears we now have bigger problems now than ever before, now involving more mutants, and an advanced alien race," he said, lifting his gaze to the young ones around him. "…I fear that we may be facing something that may be too overwhelming for even us to conquer, my sons."

On the floor, Raph groaned aloud and rubbed a weary hand over his face. "Ugh, tell me about it," He mumbled. "Talk about a Sci-Fi B-movie gone wrong..." Despite the seriousness of the situation, Casey snickered next to him.

And in spite of himself, even Splinter couldn't help but chuckle at that as well. "Indeed, my son. But now, however, let us put this 'movie' on pause. We must prepare ourselves for whatever tomorrow night brings us. Michelangelo, if you would please show Dr. Falco where he can rest."

Mikey stood up and bowed respectfully. "Hai, Sensei" he said, before taking Dr. Falco by the hand and leading him towards one of the spare subway cars, chatting to him cheerfully about trivial matters as they walked away from the group.

As Falco half-listened to what the youngest turtle was saying, he still found it so strange and amazing upon how these turtles were so intelligent and so unbelievingly human-like; just put clothes on them and they would probably pass as being one. And this young one especially, Michelangelo he recalled his name was, seemed so innocent and so childlike that it actually touched him in a way...

Why the Shredder wanted these four young teenagers and their caring father all dead at his feet was bizarrely beyond his comprehension.

As Mikey and Falco left, Splinter looked at the rest of the young teens. "That goes for the rest of you as well," he advised as he stood up. "You have all fought well tonight, and you must let your injuries heal."

The turtles, followed by April and Casey, all stood up and bowed. "Hai Sensei," five of them chanted in unison, whilst Casey just answered with a "Yes, sir."

Keno left the hideout soon afterwards, after apologizing sincerely to the brothers and Raph for getting him captured, and not being able to help. Raph told him to forget about it, telling him that it was more his own fault than Keno's for dragging him into this in the first place, which surprised the others a considerable amount that he would even admit that. Casey and April asked if they could spend the night with them, for it was too late to be walking around in the city, and they were still worried about the turtles. Splinter couldn't refuse them for their concern for his sons, and so after they'd called up their fathers (with Casey having to make up an excuse), they were allowed to stay.

With everything said and done, the rest of the group departed to their respectful resting places for the night. However, before Raphael could leave, Splinter placed a hand on his shoulder to stop him. "Raphael, a moment if you will," he requested evenly.

Swallowing thickly, Raph's gaze shifted slightly to the floor in a mixture of guilt and mild apprehension; he was so going to be punished for all of this, but then again, he deserved much worse than what he was going to get. "Um…Hai, Sensei," he replied hesitantly as he turned to face his master, letting his head sink slightly into his shell as he waited for the long lecture, and possible punishment he was sure to receive any second now.

However, Splinter simply stared down at him for what felt like an eternity, before dropping his cane on the floor, placed both hands firmly on Raph's shoulders, and then pulled him forward into his chest, wrapping his strong arms around him and holding him in a tight embrace. Raph was stunned still, blinking in confusion.

What…why…huh?

"I am relieved that you are safe, Raphael," Splinter said softly, stroking the back of Raphael's head a clawed hand as he held his child close to his rapidly beating heart. "I feared that your brothers would not make in time to save you…and I feared that I would never see you again. Your intentions upon leaving alone to face our enemies may have been noble, but your actions were very, very foolish. However, none of that matters as of right now. What truly matters is that you and your brothers are alive, my son."

His eyes widening, Raphael felt a treacherous lump in his throat as he hugged his father back with just as much force, squeezing his eyes shut to stop the tears from flowing. "I'm…I'm so sorry, Sensei," he choked out, "I-I never meant to…"

"I know, my son," Splinter hushed as he pulled away enough to look into his son's eyes and smiled warmly. "But that is behind us. For now, you must rest yourself." Then he frowned as he held up a warning finger. "But, do not ever do that again. You and your brothers are giving me enough grey furs as it is."

His eyes still watery, Raph smirked. "As if you didn't have enough already," he muttered under his breath, which of course the rat heard, and cuffed him over the head with his hand playfully.

"Indeed. Now, off to bed with you, young man," Splinter chuckled, watching his red clad son retreat to his train car as the boy sent him one last smile, and Splinter didn't dare turn away until he was certain he was safe inside his room.

With everyone off to rest for the night, Splinter let out a long sigh as he picked up his staff and made his way to his own sleeping quarters. Their lives were never that easy to begin with, but one could only imagine what the next day would bring upon his family…