Now for a bit of what the others are up to, and more of Raph.

Donnie types on the computer. "..Where is he?" Donnie types on the computer faster than before. But apparently it isn't enough, "Where is he, Donnie?"

"I don't know," the genius answers quickly. The purple clad turtle looks away from the screen long enough to see Leo's distraught face, "But we'll get him back. Maybe he just went to clear his head."

"For a whole day?"

"Not even Raph would do that," Mikey adds, chewing on some chips. Donnie returns to the computer.

"I think Raph is capable of anything if he's angry enough."

"Was he mad at any of us? About anything?" Leo argues.

"Maybe it was about Spike. It has been a little empty here in the Lair, even though the turtle was tiny," Mikey says.

".. Could be.." Leo admits. He walks out of the lab and to the dojo. 'Where are you Raph?' He tries meditating, but he can't concentrate. So he goes up the short flight of stairs to their rooms. He pauses, looking at the stop sign covering a good portion of Raph's door. Leo hesitates before walking over to it. The door is open a crack, so he lets himself in.

It's empty. The drumset, bed, various junk, and comics are there, but Raph isn't. Leo finds a few scarce leaves on the bed. 'Maybe he did go out because of Spike,' he ponders, 'Maybe he went to look for him.' Leo doesn't know what to think. He sets the leaves in the kitchen and goes back to the others.

"Hey Leo, I found his signal," Donnie says. Leo perks up at this.

"Really? Where?" Donnie points on the screen. It isn't too far away. "Let's go!"

"Leo, it's light out. We have to wait."

"But-"

"Don't worry dude," Mikey assures, "Donnie can mon-i-ter where he is until we can go get him. And from the looks of it, he isn't moving."

"But he could be hurt-"

"Leo, I wish we could, but it's too risky. It looks to be a safe spot. He'll be okay."

Leo takes a calming breath and nods. 'Okay, he's going to be alright. Raph's okay.'

"Who knows," Mikey says finally, "He may come home before then."

"No." Slash holds the spoon closer to Raph's mouth, "No!" Raph repeats, only louder. He does his best to keep his mouth as closed as possible when refusing.

"You need to eat, Raphael."

"I'll eat when I get home." Slash chuckles, making Raph shiver.

"You are home." Raph shakes his head. "Eat it." Raph looks down at the spoon. In the curve there is a brownish soup with a green lump of who-knows-what mixed with a piece of I-don't-want-to-find-out.

"..Looks disgusting- Umgh!" Raph grunts as the utensil is forced into his mouth. The soup tastes anything but edible. He tries to spit it out, but Slash covers up his beak and nostrils.

"Swallow." Raph tries to move away, but the tortoise has a firm grip on his face. "Swallow, now." After a good amount of time, Raph feels his brain start to complain from the lack of oxygen, so he listens for once and swallows the vile concoction. "Was that so terrible, Raphael?"

Raph coughs as the hand is removed. "Yes. I neva did that ta ya before, have I?"

"No, I'll admit that. But you always coaxed me into eating, even when I didn't feel like it."

"Ya almost killed me!"

"You could have eaten it."

"I wasn't hungry.."

"Your stomach was making noises."

"Well mabae it wants Mikey's cookin'," Raph counters. Slash jams the spoon back into his mouth.

"Do I have to tell you to swallow this time?" Raph glares at him. Slash carefully takes his hand away. But as soon as he does, Raph spits the soup in his face. "Raphael!" Slash yells. He wipes it from his beak. "I've never done that to you!"

"That's 'cause I was a good owner. I took care a' ya, correctl'y. That stuff'll probabl'y make ma sic'."

Slash sighs. "Do you want me to find you some pizza?" Raph jerks at the chains.

"WAHT I WANT IS TA GO HOME! TA SEE MA BROTHERS!" He yells, furious. Slash just looks at him and stands up.

"I'll leave the soup in case you change your mind," he says, walking to the other room. Raph seethes as he jerks at the chains more. But they are solid. He sits down and stares at the bowl like he could set it on fire with his rage. But instead, it grows cold.

"Spike- Slash.. what did ya even make this out of?" Raph kicks the bowl to the other side of the room, sending the contents flying. He stands up and tries to move around more. He pulls at the chains so they uncrank, giving him more leeway. He has to move with his arms behind him in order to go farther.

He goes as far to almost touch the wall across from him with his beak. But it's not enough to reach the next room. He has yet to see the key for his wrists. But by how smart Slash is seeming, he won't put it anywhere near his captive.

Raph just sits back down, ignoring his protesting belly, 'Spike's right, I'm hungry.' He looks at the chains, threatening to spill some tears. 'C'mon guys, find me already.'

Will they find him?

R&R! I love R&R! (Read and Review for the uninitiate)