Something really quick I wanna point out is that I originally had a completely different plan for this chapter. But during editing this beast came out of the 2nd half and it ended up being way too long when combined with the 1st half. So I made the decision to cut the chapter (the first half will be chapter 10). The bright side is that it's already written - I just need to edit it.

Now this may just be me being paranoid but I'm gonna have to say that this chapter is M rated on account of Shredder getting very violent with one of the turtles and the other witnessing it happen. I tried to keep it from getting too graphic but if you don't want to read it I have marked it with ***.

Disclaimer: I still don't own them.

-x-

As he paced the halls of his tower, Saki fiddled with the remote in his hands. He couldn't help but marvel at how his head engineer Richard had managed to create such an intriguing device. 'With this I can control the wearer's every move...just like I did with that turtle earlier today.'

The memories played back like a movie reel, the images swimming behind his eyes. The look of defeat the creature wore when he presented it with the mask. The terror that gripped at its soul when the soaked fabric touched flesh. The creature's desperate attempts to mask the unimaginable pain that crippled it. Saki's lips parted in a smile as the image of the turtle groveling at his feet came to mind.

He couldn't explain the feeling, but with every punishment he gave it, he felt as if the spirits of his brethren were being cleansed. All the crimes that had been enacted were purged from their memories. As long as he could make the turtle suffer he'd get his revenge on all of them. Even Yoshi would be made to pay the consequences.

But the absolute power he had held over the struggling reptile was the kind of thing Saki could become addicted to. He remembered Richard saying something about it overloading the brain with so many stimuli that the subject would be helpless to do anything on their own. Hence why it was designed to be worn like a harness - to cover more area and as such over stimulate the brain with greater ease.

As delighted as Saki was with the results of his experiment, his conversation afterward with his daughter left a sour aftertaste. He couldn't put his finger on it exactly, but something about her seemed...off. And it bothered him. It ate away at his nonexistent patience, leaving him irritable.

He thought back to when he first flew Karai in from their home in Japan. She had been completely normal then. Stubborn, but obedient. Beautiful, but deadly. Testing his patience constantly, yet always trusting in his judgement.

What had changed since she had arrived? He was still the same. He made sure his subordinates treated her with the respect she was due as his daughter. She had proven to be able to stand toe to toe with the turtle...

Now that he thought about it, she had seemed genuinely disturbed to see him holding the blue cloth that was very much a huge part of whatever that mutant was. Not to mention the torn expression on her face upon his informing her that she would have to participate in tomorrow's prisoner activities.

Stroking his chin, Saki's mind raced through several different scenarios, his frustration mounting with each eliminated possibility. Until only one remained. Upon that sickening realization a grimace formed on his face. 'That freak! That abomination! It dared to corrupt my daughter?!'

His eyes narrowing into slits, Saki growled, "It will pay for what it has done to her!" Eyeing the remote in his hand thoughtfully, he clenched his fist around the device. 'Don't worry, my daughter. I'll make sure it never touches you again. I'll protect you from its filth if it's the last thing I do as your father!'

Saki stormed his way over to where the prisoners were held, his mind steeling itself for what he'd have to do. He'd teach these abominations just what it meant to try such a heinous act with his daughter! His grip tightened over the remote, 'And I'll use this to get my point across.'

Upon reaching the door, Saki peered through the miniature window that allowed him to see inside. He found that both his target and its companion, or brother as they referred to each other, were sleeping. As he reached with one hand for the doorknob, Saki could have swore he witnessed one or both of them shivering just slightly. 'Good,' he thought as he swung the door open.

BANG

The door's collision with the wall echoed throughout the room, startling both creatures out of their slumber. As he watched awareness return to their expressions, Saki strode toward the center of the room where he had left the blue one unconscious earlier and teased, "I see my scientist was correct. Leave even mutant reptiles in a chilled room long enough and they'll be like putty in your hands. Did you sleep well, freaks?"

The blue one's azure eyes narrowed, any earlier surprise having long vanished by now and it growled, "Is it morning already? I was just getting comfortable."

The purple one looked thoughtful before it spoke in an accusing tone, "So that's why the room is built this way. Any heat that gets in is immediately lost to the ceiling." It turned a glare on him as it spat, "Can't be too good for your heating bill, now can it?"

Saki glared back at the purple one, but decided to ignore the taunt. He had far more important things to do than banter with an abomination about such trivial matters. He focused his attention on the blue one who lay on the floor, pleased that the harness was still working to keep the turtle right where he had left it. Tilting his head, Saki strode over toward the turtle until he towered over it and taunted, "Is that so, Blue?"

From where he stood, glowering down at his prisoner, Saki watched with increasing interest as he saw the turtle's muscles ripple as it attempted to obey its survival instincts and get away from the threat. 'This isn't supposed to be possible,' he mused, stepping a few feet back as he watched it work its arm underneath itself to help prep itself up.

It was long and tedious to watch, but Saki had to admit that he was impressed by the turtle's determination to sit up from laying on it's belly like it had been earlier. Although, it seemed, such an action was not without effort. The turtle was panting quite heavily; its forehead beaded with sweat that trickled down its face.

Thoroughly impressed, Saki asked, "How did something like you manage to do something like that? My top engineer built that to serve as the perfect puppeteering device. When it's active, the wearer should not be able to move at all on their own free volition."

The turtle smirked back at him, and between breaths it stated, "I...found...a...way..." It met the gaze of the purple one, its brown eyes shimmering with hope as it practically beamed with pride for the blue one's accomplishment. "Besides," the blue one continued, its breathing becoming more even, "we...can't afford to stick around...any more..."

Saki uttered a simple "hmm" before he raised his arms up in front of his face. He watched the turtle very shakily get on its feet, its face paling under what Saki assumed was the intense backlash every one of his men had reported after being asked to move on their own free will while the harness was set to a certain position. While some had managed to defy the harness to varying degrees, they had all stated that the further and further you got from the settings, the harder and harder you had to focus to move even a bit more.

Saki didn't have a doubt in his mind that the turtle was stronger and more determined than he gave it credit for. After all, this was the first time he had ever seen anything resist the backlash to this degree. But still, any further movement would be impossible. He began to lower his arms to their sides, confident that there was no way that -

Saki reflexively ducked as a green fist flew at his face, startling the ninjutsu master. "What," he growled, his eyes wide with shock as he realized what had just happened. 'Surely it didn't...'

The frustrated azure eyes of the turtle glared into his, hissing as its punch missed, "Dammit!" It gritted its teeth and spun around, obviously aiming to use a roundhouse kick to send Saki flying sideways.

Saki lifted his arms in front of his face, easily blocking the weak kick and grabbing hold of the turtle's foot in a fluid motion. He could feel the turtle attempt to pull out of the grip, desperate to free itself. He laughed at its pitiable efforts. After letting it try for a few seconds, he tossed the turtle over his head and let it fall shell first to the ground.

"Leo!" The purple one shouted. When Saki glanced into its face, its eyes were huge as saucers as they stared at the defeated blue one.

Saki placed one of his feet on what he understood was the plastron or whatever the underside of the shell was called and gave the gasping Blue a smug grin. "I'll admit you surprised me, freak, but that's about all the defiance I'll allow from you."

From within the cavity of his gauntlet, the same place the hidden blade lay, Saki pulled out the remote device. Showing it to both of the turtles, he taunted, "Did you forget about this?"

The blue one coughed, its wary gaze fixated on the remote. The purple one hesitantly asked, "What are you gonna do with that?"

Saki smiled and practically purred, "Be patient, Purple. You'll see soon enough." He fiddled a bit with one of the dials on the remote, turning it three clicks to the right. Putting it back into his gauntlet, he removed his foot from the turtle's chest, flipped the turtle back onto its belly with his foot and took a few steps back. Dipping his head, he mocked, "Kakatte koi, Blue! It's the only way you mutants are going to escape."

Blue's eyes narrowed as it stared at him, seemingly weighing its options. Clearly it was being cautious, and Saki didn't have the patience to deal with that. No, he needed to teach it a lesson it wouldn't soon forget. But this creature was young and foolish. It wouldn't be hard to get it riled up.

Grinning, Saki continued his taunts, "Doushita? Are you scared? If you won't cooperate," he pointed to Purple, "then I'll just play with that one instead."

Quite predictably, Blue's eyes widened in alarm as Saki began to make his way over to the other one. He had to give Purple some credit for wearing a brave face. With every step towards it Saki took, its brown eyes burned brighter in defiance.

"Wait..." Blue choked out, a whistling note accompanying its weak plea.

'You can do better than that, turtle,' Saki thought disdainfully as he finished his slow march towards the purple one. It glared daggers up at him, bringing a smile his lips. This one was almost as entertaining as the blue one was. Even this close to him, it didn't show any signs of fear. It wore a perfect mask of defiance on its face.

Only when Saki reached out and grabbed Purple by the chin did a shudder ripple through its body. Grinning from the encouraging sign, he brought his spiked gauntlet closer and closer to its face. As the blades drew closer, he could feel it tremble beneath his fingertips. Its eyes shutting tight as he felt its pulse increase. But when the sharp blades were just barely touching the mutant's skin, he heard a far more energetic protest erupt behind him.

"Shredder! If...you lay another finger...on my brother..." Blue growled, only pausing to draw in deep breaths of air, "I'll destroy you!"

A malicious smile formed on Saki's face. 'That's more like it.' Before he turned around to face his now fully motivated target he gave Purple a pat on the head. A wave of pleasure surged through him when he saw the turtle curl its lip in disgust.

Upon returning his attention to the blue one, Saki heard the purple one growl, "Leave him alone! He's been through enough already!"

'How adorable,' Saki mused as he stood between the two turtles, both of them glaring daggers at him. He had never seen such ferocity and determination in his prisoners before. Even members of the same clan would eventually abandon the other in the interest of their own survival. 'I wonder how far I can push them?'

Turning his gaze back over his shoulder, Saki asked the purple one, "Would you like to take its place instead?" He noticed that the purple one flinched just a tad at the question, the look in its eyes taking on a hurt glint. Before he could think about it too much however, the other one snapped.

"Why don't you stop playing games, Shredder?" the blue one's voice deep and menacing as it hissed, "We all know I'm the one you really want. So leave him out of this!"

"As you wish," Saki chuckled, his eyes glittering with anticipation. There would be no more interruptions! It was just him and -

He had only taken a single step in Blue's direction before he heard the purple one start panicking. It lunged against the chains and yelled frantically, "No...NO! Leo! Don't! Please! You don't have to do this! You can't take - "

"Damare! Donatello, that's enough," the blue one ordered harshly, silencing the purple one. Its eyes met with Purple's, and to Saki it seemed they shared a silent conversation that helped to calm the purple one down. When Blue broke eye contact with its companion and subordinate, it looked directly into Saki's eyes and threatened, "I'll admit I couldn't breathe earlier, Shredder. But I've caught my breath now and I'm more than ready for you."

Saki gave the purple one a quick glance over his shoulder, surprised to see that instead of the earlier panic his expression held the note of silent determination. With a flick of his chin, he mocked, "Koi! If you can, freak!"

Blue's eyes narrowed, its forehead furrowing as it lay flat on its underside. Time ticked slowly by as Saki watched the turtle fail miserably to move its body. Behind him, the purple one was whispering, "C'mon Leo. You can do it. You did it before. You can do anything."

Eventually, Blue glared up at Saki, panting from exertion, "What...did...you...do...?"

Grinning, Saki couldn't help but laugh, "Hah! About time you realized! I was beginning to wonder if freaks could even figure out something as simple as this!"

"Figure out," the purple one muttered behind him. "Figure out what?" It paused before hissing, "What did you do to my brother you...you monster!"

Smiling brightly, Saki pulled out the remote and showed it to both of them yet again. "Didn't I just remind you both about this handy device and what it means for the likes of you," he teased, relishing in their vacant expressions.

Blue's eyes widened in realization, "Then...earlier...when you were fiddling with that..."

The purple one finished its companion's thought, "You changed a setting!"

Saki put the remote back, lumbering over to the blue one as he chuckled, "Exactly. I have something I want to say to you, Blue. After I saw how you managed to overwhelm the minimum level of stimuli interference from the harness, I knew I needed to increase it to the maximum level." As he knelt down close to the turtle's face, he muttered, "I don't know how something as lowly as a mutant could accomplish something like this, but it is a problem. And I think I found quite the effective solution, don't you freak?"

A shudder rippled through its body, its breathing becoming shallow as Saki placed his hand on the turtle's sweaty forehead. A snide grin on his face, Saki leaned his face even closer to the anxious turtle and whispered, "How's the mask feel?"

A low growl rumbled in the turtle's throat as it answered sarcastically, "Oh, it's been great. Thank you for returning it to me, Shredder. I wouldn't trade the experience for the world."

Narrowing his eyes, Saki's eyes landed on where the turtle's mask made contact with its skin. Under the bright lights, the flesh looked swollen and raw, as he had expected it to respond after coming into such prolonged contact with the sodium hydroxide solution the cloth had been soaked in. Like a child would do to a fish tank, Saki tapped his fingers on the cloth, and muttered, "Then I'm sure you don't mind my doing this."

With every tap, a sharp hiss passed between the turtle's lips. But between each of them, it groaned, "You...you must have...come here for some...some reason other than...to irritate me, Shredder. What...what do you want?"

Rubbing the top of its head with his hand, Saki whispered, "For some reason that I cannot fathom, my daughter becomes upset whenever you are brought up in our conversation." Leaning his face in closer to the turtle's drenched cheek, he breathed, "I will give you a chance to explain."

Saki could practically feel the turtle's muscles tremble they were so close. It kept its gaze to the floor, obviously avoiding Saki's own accusatory stare, before it muttered, "Why would I know?"

Saki wrinkled his nose, curling his lip as he spat, "Not only an abomination, but a liar as well!" As he stood, glowering down at the creature, a slight wave of amusement rushed through him when he saw it relax just a tad. 'I will not let you escape your shameful behavior so easily. You will admit your guilt before me, mutant!'

It let out a surprised yelp as Saki grabbed it by the foot. As he dragged the creature closer to the wall opposite its companion, he could feel it tense its muscles in a meager attempt to break free. This would be far too easy, but at least its pathetic struggles to overcome the harness's neurological interference would keep him entertained.

...

Donatello watched in horror as Shredder dragged his weakened brother further away from him. Tears stung his eyes, his throat tightening when he saw the flash of fear in his brother's eyes. If he had blinked, he would've missed it for Leonardo quickly concealed it under a determined expression. 'Oh Leo...' He thought despondently.

Then, not too much later, Shredder flung his wide-eyed brother into the wall. Donnie gasped when he heard what sounded like a crack when Leo's head and shell made contact with the unmoving surface. His jaw trembled when he saw his brother's head droop, his normally clear and bright eyes beginning to glaze over. 'No...'

Then, to Donnie's further horror, Shredder grabbed a strap that reached across Leo's upper plastron and hoisted him up. Donnie strained his neck, desperately trying to keep an eye on his defenseless brother. He let out a frustrated hiss, 'Damn that Shredder! He's in my way!'

He froze when he heard the Shredder roar, "You did something to her, didn't you?!"

If a shiver ran up Donnie's spine, he couldn't imagine what Leo was going through. He had to rely on his ninja training to keep the sound of his heartbeat from drowning out what was being said between them. It was already hard enough to hear their voices, and Donnie needed to listen for his brother's voice. 'As long as he's talking, I know he's alive. Please be alive, Leo!'

Donnie thought for a moment that the tension would strangle him. But then he heard what he was searching for. His heart skipped a beat when Leo said in a quiet voice, "I don know...yer talkin bout."

But any relief he felt evaporated when Shredder backhanded Leo across the face and snarled, "You lie! I know what you did to my daughter! A filthy mutant like you...touching my daughter in that way?!"

Donnie blinked, shock and disgust warring for dominance within him. Shock because his gaze filled with the faint specks of crimson that dotted the formerly pristine tile floor. Disgust because, although he knew and understood his brother's feelings for the kunoichi, the mere idea of the two of them together left a sour taste in his mouth. And judging by the sound of Leo's voice, Donnie was positive that Leo was as taken aback as he was.

"What?" Leonardo muttered, his voice shaky as he continued, "Are you accusing me of...of..."

A growl rumbled in the depths of Donnie's chest, his fingers clenching into fists. 'Shredder can't be serious! Leo would never -'

Shredder hollered, "It is the only explanation for her behavior! Now tell the truth monster and I may just let you off easy." He paused before continuing with a far more obvious warning edge to his words, "Test me again and I can't guarantee my continued hospitality."

'Hospitality?!' Donnie thought incredulously, biting his lip to keep from disobeying his leader's...brother's orders which could only make things worse for him. If it wasn't for Leo's silent assurance that he would definitely pull through, Donnie would have long been driven mad with his uselessness. 'He calls this hospitality?!'

A small chuckle escaped Leo's lips, and Donnie's heart ached to see that his brother was thinking the exact same as he was in regards to the so-called generosity of their host. But then Leo snapped, his voice shaking with rage, "I have never done such a thing, Shredder! Don't put me in the same category as your disgusting Foot soldiers! For I have something that they clearly lack! My honor! And no amount of your generosity," he spat that word with a special level of disgust, "will ever take that from me!"

Although he couldn't see his brother's expression, a shiver rippled through Donnie's body. He had never heard his brother sound like that before, but it definitely reminded him of one incident when they were younger. An angry Leo was scary, and Donnie prayed that it would shake Shredder to see it like it shook him to hear it.

Donnie's muscles flinched sympathetically when he saw Shredder deliver a punishing blow to somewhere on Leo's plastron. He heard his brother cough, gag and wheeze all at once while Shredder's deep voice caused the air to rumble around him, "What, exactly, are you accusing my men of, Blue?"

Donnie flinched, lowering his gaze to the floor when he heard his brother cough and wheeze. He couldn't believe that Leo was forcing himself to sputter between hungry gasps that were interrupted by furious bouts of hacking, "I...would...never...do that...to someone...anyone... No one deserves that... I'm not like you."

His brother paused briefly, most likely to catch his breath, but it piqued Donnie's interest all the same. He could almost feel his brother's sympathy, apology and grief wrap around him when Leo stated bluntly, "I don't rape people."

Donnie froze, his mind retreating inward as the true weight of what Leo was saying sunk into him. 'April...was raped? But...but...but earlier...Leo had sounded so sure that she hadn't...that she would be just fine...was it all a lie?' Donnie could feel the embers of his temper start to kick to life as he muttered to himself, "He lied to me."

Turning his head away, Donnie started to shut out his surroundings. Clenching his fists, he completely wrapped his awareness in layers of thoughts. Everything from the buzzing of the bright lights, to the savage growls, to the pained yelps, to the loud smacks, to the sharp cracks, to the heavy thuds and the angry hisses. He didn't want to hear it anymore.

He just wanted to go home. To a time when he and his brother's could trust each other. When there wasn't a need for lies. To a time when the girl he loved hadn't been exposed to such cruelty at the hands of the man who now held him here. Alone. Completely abandoned and forgotten by everyone.

"Don't you dare lay your filthy hands on my brother."

Donnie bared his teeth, angry at his brain for bringing up the sound of Leo's voice. He knew that Leo was here with him. But what did that matter in the face of how little his big brother trusted him to stay strong? He had trusted in him completely every time Leo had used himself as a living shield for them. 'He lied to me. He should've just told me the truth. I can handle it.'

"Go! Now! I can't hold it back any longer!"

Donnie's thoughts slowed down, the bitterness of that particular memory intolerable. His brow furrowed in frustration, his clenched fists still trembling. 'Why did you lie to me, Leo?! If you thought that about April's injuries all along than why?! Why would you keep it to yourself all this time?! I thought we were brothers! I thought we could trust each other!'

"Why don't you stop playing games, Shredder? We all know I'm the one you really want. So leave him out of this!"

Donnie stared blankly at the floor, trying to understand what his brain was telling his angry self that he already understood. 'Just tell me why, dammit! I'm not in the mood for puzzles right now,' he yelled internally.

"I'm going to make sure Shredder doesn't lay a hand on you. Whatever happens, do not say a word or interfere."

The realization hit Donnie with a heavy blow. Warm tears stung his eyes, threatening to spill over. His stomach dropped as he muttered, "He lied to protect me! The idiot!" Deep down he had known that this would be the answer he'd find. And the knowledge crushed him from within. 'I told you that you were a horrible liar...but you fooled me.' The tears were streaming down his face now, leaving salty trails in their wake.

Sniffling, Donnie jolted his gaze up from off the floor. He would give his brother a stern talking to later but for now -

SNAP

*** Donnie's breathing stopped as the sharp sound assaulted his ears. His tears dried up. His eyes widened as he caught a glimpse of his brother. Except...he wasn't moving very much. His eyes were closed. His body was marked with thin red lines that shed bloody tears, gravity drawing them downward beneath him. 'How long was I inside my head?! It couldn't have been more than a minute at most!'

"Leo?" Donnie whispered, his eyes frantically searching for any sign that his brother was still alive. When his hyper alert brother didn't so much as twitch, time stopped for him. He began to lunge against the chains, rattling them.

'I need to get to Leo.'

The cuffs began to cut into his wrists. His shoulders throbbed and burned in protest. But Donnie didn't care. His brother was in serious need of help. He was right in front of him, and yet out of reach. It drove the scientist turned medic mad at this simple and yet irrevocable fact. And it worried him that Shredder was circling his brother, hissing insults and eyeing Leonardo hungrily. Donnie realized he was running out of time. 'Surely just one more try should do it.'

As he continued his battle against the confines a warm, wet and sticky substance started to run down the lengths of his arms. He glanced down for just a moment to double check what it was. "Tch, I'm bleeding," he uttered as he rolled his eyes. The cuffs had chaffed his wrists, rubbing them completely raw. He ignored the way they stung. Instead he stood there frozen as he happened to glance back just in time to see Shredder beat up on his brother. ***

Sympathy pains ripped through Donnie as he watched, wide-eyed in shock. He didn't think there were so many ways for a turtle to be injured. His stomach twisted in on itself, demanding that it be emptied immediately. But fortunately, he was able to maintain some level of composure. But with each blow Shredder dealt his brother, Donnie winced.

He wanted to look away. He wanted to pretend it wasn't happening. He wanted to believe that this was just some crazy nightmare. He would've wanted anything but this. He never wanted a front row seat to seeing his hero get beaten to a pulp by a monster. And then, by some sick twist of fate, Donnie saw it. His brother opened his eyes and stared right at him.

He knew what that look was. Leonardo was still telling him to stay out of it. Still protecting him. Donnie clenched his fists, trembling with some emotion he'd never experienced before. Was it sadness? Guilt? Anger? Donnie didn't know, but it made him feel hollow inside. Tears welled up, threatening to spill over as he did the only other thing he could think of to save his brother's life. He begged.

"Stop it..." Donnie muttered, his face warming in shame. Here he was, a trained ninja, able to take down alien barriers with a modified toaster, begging the enemy for the life of his brother. His gaze fell to the ground, staring blankly as silent tears ran down his face.

THUD

Donatello flinched at the sound, and pleaded in a louder voice, "Please! Stop! Shredder, I'm begging you! You...you're killing him!" He kept his head low, hoping in some way that would help his case. His stomach knotted. He never felt more pathetic.

It seemed to work when Shredder stopped, turning his head in Donnie's direction. A shudder rippled down his spine as he became the center of Shredder's attention. His heart raced when the monster muttered, "Did you say something, freak?"

His whole body was quaking, and Donnie cursed himself for his cowardice. 'Be like Leo. Be like Leo. Be like Leo,' he chanted mentally. Whether or not it truly helped, Donnie wouldn't know because at that very moment Shredder began to move. Slowly stalking toward him. Dragging a weary Leonardo behind him.

Donnie's breathing intensified with every step the Shredder took towards him. He had to try again. His mouth dry, he spoke hoarsely, "Please...Don't hurt him anymore. You've won. Just let him go."

His heart and breathing stopped the instant Shredder stood right in front of Donnie. Shredder's dark eyes glittered as he let go of Leonardo and shoved him over and to the side. Then the Shredder spoke maliciously, his words shaking Donnie to his very core, "I decide when I'll stop. This monster" he poked Leo with his foot, "committed an act so heinous that it must be punished. Do you disagree, Purple?"

"Monster..." Donnie muttered, feeling his rage from everything he had witnessed and heard since they had arrived flicker to life. He had tried to be diplomatic. He had even abandoned his pride and begged. But that single word sent him over the edge. He lunged against his chains again for the umpteenth time and hissed, "I only see one monster here, Shredder! And it's you! You...you beat up my brother! You've just about killed him! And he's done nothing to deserve that! Not to mention that your device prevents him from defending himself! You're a coward! You monster! Now let him go or I swear -"

SMACK

Donnie blinked. His left cheek stung. A warm wetness started to make its way down his face, running along his jawline and landing on the floor. He didn't know where the sensation came from, but he knew one thing. Shredder had just slapped him. His eyes watered, but Donnie was determined not to let this devil see his tears.

Then Shredder snarled, "I warned you earlier not to test my patience. Now suffer the consequences."

Donnie shut his eyes tightly. 'So be it,' he thought, bracing himself. Maybe this would help alleviate some of this emotional weight that was crushing him. His rage from earlier had completely drained him of all his energy to resist. If Leo could take it, than Donnie was going to do it as well.

"Wait..." A weak voice interrupted.

Donnie's eyes jolted open, his gaze landing on his brother's shivering body. Relief crashed through him. He smiled faintly and whispered, "Leo..."

Leonardo's glassy eyed gaze focused on Donnie, and between gasps he whimpered, "I...thought I...told you...to...stay...out of this...Donatell...o..."

"Urusai!" Donnie snapped, relief warring with frustration. "Leonardo, I don't want to lose you ever again. Last time I thought you were gone forever and it nearly destroyed me. From now on no matter what happens, I'm not gonna let you sacrifice yourself for me anymore!"

Leo blinked slowly, opening his mouth to speak. At least until Donnie fixed him with a heated glare. After that, he closed his mouth and breathed out a whistling sigh.

Donnie's gaze softened as he took in his brother's wretched condition. His heart split open, adding fuel to the proverbial fire of his emotional state. He yearned for the freedom to run to his brother's side. Every fiber of his being was urging him forward. And the fact that he couldn't ate away at him. Keeping his attention on his wounded brother, he muttered, "What now, Shredhead?"

Shredder hummed, apparently pondering that very same question. When he spoke, there was a deceivingly innocent undertone that caused Donnie to pull his gaze from Leo, "Well, first we need to take care of this turtle. My scientist, Paul, is experienced in working with reptiles. He will be the best suited for the task at hand."

Donnie blinked, completely confused by this turn of events. But the confusion evaporated in an instant the moment Shredder grabbed hold of his chin, forcing the both of them to make eye contact with each other. Revulsion coursed through Donnie's body as Shredder placed a hand on his plastron. Then the man whispered, "He can look at your injuries too, Purple. What do you say?"

Donnie shivered. Practically everything about this wasn't right, but he knew that Leo needed medical attention. And he didn't have his first aid kit on hand. Not to mention he was unable to make physical contact with his brother. His hands were, quite literally, tied. 'Why ask me this,' he thought in wonder. Furrowing his brow, he stared into Shredder's eyes, trying to figure out what he was planning.

Hopelessly confused, Donnie hissed, "Only if I can watch. If he does anything fishy - "

Shredder smiled knowingly, "Very well then. I'll summon him immediately."

Donnie kept a wary eye on Shredder as the man...monster's hands left him. But when they went for Leo, his pulse skyrocketed. He parted his mouth and shouted, "Don't touch him! Don't lay a hand - "

Shredder silenced his protest with a harsh stare. He then grabbed Leo and slid him closer to where Donnie was. "I figured the two of you mutants would want to take comfort in each other while I went and summoned Paul. Besides, I think that Blue has learned that it needs to stay away from my daughter. Such an abomination isn't even worthy of gazing upon her. And don't forget, Blue, that I can just as easily make Purple pay should you test me," he stated flatly before heading back to the door.

The sound of receding footsteps echoing in the room, Donnie's gaze instantly fell to Leo's face, worried about how his brother would take this final blow. His eyes were tightly shut. His jaw clenched. But Donnie couldn't tell if that was from the sheer extent of the physical injuries, or if it was the blow to his heart that caused this mask of pain.

After the door slammed shut, silence fell over them for the first time since they'd been in the Shredder's care. It was quickly shattered when Leo whispered, "You...okay, Don?"

Shaking his head, Donnie sighed, "Compared to you? I'm perfectly fine." It was true. But he was far from okay. It crushed him to see his brother like this. Beaten. Broken.

A weak chuckle escaped his brother's lips, "Haha. I guess I don't," he winced, breathing in sharply as he continued, "look all that great right now. I'm glad you're alright though."

Donnie's lip started to tremble, upset with his brother for everything and nothing at the same time. He snarled, "Baka! You could have been killed, Leonardo! And for what? To protect me? To protect her? When will you realize that we need you!" He paused, choking on a lump that formed in his throat as shameful tears spilled over. When he was finally able to speak, he croaked, "That I need you."

Leonardo was silent, the only sound he made being the wheeze that accompanied every shallow breath. Donnie was prepared to go on another tangent when Leo whispered, "Gomen ne, Donatello. I didn't mean to worry you so much."

A growl rumbled in Donnie's throat. 'Typical,' he thought angrily. 'He apologizes for getting beat up but he won't apologize for being a living shield.' He sighed, deciding to let his anger go. How could he be mad when his brother had just been turned into a rag doll?

The click of the doorknob startled them both, and Donnie could've swore that he saw his brother flinch at the sound. That sent a jolt of terror right through him. 'Who is it now,' he thought as he glared at the door, masking his fear behind anger.

When Shredder strode in with another man, Donnie's heart leapt into his throat. This new man just gave off all kinds of wrong vibes. A huge grin was on his face. His beady eyes twinkled when they met Donnie's eyes, sending a shiver down his spine. Shredder was dangerous. But this guy was frightening on a whole other level.

"Master Shredder," the creeper purred, rubbing his hands together in front of him, "so these are the turtles you wanted me to care for?"

Donnie's stomach dropped when Shredder confirmed, "Yes, Paul. They are. Now you can feel free to do whatever," Donnie could've sworn he saw Shredder shudder here, "you want with them. As long as they are in perfect condition for the next round of tests."

Paul's squeal of delight sent shivers down Donnie's spine, "Oh goodie! As we agreed then, milord. My cousin will be so delighted to have those samples!"

Shredder coughed, looking uncomfortable as he replied, "Yes. Well, as long as their overall health isn't compromised. I must be going now. And if they start to get feisty, use the syringes I gave you. It'll calm them right down." And with that, Shredder left the room.

Donnie stared wide-eyed at Paul. 'This guy is Paul? This is the guy who is supposed to treat Leo's injuries?! No.' His body shook as his mind continued to race. 'Even Shredder didn't want to be around him! And he said samples. What samples?!'

So lost in his own head, Donnie didn't notice that Paul was now examining Leo's vast array of injuries. It wasn't until Leo groaned that Donnie came back to reality. The way Paul was listing them all off, like he was going shopping, sent a shiver through Donnie's body.

As if sensing Donnie's fear, Paul smiled sweetly and giggled, "Oh you can stop your worrying, turtle. It's only going to be some blood, some saliva, maybe some skin... Master Shredder made it very clear I wasn't to cause either of you anomalies serious damage."

That did little to stop Donnie's rising panic. His breathing increased, his pupils dilating as he vaguely realized he was hyperventilating. 'Those are still bad! Very bad! I never agreed to this!' But then, Leo muttered, "You said they were for your cousin?"

Paul clapped his hands together cheerily, "Why yes. My cousin has been oh so interested in you turtles ever since I told him I got this job working for Master Shredder. He studies genetics and he loves getting new samples to analyze. He will be so thrilled to have your samples added to his collection!"

That sent up red flags in Donnie's mind, silently thanking Leo for helping him refocus and calm down. He held his breath as Leo chimed in with another question, "Who is your cousin?"

Paul tapped Leo's nose, practically beaming with pride as he answered, "Nah-ah-ah. Nice try, turtle. He works in a secret agency. I can't be giving his identity out to everyone who asks. Now," he clapped, "are you specimens ready to be examined? Hmm?"

The non-answer froze Donnie's blood solid. He met Leo's gaze, and was horrified to see his own feelings reflected in the swollen blue eyes that stared back at him. This cousin of Paul's was bad news. Whoever he was.

As Donnie felt a needle jab into his arm, cold dread filled him. He tried to say, "No. Wait. I wanted to keep an eye on my brother!" But whether or not it came out like that, or even at all, Donnie had no clue. A curtain of black started to come down, luring him into a state of stupor.

Distant sounds of conversation reached him through the fog of his mind. But he couldn't hear what was being said. Was it even real? Was anything real?

'Leo...'

-x-

Okay, so first off...I apologize to all of you for the wait for this chapter being so long. Some major life things happened this summer and I just couldn't get into the mood for writing. I'm going to write something about what happened (it'll be called "Familial Ties") if you ever feel so inclined to read. Secondly, like I said in the beginning, Ch10 is already written so you should be seeing it soon. Thirdly, I wanna thank SleepingSeeker for her help betaing this chapter and for her help getting me to write it. :)

I love you all, my dear readers. See you around!

~Ariane