This is a good one. ;) I mean, they're all good and fun to do. This one though was super fun. It might be my favorite. My song of inspiration was 'Human' by Christina Perri. Whoo! New song! lol Enjoy!

Dinner likely wouldn't have been started anyway, but it is stopped before it can even be tested. Splinter enters and strides over to them. His eyes are intense and his steps have a fire to them that tell of his purpose. "Boys." His tone is sharp. "Why were you yelling?"

Alopex tenses at the sight of the large rat. Her grip on Donnie tightens and she shifts her body so she is guarding him. He's not a complete stranger though. A faint memory pulses in her mind and a vague image forms of a person with a tray of food. That first day…

All their heads snap around toward their father. Leo in particular becomes straighter. His face clears of his petty emotions and all that is left is guilt tempered with respect. "Sorry, father." He bows his head slightly. "We…had a problem."

Alopex starts slightly. Father? So that's it, is it? She allows herself to glance away from the rat then and she sees clearly the shift in Leo. She thought he was disciplined before, but now he's more than ever. She looks carefully back to the rat, still very much guarded. This person, there is much respect given to him. He's more the leader than even Leo it seems.

Splinter notices Alopex's intense eyes on him. For a moment he even forgets his question. Her position…it is as if she is protecting Donnie…from him? A bemused look comes to his eyes. Then again, he supposes his form might be a bit off-putting to a stranger. It's been so long he forgets sometimes.

He does not say anything to her though. Instead he turns his attention back to Leo. "Problem?" He tilts his head and a deep frown creases his face. "What do you mean?" His gaze unwittingly flits to Alopex and Donnie in her grip, hunched over and biting back sobs. There is no other problem it could be these days.

Leo wants to look away, but he can't break the eye contact with Splinter. He chews on his lip and fidgets with his fingers. "April…she…"

Mikey steps forward. He rubs at his eyes and sniffles before starting. "She got mad at Donnie. And me too." His voice wavers slightly as he recalls the contempt in April's eyes. "Because of Alopex."

Splinter's eyes narrow and he looks pointedly at the fox, so close to his son. He has a right mind to pull his son away until he is a hundred percent sure of the circumstance. For all he knows Alopex attacked one of them and April was simply defending them. He does not know about the night April was attacked.

Alopex's skin crawls as he pins her beneath his fiery gaze. Her lips curl back slightly, her first instinct to defend herself. No. Don't be stupid. He's the ultimate authority, the pack leader. She can't afford to garner his mistrust on top of everyone else's. She would never see Donnie again. "I didn't hurt them." She says with a slight edge despite her efforts.

Splinter's gaze does not soften. His hand curls hard around his walking stick and he runs through possibilities in his mind. Why should he trust her? For all he knows she is the one who upset Donnie. Heck, she might even be hurting his son on a regular basis. None of them are consistently happy anymore. After she came.

Alopex snorts. She wants to tell him to go fuck himself for being so untrusting, but she holds her tongue. She even bows her head slightly, trying to mirror Leo. "Just ask Donnie." She directs him with her eyes. She does not, however, move away from Donnie. She remains firmly planted, regardless of his title as father.

Splinter looks down at Donnie. His eyes soften greatly and his brows knit together. He smiles sadly. "Donatello," He gently urges. "Please tell me what's wrong."

Donnie wipes at his eyes, but the tears quickly come back. He sniffles loudly. "S…Sorry…" He chokes out. "I…" He steps out of Alopex's hold and moves toward Splinter. He lingers just out of reach, waiting for permission.

Splinter opens his arms to his son.

Donnie moves into Splinter's arms and he wraps his hands around his father. He rests his head just beneath his father's head. "April hates her." He breathes. "It's…not her fault. But she-she wouldn't even listen. And I-I-" A sob jumps out and messes up his sentence. "S-Sorry…"

Splinter closes his arms around his son. He holds him gently and runs a hand over the back of Donnie's head. "It is alright Donatello. You don't have to be ashamed of your tears." He looks past Donnie and his gaze settles on Alopex. He still has lingering suspicions.

Alopex casts her eyes down to the ground. Her brows knit together and a tight grimace crosses her features. Even if she didn't do it directly, it is her fault that April got so upset. She only looks back up as she addresses Splinter. "May I say something?"

Splinter hesitates, but he nods.

"It's about April," She notices how she again says the girl's name and hates herself for it. But there's no going back now. "Before, a little more than a week ago, when I was…" She side glances to try and conceal the pain. "I attacked her and Donnie. So now she was…less than receptive."

The way Alopex says April's name does not go unnoticed by Splinter. He wonders what the story is behind her side of the issue. "I see." He peers down at Donnie and a sympathetic frown pulls at his lips. "Leonardo."

Leo jumps to attention. "Yes, sensei?"

"What do you know of this?" He hates to blame his eldest, but surely he was overlooking most of these events as they spiraled out of control.

Leo shakes his head. "Not as much as I should." He admits. He hangs his head. "I didn't even know about Alopex until she saved us from Slash. And after that…that's when…people started dying."

Splinter's eyes light with the knowledge of Alopex saving his children, but the mood instantly nosedives afterward. Splinter's blood runs cold at the mention of deaths. The air is unbearably thick and not just for him, he's sure.

Alopex sneers, but it is only at herself. She slowly lifts her hands and stares into the palms. She sees the patterns of blood, each night's splay flashing before her eyes. A chill races up her spine and she quickly curls her fingers over the palms, hiding the truth but revealing the intensity of her disgust.

Mikey is sure to speak up. "But it wasn't her fault!" He insists where Donnie normally would have. "She would never do that now. She's better." He nods firmly, but his stern expression quickly falls to the wayside. He whispers, "I know it…"

Splinter sighs softly. As he looks up this time though a sudden revelation hits him. His eyes widen slightly and he glances about him curiously. "Where is Raphael?" For April to leave is one thing, but where is his other son?

Leo's frown deepens. "He left…with her." He feels so useless as he says it. Why did he let Raph just walk out like that? Why didn't he stop him? He's the leader. He's supposed to keep them together, together and safe.

Splinter sighs bitterly. "It can't be helped." At least he knows his son is not out beating people up like he would be any other night he ventures out alone. It shouldn't be surprising either, really. He remembers the scuffle that first day and he sees the way Raph looks at her. There is nothing but hate between the pair.

Alopex would rather do anything else, even kill herself, but she supposes this is the best chance she'll get to win the group over. "I can go find him if you want."

"No!" Leo blurts out. All eyes fall on him and faint color rises to his cheeks. "I mean…it's not your responsibility. He's my brother and I'm the leader." He places a hand on his chest. "I'll go after him if need be." He looks meekly up at Alopex, the truth passing wordlessly between them. I don't trust you.

"Fine." She glares away from him but very much at him. "Then can I just go out on my own? For me." She glances at Leo, but ultimately she looks to Splinter for acquiescence.

"Not yet." Splinter looks thoughtfully at her. "I wish to ask you a few questions first." He gently pulls Donnie off of him. "Donatello, will you be alright?" He tilts his head slightly.

Donnie sniffles softly and slowly retracts his hands. He wipes his arm across his face and smiles as it falls away. "Yes," He nods. "I'm just going to go work on a project." His eyes meet Alopex's as he turns away and he wishes her the best.

Alopex isn't sure she likes the look Donnie parts with. It is meant to encourage her, yet she sees the fear hidden so poorly there. Does he believe his father will chew her out or, worse, force her to leave? She steels herself for anything.

Splinter watches until Donnie is out of sight, then he focuses his gaze on Alopex once more. "First and foremost, I must know, what is the nature of your relationship with Donatello?" His eyes spark with intensity.

Alopex blinks. "The nature of my relationship?" She makes a face. She can't conceal a tiny snort of amusement. "You make it sound on a different level than it is." She shakes his head. "I'm just his friend. If you want 'relationship' then go find April."

"Yes," Splinter frowns deeply. He strokes his beard lightly. "Which brings me to my next question. You seem to have a high contempt for April."

Alopex cringes as the truth is spoken. She wishes she wasn't so terribly easy to read.

"Why is that?" Splinter raises a brow.

Alopex makes a sound of pure disgust. "Why?" Her voice is thick. "She's the worst." She clenches her hands and they tremble slightly. "She knows how Donnie feels. And yet all she does is torture him with his feelings." She grinds her teeth. "I mean, yeah, sure, she doesn't have to return his feelings. But she doesn't have to rub it in his face either!"

A ghost of a smile flickers on Splinter's lips and a flash of amusement passes in his eyes. "I see." It makes him wonder just how true her first answer was. She obviously cares deeply for his son, this much he can see clearly now, but just how much is harder to pinpoint. Is she really just his friend? Or is that jealousy which coils her tongue?

Alopex sighs heavily. "I hate to make him miserable by hating her, but she doesn't deserve anything more. Not from what I've heard." She scowls off to the side, breathing deeply in and out in an attempt to calm down.

"So my son has told you stories?" Of course he would. Donnie was always very emotional. When something weighs heavy on him he must let it out. "You realize they were most likely biased with emotions? He would say things he would come to not mean half as strongly later."

Alopex utters a single syllable laugh. "So. It hurt him badly at one point. It's normal to feel regret when you speak bad about someone, especially when you love them as much as he loves that girl."

Splinter lets out a soft breath. "Alright." He nods to himself. While his fear for Donnie has been mostly assuaged, he can not help but fear for April. And his other boys are another issue entirely. "And what of Michelangelo?"

Alopex blinks up at him. "Michelwho?" Her face contorts in confusion.

Splinter smirks despite himself. "Mikey." Speaking his son's clipped name feels weird to him, especially in such casual conversation. He can only recall a few times he ever said any of their names like that. Usually when they are hurt but still not a lot even then.

"Oh. The orange one." She smiles fondly. "He's amusing. A little too touchy," She wiggles her fingers. "But he at least doesn't hate me. I could definitely get used to him."

Splinter is relieved to hear that. While it is no surprise Mikey gets along with almost anyone who doesn't try to kill him and even some creatures that do, it is also no secret that many people can grow quite annoyed with his youngest child. Then that only leaves his other two. "Alright," But there's no point inquiring on that. "That is all."

Alopex is silent a moment, waiting to see if he will say anything on his own. When he doesn't, she ventures, "May I go out now?"

Splinter is intrigued by her sudden submission to him. He looks her over. She is a fox and they do generally have a leader. So perhaps he is like the leader to her. All the boys do adhere to him and his rules. So why not? "You may." He holds up a hand. "But I warn you." He narrows his eyes. "Do not go anywhere near Raphael. Understand?"

Alopex bows her head to try to hide it, but looking at him there is contempt lurking in her golden orbs. "I understand." She forces her voice to remain even. "I can smell that stench from a mile away anyway. I won't go any closer."

Splinter makes a soft sound of acknowledgement, but there is no amusement in him now. He loves all his sons equally, but it is no secret he worries most about Raph every time he goes topside. The others are cautious, careful. He is nothing short of volatile.

"Goodbye." She turns on her heel and sprints from the lair. She leaps over the railings in one smooth move and is quickly gone. She wonders where exactly everything lets out, but she does not stop to truly contemplate it. She just picks the nearest manhole and bursts to the surface, away from all the judgments.

Splinter grimaces unbidden. A chill floats in the air and he is suddenly very afraid. Something terrible will happen tonight. He is sure of it now. The only question is who the victim will be.

…

Raph stalks down the streets in a huff, unable to contain his irritation now that he has left April at her house. Fix things, she says. He's different than her, she says. He growls deep in his throat and turns sharply. He slams his fist into the brick wall and a wave of pain shoots through his arm. He gasps and holds his hand close, cursing himself as much as the wall.

"How can she say that to me?" He breathes heavily in and out. "When she feels exactly the same." Well, she was a bit guilty though. But that doesn't make her right! If anything that means he has less of a reason to make amends than her. If she feels bad then she needs to go back herself and fix things. That's not his place. He doesn't want to make that mutt feel even a little validated.

It's not like he can stay out here forever though. He looks up at the sky. The brilliant colors of sunset are fading into darkness. Soon the stars with shine brightly. He smiles sadly. But not brightly enough to overcome the street lights. Maybe if he went to the roofs he could bask in their glow and pick out shapes in their vastness. He frowns. But no. He won't do that either.

"Stupid dog." He grinds out. He doesn't even care that's not what she is. Why should he call her the right think anyway? She doesn't deserve it. She doesn't deserve trust.

"Who're you callin' a dog?" A deep voice calls from just around the corner.

Raph's head snaps up and he catches his breath. The voice is not Alopex, but it is vaguely familiar. His hands shoot to his sais and grip them tightly.

"You my friend." Another voice says, this one jarringly familiar.

Then from around the corner Xever and Rahzar appear. Shit. Xever is nothing much, but that's when the punk's alone. But with Rahzar…Raph swallows hard. Their brief fight with him before didn't teach him much about fighting the animal. All he knows is there's no way he can face the pair alone.

"What is the matter?" Xever chides. "Shaking in your shell already?" He grins wickedly.

Rahzar lifts his skeletal arm and flexes his boney, razor sharp fingers. "I would be."

Raph scoffs. "Me? Afraid of an overgrown fish and his mutt dog? As if." He smirks as he points his sais in turn at them.

Rahzar roars. "I'm no dog!" He barrels forward.

Raph charges head on. As he does so he hears Leo's voice in his head. You idiot! You can't fight like that or you'll lose. No I won't, he thinks back. Raphael! Then the voice fades, lost to his building rage. He leaps forward, driving his sai down at Rahzar's head.

Rahzar jerks his head up in on swift move, his fangs catching on the delicate skin of Raph's face. Then in the next instant he slams his hand into Raph's side, throwing him to the middle of the street.

Raph gasps as a deep cut is etched in his cheek. He loses the air in his lungs with the smack that follows and he barely catches himself on his feet on the landing. He scowls bitterly up at Rahzar as the beast closes in once more.

Rahzar moves, but only as a distraction. For now. From behind Xever comes up fast. He delivers a brutal kick to Raph's shell, propelling him forward.

Raph has no control as he flies through the air. All he can do is prepare to strike when he gets close enough to Rahzar and hope he gets the chance before the dog does.

Rahzar grins maliciously. He moves swiftly and slashes his claws along Raph's arm. Just as quickly he lurches forward and sinks his two fangs deep in Raph's shoulder. His teeth almost pierce through to the front side.

Blinding white pain erupts through Raph. He focuses through it though and jerks his arm around. He digs his sai into Rahzar's jaw.

Rahzar pitches his head back instinctively. He tears even more of Raph's flesh with the violent reaction, but barely notices as he howls in pain.

Raph's world tilts as the pain skyrockets into pure agony. He manages to wrench his sai back from Rahzar, but he stumbles so badly he barely stays on his feet. Blood trickles down his back, beneath his shell.

Xever leaps over Raph in his moment of weakness. He spins on his robotic leg and slams the other into the turtle's mouth. A sickly satisfying crack sounds and a devilish smile curls Xever's lips.

Raph smashes against the brick wall and his head snaps violently back and forward again. Raph groans and leans over, bringing his hands to cover his mouth. He immediately feels it – the blood. It stains his teeth and dribbles down his chin.

Xever scoffs. "This is even easier than I imagined. No fun at all." He doesn't bother with speed. He moves steadily toward Raph, his eyes glinting viciously. "Next time I'll make sure there's one more." He grins. "Like the orange one."

Raph's eyes shoot open and he snaps his head up. His eyes flash with fury and his mouth curves into a sharp snarl. He leaps up, his hands shaking furiously around his sais. "I'm not done!" He bolts at Xever. No one threatens Mikey.

Xever chuckles softly. "Alright," He veers hard to the right. "Then come and get it."

Raph follows his movement. He drives his sai up for Xever's jaw.

Xever dips down low at the last moment.

Raph bites his tongue as a wave of pain shoots through his shoulder, but he refuses to stop. He swings his other sai to catch Xever in his escape.

Xever expects the counterattack that comes and it is just what he is waiting for. He opens his jaws wide and catches Raph's wrist in his mouth. He clamps down hard, sinking his venomous teeth in for the second time since they had first fought.

A soft whimper escapes Raph. His muscles go weak and he crumples to his knees. His sais clatter to the ground and he only half catches himself on one trembling hand. His head spins and everything blurs. Then comes the familiar sickness. His stomach plummets.

Xever releases Raph and stands tall over him. He grins, flashing his smile full of teeth. "Now, you're done." He laughs.

Raph looks up through half lidded eyes. He scowls as best he can, but he can't be sure if the emotion makes it to the surface. He breathes heavily in and out, focusing solely on keeping himself conscious. He can't pass out…can't pass out…can't…

Pain laces through Raph again and again on his legs and then his arms as blows are struck. Everything swirls and only the constant blur of maroon is identifiable. Then it suddenly disappears - the pain and maroon splay - and terror breaks through the haze. His heart clenches and his mind races. He struggles to understand the shift, his eyes darting about helplessly.

Sharp sounds pierce his ears. Crashes and kicks and grunts fly every which way. All sorts of colors move around him now too. They are swift and jerky and impossible to identify because of it. Black…maroon…purple. Purple? His heart skips a beat and he catches his breath. "…Donnie?" He wheezes.

There is a final clatter and then the panicked frenzy of colors and indistinguishable figures settles. Only one stands before him. But as he looks up he knows it can not be Donnie. There is no green. His blood runs cold. A sea of white dances before his eyes. "You…" He gasps.

Alopex scoffs. She crosses her arms and stares piteously down at him. "Yeah, me."

Raph doesn't trust her. Surely she'll let him suffer. Yet somehow her presence is enough. His will to fight the blackness ebbs and he gives in to the haze, collapsing in a heap on the ground, unconscious.

Alopex bends down and with much effort picks his body up in her arms. She nearly falls forward once as she turns to go, but she manages to catch herself. Then she runs. She struggles with his deadweight and does reach maximum speed, nowhere close, but it's enough to escape their pursuers. All the while she ignores the pounding of her head and the screams of her cuts.

Getting home is all that matters.

She drops into the nearest manhole once she is out of sight of the enemies. She gasps and her knees buckle beneath her. She pants as she tries to find something around her to focus on in order to ease the pain. Blood drips down her legs and she isn't sure if it's her own or his, or both.

She rocks herself back against the wall and slowly she inches up into a standing position. Her eyes flit down to the limp body in her arms. Blood stains his face and most notably his shoulder, mixing and matting her pure white fur as the injured limb rests heavy against her.

Got to get home. She presses on. She should still be running, but her legs tremble beneath her. She can't risk taking a spill and then taking even longer to get up. So she walks steadily. Every moment another pulse of pain vibrates out from her head and spreads throughout her body. Stupid Raph.

Soon she can see the light from the lair in the distance. She can also see as she unwittingly looks at Raph that he is much paler than usual. A stab of fear hits her and makes her fur stand on end. What happened before she got there – before she smelled the foul stench of him mixed with blood?

She speeds up despite her earlier reasoning and is at the entrance in no more than a minute. She steps carefully over the railing and prepares for the worst as she steps into full view of the main room. And they're all here too. Great…

A ripple of shock and paralyzing fear rolls over them as their eyes fall on the bloody pair. Their eyes grow to the size of bowling balls and soft gasps escape their lips, but no sound comes out. Splinter's eyes are the only exception. His gaze burst with flames and his lips curl into a snarl.

Mikey acts first. "Raphie!" His cry is strangled. He leaps up from the couch and races toward his brother. He doesn't even consider Alopex. He has tunnel vision.

Leo stares with unseeing eyes. His heart clenches and he barely breathes as he tries to find his way through this mess to a logical end. What is this? Why is hurt? Did she do this? A prickle of loathing breaks the fog. But it's overridden by one biting truth. I shouldn't have let him go.

Alopex staggers around the orange one and stumbles over to the couch. She dumps Raph's still body on the couch and steps slowly away, staring through glassy eyes. Then she collapses, sinking to her knees on the cool floor.

Mikey flies past Alopex and dives to his knees before Raph. His gaze roves every cut and bloody limb marking his brother and with each moment his panic rises. His lip trembles and tears well in his baby blue eyes. "Raph…" He squeaks, hiccuping softly. He reaches up and curls his fingers around Raph's hand.

Raph's breathing is shallow, forced. He doesn't move except for the up and down of his chest, and that too is quickly fading.

Splinter struggles to contain his rage. He must remind himself he does not know the circumstances. Just because the two are bloody and beaten does not mean it is because they fought each other. Still…it looks really bad.

Donnie is torn in two. Raph! Alopex! Raph! No. Please don't let it be what they are all thinking. There's only one way to find out. He snaps up and rushes to Alopex. Maybe it looks bad, going to her rather than his brother, but it is the logical step. "Alopex," His voice wavers. "What…what happened?" He holds his breath. Please no…

Alopex breathes heavily in and out. She feels lightheaded and her world is beginning to tilt. She lost too much blood. Stupid Raph. "Raph…fish…dog…" She points with a shaking hand at Raph.

Donnie blanches. "What!?" He leans forward. His heart leaps in his throat. "You mean Fishface and Rahzar!?" He swivels his head and looks closely at Raph. He's pale. He jumps up and gets in closer. He scans Raph's body. There! There's swelling and discoloration in his wrist.

Donnie blinks as soft sniffling reaches his ears. He glances over and sees Mikey. He wants to reassure his little brother, but he doesn't know if there's time. This looks worse than the first time it happened. He has to be quick. So he dashes to his lab, leaving Alopex unprotected.

Leo jolts out of his lost state and jerks his head around. He narrows his eyes and a fire lights in him. He pushes himself up and stomps toward Alopex. "You," He hisses. "You did this!" He points an accusing finger at her. "I told you not to go! I told you! But you went anyway! You…"

Alopex stares dully up at Leo. She blinks slowly as he bombards her with fiery words. Yet she misses most of them. His mouth moves but few of the words actually make it to her. "Not…me…" It seems like the one thing that will make sense no matter what, especially in answer to his furious expression.

Leo falters as her golden eyes meet his and a spike of fear races through him. Still, he presses it down. She' too hurt to do anything. He chokes out a cold laugh. "Sure it wasn't." He looks her over with disgust. "You have his blood all over you. I wouldn't be surprised if you did it for the blood either." His fists clench and he says what he always refrained from before. He knows he'll regret it. "Monster."

Alopex might have bristled, but she doesn't have the energy. Instead she hangs her head and casts her eyes down. She knew this was coming before she even rescued his sorry butt. Maybe she just didn't think it would be from him – the calmest and quietest. Especially not with the way he fought with Raph. Yet it seemed only to mean he loved his brother even more. Of course.

Donnie is back in a flash. He sees Leo standing over Alopex and dies a little as he overlooks it. But Raph's life is more important than her feelings. He brings the syringe up and injects its contents into Raph's arm. "You'll be alright." He hears himself say, just like the time before.

Raph groans softly. His eyes slowly flutter open and his blurry vision clears. He tilts his head to see his two brothers at his side. "Mikey…Donnie…" He frowns deeply. A splitting pain shoots through his head and he grasps it. "What…how?"

Mikey leaps up. He throws his arms around Raph's neck and squeezes tight. "Raphie!"

Raph gasps and cringes, but he doesn't have the heart to reprimand his brother. He smiles softly and reaches up to pat Mikey on the head. "I'm fine. You don't have to cry." He really isn't. He may not be dying from venom, but his wounds are still terrible and hurt like hell.

Donnie leans in close. "Raph," He waits for his brother's eyes to come to him. "What happened? Who did this to you?" He holds his breath despite himself. He believes in her, really, but he also knows how strong their dislike goes, each of them.

Raph's face creases as he focuses with all he has. "I was out…" He says each word slower than normal, validating it in his head as he goes. "And…Rahzar…and Fishface…" His eyes shoot open and terror twists his face. "They-! They…" His hand flies to his wrist and closes around the bite mark.

Donnie lays a hand on his shoulder. "It's ok Raph. I already treated you for that. You weren't even conscious when…" He trails off. He isn't sure he should mention her even though it is becoming quite clear she had nothing to do with this.

Raph lets out a breath. "Yeah," He relaxes. "I…I passed out…but…" He freezes. Then his lips curl back in disgust. His eyes narrow as he looks past Donnie and to the animal bleeding on the floor at Leo's feet. "She got me…"

Donnie notices how his brother avoids saying 'saved'. Typical Raph. Still, the story is clear now. "Leo!" He jumps up and swivels. He moves between Leo and Alopex. "Leave her alone." He glares at his brother. "She didn't do anything. She saved Raph."

Leo starts. "What…no." He makes a face. "Just…just look at her!" He motions to her. "She's got his blood all over her! And those marks…they…" He suddenly feels very small. His lips pull tight and he drops his gaze to his feet.

Splinter feels the anger drain away. His expression is swept with relief and he lets out a heavy breath. He smiles and his eyes shine with gratitude as he meets her gaze.

Alopex looks up and upon seeing his shift she finds it in her to smile back. He trusts her now. She licks at her bloody paw. These wounds, they're worth it now. Every single one of them. Because it wasn't for Raph. She would have let him die. It was for Splinter. It was the only way.

Leo opens and closes his mouth around empty words. He fidgets with his fingers.

Donnie shakes his head and looks to Splinter. "Father, can you take care of Raph?" They both must have immediate attention and it will be easier if Donnie gives it to Alopex. Splinter will be careful with Raph.

Splinter nods. "Of course." He hurries away to get everything both he and Donnie will need.

In the moment of stillness, Alopex can't help but look over to the red turtle. He isn't so pale and his breathing is more regular now. That's good. Good? Are you crazy? He sucks. Yeah…

Raph catches her eyes on him and for a moment can only stare blankly back. Then, as if just finding himself, he scowls fiercely. His green eyes spark. He mouths a silent curse to her.

Alopex snorts and even smiles a little. She mouths back, 'You're welcome.'

That only makes Raph angrier. He growls beneath his breath and crosses his arms in a huff. He jerks his gaze away from her, looking instead at Leo. He stood up for him he supposes. Yet for once the leader was wrong. He can only imagine what this is doing to him.

Guilt twists Leo's insides. His brows furrow and his lips press in a hard line. He messed up. He was wrong. He called her a monster. He grimaces. How could he? He won't forget this easily. She saved Raph. But why?

Donnie wants to hug her, but he keeps his distance. Her wounds are bad. He smiles softly. "Thanks…for saving him."

Alopex nods. Her world rocks a little with the movement and she cringes. "It's nothing." She smiles and leans toward him. She places a small peck on his cheek and sits back straight again.

Donnie barely reacts this time. He only returns her smile. "No, it's everything."

Splinter returns just in time to see the exchange. He blinks at them, his mouth gaping slightly. His eyes swim with curiosity. This ordeal may have settled the issue of her loyalties. She is definitely on their side. But it brings into question again the nature of her relationship with his most intelligent son. Is she really just his friend?

He shakes his head. But there will be other times to think about it. Right now they have a job. So he pushes it away. For now. Gone, but not forgotten. Never forgotten.

So how was it? After last chapter I read a fanfiction and got really in the mood to write something where Splinter had a bigger role. It was super fun! I hope I did him right too. I've always struggled with him (actually I usually kill him off...ouch) but I think this incarnation is the easiest for me. Let's try not to have him end up dead. lol And wow I just realized I called Fishface Xever throughout that whole encounter. Oh, whatever. That name's better anyway and not to mention his real name. So...yeah. I hope you all don't mind.

Next up...well, no, I can't say. :P You'll see soon enough. Please review!