Here we go. I know it's been a while but I hope you're still excited to see what happens next. Enjoy!

It is early morning when they pick up the pieces enough to gather around in the kitchen with some semblance of stability. Raph no longer cracks at every word spoken or the mere 'l' syllable, Mikey doesn't cringe and whimper at the idea of Leo being held prisoner, and Donnie, oh Donnie, he doesn't tear up at the very sound of Alopex's voice. Splinter has too much resolve to succumb to such trivial emotions, but all the while Alopex can see him standing at the very edge, only held up by the presence of his three remaining children.

Alopex stands at the head of the table and breathes in deeply. Then out. She keeps her eyes up but carefully away from all of their faces. It would mean to break the fragile resolve they have spent precious hours building up. "Alright," She says slowly. "It's time to do this – to rescue your brother." She dances around her words, sure not to use any terms too endearing – terms she no longer deserves to let pass her lips.

Only Splinter nods his agreement. His movement is stiff and lacking feeling. Everyone else doesn't respond. They only look away from her. They press their lips together and force their anger and sadness below the surface. There's no time for such childish emotions.

Alopex squares her shoulders. "So the plan is we'll go in from the top. Trying to fight through each level is pointless. And we can't risk Leo by taking too long." She flinches as she feels their barely held in words lash at her, taunting. You risked him to start with. "We'll all fight anyone who gets in the way, all but one of us. That one will go straight for Leo." She knows who she would pick – prefer – but she stays away from assigning roles.

Raph jerks his head to attention. "Me." He leaps to his feet. "Me. I'll go for Leo." His chest tightens and a spark of insanity lights in his eyes at the prospect of being denied the chance.

Alopex glances around at each of their faces. She stares especially hard at Splinter.

Splinter refuses to look long, but he knows her thoughts in a heartbeat. "Raphael," He says slowly. "I do not think-"

"No!" Raph whirls on Splinter. His breathing escalates. "I have to go. You have to let me." His heart pounds against his chest. He clenches his hands into fists. "I have to be the one."

Splinter smiles sadly. "My child," He lays a hand on Raph's shoulder. "You are upset. And you are a fighter. When combined your talents are much better suited for bashing skulls than a quick and easy rescue." His lip quirks upward in something like amusement. "Trust me."

Raph scowls fiercely. His lips curl back in a snarl. He steps out of his father's reach. "No…" He shakes his head, slowly at first. "NO."

"Raph." Donnie says his name sharply. "Listen. For once in your life just listen." He lets out a breath. "God knows if you had listened to everyone before none of this would have happened."

Raph's mouth gapes. A surge of fury grips him and he jumps at Donnie.

Mikey sucks in a sharp breath and springs forward. He scrambles around the table and tackles Raph. He tumbles over a couple times and then pins Raph firmly to the floor.

Raph grunts and growls as he tries to toss Mikey off of him. But it's no use. His baby brother always did get the best of him in his anger.

Mikey looks hard into Raph's green eyes. "Stop." His voice is soft yet strangely forceful. "Leo is suffering. He needs us – now. Every moment wasted is a moment he hurts more. So…please. Listen to father and Donnie."

Raph tries his hardest not to look at Mikey for he knows it will break him instantly, but it's not use fighting. He crumbles under his brother's gaze and has no choice but to concede.

Mikey sighs. "And…let me do it. Let me be the one to save Leo." He tenses as he prepares for another bout of resistance.

A flash of anger stirs in Raph's face, but it is gone as soon as it comes. He rolls his head to the side and scowls at nothing in particular.

Mikey smiles weakly. He eases up on Raph and steadily stands. "Ok." He looks fleetingly at Alopex. "We're ready."

Alopex nods. She walks over to Donnie and extends her hand to him.

Donnie sneers at her hand and shoots her a look of complete disbelief before retracting his hand as far as he can, close to his chest. He helps himself up and quickly moves away from her.

Alopex starts and blinks twice. She drops her gaze to the ground and frowns. Not that it should be a surprise. They all hate her, or at least they all should. Yet…with him, it still manages to sting.

"Father," Donnie turns to Splinter. "Will you be coming?" He tilts his head and his brows furrow.

Splinter gives a weak smile. "Not this time." He anticipates his son's reaction and quickly holds up a hand. "I must wait here for your return. If I were to go and then get separated from you then who would help Leo when you return?" He raises a brow. "It's safer this way."

Donnie has his doubts about his father's intentions, but he can't deny it would be terrible if anyone but himself or Splinter saved Leo because they would not be able to tend to Leo. "I understand." He bows his head.

Mikey helps Raph to his feet. "Come on Donnie." Mikey urges. "We have to hurry."

The four speed through the sewers and creep down the streets as they make their way to Shredder's citadel. They find it easily and for a breath they all stop and stare at the heavy presence it holds. Then they scale the nearest building and leap to the glass roof of the enemy.

They peer down into the darkness of the throne room, straining to see movement. As far as they can tell there is none. In fact they don't see anyone at all – still or otherwise. Donnie crosses his arms over his chest and scowls into the emptiness. "I don't believe it…" Wariness leaps forth from his gaze. "No way no one's there."

Raph scoffs. "Who cares. Let's just go." He clenches his fists and quivers with anticipation.

Alopex presses her palms against the glass and looks especially hard into the room. "Hm." She tilts her head and an inkling of an answer shines in her eyes. Could it be…? She wouldn't put it past the woman no matter how low down she is concerning most things.

"Come on." Donnie snaps. He glares at Alopex.

Alopex jumps and turns her head hard to look at him.

Donnie doesn't look any softer at her. "Time to go." He points forcefully at the hole they have carved into the glass to slip through. Raph and Mikey have already passed down into the room.

Alopex nods and drops down after the pair. She tenses, ready for the assault. But there is nothing more than silence. She frowns and slowly but surely relaxes. "Whadaya know." She shoots a look at Donnie as he lands by her. "No one here."

Donnie snorts and rolls his eyes. "It's a trap." He does not let his guard down like she seems so intent on doing. "Shredder isn't stupid."

Alopex shrugs. "Maybe not…" She moves carefully forward. "But perhaps things are on our side right now." Perhaps that woman is on their side.

"Shut up and start moving." Raph hurries forward to the looming double doors. He shoves them open and they move soundlessly. He peers around the corner and still there are no signs of anyone. Not a single foot soldier patrols the halls. What the hell? He makes a face.

Mikey looks next. He frowns and despite the necessity of being alert he can't help but relax a little. "You think they're all on break?" He almost laughs, but he catches Raph's furious look.

Donnie shakes his head. "This isn't right." He shoots a hard look at Alopex. He has to wonder if she had anything to do with this – if they should be worried.

Alopex scowls, still she can not hide the hurt in her eyes. "It wasn't me." She bites her lip and averts her eyes. Not exactly anyway. She has no doubt now though that Karai is responsible and in no small part because Alopex confronted her.

Raph bares his teeth and pins Alopex beneath his fiery gaze. "It better not have been."

Mikey ducks his head and sends a sad look her way. He knows he shouldn't feel bad for her and he especially can't let Raph see, but he does feel bad. He can't help it. He cares for her too much and believes in her goodness too much.

Alopex catches his eye and smiles weakly.

The four continue down the hall, their footsteps echoing in their ears. Each turn they press themselves against the wall and each time they are greeted by emptiness and silence. After so many times even Raph has relaxed considerably.

"I don't get it." Raph breathes. "We've been through nearly two floors and there hasn't been one foot soldier or mutant or anything." He throws his hands in the air.

Alopex contemplates voicing her thoughts, but quickly stops herself. If it's going to be said it should be anyone but her. He'll just spit it back in her face if she suggests it.

Donnie rests his hand on his chin. "Maybe…" He glances fleetingly at Alopex. He can see it in her eyes. "You think Karai could have sent everyone away – on some kind of goose chase."

Raph freezes. "What?"

Donnie shrugs. "She does have an affinity for Leo you know. And, it wasn't supposed to be him the Shredder got." He looks with coldness at Raph. "It was supposed to be you."

Raph bristles. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"You know what it means." Donnie says beneath his breath.

Mikey utters a strange strained laugh. "Oook. We really don't have time for this." He levels each of them in turn with a hard look. "We have to find where they're keeping Leo. Remember?"

They each nod. Being petty and shifting blame is the last thing they need right now. They push on and no more than a minute later Alopex freezes. Every muscle tenses as she lifts her nose to the air and breathes in. That scent. "Wait." She snaps.

The three turn to her, no patience in their stares.

Alopex swallows hard. "I smell dog."

Rahzar leaps out of the darkness. He towers over them, his fangs gleaming. "Ha. I knew it," His lips curl into a deranged smile. "Miss Princess tried to make a fool of me. But I knew. I knew she was diverting attention away from the base so the likes of you could get in and save your precious leader."

"Prin…cess?" Mikey blinks.

Raph rips his sais out and charges.

Rahzar races to meet him, his claws raised and reared back.

Alopex leaps over Donnie and Mikey. She propels herself forward and slams into Raph.

Raph grunts as he is thrown into the wall. His eyes blaze and his lips curl into a snarl as he looks to her, ready to attack her instead.

Alopex bares her teeth and her ears pin down against her skull. She leaps at Rahzar. She clamps down hard on his arm.

Rahzar howls and slashes her across the face.

Alopex loses her grip and hits the ground hard.

"Alopex!" Donnie reacts instinctively.

Alopex paws at her face, blood tainting her pure white fur.

Rahzar drives his claws down at her.

Alopex leaps to all fours and darts out of range. She curves around Rahzar and jumps, latching onto his back and biting down hard on his neck. She tears the flesh and forces herself not to think of that time with Slash.

Rahzar twists and slashes at her with his elongated nails.

Alopex releases him and drops just in time to avoid the blow. "Idiots!" She yells at the turtles. "What are you doing just standing there? Go! Find Leo!" She scurries between Rahzar's legs and swivels, up on two feet once more.

Donnie blinks and breaks the moment. He shakes his head and jerks around to his other brothers. "You heard her." He races to Raph and lifts him to his feet. "We don't have time for this." He throws a fleeting look over his shoulder at Alopex, fear gripping him despite everything that has happened.

"Look!" Mikey points. "Maybe that's it." A door sits at the opposite end of the hall. There's no reason for him to think so positively, but at this point he can hardly afford to think negatively. He sprints ahead and very nearly slams into the door.

Raph is an instant behind. He seizes the handle and shoves with all his might. He pulls and twists and everything he can think of, his frustration mounting with each passing moment. "Come. On." He practically screams.

Donnie doesn't bother deterring his brother. The only thing that will settle him is if Donnie finds a solution. He notices the key hanging on the wall and nabs it. "Move it Raph." He shoves his brother. "Use your brains for once." He pushes the key in the lock and turns.

They burst through into a circular room. The darkness is heavier than before and the silence is painful. "Leo!" Raph rushes forward. Despite the dark Raph can see well enough with his amplified abilities. He slides in next to the heap on the ground that can only be his brother.

Leo moans and his eyes flutter open. He squints upward toward the voice, but he can't see anything. Still, a smile splits his lips and a word forms on them that he can't find the breath to speak.

Raph carefully lifts Leo into a sitting position. He keeps an arm around his brother's shoulder. "Leo, we got ya now." He rubs Leo's cheek. His breathing grows quicker and his voice trembles. "It'll be alright." He nods. "It will."

Leo leans into Raph. His breathing is shallow against Raph's neck.

Raph bows his head and catches his breath. "I'm sorry." His voice cracks. "So, so sorry."

Leo struggles to lift a hand, but with much effort he succeeds. He touches a trembling hand to Raph's face.

"Raph," Donnie snaps. He moves closer to Leo. "Come on. We don't have time for this." He cringes despite the truth in the words. "If Rahzar was lurking who knows who else could be waiting."

Mikey scurries over to his two brothers. "Come on Raphie, Leo." He goes to Leo's other side. He braces an arm around Leo's back. "Let's get up."

Raph wipes at his eyes and nods. He mimics Mikey and they stand together. "Donnie, you really think he can walk out of here like this?"

Donnie does a quick look-over and grimaces. "I-"

There is a loud bang and then startling silence. In the next instant a figure steps through the doorway. "Well, well." Fear slithers up each brother's spine as the all too familiar voice curls around them. "Seems we have more than one rat in our cage." Shredder smirks beneath his headgear.

"Indeed." Rahzar purrs. He steps forward, his fingers coiled tightly around a sea of white and his nails digging deep beneath the skin. "But more rats means more blood to shed." He tosses the mass across the room.

Alopex skids along the floor. She trembles as every muscle screams out at her. She scrapes feebly at the floor, trying to find traction in nothing.

Donnie leans forward and his mouth runs dry. His throat constricts and his heart skips a beat. No… Her whiteness is blotted out with crimson that not only darkens her but also the floor she rests on.

"I took care of her." Rahzar sneers. "Now there's no one to stop me from destroying you." His claws drip blood, her blood.

Donnie clenches his fists and they quake. He gnashes his teeth and struggles to control his breathing. "You…" His eyes glaze with tears. "Scum." He triggers the blade in his weapon and charges at Rahzar.

Shredder sidesteps and drives his blades forward.

Donnie leaps back. He barely keeps himself from charging mindlessly.

Shredder lurches forward. He aims at Donnie's head.

Rahzar moves around Shredder, pinning Donnie in from two angles.

"We gotta help him." Mikey whines. He looks desperately around them. There's nothing here but darkness and walls. And Leo needs to be protected too – more so even.

Donnie screams as a blow is struck deep in his chest. He chokes and coughs up blood.

Alopex's skin crawls and her lips curl back, revealing her sharp teeth. Anger surges and a spark of energy courses through her veins. She leaps to all fours, pushing past the pain, and dives at Shredder.

Shredder gasps as his feet are taken out from under him. "MUTT." He punches at Alopex.

Alopex bites down on his claws. She holds them at bay, mere inches from digging into her mouth.

Donnie stumbles back. He grips at his stomach, the blood coating his hands and seeping through his fingers.

Mikey charges. "Move it!" He catches Donnie by the wrist and drags him toward the exit. He slings his weapon at Rahzar as the dog approaches and carves a gash across his face.

Rahzar jerks back and howls. He twists so fitfully he falls from his feet.

Mikey tosses his head around to yell, "Raph! Carry Leo. It's the only way." He zips out the door with Donnie in tow.

Donnie stumbles after Mikey. His vision blurs in and out. The hallway sways to and fro. "Alopex…" He mutters in his haze. "Alo…pex…" He coughs and blood flies from his mouth.

"Not now Donnie." Mikey shakes his head fiercely. He shoots a look over his shoulder to make sure Raph is following. "We have to escape."

Raph speeds after them. Leo jostles with every step Raph takes, but as much as it makes Raph cringe and hate himself he knows in the long run it will be better for everyone. "Which way out?" He shouts to Mikey.

Mikey looks desperately down each hallway. His heart pounds against his chest. "We could jump." He sees a window just ahead and a building across from it. He swallows hard. It would be an easy jump on any given day, just not one where two of them are grievously injured.

Raph blanches at the very thought. "I don't…"

Leo moans and curls further inward. He grips at the rim of Raph's plastron, one finger slipping down along the crack.

Raph gasps, but he hides the pain. He gets the message. "We have to." His gaze turns to stone. "Mikey, break it."

Mikey rears his weapon back and slings it, the glass shattering into a million tiny shards that rain down on the alley below. He doesn't hesitate. He throws himself and Donnie across the gap, landing out of a tumble on the other side.

Donnie doesn't get up. He crumples on the roof. He gasps for air as he curls inward. Convulsions rack his body and no matter how tight he presses his hands around the wounds the pain only increases.

"Donnie!" Mikey screams. He drops to his knees by Donnie's side. "Donnie, look at me." He bends so his face is level with Donnie's. He cups his brother's face in his hands. "Donnie…Donnie!"

Raph lands in the next instant. He stumbles with Leo's weight but he rights himself. "What happened? What's going on?" Raph clutches Leo a little tighter. He holds his breath as he eyes widen upon the sight of Donnie.

"I-I don't know." Mikey shakes. His breathing quickens and shudders. "He's not responding. I-I…" He jerks his head back and forth. "We have to get him home. We have to-we have to…we-." He turns his wild eyes on his big brother. Tears well despite his efforts.

"Mikey." Raph says sharply. He averts her eyes as his baby brother flinches, but he doesn't have time to hesitate. "We have to get them home. So you need to carry Donnie. Ok?" He locks eyes with Mikey. "I know you're strong enough." He offers a tiny smile. "So come on."

Mikey sniffles but nods all the same. He grunts as he struggles with Donnie's shaking form, but once he finds his balance he finds it is as easy as Raph said. "Let's go." His voice wavers. "Let's…go." He surges forward, hurrying to the nearest manhole.

Raph is hot on his heels. But as worried as he is and try as he might he can't forget. The image of a bloodied fox flashes through his mind and plagues him every step of the way. Dead. He grimaces. She can't be anything but dead. And for once the thought truly hurts.

From afar on the rooftops Karai watches them as they disappear. Her black hair flicks in the wind and obscures her golden eyes. A smile curves her lips and her body relaxes. "Thank God." Her gaze softens. Hopefully she'll see Leo again now. Hopefully her aid wasn't for naught.

…

Splinter runs a cloth over a cut in Leo's cheek. It is one of the few wounds left open – one of the only ones minor enough to be. He stares intently at his son's vacant face. His brows knit together and his lips pull tight into a barely concealed grimace. "Leonardo…"

Raph leans heavily against the arm of the couch. He stares at his brother and father and this terrible picture. It's so broken – both of them. Once so strong they now can barely keep themselves afloat. His heart cracks at the very thought and the sight of it only makes it hurt ten times worse. It's all he can do to keep himself from shattering. Leo…

Donnie sits in the kitchen with his back against the fridge. His legs are drawn to his chest and his head bowed down against them. He lifts his arms over his head to cover his face as well as suppress his sobs.

Soft footsteps pad along the cool floor. They pause just outside the kitchen, hesitate, then enter anyway. Mikey tiptoes toward Donnie and sinks down next to his brother. "Donnie," He breathes.

Donnie flinches and curls further inward. He bites back his sobs, but he can't hide the sounds completely.

Mikey scoots closer. He tentatively wraps his arm around his brother's shoulder and squeezes. "I'm sorry…" He bites his lip, forcing his own upset beneath the surface. It's not something he's to, but for once he can't be the baby.

Donnie sniffles. "I let this happen. All of it." He coughs and nearly chokes on a sob.

Mikey grimaces. "You didn't know this would happen." He leans his head so is rests atop Donnie's. "It was out of everyone's control." Everyone but her. Still, even thinking this feels traitorous and makes his heart clench. In the end she did help them – sacrificed herself for Leo and all of them.

Donnie scoffs and jerks up, away from Mikey. He scowls through his welling tears. "Oh stop it." His brows press hard down and his mouth trembles. "Stop trying to make me feel better."

Mikey starts. He lets his arm fall back to his side. He opens and closes his mouth around empty words.

Donnie does not ease the intensity in his glare. "You know it's true! If I had just paid more attention, if I had known her better," He shakes his head. "None of it…" His sobs overtake his voice for a moment. "None of this mess would have fucking happened. And you know it." He crumples, his voice fading into whimpers and whines.

Mikey feels tears of his own form. "Donnie…" What else is he supposed to say?

"And now, she's dead." Tears roll down his face. "All…because…of…me."

Mikey inches closer. He tries again, wrapping Donnie in a hug. "It'll be alright." He may not be able to assure his brother of much without lying and sending him into a frenzy, but this holds true no matter what. "It may take time," A lot of it. "But…everything will be alright." He swallows a sob. "Really." A single tear trickles down his cheek.

The day moves on and Raph barely budges from his place. Once Splinter takes his leave Raph shifts, but he refuses to leave Leo's side. He kneels before his brother and holds his hand tight. "Sorry…" He says just as he had in the dungeon. He presses his forehead on Leo's hand as well as his own. "I didn't mean it. I swear." He wipes at his eye. "You know that, right?"

"Of course he does." Splinter approaches.

Raph jumps and sucks in a sharp breath, twisting around. He draws his hands into fists as if to fight until he realizes where he is and who he is speaking to. He sighs. "Father…"

Splinter smiles as he sits next to Raph. "You need not worry about such things." Splinter lays a hand on Raph's shoulder. "Leonardo would never blame you for this, not when…" He clamps his mouth shut and clears his throat. "He could never do such a thing to his family."

Raph snorts and contempt springs to life in his fiery emerald eyes. "Thank you father." He struggles to keep his voice even. "But what if it was just me." The fire quiets and pain flashes across his face. "You…really believe he'd forgive me?" He trembles faintly.

Splinter's brows knit together. A frown tugs at his lips. He sees his most aggressive boy as a child once more, a child seeking desperately for his father's comfort. It is an image he has not seen for years, perhaps even a decade. "Of course." He squeezes his son's shoulder gently.

Raph smiles, relief sweeping over his face. "Thank you." He sighs. He leans forward and hugs tight, burying his face in Splinter's chest. "I know you're right."

Splinter wraps his arms around his son. He holds him close and rests his face on the top of Raph's head. "Now we only wait for Leonardo to wake." At least he wishes it were that simple. His mind inevitably drifts to his son in the kitchen. Leonardo's body may be broken, but physical wounds always heal. It is mental wounds that linger and scar forever. He can only hope that will not be Donnie's fate – one of the least jaded of his sons. Or at least he used to be…

Wow, I can't believe I did it. I actually made it to the end of another chapter story. Tmnt really does seem to be where I excel at finishing stuff. Although not to worry, I do plan to make one more chapter, an epilogue of the sorts. Saying I finished it is just for the major bits of the plot.

So, what did you think? Was the rescue all you wanted? More? Less? I'd love to hear your thoughts. If you're still looking for a bit more hang in there for the conclusion - the epilogue. Please review!