Ch 33. A Night of Fear

After leaving TCRI, The Hamato brothers drove their friends to their homes. "Keep us in the loop," April requested as she waved goodbye.

"Yeah, we don't want to be left out of the action." Casey said as he hopped out of the car.

"We will guys." Mikey promised. They drove home in silence, the day's events weighing heavily on their mind.

"I sure hope Sensei has supper ready," Mikey said as they walked into their home. "I am starving."

"Yeah," Donnie agreed, "What a bummer we never got to celebrate with the team." He shook his head, "Poor Leo, he must be feeling really upset over all this."

"And now he has to move too," Mikey commented. "He'll miss the championship game!"

Raph growled at both of them. "There is no need for him to move ya dirt-clods!" He yelled, he sat on the couch and wiped his face. "His father is taking him away and for what reason?" He punched a fist into his hand. "There is no TCRI in Japan but according to Leo's dad that's the reason he's been going over there for most of Leo's life and now he wants to take Leo there for more research?" Raph stood and began to pace, "That man is up to something and I just can't shake the feeling that Leo's life is in danger!" He stopped pacing and headed toward the front door. "I'm not waiting any longer; I'm going to Leo's house and get him out of there right now!"

"Raphael," Splinter's voice sounded behind them, they turned to see him coming out of the kitchen. "I do understand my son that you are very upset over everything that is happening, but to rush into a situation without thinking things through could lead both you and Leonardo into a dangerous outcome." He placed a hand on Raph's shoulder, "You must stop and assess the situation."

"I know father," Raph said exasperated, "But this guy, Oroku Saki, has been lying to Leo about everything and we have to do something now!"

"Why don't you tell me everything you know from the beginning?" Splinter requested as he and his sons walked into the kitchen. The four mutants sat at the table and Raph explained all that they had found out that day. Splinter stroked his long beard as he listened intently. "You say Leonardo is not leaving till the end of the week, have you attempted to call Leonardo and see if he is in need of help?"

"Not yet," Raph said as he pulled out his cell, he dialed Leo's number and waited patiently but there was no answer, "He didn't pick up," Raph said in wonderment as he placed his phone on the table. A growing fear began to form in the pit of Raph's stomach. "I think we need to get over there." He said standing.

"But first," Splinter said putting his paw on Raph's hand, "We will need weapons."

The four made their way to the dojo and Raph quickly grabbed his sais, Donnie his bo staff, Mikey his nun-chucks and splinter grabbed his katanas. "Are you coming too father?" Mikey asked.

"This Oroku Saki is a master ninja, is he not?" His sons nodded, "Then you may need backup." He smiled as he and his sons started to leave the dojo but Mikey noticed Splinter's phone was blinking.

"Sensei," he pointed toward the desk, "You got a message," He looked at his brothers, "May be Leo called here instead of your phone Raphie," He told him.

"That doesn't make sense Mikey," Donnie said as Splinter walked over to the phone to listen to the message. "Why would…."

"Master Splinter, this is Irma Langinstein, I need you to help Leonardo, please his father is trying to kill him!'

Splinter and his sons looked at each other with growing fear,

"I can't go to the police because….."

Irma's voice was suddenly cut off as a sudden loud bang sounded in the background of the call and they heard Irma let out a loud scream.

"NO! Stay away from me!"

They heard Irma scream out in terror as the phone sounded like it had been dropped followed by what sounded like a scuffle and muffled cries for help. Seconds later a sound like a car backfiring could be heard startling the four mutants. A moment later the phone went dead.

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Meanwhile, Leonardo was in his room pacing anxiously and now fearing for his life. The conversation he had overheard between his father and aunt continued to replay in his head. "I can't believe this," He muttered over and over again, "My father," he shook his head as tears continued to fall down his cheeks, "He killed…..no, no, no it can't be!" He stopped walking and pounded his fist on his desk, "He couldn't have killed my mom," He told himself his body shaking uncontrollably, "I must have heard it wrong," He shook his head again as if to clear his head of the memory, "No, I didn't!" He said as a raging inferno grew within his very soul. "And my Aunt," He wanted to scream, "She knew everything, all this time she knew!" He ran over to his bed and grabbed his pillow. Pressing it to his face, he let out a loud muffled scream and sobbed hard for several long minutes. Finally, Leo placed the pillow back on the bed and stood up. "I've got to get out of here; I've got to call Raph." He started going through his pockets but his cell was not on him.

'Oh no!' He wiped his face and looked at his door in fear, 'I left my phone in my backpack and it's still down stairs!' He felt the panic start to creep into his mind. 'Keep it together Leo,' He told himself, 'Now is not the time to…."

The sound of footsteps coming up the stairs interrupted Leo's thoughts; he whirled around and stared at his door in fear as the footsteps came closer. He looked around his room, trying to think of some way of getting past his father and out of the house, he looked toward his window but it was small and he knew, due to his shell, he would never be able to crawl through it.

As Leo attempted to find something in his room that might hold his father off, the door opened and Saki stepped in, he looked around and narrowed his eyes at the young turtle, "You have yet to pack Leonardo," He said as he moved closer to him, "Is there a problem?"

Try as he could, Leo could not stop trembling as his father made his way toward him, he backed away as the tall man moved further into the room. "No…nnnno father," Leo stuttered, he took a deep breath and attempted to steady himself but it was a futile effort.

"You seem rather tense for some reason," Saki slowly stalked his way over to him and reached out to place a hand on Leo's shoulder. He smirked at Leo when the turtle flinched. "Tell me Leonardo, what it is that has you so upset." He asked mockingly.

Leo shuddered as he felt his father's hand squeeze his shoulder. He opened his mouth to speak but the words didn't seem to want to come out, "I….I ummm…" Leo shook his head, "I…forgot my phone downstairs," he finally told him as he attempted to move around Saki, "And…I…I just wanted to call Raph," Saki watched as Leo quickly started toward his door, he smiled coldly when Leo stopped and began to walk back into his room as Bradford suddenly appeared in front of him.

"Going somewhere Leonardo?" Bradford demanded.

"Bradford," Leo whispered as his breath caught in his throat at the sight of the large man. He looked back at his father and attempted to steady his nerves, "What's going on father?" He demanded, "What's he doing back here?"

Saki walked over and grabbed Leo by the arm, at this point, Leo heard more steps walking up the stairs and he looked around Bradford to see Stockman walking in hold a hypodermic needle. "You need another shot Leonardo." Saki told him as Bradford grabbed his other arm.

Leo began to struggle, "NO! Let go of me!" He yelled out as he attempted to get himself out of their grip. In a flash, Leo stuck his foot out and kicked Stockman in the stomach causing the man to fall back. He then stepped on Bradford's foot and, catching him off guard he momentarily released Leo's arm allowing the turtle to throw a punch at Saki's face forcing him to release his other arm and grab at his jaw angrily.

Leo jumped over Stockman and raced down the stairs, "Don't let him get away!" He heard Saki scream out. Leo ran toward the front door and tried to yank it open but it was locked, just as he unlocked the door, Bradford managed to jump down the stairs and grab the turtle before he could get the door open. Bradford held Leo's arms from behind and dragged him away from the door and over to the stairs all the while Leo struggled desperately to get out of the large man's hands.

"Father, please don't do this!" Leo pleaded as Stockman came up to him holding the needle.

"It is necessary Leonardo," Saki said coldly as he made his way down the stairs. "I've decided you need to leave tonight and I had a feeling you were going to be uncooperative so I requested Stockman come by and give you a shot to help….relax you."

Leo again attempted to kick Stockman away from him but this time the scientist was ready and stood to the side of the turtle. "This would be much easier if you would just hold still Leonardo." Stockman advised. He smiled as he jabbed the needle into Leo's arm. "Of course, it's not going to be any less painful." He said as Leo grimaced in pain.

"As the drug began to take effect, Leo looked up at Saki as he walked toward him, "You…" Leo attempted to speak but his tongue began to feel heavy. "You….my….mom…why" Leo's breathing came in gasps.

"What are you trying to say Leonardo?" Saki asked tauntingly. Leo fought to stay awake but the drug was working fast and within moments he felt himself go limp in Bradford's arms. "Get him in the car." Saki ordered as Bradford slung Leo over his shoulder.

"That drug will keep him asleep for several hours," Stockman said, "Maybe even days."

Saki nodded, "Is everything at TCRI ready?"

Stockman nodded, "The building is closed so aside from the guard you've paid off, we'll be the only ones there," He laughed, "It will be very easy to pack everything up tonight and ship it out."

Saki nodded and took out his cell. "Good, now to make arrangements on the other end."

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Meanwhile, Raph, Donnie and Mikey were on their way to Leo's home in the family SUV. Donnie decided to drive since Raph at the moment was seething in anger and threatening to slice Saki up into tiny pieces.

"If he's hurt Leo, I swear I'll stick my sai so far up his ass it'll be coming out his head!" He yelled while gripping his sais tightly.

The sound of sniffling behind him made him turn to look at Mikey. The smaller turtle was crying and wiping his eyes with the back of his hand. "What is it Mike?" Raph asked softly.

"That was a gun shot on the answering machine, wasn't it?" He asked.

"Mikey…." Donnie began but Mikey only started crying harder. "Do you think Ms. Langinstein is de…" He lurched forward and cried into his hands, "Dead?" He finally asked in between gulps.

"Oh Mikey," Raph said as he faced him, "I don't know but..." He looked away as he thought about what the had overhead, "But Master Splinter will take care of her, okay?" Mikey looked at him and nodded as he wiped his face. "Let's just get to Leo and…."

"HEY!" Donnie suddenly yelled out. He did a sudden U-turn and started driving the other way.

"Donnie!" Raph yelled as he fell against the door, "What the hell are you doing?"

"That's the car Leo went home in after the game isn't it?" He pointed to a car he had started following.

Raph leaned forward and nodded, "Yea, that's the car alright,"

"It looks like it's heading toward TCRI," Mikey commented.

"Well then let's get there." Donnie said as he took a turn down a side street, "We'll go a different way so they don't know we're following them."

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While his sons were on the way to help Leo, Splinter, after hearing the message from Irma, jumped into his truck and took off toward her home, as he drove down the street, he could see several emergency vehicles parked outside the large brownstone. He pulled up alongside the curb on the opposite side of the street and ran over to where a crowd was being held back by several police officers.

Splinter ran through the crowd and got one officer's attention, "Please sir, I have a friend who lives here," He told him breathlessly, "Can you please tell me what has happened?"

"What's your friends name sir?" The officer asked.

"Irma Langinstein." He replied.

The officer lowered his eyes and shook his head, "I'm sorry to tell you sir," he began as he looked behind him. "But I'm afraid Ms. Langinstein was murdered tonight." Splinter looked around him and saw the EMTs placing a stretcher with a body covered with a white sheet inside an ambulance. The officer shook his head, "We got a call from one of her neighbors after a gun shot was heard," He said turning back to Splinter, "Looks like a robbery gone wrong."

Splinter suddenly felt as though he was in a daze as he watched the ambulance drive off with its siren blaring, he muttered a 'Thank you' and slowly walked back to his truck. He got inside and sat for several minutes staring straight ahead, tying to think of what he was going to be telling the turtles when they got home.

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While Bradford drove the car to TCRI, behind him sat Stockman and Saki with an unconscious Leonardo in between. Saki was currently on the phone, talking in Japanese to an associate in Japan. "Will Hun be picking up the shipment?" Stockman asked after Saki hung up the phone.

Saki shook his head, "I've alerted Tigerclaw." He told him, "He knows what to do."

Stockman nodded. "And what about Falco?" he asked.

Saki turned to him with a look of annoyance, "He will be leaving for Japan tomorrow," Saki told him.

Before Stockman could ask any further questions, the phone rang and Saki quickly picked it up. "What?" Saki asked in his monotone voice. "Very good," Stockman heard him say, "We're on our way to TCRI, meet us there."

Several minutes later, Bradford pulled up to the research facility and parked behind the building. The three men got out and Bradford, with Stockman's assistance, pulled Leonardo out of the car. As they made their way up the steps, another car pulled up and Xever along with the purple dragons stepped out.

Saki walked over toward them, "You three stay out here and make sure no one comes inside." He ordered then motioned for Xever to follow him.

"Man this stinks." Tsoi grumbled, "We gotta stay out here and freeze while they go inside and to do what?"

"They are shipping the turtle to Japan," Fong told him and started laughing, "I just wish I had one last chance at that turtle," He started playing with his switchblade, "I'd carve him up and serve him on a platter."

"I'd just love to beat him to a pulp," Sid muttered, "Since he came to our school, he's humiliated us, showed us up on the court, gotten us arrested and expelled from school." He pounded one fist into his a hand. "I'll be glad to see him shipped off to Japan; I think life will be so much easier once he's gone." He stated seething angrily.

"Did you guys hear that?" Mikey whispered from the corner of the building, "They're going to ship Leo to Japan tonight."

"Not if we can help it," Raph said twirling his sais.

Donnie pulled out his staff, "Let's do this."

With a loud yell, the three Hamatos rushed toward the three purple dragons taking them completely off guard. The dragons startled at the sudden noise and, after composing themselves ran toward the turtles with their fist and switchblades raised.

Raph took Sid who was stronger and more muscular. "You're going down this time for good scumbag!" Raph yelled swinging his sais toward Sid's head. Sid dodged and threw a punch at Raph who blocked and punched Sid in the stomach with the butt of sai. Sid doubled over and Raph gave an uppercut to his jaw hard enough to send him reeling backward and smashing into Fong who was fighting Mikey.

Sid fell to the ground, panting hard and groaning, He held his jaw and looked up at Raph with a dazed look. Raph jumped on him and smashed his fist into Sid's head and his head hit the pavement hard. Raph watched Sid's eyes roll to the back of his head and fall into unconsciousness.

Mikey, meanwhile fought against Fong striking him hard with his nun chucks causing Fong to drop his blade and try to stop the blows. After watching him get hit by Sid, Mikey dropped his chucks and began pummeling him furiously. "You're such a coward Fong!" Mikey screamed at him, "Always bullying people," He screamed with tears running down his cheeks, "You think you're so great then get up and fight me without your knife!"

Fong looked up and laughed at the younger turtle, "You wanna fight me 'mano y mano' turtle," He sneered, "You're on." He jumped up and swung his fist at Mikey's head only to miss as Mikey ducked then twirled around and caught his foot on the back of Fong's lets. Fong once again found himself on the ground, he looked up in time to see Mikey's fist coming down on his nose hard.

Fong fell hard against the concrete and stared up at Mikey angrily. He brought his hand to his nose and held it, "Yo'd boke ma nod?" He said as blood ran down his face. Mikey looked down at Fong with hate, he grabbed Fong's switchblade and threw it in between his legs coming extremely close to his crotch. "That's for every kid at school you've bullied." Mikey said with tear-filled eyes. "Now get outta here."/p
p class="MsoNormal"Fong got up but as he did, he smashed into Tsoi who was fighting Donnie. Tsoi fell hard on top of Fong causing the dragon leader to fall to the ground in a daze. Tsoi, momentarily stunned, looked up in time to see Donnie running up to him and swing his bo at his head, Tsoi blocked and managed to kick the turtle against the wall but Donnie quickly flipped and pushed himself back at the dragon and smash his head into the small dragon's stomach causing him to reel backwards and fall to the ground.

"I suggest you purple idiots get outta here before the cops come," Donnie told them. "Otherwise you'll find yourself in jail for a hell of a lot more than just extortion."

Fong sneered up at the three turtles, he slapped the other dragon's faces and the three got up and started to walk away. "Are we really going to just let them go?" Mikey demanded. "We need to let the cops know what they've done?"

"And tell me Michael," Donnie looked at him, "Besides loittering, what crime have they committed?"

Mikey narrowed his eyes angrily, "Good point," He muttered.

Raph nodded and turned toward the building, "Besides," He said, "They're the least of our problems," He nodded toward the building, "We got to get in there and find Leo." The other two nodded and followed their older brother inside.

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Long chapter I know, but please review. Peace :)