The Roads We Walk

by XIIIth Hazard

(Part: 2) – Still together, finally free and with Yoshi to protect them. You would think that the pain was over. But as it turns out, their nightmare was only just beginning. Turtle-Verse/Alternate Dimension. (Sequel: to 'The Walls We Build.')

8. Chapter 7

Sorry it took so long to post this. I ended up having to write a couple chapters, just to make sure nothing contradicted in the end. And to be honest, I really had no idea what I was going to do in this part.

Don't own Ninja Turtles… (I wish.)

---

Chapter: 7

2 days later

(Splinter:)

Splinter watched the Turtles rampage across the yard. Trying to catch the youngest, for some unspeakable thing he had, once again, done.

He thought it was unlikely that they would catch him. As the little one seemed to be getting faster everyday. But the older Mutant still couldn't help worrying over the trouble maker. Mikey was still so much smaller than his brothers. And he feared the day, that he finally pushed Raphael too far and got himself hurt.

Ever since discovering that they were, in a way, his biological sons. He had become noticeable overprotective of them. Perhaps a little too much. But after the loss of Miwa; at such a young age. The idea of not one. But four new children of his own, was quite a bit for him to take in.

According to Scott, Shredder had acquired his DNA some time before he was Mutated. How or why. Splinter couldn't even being to guess. But it had apparently been used as the Human catalyst for their Mutation as well. So the DNA in the Retalion wouldn't be rejected.

Now it made sense. Splinter had thought that the Turtles were much like him and now he could see why. They were literally four parts of himself. Just much more advanced. Like Splinter's skills and abilities had been augmented several times, then superimposed onto them.

The great skills that they already displayed as Ninja, were actually his. Their personalities too, could easily had been based off his. But had now grown to become their own.

It explained so much. Including why Shredder had done it.

To use a rival's own DNA to create solders. Who would already know his every skill and ability. Able to out-match him in every way. That alone would have proven difficult for Splinter to counter.

But knowing Oroku Saki, he would have taken it as far as he could. They had once been friends, closer than brothers. He knew Splinter could never fight his biological children. Not even to save his own life.

He counted himself extremely lucky that things had not progressed to that stage. But on the other hand. Shredder had accomplished something else. Whether it had been intentional or not. He had actually provided Splinter with a family.

For he might never have met them, had April not found them first. But if he had never gone to America all those years ago, he would never have even met April. But yet the only reason he had gone to America, was to hunt down Shredder for killing his family.

It seemed so unreal. How the loss of one family had brought him straight another. And all because of Oroku Saki. It was almost like Destiny; herself was laughing in his ear.

Or perhaps that was the Turtles.

Splinter's ears twitched as he heard the youngest laugh. When he was suddenly tussled to the ground. by his older brothers. He was nearly on his feet, in a panic, to ensure that the little one was unharmed. But he quickly held himself back. Knowing they would never hurt their brother.

However his mind just wouldn't stop telling him that; 'accidents could happen.'

He took a deep breath to calm himself. And watched Raph wrestle his smallest brother into a pile of hay. Fearing that he would go too far, Splinter was about to tell the Turtle to release him.

But he was beaten to the punch. When Donatello distracted the little hot-head, by hitting him on the back of the head. He then quickly took a; 'yeah; that was me,' stance. Before sticking his tongue out at his slightly older brother. And was soon running around the yard, with said victim in hot-pursuit.

In the chaos, Leo attempted to collect Mikey from the grass. However he too; soon found himself in a pile on the ground. As they were both laughing so hard, they couldn't stand up.

Splinter sighed again, trying to gather his wits before he drove himself crazy. However his sanity looked to be a thing of the past. When Donnie let out a small cry of pain amongst his own laughter, as Raph tackled him to the ground a second later.

"Raphael." Splinter declared forcefully. On his feet so quickly, it was like he had never sat down. All four Turtles jumped and looked at him in surprise of the sudden loud noise.

Realizing that he had scared them, Splinter took a deep breath and sat back down. "I am sorry." He apologized. "Please continue what you were doing."

He took another calming breath and massaged his eyes. Remembering an old proverb, he had once heard. About; 'Everyone knowing how to care for children, until they have them.' At the moment, he couldn't have agreed more.

It took him several minutes, to finally calm himself enough to watch them play. Without giving himself ulcers. And found that he actually rather enjoyed observing them.

Their almost constraint exposure to the sun had, had a strong effect on their stamina. Before they had seemed tired, almost sluggish. But now they were more energized and awake.

Everyday they got stronger, faster. It had taken them less than a week to completely recover from their ordeal with the nano-bots. In fact Scott had even attributed the sun, to having possibly jump-started their sudden ability to talk.

Splinter himself had noticed them reacting to his training. Though they still had a long way to go before they were Ninja. They were each finding their own strengths and weaknesses. And quickly learning to overcome them.

Donatello, whom he had been so concerned about, was slowly but surely coming around to the idea. Though for some reason he wasn't able to meditate correctly and seemed to shun away at the very thought of fighting. He was responding well to the mind/body training. And excelled at many levels of yoga.

Leonardo still remained his most determined and gifted student. Everyday he mastered another move. And had swiftly become a worthy companion in morning-meditation. In fact Splinter was starting to see him actually trying to learn, instead of just copying. Which was an honorable trait in one so young, with such an enviable talent at his disposal.

Raphael was a little harder to direct. As he thrived on the physical contact, but became easily frustrated when he couldn't grasp the mental or spiritual. But Splinter could still see him trying to control his anger and manage his strength. Mostly for the sake of his brothers. He was a truly inspiring student.

Michelangelo however was proving to be his most challenging pupil. Though he was well adapted to fighting. And seemed to pick up training and execute moves even faster than Leo at times. He still couldn't manage to keep his young, active mind on anything long enough to learn something of value.

Several minutes later, Splinter looked up. His nerves once again shot. When he heard a cry of surprise from one of his charges. And found that all four had nearly run headlong into a rather large Mutant, that had just emerged from the barn.

He was on his feet and at the scene of the crime, before the first word could be said. "Boys." He said calmly, getting their attention. "Apologize to this nice man." He ordered.

"Sorry." They all said at once.

When there was no response, Splinter added. "Please forgive them. They are only children." He requested, with a small bow toward the man.

"Yeah, well keep them on a leash then." The Mutant bellowed.

"Sir, there is no reason for hostility." Splinter declared, moving to stand in fount of the Turtles, when the Mutant continued to glare at them. "It was merely an accident."

"Then make sure they remember they're not the only ones here." The man proclaimed coldly.

"I hate to point out." Splinter started, as the Turtles crowded around his legs. "That nether are you." The Mutant just growled slightly, before shoving past them to go to the house.

Splinter watched the man go, before he kneeled down to check on his sons. "Are you alright?" He asked them and they all nodded.

Though they were all well-adjusted to violence by now. It had still been a while since they'd experienced it. And he could tell that they were a little shaken up, simply by the fact that none of them had spoken.

"Master Splinter." He looked up when he heard his new name and found April walking hurriedly toward them. "What happened?"

"We said we was sorry." Mikey proclaimed in a small voice.

"You did." Splinter agreed. "You did nothing wrong. It was he who was out of line."

"I saw that." April said disapprovingly as she glared at the house. "What's his problem?"

"What's whose problem?" Casey suddenly asked walking out of the barn with Angel in tow.

"There's a –" April started, but couldn't seem to come up with the right words.

"A bulldog-of-a-Mutant. Huffing around like the world's done him a personal wrong?" Angel suggested.

"Yes." April answered simple.

"We get them sometimes." Casey explained in annoyance. "Some people just don't take too well to being different."

"Just ignore him." Angel advised. "He'll be gone tomorrow night."

"That might be kind of hard, considering he just set down roots in the attic." April stated pointing a thumb behind her toward the top of the house.

"Damn it. I told him –" Angel growled, starting toward the house, before her brother pulled her back.

"Let me handle this Ang." Casey ordered and stormed up the porch steps in determination.

They all stared as the house for several minutes, before April changed the subject. Attempting to distract everyone. "So, who's hungry?" She asked.

"Pizza." Mikey declared predictably. And his brothers groaned.

Splinter and the two girls laughed. The little one could have eaten pizza everyday for the rest of his life and would have loved every minute of it. But unfortunately for him, his brothers weren't so simple.

April quickly kneeled to down to address the little Turtle. "Mikey, we've had pizza for a straight week. I think it's time for something else."

"But –" He complained, looking to his brothers for back up. However he quickly deflated when he received none. "OK." He agreed sourly.

A minute later they were all crowded into the kitchen, as they tried to locate something edible. "I think they've eaten everything we had for pizza anyway." Angel reveled, sitting backwards in her chair.

"Really?" Splinter declared as if this were news to him.

Everyone then looked up, when a sudden commotion rocked the living room and the large Mutant from before barreled down the stairs. Followed closely by Casey, who was wielding a wooden tray table, like he was a master of the art.

"Casey, what are you –" Angel started to ask, getting up to assist if necessary.

"Stay there Angel." Casey ordered, in a voice that demanded no questions be asked. "You." He declared pointing what was left of his weapon at the Mutant. "Get out of my house."

"I thought this was a safe house?" The Mutant demanded. "You discriminating against Mutants now, human?"

"No, I'm discriminating against you." Casey stated, swinging his weapon at the Mutant again, forcing him toward the front door. "I offer you respect, I expect the same in return." Casey bellowed before charging the Mutant with a move that would have made professional hokey players cringe.

The man flew out the door and stumbled backwards down the porch. Before landing in an ungraceful heap in the middle of the yard. Casey took a deep breath and walked out onto the porch with a mission.

"Now, I'm going to say this one last time." He declared. "The house is for the sick and the injured. I won't have some muscle-bound idiot, barging in like he owns the place and roughing up my doctors."

At the mention of the doctor, April and Angel quickly rushed up the stairs to ensure the man's safety. Splinter swiftly moved outside, to stand behind Casey. Ready to ensure that the Mutant do as he was told.

"My offer for safe passage still stands and there's more than enough room in the barn for you to wait there." Casey continued. "But so help me. If I see you in here again. I'll send you packing so fast, you'll need frequent flyer miles." The teen proclaimed, so angry that he was leaving marks in the wooden leg of the table, he was still gripping.

The Mutant looked like he was about to argue. But one look at Splinter and he quickly collected himself and walked over to the barn. Where he just sat on a log by the woodshed and glared at Casey out of the corner of his eye.

Splinter quietly clasped the teen's shoulder and maneuvered him back into the house. With a great measure of self-control, Casey was able to stop swearing under his breath when he remembered that the Turtles were still present. And sat down on the couch in a huff. Still holding the mostly destroyed TV table.

"I need a drink." He quoted a few minutes later and Splinter smiled.

"My I ask what happened?" He requested.

"Apparently the moron thought my doctors should cure his mutation." Casey reveled. "When they couldn't, he accused them of; 'discrimination toward Mutants'" He continued in an impersonation of the Mutant's gruff voice.

"That's putting it rather mildly." Scott Perry said as he and April helped another man down the stairs and sat him on the other end of the couch. April quickly rushed to the kitchen and came back with a towel of ice, for the man's swollen right eye.

"I honestly can't decide, if that man hates Humans or Mutants" Scott reveled. "Or both."

"That's about the same interpretation I got." The doctor admitted.

"You gonna to be okay there Nathan?" Casey asked him.

"I think so." Nathan responded. Gently holding the ice to his face and wincing at the coldness. "Thankfully no one else was hurt. But I might be out of commission for a little while."

"I can take over." Mr. Perry offered immediately.

"Yeah, your due for a vacation anyway." Casey told the doctor patting him on the back.

"Since when do we have vacations?" Nathan asked the teen, giving him a questioning look.

"Exactly." Casey stated seriously, before getting up to check on Angel and the others upstairs. Leaving everyone to laugh a little in his wake.

...

The Next Day

(Donnie's: POV)

I peaked around the doorway of a room on the second floor, that Splinter, my brothers and I shared. And found him meditating with Leo again.

"Would you care to join us Donatello?" Splinter asked, without even opening his eyes and I jumped.

Leo looked at me and smiled as I walked over to sit next to him and quickly assumed a lotus position. But after a few minutes I found, once again, that I couldn't shut down my mind long enough to perform a decent meditation.

"Is something the mater Donatello?" Splinter asked and I jumped again. 'How does he do that?'

"No." I answered automatically. Then thought about it and rephrased my answer. "Maybe."

"Tell me." Splinter requested.

"I can't stop thinking." I answered sourly.

I saw Splinter smile, then open his eyes to look at me. "Yes, I've noticed this." He said and stood up to walk over to the little dresser next to his cot and pulled something from the top drawer. Before returning to kneel down in front of me.

"Do not feel concerned Donatello. Many have the same problem." He revealed "You simply require something for your unconscious mind to focus on." He explained and I looked curiously into his hands. As he held out –.

"A candle?" I asked completely confused. How was a little, white, wax stick going to help me?

Splinter laughed slightly as he set the candle on the floor in front of me. "Not quite." He admitted. And lit a match, before gently holding it over the wick. "The flame." He corrected.

I watched the little fire for a minute, trying to figure out what he meant. But all my mind kept doing was telling me about fire and what I could do with it.

"Focus on the flame." Splinter instructed and I did so. "Only the flame." Splinter revised, it took a little while, but I think I finally got it.

"Visualize it in your mind." He continued and I did as I was told. "Now keep that picture and close your eyes." Splinter stated and I once again followed his advice.

As I focused on the little flickering light in my mind. I realized for the first time since I could remember, that my mind was clear and quiet. Almost too quiet. In fact it was too quiet.

I jumped out of the trance and nearly screamed when I saw Splinter still sitting in front of me.

"It is alright Donatello." He assured me and I felt Leo put his hand on my shoulder. Reassuring me that I was fine. "What is the mater?" Splinter asked in concern.

"It was –" I started, not quite sure how to explain it. "It was quiet." I finally settled on. And Splinter nodded in understanding.

"Perhaps we should take a break and try again some other time." Splinter suggested, picking up the candle to blow it out.

"No." I said before he could and he looked at me in shock. "I was just a little surprised." I admitted. "I want to try again." Despite the odd feeling that I had sustained. Having my mind finally at peace, had actually been kind of invigorating.

Splinter smiled and set the candle gently back on the floor. "Very well." He stated and resumed his own lotus position right there in front of me and my brother. "Then we shall continue."

…

A few hours later, I was still struggling not to be shocked out of my own mind by the soundless void.

"Donatello?" Splinter asked again. Simply assuring that I was alright.

"I'm okay." I informed him and he nodded. However before I could try again. Mikey came pounding into the room, panting as he pointed into the hallway in an agitated state.

"Michelangelo." Splinter said, opening his eyes and Leo followed suit. "What is the mater?"

Mikey had to catch his breath before he could answer. "April's going to the Unit." He said. Splinter narrowed his eyes in concern, before standing up. He laid a reassuring hand on my little brother's shoulder, before making his way into the hall and headed for the stairs.

Leo and I quickly walked up to Mikey, inquiring an explanation. Apparently, Casey had called from one of his rebellion's check points. Claiming that they had been attacked and that people were hurt. Then the line went dead.

Leo was down the hall and heading for the stairs even before Mikey had finished. I quickly collected my little brother and followed him. However, at the base of the stairs we ran into a roadblock. In the form of Leo trying to keep Raph from getting to the living room.

Knowing how protective Raph was of us. I knew that he had imprinted that nature onto anyone else he considered a part of his family. And now that one of them was in possible danger. He was determined to see to it that whoever was causing it, paid for the crime.

Unfortunately for us, Raph was stronger than all of us put together. Even with me, Leo and Mikey putting everything we had into keeping him stationary. We were still being dragged down the stairs. In fact, I was sure the only reason he hadn't outright pushed us aside. Was because he didn't want to hurt us.

"Master Splinter." We looked up when we heard April's accusing voice. And found Splinter blocking the fount door. As she gave him a glare that could have melted steel. "People are hurt. I can't just stand here." She growled at him.

Splinter sighed. Obviously he had already realized that he'd lost this battle. "I don't except you too." He stated, before turning to address Scott Perry, who was standing next to the chair he had likely been sitting in, before they received the call. "Mr. Perry?" He asked.

"Yes." Scott answered.

"Will you watch them?" Splinter requested nodding toward us. We were all so shocked by this, that we all we could do was stare at him.

It wasn't that we hated the idea of staying alone with Scott. Instead it was the inevitable separation from Splinter, that had us so agitated. He had never been so far away that we couldn't easy locate him.

Our shock was short-lived, however. As Raph, whose attention should have been on keeping himself upright. Suddenly fell down the remaining two stairs, when we were no longer holding him up.

Leo and I immediately used this to our advantage and sat on his plastron. We'd discovered from our experience in times of play. That this was an excellent way to keep him under control. As it officially took his strength out of the equation. Since a turtle on his back, couldn't get the leverage he needed to push us off.

"For course Yoshi." Scott answered a second later. Splinter nodded his thanks to him. Before he walked up to us.

He carefully picked me and Leo up and helped Raph to his feet, before placing a hand on his shoulder. "Raphael." He started in a kind yet demanding voice. And my brother gave him his full attention. "Our friends need my help. But I cannot be in two places at once. Will you lend me your strength? Will you remain here?"

Raph thought about that for a minute. Then looked back at Splinter and nodded in depressed understanding. "I will return as soon as I can." Splinter promised and took us all into an a large hug and we held onto him as hard as we could, hoping he wouldn't go. "Be safe. My sons." I heard him whisper in such a quiet voice, that I wasn't even sure he had said it.

Hesitating for another couple of seconds. He finally let us go and nodded at Perry. Then quickly returned to April. They both looked back only once, before opening the door and disappeared into the night.

…

(Splinter:)

They ran through the forest. Following a map Casey had left with them, showing where all the rebel factions were located in the area. It took them close to an hour to finally reach the bridge, where he had called from.

Just as they got there however, Splinter forced April to the ground and hid them behind a bush. He gave her the universal sign of insuring quiet and peeked over the hedge.

He heard April gasp, as they found that the side of the bridge were Casey's army had been stationed had almost completely collapsed. Splinter sniffed the air. But couldn't detect any other presence in the area.

He motioned for April to stay low and swiftly led the way to the scene of the crime. Several minutes later, which oddly lacked an encounter of any style. They both ducked down under the bridge.

However Splinter quickly turned and blocked April's view of the carnage.

Bodies laid among the sight, crushed under fallen rubble or shot to death, with multiple machine-gun rounds. He took a deep breath, steeling himself for the inevitable and felt April do the same.

When they turned around again, they were all business. April immediately started checking the forms for a pulse. Quickly moving from one to the other, obviously finding none. While Splinter looked around trying to locate anything that could tell them what had happened.

The only good thing he had to go on though, was that the body count was significantly small. Too small to be the entire rebel faction.

"Splinter." April said quietly and he quickly moved to her side. He discovered her kneeling over a body that had been half crushed by a fallen slab of concrete from the bridge above.

However something about this person said that he was not of the particular brand they were searching for.

"A Purple Dragon?" Splinter said out of pure shock, when he saw the insignia on the man's clothes.

"But why?" April asked. Not being able to help the shudder that ran down her spine, at the idea of having to face the gang that killed her parents. "Casey's been fighting the Slave Market. The Purple Dragons are based out of New York. They don't have anything to do with this area."

"It would seem; that has changed." Splinter deduced. Before looking around again, discovering that most of the other bodies sported the symbol, as well. In fact, he could clearly see that only a hand full of rebels had actually died here. And none of them from the collapsed bridge.

April took a shuddering breath, as she looked around at the other bodies. "But what about Casey?" She asked. Hoping beyond anything, that he wasn't one of the unrecognizable forms that littered the floor.

"He was here." Splinter assured her, sniffing the air. Clearly smelling the teen's sent amongst the blood. He stood to follow it, looking for signs of any kind. "He fought hard. He got many out." Splinter informed.

He pointed at the many sets of footprints in the rocky landscape that led to the river. Many of them were deep, indicating that their owners had been carrying something at the time. "They split up." He explained, where the tracks separated into three groups.

"A small group remained here, to collapse the bridge." He said pointing to several places. Where someone had kneeled and had been pushed back slightly, by the force of something they had been holding. Probably one of Casey's home-made missile launchers.

"In the chaos. The two other groups headed for the forest." Yoshi explained. Motioning once again to the tracks. "One group was heavily laden with injured. They're getaway was covered by the remaining group." Splinter explained sniffing the air again. "Casey was among them."

"I know they have several bunkers in the area." April stated, looking at toward the forest.

"I don't think they made it." Splinter revealed as he studied the tracks in the river bank closely. Then looked toward the forest ahead of them. There were far more coming out, then going in. "They were ambushed."

April looked at him in concern, but didn't interrupt. "They were not killed." Splinter assured her immediately. Indicating the obvious struggle that had transpired and followed the chaos of several forms being dragged down the riverbank.

When they stopped he stood up straighter, to see the bigger picture. "Tire tracks." Splinter declared, pointing at the heavy tracks. Of what he assumed had been several large military trucks of some kind. They had pulled up, parked briefly and took off again, only minutes later.

"They were taken?" April asked. Out of relief or fear of the still unknown, he couldn't really tell. "Why?" She asked.

Splinter took a deep breath before he continued. "There could be multiple reasons. To torture them for information. To martyr them as an example to others. Possibly even to enslave them for the irony."

"I don't like any of those choices." April reveled.

"Nor do I." Splinter agreed. "But thankfully they have left us a clear trail to follow." He stated pointing once again at the clearly marked tire-prints in the muddy riverbank.

…

It took them close to an hour to finally locate the destination of the trucks. An abandoned, riverside, nuclear plant.

April pulled out the map and discovered that the factory was actually an enemy stronghold. "Casey told me about this place." She said ducking down behind a tree with Splinter. "He said it was cleared of radioactive waste years ago. Now the Slave Trade uses it as a supply sight."

"They keep Mutants here?" Splinter asked, just to make sure he had interpreted her correctly.

"Yeah. I guess the Garbage-Men converted it into a prison."

He scrunched up his face in confusion and asked. "Garbage-Men?"

"It's what the gang here calls themselves." April explained. "Cause apparently they 'Collect the garbage of the world.'"

"Charming." Splinter quoted unamused. As he looked through the high fence containing the once environmental hazard.

"But I have to say. For wanting this place to remain undetected. I think they need to change their system." April commented.

Splinter scoffed soundlessly in agreement. Nearly every light in the place was on. Including search and emergency lights. The plant could probably be seen from space.

Just then a man suddenly stumbled from a nearby guard-house. And they ducked out of sight. Watching his closely for any helpful information.

It didn't take long for one to be thrown their way. Literally. In the form of an empty beer bottle that landed in the general vicinity of their hiding spot. Before the man meandered about looking for a place to relieve himself.

"It would appear that they are celebrating their victory." Splinter stated, slightly disgusted. As he picked up the discarded container and inspected it.

"It would certainly make this easier, if they were wasted." April agreed. Scrunching her nose up, at the overpowering smell of alcohol in the man's wake. "But where are Casey and the rebels?" She asked, looking through the chain-link fence, trying to spot them.

"Let's ask." Splinter declared, before he disappeared into the forest.

"And how do you – hey." April complained when she realized he was gone a couple of seconds later. Then folded her arms in a huff. "I guess I'll just wait here then." She stated sourly.

Splinter quickly made his way to the guard-house that the Dragon had exited before. And stealthily maneuvered himself under a window to peek inside. There were two other gang members, lounging about. Drinking heavily from a 30 pack of beer and laughing about something, that was likely not even funny.

More evidence that the men were far beyond the realm of intellectual thought. Came in the form of at least 8 other boxes littering the floor. Needless to say, they were both drunk-as-skunks.

Gently Splinter pushed the window open. Receiving a slurred, swearword-riddled vocabulary of illogical nonsense in return. He listened briefly, to see if they would revel anything of importance. Before searching the ground for a stone worthy of his plan.

After locating the perfect specimen, he stood back up to check the men's positions. Then holding the rock just so, he flicked his wrist and let the flat disk hop into the guard-house. Like he was skipping rocks at a pond.

He quickly ducked back down, when the crash of a bottle was heard. Followed by a string of curses that would have made a Sailor blush. And listened intently to the two men gallivanting around inside.

When one got close enough to the window, Splinter let out a *whistle.* And heard the man immediately turn toward the sound and start in his direction. He looked up as the stench of alcohol grew closer and then a head poked outside to have a look around.

Splinter leaned into the darkness and prepared to make his move. However just when he was about to spring his attack. The drunk did it for him and promptly fell out of the window.

He raised an eyebrow at the guy, who had just managed to knock himself out, without any outside assistance. And stood up to check on the other one. However this one too seemed to be a few beers short of a 6-pack. Literally.

As the man was trying desperately to get another beer from the box. But couldn't seem to keep a hold of the bottles. Resulting in several of them now covering the floor, in various stages of mess.

Calmly Splinter slipped through the window and walked up behind him. He had to hold his breath, so the smell of alcohol and other such horrible odors wouldn't knock him out. And quietly clamped his arm around the man's neck. Cutting off his airway and neutralizing any attempt he made to scream.

Splinter casually pinched the man's nose and mouth, for further effect. And maneuvered him out the door. His victim struggled and struggled. But his alcohol-impaired movements and Splinter's Ninja-hold. Rendered any attempts he at escape, virtually useless.

It only took another minute, for the man to lose consciousness and Splinter leaned him up against the wall. Then started to bind the two, so he could move them.

A couple of minutes later, he had dragged them both into the forest and returned to the place he had left April. Only to find that she was no longer there. However he had only to follow his nose for a minute and quickly located her apprehending the last one.

"What took so long?" She asked, as the man she was sitting on, struggled to free himself from his hog-tided position. Courtesy of his own belt, by the looks of it.

Splinter was about to answer, but decided against it. And carefully leaned his two captives against a large rock and turned to the only conscious one. Before rudely removing the man's gag and asked. "What are the Purple Dragons doing here?"

"I'm not telling you anything you fuc –"

Splinter quickly covered his mouth again. "Please sir. There is a lady present." He asked. But from the muffled, agitated reply he received. He didn't think he was going to get what he'd requested.

"April." He sighed dejectedly and she looked at him. "You might not wish to sit there." He suggested, nodding at the man she was still seated on. She just shrugged and got up to saunter away.

Splinter casually dug into the folds of his robe, watching the man out of the corner of his eye. As he pulled out an ordinary straight-pin. Carefully he turned the needle, inspecting it thoroughly. Being very careful not to touch the tip.

When he was sure he had the man's attention, let go of his mouth. "What's that?" The Purple Dragon asked immediately. Splinter had to struggle to keep from smiling when he heard the tremor in his voice.

"Ninja's have used needles for centuries to administer all manner of anesthetics and poisons to their enemies." Splinter explained, watching the man's eyes grow wide in terror. Nothing like the fear of some ancient Japanese death toxin to sober someone up in a hurry.

"This particular brand." Splinter continued, turning the pin slightly. "Is from a plant called Poa Pratensis. It causes Leprosy which causes bleeding of the eyes, ears and nose. Damage to the skin and if not treated." Splinter let that sink in for a minute. "It will cause your limbs to fall off."

The man suddenly started squirming even harder, trying to get away from the pin. "Now, if I may ask my question again." Splinter stated casually moving the needle closer to the man's neck. "What are the Purple Dragons doing here?"

"It's the boss." The man started desperately. "His brother runs the Slave Trade. We were going to work together to stop the resistance."

"What's his name?" Splinter asked.

"Hun." The man answered at once.

"And his brother?"

"I – I've never heard his real name. They just call him The Garbage Man."

"Where are they now?" Splinter asked.

"I – in the courtyard."

"Where are the rebels?"

"In the cell block, on the west side." The guy cried out in panic, when Splinter moved the point of the needle closer to him. To ensure he wasn't lying "That's all I know, I swear."

Splinter smiled and slipped the pin back into the seam of his robe. "Thank you." He told the man, before swiftly knocking him out.

He quickly stood back up, dusting some dirt from his knees and turned to find April leaning against a tree, with a thoughtful look on her face. After another minute she walked up to him. Her arms still crossed and her gaze turned pensively to the ground.

"Splinter?" She asked. "Leprosy doesn't cause limbs to fall off." She stated, before looking at him accusingly. "And Poa Pratensis doesn't cause Leprosy." After pausing for another minute to consider it further, she said. "In fact – Poa Pratensis doesn't cause anything. That's just the scientific name for – bluegrass."

"Oh dear." He said dramatically. "You don't think he'll be disappointed, do you?" He asked her in mock concern.

She just stared at him, like he had just declared he wanted a pony. And then burst out laughing. He couldn't help but lose his composer a little as well and joined her in a giggle or two.

After several minutes she finally caught her breath. "You're wicked." She said, then added. "I like that." After another round of laughter, she turned on her heel and lead the way back to the guardhouse. Splinter looked around at the three mobsters. Determining that they wouldn't be going anywhere, when they woke up and followed her.

…

(Donnie's: POV)

Mikey sat with his head on the back of the couch. Watching the outside world with a level of misery that was almost unheard of; for our little brother. Leo and I sat on each side of him, while Raph stood nearby.

He was obviously still struggling with his instincts to go to Casey's aid. While at the same time wanting to remain close to us. In case we required protection as well.

In the 2 hours after being told about her brother. Angel hadn't moved an inch from the window near the door. Her eyes constantly fixed on the darkness outside. Watching for any sign of Casey.

I couldn't even imagine what she was going through. Casey was a good friend and I would have personally gone to find him myself. Had I thought I could have been any help.

But to be so far from a brother. To not be able to sense him. Or even know if he was alive. That must have been the worst feeling in the world.

We all looked up when Scott opened the front door. Having gone to check on the other Mutants in the barn and inform them of the situation. I watched him look at Angel mournfully and try to say something. But he couldn't seem to find the right words.

After several failed attempts however, he finally said. "He'll be alright." Gently lying a hand on her shoulder, as if he was fearful to touch her. "Yo – Splinter. He'll find him. I've never seen him fight personally. But from what I've heard, he's about as good as they come. And your brother's a hard nut too." He added.

The ghost of a smile formed on Angel's lips. At his poor attempt at some much-needed humor. "Yeah." She agreed. I barely saw the tear fall from her eye, before she threw herself into Scott's arms and cried.

Perry, for his part, was understandably shocked. But quickly got over it and comforted the child in his arms. Soothing her as much as he could. While quietly maneuvering her over to the couch.

We all quickly moved over to make room for them. Scott smiled at us warmly. While he sat down and allowed Angel to crawled into his lap. Where she quickly curled up like a cat and continued to cry.

After giving her another minute. Mikey got up and started to gently rub circles on her back. Like we did for each other, when we were sad or hurt. She seemed to respond well to the touch and slowly started to collect herself again.

"I'm sorry." She whispered into Scott's shoulder.

"No need to be." He assured her. "I'm glad I could help. If only a little."

She quickly got up and dried her eyes, trying to hide her tears. I honestly couldn't figure out why she would want to do that. And was about to voice my question when Mikey beat me to it.

"Why do Humans wipe away their tears?" He asked innocently and the two formerly mentioned Humans looked at him in confusion.

"What do you mean?" Angel asked.

"Don't they make you feel better?" Leo asked in his place. It seemed we were all, once again, on the same page.

"I – I don't know." Angel said obviously confused.

"Why would you think that?" Scott asked curiously.

"They make us feel better." Raph responded.

"So why would you want to get rid of them?" Mikey finished. Determined to have his question answered.

Angel blinked at us, as if she had never really thought about it before. "I – I guess, because they're a sign of weakness." She finally explained. Though she didn't really sound all that confident in her answer.

"They are?" All four of us asked together. Honestly not all that willing to believe that.

"Why?" Mikey asked, like he was almost disgusted at the very thought.

"I don't know." Angel responded. "They just are."

"That's –" Mikey started.

"Stupid." Raph finished.

"Not that we think your stupid." Leo quickly added. When she gave us a look.

"It's just that." I started thinking over my words for a second. "Their made of water. And water is comforting." I added, trying to help them understand. But when they continued to look confused, I adjusted my strategy.

"It's your body's natural way for comforting itself. And they can't be stopped. Right?" I started and they blinked at me. "So why would you need to hide them? Wouldn't you rather feel them, instead of wiping them away for the sake of pride?" I finished.

Both Angel and Perry looked totally dumbstruck. "Am – I wrong?" I asked mostly out of curiosity.

"No." Scott answered after a minute. "It's just –" He started. "They're just aren't many people who think that way."

"Oh." My brothers and I said together. To us, the idea of something that had brought us hope for a future, could never have been seen as a weakness. Even Raph, who had the biggest tough-guy complex of anyone I knew. Couldn't figure out where these people had come up with such a ridiculous notion.

"Angel?" Mikey asked, several minutes of, awkward, silence later. "Why don't you have the same color fur as Casey?"

Raph, Leo and I all face-palmed at the same time.

"What?" She asked obviously totally confused. And with every right to be.

"Hair, Mikey." I corrected him. "Splinter has fur. Human's have hair."

"Why?" He asked with a fear inducing, quizzical look in his eye.

"Because during evolution, the human race no longer required body-hair to stay warm." I stated, receiving a very shocked look from Scott and Angel.

"Why?" Mikey asked again.

"Because they moved into warmer climates and developed clothes." I explained.

"Why?"

'I was beginning to hate that word.' "Because they felt like it." I answered quickly. Trying to finish the topic, before it got out of hand. And gave my other brothers a glare as they struggled not to laugh at my expense.

It was then that I realized that Angel was giggling as well. Even Scott looked like he was trying to hold back some humor. "Why?" My little brother asked again and I turned my glare to him.

My brothers and I knew, that it was just an act. Mikey knew exactly what he was doing. It was one of his tactics to make people laugh. By starting a conversation that was just so ridiculously stupid, that we couldn't help it. However I did not appreciate him dragging me alone for the ride.

"I dyed it." Angel finally answered after squishing her giggles.

"Why?" Mikey turned and asked her immediately. I suddenly felt sorry for the girl. She had no idea what manner of beast she'd just evoked.

"I like color." She answered simply.

Remarkably this actually gave Mikey pause for a minute. As he had to think up another question for her straight forward and final answer. I admit I was impressed. The girl had talent.

"Why purple?" He finally asked.

"My parents." She answered with a smile. "It's, sort of, a family tradition. On my mother's side. For a very, very long time, they saw Purple as a color of protection." She explained.

"Really?" I asked interested. My brothers looked at me in shock. It wasn't very often that something surprised me.

"Yeah." She answered. "Of course people don't really believe that anymore. Now it means all different kinds of things. Spirituality, imagination, wisdom, intelligence, Royalty."

"Cool." Mikey said, suddenly finding the conversation extremely interesting. "Do other colors have meanings too?"

"Of course." She stated. "Every color you can think of."

'Oh boy.' She was in for it now.

"What about orange or yellow or blue? O.O what about red or –" He blathered off at high speeds.

"Whoa, whoa. Hold the phone." Angel stopped him. "One at a time."

He was about to label off the first in, no doubt, a long line of colors. He wished to know that meanings of. When we heard it.

My brothers and I all looked at the window. When our sensitive ears picked up an unexpected sound. "What's the mater?" Scott asked suddenly serious. As he got up to look as well.

With his eyes still focused intently on the night. Leo stated in a whisper. "Someone's outside."

…

(Splinter:)

He and April crept close to the darkness. Keeping an eye on the few guards they spotted throughout the complex. As they circled outside the fence, looking for a building that might be identified as the; 'west side, cell block.'

"That's the only one big enough." April stated pointing at one of only three buildings, that could be considered on the west side of the pant.

Splinter had to agree. As the other two just weren't built to house people. The one was actually a cooling tower and the other wasn't big enough to be considered a garage, let alone a penitentiary.

This one however, looking like it had been some kind of storage unit, in its day. Most likely for chemical waste. It was a short, one-story complex, built of strong steel and accented with only a few windows on either end. It was built to keep stuff in. Which would have made it the perfect prison.

"I believe your right." Splinter agreed. Looking around for a way to get to the building without being detected.

Unfortunately, the large supply of light, would make that quite the conundrum. Not to mention it was also pretty well guarded. Another indicator that they indeed had the right building. As everywhere else was seriously lacking in the security department.

Thankfully, they had planed for just such a hitch. And their diversion should have been presenting itself any second – *Boom* – now.

Drunken Dragons everywhere, dropped what they were doing and high tailed it to the other side of the plant. Where great plumes of smoke rose into the air, from a guard-house, that would be short three guards. And contain a large supply of very flammable alcohol.

When the fire reached the boxes of beer. The pressurized bottles started exploding. Shooting up into the air like missiles and falling back earth in large splashes of liquid-fire.

"Great balls of fire." April whispered, slightly impressed. Before they ran out of their hiding place. Splinter jumped the fence in a bound or two.

But of course, April wasn't quite so graceful, however she made it happen. A minute later she joined him on the other side and they booked-it toward their destination.

They split up and hid on opposite sides of the main doors when they were suddenly kicked open. Intimating a large man holding a beer in each hand. "What the hell is going on out he–"

He didn't get the chance to voice the remainder of his question. As Splinter pinched the base of his neck and he dropped like a sack of potatoes. He quickly grabbed the drunk under his arms. While April checked the building for others. When she gave him the nod, he dragged the guy into the room and placed him up against the door, so it couldn't easily opened.

Looking around, they noticed that they had emerged into what appeared to be a run down security-room. Two rows of benches, severed as a waiting area. And a large security desk took up most of the back wall.

Just to the side of the main door. Set into both the north and south walls. Were two identical security doors. Made of what appeared to be bullet-proof glass, complete with a large viewing window on the side.

As Splinter studied the two doors. He realized that the hallways beyond were identical. However only one revealed any activity.

The north door, had not one, but four guards situated on the other side. Two stood near the glass door. While the other two guarded some kind of airlock further down the hall. All four were decked out in a strange garb of rubber spandex and gas-masks. And were armed with what looked to be long cattle prods.

"I think those are the Garbage-Men." April whispered and he nodded. "But why are they only guarding that side?" She asked looking curiously at the empty room behind them.

"Most likely, because there is nothing to guard on the south side." Splinter answered, carefully analyzing the situation.

These new men were not Purple Dragons. He could tell by the way they conducted themselves. Though they still retained the air of a gang, they stood more like military men. And not a single one of them was drunk.

He and April both looked toward a door on the far east side of the room. When drunken shouting and laughter rang from within. He guessed that this was where the Dragons assigned to the building were located.

Knowing that they would soon venture out to discover the whereabouts of their other member. Who was currently passed out between them. Splinter realized that they would have to take down everyone in the area. If they wanted to remain undetected.

He gave April a sign to remain there. She didn't seem very happy about the idea, but did as she was told. And he swiftly moved over to the east door.

Looking inside he found a small office. Where four Purple Dragons were currently toasting to something. However considering that their IQ was smaller than their shoe size at the moment. Nothing they said made any sense.

Splinter was really starting to wonder just what was going on that had these men so gun-ho. Figuring into the equation just who they were dealing with here. He doubted that they would like it very much.

Timing his attack perfectly. Splinter waited until they all threw back their heads to drink to their toast. Two were out cold in less than a second, as he made for the third. The fourth recovered from his drink just in time to receive a first to the face and he too fell to the ground.

April appeared when he whistled for her and together they tied up the gang members with belts and telephone wire. They quickly secured the door as well, so they couldn't get out. Then made they way back over to the glass door.

Peeking through the window, Splinter found the four Garbage-Men in the same places as before. "I'll take down the two at the far end." He explained. "Can you handle the two at this door?"

"Of course." She declared obviously eager to get this show on the road. He smiled, before swiping a key-card he had confiscated from one of the Dragons, though the security pad on the door and it beeped.

In a flash he kicked the door open and grabbed the two men's shock-sticks as they turned to asses the situation. He ripped the staffs from their hands as he charged the two near the airlock.

With an expert twill of his wrists he flipped the two poles in his hands and brought one down on each of the guards shoulders. Instantly knocking them out. In the confusion and disarm-ment. The other two were so focused on Splinter; they didn't even see April.

Which she took full advantage of. To quickly twist the arm of one and kneeled him over awkwardly, then threw him into his buddy, when he turned around to look.

They both collided with the wall and Splinter tossed her one of the rods. Which she caught one-handedly. Then gracelessly whacked them both upside the head.

After a minute they had successfully loaded them all into a supply closet on the other end of the hall and secured the door. They then gathered back at the airlock that the men had been guarding.

April looked forlornly at the old, mostly worn away, black and yellow 'Toxic' symbol panted on the door. As Splinter checked it for traps. When he was sure that they were safe, he pulled up on the securing mechanism and opened the door.

They had to cover their mouths in response to the ungodly odor. As the door swung open, revealing the large, once-storage area. It was a truly strange day indeed, when one would have preferred to see barrels of toxic waste.

Instead, thick metal cages lined the room in rows and stacked as many as four high. They were so short that the people who had stayed in them, would never have been able to stand. Yet all had undoubtedly held twenty or more, at one time, when they were clearly only built to house five.

Blood caked in places where prisoners had clawed at the bars, desperate to escape. Feces, urine and rot, covered the floors. And many vaguely body shaped forms lay decaying in corners or piled carelessly about the room.

It was hell-on-earth, if there ever was one.

Splinter tore his eyes from the scene and quickly pulled April back into the hall. Closing the door behind them, once again. He was at her side in an instant when she fell to her knees and emptied her stomach on the floor.

It took almost a whole five minutes to collect themselves enough to speak again.

"I knew it was bad." April said trembling uncontrollably. "But I didn't – I could never have imagined –" She suddenly put her hand to her mouth like she was trying to stop herself from screaming and squeezed her eyes closed.

Splinter nodded in agreement, attempting to steady himself as well. "I have seen many terrible things in my day. But this is –" He tried to find the words to describe it, but nothing seemed to fit.

"It's inhuman." April stated angrily. "They rationalize it because Mutants aren't Human. Then what the hell do they think they are?"

"I agree. No Human could do this." Splinter answered simply, then laid a hand on her shoulder. "Which is why they must be stopped." She turned to look at him, seemingly unable to speak for the moment. Then steeled herself and nodded.

He quietly handed her a thin scarf from his pocket. It wasn't much, but it would protect her from at least some of the smell. He pulled the hood of his own robe around his nose and they looked back at the door to the prison, they were forced to reenter.

"Close your eyes." He instructed. "I will lead you." She nodded and did as she was told. He took a deep breath, then slowly opened the door again and ventured back inside.

…

(Donnie's: POV)

With his eyes still focused intently on the night. Leo stated in a whisper. "Someone's outside."

"Are you sure?" Angel asked excitedly, looking out the window. Then seemed to remember something and hurried into the kitchen.

"How can you tell?" Scott requested.

"Something – broke." Mikey answered.

"Like a – stick or something." Raph finished for him.

"From which direction." Perry asked, watching the window. Trying to spot whoever it could be.

"Behind the barn." Leo answered.

"How far away? Could you tell?" Angel asked. Reappearing with some kind of device in her hands.

"100 yards." I answered quickly.

Angel suddenly looked at me in shock. "Are you sure?" She asked in a whisper and we became nervous.

Leo turned to me, while I quickly double checked my math. Dividing the speed of sound by its echo. "Yes." I answered confidently.

"Angel?" Scott started, looking at her in concern.

"Lock the door. Turn out the lights." She suddenly ordered. While hurrying to shut the window blinds.

Scott did as he was told, before grabbing a hokey stick and stood by the front door. "What's going on?" He requested.

"There's an early warning system 100 yards from here. In all directions." She explained. "It should have gone off."

"Are you sure one of your friends didn't deactivate it?" Scott asked.

"It can't be deactivated." She said locating an aluminum bat. "Anyone in the resistance has a box, that sends out a special signal to indicate it's them." She explained.

We were well aware of this ourselves. Which was why we had reacted to the sound in the first place. Since we were usually warned when someone was coming, it didn't make any sense for there to suddenly be someone out there.

"What about the others?" Mikey asked looking nervously in the barn's direction. Just before we heard the sound of breaking glass from somewhere outside. Quickly Angel started herding us toward the kitchen.

"I sent a message to hide. They should have had enough time to get underground." She explained before opening the door to the basement. My brothers and I really didn't want to go down there. It was small and cold and it had no light. But we followed anyway.

"What about the ones upstairs?" Scott asked, pausing in the act of closing the door behind us.

"There's a safely room on each level." Angel stated. "The doctors know what to do." Scott nodded in understanding as he closed the door and we all gathered down stairs. Angel led us around to the back of the staircase, to a small utility room. Where she quickly pulled down on a seemingly random hook, among many that were set into the inside wall. And suddenly the whole wall swung open.

"Everyone in." She ordered and we complied. "Mr. Perry. There should be flashlights in the box." She instructed and he quickly bolted to a corner were an assortment of objects, weapons and supplies were gathered and located the object of his mission.

Hurriedly initiating the light, he pointed it toward Angel and she immediately closed the wall. Which on this side, looked like the door of a bank vault. A minute later she located and turned-on a bright, battery-powered lamp. And started searching though the box for something.

"Do you know how to use this?" Angel whispered to Perry. Holding out a gun.

He took a deep breath before answering. "Unfortunately. Yes." He said and took the weapon and quickly loaded it. "Do you?" He asked, watching Angel sadly. As she did the same with her own.

"My brother taught me how to shoot. But I've never – had to before." She admitted.

"Let's hope it will stay that way." He whispered to her and gently laid a hand on her trembling ones. Steadying her fear slightly.

"So this is where it was." I stated suddenly, absent-mindedly investigating the space and everyone looked at me. "I noticed before that the house wasn't proportional." I explained. "There was a space missing in the middle."

Angel paused before answering "Yeah. It's a safe-room, these walls are solid steel and more than a foot thick." She explained. "Even bullets can't get through."

Scott was about to ask a question, when something pounded loudly against the front door, up stairs. My brothers and I quickly gathered in the corner farthest from the swinging wall. And huddled together protectively. Scott wasted no time, turning off the lamp and maneuvered Angel over as well.

A second later we all jumped when another bang rocked the house. Then something hit the floor above us. Presumably the front door, as it was knocked off its hinges. Then we heard multiple people meandering through the house.

Some could be heard climbing the main staircase and banging around in the upper levels. I couldn't help looking at the ceiling as the ones on the main floor, made a ruckus throwing furniture and such around the kitchen.

We all jumped again when another bang rocked the house and realized that something had been thrown against the door to the basement. The solid metal door took a lot more abuse then the front door had. But eventually it too fell and banged its way down the stairs.

Scott and Angel both readied their weapons as our pursuers thumped after it. The sounds of several men banging around in the storage compartment, filtered into the safe-room. Then we heard some of them gather outside the wall.

"This is it." One of them whispered, so quietly that I doubted Angel and Scott could have heard him.

However my brothers and I could. And something about what they were doing had us on edge. This was supposed to be a safety room, yet they knew exactly where to find it. Who's to say they didn't know how to get in too.

Just when that thought crossed my mind, the wall tried to swing open again. Thankfully the wheel lock of the vault, held it in place. But that didn't stop them from trying again a second later.

I heard someone curse. Then several people whispering about something. However when most of them started to quickly move away from the door. I became worried. And from the last thing they said, it seemed I had good reason to be.

"Fire in the hole!"

…

(Splinter:)

It seemed to take hours to navigate the prison, though in reality it was only a few minutes. Splinter stayed focused on his mission to find another exit. Willing himself to ignore the sights and smells around him.

April did as she was told and kept her eyes closed the entire time. Trusting him to lead her to their friends.

"There isn't anyone here." She stated more than questioned. A few minutes later.

"No." He had observed this as well. It was one of the only good things he could say about the place.

"Not that I'm complaining." She added. "But I have to wonder why."

"Perhaps this is why Casey and his rebels were targeted so forcefully." Splinter deduced.

"They've been upsetting the market quite a bit." April agreed. "But they don't have the man-power to shut down the entire operation."

"You never know. Sometimes all it takes is the right person." Splinter corrected. However he couldn't really tell if he was saying it out of true belief or wishful thinking. An eternity later, he finally located a promising door. Another airlock. Unfortunately there was still no window, so he couldn't tell what was inside. And without his sense of smell, he found that he was rather disoriented. But thankfully his hearing was still as sharp as ever.

He leaned up to the door. Pressing his ear as close to the metal as he could manage. Then held his breath and listened.

Even through the thick airlock, he could still hear a slight buzz of electricity. Most likely from one of the Garbage-Men's electric rods. He carefully placed his other hand on April's arm, assuring her that he was still right there. Then quickly turned the lever and kicked open the door.

It slammed into one of the guards so hard, he was flattened to the wall, like a cartoon character. Splinter quickly grabbed the other's staff, when the man charged him. Cautiously holding it away from his body and threw a shuriken down the hall at the remaining two.

The throwing star hit home, directly in the center of one's shock-stick. Causing the thing to overload and explode in their faces. Quickly he yanked the pole from his last opponent's hands and stuck the pronged end into his stomach.

The electricity jolted the man so violently, he couldn't even scream. And instead just fell to the ground in a twitching mess. Horrified by the brutality of the weapon, Splinter quickly threw the staff away and kneeled down to knock the guy out. Relieving him of his suffering.

He immediately checked for other threats. As April maneuvered into the room. Quickly closing the airlock behind her and turned to assess the situation.

Together they tied and stuffed the guards into a supply closet. But Splinter couldn't help noticing the deja-vu and turned to the other end of the hall. Where he found another glass security door. Just like before.

Quickly making his way to the door. He looked through the window and discovered another security room and waiting area. Much like the one they had just left. Only backwards.

"Splinter." April said suddenly and he turned to find her quietly prying a plaque from the wall and held it up for him to see.

It turned out to be a map. Which relieved that the whole place was virtually symmetrical. The; 'You Are Here,' dot told them that they were currently at the East main door. Which meant that they had inevitably crossed the entire building.

"Maybe – they're in the other block." April suggested pointing to a place on the map labeled, 'Storage Area 1.' Apparently the one they just passed through was, 'Storage Area 2.'

"No." Splinter answered, sniffing the air. He could clearly smell that the rebels had been through here. "They were brought this way." He explained.

"But they weren't in there." April stated looking nervously back at the airlock to the prison room.

"No, but maybe they were taken through there." Splinter explained studying the map again. And pointed at a place in the middle of the farthest north wall.

"An elevator?" She asked looking at the picture again. "Why would there be an elevator? There's only one floor –" She quickly put the pieces together and looked at the ground.

"Of course." She stated, slightly annoyed. "The safest place to store toxic waste has always been underground." She sighed, before commenting mostly to herself. "I really wish we would have thought of that before."

"At least now we know they have been here." Splinter proclaimed and sniffed the air again, just to be sure they were on the right track. Unfortunately, he was still confident that their friends had been taken into the prison.

Reluctantly he gave April the nod, that they would have to go back inside. She took a deep breath and sighed, before wrapping the scarf around her face again. Splinter quickly did the same and looked down when he felt her grab onto his arm.

He nodded again and she closed her eyes. He rubbed his hand over hers reassuringly. Then reached out to turn the airlock lever again and lead them back into hell.

…

(Donnie's: POV)

"Fire in the hole!"

Survival instinct kicked in and Raph and Leo were on their feet so suddenly that Angel and Scott jumped. I was close behind and started searching the little room over of anything we could use as a shield.

My eyes quickly landed on the large metal table along the back wall. It seemed to be made of the same metal as the one from the kitchen. Which I had studied once before and could easily guess, had endured a great deal of punishment. From its many dents and scorch marks.

If this table was anything like its twin. We had ourselves a barricade.

I bolted for the far end and started trying to pull it onto its side. My brothers immediately read my mind and took up positions as well. The thing must have been made of solid iron. Cause it was ridiculously heavy. But Raph had it on its side in 3 seconds flat, when he suddenly pushed from underneath.

I quickly had him and Leo help me position the table for future convenience. While Mikey herded Angel and Scott over, to take cover. They had obviously figured that we had everything under control. As they no longer tried to ask questions.

Leo ordered us behind the table, when we heard the charge detonate. Instead of wasting time going around. We just jumped over the side.

I forced Mikey as close to the ground as I could. Shielding him with my own body. As our world exploded.

The vault door was blow right off its hinges and crashed into the table. But our shelter did its job and the metal door flipped up to lean against the wall behind us. Further sheltering us from the blast. Just as I had planed.

Debris, brick and fire was everywhere in less than a second. Then just as quickly as it had started. Everything stopped. Leaving our ears ringing and a large cloud of smoke hanging in the air.

Scott started to get up. No doubt to attempt to shoot anyone that tried to enter. But my brothers and I had heard our pursuers returning. So Leo quickly tripped him up and he fell on his face. Just as the goons with the guns opened-fire.

The tiny space was deafened, as machine-gun bullets ripped away at anything not protected by our fortress. Which unfortunately for some poor saps on the other team. Included them. As the bullets ricocheted off the many metal surfaces in our room and hit them instead.

"Hold your fire!" One of them ordered, when he realized this problem as well. "Hold Your fire!" He yelled again, when he was ignored the first time. The guns finally stopped and all was quite of a second.

I had hoped that they would think we were dead and just leave. However we had no such luck. As we clearly heard the sounds of men walking into the room.

Knowing that they could only come in one or two at a time. I quickly tapped Scott on the shoulder and pointed to his gun, then to the end of the table. Thankfully he understood this as his Q to retaliate.

He ducked down at the end of the table and shoot at the first man to come into sight. He received another burst of machine-gun fire for his actions. However it quickly ended when the person who had fired dropped like a rock, as he was hit with his own bullets.

"Hold your f***ing fire." The leader ordered again, in an annoyed tone of voice. We heard the men start to move around the room again. Looking for another way to get to us. But we were too well covered.

With a wall on one end and the vault door over the top. The only way they could even see us was to stick their nose into Scott's gun-guarded, trigger happy end. However that was also our only means of escape as well.

We all ducked down again. When Scott opened-fire on a mob member stupid enough to come into view. Then suddenly the men retreated.

Leo quickly got up to peek through a crack between the table and the door and I saw his eyes go wide. We knew immediately what was happening and my brothers and I were already on our feet when he yelled. "Move." The force of his voice was so commanding that even Scott and Angel obeyed without question.

We shot out from under the table and bolted for the door, as a grenade hit the wall near the exit of our shelter. We'd just managed to round the doorway to safety, when the bomb went off.

The chaos didn't last very long. But we were able to use the confusion to our advantage. And attacked the gang members that had crouched down in the storage area waiting for us.

Leo was quick to knock away any gun he saw in their hands, while Raph barreled into them like a steamroller. Mikey and I quickly took down any that they missed. And I realized with a level of shock. That the moves Splinter had been teaching us to do in slow motion, came naturally now. Not to mention they devastated our opponents.

When we heard Angel shout back to us, declaring that the stairs were clear. Leo immediately called it and ordered us from the basement. We used our smaller size and superior flexibility to leap over the goons and onto the staircase, where we took them two at a time to the top.

Scott waited until all of us were accounted for. Before herding us into the living room and from there to the front door. However we didn't make it.

A shot suddenly rang out behind us and Scott fell to his knees, clutching a bullet wound on his left shoulder. We looked up to find another thug standing on the staircase aiming a gun at us.

Then more filtered through the collapsed front door. Raph and Leo immediately started to take them out, leveling one after another. Mikey and I started to fight back as well. When the goons from the basement, suddenly appeared at the top of the stairs again and blocked our only remaining exit.

Though we knew what a gun could do and what it was capable of. We were still too young to fully comprehend how dangerous they were. So we didn't even hesitate when the gang members leveled every one they had at us.

Thankfully Angel and Scott tackled us to the ground. And bullets flew over our heads, missing us by inches. Given our current situation, I really couldn't tell if we were lucky or cursed.

My brothers and I quickly gathered together again, trying to assess the situation and find our next opening. However the gang had quickly surrounded us from all sides. Unfortunately for them though. Raph didn't have a good impersonation of helplessness. And before Leo could stop him, he flew at the wall of enemies in front of him. Quickly taking down one after another.

We tried to go to his aid, but the mob was having none of that. And quickly brought us all to the ground. Where they pressed the barrels of their guns to the backs of our heads and forced our hands behind our backs.

Raph fought well, but they eventually over-powered him and he too was forced to the floor. He struggled to get up and continue the fight. But there were just too many of them.

"This one's quite the fighter." One gang member snickered, as he cruelly rubbed my brother's face into the floor. "Maybe we should put him in the ring."

Just then Raph managed to free his head and bit down on the man's hand with all his might. The mob man yelled and punched at Raph's jaw. Quickly severing his hold.

When the man stood up, I thought he would kick him in retaliation. But my heart stopped when I realized that wasn't the case. As the guy just pulled a gun from his pocket and aimed at Raph. "No!" I screamed, but my voice was drowned out when the gun went off.

…

(Splinter:)

Several minutes later and this time using the map as their guide. Splinter was finally able to locate the large service-elevator on the north wall. It currently wasn't present. But he hadn't planed on using it anyway.

If given the choice he would much rather take the stairs. As an elevator kind of defeated the point of stealth. And after one more look at the map, he quickly located the 'emergency door' to the left.

It was another airlock. But with none of the security features of the other two. And thankfully it also had a window, so he was able to check for guards. When none presented themselves, he carefully and quietly opened the door and led April into the stairwell.

"You may open your eyes now." He assured her, as he closed the door again.

She collected her bearings quickly and studied the other door across from them, that most likely led outside. Then turned to look cautiously at the stairs. "The basement of Hell." She stated with a hitch. "Can't imagine that's going to be pleasant."

"You may remain here if you like." Splinter offered.

She seemed to seriously consider that proposal for a minute, before shaking her head. "No. I want to help." Splinter nodded. Saying nothing more, as a way to ensure that the offer remain open. Then led the way down the old, concrete steps.

When they reached the bottom. He steeled himself shortly, before looking through the window. He was rather surprised, yet relieved to find that the room wasn't filled cages. However it did contain a great quantity of large metal barrels, marked with red and yellow toxic labels. There were also several Garbage-Men stationed about the room. Guarding what appeared to be, 'extremely high security airlock doors.'

Splinter casually leaned back to consider what he'd seen. As April watched him.

"What is it?" She asked after a minute.

"There are barrels of toxic waste." He stated. "Many barrels."

Curious, she got up to look as well. And like him became slightly confused. "They were supposed to removed all the nuclear waste." She declared. Looking back at him.

"Not this kind." Splinter corrected her. "It's left in specially designed rooms, to degrade. But that was in another age." He added. "The ones who left it here, likely never considered that someone would be stupid enough to use this building for anything else."

April scoffed humorlessly, as Splinter sat back up to study one of the barrels closest to the door. Searching for protective integrity. "I think they're still sealed." He explained. "We should be safe. But they should have been stored under much higher precautions."

"Like in there?" April asked pointing at one of four large security doors around the room. That likely led to some kind of; 'severe radiation lock-down.'

"Yes." Splinter answered simply, looking around the room again. It seemed that the area had been designed to hold the barrels for a great deal of time. However someone had interrupted that process and removed them from their storage units.

"But why would they take them out?" April voiced his question out-loud. "They have to know how dangerous they are."

"My guess." Splinter started looking back at one of the doors. "Is they were making room for something else."

April looked at him for a second, before putting the pieces together herself. "Casey?" She asked horrified. Splinter just nodded. "We have to get them out of there." April panicked. "Their going to get sick."

"We will." Splinter assured her, as he quickly counted the guards in the other room. With 2 standing by each door and several more meandering about. It would be tricky to get them all. Not to mention, with a whole room of radiation to worry about, they would have to be extremely careful.

It was then that his gaze rose to the ceiling and he noticed several pipes stretching across the room. Unfortunately with the men wearing protective masks, traditional gas wouldn't do a lot of good. And electricity too was out of the question, for fear of damaging the barrels. But then his eyes fell on a clearly labeled pipe, that was large enough and most likely full enough to suit his needs.

But the question was, how to get to it without being seen? He almost didn't dare use smoke. What if one of them opened fire anyway and hit a barrel?

However taking out the lights would likely not cause such an overreaction. In a complex as old as this one. The electricity probably fluctuated terribly and power outages were likely very common. He could easily fake a short-circuit and they would be none the wiser.

Splinter quickly informed April of his plan. As he unwound a fire-hose from its wheel on the wall and detached it from the pipe. Throwing the hose over his shoulder. He instructed her to close the door immediately after he left. To insure that she wasn't caught in the attack.

Quietly he unsecured the latch and pushed it open, ever so slightly. Luckily there weren't any guards, so he wasn't noticed. It seemed that these idiots, had more or less forgotten about the emergency doors. He wished he had known of their complete stupidity earlier. It would have made their lives much easier.

He mapped out the room and located his objectives. Then carefully pulled a shuriken from his robe and let it fly. Embedding it in one of the main lights.

The north half of the room was immediately plunged into darkness. And his window of opportunity presented itself, when the guards all instinctively looked at it.

He dodged out of the door and flew toward the elevator. Where he quickly wound one end of the hose, around the security bar of the lift. Then used the surrounding cage, to climb to the ceiling. In 30 seconds or less, he was once again out of sight.

Then, swiftly and silently, he made his way to the large pipe he had spotted before and attempted to locate a proper place to initiate his plan. He ended up over the middle of the room. Where the pipe, jutted off into several directions.

He observed the Garbage-Men momentarily, as they meandered about without a clue. Trying to figure out what was wrong with the light. He then carefully tied the other end of the hose around the pipe. Making sure to leave very little slack and taking precautions to wrap it at several different angles, so it would catch once pulled.

When he was satisfied with his work. He quickly made his way to a safe location and checked the emergency door once more. Ensuring that April was safe. He then pulled out another shuriken and aimed carefully at the control panel of the elevator.

When the blade hit home the lift immediately started up. Splinter watched as the hose stretched then caught. Then started ripping the pipe out of the ceiling.

Before the Garbage-Men could even figure out what was happening. Liquid Nitrogen gushed from the pipe, in a huge cloud of white mist. Covering everything in the room. It took a good 5 minutes for the pipe to empty. But Splinter waited patiently for the cloud of super cooled gas to die away.

He had taken notice of the pipe earlier and had determined that it was likely a precaution of some kind. To help manage the dangerous chemicals in the room. Which meant that it wouldn't harm the barrels. And as long as they continued to wear their protective suits, it probably wouldn't hurt the guards ether.

When he was sure it was safe, Splinter jumped back down to the floor and smiled at the winter wonder land. Complete with Garbage-Man shaped; ice sculptures. Then quickly made his way back to the emergency door.

He knocked twice to ensure April knew that it was only him. It took a little more oomph than usual, as it was frozen solid. But he eventually got it open enough for her to slip through.

"Wow." She declared impressed. Then seemed to suddenly remember their mission and bolted for one of the security doors.

Splinter started chipping away at the control panel with a kunai. While April apprehended a key-card from one of its frozen guards. When the door was mostly free of ice, she swiped the card and it beeped immediately. The force of it trying to open dislodged any other ice around the hinges and they were able to grab the edge and pull it the rest of the way.

April gasped when they looked inside and flew into the room. Where she immediately start checking on the people scattered around the space. "Is everyone okay?" She asked, while they all just looked at her like she was an angel from heaven. Of course to them, she probably was.

"April?" One asked and Splinter realized that it was Casey's doctor, Nathan. The poor man looked positively terrible. He was pale and sickly and sporting so many bruises, his skin looked more like a painting of grapes then flesh.

"It's okay. We're going to get you out of here." April assured him.

Her voice seemed to bring him out of his daze and he was suddenly in a panic. "No." He ordered unexpectedly and she looked at him in shock. "The Garbage-Men. They're planning something. Something bad." He stated and April gently laid her hand on his shoulder, trying to steady him.

"What are they planning?" Splinter asked, kneeling down next to his friend.

"The toxic waste." He said looking toward the main room.

"What about it?" April asked, suddenly extremely nervous.

"Their going to dump it into the river."

April tensed when Nathan said this. "What?" She whispered unable to believe her ears. "Wh–" She started. "Why would they do that?"

"There are a lot of Mutant settlements in the area. This river feeds them all." Nathan explained. "Without water the Mutants will have to come inland. Right into the waiting hands of the Garbage-Men."

"They don't care how many innocent people they'll kill in the process." Another rebel backed him up.

"But they're so set on destroying the settlements. They don't see what they'll be doing." Nathan continued. "They've been forcing us to dig a hole into the river. But once the water breaks through, nothing will stop it from washing the nuclear waste straight into the ocean."

"Oh my god." Splinter stated, realizing where this was going.

"That much radiation would kill everything in the sea. Including the plants." Nathan added. "Which produce 50 to 85 percent of the world's oxygen." He explained. "If we don't stop them. The world will suffocate within a year."

---

OK I think I've cornered the market on Cliff-Hangers here… *Evil Grin*

R&R

(Tell me if it was worth the wait. ^-^)