Author's Note: Happy New Year! I hope you all had great holidays! I apologize for the delay, the swing of the holidays and fighting a nasty cold my updating got a bit behind. I'm hoping to squeeze in another update before the new semester starts! I hope you enjoy the chapter! Please feel free to review or message me with your thoughts, questions, or comments! I recently started a light one-shot series as well, The Extravaganza, if you would like to check it out! As always, thank you all for everything! Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Quote (1) by Franz Kafka. Song Quote from, "Safe & Sound" by Taylor Swift ft. Civil Wars.

...

A Turtle And His Sisyphus

...

"Come morning light, you and I'll be safe and sound."

...

/././././././././././././

It was beginning to rain now. Mikey wondered how he didn't even hear the thunder over his own breathing. Now as the rain began to pour down, he shivered. It wasn't supposed to rain.

"Looks like we're gonna tango, huh?"

John Bishop was fast; faster than Mikey remembered him being—quick enough to gracefully slide across the ledge and leap in the air to strike at him. Bishop had always underestimated him anyway. Mikey smirked. Bishop underestimated him for far too long. Time to show him what happens when he goes against a Battle Nexus Champion.

Bishop blade's expanded. Something Mikey didn't plan for as he quickly tried to dodge out of its reach. Mikey hissed as he felt the blade slice his arm. Although it looked like nothing more than a paper cut, Bishop's twisted smile said other wise.

"Neurotoxins are quite painful, as you will soon find out."

Crap, he laced the blade. I should have guessed that. It's not like I'm already drugged up, let's just add it on then! Rolling his eyes, Mikey couldn't help but feel the irony that is his young life. Turtle luck true to form, right Raph? Hope he has better luck than I- CRAP!

Splinter always did say distractions were Mikey's greatest downfall. He almost was happy that his father couldn't see this now—once again his distraction got him hurt. If he was paying attention, he would have missed the blade. If he helped Don faster, he wouldn't be hurt right now.

Wait- Don! Bishop's throwing stars, were those laced? Oh no-!

"Useless. Completely incapable."

It was a new voice. Not Bishop's, nor his father's. It was familiar, it felt closer to him. Mikey couldn't help but slightly turn toward the voice. Donnie?

"Just go with him, it's not like we need you anymore."

"—Mikey!" Donnie exclaimed, trying to stand back on his feet. "Move!"

Hallucinations, again? Was that real? Or not? No, Donnie's right here and so is- oh, crap!

"This ends now." Bishop jumped midair when he gripped his own sword, ready to swing right down again. Mikey quickstepped, further away from Don, wrapping his kurisigama around Bishop's ankle—sending him right down. Bishop recovered quickly, ready to pull the chain right back again. Not again, ass-hat!

Stepping his foot right down on the chain, he gripped his weapon tightly while using his other hand to toss a duel throwing star right at him. Bishop was able to defend himself against one, but the other stuck him right on his collarbone. Not exactly what I was aiming for, but close enough!

"You pathetic runt! Enough of this!" Bishop hissed, ripping the star right off. He was reaching to the device on his wrist again. Mikey gasped, he couldn't let Bishop access that headache-making device. He might as well be done for at that point.

"Just let him. It's not like I'd care."

Shut up, hallucination Don. I'm stronger than this. You'll see.

I got this! Swiping his throwing star right at the device, he held his breath as it headed straight to Bishop. Suddenly, the star struck the device, imploding itself with electrical statics flashing through. Mikey could bet underneath those dark shades, Bishop's eyes were wide as he watched his plan be foiled. Now was Mikey's chance, smiling as he threw another star right at Bishop's hand. Still lying on his back, he released his grip on the chain to defend himself against the star. Mikey's smile grew wider, this was getting too easy. Recoiling back his chain, Mikey jumped right on top of Bishop, gripping the blade of his weapon right on Bishop's neck.

Bishop merely snickered, his head tilting from the blade back to Mikey. "Go on, do it."

Mikey hesitated. Sure he's hurt a good few dragons and Foot ninja pretty good—after all the nun-chucks really couldn't do too much. Suddenly, Mikey could feel his vision begin to blurry. That stupid toxin! Crap, geez this is just not my week. "I-I'm not like you, dude."

"Your mistake." Bishop kicked the turtle off of him. Mikey flew back, his shell hitting the concrete hard. "Fool. Your resistance is futile. Enough of this."

"Hey!" Donnie quickly swung his bo right at Bishop, hoping the distraction would be enough for his brother. "Mikey, get out of here!"

"You just don't know when do quit do you?" Bishop chuckled darkly. "I'll remind you of your place."

/./././././././././././

"Your brothers missed you, Leonardo." Splinter spoke softly, carefully sipping his tea. His eyes never left his eldest, watching him stiffen his posture. "Your absence weighed on us all deeply."

"As did I." I hung my head. "I…I am sorry, Father. What happened with Raphael, I should have-."

"That is behind us now," Splinter said. "I want to remain focused on the future, our future. When you left us, I did not know how long you would be gone. When you stopped writing, Michelangelo was disheartened about your return—we all were-."

"Father," I choked. I couldn't hear it out loud; I already knew what he did, why I stopped writing. I wasn't better; I couldn't go back home a failure. I didn't want to hear what my brothers did because of it. I didn't want to think of Raphael's insults spitting out, Donatello's disappointed frown, and Michelangelo's broken smile reassuring the hope. I couldn't begin to face that.

"I know you, Leonardo." Recognizing my distress, Splinter offered a small smile. "I am very well aware of why you stopped writing. What you were probably thinking and doing out there. I felt your spirit, I believed in your return. But, your brothers had more trouble than I. That is why I wish to speak to you."

"I…I'm afraid I don't know what you're talking about."

"When you became the leader, Leonardo, you took more than the burden of your team—but your family. As I am the only living successor of the Hamato clan left, and you four my sons, once my time has end, you will take my place as head of the family. When you left, our home was in chaos so to speak. Without your presence, each of your brothers struggled without you. I waited, I watched. Donatello stepped up, began taking care of the home and watching over us all. That is why, I have decided, that Donatello be your successor. If anything happens to Donatello, then Raphael will be his successor, following Michelangelo. My decision was not based on 'skill', but of who I feel can carry this weight. Raphael is strong, brave, and very skilled. He needs to believe, having a strong figure to follow. That is why he fell so deep without you, Leonardo. Donatello, he has taken many burdens himself—he began working, looking after us, and keeping us together. I believe all four of you can become your own leaders, and each of you have in your own grown into that. Donatello has done very well, and I believe he can learn a lot from you. You do not need to be concerned about your brothers. Raphael agreed with my decision, and was supportive just as Michelangelo was."

I let my father's words sink in.

Donatello, being my successor. Then Raph. Then Mikey.

To be honest, it terrified me at first. Not that I don't think any of my brothers would be capable to do it—but thinking about any of them carrying the same burden that I do everyday. Despite us butting heads as kids, I knew Raphael never truly wanted to be the leader. He rather me make the calls and argue with me about it then fully to it himself. Donnie, he usually is the one who helps me plan. I wasn't surprised of Splinter's decision, regardless of the 'age' differences by allowing Donnie to precede Raph.

I've never thought about my own death, and what were to happen after. As long as it was myself before my family, that was all that mattered. Like Splinter, I guess we too must all think and come to the point in our lives where we need to consider our own ends.

I believe in Donnie, just as I do with Raph and Mikey.

As for myself…I will do what it takes to protect my family. Always.

/./././././././././././

It wasn't supposed to rain.

Leonardo shook off the rain that began pouring down his face as he continued racing across the rooftops. It shouldn't have been this way; there should have been a plan. I never should have had Mikey away from me. He should have come with me instead of Casey, Don would have been safe—he wouldn't be hurt right now.

Leonardo never wished this burden on any of his brothers—and prayed they would never know of it. When Splinter made him leader, he knew the responsibilities that would come with it. Sometimes, it's moments like these that he wonders if it was even worth it. All the fights with Raphael—for years, all those terrible insulting and painful fights. After all, The Nightwatcher would have never existed if it weren't for himself. Donatello—his unspoken second in-command, the level-headed one. The amount of guilt and blame his younger brother faces is a burden that Don should never have to face, it was supposed to be Leo's job. And Michelangelo, the heart of the team. Perhaps, if he hardened his youngest brother, none of this would be happening.

Leonardo thought back to their showdown with the Shredder, Karai's inflicted stab wound, the base exploding—how in just an instant, his split second decisions, would have lead them all to death. Although he healed, physically and mentally, Leonardo wouldn't dare speak of it. As much as it still haunts him.

It is my responsibility. My brothers, my family—how could I let this completely fall apart? All these mistakes were elementary, lessons already learned.

"Leo!" Casey's voice broke through his thoughts. Panting, Casey struggled to keep up with Leo. "April is driving the van closer to where the others are! She also called Leatherhead for backup, he's on his way to us!"

"Good," Leo halted in his tacks, sliding slightly from the water. Turning back to Casey, Leonardo said, "Casey, go back to Splinter and April and then give Leatherhead my location."

"Hold on, you have to be joking or something if you think I'm going to let you go at this alone. Are you serious, Leo?!" Casey exclaimed, throwing his hands up in the air. "Don and Mikey are-!"

"I know!" Leo cried, fiercely. "But if Bishop knows you're with me, then he'll know the others are here. Or worse, that Raphael is somewhere else. Wait for him, I'll get Don and Mikey out of here-."

"By yourself? Really?" Casey antagonized, mockingly. Leo knew Casey was only frustrated, but it still hurt. "Come on, Leo! Hear yourself! Don's hurt, and Mikey is under some freakin' drugs and Raph is freakin' who knows where-! You expect to take on Bishop, alone?"

"You said it yourself," Leonardo snapped, defensively. "Leatherhead is on his way. What if Bishop sees the van and goes after Sensei and April? They are at risk, and you're the only one who can protect them and get them out of there. If things go south, get them out of here. Find Raphael and go back to the lair—I'll catch up."

Casey sighed, shaking his head. "Fine. Geez, you're worse than Raph sometimes."

"Sometimes," Leonardo smiled slightly. "Now, go!"

Leonardo dashed from building to building, watching as his brothers fight against Bishop. Mikey was leaning against a concrete wall, sliding against the wall to get back up again. Donnie was ruthlessly fighting; fresh cuts and bruises beginning to form. With a final kick, Donnie flew back and collapsed. "Don!"

Bishop will pay for this. Once and for all.

/././././././././././././

You know, I would say this is turtle-luck-true-to-form. But, considering how my week has been going—I think I'm cursed. Seriously.

Mikey felt like his head was expanding, his stomach was twisting and turning, he could barely even stand without feeling like he could fall right back down. He could make out his brother's silhouette, watching him get beaten over and over by Bishop. Donnie's in trouble, come on! I have to get up.

'Don't. You can't. You're weak. You always were.'

It was his own voice, except it wasn't him. It was him, but the voice was darker. No! I have to get to Don-!

"Bishop!" Leonardo appeared across the building, rushing towards Donnie he began attacking Bishop. Pushing Donnie out of the way, Leonardo clashed his sword with Bishop's weapon. "Get away from them!"

Bishop's blade sliced Leonardo's leg before he could quickly retreat from the attack. Bishop smirked. "Soon, you and your little family will perish. The nerve toxins within my blade will continue your suffering. Let me end it swiftly for you."

"Not a chance, Bishop." Leonardo continued his strike, continuously attacking. He refuses to falter to Bishop. Leonardo could feel the affects kicking in, he knew he didn't have much time.

Michelangelo worriedly glanced over at Donnie, who was still lying on the ground. Crawling over to Donnie, Mikey could feel himself slowly slipping.

"Ah, Leonardo. Tell me, where is your other brother—Raphael? It's a shame, truly, he will not get a chance to say goodbye to your brothers. Don't worry, I'll deliver the message personally!" Bishop smirked as Leonardo leaped for another strike, and with a clear and fast slice—Leonardo's pained scream echoed as he collapsed down.

"LEO! NO!" Picking his head up, his heart clenched as he saw blood—a lot of blood near Leo. Unable to see his brother's injury, Mikey began to panic. He swallowed hard. This was it for him. After everything, it could be possible that the last thing he'll ever see is his own brothers falling in front of him. He couldn't fight back the tears as he watched as Leonardo slowed his pace, as Donnie struggled to pick his head back up. All this because of me. Bishop may have got what he wanted with me, but I won't let him hurt my family. Leonardo's katana. Crawling closer to the weapon, he picked up his brother's sword, hiding it behind him.

"Pitiful, truly. The rat should have taught you better." Bishop stepped over Leonardo, treading closer to Michelangelo. Tightly grabbing the turtle by his throat, he tightly squeezed as he lifted him up. "I have to say, your resilience has been quite challenging. The drug, the nerve toxin, and you're still alive and breathing—perhaps I was wrong about you. No matter, once your under my control you won't feel a thing."

Gripping his fallen brother's katana, Mikey suddenly swung the weapon impaling the weapon right at Bishop's side. Mikey fought a smile in-between gasps of air, "Screw you, asshole."

Bishop looked down at the blade, he chuckled as he reached for the weapon with his other hand—pulling out the weapon. "Impressive. Perhaps, I underestimated you. Nonetheless, your use will be valuable."

Michelangelo frantically fought against his grip. Bishop reached in his pocket for the syringe. He watched as his eyes widened, desperately fighting even more. "Oh, don't worry. This won't hurt. Even if you overdose, your body will still be useful to me."

"Stop! Please!" It was Donatello's frantic cry that caught Bishop off guard. Bishop was impressed, to say the least. Even with the amount of physical damage against him, he was still conscious. Such a desperate cry, filled with agony. The way his iris changed color, how pale his skin looked—Such a distinct physical reaction to pain, it's simply stunning. Donatello picked his head up off the ground. If it weren't for his mask, his bloody face would have made him unrecognizable.

"Truly, such a pity." Bishop sighed. "Your resistance was admirable. I should have left you in that savage state, you would have been proven useful to me. Now," Shifting his attention back to Michelangelo, he raised his syringe.

"LET HIM GO!" This time, it was the leader's voice. Loud, booming, and powerful. "TAKE ME. ISN'T THAT WHAT YOU WANTED?"

Another smile stretched across Bishop's face. Even nearly amputated, the turtle had such a power to his voice. Violently trembling, Leonardo grew paler and paler. Using his only good hand to hold the other, Leonardo failingly fought to rise on his knees—stumbling back down to the ground each time.

Leonardo's eyes locked with Michelangelo's. Mikey's eyes grew watery as he fought for air, mouthing to Leo, 'I'm sorry'.

Smiling sinisterly, Bishop stabbed the needle deep into his subject's skin. "Our deliverance is death, but not this one" (1).

/./././././././././././

"Nightwatcher, take this. You'll know what to do."

I hope I can live with it. Raphael nodded. Carefully taking the syringe, placing it securely in one of his suit's sealed compartments.

Goldburg held a sinister grin as he handed Raphael a syringe. "Nightwatcher, here is the drug administration. Once Raphael receives the first dosage, report your progress so we can prepare for the second dosage."

The last thing I want is this douchebag following me. I can't let that happen.

"I work for Karai, not you." Raphael said, turning back to Karai. Never thought I'd say that out loud. "If you want me, you talk to her. Got it?"

Goldburg was taken back at Raphael's bluntness. "I see. Well, I look forward to seeing your performance, hm?" Turning back to Karai, he began walking towards the door at the end of the room. "Mistress, if you like we can continue our discussion."

"Of course," Karai nodded at Raphael, "Nightwatcher, you are dismissed."

Raphael didn't miss a beat. Quickly seizing the opportunity he began dashing up the narrow flight of stairs and through the crowds toward the exit. Raphael took a deep breath of the cold, fresh air. The rain began downpour as he quickly rushed toward his bike. Waiting until he was further from the building, Raphael whispered. "Leo, Don, I'm out. I have the cure and the drug. What's going on?"

Silence.

"Mikey, Casey, April, Sensei—damn it, is anyone getting this frequency? I'm out. What's going on?"

Silence.

Did the warehouse fuck up my frequency? Maybe that's why I haven't heard from them since I got in. But, then how did I get Don's distress signal?

Raphael waited until he was behind a large crate to take off his mask, adjusting the communication link. Leo and Don aren't picking up on the channel. I can't contact the others directly beside Leo and Don. Let me try to get them individually. Switching to Donnie's line, he put his helmet back on. Loud clashing, and far away voices echoed in his ear piece. Unable to make out the voices, Raphael spoke, "Don? Donnie, it's me. I'm out. Are you okay? What's going on?"

"R-Raph?" Donnie whispered. Deep, hallow breaths. He could hear his brother breathing. Raphael didn't know to either be relived or concerned. "L-Leo, help him."

"I'm coming, Don. Hold on!" Raphael switched to Leonardo, "Leo! I'm out—what the hell is going on-?"

It Bishop's voice echoing. "—tell me, Leonardo, where is Raphael? It's a shame, truly, he will not get a chance to say goodbye to your brothers. Don't worry, I'll deliver the message personally!"

Leonardo's blood curling scream echoed in Raphael's head, hearing nothing but Leonardo crying out in pain.

"LEO! LEO! Hang on! I'm coming!" No. No, this isn't happening. I have to get there. NOW! Raphael quickly began removing parts of the heavier gear of his Nightwatcher armor, knowing he can't get caught in his alias. Keeping the drugs on his belt, he began ripping the earpiece off his helmet. Raphael quickly hid his armor in one of the crates. Keeping his black under armor on, he hoped onto his bike and began speeding off into the darkness.

"Four minutes until your destination." Rang the monotone GPS.

Raphael wondered if Leonardo could even hear him at all. All he could hear now was Leonardo breathing heavily. "Leo, I'm coming! Talk to me! What's-?"

"LET HIM GO!" Leonardo's raspy voice cried. "TAKE ME. ISN'T THAT WHAT YOU WANTED?"

"Three minutes until your destination."

Raphael's mind raced. He accelerated, racing against time itself. Hang on, guys! I'm coming! Dam it I should have left sooner—I have to make it!

"Two minutes until your destination."

"Damn it!" Raphael felt his bike skid across the wet pavement; sharply turning he skidded across the road near an ally. Knowing the impact would definitely hurt him; he quickly jumped off before the bike hit the concrete. He was close now; he'd have to worry about his bike later. Rushing up the fire escapes he began racing towards the destination.

"Your destination is in 1000 feet."

"Leo! Don! Mikey!" Raphael called as he jumped across from building to building. Taking his final leap, he shot up. Raphael froze. In front of him, Leonardo was lying in a pool of blood. His back was against Raphael, curled up. A few feet away from him, Donatello was lying still, face down in the ground.

"Leo!" Raphael rushed to Leo's side first, carefully turning his brother over. Lying back on his shell, Raphael saw Leonardo's wound. His right hand was half sliced off, the bone barely holding on. Holding Leonardo's half-amputated hand onto his body, he felt his hands drench with his blood. He had to stop the bleeding. Raphael could feel the bile rise in his throat, he was going to be sick. "Fuck! Fuck! Fuck! Ya gonna be okay, alright?"

Leonardo was shivering, his face growing paler and paler. His pale eyes stared up, as he slightly turned to Raph. "R-Raph, B-Bishop took him-."

"I know." Raphael said grimly, not wanting to think about where his little brother is. He didn't even realize his hands were shaking as he tried to hold his brother's hand. Shooting back a glance, Donnie still hasn't moved. "Don!"

"Raphael!"

Raphael turned back at the new voice, protectively hovering over Leo. His eyes widened as the figure began rushing towards him, kneeling beside Leo. "Karai!? What are you-?!"

"Go get Donatello, now!" Karai quickly removed her jacket, ripping the sleeves off as she reached for Leonardo's hand.

Raphael grabbed her wrist tightly, "I don't know what the fuck you think you're-!"

"Goldburg put a tracker on the syringes, he knows your location right now. If he finds you here, we'll all be exposed." Karai exclaimed, "If you lead Bishop here, he will surly finish what he started. We must leave. I will take care of Leonardo, you need to get Donatello and call for backup!"

Raphael helplessly let her go, watching as she began making a tourniquet. Why is she helping us? Why even bother-? Carefully taking Leonardo's earpiece he cried, "We need backup, now! Leo and Don are hurt bad!"

"Raph!" It was Casey's voice who echoed back. "Leatherhead found Bishop with Mikey not far from your location. We're coming up now just-!"

"No! Bishop is tracking me; we have to get out of here. I need help with Leo, he's bleeding out bad!" Raphael jumped back to his feet, rushing over to Donatello. "Don? Don!"

"R-Raph," Donnie's face was bruised, badly. Donnie was already trying to sit back up, but his arm was twisted back. His voice cracked as he cried out, "T-The toxin. B-Bishops weapons had a toxin poison! L-Leo, h-he'll die if we don't- AH!"

"Don!" Raphael helped his brother back on his feet, noticing the deep cuts along his brother's arms. Shit! Toxin? Don and Leo- no, no, no!

"What about Mikey? Leatherhead can try to get him back-!"

Leatherheard is the closest thing to a medic that we have. Donnie, he's hurt bad, and if this toxin's inside them—he can't help Leo, and I sure as hell can't. But…But if Leatherhead comes back, we loose any chance of knowing where Mikey is.

"Casey, you need to tell Leatherhead to come back! Don and Leo got poisoned and they can't wait that long-! We need help, now!"

Mikey, please forgive me.

/././././././././././