Chapter 7

Only A Short While

Sitting at the kitchen table with his friends, Tyroth ate his bacon and eggs, trying to act normal.

'Just a couple of more hours.' he thought, hoping that he'd be able to pull of the rescue mission.

"Hey, you alright, big guy?" Raphael asked, snapping the dragon out of his thoughts.

"Yeah, though I haven't slept very well these last few days."

"It's because of what happened to your sister, isn't it?" said Monalisa. Tyroth only nodded. "I really wish that we could help you."

"So do I."

After breakfast, Tyroth remained in the kitchen to clean up while the others walked over to the dojo.

"Man, I don't think I've ever seen him so depressed before. Aside from after his battle against that demon king." said Michelangelo.

"Don't remind me of that monster." said Sephie. She remembered Xazahl all too well.

"Sorry."

"It's okay, I just don't wanna to think about him. But you're right, Tyroth hasn't quite been himself."

"I don't blame him. Family is very important to all of us, of course we'd want to be at their side when they need us." said Monalisa. "Not being able to is difficult, even if you're human, but in our condition, it's close to torture."

"I suppose that all we can do, is to give him some time and be there for him when he need us." said Leonardo.

Just before entering the dojo, Sephie stopped and looked back at the kitchen.

"Is something troubling you, child?" Splinter asked.

"I'm not sure, but I have this feeling that there is something he isn't telling me."

"Is that so?"

"Yeah, and that's what's bothering me. We haven't had any secrets from each other for years."

"I understand that you are worried, but if he wants to withhold something, it must be for a good reason. I trust that he will tell us when he deems it the right time."

"I guess..."

'...but I still can't shake this feeling that something is wrong. Tyroth, love, please open up and tell me.' she thought to herself.

Back in the kitchen, Tyroth almost dropped a couple of plates. Just barely avoiding it, he put away the plates and looked at his hands, they were shaking. As the time for his rescue attempt drew closer, he became more nervous and dark thoughts entered his mind.

What if he failed? What if Arashi had killed them? What if Arashi had learned of Mutopia? And what would Tyroth's friends and loved ones think if they knew he had lied? Would they shun him for lying to them?

Tyroth forced himself to hold back any tears, to not cry, he had to keep the façade up.

Time seemed to move extra slowly as Tyroth waited for midnight, it was almost as if it had decided to add to his torment. He had tried to pass the time in various ways, but nothing could take his mind off his family and their fate. He had even tried to meditate to be able to focus, but he just couldn't escape his nightmares. All his meditation did, was allowing him to see them more clearly.

Frustrated, he thought about heading to the surface early and seek out some Purple Dragons so he could vent his anger. But since he needed to be at his best, he couldn't afford to waste his strength on small fries, he also didn't want to risk loosing track of time.

Finally, after a painful wait, it was time to head out.

"I'm going jogging in the sewers." Tyroth said as he made his way to the exit.

"That's the third night in a row. You sure that you're okay?" asked Leonardo.

"I'm still a bit upset about Jennie, and jogging does help a bit with collecting my thoughts. It's a nice alternative to meditation, can't sit still too long."

"True enough. Just be careful, we're not the only ones that move around down here."

"I know that just as well as you do. Don't worry, I can take care of myself. As a matter of fact, I think I'll even go topside for a while, get some air, see if that helps. I got my shell-cell with me, if you need anything."

Exiting the lair, Tyroth started jogging and took the first turn to the left. Once he passed the corner, he stopped and peeked around it, back at the secret entrance. It was closed, just like he had left it. He didn't want anyone following him, and even though his friends were very skilled ninja, not even they could open that door without him noticing it.

Five minutes passed and the door remained closed. Satisfied with it, Tyroth continued on his way to the battle that awaited him.

It seems Tyroth is close to breaking from the pressure. And now it's not long until he faces the Champion of the Foot. How will that battle go?

Find out next time.