Chapter 16

They entered a plush but grim and dusty room. A large glass wall with a balcony overlooked the arena. Behind a dark richly carved wooden desk sat a disfigured woman. The desk was littered with cigarette butts, empty shot glasses, and papers. Behind her was an imposing but plain grey metal door. The obnoxiously loud music was now faint.

Connie was a hunched over ram-human hybrid with large black eyes. There was something grotesque about the way she peeled her lips back into a smile.

Her voice was grating and low. "It is so delightful to see you again. It has been many years." She motioned for them to sit down on a plush velvet settee. Leo stood behind where Layla sat, arms crossed, standing as tall as a mountain. Something about this woman seemed off to him.

The girls waited for her to continue. "You are all so grown. You are faring well?" They merely nodded.

The ram-woman eyed them shrewdly. "You have brought along many others," she turned to eye Usagi and Gen, "tell me why you are here."

Usagi took charge, sharing their story. Connie didn't move a muscle while they spoke, and her face remained stony.

"I see. No, we do not keep them here, nor do we allow training or mutations to occur here any longer. I halted that. Nevertheless, that does not deter clients from engaging in the practice. So long as they pay me, they can fight here. I do not ask questions."

"I have heard whispers, however. Someone has decided to purchase and train many mutants – for what purpose, I am unsure. Perhaps this is why you have noticed an uptick in sold and stolen ones."

She handed Usagi and Gen a list. "I would not normally do this, as it interferes with my neutrality. Consider it a favor because I am fond of you girls."

"What is this?" Usagi asked.

"A list of course," Connie wheezed out a dry laugh. "But it is a list of clients and their information who are here tonight. They may have more information. One may have even purchased your nephew."

"Purchased! He was stolen, not sold!" Gen stood up, fists shaking.

Connie regarded him, amusement sparkling in her black eyes. "Perhaps. Regardless, I cannot be of more help. Now," she turned to eye the four girls, "we have some catching up to do." Usagi and Gen exited the room, eager to get their investigation underway.

"How did you end up in charge, Connie?" Nora asked.

"Well, I was becoming very close to the previous owner purposefully, you remember him? Long story short, I killed him at a suitable time. Afterwards, there was a power vacuum. I took charge, and being the person here the longest, I was the most qualified to run the place."

"I stopped those horrifying experiments and training they were doing in the underground; however, I cannot stop others from doing it. I pulled out of the business of supplying beasties for the fights. Clients must provide their own."

"Now, I am sure your friends will want to take their time for their inquiry. This is the Big Weekend. I am quite positive you remember being in attendance when younger? The largest bets are placed this weekend," her eyes sparkled again, "and the most ruthless anticipated fights take place today and tomorrow. I implore you to stay. I will provide all amenities."

The girls eyed each other, then the guys. Leo inclined his head, letting Layla know it was her decision. His posture remained rigid the entire meeting. Raph shifted back and forth on his feet, also unable to sit. He leaned against the back of the couch, hands resting near Mina's shoulders. He was antsy. Donnie raised an eye bridge at Talia. Mikey, with his arm around Nora, gave her shoulder a pat.

"Just for the night, to give Usagi and Gen some time," Layla finally relented, and Connie again peeled her lips back into a smile.

"Delicious! I will see to it that you are attended too." She stood, and her hunch was even more pronounced. She made no effort to straighten herself. The group filed out the doorway behind the colorful bouncer, who seemed to appear out of thin air.

"I told you they were alive," a bizarre creature who stood a foot and a half from the ground crawled out of the shadows.

"Thank you for your services, utrom," she handed him no small amount of payment, "Although, I have to admit I am surprised they have found company. I hope they are happy."

The utrom slithered away, eager to report back to his other employer.

After some half-hearted deliberation on how to split up the rooms, Leo and Layla entered one together. It was sparsely decorated, but it contained all the essentials, and was relatively clean. A large window overlooked the vast expanse of space.

"I don't like her. Something about her is off," Leo said, arms still crossed.

Layla looked out the window, playing with her necklace. Leo stood right next to her. "She is so different now. She was always a little eerie, but she looked out for us. Now though?"

"Something is different about her, and not for the better. I don't trust her." Layla shifted, leaning her head against his arm.

"Well, we're here now. Hopefully we can help get Usagi and Gen the answers they need." He wrapped his arms around her and pulled her back against his chest. They both stared out the window silently for a few minutes.

"Still nervous?"

"Yes," she whispered, and he could hear the undertone of fear in her voice.

"It'll be alright," he kissed the top of her head, squeezing her tighter. "Did you recognize anyone else?"

"No, thankfully. But I couldn't possibly remember everyone I've ever met here."

"I still have a hard time wrapping my head around you working here, and being with these kinds of people. You're so different from them."

"I don't feel comfortable here. Maybe we shouldn't have come."

Leo felt very territorial in that moment, and rested his chin on her head, still keeping his grip tight around her. Eventually he kissed the top of her head once more, before sighing. "I should go check on Usagi and Gen. See if they need any help."

Layla merely nodded, unsure if she should offer to go with him.

No way in hell is she going back out there.

"Stay here." His voice was smooth and authoritative. A shiver ran down her spine. I wish he would talk to me that way more often…

She turned around to look at him. "Please be careful."

He gave her a smirk. "Always."

"I won't be gone for long. Lock the door after me." He bent down to meet her for a kiss. It was rougher and more passionate than what he originally intended, not that he minded. His hand slid around the exposed skin of her waist. She tugged on his mask tails. They lingered as they pulled away, leaving each other wanting for more.

Leo trudged down a crummy concrete stairwell, following the increasing volume of the music. He turned his head briefly back the way he came, still unsure if he should have left her in there. He ran into Raph in the stairwell.

"Hey," Leo said.

"Hey," Raph replied. An awkwardness hung in the air.

They both started to speak simultaneously.

"I gotta talk to ya," Raph said finally, scratching the back of his neck.

"Uh, sure. Down there?" He motioned to a concrete bench overlooking the arena. Another fight had just started.

They sat down, and quietly watched the fight unfold. Leo clasped his hands and leaned over, shoulders tense.

"I owe ya a big apology," Raph finally muttered out.

"It's alright. I said some pretty harsh things –"

"I know betta than to jump right in. You were right about that, I jus' didn't want ta hear it. I'm tryna be more mindful."

Leo just nodded.

"So yeah, I'm sorry. And I didn't mean the fucked up things I said."

"It's ok Raph. We'll always help you out. Just –" Leo paused. "I promised Layla I'd be more careful, and I'd like to be able to keep that promise. I have to think about her now too."

"I know. I promised Mina the same thing," Raph snorted. "Women."

"It's nice having someone to come home to," Leo added.

"Sure is." Raph sighed, leg shaking. "Look I know your unda a lot of pressure all the time, and I feel bad for makin' it worse. I appreciate all ya do for us, we all do."

Leo looked at his brother, surprised. "Thanks. I am trying my best."

"Yeah, I uh, I know."

They continued to watch the brutality in front of them.

"I can't believe they spent time in a place like this," Raph added, fists clenching thinking about everything Mina was put through. "It's horrible. I want to find them. They deserve to suffer." he said darkly.

"We will," Leo put his hand on his brother's shoulder. "Layla was so nervous about coming here. I feel bad leaving her alone."

"Mina was too. She said something felt really off. I hate leavin' her upset like that."

"That's also what Layla said. We should find Usagi and Gen."

"Layla are you in there?" Mina knocked softly at the door.

Layla opened the door and locked it behind her sister. "Raph went to find Usagi and Gen, and I didn't want to stay here alone."

"That's where Leo went too." They laid back on the bed, side by side. Layla turned some music on her phone, like they used to do when they were younger.

"It feels weird being back here, huh?" said Mina.

"Yeah, like a horrible dream. And Connie is…different. Something feels off."

"That's what I told Raph. It doesn't make me feel very good when you have bad feelings, my little psychic. Did you have weird dreams too?" Mina half-heartedly teased.

"No dreams this time, just a weird feeling."

Layla pulled out a joint.

"From Rix?" Mina grinned.

"From Rix."

They lit the joint and relaxed back, enjoying the music and the comfort of one another's company in such a grim place.

"Remember when we used to sneak away with these and hide in the underground hallways?" Mina said, giggling.

"And then we would smoke it so fast so we didn't get caught," Layla chuckled. "I'm glad I had Leo this time around. No one even thought about touching me." Layla frowned, remembering the groping, smacking, touching.

"Someone tried to put their hand on my thigh at the bar and I thought Raph was going to snap his neck. He told the guy he could take his hand off my thigh or he was gonna do it for him. I swear the guy almost fainted!"

"Nothing much has changed. Even the waitresses' outfits are the same as what we used to wear."

"Those skimpy things were so cold," Mina whined. "

"It looks the exact same. Like almost nothing has changed."

"I know. It's creepy. Almost like déjà vu."

Layla nodded, and wanting to change the subject, she said, "So things are going well?"

Mina grinned. "Very. He's really such a big softie, and he's so gentle. Even when we kiss. Which is kinda cute because I know he's really struggling to rein it in. One of these days I wouldn't mind if he tried to be a little rougher. Maybe throw me down on the bed…"

"Mina!" Layla giggled, feeling a bit embarrassed at her sister's openness.

"What?" Mina shrugged but grinned at her twin's flushed cheeks. Mina rolled over onto her stomach.

"Leo is like that. On one hand he's so afraid I'll break. He's so careful. I think it's really sweet. But today, when we first came in here, he was holding me so tightly. He does that when he's feeling really protective. And also," she took a long drag, "His lip does this little quirk when he's feeling that way. I don't think he knows he does it." She giggled.

"Raph is crazy over-protective, but I can't say I mind. His voice gets all gravely and deep when he's being that way. Oh I should text him to let him know I'm with you. I think he'd have a heart attack if he walked into the room and I wasn't there!"

"Have you thought about where we're going to stay in the long run?"

"I know Raph really loves New York. I couldn't ask him to live somewhere else. I think we'll end up in New York together. Obviously I still want to visit sofu and grand-maman."

"Sofu's house isn't big enough for all of us anyways. I think Leo really likes it there, although I haven't asked him. I know he doesn't want to be away from Splinter or his family for too long. And honestly, I'm not really attached to one place in particular. I guess that's a blessing from not having a home for so long. I've been meaning to talk to him about it before we head back to Japan."

Mina nodded. "How do you feel about inviting them to France for Christmas?"

"Of course! I really want grand-maman to meet them!"

They sat in silence for a while, looking at the ceiling.

Mina whispered, "Do you think we'll be able to have kids?"

It was something that Layla had thought of often since meeting Leo. Before meeting him she never considered it a possibility, and so buried those feelings deep down. But now? Now it was something she almost desperately wanted with him, and it saddened her to think it might not be possible.

"I don't know. Only one way to find out, I suppose," she smirked cheekily at her sister. "Do you want them?"

"Yeah. Now that I have Raph I just want all his babies," she giggled.

"I know what you mean. And Leo would be such a great dad."

Raph looked at his phone.

Mina: I went to Layla's room, just so you know. I didn't want you to panic when you got back, and I wasn't there. Oh and please be careful!

Raph: Ok babe. And I will, don't worry.

Raph nudged his brother. "Do you think any of the workers here are from the same place they were mutated?"

"I don't know, only one way to find out." Leo led Raph to the bar to ask Rix.

"Boys! What brings you here again?"

"Just wanted to ask a few more questions, if that's ok," Leo said.

"Go on…"

"Is anyone here now from the same place Layla and her sisters were mutated?" Leo asked, voice low.

Rix looked at him curiously. "And why would you boys want to know that?"

"Personal reasons," Raph added.

"After most of them escaped, the doc took a big reputation hit and disappeared for a while. But, I did hear that he's up and running again. Keepin' a low profile. There's some big wig here that brought a new little slave who supposedly he's sending to the doc. That's just hearsay mind you."

"Where?"

"Up in the pavilion. Mind you, not just anyone's invited up there. You can't just waltz in."

Raph side eyed his brother, "I'm sure we'll find a way. Thanks."

They surveyed the crowd, before spotting Gen and Usagi talking to a waitress. She shook her head no and walked off.

"Leonardo! Raphael!" Usagi called them over, and they sat around a table. "Have you found any information?"

"We were actually comin' down here to see if you got anything," said Raph.

"We have asked many people, and it seems that those we wish to speak to are secluded from this drivel. We have yet to find a way to access them."

"That's pretty much what we've gathered. I assume most of them are up on that pavilion."

"Maybe your lovely lady friends can get in," Gen offered.

"No way," Raph growled.

"Not a chance. Layla already was anxious about coming here, and I refuse to put her in a dangerous situation. There's got to be another way in. Maybe Donnie can access some security system."

Leo and Usagi crawled their way through a ventilation shaft, while Raph and Gen continued to scout out below.

They could hear laughter growing louder. They found a vent that looked down onto the tiled pavilion, with velveteen settees and chairs in red scattered about. Plush carpets of intricate designs were strewn about. Several extravagantly dressed males of various species drunkenly laughed at one another.

A tall, stocky pale human with stripes of grey streaking across his temples shouted boisterously. His dark blue damask robe dragged on the ground. "This is my latest purchase! I am sending her to the doctor for a few, uh," he coughed, "upgrades. But I wanted to show you all first!" The rest of the crowd laughed maliciously. "Got her for a steal! Come out, darling," he cooed to the corner.

"She'll do well in your menagerie!" One of the others added.

A small, frail young rabbit humanoid with white fur stepped sheepishly into the light. She cowled.

"Nozomi!" Usagi gasped. "What in heavens are they going to do to her?"

"Don't be shy, darling," the man grabbed her roughly by the chin, forcing her to look at him.

"She's a timid one!" one of the group drunkenly added. "Better than the feisty ones, but less fun!" Again, they all cackled.

They stood around, making lewd suggestions as to how her buyer could upgrade her.

"Are you gonna keep that pussy covered in fur too?" One man laughed.

"You'll have to have the doc give her a nice set of titties," another obscenely gestured at his own chest.

"You must wait till she's grown first! What if she's got a nice rack hiding in there all along?"

Leo was utterly appalled. Is this what Layla went through too?

"Alright, pet, go back to your room now."

The little girl left, silent tears falling down her cheeks.

"Let's go," Leo ushered a shocked Usagi back the way they came, all the while keeping an eye on the girl.

They trailed her and watched her take a staircase leading down. She hugged her dress tightly around her, head and ears down. When they were sure they were alone, Usagi called out quietly, "Nozomi."

She turned, fearful. "H-h-hello?"

Usagi and Leo stepped out from the shadows. "My name is Usagi, and this is my friend Leonardo. We are from the same world. I have been investigating your disappearance from Edo."

She looked at them with uncertainty. Leo crouched down to her level.

"We are here to take you home."

"No! I can't go home!" She started to cry.

"Why's that?"

"My parents sold me. They will do it again," she started to sob.

Usagi sighed, shoulders dropping. He put his hand on the little girl's shoulder. She flinched. "You cannot stay here. This place is horrible. You can come with us, and we can go back to Edo. You do not have to return to your parents. I am a ronin, and I have a dojo. You can stay with me if you wish."

Nozomi grew quiet and thoughtful.

"Ok," she whispered. Usagi picked her up, and sensing safety, she snuggled into his shoulder.

They discreetly took her up to their set of rooms. Leo messaged Raph, telling him to meet them there.

Leo opened the door to his room, finding Layla and Mina sprawled out on the bed.

"You're back!" Layla said enthusiastically.

"Where's Raph?" Mina asked.

"Right here, babe." He appeared in the doorway, and she sauntered up to him. He nodded to his brother before closing the door, taking Mina to their bedroom.

"What's wrong?" Layla asked, seeing the distress in Leo's eyes.

"We found Nozomi."

All four women gathered around the little girl, shooing away the men. Nozomi seemed to relax in their company.

The men watched as the four fretted about the little girl, making sure she ate and brushing her hair.

She's very nurturing…Leo smiled softly at how Layla's maternal instincts kicked in, as she gently soothed the upset little girl. She would be a wonderful mother. He shook his head, not wanting to go down that train of thought at the moment.

The guys then huddled together, discussing in low tones what exactly to do with the men in that pavillion. They couldn't leave this place without dealing with the situation.

"Jus kill em all. No reason for guys like that to keep on livin'."

"I agree with Raph," Donnie added.

"We just can't draw too much suspicion," Leo stated. "We're already taking Nozomi. But, I do agree with Raph."

"Plus, what if one of them has my nephew! We need information out of them," an exasperated Gen said.

Mikey grinned mischeviously. "Oh, I'm sure we could figure out a way to extract a little information from these fuckers."

Layla tucked the little girl in on the couch, and she slowly drifted to sleep with reassurances from the women that she would be safe with Usagi.

Gen was agitated. "I didn't ask her about Ren!"

"You can tomorrow," Layla said firmly. "She needs to sleep."

Leo and Layla sat on the couch in their room, munching on snacks.

"Was it like that for you? The way those men spoke to that girl…it's disgusting."

Layla sighed heavily. "Yes."

"I –"

She turned around to face him, putting a finger to his lips. "We don't have to talk about it. I made peace with that a long time ago. I'm ok now."

Leo didn't push further. He could see in her eyes her sincerity. "Ok."

"Thank you, by the way, for staying in here. I think I would have gone crazy worried about you being safe."

"I didn't particularly want to go anyways."

"You sure?"

"I'm sure. Plus, I knew you'd have a little heart attack if I insisted on going down with you."

"Ok but I don't want you to think I'm controlling. If you really wanted to, we could have discussed it."

She laughed softly at him. "You're not. I had no desire to go back down there. I promise."

He kissed her forehead and wrapped his hands around her waist. To his surprise, she shifted onto his lap, straddling him. He smirked cheekily at her, linking his hands in her beltloops. "You gonna sleep in these tonight?"

She became suddenly bashful, and he relished in how easily flustered she was. He kissed her deeply, his tongue languidly exploring her mouth.

He pulled away, whispering, "You're so easily flustered, princess," voice low and husky. Layla blushed and a low chuckle rumbled from his chest.

"It's your fault, fearless," she mumbled back, diving in for another kiss. Her hands slid from neck down his plastron. His hands trailed her thighs, and one grabbed her waist, pulling her closer towards him.

He trailed kisses down her neck, stopping just at the soft crook, before biting down gently. "Mine," he growled, without thinking about what he just said. He was feeling particularly territorial tonight.

Leo's sudden show of dominance turned her on even more.

Layla whimpered. "Your," she whispered. Leo grinned into her neck. Her nails dug into his shoulders. He let go, studying the mark he made, pressing a gentle kiss to the bruise. With a satisfied smirk, he picked her up, hands cupping her ass as he set her down on the bed. With a gentle push she was back against the pillows, and Leo was hovering over her again.

They sank against each other, kisses become more frantic. He trailed a hand down her flat stomach to her pants, stopping for a brief moment.

She nodded yes, not breaking the kiss. He fiddled with the button just a tad too long, inexperience showing, before easing her out of her jeans. Her cheeks turned bright red as he admired her lacy black thong. It's like unwrapping a present.

"Comfy?" he asked as he lay beside her. She kissed his neck, mumbling out a yes.

I didn't think he would be this bold…her whole body tingled. She appreciated his confidence and his willingness to take control.

He wanted to touch her there so badly but refrained. It was one thing to get her out of her jeans, it was a whole other to actually…do that, as much as he wanted to. He had no idea what to do, or even where to start, so he kept his hands everywhere else. He caressed every inch, trailing a calloused hand down her spine as he kissed her collarbone.

Eventually, out of exhaustion from the taxing evening, their kisses abated, and ended with one long, languorous embrace.

He pulled the covers up over them and pulled her into his arms. She reached up to kiss his chin. Leo tangled his hand in her hair, pulling her head back to see if the bruise was still there. Satisfied, he kissed the tip of her nose.

"Did you leave a bruise?" she asked, touching the spot on her neck. She rather hoped he left his mark. I am his girl, after all.

"I might have," he said, nuzzling into her. He was so physically affectionate with her, not that she minded. It just surprised her, in the best way, to find out that he was just as much of a cuddler as she hoped he would be. She certainly craved his touch. He was normally so reserved otherwise, yet it almost seemed as if he needed to be in constant contact with her. She savored the reassurance it gave her.

"You know you're so beautiful, right?" He murmured. She merely shook her head no and snuggled further into his chest.

"It's true," he insisted, intertwining their hands, and kissing her fingers individually.

"And it's true that you're very handsome."

He snorted but didn't protest. "If you think so."

"They are there," the utrom reported. "But they are not alone. Plus, the woman is rather fond of them. It would be foolhardy to try anything while there."

"Not alone? Elaborate." The doctor sat back in his chair, hands folded across his chest. His leg tapped absentmindedly.

"There are others. Turtles. Mutants. Did you not create them?"

"No. Strange, isn't it?" The doctor studied the hologram of the turtles. "Regardless, they cannot pose that much of a threat. They are not your priority. Understood?"

"Yes."