A/N: Hi everyone, sorry for the late chapter. Thank you for continuing to read this story.
-AwarenessBringer- I am glad that you found the last chapter a thriller. That was my goal; to make to the chase scene tense. I went back to hopefully clear up what happened. But to be clear Vincent is a bit of Schodinger's cat. His fate is yet unknown though each character has their own opinion.
-Drumboy100- Thanks for your review.
A solid sounding thud startled Don awake. He opened his brown eyes slowly with a groan. He blinked the sleep from his eyes. Blue light illuminated his lab, catching on the equipment scattered around the floor and tables. "Shh, y-you're going to w-w-wake up, Donny," Lita's soft voice hissed quietly.
Groaning, Don picked himself off his desk. Sore muscles protested the movement. He turned in his chair to face the noise. Standing in front of the glowing green mutagen mutant was the small shape of a turtle. She was facing Don. Lita looked sheepish while the mutated human had a smug look in his eyes. "S-s-sorry. The light was on s-s-so I thought you were a-a-awake." She twisted her sleeves in front of her.
Rubbing his blurry eyes, Don gave her a comfortable smile. "I assume that Tim decided to wake me?" A slight frown crossed her white beak as she threw a glance at the mutagen mutant. "Is everything okay, Lita?" he asked, hoping that she didn't bring up Vincent. He wasn't quite up to discuss the ill-fated turtle. He couldn't mimic Mikey's optimism so soon after waking.
"I c-c-couldn't sleep," she responded. She stepped closer to the older turtle.
"Ah, I see. Would you like me to read to you?" Don asked. Nodding, the girl reached out one hand to the olive green turtle. Don grasped the slightly chilly hand in his and let himself be led to the living room. He looked quickly around the Lair. All seemed still, meaning his brothers were still sleeping. Don picked up the book from the coffee table as Lita grabbed the blanket she used to sleep with.
The purple-masked turtle sat down and he was joined by Lita who draped the blanket over their legs. She leaned against his side as he opened the book. "D-d-donny?" she whispered as Don leafed through the pages.
"Yes, Lita," he responded as he found the spot they left off on.
"W-w-what's Master S-s-splinter like?" she asked. She twisted the oversized sleeves nervously. Her pink eyes looked up at him wide and pleading.
Donatello swallowed trying to gather his thoughts. "He is one of the kindest and most patient person that I know. He took us all in when we were just hatchlings even after he lost everything. I don't know many people who would take in four infant turtles without a second thought." The girl was quiet, looking thoughtful. "If you are worried that he will kick you out, you don't have to."
Warm water splashed his plastron as it bounced off the spoon in his hand. His humming stopped for a moment. Mikey shut off the water, shaking the excess water from the spoon and holding it out to his right. It stayed in his grasp as time passed. He looked to his dishwashing partner. Lita was looking down at the plate in her hands. Pink eyes were distant. "Heya, sis. Didja fall asleep?" he called out. He waved his hand in front of her face.
She blinked rapidly as she focused on him again. "S-s-sorry," she stuttered, putting the plate away and taking the spoon from Mikey.
"What are you thinking about?" Mikey asked as he turned on the water to wash the baking sheet they used the night before.
"M-m-master Splinter is g-g-going to be here s-s-soon," she said, taking the clean baking sheet from him.
"Oh, yeah. You're scared of him?" Mikey asked, leaning on the counter to look at his younger sister. She shrugged a little with a small nod. The orange-masked turtle laughed, "Yeah, he can be scary sometimes, but only if you make him mad. Or you mess with one of us."
"B-b-but won't he be m-m-mad because you w-were not supposed to l-l-leave?" Lita asked.
"Oh yeah there is that," Mikey admitted, "But just work on your puppy-dog eyes and he won't even be angry." He gave the girl a beaming smile.
"H-h-how do I do that?" she asked, looking up at him.
Mikey grinned, "Well you came to the right turtle, imouto. I am the master of puppy-dog eyes."
Raph grumbled to himself as he scrubbed the toilet. That was the last time he let Mikey tell them to draw straws. He always got the shortest; he was positive the youngest brother had to cheat somehow. With a growl he flushed the toilet. Replacing the scrub back into its spot, he turned to see Lita hovering by the door. "What do ya need?" he said, trying to keep the frustration out of his voice. He washed his hands in the sink. There was no response as Raph dried his hands.
Turning to face the smaller turtle, he crossed his arms across his plastron. Pink eyes were looking up at him, far too wide and a little spacy. "Are ya okay?" Raph asked. He put a hand on her forehead. It was slightly cold against his hand.
"It d-d-didn't work," she muttered under her breath. Confusion was clear in her tone.
"What didn't work?" Raph asked.
"M-m-mikey said that y-you'll do anything if I m-m-made p-p-puppy eyes," she said, her confusion clear on her face.
Raph laughed and ruffled her hooded head. "Yer first problem is that ya listen to Mike. And ya don't have to try so hard." She looked troubled and a little worried. He pulled the hood on the pink-purple hoodie she wore down so it covered her entire face.
She quickly pushed it back, giving him a scowl. It would have been more intimidating if it wasn't on her rounded face. "Come on, how about ya try out with Leo? It's his weakness." The red-masked turtle wrapped his arm around her shoulder to guide her out of the bathroom.
They found Leo in the living room straightening up the DVDs and books. He turned to face the pair as they entered. "Did you finish the bathroom, Raph?" he asked. Said turtle rolled his eyes.
"Ya I did Leo. Didja want to check for yerself?" Raph asked. Leo shook his head and gave Lita a smile.
"Are you ready to meet Master Splinter?" Leo asked her. His answer was a shake of her head as she curled into herself. The young leader frowned.
"Master Splinter might not be ready to meet her too," Mikey said as he walked into the room.
"Remember the time that Casey wandered into the Lair without an invitation?" Raph asked with a chuckle. The other three laughed at the memory. Their laughs slowed as the memory was replaced with Lita.
"Maybe we should talk to him first so he is prepared?" Don suggested. "Just to be on the safe side."
The world was as it should be. The sun was slowly starting to set, creating a lovely sunset. The car rumbled under him; its steady hum relaxing. He was at total peace with the world. Master Splinter felt more than energized to see his four sons again. He loved them dearly, but even the ninja master needed some time to regroup his thoughts. Thinking of his sons, the rat pulled out his shell cell. Frowning to himself, Splinter tried to remember how to listen to old voice messages and text. Donatello had explained a couple of times before his trip, but for some reason the old rat could not remember. He clicked his claws over the device trying to open it.
"Do you need help, Master Splinter?" April asked from the front seat of the van. She had her red hair loose today, draped across her shoulders. She tucked it behind her ear.
"Ah, yes, Miss O'Neil. I seem to have forgotten how to retrieve old messages," the rat said looking at the device in his claws. With a couple of clicks of his claws, he handed the device to April. She took it gently.
"Well, Donny did make those things hard to use," Casey said from the driver seat. He glanced in the rear-view mirror.
"My son holds great concern of his technology being compromised by our enemies," Splinter said, "Wisely so. His creations are without equal on this planet."
"I'm just saying. I don't even bother trying to leave a message," Casey said with a shrug.
"Clearly the guys think the same way you do, Casey. There's no voice messages, but there are a handful of text messages from each of them," April said. She handed the phone back to the mutant. "I'll let you read them." She gave him a small smile.
"Thank you Miss O'Neil," Splinter replied, a part of him wished his sons left voice messages, but he could settle for text. He could see his four sons' pictures with numbers beside them. He pressed on the single message from Raphael first. Hey, Master Splinter. Everything is going good here. We haven't burned down the house yet. It came the day before yesterday, so he was certain the Lair still stood. He was also confident that his hot-headed son would inform him if something went wrong at home. Splinter smiled to himself as he could almost hear his son's voice in the message.
He opened Donatello's text messages next. He noted that there was one for everyday the first week before they stopped. Intrigued, he read. It seemed as though his son was troubled about an EPF facility. His first message was long-winded about his second even more so. Splinter could feel the guilt and worry in his gentle son's tone. The last message concerned him greatly as he read it. He reread the last line. We have to do something, Master Splinter.
The old mutant frowned, hoping his son had stayed away until his return. Donatello was cautious, so he doubted that he would have attempted anything reckless. Besides, Leonardo was such a responsible leader and obedient son. The ninja master was sure that the eldest would keep the four safe. Splinter opened Leonardo's thread next, avoiding the over 50 messages from Michelangelo for the moment. His eldest son's messages were short and to the point. A report in the morning after practice and one in the evening before he went to sleep. The blue-masked turtle was doing quite well keeping up their training regiment. The rat master read through these reports quickly. After the first week, the messages were shorter and more vague. As he clicked the last message, the father wondered what happened to his sons. Master Splinter, we all look forward to your return. We have some interesting news to share with you. The rat hummed to himself. He wondered if this had anything to do with Donatello's EPF facility. An unsettling feeling settled in his stomach. Worry started to grow. Ignoring the feeling for the moment, he moved on to his most open son.
With amusement, Splinter opened Michelangelo's text thread. His youngest regaled each day in detail. What the brothers ate, what exercises Leonardo led them through, and even what was on the television. Master Splinter furrowed his brow at the last message, it was the shortest of all of them. Please don't be mad. The ninja master had no idea what he would be upset with his son for. He did mention something about making a mess in the kitchen, but that seemed minor. Knowing his son, Splinter could guess that he had already cleaned up the mess.
"Is everything okay with the guys?" April asked as he shut the phone. He made eye contact through the rearview mirror.
"That remains to be seen. They have sent me some strange messages. Some that trouble me," Splinter admitted. Casey chuckled from his spot behind the steering wheel.
"It's not like they can throw a party or anything, Master Splinter. They probably went streetside to bust some skulls," Casey said as he slowly pulled into the garage. He parked the van easily and unbuckled.
"I'm sure they didn't disobey you, Master Splinter. Donny probably blew something up. Or Mikey broke something," April suggested as she unbuckled herself and exited the vehicle.
"We shall see shortly," Splinter said as he exited the vehicle. As he set foot on the ground, he could feel a strange energy in the air. It made his fur stand on end. He sniffed the air tentatively, but there were no strange scents. The energy disappeared suddenly. Weary, he grabbed the small bag he took on his trip. April hovered near for a second to see if she could help, she probably saw his pause. Splinter waved her off as Casey looked at the Battle Shell that he parked beside.
"Not to get the guys in trouble, but I think some of these are new," Casey pointed at small divots on the armored side of the vehicle. The vigilante poked into the chipped paint. April frowned, putting her hands on her hips. Splinter inspected the damage and decided he had to trust the man's observation. Looking around the garage, the ninja master looked for other discrepancies.
"Yes, and I don't remember my sons owning that truck," Splinter pointed to a refrigeration truck. It was unrecognizable to him.
"Great, grand theft auto ," April said with a sigh, "I thought they were supposed to be lying low while you were gone." The trio walked past all the vehicles toward the Lair.
"You are correct, Miss O'Neil," Splinter said with a shake of his head, "I will have to speak to them about obedience."
"Oh man, they are going get it," Casey said with a chuckle. April smacked his arm lightly. Splinter didn't give the man a response, but he agreed slightly. Punishment for his disobedient sons was in order.
"Maybe we should leave you to these family matters," April said as she held onto Casey's large arm. Splinter was grateful for the courtesy.
"And miss the show?" Casey asked. April gave him a glare. "I just want to say hi very quickly. Splinter can raise shell after." The door to the Lair opened and the trio entered. Splinter could feel the energy from the garage stronger in here. It was both buzzing and held a faint chill. He scanned the open space of the Lair.
"Master Splinter," four voices called out. Splinter braced himself as his four sons surrounded him. This hug was less crushing than when he had met the Utrom. Unfortunately he couldn't return the affection with his arms pinned to his side by Michelangelo and Donatello. The four backed away quickly to give him a proper bow. He returned the gesture with a small nod. He looked over them quickly for any signs of injury or any indication that they sensed something in the Lair.
"I am glad to see you are all safe, my sons," the father said, looking at Leonardo. His eldest could never keep a secret from him. While he looked at his son, he sniffed the air again. There was an unfamiliar scent here. Throughout the lair. Leonardo held a stiff smile on his face as he messed with the wraps on his wrists. Splinter could see faint bruising on his leaf green scales.
"Why wouldn't we be, Master Splinter?" Michelangelo asked with a nervous chuckle. Splinter turned to face his son. The father could see that the youngest was trying to distract him from the eldest. A bandage on his sea green thigh caught the rat's eye. It was clean which was comforting.
"I do not know Michelangelo. Should there be a reason?" he asked as he walked past his sons. He followed the scent as it grew stronger. The four turtles were walking quickly beside him. Michelangelo stepped in front of his father.
"No reason. I mean Leo was a little rough during training, but nothing that a Battle Nexus Champion can't handle," Michelangelo said quickly. Master Splinter knew that Michelangelo was trying to draw out a pointless argument to distract him.
"Did Raph kick your shell again, Mikey?" Casey asked, taking said bait. He chuckled from behind Splinter.
"Ya bet I did," Raphael said, crossing his arms, hiding white bandages around his emerald hands. Master Splinter shook his head at his sons' attempts to dissuade him. He slipped past the beginning of the argument. His trained nose could smell something out of place in his home. Perhaps it was the source of the strange energy that made his fur rise.
Donatello and Leonardo stopped their father as he entered the living room. "Master Splinter, I can explain.." Donatello started. The ninja master could see the olive green turtle also sported an injury on his arm. Splinter opened his mouth to ask his son what he needed to explain when April made a soft sound behind him, a mix between a gasp and a coo. Both turtles stiffen at the sound, following April's gaze. Splinter followed to where the woman looked as well. He had raised his walking stick in preparation. A pair of pink eyes on a white scaled face was seen for a moment before disappearing behind the couch.
Michelangelo appeared quickly stepping between the couch and the group. "Don't be mad, Master Splinter," he pleaded. Hearing the words from his youngest son's message repeated, Splinter looked to his sons.
"Who is that on the couch, my sons?" Master Splinter asked calmly. The four turtles slumped forward. The youngest was the first to turn away. Michelangelo moved to the side of the couch and held out his hand. Splinter had to perk his ears to hear his youngest son tell the stranger that everything was safe.
Slowly, the figure took Michelangelo's hand. A white three-fingered scaled hand clasped his sea green one tightly. The small shape stepped around the couch, keeping behind the orange-masked turtle. Splinter looked at the small mutant turtle that hid behind his son. They wore an oversize pink-purple hoodie with its hood up. He could hear April coo softly.
"Which one of ya laid an egg," Casey asked, jokingly. Four pairs of eyes glared at him. Raph punched the man in the arm roughly.
"None of us, you bonehead," Raph said with a growl.
"Is that the sweatshirt I got for you, Donny?" April asked, her voice a higher pitch that made Splinter lower his ears. She was obviously enamored with the small turtle in the oversized hoodie.
"It's pink! I'm not going to wear it," Donatello replied adamantly. The small turtle hid further behind Michelangelo. Splinter noted that Donatello and Leonardo also stepped around her to protect the small turtle. He wondered if they noticed that they did so.
"That is quite enough, all of you. Miss O'Neil, Mr. Jones. Could you give my family a moment?" Master Splinter asked the humans, clasping his walking stick in front of him.
"Aw, It was just gettin' good," Casey complained. April slapped his arm, but dragged him away toward the kitchen. Splinter watched as the humans walked past the group of turtles. The albino turtle backed away as far as they could from them as the couple passed, moving from behind Michelangelo to behind Leonardo. April kept looking back at the little turtle.
Master Splinter looked to his sons and new mutant. He focused on the albino who was trying to appear smaller, using the hood of the sweatshirt to hide. "I believe that introductions are in order. My name is Master Splinter. What is yours, my child?"
Leonardo, who the albino now hid behind, nudged them forward. Splinter waited for the other mutant to say anything. Only silence grew between them."Her name's Lita," Michelangelo blurted out, "She is our new sister, so don't kick her out, Master Splinter."
Splinter chuckled at his son's outburst. He wasn't surprised that his youngest would become attached so quickly to a stranger. "The thought hadn't crossed my mind, Michelangelo." He stepped closer to Lita, slowly. He could practically smell the fear that wafted off her. She was not the source of the energy that he sensed earlier. She reached for Leonardo's arm, white fingers tightening their hold.
Splinter had to find a way to calm her down. "My child, you have no reason to fear us. You are safe here. This may be your home for as long as you need it to be." Something told the father to hold out his hand. Without thinking, the old mutant held his hand up, palm facing the young turtle. She tilted her head and released her hold on Leonardo's arm. She reached out with her own hand and placed it against his. Splinter lowered his head so their foreheads touched. The contact was brief as Lita took a step back.
Splinter looked her over. She seemed more relaxed, less terrified and more curious. He didn't know what ritual that was, but it must have been significant to her. "My sons, while I am grateful for the new addition to our family, I am disappointed in your flagrant disregard of my instructions." As if a spell was broken, the four turtles relaxed.
"But Master Splinter, that facility was performing all sorts of unethical experiments. Lita is just one of the victims there," Donatello argued. "If we didn't disobey, more lives would have been lost." There was a large amount of passion in the normally calm turtle's voice.
"Ya, Bishop and his lackeys are creeps. Mutants like us are just the first stop on that crazy train," Raphael interrupted.
"Like Seymour Gutz," Michelangelo added. Leonardo and Donatello gave him a shocked look while Raphael facepalmed. The older brothers were silently reprimanding their brother. Splinter repeated the name. The orange-masked turtle awkwardly chuckled as he realized his mistake. "He was a human that one of the crazy scientists mutated to be a big pile of goo."
Splinter frowned, given the looks the older turtles were giving him, Michelangelo wasn't speaking about the mission they took to the facility. "We will discuss this later. First, you four will help April and Casey unpack the van at the shop while I decide on a punishment. You will return with no delay." The four turtles bowed to their father before leaving the room to collect their human friends. The Lair felt warmer when they left. Splinter felt his curiosity peaked.
"A-a-are you m-m-mad?" a soft voice asked, drawing Splinter's attention to Lita, making him forget his train of thought. She held her hands to her plastron, twisting the oversize sleeves of the sweatshirt.
Splinter pondered over his words before he answered. He didn't want the young turtle to believe that she was the cause of his sons' punishment. "I am not mad. I am merely frustrated and more importantly frightened. There are many things that could have gone wrong. My sons could have been seriously hurt and I would have had no way to know." The girl scrunched her face as she tried to figure out what he said. The sentiment might be too complex for her. "I love my sons dearly and their safety is my top priority." She still looked confused which saddened the old rat.
"S-s-so you won't h-h-hurt them?" she asked, wrapping her arms around herself. She avoided his eyes.
"No, their punishment would involve flips, extra training, and a grounding, but I would not beat my children. Only in the dojo," Splinter said, joking at the last portion. There was a slight smile at his words, but she still looked uncertain. "Would you like to join me in the Meditation Room?" The girl nodded slowly and Splinter gave her what he hoped was a comforting smile. He walked slowly, using his walking stick. Lita followed behind, watching his tail as it swished behind him. He was pleased that she naturally had a soft gait, her footsteps were quiet. It would surely be beneficial to her.
"D-d-does your leg h-h-hurt?" she asked, making her presence known ,"S-s-sorry. Rude." She cowered under her hood.
Splinter chuckled, "Only a little, my child. I am not as young as I used to be." He opened the paper door and motioned for her to enter. He watched as she took in the room. The unlit candles lined the walls and meditation mats were lined up on the ground. But her pink eyes zeroed in on the ferns that were in pots, giving the room a little life. "Did my sons show you this room?"
Lita shook her head as she took a step toward one of the plants. She stopped, looking back to him. She was waiting for something from him. "You may touch the ferns if you like," he said calmly. She smiled softly and brushed her fingers against the greenery. Splinter felt a great sadness at her amazement at a simple plant.
"It's p-p-pretty," she said as she continued to touch the leaves. Splinter watched the young turtle as she looked over the plant. He was reminded of his own sons years ago, of their amazement at the smallest things. Just like those many years ago when he found his sons, he swore that he would protect the innocent soul in front of him.
"You think he is mad at us?" Mikey asked for the third time since they piled into the back of the van. Raph groaned beside him and Leo just sighed. The leader tried to remember their father's face. He didn't look mad. Leo has seen Splinter mad and that definitely wasn't what the ninja master was when they left. Leo shivered at a sudden chill. He frowned at the odd sensation. They were in the back of April's van. There shouldn't be a chill.
"Nah, he will probably just give us flips," Raph answered. He leaned back, crossing his arms. He rubbed his dark green arms as if to get warmth back to them.
"Or he can ground us," Don added, his voice a little hopeful. Raph narrowed his eyes at the tone. "It is a punishment that fits the crime. We left without permission. It stands to reason that we will be unable to leave," the purple-masked turtle added. Raph nodded, approving the reasoning. Though Leo knew that Raph was hoping for just flips; the hot-head hated being cooped up in the Lair.
"What do ya think, Splinter Junior?" Raph asked, nudging Leo's knee with his foot.
"I don't know, but it doesn't matter. It is my fault. I'm the leader and it was my decision. You shouldn't get punished for my mistakes," Leo stated, he shivered again.
"Seriously, the martyr complex now," Raph complained, rolling his amber eyes. He held onto a box that jostled as the van ran over a bump.
"If it is anyone's fault it's mine," Don said, "I was the one who insisted on infiltrating the facility." He wrapped his arms around his plastron, rubbing his arms.
"Look dudes, we're overlooking the biggest part. If we didn't go, Lita would be..." Mikey trailed off. "She'll be dead now," he finished with firm determination. The three older brothers looked to the floor of the van. Leo thought back to the mutant they tried to help the night before. Would it have been better if they hadn't stormed the EPF? Vincent had died without ever getting to live life. And what about the other mutants running around? Was the life of one worth all the others they put at risk? It had to be.
"Leo, Earth to Leo," Raph's gruff voice broke his thoughts. Leo shook his head to clear the negativity. "We'll get Vincent and the others to safety. We can all be one happy family in the Lair." Leo was a little surprised that his younger brother didn't sound as sarcastic as he could be.
"A real ninja clan," Mikey added, cheerfully, "We could all get matching outfits or something." Leo looked to Don. The purple-masked turtle avoided his eyes, but Leo saw the sorrow there. The van stopped and reversed into the alley next to the pawn shop. "Alright, we're here. Come on Tortuga brothers. This is why we get paid the big bucks," Mikey said, getting to his feet. He barely stumbled as the van shifted into park.
"If by big bucks you mean pizza, I've got you covered," April's voice said as she opened the back of the van. The four were careful to sneak into the back of the shop, avoiding the Foot surveillance van on the street.
With the four turtles and Casey, the van was emptied quickly. The tower of boxes lined the corners of the basement. "Where didja even find all this junk, Ape?" Raph asked as he lowered the last box onto the floor.
"It's not junk, Raph. They're antiques," she answered. She opened a box to pull out an old lamp shaped like a shoe.
"There's a difference?" Mikey asked, earning him a glare from the woman. She sighed at the strange lamp in her hands and set it aside.
"Careful, Mikey. Ape's got some stuff you might like in some of these boxes," Casey warned as he pointed to a box in the corner.
"Comics?" Mikey asked excitedly, tearing into the last box he had set down. He started to pull out dishes and glasses. He set them on the floor haphazardly.
Leo could see April's nervous expression as she watched the youngest brother dig through the box. The leader put a hand on Mikey's shoulder, "Maybe we should let April sort through this stuff. We should get back to the Lair." Mikey complained, but set the dishes down.
"Thank you guys for helping. I owe you a pizza," April said as she stepped between the turtles and the fragile antiques.
"It is the least we can do, April. You do so much for us," Don said. April gave the purple-masked turtle a hug.
"We're family, Donny. I am happy to help," April said.
"Yeah, our weird mutant family," Casey added, elbowing Raph.
"Who are you callin' weird, ya weirdo?" Raph asked, returning the elbow. The man rubbed his side as the turtle was a little rougher than necessary.
Leo spent five more minutes rounding up his brothers to leave the antique shop's basement. Between Donny looking at old television sets and Mikey still on the hunt for those promised comics, it was a struggle. The four waved their goodbyes to their human friends as they stepped into the secret entrance to the sewers.
Leo felt more comfortable as they entered the familiar terrain. Even the stench was relaxing. Their footsteps echoed softly as they headed to the Lair. They had a long walk ahead of them. Leo only kept half his attention on his brothers as they talked behind him. They were talking about their impending punishment. Don was leaning toward a grounding. Mikey was betting that it would be flips. Raph was insisting it would be extra training. Leo put in his bet as well, more meditation practice. The other three groaned at the idea. The leader chuckled at the conversation, but he couldn't help but feel a chill. He shuddered a little, followed by the same movement by Mikey.
The four walked quietly through the water filled tunnel, their earlier banter drying out. Leo shivered as he felt that strange chill again. "Why is it cold in here,too?" Mikey complained. Leo had to agree with his brother; the sewers were cold. It was strange for a summer night. The air prickled against his skin, making his muscles feel stiff. It was slowing his movement.
"I thought it was just the shop," Raph said as he rubbed his arms. He started to look at the others. They were all mimicking Raph, rubbing their arms. Raph was starting to grit his teeth, his eyes darting around looking for something.
"Something is not right," Leo said, raising his guard. He slowed his steps. He could see his breath in front of his face now. Leo stopped completely, squaring his stance. Mikey saw it and his eyes widened.
"It's the Yokai. We freed it when we cracked the amulet. It's now going to freeze us to death," Mikey started to panic. Raph smacked the back of his head. The red-masked turtle pulled out his sais, turning his shell to his brothers. With their shells facing each other, there was no way anything could get the drop on them.
"Look, the water is starting to freeze," Don said, pointing to the water that was beside them. The once slow flowing water started to stop. Leo watched as the water crystallized. White flakes floated off the forming ice. As if tossed by a faint breeze, the white flakes swirled over the ice. Leo faced the swirling 'snow'. Raph and Mikey rearrange themselves to face the 'snow'. The icy particles picked up speed, more and more were gathering. The white was starting to surround the four brothers. Leo shivered at the growing cold. The turtles huddled closer, trying to share what little warmth their bodies made.
Leo felt Mikey step closer to him on his left. The 'snow' was making it hard to see, but he felt Raph to his right. Leo unsheathed his swords. "You have our attention. What do you want?" he asked the growing underground snow storm. His voice was a command.
A feminine laugh sounded all around them. "What indeed? I haven't seen Kappa in centuries," the voice said. Leo watched the swirling flakes. His eyes searched for a pattern.
"We're not Kappa. Just normal mutant turtles," Mikey said, "So you can just let us go then, Ms. Yokai." Leo found it. The flakes were thickest in front of them. They swirled tightly, creating an almost humanoid shape. It stood on the frozen sewer water. If he squinted he could imagine a woman with long white hair draped over one shoulder.
"I see. That's unfortunate. I have to kill you now then," the voice continued. Leo leapt toward the human shape, swinging both swords down toward the shape. The swirling ice that surrounded the brothers froze in time as Leo's sword clashed against a wall of ice.
"There ya are," Raph growled as he charged at the shape that was much more defined now. The red-masked barreled toward the once running sewer water. Leo pushed off the cold ice wall with his feet, backflipping back to the sewer floor. Raph passed under the leader and around the ice wall.
"Careful, the ice may be thin," Don warned as Raph ran forward. The purple masked turtle stepped onto the frozen sewer water as well. Mikey jumped over the icy river to the other side of the sewer. Leo watched as Raph's sais collided with another ice wall as he struck at the Yokai. From her protective wall, she merely tilted her head to look unimpressed at the hot-head.
"How rude," the voice said as she swept her arm toward Raph. The motion was behind the wall, but white ice swept the turtle off his feet. The red-masked turtle slid on his shell toward Don. Don dodged his brother as he swung his bō. The icy figure formed another ice wall, stopping the wooden staff.
Mikey struck at that moment, his nunchucks swirling. Leo charged forward, attacking from a third angle. The wooden weapons and Leo's steel passed through the icy figure. Both turtles were pushed back as ice swirls hit both of them. All heat left his plastron, It left a bone deep ache. Leo could hear Don's startle yelp as well.
Leo winced as his shell hit the floor. His vision swam for a moment before he blinked it away. He tried to push himself up. A weight pushed down on his plastron. The cold of the weight burned. He shuddered at the chill. White cloud puffed in front of his beak. The icy figure leaned over his face. He could almost see two blue eyes looking at him. It was inches from his beak. White swirl-like hair fell forward brushing against his cheek. Leo turned his face away from the burning cold. The air in his lungs burned with the chill. His muscles were growing numb. His breath was slowing as he eyes grew heavy.
"Let him go," Raph threatened. Leo opened his eyes to see his brothers getting to their feet. They held their weapons tightly.
"I will if you do something for me," the icy figure said, she took her weight off of Leo. The blue-masked turtle pulled himself away. The cold chilled his body. He could feel how sluggishly his arms moved. Warmth touched him as Don grabbed his arms. His younger brother helped him to his feet. Leo didn't shake off his inspection.
"What did you want?" Leo asked, his teeth chattered.
"Our souls? The heat of our bodies?" Mikey asked, twirling his nunchucks.
The figure laughed. It sent shivers down their spines, "You barely have heat in your bodies. Not enough to satisfy me."
"That's what she said," Raph said with a smirk. Leo shook his head at his brother. It wasn't the time for jokes.
"That is what I said. No, I want the amulet," she said, the snow on the ground started to lift. It swirled toward her. "I have to free the rest of us."
"Us?" Leo asked, the chill in his bones starting to fade.
"The Yokai," the figure answered, "This world was once ours." Her voice became wistful.
"How 'bout no?" Raph said, "You're not gettin' yer hands on that amulet." He ran toward the Yokai. His sais hit ice. Raph shouted as the ice grew encasing his hands.
"Raph," Mikey called out. The figure sighed, turning her 'face' toward Leo. She leaned forward, slightly. Her right 'arm' slushed to the floor with a splash.
Leo grinned, looking back to the sewer behind the group. He could see the water beneath the ice. "She can't keep this up. We are tiring her. Keep attacking." The Yokai straightened. White flakes from the wall that was restraining Raph floated to her form. Her arm reformed just as Mikey struck. She took a step back away, the wooden nunchucks blew flakes from the figure. Leo stuck the ice holding Raph.
It shattered under the blows. Raph without missing a beat, launched off Leo's shell. The Yokai dodged just barely, the movement blew more of her form away. White flurries flew away. Don stepped forward, his bō staff spinning. Swirls of white blew off the Yokai, falling to the ground harmlessly. "Back her to the water," Leo ordered.
Both Mikey's and Don's spinning weapons tore more and more of the figure's shape. The flakes melted as they fell off the Yokai. Leo moved past them to the sewer water. He stuck downward, breaking the thin ice. The water was flowing, sending the ice away. It was slightly warm on his toes. Leo looked over his shoulder. The Yokai was staggering backward away from the spinning weapons. Raph slashed at the Yokai. She staggered one last time, falling into the water. With a splash, she disappeared under the water. The brothers looked at the water and the icy crystals swirled away.
"Did we just beat the Wicked Witch of the West?" Mikey asked with a chuckle. Raph pushed his brother forward. The orange-masked turtle spun his arms to keep his balance.
"What does that make you? The cowardly lion?" Raph asked.
"The scarecrow is more like it," Don added, leaning on his bō staff. Mikey protested with a 'hey'.
Leo watched the ice disappear, but there was a faint chill in the air. He frowned at the faint cold. He followed his brothers as they left the ice behind. He felt that it wasn't the last they would see the Yokai.
Splinter tapped his claws on the armrest of the couch. He watched the television screen in front of him, but not really hearing the actors on the screen. His ears tilted backwards as the credits rolled. His tail tapped on the floor at a steady beat. He pulled his shell cell out, looking at the buttons. With a sigh, he closed it.
A soft whimper sounded beside him. The father looked down at the head that rested beside him. He ran his fingers over the pink hood over her head. He shushed the young turtle, saying comforting words.
The door to the Lair slammed open. Splinter jumped to his feet and hurried to the door. He saw Leonardo first. His eldest gave Splinter an apologetic look as his brothers lined up in front of him. They gave him a bow that Splinter acknowledged. "You were supposed to return quickly," the ninja master started.
"We were going to, but we were attacked," Michelangelo blurted out. Pleading blue eyes begged for forgiveness.
"Y-you okay?" Lita's soft voice asked as Splinter felt her hands on his robes. The rat looked his sons over, he saw a couple of scrapes. Leonardo put a hand on his plastron while Raphael rubbed his hands.
"I am concerned as well, my sons," Splinter said, he kept his place as he waited for his sons to explain. Brown, blue, and amber eyes avoided him for a moment.
Steadying himself, Leonardo took a deep breath. It was a tale that started days ago. Splinter frowned as the turtle in blue spoke about their confrontation with the Foot and the amulet. Shivers shook the four turtles as the story continued to the being they fought in the sewers. A blanket split the group. The five looked down to the smallest. Lita held up the blanket toward the turtles. Michelangelo was the first to react, grabbing it and wrapping it around his shoulders.
It broke the tense atmosphere. "Thanks, sis. I was still a little chilly."
"As loath as I am to say this my sons, this amulet and Yokai are a trouble for another day. We still have to discuss your punishment," Splinter said, clasping his hands in front of him. Holding back a chuckle at the horrified looks his sons gave him, he began, "For being unable to remain in the Lair for two weeks, you will be forbidden to leave the Lair for a month." The father paused for the complaints.
"But Father, when we freed Lita, we also released the other mutants that were there," Leonardo stated. The leader's voice was level, trying to appear as if he wasn't arguing the punishment.
"Yeah, just yesterday we found one. He got taken. We can't just sit around," Raphael said, his tone more confrontational. Splinter raised an eyebrow. The red-masked turtle averted his amber eyes and muttered an apology.
"That is a concern," Splinter consented. "Donatello, do you know where this new mutant would have been taken?"
Said turtle startled at the question . "I can only assume that they would take him back to the facility that we released him from," Donatello answered, his tone unsure.
"You don't sound confident in that assessment, my son," Splinter said gently, "We cannot recklessly chase after that we don't know the location of. I will allow you to leave the Lair before the deadline if any of you find evidence of where one of these mutants are." The four nodded their heads as they accepted the punishment. "Furthermore, we will have an extra training and meditation session each day for the next two weeks."
Michelangelo groaned loudly. "Master Splinter," he begged. Raphael slapped the back of his head, hissing quietly for his brother to be quiet.
"Would you like three weeks, Michelangelo?" Splinter asked. The three older turtles sent glares at the youngest brother.
"No, Master Splinter," the orange-masked turtle answered quickly with a shake of his head.
Leonardo gave a bow that the brothers mimicked. "Thank you, Master Splinter for being merciful." Raphael scoffed softly and Donatello elbowed him.
A chuckle rumbled through Splinter's chest. The four brothers looked at themselves nervously at the sound. "I will like fifty flips from each of you."
"Fifty isn't too bad," Donatello said softly.
"Each day for a week," Splinter finished. The brothers glared at Donatello. "Dismissed." With a single word, the four bowed again and walked to the dojo. Sharp ears picked up whisperings of a bet. Michelangelo's louder whisper said something about the father being mad. Ignoring the conversation, Splinter searched for the youngest of his charges. She had mysteriously left his side during his sons' lecture.
Humming to himself, the rat continued his search. Passing the empty couch, he walked toward the dojo. A loud thud sounded as he passed the dojo. Four sets of laughs sounded behind the paper door. Curious at what made his sons laugh, Splinter opened the paper door. Lita was on her shell at the end of the line of turtles.
Leonardo was the first to contain his chuckles as she sat up. Splinter kept out of sight, perking his ears. "You didn't have to do the flips with us," the leader said, his voice trying to hide a laugh.
"But y-y-you're doing them. I w-w-want to too, b-b-but I don't know how. C-c-can you teach me?" she asked, looking up at the older turtles.
"Sure after we get ours done," Michelangelo said, "As the best flipper, I can teach you better than anyone else."
"You're only the best because you have to do them the most," Donatello said with a laugh. The orange-masked turtle frowned as his brothers laughed at his expense followed by the albino turtle who got to her feet.
"Nuh-uh, Raph has to do the most and his are still awful," Michelangelo defended himself. Splinter shook his head as he stepped away from the door. He'll leave his children their own devices for now. He hobbled back to his show, putting the volume louder.
Splinter waited patiently by his bed. In a lotus position, he meditated. His children had all gone to bed or in Donatello's case, his lab. Perking his ears, he heard a soft shuffle at his door. "You may enter, Donatello," he called out. His door opened quietly. Opening his eyes, the ninja master watched as the purple-masked turtle bowed. In his arms was a large file.
"I hope I didn't disrupt you, father," Donatello greeted with a guilty smile.
Splinter raised his head to meet his son's eyes. "You did no such thing. I am always available to listen to my sons," he answered, "Please take a seat." The purple-masked turtle walked quietly to kneel in front of the ninja master. "How may I ease your mind, my son?"
Donatello looked down at his arms at the file he held to his plastron. He held it out to Master Splinter. The rat took it gently. He ran his claws over the papers. "These are the files on Lita, Father," his gentle son began. "I have kept most of the details from the guys, but I can't carry this alone." Donatello lowered his head, his brown eyes looked watery.
Splinter moved closer to his son. Pulling him into a tight hug, the rat rubbed Don's shell. "You don't have to carry this burden alone. I will read over these files and we can help Lita and the others." Donatello nodded his head. "However, I believe there is more on your mind, my son."
His gentle son nodded, "I know it doesn't make sense, but I can't help but feel responsible for all of this." Donatello waved his hand over the file in his father's grasp. "It's because of me that Bishop even had the genetic information to complete the mutagen."
Splinter hummed, rubbing his claws over the shell of the ninja turtle. "You are correct that those feelings do not make sense." He ran his paw over his son's head. "The men who committed these crimes are entirely at fault. Lita does not blame you. Vincent does not blame you." Donatello nodded his head, roughly as he sniffed. "Perhaps it would ease your mind if you care for the one in our care."
"Yes, Sensei," Donatello said, leaning away.
"Your compassion and kindness is a strength, Donatello. It is the trait I most admire about you," Splinter said. "You have taught me much, my son."
Donatello chuckled, "I learned it from you, father. I should go. Leo wanted to talk with you as well. Thank you." The purple masked turtle got to his feet, giving him a small smile and bow. As the olive green turtle walked out of the room Leonardo entered.
The leaf green turtle gave a bow and knelt where Donatello was moments before. "How may I help you, Leonardo?"
"Father," the young leader started before pausing for a moment. "I apologize for disobeying your orders. But I do not regret what I have done."
Splinter smiled for a second, but put on a straight face. "I understand you have your reasons."
Leonardo nodded, "So please don't punish the others. I was the one who led them to the lab. At least let them continue the search for the other test subjects."
Splinter sighed, "My son, your sense of duty and honor is admirable, however, it will be dangerous to continue searching as you have been currently doing."
"But we can't just ignore them, Sensei. The EPF has already proven that they will do anything to make all evidence of their experimentation disappear. Vincent was just the first," Leo said barely contained anger leaked through his voice.
Splinter gave Leo a sympathetic look. "I know it appears that I am abandoning the others. But we are not without allies that can aid in the search while you four remain here."
Dark eyes grew stormy, but the eldest turtle held his tongue. "I will accept this punishment." Splinter smiled softly and put his paws on the other's leaf green shoulders.
"I believe we will find them, Leonardo. Fate has been kind to us. We have experienced many a miracle," Splinter comforted, squeezing the turtle's shoulders. Leonardo nodded, relaxing a little.
"I do have a request, Master Splinter," Leonardo continued ,"May Lita be trained as we were?"
"If she so desires," Splinter answered.
The turtle laughed, "She's too scared to ask, but she has been watching us for the past four days."
"Then it will be an honor to once again gain a new pupil," Splinter said with pride. "Now it is time for you to return to bed. We have extra training tomorrow." Playfully, the blue-masked turtle groaned. Getting to his feet, Leonardo gave his father a respectful bow before retreating to sleep.