A Turtle on the Outside, a Wolf on the Inside

by Sairey13

Before Yoshi got the turtles from the Pet Store, Leo was found playing with the manager's dog, who was told to be a wolf-hybrid. Right before Yoshi took the turtles away, Leo ate some of the canine's fur and when he got mutated, the mutagen somehow enhanced the inside of his body to match a wolf's behavior and abilities. NO T-CEST, LEORAI or APRITELLO!

21. What to do, as Leader?

August Twenty Second...
An entire week went by, since the great disaster... A great and terrible error, my own brothers caused to happen.

According to what Don claimed to had estimated, excluding the one that turned Kirby into a humanoid-bat, there are sixty-five canisters of mutagen spread all over the eastern parts of the city, some probably moved to the northern side. He made another device that'll pick up traces of mutagen, but the sensory is too weak and, to his knowledge, will be giving off multiple response until he can upgrade it to scout farther distance and work from underground, instead of giving off random response every direction we go.

If that wasn't bad enough... Master Splinter's concern about encountering other mutants... It happened.

Two days ago, while we were out searching for the mutagen, with Don having us making unexpected turns from how many traces of mutagen are in our area, we found ourselves at one of the abandoned movie theatre that went out of business. There, we found a homeless man, cowering in the back corner... By a squirrel... That ingested mutagen. After forcing it's way into the human's mouth and resting in his stomach, we took him to our Lair to see what's going on.

While doing that, Mikey had been hooked up with some comic book since we left that night to continue our mutagen hunt... And from what he keeps trying to show and/or tell us, the event unfolding before us, is exactly like how the story in his book. I'm not into the stories he, Raph or Don would read, but something in my gut told me that his book may hold the key to helping us our little squirrel problem.

Not long after we learnt that the human had two squirrels in his stomach, he vomited them out and went on the attack. Raph made sure to see our 'guest' out from our home, while the rest of us went on the hunt... The hard part: Was trying to catch one of them, while Sensei was meditating. I was able to grab it before the furry rodent lands on top of him, but then the annoying creature let out a shriek and disturbed Sensei from his meditation.

Right after I explained to him that this cretin is a mutant that reproduces in another being's stomach, it bit me and, to my shock ran straight into my mouth to enter my stomach. I wouldn't had mind eating the creature like any other squirrels I did at Northampton, but I could not allow it to use me to continue it's disgusting genes, especially that it's a mutant. Luckily, it didn't stay in my stomach for very long. Immediately after I felt it hit my stomach, I was already forcing myself to hack it up until, after fifteen seconds, it came out.

Unfortunately, Raphael wasn't as fortunate as I was, when the second squirrel went into his stomach. And just like the homeless man, when Raph puked them out, two more squirrels came out… However, without warning, the three started glowing and apparently, went through a disturbing transformation. Even if it were five against three, and sending in a Kraang-based robot, those three squirrels proved to be too much for us to keep up.

…However, mutated or not, they're still squirrels. And what are squirrels known for: Small brains, and their undesirable love for peanuts. Victory that day, clearly went to Mikey. After distracting them with a bag of popcorn, leading them out of the Lair and to the sewers, we were able to sent them out of the area and to a septic tank.

While we were all excited of the great defeat of the mutated squirrels, Mikey informed us of his newest edition for his last comic... Meaning, in his mind, and to part of our own, that wouldn't be the last time we'll be crossing path with the squirrels. I already had Karasu to head off to the surface world and spread the words about the squirrels, while they keep their eyes out for the canisters. If they're found, I'll find them and, one by one, kill them.

The night I went to April's, I went to the park and called for an important meeting with all the animals who live there. There, I revealed my ability to change between my humanoid-turtle form and my wolf-form. I informed them of my brothers' neglect while fighting with Kraang and that the shining light that fell from the sky are dangerous, which needed to be kept away from humans, animals and any other living organisms.

So far, not including the one we found at the movie theaters, we didn't find a single canister. Most of the animals took heed of my words and, should they find the canister, will pass the word on to the birds and, hopefully, I'll catch wind of it. I even inform them that, should I not be there when they give word of finding them, I told them, without making any contact with the liquid inside the canister, to hide them and keep safe until my brothers and/or myself find them.

No doubt, the squirrel that ingested the mutagen didn't heed my warnings when the birds delivered an emergency distress call on what I told them about the canisters and assumed it was some form of food, thanks to its small intellectual brain. It's thanks to the squirrel's own idiotic mind that they cause damage, even accidental fires, amongst the city, even the trees that they live in.

If the mutagen can turn an idiotic, harmless squirrel into a killing machine, then there's no telling what else it may cause to another being... Just like how it turned Kirby into a large humanoid-bat.

I know April told me that what happened to her father wasn't my fault, but as leader, I have to be held responsible for any casualties that would happen amongst the team or even our friends and family.

And that is something they will never learn to grasp: When your leader, everything, and I mean everything, is your fault. Even if it's out of your control, you, and you alone, are responsible for what happens.

Still, she won't have me be responsible for her father's mutation and is still convinced that my brothers are to blame. Since that night, April basically cut off all contact with them: No messages, coming to the Lair to visit, or even to drop off food.

She told me that she's going to continue her life as if nothing had happened... Despite that pretending all those months of dealing with mutants, Kraang and Foot ninjas, won't help deal with the fact that her father isn't with her anymore. She was able to convince her aunt that Kirby went out on some business trip and won't be back for a while, so she'll have plenty of time to avoid the obvious question before her aunt gets wise to ask her.

And since she made it clear that she won't be coming over to the Lair, I've discussed some things that she has to accept and follow: First off, because she still wants me to see her and to continue her training as a Kunoichi, I can only come over a few times a week or two. If the guys were to find out that I'm seeing her, they would be a bit upset that she prefers to see me... Not only that, but Donnie would ignore my orders to leave her alone and go see her, wanting her to at least let him stay in contact with her.

The second part, is for her to not go out at night. Even if I were to send her some recording through the T-Phones for her to train on, I'm still not as skilled as Master Splinter and without his teachings, her training will falter some. Not only that, but with us giving her space, she'll be left unprotected if she runs into Kraang. Because of those reasons, for her sake, she must do as little activity in the night as she could. Since they've never seem to make an attempt to grab her when at her Aunt's and, so far, didn't try to grab her and Kirby when at home, should mean she'll still be safe in her own home... For the time being.

I've also decided, so she doesn't get too lonely while staying away from us... For most of the days, Karasu shall stay with her.

Both April and Karasu were surprised by my suggestion on having Kara stay with her, but neither seemed to object to my offer; Karasu can fly over to the Lair whenever she wants to, and April showed to enjoy spending time bonding with Kara. Plus, it'll give Karasu the chance to go out and properly explore the city in the day, and longer at night.

So far, Karasu would come over to the Lair for only a few hours whenever April is sleeping or at school, but would make sure to be there when April is available. During the time she's back, Kara would tell me what she's learned from the birds during the day and the wonders she didn't take notice in the day, when she focused on looking for me after the Invasion.

I even told April, in case Donatello does try to go and see her, to delete all of our text messages… Which, also, brings me to an important conversation with her:

She'd known, for as long as she has known us since entering our lives, that Don has a crush on her... And she isn't too thrilled about that, especially since she views him as a brother and always feel awkward whenever he let his feelings for her slip. She even found out about his chart on how to win her over, and it very much disturbed her to a high level, which is why she immediately refused his offer to help her train to become a Kunoichi. Thank God he burnt that board up till it was nothing but ash.

After telling me how much she wants him to stop, and informing me of her worst fear of the possibility of him building a shrine of her in his room (Thank God, he doesn't!), I told her what she has to do:…TELL HIM SHE'S NOT INTERESTED IN HIM!

I mean, seriously, she knows that she has to do it, and to do it sooner, rather than later. Each time I see her make any physical contact with him, whether it was a hand on his shoulder or a short hug, he tries to keep her beside him or at least make an attempt to hold her hand. Every compliment she makes about his inventions or thanking him for helping her with her schoolwork, he takes her words by heart and looks as if he got loves trucked, as if she just told him 'I love you'.

It sickens me of my brother's infatuation to a girl who doesn't return the same feelings he has for her and seems to be pushing his game up to tell her his "Undying Love" for her, that makes April very uncomfortable.

April informed me that she wants to, especially now that he's part of the reason why her father's been mutated… But, at the same time, she felt like she can't. She explained that it wasn't that she felt any change of feelings towards him, far from it… It's because she's 'hoping' he'll come to term that his feelings for her is nothing more than a simple crush and, eventually, move on.

...Like that's going to work! I told her that her plan is poorly thought out and, when Don is obsessed with something, he won't let it go so easily and doesn't see any of the signs on how wrong he is. Not until somebody holds up a mirror to him, and forces him to see fact from fiction. And that the longer she stalls, the more he'll believe he's getting close to having her as his intended mate.

She promised me, when the right time comes, she'll tell Donnie how she feels and wants to remain as friends. If Don refuses to accept that and still tries to win her over, despite being let down, I'll have to intervene… Perhaps, even involve Sensei to make him see the horrible truth that'll befallen onto him if he keeps making April uncomfortable.

…But that's not even the last of my problems.

…I haven't heard much from Miwa, lately. Let alone, seen her since I got back from Northampton.

When I got back and pulled out my T-Phone, I found massive text messages from her. Most of them asking where I am, wondering why I'm not returning any of her text... And other times, telling me how her days been.

Immediately, I informed her of my absence since the Invasion. How I nearly drowned and, 'somehow', ended up in Northampton for over a month, struggling to survive and recovering from my injured ribs, until finally finding myself back in the city and being unconscious for days.

She was upset that I didn't tell her, on the day of the Invasion, that my brothers and I would be fighting the Kraang. Also, for making her worried for over a month and not taking my T-Phone with me during battle, despite knowing that I could've end up losing it during the fight… But, in the end, she was just happy to know that I'm all right and made it back.

That was the last time I heard from her and since then, I grew worry for my half-sister.

I'd hoped to run into her and catch up from the time we were separated… Especially, now that Master Splinter and my brothers are finally, FINALLY, allowing me to go on my own in the city... So long I return to the Lair before dawn and tell one of them I'll be heading out, when not doing our night patrol.

Since they found me in the sewers and nursed me back to health, they're convinced that I won't run away and, believing my word to being the truth on how I tried to get back the moment I was well enough to move, they've decided to allow me my rights to come and go, unsupervised and with no worries.

It's very good news for me; that means, I'm one step closer to reaching my freedom… But, at the same time, I'll be treading on thin ice. If I were to not return by the time it's dawn, unless my delay is caused by the enemy, I knew they'll immediately have me back under observation.

Anyways... I worried that if Shredder and the Kraang are truly allying themselves against us, I fear for my sister's safety. I know she can take care of herself... My biggest concern is if Oroku Saki, himself, was the buyer to the canisters of mutagen and is still planning to make his own army of mutants to fight under his banner, since the incident with Timothy.

Even if he raised her as his own, I knew he would even use Miwa as a pawn in his sick game, just like his followers of the Foot Clan… Even, to go as far as to mutate her. And if that were to happen, I'll never forgive myself for not being there for my sister in her time of need.

Sadly, until we've found and collected all of the mutagen that's been scattered in the city, I can't go out searching for her.

---

Near 47th Street…
"Come on, Donnie. Don't get so bent out of shape about April. She'll come around."

"Yeah, I guess you're right."

While trying to cheer him up, Leonardo sent a warning glare to his twin.

'It's one thing to try and comfort Don, while in such low spirit. But, to make such high hopes and promise that he, directly at him, will see her, again, that's a big problem.'

Raph's been trying to be supported for Don, since you tracked Don to save Kirby from the Kraang in June. He even tried to make Don sound amazing when fighting that Salamander creature, when that's not even accurate... Did he had a change of heart about Don's attempt to get together with April?

Leo growled lowly at that thought, continuing to dig through the trash and some of the boxes, not bothering to sniff out the mutagen.

'No. He still finds it amusing and hilarious of our brother's attempt to still court her. Besides, April found it very unlikely that Don, alone, took on the creature... There was something off about that creature… I don't think it's a mutant.'

What makes you say that?

Language. Tongue. Not Earth-Young.

'Right. Not only that, but it didn't seem to understand me, when I let out a few warning growls to not attack and that we're not with the enemy... It must be an alien. Which means, we need to stay clear from that creature.'

"No sign of any mutagen, but you're not gonna believe what I found!" From within the dumpster, Michelangelo pulled out... An iguana, stitched up underneath it's belly, while wearing a hat. "An iguana wearing a top hat. Isn't that cool?"

Leonardo felt sick to his stomach.

'How and why would he think that is cool?! Does he not know that that was a living Iguana?!'

"I mean, why would you throw this out? 'Ello, gov'nor. How do you like my mon-acle?"

"Monocle." Donatello corrected, not really as disturbed as Raphael and Leo were.

"Whatever."

Not wanting to see his brother playing with that not-so innocent toy, along with seeing the distress look on his older-twin's face, Raph immediately went to the rescue.

"You realize that could be a distant cousin? And he's stuffed with sawdust."

Instantly realizing what he's holding in his hand, Mikey tossed it away.

"Eww, sick."

"Quiet, guys. My ooze scanner is going crazy again."

At the right-side of the alleyway, his tracker let out a fast beeping tempo, indicating that they were getting closer. A perfect distraction to forget about the iguana, a major relief to the blue-masked turtle. Coming in beside, he stared down at the screen, seeing a small-red dot blinking at the top-half of the screen.

"I told you a mutagen was close-by."

"You're scanner's about as useless as a trench coat on a turtle." The red-masked turtle replied, not trusting the small-device since it would give off random direction to where the canisters would be at.

Leonardo turned to his twin, glaring him down.

"Give him a chance, Raph." He ordered. "It's our fault those containers went missing. We got to find 'em before some random Joe ends up mutated."

It took him a while to figure out where the location of the mutagen was at, until he realized how small the dot was from their location and signal Don was able to get. He immediately figured out where the scanner was telling them to go.

'It's on the rooftop!'

As the first to recognize the location, Leonardo scaled up the emergency fire escape ladder, getting up to the roof and leaping over the gap between two buildings in front of him.

…There, hiding in the cornered shadow of the rooftop's ventilator, a canister of mutagen laid.

'Never thought I'd be happy to see mutagen, until now.' He thought, reaching down to grab for the canister.

Is it leaking?

A few sniffing in the air, told the Leo that the canister is safe to pick up and he did. His brothers finally caught up, happy to see their big brother had found the mutagen.

"Found it!" Michelangelo cheered, before turning to Don. "How many does that bring us up to?"

"One, and a half." The purple masked turtle answered, which brought the mood down for Raph and Mikey. "But look at the bright side: Only Sixty-three more to go."

The two turtles just sent him a glancing glare, not actually seeing anything bright about that information at all.

The blue mask turtle, not allowing Don's terrible attempt to see anything positive of the information, didn't allow the dark mood to weaken his determination.

"Come on, guys. Let's get this canister back to Don's Lab, and continue our search."

As Leonardo handed the canister over to Don and the three already started making their way to a manhole cover, something in the air caught his attention. He barely had to take even a slight sniff, when he immediately recognized but the scent was.

'It can't be...' He immediately scoped out their surrounding, searching for the one who possessed the sent that he hadn't smelled in over a month.

...There, in the shadows half a mile from the building they're standing on, is none other than his long-lost half-sister: Miwa.

'Shisutā!'

His heart leapt in joy when he saw the sixteen year-old, crouched low and eyeing him and his brothers. He wanted nothing more then to run and leap over the buildings, and embrace her... However, something was very off, especially since she seemed to focus her attention on his brothers, who are all back to the ground of the city and walking to a manhole cover.

...More specifically, the canister of mutagen that Donatello held in his hands.

His joy swiftly changed to confusion and, in some part of him, worry and concern.

'Is she here to find, and collect the mutagen that was lost to her master?'

If she was going to do that, wouldn't she had jumped in earlier and fight you guys to take it? Instead, she's just remaining still, watching your brothers taking it away.

His Conscience did brought up a good point, especially since the girl likes to wound up their younger brothers to fight and amuse her.

Possibly on patrol for Pups and Kins, from Enemy?

That was something to take to consideration. But still, she would've ignored Shredder's orders if he told her to not engage combat with them and, again, come out of hiding to get them worked up and fight her.

…She still harbors anger to the guys, since their attempt to attack Shredder in June... Could she be plotting an attack, to get back at them?

…That, Leo believe to be very likely to be going on... And sadly, he can't go up there and convince her out of her decision to get even with the guys.

Well, he could try and talk her out of it. But if there's one thing he learned about the Kunoichi, is how she can hold a grudge for so long and won't let go the hatred she harbors for the person responsible that dare hurt her in anyway that meant something to her.

And since his brothers tried to make an attack on Shredder, when their main concern was taking out the stealth ship and getting the missile launcher from Karai, they made the top list of her 'Get Revenge On' List.

"Hey, Leo!" Michelangelo called out, seeing his brother remaining on the rooftop. "Come on, Bro! Let's get going!"

Mentioning the blue-masked turtle's nickname, Karai turned her attention from the youngest-turtle entering the sewers to where the orange-masked turtle was staring at, seeing Leonardo on the rooftop... Staring right at her.

Even from a far distance, the two stare at each other. None of them were certain on what to do, nor know what the other would do, now that her cover is blown by the blue-masked turtle.

Many thoughts and emotions ran through their minds: Happiness and joy to finally see each other after so long, worry that they're in a somewhat awkward situation, fear that the other turtles would find out that they're being watched by the Kunoichi... And confusion, on why Leo hadn't informed his brothers about Karai watching them or what the other person would do.

It's your call. What are you going to do?

It was a very complicated position he's in. As leader, he should warn his brothers that they're being watched and would probably put up a fight against the sixteen year-old until using a smoke-bomb to make a clean gateway for the sewers… However, as a friend, an only ally to the girl... But most of all, her self-proclaimed Ani, he wouldn't utter a word about her presence to their brothers and would let her go, with no attempt to stop her with whatever plan that comes to mind on what she's going to do.

…He was really in a tight spot… And didn't really have much of an option.

Pup certain of choice?

Leonardo, rather than make any response to his Instinct's question, only sent the girl a firm nod and, without a second glance, made his way to follow his brothers to the sewers.

'Whether the decision I just made is to be the correct choice or not, the guys can't now that she's here, right now. When the time comes for us to cross paths with her, it'll be up to her to decide how the price for betraying her will be... And whatever that prices, I must make sure that she doesn't succeed and make her see reason to leave our brothers alone.'

---

A Few Hours Later; Nearby Chinatown…
"We've been looking for mutagen for days now, dudes. This is so boring. I'm gonna scream." Hanging upside down on a support beam to a water tower, Michelangelo let out a long, lazy scream that could be compared to nails on a chalkboard.

"Mikey!" The three big brothers yelled in unison, shutting him up from his promise on what he would do.

If this keeps up, they'll want to stop looking and, if you refuse to let them rest or do something else, will ignore your orders and go home.

'Right...' "Okay, okay, we get it. We'll take a little break and do something fun. All right?"

All three cheered to his suggestion.

"Sweet."

"Whoo-hoo-hoo!"

"Awesome."

Pup allow Kins to play? What of training? Alpha instruct Pup to train Kins.

'I know… That's why I'm going to do something that'll make them do so.' "Training session."

To his suggestion on what to do, all three immediately started complaining.

"Aww."

Leo had to hold back a chuckle to their sudden sour mood.

"Sorry, guys, but Sensei wants me to train you and that's what I'm gonna do, since I've heard the lack of training you've done for most of July... But I'll tell you what. I'll make you three a deal -While they didn't look thrilled, they turned to look at him, signaling that they're listening.- You see Dragon Gate over there?"

"Uh-huh."

"Yeah."

He smirked at them.

"I'm gonna defend it, like King of the Mountain, okay? The only way you can get past me, is to use traditional close-quarters fighting. Got it? -They didn't look happy to what he told them, which he expected. So, he knew how to get them motivated.- If you guys can get to the other side, we'll call it a night and you can go do whatever you want. If you can't, what I say goes. Which means, if I say we continue looking for the mutagen, we continue our search for the mutagen until near dawn. Deal?"

The three younger-brothers turn to each other. While they don't want to take any part of the training session, the promise to let them call off the search early and do whatever that want was very tempting. Plus, when Leo makes a promise, he always keeps his promise.

Together the three nodded their heads to each other.

"Deal." Raphael answered.

Accepting their response, Leonardo leapt down to the wires that held the many paper lamps and went to the Dragon Gate that shows the entry for Chinatown.

You know they're going to cheat, right? They won't honor your rules to fight how you told them to fight.

'I know that... That's why I'm going to let them do so, just to show them what happens when they refuse to obey their Zeta's* orders.'

When he no longer heard they're whispering, most likely discussing on how to get across the Dragon Gate, Leo decided to bring out Kamiizumi. He then started walking on the middle of the line holding the paper lamp, stopping at the center and awaiting for which of his brothers will challenge him first.

The first to go first, non surprisingly, is Michelangelo... And, rather than hide it, he pulled out his T-phone and put it against his left-thigh, putting in earphones against their ears.

Leonardo chuckled low.

'Of course, he would choose to dance... Very well, then. I'll play his game.' He put away his sword, surprising Raphael and Donatello, and simply folded his arms over his plastron. "Whenever you're ready, little-brother."

Michelangelo pressed the play button on his T-Phone and, just as Leo had expected to happen, started dances on the lines.

"What's up, ninjas?!" Mikey called out, whooping and going along with the beat of the music.

Thanks to his sharp hearing, he's able to hear the music and started nodding his head to the music. He isn't a big fan of the song, but is willing to move along with the beat like his brother. He then stuck his tongue out, blowing raspberry, before flipping in the air and landing on his shell, spinning.

Leo took notice that, while listening and dancing to the music, his brother would have his eyes closed when getting into the beat.

He truly gets himself lost, when it comes to music. But, in battle, he has to remain focus.

Meaning, Chi*-Brother Michelangelo must open eyes, to strike or dodge. What will Chi*-Brother react, should Pup strike from distance...? Or, attempt own way to throw off balance?

Leonardo already knew what to do, to beat Mikey.

As he watches Michelangelo still spinning on his shell... He stepped on the line to his left, and forced it to wiggle. The sudden shaking, while should be somewhat expected, did startle the orange-masked turtle when he felt himself topple from side-to-side before getting back to his feet to stop the shaking. Leo only smiled at his brother, still nodding his head slightly to follow the music's rhythm. Seeing that he wasn't going to come at him, Mikey decided to come at him, by doing The Strut.

Leo responded... By just tapping his foot lightly on the line the two stood on, still nodding his head.

Mikey took that as a challenge. While it may not look like it, tapping your foot and nodding your head at the same time, acting like you're waiting for somebody to make the first move, is considered a taunt of it's own and to call a fellow dancer out. So, when he got in close, started waving his arms. No doubt, he wanted to distract his brother, as an attempt to confuse him if he's going to attack or provoke him to attack. All he needs to do is get Leo to attack him, make the two go back and when he's back to standing in front of the building where Raphael and Donatello awaited their turn, launch himself on that end to get across and onto the Dragon Gate.

Unknown to him, Leonardo had already figured out his plan and knew how to beat him at his own game.

To shock his three brothers, rather than make an attack on him... He did The Criss-Cross Toprock. Yep, he's challenging the youngest-brother of the family, who considers himself the Champion of Dancing.

No longer thinking about winning the dumb training session and completely ignoring the orders of Raphael and Donatello, too focused on the music screaming in his ears, he shifted his body to do The Waving.

Leonardo responded by doing the Heel-Toe Toprock, going from one line to the next line or two over before returning to the middle. The lines beneath them jiggled as they shifted their body to dance, at times going from one line to the next, trying to out-throw one of their beat and make them fall.

Not willing to back down, Mikey did The C-Walk.

There! Now is your chance! Finish this Dance Off!

Smiling, Leonardo did The Beat It Move... Making his way towards his brother.

Getting a bit irritated on how well his big brother is at dancing like him, Michelangelo danced The Moonwalk, backing away from his brother and finally planning on ending this game. When they reached the near end of the wire that's connected to the building, Mikey bent his legs and launched himself into the air.

Raphael and Donatello smiled, watching as the youngest was halfway to the Dragon Gate... Only for their joy to be crushed when Leo, also, launched himself in the air and swiftly caught up to the orange-masked turtle. Before the youngest-turtle could even think about doing anything, the blue-masked turtle jabbed his elbow against his plastron. The force was enough to ruin his backflip and forced his body to drop down, missing the Dragon Gate and only able to make an attempt to grab for one of the lines.

Michelangelo coughed, trying to catch his breath, before he felt something hard sitting on the hand that kept him dangling in the middle of the air. Looking up, it was his big brother, giving him a raised eyebrow. He was silently asking him to admit defeat, or will force him to drop down to the street.

Letting out a groan of a sigh, Mikey reached beneath his strap and turned off his T-Phone.

"Lame…" He groaned, signaling that he's admitting defeat and has failed to beat the blue-masked turtle.

Said turtle, satisfied to hear that he won, removed his foot from Mikey's hand and helped pulled him to the Dragon Gate.

"Good try, Mikey. Though, next time, do turn down the volume of your music; if anybody figures out how you move to the rhythm of your song, they can turn it against you. Also, never allow yourself to be tricked into a battle, even if it's something you love to do." Leonardo advised, patting the orange-masked turtle on the shoulder before going back on the line to take on the next turtle.

Next one to try and get across, is Donatello. Like before, Leo pulled out Kamiizumi. And this time, he's going to keep one of his fangs out for the remainder of the training exercise.

'Unlike Mikey, Raph and Don will positively bring out weapons into this. However, they won't use it for close-quarter fighting.'

The purple-masked turtle, with a confident smile on his face, brought out a single Shuriken. Though, Leo has a feeling he'll be using more than that. Even from a certain distance, he can see his brother's reddish-brown eyes lightly bobbing around their area.

He's targeting certain spots, to where he wants his weapons to aim for you!

Distraction maneuver; Pup focuses on Small Fangs and Claws, while Kin crosses over to goal.

'Figure he would do something like that, all to avoid a fight and go along with their deceit.' He smirked, letting out a pretend yawn of boredom. "Any moment now, Don. Before dawn comes, would be nice."

As he expected to happen, his pretend yawn forced his brother to yawn. The moment his eyes closed as he yawned, Leo made the first move... A cheap shot his brothers didn't expect him to do, by jumping on the line the two stood on.

"Whoa!" Donatello yelped out, slightly losing his balance from the wiggling shaking from below his feet and, as he waved his arms around, unintentionally, a few of his throwing knives and a Shuriken fell from his grasp and hit the ground. When the shaking finally stopped, the purple-masked turtle glared at his brother. "Leo! That wasn't fair!" He yelled, grabbing for his spare weapons he kept in a small-pouch that's attached to the strap around his torso.

Leo simply smiled, then, just to annoy his brother even more, lightly jumped between the three lines in the middle.

"It's a fight, Donnie. Remember what Sensei told us: 'Seek victory, not fairness'." He reminded, pleased to see the anger starting to cloud his brother's eyes. 'Come on. Make your mark. I'm wide open.'

Now annoyed of Leo moving around, it made Donatello's aim for a clearer target to throw his weapons at him. He does consider cutting some of the lines to give him a less advantage of moving, but knew they couldn't do any damage to the area and have humans wonder what or who cut the lines to the paper lamps.

So, left with no other option, he had to mentally hit the marks that would hit anywhere of the three lines Leo kept jumping from one to the next. Immediately, he released the throwing knives and Shurikens, all jumping off of parts of the buildings around them and the Dragon Gate.

He started pushing his body to kick off running... When three throwing knives came his way and when he pulled out his Naginata Bō to catch them... A Shuriken and another throwing knife came from behind. He instantly recognized the two being some of his weapons he just threw at Leo and twirled his weapon to block them both. The moment his back was turned, something slammed right against his shell and forced him back onto the rooftop he and Raph stood on.

Raphael and Michelangelo were wide-eyed stunned at what they saw: Leonardo, having to somehow oversee what their genius-brother was planning on doing, has turned the tables on him and sent his attack right back at him, using them to distract him long enough to attack him from behind and make him lose the training session.

The red-masked turtle helped his brother to his feet, as he glared at his older-twin.

"Never show eye-movement, let alone flash a throwing weapon in your hands to your opponent." Leonardo told his younger-brother, calmly turning his back and walking back to his spot. "Eyes are considered the Windows to the Soul, but they can also be like mirrors if your enemy can see what you're seeing. Never give them a hint to where you'll send your weapon to."

He barely made it to his spot when the slight jolting of the line beneath his feet told him that Raphael just entered the training session.

'He's angry. Good. Meaning, he's gonna try to make this quick.'

What trick will he pull?

Unlike Theta*-Brother Donatello, for using multiple, smaller Fangs and/or Claws, Beta-Brother Raphael surely use own Claws to attack Pup.

'Should've known, he would pull something like that, especially something that would disrespect Kayura and Yakuza.'

The sound of rushing wind alerted him that Raph had, indeed, just thrown one of his weapons to him. In response, he tossed Kamiizumi and the two weapons collided, stopping in mid-air and falling to the ground. While the two weapons fell, Raphael was charging like a raging bull to his brother, his left-hand turned into a fist, ready to strike his brother.

…Without much of a thought, Leonardo took a step back onto the line to his left and, when his brother struck nothing but the air, he delivered a punch of his own and his younger-twin fell off the line and to the street.

…All three of the brothers, had been defeated by their big-brother. And worse? He beaten them, in their own game.

Letting out a tiring sigh, Leonardo jumped down to the ground and went over to grab for his weapon, the blade locked in-between the three claws of the Sai. Looking very closely, noticing a certain scar on the bottom of the Sai, it was Kayura his brother tossed his way. After separating the two weapons and sheathing his sword, he turned Kayura to have the handle of the weapon pointed behind him and thrusted the weapon over his shoulder.

He knew Raphael is behind him.

"A true warrior never throws his weapon… However, that doesn't mean they can't throw the weapon of another fighter, who would toss their weapon so carelessly and obviously."

The red-masked turtle growled, as he swiped for his weapon, making sure he snatched it away from his brother's hand to avoid hurting him.

Behind him, Donatello and Michelangelo drop down to the street, as well.

"That was so uncalled for, Leo!" Donnie yelled, stomping over to grab for his remaining Shurikens and throwing knives.

"Yeah, Dude! That was so unfair!" Mikey agreed, pouting. "I'm supposed to be the best dancer in the family!"

Raph and Don glared at the orange-masked turtle. Obviously, he wasn't too upset is that they're big brother is turned their plan against them and was more upset of the little dance off the two did.

"What's the big deal, Bro?! That wasn't very ninja-like, the way you took us out. You cheated!"

"Like how you three intended to do, in order to win?" The blue-masked turtle replied, getting to his feet and turning to face them, glaring the three brothers and folding his arms over his chest.

The three blushed, stunned to have been caught.

"You would dare accuse me of not playing fair, when you three were plotting to do so from the very beginning? I told you guys that the only way to get past me, was by close-quarter fighting. Instead, you decided to play by your own rules."

"Hey, it was our only way to get across to the Dragon Gate. That was our main goal, not to fight how you do!" Raphael argued, with Donatello and Michelangelo agreeing with him.

Leo rolled his eyes.

"So, if you were going to try to sneak into a building, you would do exactly what you just try to do?" He asked, catching his brothers a bit off guard. "Raph, if there was an enemy, who you would fight on the rooftops that had official spacing and movements for you to have, you would throw one of your weapons at the opponent and charge him, head on?"

"...Well, yeah, I would." Raph replied, not seeing the problem.

The humanoid-wolf/turtle wanted to facepalm himself.

"All right. Let's say, just for the heck of it, that the battle went exactly like ours did. He was able to see pass your trick, used his own weapon to knock your own weapon aside and charged you, head on. You wouldn't have that much time to pull out your other weapon, no time to block his attack and, after you hit the ground, he could've easily pinned you and then killed you with your own discarded weapon or another weapon he kept on his person. Still think you would've done exactly what you did in training?"

He didn't get an answer that time, which told Leo that Raph didn't want to say anything to prove he made a point.

"Still, Leo, you've just said what Father taught us: Seek victory, not fairness! So, what we did is justifiable!" Donatello butted in, wanting to win the argument so badly.

Leonardo sneered at his genius-brother.

"Yet, in the process, you three failed to get past me and were so easily defeated, and not because you three were slacking off on your training. Also, if there was more than one opponent to fight you in an area like this, you wouldn't have enough time to make any sneak attacks, especially if they all attacked you, simultaneously. -Again, none of them could come up a good combat.- Plus, even if you three were able to get across, you would had still lost. -He glared at Raphael, knowing he was going to yell and demand how they still would've lost, even if they did make it past him.- We struck a deal, Raph. I was expected you three to keep your end of the bargain by going along with my instructions. However, rather than honor it, you suggested on going behind my back and try cheating your way to win. Therefore, the moment you three concocted your plan to cheat, you forfeited."

The three brothers were in disbelief of the news. And yet, it didn't matter. Leonardo is the victor of the training session and, as they agreed, they had to listen to him and will have to continue looking for mutagen.

…What they didn't expect, was for their big brother to, without warning, let out a massive yawn.

"Is it getting that late?" He asked, looking up at the sky and seeing the stars in the sky shining a bit dimmer than usual. "It seems that we didn't bother checking the time, before we stopped for training session."

Raph, Don and Mikey were confused. Wondering what their brother is doing.

"Dawn will arrive in a few hours. -He turned to his brothers, letting out a tiring sigh.- You three got lucky. We're ending the search, but we will continue our search tomorrow night."

Hearing that they were going to stop searching for mutagen for the night, Michelangelo immediately went to cheering and already making a run for the nearest manhole-cover to get back to the Lair. Raphael and Donatello, while a bit stunned, were very pleased of the news and already went on their way to follow their baby brother.

When they were no longer in sight, Leonardo smirked.

Aren't you going a bit too easy on them? You guys could've continued searching for another hour, before the stars started to vanish.

'I know. But if I made them continue searching, they'll be pouting and will start to rebel from my orders. Not only that, but they need to take my words to heart and consider taking their training very seriously, instead of doing it the easy way.'

Pup has other reason, for calling off search.

'…Yeah… I do.'

Turning his body to his left, Leonardo started walking to the opposite direction from the Lair… Then, leaping in the air, with his arms stretched out, he made his body turn into his wolf-form and took off sprinting to where he has to go.

---

At Central Park…
The park was quiet. Not even the owls were screeching in the night, and they intended to not disturb the calm and quiet. Not now. Not when there's important business going on at this very moment.

On the hill, a black-wolf with swords strapped to his back, straps over his limbs and a blue-bandana wrapped around his neck, stood tall and proud. His Cerulean/Sapphire-moon eyes reflected the moon's own light, making him appear more of a silhouette that came to life from the shadows of the night... It even gave his crescent-moon scar over his right-eye a certain glow of it's own, as if he just regained a similar attack to make it glow-red.

Before him: Four dogs, two cats, five raccoons, two foxes and, above them, four crows, seven ravens and an owl. They were the ones to heed his call when summoning them with his mighty howl, demanding to talk to those who volunteered to scout for the canister of mutagen.

Leonardo gazed at each animal with pride, touched by their loyalty to put off their daily lives to meet him at such short notice. While he knew there are more scouts within the city, like the pigeons, doves and the few rats, he can't wait any longer to start the meeting and learn if they found any canisters or not.

"Brothers, sisters, those who heed my call. I thank you, and welcome you all to this meeting. And on such short notice, no less." He started, nodding his head forward.

One of the four dogs, a male Malamute, stepped up and nodded his head back to Leo.

"You request to seek an audience with us and, as such, we came to here and speak of news that'll aid us in our time of great need."

Leo let out a grunt, approving the response to one of his many animal allies of New York.

"Very good."

He commented, sitting down to get comfortable. The moment Leo sat, the other mammals get the same. Even the birds, who stayed in the air, came down and took roost upon the grass. They all waited to hear what black-wolf have to say to them.

"Before we discuss the reason why we are here, there's one thing that I wish to know about, first: Has there been any word, or sighting, for the one call Wing Screech?"

Wing Screech is what the animals of New York have been calling a creature that's been terrifying them since it came to existence... Kirby O'Neil.

A few of the animals made small, muttering sounds amongst each other. No doubt, they're discussing about the topic and probably trying to figure out when Wing Screech was last seen.

Barely a minute later, one of the seven ravens let out a loud "Awh!". It was a four year-old male.

"We have news, for the one call Wing Screech, Moon Scar." He replied, slowly walking up to stand in front of the group, staring into Leo's Cerulean/Sapphire-moon eyes.

The wolf firmly nodded his head to the bird.

"Speak, Night Talon."

Night Talon nodded his head.

"Short time ago, Wing Screech sighted near Lady Liberty. Last seen, was caught sleeping, hanging upside-down the handle of torch."

Some of the other ravens and all of the four crows let out cries of agreement, confirming his story to being true.

Leo's expression showed sign of surprise, with the hint of great relief and happiness to hear that his pseudo-uncle had been found.

"Is he still there?" He asked, his tail slightly swaying with anticipation. 'Please tell him he's still there. If so, that means he's taken residence at Lady Liberty and give us some time to set up another area to keep him and the other animals of the city safe, until Don can come up with an antidote.'

Unfortunately, he didn't get the answer he wanted to hear. When asked, the birds showed remorse.

"He left Lady Liberty; he was only there for two days, until a large boat scared him and took off flying past the Hudson River. No doubt, Wing Screech went to Hudson Valley."

Night Talon's report made the situation much worse for the humanoid-wolf/turtle. He and his brothers never went that far within the city for their patrol, and he's certain that Master Splinter won't let them venture that far for Hudson River Valley. Even if he were to bond with the trees in Hudson Valley to tap into Root Bond, it would take possible a week to complete the bonding and has to be within the area to fully bond with the trees.

That means, for the time being, he's gonna have to put on a halt on tracking Kirby O'Neil until he returns near the city.

He gave off a gruff of a sigh.

"I see…" He replied, slightly digging the claws of his right-paw into the ground before him. "In that case, I'm gonna need a few of you to head out for Hudson River Valley and inform the animals in that area to be on high alert. Make sure to have them give out word and to immediately inform me, if he's on the move, again."

Night Talon let out a firm "Awh", then slowly backed right back to his group.

"Now that's taken care of, back to the reason to why we're all here… I know it's been a little over seven sun, since I informed you of the canisters that a great threat made to turn us into creatures that should never exist. A threat my own brothers caused to increase great threats within the city. However, right now, my Kins and I are starting to get desperate on our search for canisters… I called you here, to learn if any of you have any news to finding any of the canisters."

All the animals in front of him simply stared at him. None of them made the slightest noise that would interrupt the black-wolf's plea for their help.

Inside of his mind, Leonardo grew worried. He feared that he asked far too soon for them to give out a report. That he's been asking too much of them for his help, despite that he's doing this to prevent any of them from getting turned. And since neither his Conscience or his Instinct can't talk to him as a wolf, he has to deal with the situation on his own.

Just as he was about to call off the meeting and apologize for taking up their time...

"We found three canisters!" One of the five raccoons blurted out, immediately stepping up to present himself to the group.

Leo was stunned at the creature's words.

"…What?"

Eyeing the creature with some doubt, since their sight isn't as well as their sense of touch, one of the two cats slowly stalked up to the animal.

"You're sure, Mint? You and your group found three canisters?"

The raccoon nodded his head at the feline, not taking the offense in the least.

"Affirmative. Our sights may not be strong, but it did give off a certain green color. Also, the glass feels very thick and one of the ends gave off a terrible scent of poison, mixed with earth and fire."

Leo didn't need to ask for any more proof to verify Mint's description of what he found… However, his fear grew when he described the scent the mutagen carried from one of it's ends.

"Was it leaking? Did anyone touched it?" He demanded, getting to his feet and standing before the animal.

The raccoon, taking a step back from the sudden movement, shook his head.

"There are no cracks on any of them to indicate a possible leaking amongst the canisters and we made certain none would come near it, should there be a chance they could be broken."

The wolf let out a very deep sigh, relieved of the news.

"Thank you, Mint, along with your group, for finding the canisters. Will you tell me where the canisters are located?"

In response, the raccoon let out a squeal, as if laughing.

"Of course, Moon Scar. I want to get rid of that stuff more than anything, even if they are shiny; don't want any of the younglings to get near that stuff, or mix in with our food. We hid them underneath a dumpster, wrapped in newspaper, at an alley in Mill Lane."

The other four raccoons nodded their heads, confirming Mint's description of the location of the three canisters of mutagen.

Hearing the location, Leonardo's tail started wagging lightly. He didn't know how much better the news could be, despite how small a certain amount of canisters had been found.

"We, also, found a canister."

The cat that questioned Mint called up, making Leo no longer having any doubt on calling the meeting to order.

In seven minutes, each of the animals informed him about their report of finding the canisters. All together, they found a total of nine canisters of mutagen: Three from the raccoons, one from the cats, three from the dogs and two from the foxes. With the raccoons' canisters located at Mill Lane, the cats' canister is hidden underneath Coney Island, while the dogs' canisters are at three, separate locations: The New York Botanical Gardens, Rockaway Park and 56 Leonard Street. As for the foxes, their canisters are in Little Italy and Nolita.

Leonardo has never felt so proud of his animal allies, than he did this very night. Not only had they been keeping the mutagen away from the humans and other animals, but are doing a hell of a lot better at finding them than he and his brothers. Though, if he were to track them on his own, it would've gotten a bit faster than having the guys wasting time digging through garbage and waiting for Don to finish scanning an area after every fifteen to even a half hour.

Again, he lowered his head to the animals before him.

"I cannot thank you all, along with the other scouts, enough, for helping me and my brothers with our search for the canisters. I do not know how to be able to repay you all, for your hard work and efforts."

The owl let out a few hooting, ruffling his feathers.

"We do not require any reward, or even a debt, from you, Moon Scar." The nocturnal bird replied, surprising the black-wolf.

Before he could ask what he means, Night Talon spoke up.

"You saved us all; Man, Earth-Young, even Earth, from our enemies. You laid down your life for ours and still, at this moment, are doing what you can to keep us safe. This is the very least we can do for you, and this isn't even close to fulfilling the Life-Debt we owe you."

While he, too, knew of the Life-Debt and the ways animals are willing to far to fulfill the Life-Debt, Leo was still at a loss for words. Such devotion and loyalty they have for him, the gratitude for his sacrifice to stop Kraang from kidnapping innocent lives of the city and attempting to invade their planet. It was something his brothers never bothered showing to him, even after returning to the city from Northampton and getting better. To them, it was like the passed month was just a few days and Leo sacrifice was like a normal routine. Making the impossible, possible and putting their Sensei's training into use.

…To him, the animals, Earth-Youngs, like himself, always had and will always be his most trustful allies he can ever and truly rely.

He sat back down and, for a third time, bowed his head.

"You all Honor me with your devotion and loyalty… Yet, I cannot have you all pledge yourself to fulfilling a Life-Debt to me." His words stunned the animals. "I never thought of any creature to, one day, repay my sacrifice by swearing a Life-Debt to me. My main thought during that time, and right now, is making sure everyone lives and survives from Kraang... But, if you're insisting to keep hold to the Life-Debt, then all I ask in favor is to help me find the rest of the mutagen. Do this, and your debt will be fulfilled and paid in full."

The animals stared at one another, then talked amongst themselves. Leo knows why.

Life-Debt is sacred in the Law of Earth-Young, which animals follow to a T. Life is precious and every day, at any moment, death could be stalking for them and, if they're not careful, could be their very last day of life. And for that reason, many prefer to look after only themselves. Those would be so conceited, they won't care what they'll have to do in order to continue living… Even, to go as far as to extinguish life… Younglings, included.

Because of that, packs were made. And there, they learned that not only are their own lives are so important and should be cherished, but everybody else's who lives with them. And in time, they learn to have respect for other many, living creatures, who follow and live by the Law of Earth-Young... Where they learned, no matter what, even if there are enemies and traitors to walk the same ground they do, Earth, herself, loves every life.

Therefore, those who can truly see who is enemy and who is friend, will put aside the consequences on what their actions will bring them and lay down their very life, to show there is still justice and that the Law of Earth-Young is to be upheld... And whatever the outcomes brings to that creature, they are to be blessed and granted a right for a debt to be returned for saving or sparing a life.

And the one that must fulfill the Life-Debt, is the one that must return the favor to their protector and/or savior… Even, if the debt would mean their very life, is payment.

After a few muttering amongst themselves, the same Malamute stepped up.

"You ask so little of us for all you've done, and see this small task as a worthy payment to fulfill the Life-Debt? -Leonardo firmly nodded his head, answering the question with such honesty and a clear conscience… Amused, the Malamute let out a short gruff.- …Very well... If that is what you request as payment, then so be it. We shall continue to assist you on finding the rest of the canisters, until all has been found."

Again, the black-wolf nodded his head.

"Thank you, Buck. It may be a while before I can get those canisters, without causing suspicious from my brothers. But, I promise you all, I will collect them and prevent them from falling into the wrong hand. -The animals approved the promise he made to him, understanding his need to keep his Blood a secret from his Pack.- ...Now, before we end this meeting until the next report for the canisters, is there anybody here who wishes to speak to me about?"

A few of the animals talked to each other, but he didn't have to wait to get a response from Buck.

"There are a few things we need to discuss about, Moon Scar." He informed, having to hear some troubles going on before coming to the meeting. "The birds have something they wish to tell you."

Night Talon, a crow and the owl came forward. They all looked rather angry, anger Leo knew they held back on when discussing about the canisters.

"Moon Scar, we're not making any excuses for our failure on finding the canisters. However, for the past five suns, we've been given false information about the whereabouts we were told to find. All the information and description of the location, all proved to having no sign of the canisters being there, at all."

Night Talon's words brought anger and such disappointment to the black-wolf, wondering who would dare lead the Wind Soarers astray and treat the search as if it were a game of Night Hunt.

"Do you know who spoke in lies?" He asked, earning many nods from the birds. One of the crows spoke up, hobbling in front of the group and the three birds.

"It's those vermin!" He cawed, flapping his wings and beating the ground. "Those puffy-tailed, buckteeth rodents!"

Cerulean/Sapphire-moon eyes glared at the bird, but the anger isn't sent to the small black-bird. his claws dug into the ground, a low rumble vibrating in his chest.

"They? Why would they lie about something so important, that they chose to not participate in our search? And why did you heed their words?"

The owl let out a hoot, drawing his attention to him.

"They did choose to not aid us… However, when they heard what happened to their own kind to finding the broken canister and ingesting the liquid, they decided to offer us with information to help find the canisters. Of course, we didn't believe them, at first. However, we were low on support, that we had no choice but to allow them to help. Since then, they'd been giving us false leads and/or locations on 'hearing' where the canisters were located. Two suns later, we found out they've been purposely knocking over the ravens and crows' nests from the trees and trying to take the trees for themselves."

The information was very startling to the mammals, and very appalling. The squirrels were always getting into trouble and causing problems, but to actually come up with a sinister plan to not only take away the birds' home but to kill their chicks? It was outright evil, even for the squirrels to commit.

The crow continued beating the ground, signaling his distress.

"A lot of us would be left with no nests and our chicks, even our eggs, would be killed, if the owls weren't there to protect them and chase the rodents away!"

Leonardo heard enough. He got to his feet and slammed his right-paw into the ground, snarling.

"This, is UNACCEPTABLE!" He roared, his voice echoing throughout the park. "To use a situation to their own advantage, just because of their GREED and SELFISHNESS to take the trees from WIND SOARERS! -He let out another bark, not caring if the humans were to hear him from the other-side of the Empire State Building.- This, I WONT TOLERATE! -He stared down at the birds, all staying still underneath his gaze.- This matters is yours to deal with. What do you all decide to do?"

They all spoke up at once, flapping their wings and letting out high-pitch screech.

"DEATH!"

None of the other animals dare to speak up or talk them out of it; even if it may seem a bit extreme, birds have their ways to dealing with threats to their nests and chicks. While he, too, thinks those squirrels should die for their betrayal, Leo knew he can't let his anger guide him.

…However, that doesn't mean that those vermin won't get off so easily.

"As you clearly see, I am just as appalled and disgusted by their narcissistic plot to destroying your nests and attempts to killing your offsprings, all because they want to take the trees for themselves. And for that, attempt to take a life, especially the life of younglings... Means death. -The birds, in unison, chirped in joy by his verdict… However, he wasn't quite done and silenced them with the stomping of his paws to the ground.- However, I have a few things to say: First, because I'm not a Wind Soarer, I have no jurisdiction to make decision that's involved with Wind Soarers. Meaning, my word and choices, cannot be accountable in the matter. And second... Because only a certain amount of the rodents have participated into the plot to attack your nests and chicks, you are only allowed to take the lives of those who spread the lies and to attack what is yours. Any other squirrels, who aren't part of any of the two, must NOT be harmed."

In their rage, the birds protested, demanding that he let's them go and kill every squirrel in sight and rid the city the problem of the little abominations.

Surprisingly, Buck got to his feet and barked at the birds, shutting them up.

"Enough!" He growled, baring his teeth at the birds. "Moon Scar's decision is fair and just! Just because a certain amount of those pests attempt to take over your territory and kill your younglings, doesn't mean you hold all of them accounted when they weren't part of it. Besides, if you try to hunt down every vermin in the city, it will only bring chaos to the city and soon, we'll end up fighting with each other. And that is something we can't allow to happen... Not when we have something more important to deal with, something that's even more bigger than dealing with vermin."

The birds calmed down to his words, and had enough common sense to know that he's right. They even felt ashamed for putting their own ambitions before Leonardo's problem that is everyone's problem that they need to take care of first.

All together, they bowed their heads forward to the black-wolf.

"Forgive us, Moon Scar. We were out of line when we spoke against your decision, and allowed anger to cloud our judgment."

Leonardo simply nodded his head, accepting their apology.

"You had every right to be angry at the vermin for what they've done to your nests and your chicks, which is a matter you must deal on your own. While I still insist to only kill the ones who spread the lies and near attempts to kill your younglings, once again, I have no jurisdiction to the ways of the Wind Soarers. Therefore, whatever choice you make, it is yours and yours alone."

Night Talon, the head crow and the owl nodded their heads and slowly went back to their group, ending their conversation.

Looking over the group, Leonardo awaited to see who else will step up and discuss an issue that they need his advice on before he ends the meeting. This time, a German Shepherd came and stood beside Buck.

"We are having problems with the humans," he reported. "My mate and I are expecting our first litter soon, and lately, the humans have been intruding into our territory and threatening to take our pack away with the sticks with shiny wires and cages with food as bait. Five members of my packmates had been caught, and taken away. Our den is no longer safe for us, yet we don't have anywhere else to go. We require help and protection from human-trappers."

Leonardo, understanding the way the strays live in the city, wants to help them in any way that he can... Though, he knew that the best way for them to have a happy and safe life, especially if they're expecting pups, is to allow the humans to take them and be placed into a home with humans. And, of course, they won't do so, even if he were to tell them that their pups will have happy and healthy lives if under the care of human.

"While I sympathize the situation you and your pack are in, unfortunately, I'm afraid I cannot lend you my strength to deal with the humans. -The German Shepherd started to growl at him, but Leo continued his explanation.- Even though I can turn into a wolf and pass to being a full-black German Shepherd, myself, I wish to not engage any combat with the humans. Otherwise, I'd probably end up getting more animals captured or worse, euthanized if I act like a wild animal that they'll surely think to having rabies."

The German Shepherd stop growling at the black-wolf, understanding why he's refusing to offer him and his pack aid. It would be selfish of him to have Leo only protect his pack, when other animals and non human-trappers are in danger from Kraang and the Foot Clan.

"I understand. But, still, I need help to keep my pack safe."

"And I have told you many times, Chief, that those humans are trying to help you and your pack to live better lives."

Chief growled at his words.

"And I keep telling you the same answer: We don't want to live as property, as pets to Man!"

Leo let out a deep heave of frustration.

"Even if it means the lives of your pups are always going to be in danger, possibly waiting at Death's Embrace? Are you willing to allow your pride to lead your pack to extinction, all because you refuse to give Man a chance to help you?"

The German Shepherd snarled at him, crouching low to the ground.

"You DARE bring my pups to this conversation?!" He demanded, his limbs trembling to pounce but able to hold himself back, not wanting to start a fight with the one who saved their lives from beings that don't belong on their home. "Just because you saved our lives, doesn't mean you can command us to do whatever you wish! Besides, you decided to have us repay the Life-Debt by finding those canisters and once that's done, we don't have to listen to you!"

In response, Buck, once again, stood up for Leo, by grabbing Chief's scruff with his fangs.

"You WILL show the respect Moon Scar deserves," he ordered. "And he's right to tell you to let the humans take you and your pack away; your den is too exposed for humans to find you and for nature to bring her wrath upon you, without any cover to shield you from the cold and heat. Your area doesn't even allow you to find any food, forcing you and your gatherers to leave your den unguarded from other packs to claim as theirs."

The German Shepherd tried to get the Malamute off him, snapping his jaws to bite at his feet, but Buck proves to be much stronger and more fit than the thinner-dog.

"Of course you would go along with his suggestion, since you live with Man!"

Buck tightened his grip, forcing a small-whimper out from the German Shepherd.

"Yes, but unlike you, I'm alive and still continue to thrive. Plus, because I show loyalty and care for them as if they're of our kind, they trust me enough to not needing a chain to keep me to their side. I get food that doesn't make me sick, shelter from the cold and heat, and even helped me heal from an injury that's been hurting my paw. So, yes, I live with humans, but they don't see me as some meaningless possession, but as a member of their pack."

"But they'll take my mate and pups away from me! They're MINE!"

One of the cats, a Siamese cat, annoyed that this meeting was taking too long and wants to go to her own den to nap, she came up and smacked the German Shepherd square at his nose with her tail.

"Listen," she said. "Humans may appear large, scary and, of course, the reason why there's always filth and trash all around us. However, just because you lived your whole life as a stray, been told to never trust humans since you were a pup, doesn't mean you know that every human is bad without actually making any interaction or witnessing any sort of action going on, everyday. And yes, they'll probably separate you from your mate and your pups. But, knowing that they're at least alive and not in any danger from being attacked by your enemies or starving to death, shouldn't that be more important than allowing your selfish pride to force them to live the life of never-ending struggle for survival…? Or, are you too proud to even let them go and to watch them suffer the way you most likely did at their age?"

Chief listened to the feline's words and while he would be against taking any advice from some feline that should be his meal, he couldn't help but actually think what she and Buck are trying to make him hear.

Leonardo and the animals all waited to hear and see what the German Shepherd is going to choose, and they all hoped that he will make the right choice… Even, if it'll hurt him to let his mate and pups go. To never be in his pups' lives and watch them grow to become great dogs, separated.

A few minutes later of silence, he spoke.

"…We should just surrender? Just like that...? And they won't hurt us?"

Sensing he won't attack, Buck let Chief go from his grip. The Siamese cat went back to sit next to the tabby cat that accompanied her to the meeting.

Hoping that he was going to let the humans help them, Leonardo answered the German Shepherd.

"It isn't surrendering, when accepting help from others. However, while it may be hard to do, you can't simply walk up to them and wait for them to wrap a leash around you… You're gonna have to allow some of your pack-mates, or even yourself and mate, to go into the traps that have food in them. -Chief looked ready to snap, but Back's warning growl reminded him to wait and conceal his anger.- They won't be hurt and it'll make it easier for the humans to carry them to get them help. While for the rest for you and your pack who didn't get caught in the cage, should they bribe you with food, cautiously and slowly go to them and they'll give you the food, as they tie the leash around you. I promise you, it won't hurt. If they don't and cautiously go to you, you can let out a warning growl but do not engage combat."

"…And how do I know that they won't kill us, if we let them take us away?"

Leonardo slowly went up and stood over the German Shepherd sprawled on the grass, his expression completely blank and unable for any of the animals to tell what he's thinking… Then, he slowly laid in front of the canine, so his Cerulean/Sapphire-moon eyes can gaze into the dog's brown-eyes.

"I may not know what they'll do… But, from what I learned about the SPCA, they made a vow to never take the life of an animal, so long as that animal shows promises they see worth saving. And I see you, and your pack-mates, are going to get the help you'll need and, in due time, find homes that'll welcome you all as their own pack."

His gaze held so much promise and reassurance to the canine, Chief couldn't help but get lost into his gaze... The same gaze his own father always held for him, when promising him that he'll live and become the wise and great leader he knew his pup will be.

…And, as the wise and great leader he has to become, Chief gave the black-wolf his answer.

"…Very well."

The instant he gave his answer, the animals let out cries of relief. Beside him, Buck shoved his nose beneath his stomach to help him get to his feet, his tail wagging with joy.

"Finally!" He barked, nuzzling his nose against the German Shepherd's face and licking him in the face. "You let go of your stubborn pride! I thought that was never going to happen!"

Chief, while feeling a bit annoyed by the comment, return the affection by lightly nipping at Buck's face.

"I know when I'm beaten, Big Brother. It takes a few moment to get through my thick skull you always claim I have."

Pleased to hear Chief is going to let his pack get the help they'll need and to get real homes to live long, happy lives, Leonardo got back to his feet and, after the two ceased their nuzzling, rested his own head on Chief's right-shoulder.

"I am proud of you," he said. "In due time, your pack will understand why you did this. And I assure you, your mate and pups will be grateful for the life you're giving them." After pulling away, he went back to his spot and sat firm and tall, as Buck and Chief went back to their spots in their group. "Is there any other news or report the rest of you have or wish to discuss? Or, shall we bring this meeting to an end?"

Almost five minutes went by, and none stepped up… Though, for some reason, he feels someone wants to talk. Nevertheless, should they remain quiet before he ends their meeting, he won't force that animal to speak if they don't want to.

…Luckily, he didn't have to wait any longer.

"We have one more thing to say." Night Talon spoke up, hobbling over to the group and, surprisingly, went to stand in front of Leonardo. "We have news about your enemy... The Shiny Skin."

The black-wolf's eyes widened to the bird's words, knowing which enemy that wore shiny as if it were skin. He gave the bird his undivided attention.

"Speak."

Gaining his permission, Night Talon did so.

"A few time ago, we saw him leaving his nest and going into those snake-like metal-box, without his skin. He spoke to Stone Canine and Curved Fang Fish, and said... He was leaving."

His word stunned the animals and, most of all, Leo. The black-wolf's eyes widened to his words, his snout slightly dropped in awe.

"…What?" He didn't know if what he just heard is right. "…He's… Leaving?" Night Talon nodded his head, and still, The black-wolf couldn't seem to process what the bird is telling him. "…You're certain, that he said he's leaving?"

Night Talon cawed, slightly ruffling his feathers.

"He specifically said, he's leaving for business in-… Japan, is it?"

When he said 'business' and 'Japan', Leonardo wondered what Oroku Saki was doing and what kind of business he needed to do in Japan. He needed more information to understand the situation.

"Was there any conversation going on that you or the others heard, that you can tell me?"

Understanding what he's asking, Night Talon turned to the other birds.

"Echo!" One of the ravens, Echo, came forth and stood beside the bigger black-bird. "Repeat the conversation to Moon Scar."

A few croaking, Echo opened his beak and started to speak… Almost, exactly like Oroku Saki.

"'Xever, Bradford, I trust the both of you to take care of things here, while I'm away on business in Japan… Good. While I'm away, Karai is in charge; she needs to know how to lead, when she's ready to continue my work when I cannot. However, as I told her, there is to be no confrontation with the Turtles, until I get back... Make sure you take care of my daughter, otherwise... The punishment will be… Dire. Understood'?"

With or without actually seeing the Shredder and with a voice that could almost mimic his tone, a freezing chill ran down Leo's back... And a great fire burned in his heart, wanting to find the man and have his fangs taste the blood of his enemy.

After speaking, Echo bowed his head to the black-wolf and went back to the group, leaving Night Talon to stand before the humanoid-wolf/turtle.

Leo didn't know what to think.

'He's going away to do business in Japan, and told Xever, Bradford and Miwa to not attack us…? He's planning something.' "Did he say or mention when he'll be back?"

Night Talon shook his head.

"He only said he was going to be gone for a while, but we have no idea for how long. Some of us followed his metal-box to the Metal Bird, he left since Dusk."

The news, somewhat, was reassuring to Leo.

'He just left today… Meaning, we're safe from any Foot Clan activity... I hope. At least, for the time being.'

"We also listened in on his conversation with the girl we think he claimed to be his."

Without warning, Leonardo snarled viciously at the bird. His reaction startled the animals and most took a step back from him.

"SHE IS NOT HIS!" He barked, his eyes flashing so much hatred to Oroku Saki.

Night Talon, unable to move, ducked his head back and crouched against the ground.

"O-Of course she isn't, M-M-Moon Scar! I was j-j-j-just confirming if s-she's the chick S-S-Shiny Skin claimed was h-h-h-h-his to those larger c-creatures! I swear!"

Leonardo, seeing the fear coming from the bird beneath him and the animals who came to their meeting, immediately regretted snapping at them. Letting out a whimper of an apology, lowering his head and flattening his ears, the black-wolf stepped back.

"My deepest apology. I shouldn't had let my hatred for… Shiny Skin get the best of me like that. I am ashamed, by my actions."

Seeing that he calmed down, the animals no longer felt afraid. Night Talon, knowing that Moon Scar wouldn't hurt them in any way, went right back before him and nuzzled his head against his left-forearm.

"You are forgiven." He said, lightly nipping at the bandages that covered his limbs. "Shiny Skin NOT true Sire to girl. We know she Moon Scar's Lost-Kin, stolen from Moon Scar's Father."

He had to clamp his snout shut, not wanting to make them fear him when telling them that Sensei wasn't his father... Even though it's the truth.

"What conversation did he had with my sister?"

Night Talon went back on track to his report.

"She was fighting beings in black. They appear to be human… Yet, they do not. Made weird sounds other metal things make, and carry no scent. She fought, but couldn't beat on her own... They looked ready to kill, but Shiny Skin ordered them to stop. Mentioned other enemy keeping word about 'Footbots being deadly as promised'."

Leo's eyes widened.

'"Footbots'…? He is siding with the Kraang! And now, he's gotten rid of his followers and is using Kraang Technology to better his odds at fighting us. This isn't good.'

"She was scared. Even claimed to think 'they would finish me off'... She asked if he wouldn't let them."

The black-wolf growled, hating the thought of his sister being afraid and thinking she would end up being killed by Shredder's decision to have Kraang give him robotic ninjas to fight his battle.

"He didn't answer her question, did he?"

The bird shook his head.

"Changed the subject, and told her he'd be gone... Said 'Disobedience comes with a stiff penalty'... Even exposed claws to her."

In response, all of the animals went furious.

"He dare call her as his, yet purposely bare his claws to her?!" Buck barked, digging his paws into the ground. "Mad! Mad Human! Madness and Death, he brings!"

Leonardo was glad he isn't the only one who thought the same about the man that was supposed to be his uncle, let alone holding no love for him or any doubts of the thought of him being dead.

"How did she reacted?"

"…She asked him, 'Even to your own daughter?'... And he told her, without any hesitation, as he left her in the Dark Room, 'Especially for my daughter'... He didn't care what his words bring to her, Moon Scar... She was sad... She shed tears."

His heart gave out to Miwa… And, to express sadness he has for his half-sister, lifted his head and let out a mighty howl.

'…Miwa... My sister… I'm so sorry.' He thought, letting the wind carry his sad tone through the air. 'How I wish to take you away from that-... That Hell you live with… Him. How I longed to tell you the truth and bring you home, where you won't have to be abused by that Kuso yarō (Bastard) and know what is like to be truly loved by a family who you're meant to be with.'

When his said song died down, he lowered his head and nuzzled his nose against Night Talon's head.

"Thank you, my friend."

The bird nodded his head and hobbled back to his group. There, they all waited to hear what he has to say.

"With Shiny Skin gone, no matter how short or long that time period will be, my Pack and I will be safe from any threat from the Foot Pack... For now. However, I wish for the birds to keep an eye on what goes on within their den, should any of his followers try to attack behind their Alpha's hide; some hold a grudge against my brothers and that, alone, will cause them to rebel. Whatever punishment they'll receive when he returns, must be something they'd grown used to. -Some of the ravens and crows bowed their heads and, all together, took off into the air to head for the Abandoned Church.- While we're safe from the Foot Pack, that doesn't mean we're safe from Kraang. Meaning, everyone must pitch in to help one another for any signs of odd humans scouting and capturing strays or wild animals. So, for those who hold grudges with animals you don't want to work with, you must put aside your differences and work together if you want to avoid being taken and end up losing your lives against the Kraang… I promise you all, my Pack and I are going to do, whatever it takes, even with our own lives, to get rid of them."

The animals turned to one another, simply staring at each other… Then, all together, nodded their heads. They're taking his advice and are willing to do whatever means necessary, to live and survive the great threat that tried to take them in July.

With that said, Leonardo let out a mighty roar of a bark. Ending the meeting. Given the word to leave, the animals took off into opposite directions; some heading to their dens, others heading back to their humans and their den, and the rest going deep into the park to hide in the trees or bushes that humans wouldn't normally go.

Leo soon found himself alone… Almost alone.

Buck remained in his spot, staring at the black-wolf. His gaze made Leonardo feel uncomfortable.

"Is something wrong, Buck?"

The seven year-old dog simply stared at him. Something was clearly bothering him, but doesn't seem to know how to say it to him.

Being very patient, the black-wolf waited... His patience was paid off, three minutes later. And what Buck said, wasn't something he expected to hear.

"Are you content to hide your Blood, Moon Scar?"

The humanoid-wolf/turtle gave him an odd look.

"What do you mean?"

Buck let out a gruff. He didn't want Leo to avoid the question.

"How long do you plan to hide this from your Pack? The truth of your Blood? The ability to change?"

Leonardo turned away from the Malamute, growling lowly.

"I can't tell them. They wouldn't understand."

"Then, don't talk. Show them!"

"I can't!"

Frustrated, Buck went over and bit Leo in the ear. The bite did startle him to yelp, but didn't hurt him when the bite isn't that tight to cause any pain. Forced to stare at the large-dog, Buck continued the conversation.

"You can't hide the truth forever, Moon Scar. One of these Suns, you and your Pack will be in grave danger. And the moment that Sun comes, and you're left with no other options but to change, you're gonna have to do so… Unless, the secret is more important than the life of your own Pack?"

Leonardo growled at the immediate thought of his brothers, April and Master Splinter, all lying on the ground. Unmoving and covered in wounds… Dead, with no life in their eyes.

"Never!" He barked. "I will do whatever it takes, within my power, to keep them safe and alive!"

"Does that also mean, to reveal the truth to them?"

Again, Leo his gaze away from the dog. It wasn't because of hesitation to answer; Buck knew Leonardo will willingly reveal his wolf-blood, if it means saving his brothers and April from death. No, the sudden silence isn't from answering the question.

…It was from the sudden thought of the outcome that would take place, after the threat would be gone.

"…You're still worried how your pack will react."

Finally, Leonardo answered with a nod, still looking away from the large-dog.

"They're not going to take the news well," he stated. "They'll think I've been lying to them, that I tricked them into thinking that I was like them and that I don't trust them to know the truth on what happened when we got mutated."

"And is that true, on what you speculate to be true when they find out the truth?"

Leo turned to the dog, eyes flashing with pain.

"If you'd actually lived with my brothers, watch them grow, develop identities and personalities for themselves, you would know. I should know that to being true, on account that they get to live however they wanted to do. As for myself, since the age of four, my childhood is involved with training, learning how to fight... How to kill."

Buck felt bad for the pup. Not once had the humanoid-wolf/turtle ever talked about his personal life, that didn't involved his brothers or the humanoid-rat he avoids revealing to be his father. Whenever asked about his life, he always brings up his brothers or Master Splinter: What they did, their interests or even the many battles they went through against mutants, Kraang and the Foot Clan.

Every time, Leonardo made certain to not reveal too much about his life or anything that went on in his life with the Hamato Clan... Until now.

At the moment, Leo didn't care that he revealed his past. He just needed to get the weight off his chest, and make the dog see why he must keep his ability a secret.

"The moment they learned that I have wolf-blood coursing through my veins, they'll learn that I'm no longer their full-blooded brother. I'm not even that closely related to my Alpha, like my brothers. I'd probably be more like his nephew by blood, than his pup. Even if I try to explain to them that I never had the ability to change between appearances until after a run in with a mutant in June, they'll see that I lied by not telling them that I'm a humanoid-wolf/turtle for the passed fifteen years."

The Malamute sat before the black-wolf, his eyes showing no signs to look away.

"And then what? You think they'll renounce you as their pack-mate? Force you to leave the Den, and to fend for yourself? You told us about your time in Northampton, how you interacted with the Forest Spirit and wish to go back to live the rest of your days in the forest. And since you plan to leave the city for a greater life, why would you care-?"

"I made a Blood-Oath promise to my Alpha's Deceased Mate, that I wouldn't leave them!" Leonardo's bark of an answer surprised Buck. He didn't need to ask what the black-wolf was talking about, and not because he and the animals were told what happened to Tang Shen. "She's been watching over us since my brothers and I were a few months old and to this very day, she comes into my dreams. Even before I found out that Karai is the sister I thought to had died by Oroku Saki, I promised to always be there for my pack and to make sure they always return home from our many battles against Kraang and the Foot Pack… That's why I can't leave them; I promised to stay with them, until I get my sister out of the clutches of the Foot Pack and our enemy pays his sinful way with his life."

Buck could only stare at the black-wolf, taking in what he just told him... And like Leonardo, he was at a loss on what to do or what to say.

It's pretty clear the boy didn't know what to do once his secret is revealed… But, at the same time, he would find any way necessary to continue to uphold his promise to the human who claimed him as her own child. It's possible, because of the way he's been raised and his blood, that he couldn't handle being shunned and rejected for becoming something he didn't had a choice to be.

It became more clear, even without having to meet his brothers, they truly have been raised to be human and turned their backs on their true heritage as animals.

Staring up at the sky, Buck saw some of the stars starting to vanish. He knew that Dawn will be upon them, soon. Gently, he nudged the black-wolf.

"Dawn will be arriving, soon." He warned, lifting his head back up to the sky, getting Leonardo to look up to take notice. "If you wish to maintain your solo scout of the city, you best be heading back to your pack... As your birth-form."

Taking the hint, the black-wolf willed his body to turn back into his humanoid-wolf/turtle*, becoming Hamato Leonardo. The fifteen year-old teen, after gently stroking the dog's head, got to his feet and slowly started making his way to the manhole-cover. While walking, Buck's final words reached him.

"You can't hide the truth from them, forever! Tell them! They need to know the truth! Otherwise, they'll think you don't trust them to know the truth and will turn their backs on you! They have the right to know! They're your pack!"

'…I know…' He thought, pulling the manhole-cover to the side and going under the hole, before slowly pulling the cover back in it's spot, staring up at the sky. 'But how can I learn to trust them... If I can't trust myself to let them know the truth?'

TBC

---

Sorry it took so long; I had a major skin irritation since April 8th (Luckily, it finally stopped almost three weeks later); been scratching until parts of my body was covered in broken blood-vessel spots. The back of my shoulders got scabs and my left-leg was badly scratched up, it got covered in a bruise that was about the size of a cutting knife (the big one, for cutting steak). My mom believe it's from the laundry detergent, though I think it's something else. I just hope it wasn't something serious.

I know you guys want me to continue the episode in this chapter, but I feel like stopping the chapter here is actually more appropriate. Also, I'm going to be skipping the rest of the episode and moving on ahead to "Slash and Destroy" (I wasn't going to do this chapter, but then thought it would be a great encounter for Slash/Spike and Leo)... After that chapter, we're gonna see how true Buck's words are going to be in "Fungus Humungous".

And in very sad news... Notre Dame got burnt… It's very sad, for such a beautiful building to be damaged. Luckily, it's still standing and still, from what I heard, in one piece.

In a time like this, I think Disney should consider doing a Live Action Movie of Hunchback of Notre Dame. It probably won't be as good as the cartoon, but they should consider doing a movie in dedication on helping Notre Dame.

*: The war general of the pack. They take direct orders from the Alpha in case of a war. The Alpha may be the one to declare war, but the Zeta leads the army and plan the plans for war. They also train new recruits for position as a Eta and Eta or more to take his or her place in future. Normally there is only a single Zeta, but if the populace is high there can be as many as three. (War General)

*: They are the jester of the pack. They help to make others laugh when things get stressful. (Jester)

*: They are the lead medics within the pack, therefore it is they that the Iota aspire to be. (Lead Medic)

*: If you guys are wondering how fast Leo can change between his wolf-form and is true-form, think just as fast as the characters from Wolf's Rain do when turning between their human-forms and their true, wolf-forms.

Some good news (I hope): I'll probably be trained to become a Checker, soon. They're hoping for me to become one, before Summer starts. Hopefully, I'll be making more money. I just hope the pay will be better than it is right now. Wish me luck, you guys!

R&R