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Chapter Text

If It's Real, Then I'll Stay - Bonjr

Ivan stirred in his sleep, the cold freeze from his broken window making him curl further into his blankets. Winter was coming closer by the second, the indigo sky being the only light in his room as he carefully listened to the passing cars and trains. With a deep sigh, he opened his eyes, staring up at the moldy ceiling and the dry wall coating that was painted a disgusting white color. 

He slowly got up, his naked body getting chilled from the frigid air as he walked over to his bathroom,  turning on the water to the coldest setting, stepping inside with seethe through his teeth. He closed his eyes, Ivan savoring the cold that prickled his body, dripping down his firm abs and back that was littered with scars and slashes. 

Ivan didn't take long in the shower, washing himself quickly before going back outside to his room, opening the small fridge that he had beside his desk, taking out a bottle of water and draining it within seconds. He panted aloud, embracing the cold as he finally went to his closet to find something to wear. 

He decided since it was a do nothing day, he'd just wear his regular jeans and flannel shirt. Ivan heard the buzzing of his phone from his bed, his attention peaking at the few texts he received, one from his mama, one for spam, and another from April.

Ivan slumped into his bed, laying back onto his pillow as he scrolled through his messages, with his mama saying her usual good morning to him, trashed the spam, and then to April's message. 

Sorry about last night. I shouldn't have lost my temper
Casey just really fucked up this time, and I'm pissed off.

Ivan wasn't sure how to text back to that, so he ignored it, his eyes drifting down to Leah's last text to him to which he opened, seeing his own responses in return.

Leah pick up the phone
If it's something I did I understand, but please talk with me!

Don't ignore me, please! I wanna talk about this.

If you need space, that's fine, but at least tell me what's going on

I'm worried

Leah? Lady Leah, goddess of all beauty

Leah, you're beautiful to me, don't ever think otherwise. 
I wouldn't want to be with you if I didn't think you were perfect!

I'm sorry for whatever I did. Please just let me know you're okay?

Leah?

He dropped his phone onto his chest, closing his eyes in frustration, gracing his hand over his face and eyes. He wasn't sure what was going on, or why she was upset, or what was going on with her family, but he just needed to make sure she was at least safe. 

After last night, Ivan had taken a glimpse of what Leah's family was like, as well as seeing and meeting two of her brothers. The mere size of them was incredible to say the least, and the dynamic of the two of them was intriguing. But the fight that followed after, the way the purple one just ran away and the desperate cry the red one had done, chasing after him. Could the family issues be about them? Or was it something to do with her father.

April had alluded to him before that he was a bad person, and they had assumed a situation that they had nothing to do with. Maybe that was the reason. Or maybe it was just Leah wanting space, but she didn't want to blame him for something he probably did. Either way, he didn't wanna give up on her. 

He couldn't. 

Karai sat in her room, staring out into space as she twirled the knife in her hand. She felt her eyes becoming dry from being unable to blink, the tenseness in her throat making everything feel uncomfortable and sore. She wasn't sure when she had woken up, but the darkness of the outside world was beginning to peak over her shoulder as she stared at the floor. 

She breathed in deep, knowing that she needed to get in touch with Mk again, and make sure they could all meet together. She hadn't heard much from them since yesterday when they'd said they'd talk with their family. She hoped that they had all talked together. She had waited impatiently for their response, simply glancing back and forth at the message as she tried to think of what to do or say, without sounding desperate. 

Either way, it felt disheartening to know they still hadn't responded. She knew it was bad to think that way, but still... She couldn't help but feel nervous at the prospect of meeting Leo and Ray again, especially after their last encounter together. She couldn't blame them if they didn't trust her. 

A gentle knock came to her door, making Karai look up to see her father enter her room, his robe tied loosely around his hips as he sighed, gazing down at his daughter. 

"May I come in?"

Karai nodded, looking away as she set her knife down to her side table, putting her hands together as Saki came to sit with her. They stayed silent for a while, Saki sitting perfectly straight in comparison to Karai's slouch. 

"What weighs on your mind?"

It took her a moment to gather her thoughts, swallowing painfully as she glanced down to her already tied boots.

"... What if they don't want my help?" she asked, "What if I'm just making a fool out of myself, and inserting myself into their lives... Something they never asked for."

Saki nodded. Karai sniffled. 

"I don't want them to be in pain anymore," she uttered in defeat, "but what if they don't want me there at all? Do I just leave them? Just go on with my life?"

Saki adjusted himself with a small breath, "You cannot force them to take your help. If they don't want you in their lives, then they will relay that information. You will need to accept that, and by that notion, yes, you will need to move on."

Karai was afraid of that answer, but it was true. She couldn't force them, nor could she make them do as she wished, regardless if it was for their own safety and wellbeing. That idea destroyed her.

"However," Saki continued, "you have shown not just kindness, but a willingness to help them. Something I doubt they've had in years."

Saki leaned down to face Karai, catching her gaze as he smiled kindly to her, "You are very brave to be doing this, lotus. And I'm sure they know this as well. And if they trust you, if they know and can see how hard you are trying, then you already have the answer you seek."

Karai looked between her fathers eyes, swallowing painfully as she nodded, leaning towards him and laying her head against his shoulder. She was grateful to him. More than anything. And she was especially glad to hear his words and know his thinking in times of her own stress. She couldn't help the doubt in her stomach though.

"What if it doesn't work?"

"It will," Saki said softly, his chest growing tight as the anticipation swarmed his frail heart, "... It will."

Ray woke with a flutter of his eyes, his vision filled with his little brother stretching his arms over his head like a baby in a crib. He looked adorable and so small in his oversized hoodie. He smiled and adjusted himself to lay on his side, watching him sleep for a moment as thoughts of last night flooded his memory. 

They decided to watch Steven Universe- the whole series in one sitting, skipping all the episodes that were boring in their opinion. It was funny, it was sweet, and it was a long time coming for them to finally sit and watch something together. As brothers. Just like before. Ray heard Donnie's laugh in his thoughts, his bright smile and relaxed posture. He seemed so happy, especially after such an eventful evening last night. 

He didn't remember how long they stayed up till, but he knew that by the time the third season hit, Donnie had slumped against Ray's shoulder, falling asleep with a soft snore. As much as Donnie hated to admit it, he did in fact snore. Not loudly or obnoxiously, but he did little grunts of soft air through his parted lips. It was sweet.

Carefully, Ray reached over and gently scratched the bridge of Donnie's nose, Donnie in turn scrunching his beak as he closed his mouth, swallowing softly. Ray chuckled and did it again, the tickling sensation making Donnie breath in as he slowly peaked his eyes open, groaning softly as he looked around the room before landing his eyes on Ray. Donnie sleepily smiled at him with a hum.

"Morning,"

"Mmmm," Donnie said with a yawn, reaching his hand up to scratch his eyes, "What time is it?"

"Time for you to get a watch," Ray smirked. Donnie smiled in turn with a sleepy giggle, "about eight or so. Time to get up and get the day started."

"Mmm," Donnie yawned again. 

"Did you sleep well?"

"Mmm-hmm," Donnie beamed, cracking his shoulders and stretching out his legs, "it's been such a long time since I've slept in a bed."

"Can't imagine that couch is comfortable," Ray commented, watching Donnie slowly wake up and get his bearings together, "we can go to the dump and try to find you a bed."

"It's okay, we don't have to," Donnie finally turned onto his side, facing Ray head on, "it's too much of a pain in the ass."

"It's really not," Ray yawned with Donnie, smiling sleepily in the dimly lit room, "we can make a day out of it. Sit and chat if you want. Or we can find some stuff for your room. Maybe some more drawing supplies?"

Donnie didn't respond, his eyes still glossy as he thought back to the disaster that was his room, along with his torn pictures and all of his broken furniture. He sighed to himself, thinking quietly about what they should do together that day. He shrugged.

"Maybe we could just hang out together," Donnie smiled, "I don't really feel like going anywhere."

"We can do that," Ray nodded as he watched Donnie slowly close his eyes again, "don't fall asleep again. We got stuff to do today."

"I'm not sleeping," Donnie mumbled, "I'm just resting my eyes."

"Yeah, sure," Ray shook his head as he listened to Donnie's soft breathing, snuggling closer to his brother with another sleepy yawn. 

They were quiet for a long while, listening to Donnie snore after a little while, and finally sighing a long breath, closing his eyes as he joined Donnie in relaxing once again. 

'Maybe another fifteen minutes' he thought.

Ray turned to the side momentarily, looking for his phone that was hidden under his pillow. He checked it once over, going to his messages to see if he had anything new, especially from Casey... but he found nothing. Shutting it off again, he sighed to himself, furrowing his brow as the stillness of the room made his mind wander to last night. How could Casey be so foolish as to blurt something like that out? Especially in front of Donnie, and after they were finally getting along again. He couldn't help but feel slightly disappointed by that. 

He really needs to talk to Casey.

In the Kitchen - Mree

Mk stared at their tea, mindlessly playing with the rim of the cup as they listened to the sound of echoing trains and cars passing over. It was the weekend, something Mk usually looked forward to, but this time, it felt pointless. Meaningless. 

Their dreams were filled with visions of Splinter, and the horror that he put them through. Not once, not twice, but three times within the past few days. Everything hurt, and the longer Mk stayed in their room, the more it started to smell like Splinter. Mk always felt so relaxed being in their room, but this time, there was nothing but terror. They couldn't help but lock and unlock the door, ensuring that it was absolutely secure before going to bed for the night. 

Was that considered OCD? A new habit that Mk was into? Or was it trauma... They didn't know. They almost didn't want to know. Either way, the bags that began to grow on Mk's eyes became worse by the day, and even more so when the nights turned to mornings. Before they knew it, it had been nearly 72 hours without sleep. 

Mk wasn't sure how much longer they could handle this. 

The creak of the door opening made Mk flinch, looking over to the hallway to see Ray and Donnie exiting the small room. Mk wasn't aware of the breath they were holding, but they suddenly let it go upon seeing their brothers seem somewhat relaxed and happy, albeit a little sleepy still.

"Morning, squirt," Ray said with a ruffle of Mk's head. 

Mk blinked curiously, watching as Ray and Donnie made their way to the fridge to pull out some food that was left over as well as starting a new pot of coffee for them to share.

'Since when did they start getting along again?' Mk thought. Weren't they in a tiff of some kind given their attitude towards each other yesterday. Whatever had happened last night, after Donnie had gone out for his walk, must have helped.

"Looks like we're running out of food," Donnie mentioned, "do you think we should ask April if she could make another run for us?"

"Yeah, I'm sure she wouldn't mind," Ray smiled, watching as the coffee dripped down carefully into the muddy looking pot, "I'll ask Casey if he could hit her up and see if they can come over some time."

"Cool," Donnie smiled, "Thank you."

Ray simply winked at him, asking how he wanted his coffee done, with Donnie simply taking out his little pint of creamer to set beside Ray and their cups. 

Mk looked back and forth at their brothers, and smiled. Mk finally relaxed, taking a long drink of their tea. 

The moment of peace was quickly interrupted by the sound of Leo crashing out of his room, making a B-line to Donnie and displaying his phone to him like a child. 

"I need you to fix my phone," Leo cried, his eyes wide and tired with his mask hanging loosely around his neck, "please!"

"Uh," Donnie stammered, looking down at the demolished phone, the entire backside bent in an unnatural way that made him cringe in disbelief, "what exactly happened?"

"I threw it! That's not important!" Leo waved off as Donnie examined the phone, "Can you fix it?!"

Donnie simply sighed, taking the cup that Ray was handing to him with a clink of their cups together, wishing him good luck to trying to fix the impossible.

"Let's have a look."

As Donnie walked to his room, Leo followed after him eagerly, leaving Ray and Mk to their own devices in their original peace. Mk looked up to Ray, giving him a slight smile, watching him take a seat beside them. 

"So what'd you do?" Mk asked, cheekily. Ray shook his head. 

"Nothing," he said, "we just talked."

"Good," Mk nodded, "you guys needed it."

"Mmm," Ray thought for a moment, the screaming and distraught nature of Donnie still replaying in his mind. The look of distrust, of fear, and concern. It's so painful to still think about, which probably made Ray confess everything to him. In fact...

"I actually need to tell you something," Ray started, "about where I've been going these past few weeks."

"You're with Casey," Mk shrugged, "you guys are together, that's not a big deal."

"Well," Ray nervously rubbed the back of his neck, "that, but... It's a little bit more than that."

"Did it work?" Leo asked nervously, hovering over Donnie's shoulder. 

"Well, you threw it pretty hard," Donnie explained as he waited for Leo's little iphone to try to start back up and connect to his computer, "I'd be surprised if the motherboard wasn't broken as well as the screen."

"Isn't there anything we could do?" Leo tapped his shoulder rapidly, trying to stimulate himself as a way to keep himself calm. 

Donnie sighed sadly, "I can try to see if the micro chip survived, but other than that, we're gonna need to find you a new phone."

"Oh, come on," Leo walked away, lifting his hands up to cover his face in devastation, "I can't believe I did something so stupid."

"If it's any consolation," Donnie shrugged, moving his chair out to watch his brother pace, "you did have the most ancient iphone known to man. We'll just find you a new one."

"You don't get it!" Leo groaned, "I had Ivan's contact in there! Pictures of us, and I just threw it like an idiot!"

"Well that's why we're gonna try to salvage the micro chip," Donnie explained again, "and as far as Ivan's contact, can't you just ask for his number again?"

Leo clenched onto his bandana before pivoting to look at Donnie with a frustrated glare, "I can't- I..." 

Donnie waited for him to continue, but Leo dropped his gaze, a wash of embarrassment getting the better of him. Donnie was about to ask why he was getting so upset about something as simple as a broken phone, but something in Leo's shifted at the mention of Ivan. Bringing forth another concern.

"What happened between you and Ivan?"

"Nothing, I just... I got self conscious and just went off into a tangent-," Leo tried, feeling his chest grow tight all over again, "I was- I was upset with him and then just, I tried saying to, that'd I'm- I'm- I'm alright, and I was mean, and I didn't mean to be mean, I just-,"

"Leo," Donnie said, standing to meet his brothers gaze, "stop trying to lie, and just tell me what happened."

"Nothing happened!"

"So if I go and talk to Ivan, he'll say the same thing?"

Leo's eyes went comically wide, his face growing pale as he looked up to Donnie immediately, "Wha-,"

"I met him last night," Donnie stated firmly, "Ray and I both did."

Leo was too stunned to move, his entire body growing cold at the thought of Donnie meeting his boyfriend- of Ray meeting him even.

"What's going on?" Donnie asked again, "What did he do?"

Leo dropped his gaze, his cheeks growing hot as he tried to hide his fidgeting and nervous movement. He shook his head. 

"He didn't do anything," Leo sighed, "I asked him to stop seeing me... So I could focus on my family. So I could focus on you guys, so nothing like what happened to you or Mikey happened again. I just... I can't be around him anymore, especially when I have to protect you all."

"Leo," Donnie interrupted, taking a step closer to his older brother, placing his hands on his shoulders to gaze down at him, "you don't have to do that. You have a perfectly good thing going right now! You don't have to put all of this on pause just for us-,"

"But I do though!" Leo shouted "You guys need me here! I need to be here to make sure you guys are happy and safe! I've been slacking and being a bad example, and it's all because I've been distracted by this stupid relationship and I just... I can't... I don't want to disappoint you guys."

Donnie understood his frustration, his eagerness for acceptance, and fear of what could happen if he did leave again. However, that didn't mean he could just ignore his independence. Donnie sighed, pulling Leo into a tight hug, resting his chin on his shoulder. 

Leo wasn't as tall as Donnie was, in fact, he was more similar in size to Mikey then the others, even though he was older then both of them. So having Donnie tower over him like this made him flush in embarrassment. Regardless, Leo held Donnie back, pressing his cheek into Donnie's scarf.

"You don't have to suffer because of us," Donnie said softly, "You don't have to push away your own feelings if it hurts you. We want you to be happy, because you deserve it. More than you think."

The sting of his eyes made Leo bite his lip as he held back his tears, holding onto Donnie tighter as he hid inside of the purple scarf.

"Seeing you get excited about anything is really nice," Donnie said as he pulled away, gently wiping Leo's tears away with his thumbs, "It feels like we all lost touch with each other and our likes and dislikes. I wanna get to know you again, like when we were kids. Would that be okay?"

Leo was afraid to answer, unsure of how exactly to tell Donnie, or any of his brothers who he was. The things he was interested in were outlandish and silly. They were childish and way too girly. Clothes, fashion, bedroom pop music, colors and makeup... No, if they were to get to know the real Leah, they'd hate her. They'd hate him.  Not wanting to keep Donnie waiting any longer than he already was, he gave him a small nod.

"I'll try," was all he could muster. 

Mk mused over Ray's explanation, and what he had been doing as of the past few weeks. While they understood why Ray was doing it in the first place, they couldn't understand why he didn't just tell them all before he was caught in such an awkward situation. Especially with Donnie and him finally getting to be friends again. 

Ray was waiting quietly for Mk to respond, unsure of what was going on in their little head. Carefully, Ray nudged their arm, "You okay?"

Mk took a breath, nodding gently in assurance, "Sorry, it's just... A lot."

Ray sighed, rubbing his arm as he nervously looked away, "Yeah, that makes sense. I'm sorry."

"No, no it's fine, just-," Mk tried to think of what to say as a way to help ease Ray's mind, but they couldn't deny that by Ray keeping this from them all, it almost felt like a betrayal, "- a lot"

They couldn't really say more than that. It was painful and awkward to not be honest with him, but at the same time, they weren't sure how exactly to express their concern. Yes, this was concerning on multiple levels: Ray being exposed to the humans, being used for money, destroying his body every day in an attempt to gain reassurance from others and protect his brothers. It just didn't feel right. 

"You don't have to say anything," Ray frowned, "Donnie already gave me an earful yesterday. I know I fucked up, and I know that this is selfish and dumb, but I can't just stop."

"Why?" Mikey asked, his voice growing lower. It was such a rapid switch in gender that Ray was taken aback by it. He swallowed.

"I just... I made a commitment, that's all. I know that it's bad, but, I promised Casey that I'd be there for him. That I'd help him with these fights."

"You don't have to do shit," Mikey shook his head, "You could just tell him no and leave it at that! He's your boyfriend, isn't he? He'd understand if he started arguing with April, and saw just how upset it made Donnie."

"That's not-,"

Mikey felt his phone vibrate, catching him off guard immediately. Ray looked at Mikey as they answered, the same scowl still forming on their face as they answered with a huff. 

"Hello?" They said, immediately softening his face upon hearing a familiar, soft voice, "Karai, hey."

Mikey stood up, Ray following as they walked after him towards Donnie's room, walking in on  what seemed to be a private moment between Leo and Donnie. Leo looked up at the others, wiping his tears away as Donnie gazed at them in confusion. 

Shock swarmed Mikey's face, gasping as they looked up at Ray and then to the others once again. Biting his lips, he glared in determination and nodded. 

"We're coming now."

"Cassie!" A tiny voice called, Casey meeting it with a low grumble as his shoulder was pushed back and forth, "Cassie, wake up already!! It's noon o' clock!"

"Mm- no, come on, ang, I'm just... I'm fine."

"But Cassie, April's here to see you!" 

"Mmmm- tell er she can suck a turtle cock if he's so please-,"

Casey felt his body grow light for a moment before rolling over and falling onto the floor, his back arching as he lifted his head, looking around in complete confusion, his groggy vision eyeing a particularly pissed off red head. 

"Get up, Jones" April snapped from above, "you smell like sewage,"

"Cause I fuck with turtles in a sewer, kiss my ass," Casey retorted, turning painfully to the side to lay his head on the fallen stuffed animal on the floor. While Angel giggled, April was not as amused.

"Get up already," April said yet again, moving to the kitchen to grab the coffee she had started brewing, "it's already noon, and you smell disgusting." 

"Mmmm," 

After a little more persuading and a lot more force, April was able to get Casey off the floor and into the shower, albeit a little groggy on the way. He had drank so much the previous night after that argument with April about Ray's extracurricular activities, that he just decided it was better to forget. Forget he fucked up, forget that April was mad. Forget that Ray was probably very mad. Forget it all.

Eventually, he wavered out of the shower, and was met with April sitting in a little bit tidder living room space that she had cleaned up. That was a nice thing about having April over. She always knew when to clean up Casey's messes. This was probably one that she wasn't too keen about, however, given her hard glare. 

"Sit," April crossed her legs as she waited for Casey to join her. 

He begrudgingly did as he was told, coffee in hand as he swiped it away from the counter, falling into the cushions of the couch as he waited for April to continue. Taking one long sip, he swallowed, took a breath and then looked up at April. 

"Okay," he sighed, "lay it on me."

"I'm not gonna yell at you anymore than I already have," she started, "but I need to know what the hell was going through your head when he started this whole thing. What the hell drove you to ask Ray for taking part in these fights? You know what's been happening with the Foot Clan, and yet you still put him in danger like that! Why?"

Casey didn't really have a good answer, but he figured his useless one was better than none. 

"I didn't want him to at first," Casey started, "but I was at a point where I wasn't in the position to fight, so I started droning about it and acting all 'woe is me' about it, and I guess... Ray took that as me trying to ask him to take my place."

"So you manipulated him," April summed up.

"I didn't ask him shit," Casey snapped, sitting up and setting his cup on the coffee table, "he offered. I told him it wasn't safe, I told him I could do it, but he just... Wasn't taking no for an answer"

"Its at that point where you should've just put your foot down, Case!" April adjusted herself to better face Casey, "Now because this lie got so far out of hand, not only did Donnie find out that he was being lied to, but half this city knows that people like Ray exist! That could ruin their cover! Their lives are already in danger!"

"You think I don't know that already?" Casey yelled, startling April, but not disturbing her composure, "We knew the risk in doing this, alright?! Ray could've at any point just said no, but he didn't! And I didn't push him into anything he didn't want to! He's a grown ass man, he can say when he's not happy with something, alright?!"

"But you know for a fact that he won't!" April countered, "He's kind, and he's protective, and he has this people pleasing mindset that won't allow him to say no, especially to people he cares about!"

Casey turned his head away, anger curling into his fists as he tried to keep his composure at being called out. 

"You took advantage of him! You gave him a feeling of false freedom, just because he likes you, and used that to your advantage to do your dirty work! He never would've done any of this, let alone lie to his friends and family, if you hadn't forced his hand into doing these fights!-"

"I DIDN'T TELL HIM TO FIGHT!!" Casey shot up, his voice and stomping rattling the shelves and pictures on the walls as he seethed painfully, "Yes, I needed help! Yes, I had a contract that I was obliged to sign and deal with! Yes, I needed him to help me, because I owed nearly $10,000 to a fucking drug dealer that my dads been going to, who threatened my fucking families lives! This, all of this, was because of me!! Is that what you wanted to hear, huh?! Do you realize how much Ray has helped me?!"

Casey rushed away, kicking and throwing everything that was in his path or line of sight. 

"He has single handedly done more for me in that past two months than anyone else has in the past five years! I have worked my ass off, and I do my fucking best to make sure that my family is provided for, and safe! And if that means that I need to get the shit beat out of me to prove that I'm a fucking man, than so be it! I don't give a damn about myself, alright?! If I wind up dead from these fucking fights, then fine! I can deal with it! But Ray- He's... He saved me, April..." 

Casey breathed heavily, covering his face with his hands as he finally slumped to the floor, bracing himself onto his knees as he held himself tightly. April got up, taking a small step closer to him before sitting down against the wall beside him. She waited for him to continue if he wanted, listening to the quiet of the wrecked room. 

"... I really care about him, Apes,"  Casey admitted tearfully, "he sees me as someone who's strong and doesn't give a fuck about anything. I take him places he's never imagined he'd see. He's met people that see him as a strong, confident, and incredible creature. Everyone fucking loves him, and he just doesn't see it... And if he does, he doesn't believe it."

Casey lifted his head from his cocoon, tears laying in his eyes as he stared off into the distance. 

"At first, it was just a one time thing. Just something to help me that one week so I could recover," he said, "but then I saw just how happy he was. How excited he got, how new and different it was. For the first time since I met him, he wasn't scared, nor was he putting up some fucking shield to hide himself... I liked seeing that."

April listened intently, crossing her legs as she waited for Casey to continue once again. 

"I never wanted to get him involved in this. I never meant for him to get shown off or used, or anything like that," Casey glared at himself, disappointed that he let it get this bad this quickly, "I just wanted to see him be happy... Maybe, for the first time, in a long time... I actually care about someone who isn't you or Angel. I have another person that's worth fighting for and protecting."

April nodded, seemingly satisfied with that answer, as she folded her fingers together thoughtfully. 

"I believe you," she started, "when you say that your intent was never to manipulate him. I know that you care about him, otherwise why would you put so much on the line for that?"

Casey scratched his head nervously. 

"But even then, this is so much, Casey," April shook her head in disbelief, "If you were having money problems, you should've just told us- told me! I would've helped you!"

"Yeah right," Casey tried to get up and walk away, but April quickly followed, "there ain't no way your gonna make $10,000 to some fucking ass wipe who's only gonna increase his interest a hundred times its rate."

"No, but we could've figured it out some how!" April said, taking Casey's shoulder and forcing him to look at her, "Together! As friends- as family! But you need to actually let me in and let me know what's happening!"

"I can't,"

"Why not?"

"Because it's never gonna work! Because nothing I do ever fucking works, alright?!" Casey shoved her off, "I've tried, okay? I have fought, i have worked my ass off, I have sold and done everything I can to make shit work! I tried- I just..."

April waited for Casey to continue, but watched as he covered his chest, his face turning to a deep plum color as he glared at the empty space once more, biting hard at his lip. 

"Casey..."

"It was either me, or Angel, and I ain't lettin them lay a fucking finger on her!" Casey growled lowly, still protecting his breast as best he could, the feeling of disgust coursing through his body at the betrayal that Ray would no doubt have if he ever found out, "I've tried everything, April... Nothing is gonna fix this unless there's money involved."

"... Then we'll find a way," April nodded to herself, thinking as hard as she could, pulling Casey closer to her as she cupped his cheeks, "I'll find a way to make this better."

"April, I can't ask you to do this-,"

"I'm telling you... I'm gonna make this better. I'm gonna help you, okay? You just gotta trust me."

Casey felt his chest grow tight as he thought back months ago when Ray said the same thing to him, promising he'd help him in anyway he could to ensure his safety and well being. He felt him self being pulled into a hug, his face laying against April's as he listened to her talk. Something about no more fights, and no more deals. He was to finish the season and then be done with it, but all his thoughts just turned to Ray and about what a horrible boyfriend he was to him. He never intended to get him involved in this mess. He never wanted to make him upset... He never meant to make him mad. 

After a little bit of sobering up, April finally decided to make them all breakfast, Angel helping with cracking the eggs as Casey sat in the living room, nursing his coffee, all the while, he stared at his screen of his phone. He was looking at Ray's contact, unsure of what to write him, or if he even should. What would he even say to him? What could he say when he already knew that he ruined everything between them. 

Casey said nothing as he slouched back into the couch once more... Why was he such a terrible person.  

A Diplomatic Solution - Arcane OST

Karai was given the okay. It was all she needed in order to make the call to Mk and agree on a meeting point. She waited for them and the others to join her in the sewers by Bleeker street, closest to the playground. She leaned against the sewer walls, looking at the opposite side of where she stood. She couldn't help the tap of her foot against the gravel as she waited for the others to arrive. 

They'd agreed to meet at 3:30 pm, and it was a quarter till. But for some reason, the anticipation of them not showing up made her nervous. Karai couldn't stop flicking back and forth between her phone and the wall, still tapping her foot nervously as she continued to wait, rubbing the bridge of her nose and eyes to try and calm herself. She couldn't understand what was happening, or why she was so anxious. Maybe it was the prospect of meeting all of the turtles at the same time, or maybe she was just afraid they'd all tell her to fuck off. She didn't know. 

The tapping of her foot echoed through out the sewer.

Finally, the scuttle of an amalgamation of footsteps caught her attention, drawing her to the left as she looked up to see the four turtles approach her.

The last time she saw all of them together like this was nearly a month ago, all of them fighting against other foot soldiers who were determined to take them down and hurt them. Thinking back on it now, it didn't make sense why she did it. She supposed she was just upset. It was so stupid. 

Mk was the first to approach her, rushing up to her and giving her a big hug, Karai standing in place as she place a gentle hand on the back of their shell. She looked up at the others, who didn't seem to share Mk's enthusiasm. They all gave a pensive look as she approached, Karai softly patting Mk away as she approached Ray, who stood in front of the others as a way of protection. She understood why, she was technically the enemy still until proven otherwise. She felt bad to say the least, but didn't let that falter her stance while approaching him. 

"Leonardo... Raphael," she said simply, "I'd say it's good to see you again, but given the circumstances, I think I'm the last person you wanted to see."

Ray said nothing as he glared firmly. Leo glanced up at him before taking his place, stepping forward to meet her gaze. 

"It's a little strange, yes, but we're glad to see you under better pretenses."

As always, Leo was the peace giver between them all. Never wanting conflict, but still being cautious enough to ensure his brothers safety. Ray crossed his arms as Donnie approached beside Leo, doing his best to look strong. 

"I hope that you found this place alright," he asked, trying to make small talk, but Karai didn't seem too keen on amusing him. She looked down to the ground, putting her hands together as she took a small breath. 

"I have a proposition for you," she stated clearly, catching all of them off guard, but listening nevertheless, "I want to help you escape,"

They were all quiet for a moment, Leo becoming stiff as Ray scowled at Karai.

"Why?" Ray asked simply.

"Why not?" Karai countered, "You're all held captive by a man who doesn't care about you, and have no one else to rely on for aid. I know Hamato Yoshi, and I know the horrible shit you've been made to endure because of it. Why wouldn't I help you?"

"You don't know shit about us," Ray stated, taking a step forward as a way to intimidate her, "you act like you know everything, but you're just assuming shit because of what? Because of what he did to you, what- nine years ago?"

"Eleven years ago, thank you," Karai corrected, "and I'm not acting, I'm telling you- I know. I know what kind of monster he is, I know what he's done to hurt you, and I know that the longer you stay here, the harder it's gonna be to wanna leave."

"We can leave whenever we want," Ray snarled, getting up into Karai's face who didn't change her expression, "we have our own freedom, our own thoughts, and you think that you can just come into our lives and tell us to leave? We don't need your help when we can do it ourselves!"

Mk glanced back and forth between their brother and Karai, unsure of what she would say or do, afraid that she'll wanna leave because of how mean and aggressive he was becoming. Karai's furrowed brow softened.

"And yet, you're still here," Karai stated, "... Because he needs you. Because he gave you a reason to stay. Because you owe him everything. Because you'd be nothing without him.. Right?"

They were all stock still. The pain coursing through them as their gazes faltered, afraid to acknowledge that she was right. They knew that. They always knew, but they refused to say it aloud. It was something that took Karai many years to even accept. She took a breath as she watched Ray take a step back, looking away as Mk folded their hands together in anticipation.

"That's what he made you believe. That's what he's put into your head to make you stay here- to make you feel obligated to stay here, and it's not true. None of it is," Karai said firmly as she looked around to each of the brothers, "the longer you stay, the more difficult it will be to leave, and if you don't then... Then you'll meet the same fate as my mother did..." Karai looked up to Donnie, her heart pounding at the memory of what he had gone through, "I don't want that to happen."

"What would we do?" Mk finally asked. Karai looked over her shoulder for a moment.

"I have a home for you to go to," She said, "in New York City. Its my family home, where Oroku Saki, my father, resides."

"Isn't he the leader of the Foot clan?" Donnie asked.

"Yes, but he's not the one who made the order to hurt you," Karai looked away for a moment, "In fact... he told me specifically not to go after you in the first place. I didn't listen, and because of that, I've ruined everything. That's something I can't even begin to ask forgiveness for. But that's why I want to help you now... I want to help you."

Karai looked up at Ray, pleading for him to see it, to feel her sincerity as she reaches forward to touch his skin with her bare hand. Soft whispers and painful memories flood her vision, causing tears to swim in her eyes:

The scars, the words, the feeling of dread, guilt and self loathing... And the thoughts of wanting to end it all, but too afraid to leave his brothers behind.

"You've been through so much," she whispered, "... It's time to leave this place. All of you."

She glanced back to Mk, then to Donnie and Leo who stayed huddled close together, Donnie's hand resting on Leo's shoulder. Her eyes met Ray's mournful face, his chest heaving up and down, before a soft hand laid across his cheek, Karai's thumb gracing the scratch on his chin after Splinter sliced him when he was a child. 

"Please let me help you," was Karai's final words, leaving a deafening silence to follow as Ray thought hard, his eyes peeking open as emerald irises met deep raven ones, tears glossing across his eyes.

"... Okay..."

The next day, Karai arrived to their little home. The plan was for Karai to come and see Splinter with her own eyes, and see their living condition in order to understand a route for them to take to finally escape without Splinters knowledge. She needed to help them pack their belongings, see what was important to take and what to leave. More than anything else, she wanted to see Hamato Yoshi with her own eyes, and give him a piece of her mind once and for all. 

It was more of a final good bye, a way to make her demons finally die after seeing him again... Now that she was here, she was terrified.

Karai stood outside the large metal door, the stench of the sewer around her was overwhelming and the sound of echoed water dropped in the distance put her on edge. She waited, but she wasn't sure for what. Maybe for them to not respond so she could run away. She wanted them to not answer, that way she could just make up the excuse to come back another day, but she knew that was pointless. She had a job to do. her shoulder jostling slightly as a moist feeling clouded her vision. She tried to push back the tears, fear still haunting her even after all these years. 

She swallowed painfully before closing her eyes, reminding herself why she was here in the first place, and the importance of her mission. Karai kept her eyes closed, reaching forward and knocking clearly, allowing herself the time it would take for whoever came to answer, relaxing her mind and body. 

This is for them, she remembered. 

This is for their safety. For their freedom.

The door opened as a steady stream of light set upon her face as she opened her eyes, looking up to see Mk staring back at her, their eyes wide as a small intake of breath made them stumble back. 

Karai had anticipated that they'd be taken aback by her arrival, probably under the assumption that she wouldn't come after they came to an agreement. She bowed her head slightly out of respect.

"It's good to see you again," she said softly. 

Mk hummed to themself, watching Karai bow to them, a sunken expression crossing their brow before they took a deep breath and smiled. 

"You don't have to be so polite," Mk stated kindly, this time it was Karai's turn to be surprised, looking up at them to see their sweet smile, "my home is your home. So please, relax."

Karai knew that this place was more like a prison then a home, but regardless of that argument, she stood straight and followed Mk inside. 

As hesitant as she was, Karai followed Mk into the lair. She didn’t know about this, nor was she very fond of the idea of entering a suspicious home in the depths of the sewer, but she had to do this. The home itself was smaller than she thought. The walls were cramped and the rooms were even tighter, barely the size of a office room. She put her hands into her pockets, walking close behind them as they began showing her around their home, passing by Ray who was training beside Leo, practicing their Thai chi, with Donnie supposedly being in his room.

She didn’t say anything as she made eye contact with the boys, giving a small bow as she continued to follow the younger sibling. Mk was spewing vigorously, smiling the entire time as they bopped up and down, showing off their living room, the kitchen, and Donnie’s lab, which doubled as his bedroom.

Karai looked at everything, catching Donnie’s eye as they passed by, with the two holding contact for a little more then 10 seconds. Donnie eventually smiled at Karai, giving her a little wave. She tilted her head towards him in acknowledgment, following Mk once again as they walked down to where their own room again. 

“So what do you think?” Mk asked, excitedly, their arms out wide in enthusiasm. Karai honestly didn’t know what to think. It was muggy and cramped, homely yet awkward, and a strange feeling overcame the whole house.

She shrugged, noticing the small figurines on Mk’s desk, picking one up to examine it as Mk went to her side, explaining that it was part of a collection of mythical creatures and monsters that had special abilities. Karai watched them speak, noticing how big their smile was, how happy they looked and how glad they were to find them when all four of the siblings ventured to the dump. Karai frowned, her face stoic and pale as she furrowed her brow. 

“I don’t understand,”

“What? The ice fae? I guess they can just say fairy, but I like the sound of-,”

“I don’t understand,” she interrupted, “how you can be the way you are.”

“What do you mean?” Mk asked as he put the figure down, holding their hand close to their chest, afraid to have offended her in some way.

“You’re entire life has been nothing but pain,” she said, her voice low and cynical, “that son of a bitch was nothing but cruel and twisted, lying to you and your brothers, and yet you still say and do- all of this!”

Karai gestured to the home, to Mk’s room and the bright lights, the many posters and drawings, the figures and stuffed animals that they had accumulated through the years, “Why aren’t you angry? Why aren’t you upset? Furious?! He hurt you! And yet you stay!? Why?” 

Silence spread between them as Mk thought for a moment, giving a small smile to her.

“I am sad,” Mk admitted, “we all are.”

Karai seemed surprised by this, waiting for them to continue. They beamed.

“My family has been through so much. We’ve all felt and dealt with similar pain. We always tried to just deal with it, ignore it and pretend everything was okay. But it’s not. And that’s okay.”

“How the hell is that okay?!” Karai yelled. Once again, Mk smiled.

“Because I met you,”

Silence spread as it stunned Karai.

“If it weren’t for the lectures and cruel words, we wouldn’t have gained the love and respect we give to others. If it weren’t for the arguments and anger, we wouldn’t have been able to know how to treat others and recognize when people are suffering. If it weren’t for his teaching us how to fight, you wouldn’t have beaten the crap out of my siblings and vice versa;

“We don’t have a good life” Mk said, “but we are still grateful for the opportunity to learn from this nightmare. And I’m especially grateful that we got to meet you… our sister!”

Karai felt her heart ache at their words. She reached forward, wrapping her arms around their shoulders tightly, burying her cheek into them, closing her eyes at the softness of their aura.

“You have a good heart, Mk,” Karai said, her voice a thunderous flare in Mk’s ear, “don’t ever lose that, little brother,”

Tears began to sweat on Mk’s lids, the shock subsiding to comfort, as they leaned into Karai, hugging her back, holding her small waist, her soft black hair gracing their cheek like a leaf in fall. 

Ray could hear the shouting on the other side of Mk's door, bringing a new kind of tension to the back of his head. Something that Leo picked up on immediately as he reached to touch his shoulder. Ray looked down at Leo, brushing off his hand as he turned to leave the dojo.

"I'm fine" he said without Leo needing to ask.

He didn't believe him. Not for a second. He bowed his head, his brow furrowed painfully. 

"Why do you always do that?" Leo asked, stopping Ray in his tracks before he left the room, his hand clutching onto the door frame as he was taken aback by Leo's question. 

"What?"

"You push me away every time," he said softly, "like you don't want me to help you, to comfort you... Why?"

Ray didn't have a good answer. He didn't have any answer actually. He just rubbed his shoulder again, looking away from Leo and his dejected state. 

"Are you mad at me?"

"No, I'm not," Ray shook his head, "I just... I don't like being touched, that's all."

"Karai did it," Leo countered, "and Donnie does it all the time... Why am I so different?"

"..." 

Leo's mind wandered to the worst case scenario, frowning as he grasped onto his hands, afraid to ask, but knowing it was necessary for his own sanity.

"Do you hate me?"

"... What?" Ray asked, blinking back his confusion.

"I know I'm not a good leader," Leo mumbled, "and I know that I make you upset with my choices, and being so optimistic in our survival... And I know that I'm not a good fighter, or a good brother. But I- I'm trying my best... And I'm sorry if I made you upset, or angry, or mad, I... I just need to know."

"I don't hate you, Leo," Ray said quickly, "Why would you ask that?!"

"You never talk openly to me like how you do with Donnie, or Casey. You never wanna tell me how you're feeling, or what's going on with you, or anything... I'm nothing to you, and that- it just- it could only mean that you hate me..."

"I never hated you, Leo! Why the fuck would I hate you? What the fuck kind of logic is that? What reason would I have to hate you?"

"... Because I'm the leader, and you're not... Because I can't do anything right... Because you did hate me once..." Leo whispered as the memory of their first fight replayed in his head, the pain of his left eye making him touch it unconsciously, "... Maybe you always did..."

Ray was too stunned to speak, his chest hurting as he stared at Leo, the light and kindness in his eyes diminishing as the chill of the air haunted his skin. 

"That was... I didn't..."

"I know you didn't mean to," Leo said, dejected as a wash of hopelessness coursed through him, "... It's okay... I have my answer."

"I-,"

Mk had exited their room with Karai in hand, walking into the dojo quickly to see Leo and Ray standing awkwardly. 

"We're gonna go talk to Splinter now," They said, their chest aching as they winced painfully, looking back at their brothers as a storm of emotions coursed through them both, "... Is something wrong?"

Leo swallowed painfully, looking up at Mk with a expressionless smile, "Everything's fine. I'll get Donnie,"

"Leo-," Ray tried, and before he could say anything, Leo rushed away. Ray watched after him as he tried to reach to grab his hand, but Leo kept his arms to himself, ducking his head down fearfully.

Mk looked over at Ray again, "What did you do?"

Ray didn't know what to say, nor did he feel like arguing again. Yet another thing that he needed to fix.

"Nothing," Ray said at last. 

Leo gathered Donnie, saying that it was time to speak with their master and father, something everyone was dreading, especially Karai.

Mk lead the group down Splinters hall, an uneasy feeling causing Mk to feel nauseous. It was probably due to everyone's stress and fear of the situation. Mk didn't blame them. None of them. 

Donnie stood beside Karai, with Leo and Ray standing behind them all. Ray watched as Donnie placed a caring hand on the back of Karai's back, looking down at her as he gave a reassuring smile, something Karai appreciated immensely. 

Ray was confused as to why Donnie was being so affectionate towards her given who she was towards them and how she treated them in the past. He supposed that Donnie was more willing to forgive Karai then he was with Ray. A thought that broke Ray's heart.

Mk knocked on the door, "Master Yoshi? We have a guest we'd like you to meet."

"... Enter..."

With a careful movement, Mk walked inside, gazing down at Splinter and his disorderly fashion. He was a mess, with his ratty hair and disheveled clothes. He could do with looking a little better, but they supposed Splinter had no more decency when it came to his family, regardless if they had a guest or not. 

Donnie followed Mk, with Karai entering right after, immediately looking down at him with an emotionless gaze, then Ray and Leo, the boys all taking a seat with their legs folded underneath respectfully, bowing their heads. Karai stood, however, staring down at Splinter with a cold gaze as he matched her. He scowled, speaking while continuing to hold her look.

"Your friend isn't exactly respectful, now is she?"

Karai said nothing, still staring at Splinter and the disgusting mutation he became over the years.  

"Please forgive her, Master," Mk said softly, keeping their voice as even as possible, "she is my friend. We've spoken many times before and I wanted to introduce her to you, while also answering some questions."

"I don't speak to lowly humans who have no respect for their elders," Splinter stated, "much less pompous teenagers who feel as though their entitled to any information that they see fit."

"This lowly human holds plenty of respect for her elders," Karai said softly, "but I will never bow before a murderer, or a rapist like you."

Splinter lowered his look, his lip drooping sloppily as he scowled, rising to his feet before stumbling backwards, his balance becoming steady as he looked at Karai carefully.

"That's some pretty heavy accusations your making there, young lady."

"Don't call me that," She snapped quietly, "My name is Karai. I am the daughter and successor of Oroku Saki, the Leader of the Foot Clan, and you will answer all of my questions."

"Karai," Mk mumbled fearfully.

Splinter stared at her, his eyes growing wide as the information piled up in his mind. This girl, with her long black hair, her pale milk like skin, and burning eyes of determination. Splinter took a step forward until he was mere inches away from her.

"Miwa?"

"Don't call me that," Karai said bitterly, "I revoked that name the moment my mother died- by your hands."

"Miwa," Splinter continued, disregarding everything that she had said as he looked at her body, her face and stature, remembering the little girl that he had so very long ago, "you've grown so tall. You look just like your mother... My little lotus."

Splinter tried to reach out and hold Karai's cheek, and while Karai was content with his gestures, no matter how aggravated she was, Donnie immediately reached up and snatched Splinter wrist, shoving it away from her as he glared at him intensely. Splinter looked at Donnie, still wide eyes as he watched his son carefully.

Ray, Leo, and Mk were all quick to stand and wait in anticipation for what Splinter was going to do, ready to jump into action to save their brother and friend if need be. Splinter understood the warning, however, and carefully retracted his arm, Karai keeping a stern look on her brow as Donnie continued to stand beside her, refusing to kneel like he was before. 

"I see that you've spoken to my sons about these 'accusations', although I'm confused as to why you would make such statements."

"These statements are the truth," Karai said, her sharp tongue becoming more angry and higher in volume, "and I didn't speak to them about these accusations. I know for a fact what you've been doing to them, from the moment you took them to when we first met. I'm not gonna let this continue, much less allow them to live in this kinda of torment anymore. I'm here to-,"

"To what, exactly?" Splinter questioned, "Leave? Take them away? Bring them to the surface where they will be ridiculed, hurt and beaten for simply being living? Much like how you did to them when you first met? Beating them without hesitation? Breaking their minds into killing machines, or control them to bend to your every need?"

"You mean like how you did to me?"

Silence spread across the room, Splinter visibly shaking as he breathed heavily, seemingly ready to strangle Karai right then and there. But Karai stood her ground. 

"Tell them," Karai stated, "tell them what you did to me and my mother. How you used her for her money, and made her work countless hours so that you could get your fix. Tell them how when my mother was gone, you took advantage like how you did to Donatello and Michelangelo;

"Tell them how you beat me, you scarred me and ruined my life- my formative years as a child, and you took advantage because you were a miserable man who hated himself, therefore needed to take his anger out on the only people who cared about him! The two people in his life, one that you murdered, and the other you raped at eight years old!"

Mk tried their best not to cry, but they couldn't help the tears that fell down their face, causing them to duck their head in shame and fear for what Splinter would do. Leo was shaking, his head feeling like it was ready to explode because of the tension that had grown, wanting to just shrink into his shell and disappear into the walls and floors.

Ray tightened his grip as he stared at the floor, his shoulder hunched forward as he did his best to not explode, especially after hearing all of that. He wanted to clobber their master- break him and tear him to shreds at the thought of not only Donnie suffering from Splinters inappropriate behavior, but now Karai and Mk as well. He didn't want his family to suffer anymore.

Donnie stayed strong, his expression never changing as he watched Splinters reaction, and when Karai began to get too close, he held her arm, bringing her a step back in hopes that she didn't get hurt. 

A Wolf Has No Mercy - Arcane OST

Splinter was eerily quiet, his nostrils flaring as he continued to stare down at Karai.

"Get out," Splinter said, "except you,"

Karai lowered her head, but kept her glare firmly onto Splinter.

As the others stood up to make their way out to leave, Donnie didn't budge, not trusting Splinter for a moment as he continued to stare at him, holding Karai's wrist, his finger gracing against her palm. Splinter shot him a glare, adjusting his jaw as he tightened his fists. 

"I said leave," Splinter restated. 

Donnie was quiet, Ray lingering behind as he waited for Donnie to join them, but he refused to move. Finally, a soft, cold hand touched him, catching his attention as he looked down at Karai and her gentle eyes. 

"I'll be okay," she said, giving him a small nod.

Donnie bit the inside of his lip as he glanced back at Splinter and then to Ray who was still waiting for him, subtly reaching his hand out to him to take. Donnie regretfully pulled away, walking away as he hurried to Ray's side, leaving the stuffy room that he hated so much. Ray held his shoulders, keeping him close as he left the room, closing the room as Karai and Splinter were left alone. 

It felt like a staring contest with how hard they were looking at each other, Splinter adjusting his robes as he smirked down at his daughter. 

"You have your mothers eyes," he said, "she always had this look that would make any man she came into contact with fall in love with her. It was quite a talent."

"At least I know how to be a decent person, unlike you," Karai spit back. Splinter frowned. 

"You've got her attitude as well it seems," Splinter cocked his eyebrow up, "that was probably her least attractive quality."

"My mother was the most amazing person that ever lived," Karai snarled, "and you took her away from me!"

"I did no such thing," Splinter snapped, "That deranged woman attacked me, and made another man do her dirty work by trying to kill me. It was her fault that fire started, it was her fault that she got shot. It was all her fault for disobeying me and plotting against me!"

"She was trying to escape you for what you did to those children! For what you did to me!" Karai yelled, "She was ready to kill herself because of the constant abuse that you put her through- what you put us through! And not once did you have a single ounce of remorse!"

"So all of the times where I told you I loved you, and her, meant nothing?" Splinter questioned, "All the times where I brought us on expensive trips, and made you all laugh and smile, where nothing? The wonderful times we spent going out as a family, spending countless hours being happy were nothing?"

"That's called manipulation, asshole!" Karai took a step forward, "You littered us with expensive gifts and travels just so that we could forgive you and your abuse, but that didn't erase the memories that are here!!"

Karai clenched onto her heart, "You ruined my childhood! You took my mother away from me! You took my dignity, my innocence, and all for what?! Power?! Just because you could, you fucking freak!"

Splinter had enough, swinging his arm back and screaming aloud as he tried to hit her, but Karai countered with a flick of her hand, twisting Splinters arm back and kicking him in the face as he muttered out for help. 

"I'm stronger than you," She stated, "I have trained, and worked my ass off for years so that I could defend myself from freaks like you. You can't hurt me anymore, and you never will again."

With that, Karai shoved him to the side, stomping away as she clenched onto her fists to stop the tremors that coursed through her. 

"I let you overpower me, you whore!!" Splinter screamed out, "I let you take advantage!! I let you defeat me! You can't do anything! You can't fight against me when I'm the one who's stronger!! I  did it! I win! I always win!!"

Karai pushed herself away, gasping painfully as she stumbled away from him, Splinter laughing on the ground as he watched after his daughter, crazed eyes cackling manically at how stupid and pathetic she looked. 

"You think you can stop me?! You think you can take my children away from me?! YOU are powerless! YOU are foolish, just like your mother! And you'll die just like she did! A pathetic bitch! A burden! A miserable whore! You fucking joke! Run!! Run away like you did before!! GO! GOOOO!!"

Karai wept as she ran away, rushing out of the hall and down into the closest room she could find, which, evidently, was an open door with a single curtain covering the entry. 

Aftermath - Spiderman OST, Daniel Pemberton

Donnie and Ray sat together in silence, waiting for someone to let them know what happened. They looked back at her, frowning deeply as Donnie noticed how shaken and taken aback she was, a familiar stare staying prominent in her vision as she held her arms tightly to stop from shaking. Her breathing was staggered, falling to the floor as she held her chest tightly, tears pooling in her eyes as she tried to catch her breath. 

"Karai!" Donnie said swiftly, rushing to her side to hold her close, "Karai, look at me, look at me-,"

Karai wept loudly, clutching onto Donnie as she tried to stop the pain in her chest, the aching feeling of dread and hatred emerging once more. She cried out, her voice choked as she gasped for air. Donnie looked back to Ray, who stood immediately, ready to follow any order Donnie gave. 

"Get Mk," Donnie stated, "Hurry!"

Ray ran out of the room, rounding the corner to see Mk already half way down the hall towards Donnie's room, a look of fear glimmering in his eyes.

"What happened?!"

"Take a guess," Ray tilted his head to Splinters room, but led Mk to Karai regardless, moving out of the way for Mk to come to Karai's level. 

"Karai," Mk said softly, kneeling to the floor as she looked up at Mk, her knuckles becoming white as she held onto Donnie, who was holding her tightly in his arms, "Breathe... Slowly, okay? big breathes through your nose, and out through your mouth... It's okay... Breathe."

Karai followed Mk's instructions, holding her hand out to them as her staggered breathes came shallowly. Mk held her hand, being the example as they breathed in and out through their mouth and nose. They followed this act for several minutes, Ray watching painfully as Karai was shushed softly with Donnie holding her, rocking her gently, and Mk gently brushing her tears away. 

"It's okay," Mk said quietly, "it's okay... We're here,"

Karai finally calmed down, her eyes puffy and hot, holding her gaze to Mk, before looking past to Ray who stared after her. She shook her head, her voice groggy and pained.

"You can't stay here," she croaked, swallowing back the rest of her tears, "you need to leave... You have to..."

Donnie looked up at Ray fearfully, who met his with as much dread as him. 

"... When?"

"Tomorrow night," She said quickly, "midnight- on Bleeker and 9th. I'll have a car and a driver waiting for you. Wait for Howard- he'll find you."

With one last nod, Ray sighed out, "Mk, take Karai with you, pack what you can, only the essentials."

Mk nodded at last, taking Karai from Donnie's arms to go help lead her back down the hall to his room. Donnie stayed on the ground with Ray, both panting from the stress of Karai's panic attack. Donnie finally looked up to Ray, his chest heaving painfully. 

"Are you sure about this?" 

Ray looked up to him momentarily, his eyes drifting away as he shook his head, "I don't know... I don't know."

Donnie watched him curl away, closing his eyes as he ducked his head down to hide from his brother. Donnie's grip tightened as he carefully crawled towards Ray till their knees touched. He touched his larger hand, wrapping their fingers together as he leaned against him. Ray felt the warmth of Donnie's forehead against his shoulder, staring into the room as he finally leaned against Donnie, unable to hide his sob that escaped his lips, holding him back meekly. 

"I don't wanna stay here anymore," Ray cried. Donnie nuzzled closer. 

"I know,"

"I don't want you to stay here anymore," 

"I know,"

"Will you stay with me?" Ray asked, his voice wavering softly like when he was little, "Please?"

Donnie pulled away for a moment, looking up at Ray as he place a soft hand on his cheek, tilting his head to the side as he smiled.

"I'm not going anywhere where you're not there," Donnie smiled, leaning his forehead against Ray's, "I promise you."

They stayed together like that for a long moment, a calm coming before them as they held each other close, completely unaware of the man staring at them from around the corner. 

Mk helped Karai into their room, to which she immediately bolted inside and grabs the nearest bag that she could find. Mk watched as Karai began to look around their room, rushing into their dresser, taking out clothes, knocking over Mk's figurines, going over to the corners of each room to pick up toys, shoes, and anything she could get her hands on.

"We need to get everything we can! Anything that's important can be brought, but everything else needs to go! We just leave it here and forget about it!" Karai stammered. 

"Karai," Mk said, taking a step closer to her, but she brushed past them, hurrying around with one bag until it was full. 

"What is all this?! Is this junk? Is this stuff we can just leave?" she asked as she held up an old sock that needed to be cleaned, Mk looking back and forth between the clothes and Karai but not acknowledging her question as she threw it, "Forget it, it's trash! most everything here is trash anyways!"

Mk frowned sadly, waiting for Karai to stop her frantic raid, but knowing she won't stop. They sighed sadly.

"We'll have new everything! New clothes, new furniture- you won't have to go to the dump or have to appease anyone or anything! You can do absolutely nothing all day-"

"Karai," Mk said again, taking her hand and making her stop. They held her clammy palms softly, bringing them up to their chest as they made calm movements to show her there was no rush, "slow down for me."

"We don't have time! We need to hurry! You're gonna get hurt again, and that's-,"

"Karai," Mk held her face softly, "Breathe... He's not gonna hurt you. He's not gonna hurt me."

Karai felt her chest heave painfully, clutching her eyes closed as she tried to hold in her sob. She held onto Mk, tilting her head as she tried to hide herself. Mk listened to her, leaning against her head to emit their love and gratification to her, for her to feel safe in their arms and understand that nothing was going to happen to her. They waited until Karai's sobs turned into soft hiccups. Something that Mk could handle, and talk through. 

"It's okay," they said, catching Karai's eyes, "nothing is gonna happen. Never again."

Karai sniffled, "But... But what about-,"

"No," Mk shook their head, "he won't... Do you know why?"

Karai didn't answer, but she didn't need to as she looked into Mk's pretty blue eyes. 

"Because you saved us. Because we're safe again. Because of you, we're finally gonna be able to have a semi normal life," Mk beamed, "I say semi, cause we can't exactly go out and about like this, now can we?"

Karai giggled, wiping her eyes as she held onto Mk once more, intertwining their hands. She nodded to Mk with a final breath. 

"We're safe," Mk repeated, "and we're gonna be a family now."

Karai smiled in turn, ready to have a part of her brothers to be back home with her. Just like before. She sniffled again, "There's so much that I need to tell you guys. About the experiments, about the project my mother was working on-,"

"Later," Mk reitterated, "we'll have all the time in the world for that. But first, we need to pack, and you need to start heading home here. We have a big day tomorrow, don't we?"

"Yeah," Karai took a breath of relief, "we do."

Leo paced in his room, tapping his head as he bit his knuckle, trying so hard to make this horrible feeling go away. He needed to do something. He had to do something! Everything was becoming too much. Karai, their father, the prospect of leaving, and he still couldn't get in touch with Ivan. This was becoming too much! This was all too overwhelming for him. 

He couldn't keep doing this. He couldn't keep this whole façade of being okay, they were going to see that he was breaking in half. His brothers were okay with this- okay with leaving. They wanted to leave, but Leo- he just, he didn't know. Did he? Should he? What about Splinter? What about their father? He needed someone to take care of him. He always needed care! Who was going to take care of him if they were gone? What would happen if he just left and never came back-

Leo gasped as he heard the front door knock. He stared at the door for a moment, wondering if he heard correctly or not. Leo walked towards the door, capturing the handle and opening it to see Ivan standing with a bouquet of flowers in his hand, his usual smile spreading as he looked up to Leo, his eyes wide and frantic. 

"Hey there, beautiful," he smiled, "Nice seeing you at last-," 

Leo didn't have time for pleasantries as he quickly pushed Ivan into his room, keeping a watchful eye out for his brothers and Karai. He shoved them both inside of his room, covering Ivan's mouth as they stood in the dark room.

"What are you doing here?!" he whispered in a panic, "How did you find this place?!"

"Uh, tricky question to answer," scratched the side of his face nervously, "look, I'm here cause I wanted to see you, is that so bad?"

"Right now, yes it is!!" Leo said in a hushed voice, "My brothers can't know you're here! Neither can my father! You have to go, please!"

"But, Leah, I just wanted-,"

"No! no no no! You don't understand! You can't be here!" Leo paced fearfully, "we can't- you can't- it's- it's not safe for you to be here! My brothers will see you, they can't- they can't know you're here, Ivan!"

"What's the big deal? I've already met two of them? What's so bad about seeing them now?"

"They don't know I'm trans!!" Leo cried out at last, "They can't know! None of them can know!!"

Ivan stared at her, confusion mixing in his eyes. 

"Why?"

It was such a simple question. No hatred, no malice, or anger, or disgust. Just simple curiosity. Something Leah hadn't received before. She closed her eyes, moving towards her bed to sit down as she ducked her head in shame. 

"Because I'm their leader," Leah said softly, "and a leader shouldn't be... This."

"What is 'this' exactly?" Ivan asked, taking a seat beside her. Leah shook her head. 

"A mess. A mistake. A terrible excuse for a son... A freak."

"But you're none of those things," Ivan replied, watching Leah's face contort into dismay.

"It's what my father thinks,"

"Well your father is a piece of shit,"

"That's not..." Leah wasn't sure how to say it, or how to express her fear and pain of the situation. It might as well be from the beginning. 

"When I was little, my brothers would always look up to me," Leah began, "I'd cook for them, dress them, clean up after them and even helped teach Mikey to walk. They were everything to me, and my father would always rely on me to look after them. Back then, it was something I enjoyed doing. Seeing them smile and act goofy with each other, and even coming to me for comfort and love was... It brightened my day;

"I'd always joke and say i was the mother hen of them all, and that I was concerned about them like how a parent should be. And one day, Mikey looked up at me, and said 'mama, i found you a frog!'"

Leah gazed off into the distance of her room remembering that day fondly as she stared down at Mk's gift to her. 

"He called me mama... And at first, i thought it was just a silly joke like how we always said it was. But then, it just felt right." Leah paused as she took a breath, "i felt like a mother... I felt like a girl. It had all started to make sense to me then. The music I loved, the people i was influenced by on tv. The clothes i would wear went from baggy shorts and hoodies, to dresses and scarves. I realized how much I loved colors, and dresses, and being beautiful, just like a girl. I was thirteen, and I felt so excited..."

Leah's eyes fell to her hands, the callouses hardening from years of training and crafting. Her smile fell as she thought back to just two years ago.

"I wanted to be sure that I was correct about this transition. That I wasn't being stupid, or wrong, or anything. I wanted to make sure that I had everything I needed to show my brothers and my father that this was who I was now, and that I was proud of it!

"But... Then Mk came out to our father, saying they were nonbinary, that they were genderfluid and liked dresses and being a girl as well... And he broke his arm."

Small tears fell down Leah's cheeks, her lip quivering as she watched the memory play in slow motion. 

"He threw Mikey to the ground, and beat him. He cracked his shell, broke his arm, broke his nose... I remember watching in horror at what he did to him, and about how he was a freak. How he was disgusting. A mistake... Ever since that day, I kept this to myself. I hid it from my father, from my brothers, from everyone... I just couldn't relive that pain again."

Leah closed her eyes, shame coursing through her as she held her arms tightly, afraid of Ivan reaction or of what he'd say. But she was taken aback when she felt the soft hand caress her shell, catching her attention.

"Leah," he said, leaning closer towards her, "you're perfect. As Leah, and as Leo... And I will always care about you, no matter who you are."

Leah's breath was taken back, looking back and forth into his brown eyes that glimmered calmly in the dim peach light.

"I'm glad you told me," he smiled, "and if you want me to address you as Leo in front of your brothers, then I will. I want to make you happy. Make you comfortable. Because it's what you deserve. Because you're not a mistake. Or a freak, or disgusting... You are the most beautiful person I have ever met, and I'm never letting you go."

Ivan reached his hand forward, cupping her cheek gently to feel the warmth of her radiant skin. He closed his eyes as she delved forward, kissing his soft lips, taking in his scent as Leah held onto him, clutching her hand around his shirt to keep him closer. 

As they pulled away, Leah continued to gaze at him, her lips quirking into a smile, "... I love you."

Ivan paused... Then thought... Then smiled. 

"Ditto," 

Leah giggled, remembering that same line from her favorite movie Ghost. Ivan shifted his legs, catching Leah off guard. She looked to his leg and then to his face. 

"Is something wrong?"

"Nah, no, I just uh," He nervously rubbed his neck, "little problem with Mr. Wood's down there."

Leah furrowed her brow in confusion... Until the realization hit, her face turning a bright red that was highlighted in the light hue of the room. She turned away quickly, putting her hands into her lap. 

"Oh! O-Oh, that's- that's uh, I mean- that's fine, I can wait- not that, i mean, that- not that I can wait for that, I mean, not now- obviously not, not now now, that's silly, and a little soon and a- that's, no! I understand! I'm-I'm sorry!!"

Ivan couldn't stop his giggle, waving off her flustered rant, "It's fine! Don't worry about it! At least now, you know how serious I am about you-,"

Ivan leaned closer to Leah, taking her hand to feel the warmth and hardness that was tenting against his jeans. He softly kissed her ear, down to her neck, and up to her jaw, grazing his lips across her skin as he took in her subtle scent of flora. 

"-and how much I miss you."

Ivan finally pulled away, nuzzling his nose against Leah's cheek before standing, releasing her hand in the process as he stood up, covering his pants with his hand. 

"Can you tell me where your bathroom is?" 

Leah was so dazed she could barely process what he was saying, pointing in a general direction, standing up and following him to the door, "down the hall, to uh, to the right."

Ivan opened the door and went outside, Leah following him out, unaware that she left her door wide open. Ivan turned back to her, finally seeing her bright red face in the light. He grinned seductively. 

"You look so pretty in red, baby," he cooed, looking up and down her chest, which was usually covered by one of her many dresses or frilly shirts, "I wonder what else is red."

"O-oh, uh-," Leah didn't get the chance to answer before Ivan pulled her into a hot, sloppy kiss that she couldn't help but fall into, her eyes rolling into the back of her eyes as she leaned further against him, moaning against his lips as he finally pulled away, "huh?"

"I'll be right back," he promised, giving one last kiss before he scampered away to the bathroom. 

Leah stumbled down into the kitchen chair, staring after Ivan as he disappeared. Was this actually happening? Was he actually... Attracted to her? The thought had crossed her mind before, but after feeling his warmth, feeling how 'affected' he was just by kissing her, she was... She didn't know how to feel. 

Her whole life, she never imagined someone could find her mutation attractive. Could never think of her being sexy or pretty or beautiful... But Ivan did. To him, she was all of those things. To him, she was perfect. She wanted it to, of course she did. But this sexual wanting, this feeling of need, of wanton. That was new. It was scary, yet thrilling. Exciting. She couldn't help the smile on her face as she looked down to her pants, the heat rising inside her stomach as she twisted her legs closed. 

This... Was this what love felt like? 

If so... She didn't want it to end. Not ever. 

The sound of a door opening caught Leo's attention, making her look back to see Karai turn the corner from the hall, entering the kitchen from Mk's room, just as Ivan entered from the bathroom a moment later, the two making eye contact immediately. Karai's eyes blew up, Ivan's narrowing in turn with a wicked grin. 

"Karai," Ivan said kindly, "What a pleasant surprise-,"

Ivan was interrupted halfway through, being punched and tackled to the floor, Karai lifting her fist to nail him right in the cheek, Ivan's glasses falling off his face and skidding across the floor. 

"Karai!!" Mk cried out.

Leo gasping aloud, rushing to pull Karai away from him, "No!! Don't!! STOP!!"

Donnie and Ray rushed into the kitchen, both taken aback by seeing Karai going ballistic over a familiar looking face. Ray ran to Karai, pushing past Leo as he held the small human girl up in the air. She flailed her arms, kicking Ray in the process.

"You son of a bitch!" Karai screamed, trying to kick herself out of Ray's grasp, "What the fuck are you doing here, you fucking traitor!!"

"Karai, stop it!" Donnie finally said, drawing her attention to him, putting himself in front of Ivan to break the eye contact between the two, "What the hells the matter with you?!"

"He's part of the foot clan!!" she growled through snarled teeth, "He's been working with Hun for four years now! He was the one that told Hun where you were on that roof nearly a month ago!!"

Mk and Leo gasped, fearful and vivid memories of that night coming back to them as they turned to Ivan. Leo felt his heart shatter. 

"... Is that true?"

Ivan dropped his gaze, looking away to the opposite direction of the turtles, "It is."

"You sick fucking piece of shit!" Ray finally let go of Karai, Mk going to her side as Ray began to charge towards the smaller male, "Do you have any idea what you fucking did!?"

"Ray, stop it!" Donnie grabbed his arm, throwing himself in front of Ray before he went any further, "Leave it be!"

"He was the reason we got attacked, Donnie! He almost killed our brothers, and you're telling me to leave it?!"

"Beating him isn't the answer," Donnie said, keeping his ground to stand up to Ray, "He hurt our family, that doesn't mean you should do the same."

Ray seethed through his nostrils, glared hard from Donnie to Ivan, then back to Donnie, taking a few breathes before he took a step back towards the others, pointing his gaze to the floor. 

"Look, I'm sorry," Ivan tried again, "this wasn't supposed to happen-,"

"You need to leave," Donnie turned quickly, glaring hard at Ivan, "right now. And If I find out that you're going anywhere near my brothers, especially Leo, I'm gonna fucking kill you myself."

"No," Leo's lip quivered, tears brimming in his eyes, "no- no please-,"

"Leo, that's enough," Ray shot, pushing Leo closer to him as Ivan swiftly made his way to the door. 

"Stop- please stop! Ivan! Ivan!!" Leo cried out, pushing his way out of Ray's grasp, but immediately stopped by Mk, who hugged him tightly. 

"Leo, stop, you can't," Mk said softly, "it's over."

"NO! NO, please no!!" Leo cried, falling to the floor covering his face painfully, "I can't- I can't lose him! Please- please don't do this!!"

"Leo-,"

"I love him!!" Leah confessed, her heart turning to dust as he crumbled to the floor,  "I love him... I love him..."

No one had the courage or the heart to move or touch Leo, Mk clenching their hands tight as Ray and Donnie exchanged a painful look. A hard slam of the door caught Ray's attention, swiftly noticing a missing person from the room. 

"Karai...?"

The careful strum of strings played through the small shack, soft humming following as she leaned against the warmth of her brother, soft scales acting as a pillow for her head as she continued to mumble incoherent words along with the song she played. She was learning a new tune for her friends and family, something they could idly listen to while they sat around the fire. 

She was in the middle of a key change, when suddenly her eyes stung with a painful sensation. Light, sky colored eyes squeezed shut, prompting her to lean forward and hold the bridge of her nose as more tears fell. It was happening again. The feeling of guilt, of anger and sorrow beating at the back of her head as she put her guitar to the side. 

A large tail wrapped around her, along with a low yet comforting growl as a large reptile looked down at her curiously. She wiped her eyes, gently patting her brothers tail as he nestled around her entire body, like an oversized dog.

"I'm alright, Slash," Jennika smiled, "Just getting a little teary again."

Ivan walked along the ledge of the buildings he passed, one foot in front of the other as he struts down the many bricks that lined the old red buildings. They were ancient, some over a hundreds years old, which was prominent when he walked, some bricks grinding loosely as he stepped on them. He didn't bother to react though, shrugging it off as he continued his merry stroll. That is, until he heard a loud impact sound behind him. He stopped, his hands in his pockets as he smirked to himself. 

"You know," Ivan started, "You could use a lesson in being a nicer person, Miss Karai."

The young woman glared at him, her fists tight as she stood firmly behind him, her breathing heavy as she did her best to keep her anger inside. But it was becoming exceedingly difficult with how cocky Ivan was acting. She watched as he jumped off the ledge, adjusting his glasses as he came to her. 

"I guess I should've made my presence known before suddenly showing up, huh?"

Karai said nothing as she stared up at him, her brow hurting as she jaw clenched. Ivan chuckled. 

"Oh, come on now, Karai," he tried, "what's got your bun in a twist?"

"What do you want with the turtles?" Karai demanded. Ivan seemed unphased by her question, lifting his eyebrows with a grin, shrugging lightly. 

"Is it so wrong for me to wanna come see my girlfriend?" Ivan asked. 

"So your a piece of shit, and a sexist? What's next, you're gonna kill another person and make it look like an accident?"

"You and I both know that what happened to Kuromi was an accident," Ivan pivoted in his stance, walking away from Karai, who chased after him.

"She was pregnant!" Karai shouted, "She had a whole life ahead of her! A family, and you fucking killed her!"

"Oh please, that dumb bitch fell down two flights of stairs because she was clumsy," Ivan rolled his eyes, his smirk never fading, "no one knew that she'd end up killing herself. That was hardly my doing."

"Then why did you continue to harass her!? Why did you guilt her, make her doubt everything she had with Adam? Because you were jealous?! Because they were together, and not you two!?" Karai continued to yell at him, pushing herself in front of him;

"Every single person you come into contact with has been nothing but a pawn in an elaborate scheme to make them get close to you, and for you to ruin their lives! That poor cheerleader who hung herself because she thought she was too fat, those girls at your high school that are now bulimic because you broke their self esteem! Those teachers that were falsely accused of raping you because you wrote reported them to the Board of Directors! You destroyed that poor transgirl entire reputation, and who was now murdered not even a few weeks ago!! What about that, Ivan?! What's your excuse now?!"

Ivan stared down at her, unblinking as his smile dropped. He took a deep breath as he twiddled with his coat, brushing his hair back in feigned frustration. 

"I don't know what your plan is with the turtles," Karai continued, "but you better stay the hell away from them! They have a chance to finally get out of that abusive household, and I won't let you get in my way to save them!"

"And what makes you think that I don't want the same thing for them?"

"Because I know what kind of monster you are," Karai growled, "I'm trying to make a difference in their lives. I'm helping them and bringing them to safety with the Foot Clan, where they rightfully belong... And you're in my way. So you're gonna stay the hell away from them, or so fucking help me, I will kill you!"

Who Is She - I Monster

Ivan listened intently, smiling softly as he nodded to himself. He shrugged. 

"Sure... You always say that you're just trying to help, Karai," Ivan said, "but let's face it, they don't trust you. Not now, not ever."

"I'm gaining their trust again," Karai admitted, "I know that I've made mistakes-,"

"Nearly killing them, not once, but twice is just a mistake?" Ivan questioned, taking a step closer, "allowing them to stay in that house hold even after finding out who's abusing them? Hurting them? Raping them?"

Karai's eyes grew wide, unaware of how Ivan knew that much about them, given that the turtles haven't told anyone outside of her. Ivan took another step closer as he stared down at her, the feeling of a hard ledge making her panic and reach out to clench onto his shirt, Ivan holding her in turn by the back of the head.

"You did such a wonderful job at protecting them," he said snidely, smiling sweetly, "and an even better job at leading me right to them. Everything that I need is now at my finger tips, and all that's left now is to just bring my pretty little, blue baby back with me to claim my final prize... I wish you and I could've worked out, Karai, really I do. But you're far too skinny and obnoxious for my taste, boney and pretentious, just like your mother. No one could ever compare to my Leah."

"What..."

"I do appreciate all your hard work, but it's time to make like a leaf, and fall. Or rather, you said it so perfectly, Karai," Ivan held Karai's shoulder, shoving her towards him, and with a twist of his wrist, stabbed the red sai into her stomach, "you're in my way."

Karai's eyes were wide as she felt the lightness of air take hold of her, falling backwards into the narrow alley as she watched Ivan stare after her, his smile never fading as long black hair waved around her, encasing her plump face that screamed silently in shock. The loud crack of bones and garbage echoed in the alley, Karai's body splaying out on the concrete ground as she stared into the night sky, Ray's sai puncturing into her lungs to make her gargle on hot blood. 

Ivan continued to stare at her, taking out his phone to dial emergency services, making himself sound out of breath as he heard the line click:

"911, what's your emergency?"

"Yes?! YES! I just- Oh my god, I just- I found this girl, she's, I think she's just been attacked?! She's, fuck dude-,"

"Sir, please calm down, tells us your exact location and what's happened?"

"Right- Right, I'm sorry-" Ivan stammered, "I was, I just was on a walk on forty first and Dory and there's this girl that's, she's just- she's been stabbed! She's hurt and I think she was attacked!!"

"Sir, are you able to administer cpr in anyway to help her?" the person asked, but Ivan didn't answer.

Ivan took his phone and snapped it in half with his gloved hand, tossing it down the air shaft of the building before walking away in the other direction as he listened to police sirens echo in the distance. He cracked his neck, skipping away as he gestured his finger in a circle, bright yellow sparks shimmering into an oval, allowing him entrance to the stockroom of the abandoned mining facility in the outskirts of the city.

Ivan entered the lab with a subtle strut, his eyes focused on the shorter man with his faded white coat who turned to look back at him, his dark skin becoming more prominent as he glared at Ivan's laksa daisy attitude. Ivan paid it no mind as he shoved past the older man, and over to his one and only savior. His partner. His master. His world

"Welcome back, Ivy-poo~" The large woman cooed, her mauve skin glistening in the light hue of the green ooze. Ivan smiled.

"Hello Mama."

The Rise of the Beast - SPLIT OST by West Dylan Thordson

"Blood pressure dropping!" A doctor yelled out, four people maneuvering down a small hallway of a hospital, one holding an air compressor to help Karai breath, one keeping an IV bag over her head, as two others pushed the large gurney towards an emergency room for them to operate. 

Karai's body jostled with the people who were disrobing her and keeping heavy pressure along her ribcage that was bleeding out heavy amounts of blood. Her body was cold to the touch, the scratchy feeling of flesh and concrete dying the pillow and cloth that was underneath her. Karai's eyes were wide open as people yelled and shouted commands at each other. Words that she wasn't able to comprehend... Was she dying? She didn't know. But everything was getting fuzzy... She couldn't move.

She couldn't think. 

Saki stood in front of the glass of where Karai was being operated on, his shoulder heaving as his fists clenched painfully, watching as tubes were stuffed into her mouth, blankets being draped around her body to cover her in order to stop the bleeding of where the weapon was found. His eyes were locked onto her heart monitor that was falling drastically, flatlining every now and then, causing the doctors to preform CPR, the electric pulse of the large machine, causing her to fluctuate, her whole body being bounced up and down from how hard the machine was acting. 

It was a pain he couldn't describe. Something he didn't want to describe. He wanted to look away. He needed to... But he couldn't. Not when his little girl was in so much pain. 

"Master,"

Saki turned his head slightly to look in the direction of the voice. It was Hun, his head bowed deeply.

"I came as soon as I heard," he said, "I'm very sorry."

Saki didn't respond, only glancing back at Karai's limp body as the doctors finally got her heart to start beating again.

"The police are currently investigating what happened," Hun continued, "and they were unable to find the person who reported her body, but they are still working to find justice for her."

Still nothing, his eyes focused on the blood that began to drip onto the marble gray floor. 

"They did, however, find this," Hun showed his phone to Saki, who glanced down at it momentarily, his breathing becoming heavy as he the fury deepened, seeing the large sai with a single red string wrapped around the prongs, the family sigil of the Hamato clan engraved into the metal.

"We're unsure if it was any of the turtles for sure," Hun stated, taking the phone away, "this was the only piece of evidence that they found at this point."

Saki... Shredder loomed dangerously, his eyes growing dark as he looked to Hun.

"Find them," he growled, "bring them to me,"

Hun did his best not to smile, "Of course, Master. Consider it done."

WASTE - Kxllswxtch

Today, at midnight. That's what Karai had said right? That's exactly what Karai had said. Mikey stared ahead at the street, staying tucked down in the small nook where he and his siblings sat together. They didn't have a lot of stuff with them, just a simple backpack and Donnie's duffle that was filled with essentials. 

That's all they needed. Their new life was gonna be filled with new possibilities and a better environment. That's exactly what Karai said. That's why Mikey kept his eyes wide open, despite it being six in the morning. 

Leo was nestled close in the corner, sitting into the farthest corner into nook, with Donnie and Ray standing close by each other, keeping their own personal belongings tucked into a reusable bag that they found.

Ray took note of how much he was shivering, looking between all his brothers, and especially Mikey who sat patiently at the corner of the alley, staring out to the street for Karai to approach. With a small sigh, Ray closed his eyes, the heavy feeling on his lids making him sigh aloud, rubbing his brow in disappointment. 

"She's not coming."

Leo looked up at Ray with tearful, tired eyes. Donnie didn't bother to move, still staring at the spot ahead of him. Mikey, however, whipped his head around, standing abruptly. 

"Yes she will!" Mikey argued, "She's coming! She said she was coming!! She'll be here soon, I know it!"

"Mikey, it's been hours, and the sun is coming up," Ray argued, standing up painfully, his legs aching from how long he was sitting for, "she's not coming."

"She will! Karai said she will!" Mikey yelled, "She said she'd be here today! She's gonna come!"

"Mikey," Leo whimpered, catching his younger brothers gaze, shaking his head in defeat, "... She's not coming..."

"What-," Mikey's voice cracked painfully, "What's wrong with you!? How can you just give up like this?! Why are you giving up like this?!"

"We need to go home," Ray tried, taking a step forward to hold his little sibling, but Mikey jerked away, "There's no point anymore."

"Are you guys crazy?! Are you losing your minds?! What's wrong with you!?" Mikey took a step back from his family, eyes wide with disbelief as he watched them all stand up, "Where are you going!? We can't leave! They'll be here any second! They won't be able to find us if we leave! Guys please! Please don't leave!! SHE'S COMING!! SHE SAID SHE'S COMING!!"

But they didn't listen. Instead, they all wondered back to the way they came, with Mikey staying behind, breathing heavily, yelling at them to all come back. 

Just come back...

Ray threw his bag to the ground with a heave, thrusting off his jacket as he tightened his fists hard, Donnie following after him quietly, sitting on his bed

"This was stupid. This was the stupidest thing that I could've gone through," Ray grumbled, "I can't believe I was so fucking stupid to believe shit like this. What the fuck is wrong with me?! Why didn't I fucking see this coming!"

Ray continued to pace, going on and on about how dumb he was, Donnie sitting and listening the entire time, with the quiet rattle of the training passing overhead. 

"I should've known better. I should've known that fucking bitch was gonna troll us like this! It was too good to be true! Of course it was!" Ray kicked the desk, jostling the items on top as he scolded himself, "but no, I had to have some hope. I had to make us feel like we could do something to help ourselves, huh? Just being fucking stupid like I always am! God- What the fuck was I thinking!!"

He pivoted in his spot, looking back at Donnie to see him slouched forward, limply staring into nothing. Ray became quiet as he walked over to him, kneeling to the ground as he held his brothers face, catching his eyes to see that he was being too brash again, but he couldn't help himself. He just felt so disappointed.

Now even more so, with Donnie holding in his own tears and disappointment. Ray said nothing as he reached out and touched Donnie's cheek, brushing away his tears. Donnie held onto him, closing his eyes as he felt himself being pulled into a gentle hug, Ray gently rubbing his shell back and forth. 

"... I really thought this was our chance..." Donnie confessed, crying softly into Ray's shoulder, "I thought... I thought it was over..."

"I know," Ray held him tighter, "... Me too."

She stopped knitting, her deep brown eyes becoming misty under her large oval glasses, the uncomfortable sniffle making her set her needles down to take out her crumpled napkin and rub her face. She took a deep breath, trying to help calm herself as the sorrow traced around her heart again. She carefully closed her eyes, being diligent in how she was feeling as she wrote down the sensation she was going through. 

Hopeless, afraid, broken, lost. 

So much pain. So much turmoil, and yet it was all so familiar. Small tears fell down her purple freckled cheeks, as her hiccups began to act up again, quickly covering her mouth. 

"You alright?" 

She looked up at her brother, smiling with a little nod, looking back to the bay that was rushing with old water from the ocean. She moved to the side to allow him to sit beside her. 

"Bad feelings again?"

"No," she responded, her husky voice was soft and thoughtful, "it's sad... It's always sad, really."

"Do you need to see the professor?" he asked, "I know he's not a therapist, but he mind have some idea of what's going on."

"No," Winnie beamed, "It'll pass. It always does."

Days passed, and yet there was nothing. Ray, Donnie, and Leo all sat in the silence of the home for hours. When hours turned to days, and days into weeks, they became worried, everyone taking turns to go to the same alley to check in on their younger sibling who stayed positioned in the same spot.

They stayed that way for what felt like forever. It was sad. It was painful. But more than anything, it was hopeless. 

On the 27th day, Mikey came home.

Pale red eyes opened to the night sky, the draft of cold wind brushing across warm cheeks that were shielded by the comfort of an old warn out hood. A girl stares up at the sky that was littered with stars and gray clouds that ventured west, her heart thumping softly as the sensation of tears form in her eyes, falling down across her pink spots. She touches her face to feel the dewy sensation of tears, rubbing them into her large, three digits. 

She got up from her warm spot in the dirt and grass, not bothering to brush off the debris that stuck to her back and arms. She was used to the filth. What she wasn't used to though, was the over whelming emotions that overcame her. 

"... He's crying again..." Lita whispered.

To Be Continued in TMNT: A Bale of Misery and Mercy