The world was crazy, split in two. Those who were rich had no worries, but those which had nothing – especially safe stamp either tattooed on them or as a collar on their necks – had more darker future. Literally everyone besides middle class and rich people were captured by “dogcatchers” and brought to their final place…

Shakily getting on all fours large mutant groaned, forcing all his strength to come to him as he stood up and ran at closing barred door – which slammed shut right in front of his face. Sedative was leaving his body, horror turning more and more stronger deep in his soul. With huge eyes he looked at smirking dirty human male who was just beyond his reach.

“Don’tcha worry, troublemaker. Ya are next.”

Gasping like if he was freezing his yellow orbs followed in horror as old woman was being walked past him towards the backdoor. Raphael knew what was behind that door… When you entered, you weren’t coming back. Watching the man join his mate to escort old lady to her last journey Raphael screamed. He screamed from the bottom of his lungs pulling and pushing the door, reaching his hand between the cold bars as far as possible.

Pulling away, now better at controlling his body, he panted fast and hard. He didn’t have much time… There must be a way out! Reaching to every corner, touching every part of the wall to find secret way out… Anything! With each passing touch and second it came more and more obvious there was no escape. Too deep in his fear Raphael missed the sound of door opening until a flashlight’s light hit him.

Freezing on his place Raphael turned to look at the person who stood at the open door. His mind screamed him to run towards the man, knock him out of the way and escape – but his body didn’t move. When neither of them moved Raphael realized this was different man, not the ones from the backroom. Relaxing a bit Raphael swallowed, fully turning to face bright light.

“I must remind you, he is the one who we have been chasing for years. He is aggressive and dangerous. Are you still willing to take the risk?”

Had he company? Raphael couldn’t really tell because of the light which shined in his eyes.

“I am fully aware of his reputation and I’m willing to take the risk.”

“So be it. You go wait in the office and you, come here. Nice and slow.”

Hesitating a moment Raphael let out low, but loud, growl as he suddenly dashed towards the guy. He had no idea what the other guy wanted or what they planned to do with him, but he would fight. He would fight for his freedom. Just because he wasn’t “marked” in any way he wasn’t going to let others treat him like trash.

Door slammed shut and locked in front of his face once more, making Raphael furious. Screaming and reaching out he let out his fear and frustration. Shaking the door Raphael tensed all his muscles to get all the strength out of them since he was so done with the door. He would pull it out of its place! … But it didn’t move.

A bit older man looked at the younger one, asking; “Are you still sure you want him? You see he is a beast.”

Not hearing their conversation behind his growls and screams Raphael finally dropped on his knees on moist cold floor, sobbing. Useless… His strength was so useless… Squeezing his fingers tight around cold iron bar of the door louder sobs escaped him.

Feeling light, but warm pressure on his fingers around the bar made Raphael slowly raise his head. Teary yellow eyes were greeted with warm, understanding and almost pitying blue eyes. A… A mutant? A turtle? Just like him? Sniffing in disbelief Raphael watched smile appearing on another turtle’s face as he knelt down in front of him.

He was so close and didn’t seem to be afraid of him at all. Fast look up and down revealed it right away that this mutant wasn’t poor. No. Not even middle class. The fucker was damn rich for sure. Now feeling angry Raphael pulled his hand away from other turtle’s touch as he stood up.

“What a rich brat like ya --”

“Do you want to live?”

Question came out of the blue, but without thinking his answer or way to express it, Raphael snarled as he stepped closer the door, his chest plate rubbing slightly against the cold iron.

“Fucking ‘course I wanna live.”

“Then you do well to follow me peacefully. I will explain everything to you later.”

“What makes ya think I wanna come with rich brat like ya?”

Keeping his ever-so-calm face still, blue eyes moved once towards the backdoor before returning back to meet Raphael’s eyes.

“It’s your call, yes, but you really don’t have much choices.”

Damn. It was true he didn’t had much choices so he quietly agreed to follow this small rich brat of a turtle. Creaking door was opened and Raphael was allowed out from his death cell. Walking towards the office behind this mutant and apparently the owner of the place they passed many cells which were empty. Probably all living beings in them had been killed already.

Passing the second last cell on right side Raphael stopped. On the floor sat skinny old man with long dirty hair and beard, only clothing he had was dirty and broken underwear. His mouth hang slightly open, drool dripping out and his eyes… They were looking down on his legs even that they really weren’t focused on anything. Those eyes, what most surely had seen so much life and had held so much life’s spark in them, were now empty gray.

Turning to look the owner and other mutant Raphael saw how they both shook their heads. They knew Raphael wanted to help the old man, but he was beyond anyone’s reach. He had given up already and soon those other two men would come to get him…

Feeling bad for the man Raphael turned his head away, marching away as fast as he could. He hated this. He hated this world and what it did to the people. When this all would end?

At the small office owner and this other mutant were talking with whispers while filling up some papers. Before giving the last one to Mr. Hamato, owner asked one last time was he absolutely sure of “adopting” Raphael. Answer was firm nod with loud yes. Papers were signed and they were free to go.

Horse carriages were waiting them at the front of the place and Raphael silently followed his rescuer in. Knocking twice on the ceiling of the carriage gave controller permission to move. One louder smack sound with firm hit of the reins and horses were on the move. Ride was slow and quiet. Raphael had so much questions, but all what he could do was to watch out through small window, feeling miserable as his eyes scanned poor, miserable and abandoned areas over and over again.

They once had been so full of life, happy people, playing kids – Raphael included – and very safe neighborhood… But then, after new government almost 10 years ago, made a new law that any person below specific among of incomes, should be put down since they “were the cancer of the society” if they didn’t had safe stamp to proof they were worthy and wealthy enough. Way too many didn’t had money for them and so… Many adults and children were killed in the same place where Raphael had been a moment ago.

But even worst was the situation if family had money only on one stamp… They had to sit down and choose who would they buy the stamp for. If there were 6 persons in the family and only one would survive… How they decided who? But then Raphael also started to think; Where those people would go if they had safe stamp, but no family, money or a job anymore? Did they have family somewhere else to adopt them or something? Raphael had never stopped to think about it and he never hadn’t heard what happened to those people. Naturally he feared the worst.

Raphael snorted with tearful eyes. He was sure government had, on purpose, decided to make them be so expensive and hard to get so that poor people couldn’t afford them, mostly. Supporting those people also was out of the question, not to mention give them money for the stamp. That all would had taken much more money than killing them. It was cheaper and easier. Plus those fat pigs rather kept the money themselves than gave it away to those who really would had needed it.

Old gray and broken homes went by in lines, making Raphael shake his head. Those homes had been so pretty, well taken cared of, having small beautiful flower beds, swings for kids, little backyards to grow herbs, potatoes and whatever people needed or wanted – and could afford. No… Nothing like that wasn’t there anymore. It only was in his head, in his memories. None surely wouldn’t even believe it if he would describe how the place used to look like.

“Why?” He finally managed to ask, slowly turning to look young turtle next to him. “Why ya bothered ta save me while there’s so many others who needs saving too? Maybe not in this area anymore, but somewhere else.”

Sitting in perfect position Mr. Hamato sighed. “I am fully aware that there are many who are in the need of help, but I sadly cannot help them all. That doesn’t mean I wouldn’t want to, but I simply can’t.”

There was pain in blue eyes so Raphael knew he received honest answer and decided not to push it.

“And the reason why I saved you is that I have been doing this for few years now. Rescuing mutants from “dogcatchers” and rehabilitating those mutants, giving them safe stamps so that they are now part of the society at least in middle class.”

“Why only mutants?”

“Because they need help the most. I’m not saying humans don’t need help, because I know many of them do, but there’s more humans than us mutants. Please, understand. I don’t do any of these decisions of mine about who I can and should help and who not with light heart.”

Fully understanding this Raphael turned quiet, directing his gaze out again. Silence filled the carriage again, wheels creaking against the rocky streets with hooves clatter. Now Raphael noticed that the neighborhood had started to look better, someplace where middle class could live in peace at least.

“Have you ever been around here?” Mr. Hamato’s voice was so clear and captivating in a way. Shaking his head Raphael kept his eyes on the houses which passed them by.

“Njah. Turtle with nothing could never even imagine on walking in these areas.”

“Then you should start to get used on that thought. Soon you will be walking here.”

Turning to look other mutant in surprise Raphael saw that same kind smile on smaller face what he saw before. Reaching his hand towards Raphael, turtle smiled.

“Pardon me. I have been rude by not introducing myself. Leonardo. Leonardo Hamato.”

Unsure of what to do Raphael hesitated a moment, but grabbed on Leo’s hand shaking it firmly. “Raphael. Or just Raph.”

Smiling with a nod Leonardo pulled his hand away. “Nice to meet you and welcome to the family.”

Family? That word… Suddenly realizing his eyes were tearing up Raphael turned away, wiping his eyes on the back of his hands. Not wanting to push his new comrade Leonardo waited patiently when he finally heard quiet voice.

“Family, huh? I can’t say I ever have had one.”

“You have now, but - “ Managing to make Raphael look at him Leonardo held gray collar with 6 numbers on it. “You need to wear this until I get you more official collar. This will keep you away from harm. It is your safe stamp number.”

Swallowing Raphael took the collar, putting it around his neck. It felt weird, but he knew he would get used of it with time. Or he could get the numbers tattooed on his skin later. Now being more relaxed Raphael sat back with a sigh. Houses around them had become even more big and luxurious and it made Raphael wonder how someone, in all honesty, could had so much money that they could never even spend it all in their life time, while others didn’t had any penny in their whole lives.

Letting his eyes turn to study Leonardo by his side his eyes were drawn on Leonardo’s clothes. They were clean and fancy. Blue suit actually with white shirt and black shoes. It fitted him well.

“Are ya gonna make me wear such horrible things too?”

Quickly catching up what Raphael meant Leonardo chuckled lightly, smiling at the other reptile. “I’m not forcing you, but I also would appreciate it if you wouldn’t run all around naked. You might shock ladies.”

Receiving first chuckle from Raphael made Leonardo feel easier around the turtle, happier even. Leonardo knew he made the right choice of rescuing Raphael, after receiving the news of a new mutant being captured. Leonardo had been fully aware of the rumors as well, but he didn’t let them scare him. Sure he’d heard Raphael was furious beast who wouldn’t hesitate to use his fists or kill to escape, but so far Leonardo only had seen nervous, scared, desperate, tense, confused and unsure turtle who, luckily, was starting to relax more and more.

Keeping his blue eyes a little longer on Raphael’s emerald green skin Leonardo also realized that Raphael was lonely. He had no family, home nor friends, no safe web around him, none to protect him, no money, food or clean water, constantly being on the run and hiding from the “dogcatchers”. Pain stung Leo’s heart nasty and hard as he thought how stressful life Raphael had been having and it, most surely, had been like that the last 10 years.

Still studying the other turtle Leonardo noticed how dirty Raphael actually was, seeing bruises and scratches under the dirt. Area under Raphael’s eyes were dark and his eyes reddish and watery. So tired and exhausted. So given up and yet relieved. He also heard how other turtle’s stomach was growling – and when it did Raphael always moved a bit, sighing deep but fast. Leonardo couldn’t help but to wonder when this turtle had eaten last time. He was certain Raphael either had been begging or stealing food, or searching it wherever he could...

**

Passing familiar gate Leonardo sat more straight smiling at his companion. “We are here. Welcome to your new home. I hope you like it here.” Carriage stopped between big fountain and huge front doors where six maids, three on each side of the stairs, were standing and waiting for their return. Controller jumped down, opening the door for young master who thanked him politely like always, greeting his maids next with a smile and nod during the welcome wishes. Watching in awe, as Raph slowly made his way out of the carriage, he couldn’t believe his eyes.

It was huge fucking mansion with long road, gate, trees, fountain, flowers… Damn everything what big rich mansions had!

“Raphael. If you would be so kind and follow me. I will show you around.”

“We shall go and prepare dinner, master.” Oldest maid said as she started to lead the way while younger ones followed her. When road was clear two youngest maids stopped. Their heads turned towards Raphael who walked up the stairs after Leonardo. Girls couldn’t help but to giggle as they eyed muscular turtle butt of Raph’s as he kept climbing the stairs.

Suddenly coming to a stop after hearing their giggles, Raphael turned around looking at the pair. Not truly being pissed Raphael growled, blushing.

“What ya idiots are doing? Don’t ya have any better thing ta do?! Get lost!”

Both girls screamed and giggled as they ran away only ending up facing oldest maid who lectured misbehaving youngsters. Shaking his head Raphael turned around and he, in the other hand, came face to face with Leonardo who had slight hinting smirk on his face.

“What?”

Turning around Leonardo started to lead the way again, saying; “I told you to wear something since you can shock ladies. So please wear pants at least. … I also hope you can forgive them. They are young and they do that to me too.”

Snorting with amusement Raphael shook his head. “Some well trained maids ya have.”

“Cherry and Bling are still under training. I got them few weeks ago. They are still young and eager.”

“Of staring guy’s ass? Tell me, what they do ta ya.”

Feeling slightly embarrassed Leonardo made sure not to let Raphael see his face as he kept his voice as normal as possible. “They like to spy me when I’m drying myself after bathing. Especially they giggle loud then when I bend over to dry my legs and IF I happen to be my back towards them.”

“Well, damn. Ya should try to bend in some other direction or lock the door.”

“I have start to think of doing just that; Locking the door.” Stopping Leonardo looked at Raphael with small smirk. “So know that if they do that to me, their master, they can and will do it to you too.”