Leonardo spent hours each day outside while searching for Raphael, but he never saw or heard him. Every day coming back home empty handed was more and more difficult since Margaret was always standing behind the window, looking at the gate. The pain and sorrow on old woman’s face was breaking Leonardo’s heart since he knew he was the reason for her pain.

Days turned into weeks and eventually there came a day when Leonardo was more than ready to lift his hands in the air. He had done his all, but still hadn’t managed to find Raphael.

Margaret was holding his hands, begging him to try one more time.

“What I can do, Margaret? I have tried everything.” Leonardo sighed looking away. “I’m sure I was too late. Maybe Raphael gave himself in...”

“Don’t talk like that. He wouldn’t do that.” Squeezing Leo’s hands tighter she begged one more time. “Please, don’t give up. Go try to find him one more time. There has to be someone who could help you.”

Then – Leonardo realized. There indeed was someone who he could ask help from. Standing up Leonardo took his long jacket from his closet.

“You got something in your mind?” Old woman asked, tiny hope coloring her voice.

“Yes. I will go meet someone who I hope can help me. If he can’t then, I’m sorry… There’s nothing to do anymore.”

“I have all the hope and faith in you and this person.” Margaret said as she crossed her fingers in a pray, lowering her head.

Not disturbing her praying Leonardo left.

**

“Aaahh, Leonardo! It’s been a long time. Come one in, friend.”

Leonardo bowed at the doorway before entering in this big room where Saki sat on his chair. Taking a seat across the small table Leonardo smiled to his partner. He and Saki had known each other for a long time now. They both had been shocked about new government’s law of capturing and executing poor people and mutants. They couldn’t allow it. That’s why they joined forces, starting to rescue them.

Leonardo accepted a cup of tea when a servant handed it to him. Whirling a spoon in his yellow liquid Leonardo told Saki the reason behind his visit.

“So you lost a mutant you rescued and now you try to find him again?”

“Yes. I hoped you could help me finding him.”

“What do you need?”

“More men to help me find him for example. A map of poor locations would help too. Just in case if he has moved somewhere else.”

“I can arrange that. I assume the faster you get them, the better?”

“With all respect, yes.”

“Very well then, I shall assist you myself.”

This surprised Leonardo, but he didn’t argue about that. Saki had skills what he had seen and heard. He was excellent fighter and everyone knew him so if Leonardo would go with him, he would be safe in Saki’s company. Even that Leonardo had his own safe stamp hanging around his neck, there still was people who didn’t accept mutants.

Saki called few of his best men with them as they left the tall building, heading to the area where Leonardo had left Raphael.

“I say we search in group first. Stay close to each other so that you can see and hear each other. Just in case.”

Leonardo nodded with Saki’s men as they followed the order which was given to them. For hours group wandered all around, searching for anyone, but especially Raphael. There was no sign of him. Turtle sighed with a small growl. He was trembling slightly.

“Leonardo?”

“I’m okay. Let’s keep going.”

Group went on a little while longer when something hard hit the ground and smoke filled the area around them.

“Sleeping or knockout gas! Everyone, don’t breath!”

But Saki’s order came too late. Many men had fallen unconscious on the ground already, Leonardo struggling to stay on his feet. His vision was becoming blurry when he suddenly was knocked over on the ground.

Leonardo grunted, trying to fight himself free, but it was futile. His mind was in a fog and body didn’t response to his orders. He only saw how a group of black figures attacked on Saki, falling him on the ground too before he lost consciousness.

**

His mind was coming back with his vision, nasty smell of gas still lingering in his nostrils.

“Hey, Bob, look. He’s waking up.”

Turning his head Leonardo blinked slowly, seeing familiar face in front of him. He was one of those guys who he saw back then when he rescued Raphael from the cell. … … … Slowly his mind started to function better, connecting dots with lines in his head.

Looking around Leonardo noticed he was in small room, old light hanging from the ceiling and he… He was tied on execution chair. No… No!

“Stop! This is a mistake! I have safe stamp!” You can’t kill me!”

“Oh really?” Brat chuckled, pushing his ugly face right in front of Leo’s. God, his breath smelled! “Then where is your stamp?”

“I-it’s hanging on my neck.”

Looking down to see his necklace Leonardo gasped in shock. His stamp – it was gone!

“No stamp, no right to live, mutant.”

“Wait! I have a stamp! I swear! Call Saki, Oroku Saki! He gave me my stamp years ago!”

“Shut up!” Bob spitted, hitting Leo hard on the cheek. “You know the law! No stamp, no right to live! We don’t give a damn do you have a stamp or not. All what we care about is that is it hanging around your neck or tattooed on you. If not, then we kill you. Simple.”

Stepping aside Bob gave room for Brat, who approached panicking turtle with wet sponge.

“No… No, no no, no! NO! YOU CAN’T! PLEASE STOP! I HAVE A STAMP!”

“Squirm and scream all you want, turtle. You are not leaving here alive. Hey, Brat. What do you say if we fry him without the sponge?”

Leonardo’s breath froze in his throat, eyes growing wider while filling with tears. His body was trembling and his mind was going nuts.

“Ooh, that’s very good idea, Bob! Let’s do it!”

“Ghanananaha! Yeah, let’s, but first...”

Bob forced old piece of towel in Leo’s mouth to keep him quiet. Whimpering Leonardo wiggled and pulled his arms and body, anything to get himself free. However the robes were tight and showed no mercy.

In horror Leonardo watched how big metal, which looked like a half of a cup, was pushed towards the top of his head. He could hear the electricity crackling from it. And he screamed. He screamed from the bottom of his lungs while tears rolled down on his face.

Both human males were laughing when suddenly a sound of breaking glass disturbed them. When Bob turned to look in the direction, he screamed in pain when two big pieces of glass pierced his eyes.

“BOB!”

Squirming on the floor in pain Bob kept his hands on his bleeding eyes, cursing and screaming. Catching a movement from the corner of his eye Brat turned around. His word swung around and he found himself on his back on the floor, someone sitting on him.

“What the fu---!?”

He was cut off when wet sponge was forced deep in his mouth and throat, making human choke. There was evil amused laugh which was followed by a growl. A hand reached up, taking hold of the execution metal, thrusting it against Brat’s face. When electricity made contact with wet sponge… Brat screamed and soon he went silent, room filling with the smell of burned flesh.

“B-Brat?! Buddy, are you okay!? Answer me!”

Hearing steps approach him Bob crawled backwards until his back hit the wall, pushing himself on his feet. There was someone right in front of him, he could sense it and feel the breathing hit his face.

There was deep and raspy breathing. It gave Bob chills.

“B-Brat?”

Hands took firm hold on his fat cheeks, slowly starting to twist his head. Bob was begging and crying so much. Leonardo kept his eyes closed, but he couldn’t close his ears. He didn’t want to see. He didn’t want to hear either… Please, make it all stop.

But he heard how Bob slowly started to scream more and then – loud crack when his neck snapped. Heavy thud followed the crack when lifeless body hit the glass covered floor.

There was deep and loud sigh. Steps… From turning around. And then silence. That silence didn’t last too long, but it still felt like it lasted for minutes. Suddenly there was a soft touch on his hand and ropes moving slightly back and forth. Sound which reminded robe being cut.

Slowly Leonardo dared to open his eye, taking a peek. Light above was swinging back and forth because of the wind, which was free to enter the room via broken window. While the light swung Leonardo saw flashes of emerald green skin, a familiar hands working their way to free him.

When his hands, after small eternity, were finally freed Leonardo couldn’t help himself. First he tossed old towel out of his mouth, then pushing himself forward as much as he could since his legs were still tied. Wrapping his arms around strong neck Leonardo pressed his face against the shoulder which had familiar scent on it.

“Raphael… Oh, Raphael...”

Other turtle was caught by the surprise since none, never, hadn’t hugged him before. For a moment he wanted to push Leo off, but when smaller male was obviously crying and trembling in his arms… He couldn’t do that. Instead he wrapped his arms around Leo, holding him.

“I’m here.”

For the first time in his life Leonardo was speechless. Shock and fear of this happening were too great, still holding him in their grasp. Raphael needed to push Leonardo away from him.

“Listen, we don’t have time for this. I need ta get ya free and then we’re out of here.”

“O-okay. Okay.”

Leonardo was still shaking as he sat as still as possible, Raphael cutting the ropes with middle sized knife. When Leonardo was finally free Raphael helped him up, giving other turtle his support since Leo’s legs weren’t carrying him as they should.

“Wait here.”

Raphael said as he left Leonardo inside the room, going out through the broken window first. He waited and helped Leonardo out, but since there were pieces of glass and Leonardo was still wobbly, he cut his leg pretty bad.

Hissing in pain Leonardo looked down and sure thing, there was long cut on his left calf. Raphael knelt down, untying long scarf around his neck. While he wrapped it around Leo’s leg, blue eyes studied him, noticing in horror how some scars had appeared on turtle’s body during this time he was missing.

“Raphael… Your scars.”

“What about ‘em?”

Raphael asked while looking up at other turtle who’s eyes widened even more.

“Y-your face!”

Raphael smirked, running his finger over long scar on his cheek.

“Ya mean this? Bastard got too close once.” Standing up Raphael turned around, starting to walk. “That paid him his life.”

Leonardo watched turtle’s shell which, too, was decorated with some scars. Hurrying to walk by Raphael’s side as good as he could, Leonardo kept eyeing the turtle. He seemed and felt… different in a way. More harsh at least.

“Raphael, look… I – I’m so sorry what I did.” There was pain in Leo’s trembling voice. “I wish I hadn’t done it. I overreacted. I’m so sorry. I understand that you are mad at me and - “

“Mad at ya? No. I’m pass that.”

“What do you mean?”

“I mean I was hell pissed at ya.” Raphael stopped, turning to look smaller male who stopped by his side, bright blue eyes looking at him. “Ya saved me, ya made me feel happy and good, safe, but then ya dumped me. Ya didn’t even listen ta me, didn’t believe me. Hell, that hurt. A lot.”

Leonardo almost held his breath while looking in strict yellow eyes. Turning away from Leonardo, Raphael started to walk again, Leonardo following him with light steps.

“When ya left me on the street, it didn’t take long for new catchers’ group ta find me. For a some reason there were more of them. They were idiots. Mocked me which was like rubbing salt in the wounds.”

Raphael’s hands turned into fists as he growled. “Those bastards played with fire. I was already so damn hurt and in pain and when they showed up, talking about catching and killing me. I had enough. I got so fucking done of it all, Leo. My life, constant fear, running, the pain what ya caused ta me… I took it all out on ‘em.”

“You killed them?”

Raphael snorted. “Bastards deserved them. Plus it made me feel better.” Turning to look Leonardo he added; “I took my anger towards ya on them. It helped. That’s why I ain’t mad at ya anymore.”

Leonardo fell silent, looking down at his feet while walking. He… He didn’t know what to say until a bit later.

“I really have been missing you. Just like everyone else.”

Raphael only snorted. Leonardo couldn’t quite tell was it annoyance, anger or happy snort. Walking a bit more in silence Leonardo decided to talk again. He wanted to get the connection back what they had.

“How did you find me?”

“I was near by hunting. Heard those bastards laugh and talk too loud. Something what they always did when they had a victim. I followed their voices and saw them carry unconscious ya in the building. I knew they were up ta no good so I followed them. Waited perfect chance ta strike.”

Looking at Leo, who was looking his feet again, Raphael snorted.

“Ya would be dead without me now, ya know.”

“I know.” Leonardo whispered with trembling voice, hugging himself. “I know.” He whispered again with more silent voice. “I can’t thank you enough. You didn’t need to help me, rescue me and still you did. … But why? Why you decided to help me after what I did to you?”

Raphael stopped, eyeing teary turtle.

“Ya saved me once. I returned the favor and now we are even.”

Bigger turtle started to walk again, smaller turtle following him. His mind was rolling on the event when he suddenly gasped.

“Raphael! Did you see a man being carried or taken away somewhere?”

“Ya mean a tall Japanese guy? The one who looks hell grumpy even when being passed out?”

“… I, I think so, yes.”

“Other group took him away. Didn’t bothered ta follow them since ya were my main priority.”

“Do you think he’s dead?”

“Njah. He looked too big and important ta be killed. Could be he’s taken somewhere ta be investigated. Ya wanna go look for him? I wouldn’t recommend it with that leg.”

“You are right. I’m not much of a help with this leg.”

Raphael was quiet a moment. “We need ta get ya back home, ta safety. Ya won’t last here long without your stamp.”

Leonardo growled with a sigh. Yeah, his stamp. It was lost. Brat and Bob probably had taken it.

“Ya have a copy of it?”

“I have some papers and insurance which will help me to get new one.”

“Good. I’ll help ya ta go home. Can’t let ya go alone with that leg while there’s so much of those bastards hunting us.”

“I… Thank you. Honestly.”

To this Raphael said nothing, but he suddenly stopped behind one house which had partly collapsed years ago. Leonardo stopped right behind bigger turtle, whispering.

“What is it?”

Raphael listened, smirking with a grin.

“Sound like their partners found out they are dead.”

Walking quickly to a manhole cover, Raphael lifted it.

“Come on, we better hide.”

“In the sewers? Are you mad?”

“Well, ya can stay up here and get caught again, but know I’m not coming for your aid again.”

Leonardo grunted while listening the yelling getting louder and closer to them. He didn’t waste anymore time as he headed to manhole cover, getting in, Raphael soon following him. They walked in dark tunnel in silence, humans’ voices echoing above them through the ground.

“Damn, they sound pissed.”

Raphael chuckled with a grin, but his grin soon faded.

“Release the beast!”

“Oh shit, come, hurry! We need ta hide!” Raphael snarled, taking a hold on Leo’s hand, forcing him to run with his painful leg. Roar echoed from behind them with heavy thud, sounds of heavy steps starting to head in their way.

Raphael stopped behind darkest brick wall, pulling Leonardo behind him showing a sign of being quiet. Leonardo nodded, pressing more against Raphael. Both of their hearts were racing, obvious tension shining in Raphael’s eyes.

Steps came closer and closer when, finally, ugly giant mutant rat came out of the tunnel in this small round open area which had 3 tunnels to go to, with the corner where Leo and Raph were hiding. Leonardo almost gasped in horror, but Raphael covered his mouth with his hand, holding smaller male close, again signaling that he should stay quiet.

Studying Raphael Leonardo realized Raphael was almost holding his breathing too. Did this rat had such a good hearing it would hear their breathing through dropping water? It took probably a minute before rat stopped listening and sniffing the air, turning around, going back where it had came from.

Just to be sure, turtles stood still and quiet as they listened how men above them yelled at the mutant for not finding anything.

“What was that?”

“Mutant rat, obviously. I don’t know where those humans have got it or why it even obeys them, but its only mission is ta help people ta track down poor and capture them. Some were found here in the sewers so they send that thing down here time ta time.”

Turning to look Leo Raphael snorted.

“I will kill it one day tho. When I’m prepared enough.”

“But why? It’s mutant like us.”

“It’s brainless tool. It will be merciful thing ta kill it. Ya think those bastards treat him well?”

Leonardo fell silent and Raphael snorted again.

“That’s what I thought. Let’s keep moving.”

It took about 30 minutes before turtles arrived in small isolated room with a door. It had small sofa and chair there, small table and lots of candles. Leonardo sat on the couch which was slightly moist and broken. His eyes followed Raphael who went to get a bag. Bag held some woods which Raphael placed inside small circle between the couch and chair which were facing each other.

Lighting them up there soon was nice warmth, with the burning candles, which Leonardo’s body had missed. Watching other turtle move closer to the fire made Raphael stood up and disappear in small walking closet kind of room. He soon came back carrying a blanket and a pillow.

“Here. Ya need ta stay warm and a place ta sleep.”

Leonardo allowed Raphael to wrap blanket around him, placing pillow at the other end of the couch.

“Thank you. But where do you sleep?”

Sitting in sofa chair Raphael huffed.

“This chair will do just fine. Been sleeping on this many nights just in case if I need ta get up quick.”

“Isn’t that uncomfortable?”

“Not as badly as it could be. Ya hungry?”

“Well, kind of, but after everything what just happened… I don’t know.”

Raphael eyed the turtle across him, lifting his shoulders once.

“Okay.”

Leonardo watched how Raphael, later, stood up after a long silence heading to another bag which hanged on the wall. Leonardo caught a glimpse of white feathers. When Raphael returned, sitting on the rug near the fire, Leonardo watched how Raphael started to pull feathers off of the dead seagull.

“Ew...”

Giving Leonardo not so nice look Raphael snorted.

“I’m sorry, but I don’t have pancakes or anything else ta offer.”

Now realizing how rude he had been, Leonardo apologized. He understood Raphael didn’t had much choices down here when it came on food. Looking away when Raphael cut the bird open Leonardo listened those slippery sounds when bird’s insides were removed.

Placing seagull on small home-made grill stand above the fire Raphael watched how the meat started to cook, turning the bird over at times. He wanted it fully cook all around. When meat was ready, Raphael placed it on big plate what he had found in one empty house, with other kitchen supplies, cutting the bird in half.

Other half he moved on smaller plate, reaching it towards Leonardo. While his eyes stayed on the bird, Leonardo shook his head, tightening blanket around himself.

“No, thanks.”

“Ya have ta eat. When ya ate last time?”

“In the morning.”

“And it’s almost night. Ya eat this, even if I have ta force it down in your throat.”

Leonardo smirked with small smile, finally accepting the plate with silent thanks.

“Be thankful it’s a seagull and not a rat. Seagull has more ta eat and it tastes better. … Don’t burn your mouth. It’s hot.”

Leonardo’s eyes stayed on the bird, his stomach starting to growl more and more. Ripping a piece from tender meat Leonardo suddenly started to sob, putting meat in his mouth. Raphael watched in silence how other turtle ate between sobs, tears rolling down on those round cheeks.