TW/CW: Mentions of Child abuse, Underage drinking, and drug usage

You shouldn't have drank that much last night. You shouldn't do a lot of things, to be honest. You have plenty of regrets and last night was one of them. You woke up with a pounding agonizing headache that pommeled through your skull.

You groaned as you rolled over, voicing a yelp when you made contact with the floor. Akira shot up with a bark as they shook their head around searching for danger.

"W-Whats going on-! Huh- Red!?"

Akira glanced down from the windowsill at your splayed body on the floor. Low grunts escaped your body as you lay face-first on the floor.

"Red!"

Akira sprang to their feet before losing balance and landing on their ass. The fox howled when their tail got caught under them. Small whines of protest came from both of you as you lay on the ground.

"Oh man... what the f*ck happened last night?"

You simply groaned in response.

You didn't know what was happening to you. You felt like puking whatever in the f*ck you drank last night but your body wouldn't allow it. Your body just wanted to simply stay planted on the floor. Akira eyed you and you both attempted to move. Still no luck.

"Man! You must be hammered!"

Akira chuckled while rubbing their temple, desperately trying to calm their pounding head. Nothing worked; the noise from their mind and their irritation were too much.

Another whine escaped your lips as you curled up tighter to the wooden planks of the floors. The surface in the meantime made you feel colder.

"Here let's get you up and I'll brew you some tea"

Akira pushed themselves up on their paws, sliding out a few groans before walking over to you and picking you up.

You bellyached as your friend carried you, with some difficulty of course but they succeeded anyways. Kitsunes were mostly known for their swiftness and cunning, though they did obtain some bulk.

The fox brought you over to their bed and laid you down. You wanted to be upset at them for moving you but you simply didn't have the energy.

The canine made sure you were comfortable before running their thumb across your cheek. Their expression went hard as they stared at the newly exposed scar that brandished your cheek.

You were too out of it to notice the absence of your mask. You simply just snuggled deeper into the warm comfy bed.

Spirits, you miss sleeping in a bed like this, so much better than that cold metal slab you slept on in the Battle Nexus.

Akira stayed quiet as they gazed at the scar, something clicked in their mind at the sight. A new sense of understanding enters their soul. They allow air to pass through their nose before they searched for your mask. Finally locating the small dark piece of cloth on the floor next to the windowsill.

The fox scooped up the mask, starting down the cover with a newfound resentment. They hated that you had to feel like you needed to hide yourself like that, though they could understand why.

Akira padded over to the bed, gently placing the mask next to your head before walking out to make the tea.

You stayed in their room, reminiscing in silence as your thoughts pounded into your skull.

get up

You need to get up

Get up. Why can't you get up? What did you do? What did I do? Spirits, I feel terrible. What did I do last night?! Why can't I remember!?

F*ck!

You flinch when you heard the creaking of the floorboards.

Someone was here with you. Open your eyes. Get up. You need to see who it is! Are you in danger?

"Aka? Aka-kun sweetheart, I brought you the tea"

Your heart slowed when the sweet murmurs of your friend lingered in your ears.

When did they start to call you Aka? That meant Red right?

You weren't very articulate in Japanese. Only could put together a few words. Ironic since yokai were rooted in Japanese and Asian cultures. Still, you digress.

Soft paws were placed under your lower back and you were made to sit up, a pillow giving you leverage as you still kept your eyes shut.

Why wouldn't they open? Why were you so tired?

Akira felt guilt seep into their stomach as they noticed how exhausted you were. They shouldn't have let you drink that much last night.

Even though you were older than them and should've known better they felt responsible. Couldn't help themselves from screwing up.

"Here, drink this"

There. A command that you could fulfill.

You force yourself to move, whimpering a bit at the movement. You felt fuzzy paws help guide your hands toward the tea. The cup was warm. Not scalding or freezing, but just right. Akira helped you tilt the cup upwards towards your lips. You drank the bitter liquid until you couldn't anymore.

You heft out a large breath before feeling dreed take over your gut. You heaved over, finding yourself vomiting in a bucket. Akira held back your hair as they hummed under their breath.

The next good 10 minutes consisted of Akira humming a soft tune as you puked the alcohol from your system. After you were done, you were cleaned up by your friend with a rag and some wipes.

You finally had your eyes open, though the room was still very dark because the second you opened them the lights blinded you. Making your migraine worse.

However, Akira had everything under control. They dimmed the lights and gave you some water while they walked away with a bucket of your barf to dispose of.

What lengths they would go to take care of you was remarkable and quite frankly unbelievable.

Honestly, you didn't deserve it.

You really didn't.

Despite this, you couldn't help yourself but feel warmness grow in your chest at the thought.

Akira soon came back with some lavender incense and burned it in the room to give it a gentle touch. It put you at ease when the fox walked over to the bed and sat down next to you. Feeling your forehead to make sure you didn't have a fever.

"There you are Red, you feeling okay?"

You simply nodded in response, feeling timid as you took a sip of your glass. The water feels cool against your burning throat.

"...You... You knew that would happen?..."

A simple question. The fox's ears rose but nothing on their face changed as they gazed over at you with a soft expression.

"Yes"

They muttered faintly. The kitsune was trying not to speak too loud to prevent you from being overstimulated. You had a wicked hangover that was for sure.

"We needed to get the alcohol out of your system. I was stupid. I should've known that it would be too strong for you. I'm sorry"

Your eyes widened, and your stomach churned as the face of regret was plastered on your friend's muzzle.

"N-No! My fault! Don't blame yourself"

Your mind was still fuzzy so your sentences weren't whole but your companion seemed to catch the memo since they looked over at you with a shocked expression.

"But I-"

"N-No! Stop! Not your fault! My fault! No sorry!"

You shook your head harshly. You were behaving like a small child how immature of you.

"Okay! Alright! I won't say I'm sorry... Just let me take care of you okay?"

You glanced to the side, debating about it for a wink in your mind before granting a small nod of confirmation.

It wasn't like you could stop them anyway. They provided you with shelter and food. The least you could do was comply with no resistance.

In all honesty, if you discovered that Akira was only being kind to you to gain something you wouldn't be upset. You would just let it happen. Rather not lose a friend even if it is fake.

You and Akira lolled out in their room. Getting over both of your massive hangovers. At least that's what Akira expressed it was. They seemed to know a lot about them. This knowledge made something drag on your chest.

You didn't like that they knew so much about it. They were only 15. Though, you yourself were only 16? Right? That's how old you were? Was it? You couldn't bring yourself to remember.

You couldn't bring yourself to remember anything.

You groaned as you slumped back into the mattress, placing the small heated pad on your head.

"Was... Ms.Niji upset..?"

Akira glanced over at you with a puzzled face before answering smoothly.

"I told her that your stomach bug got worse and that I caught whatever you had so were quarantining in my room for the time being"

Professed the nimble fox. You paled at the notion.

"No! You didn't have to lie for me! I would've taken the normal punishment!"

Shit! Lying was bad. It was better to get a slap in the face and a kick in the ribs rather than be thrown into that small dark cell again.

Akira noticed how fear dawned on your face. They could smell it too. Sadness clouded their features as they brought a soft paw to your cheek. You screwed up your face, your eyes glossy as you gazed at the fox with dread.

"No one is going to hurt you here"

Your brows knitted when they whispered the words. A muscle in your jaw twitched as you leaned your face into the palm of your friend's paw. You squeezed your eyes shut, a bit of wetness flowing down your cheek as you swallowed the lump in your throat.

"My sister is not my mother."

Something changed in Akiras eyes. As if they were reliving something in their mind. Something terrible. Recognition dawned on your face and you felt despair swallow your chest.

"You deserved better Akira"

The fox broke on the inside as they pulled you into a hug, this time you didn't stiffen, flinch or shrink away from it. You welcomed it. Your arms wrapped around the fox as you squeeze them into an embrace.

Is this...

Is this what security felt like?

Akiras tail wagged as they deepened the hug.

It had to be.

Akira and you held each other tightly as a smile crept on your face. You were at ease. No harm would come to you while you were here.

You were safe...

. . .

"Do I really have to do this?'

"Yes Leo, Dr. feelings declared it so"

The turtle groaned as they stared down at the small piece of paper. Feeling extremely irritated that he was being forced into art therapy.

"Now I want you to draw what you're feeling right now. Spill your soul onto the page. Give your emotions form"

Leo grunted as he held the red crayon in his hand.

"You know what I'm feeling right now? I feel that I want to shove this crayon right up-"

"Nardo!"

Donatello interrupted his twin's tirade of immaturity. Mikey stood next to him, dressed as his signature persona Dr. Feelings. After the way the youngest witnessed his brother acting yesterday, he knew that he had to at least try to make the slider communicate his feelings.

"Please, Leo. Just give it a try"

The turtle glanced up at his little brothers pleading eyes, his brows knitting as his facade started to break. How could he possibly say no to his baby brother?

"Ugh! Alright! Alright! Just stop staring at me with those big ol' eyes!"

Mikey beamed with a large smile as Leo glanced down at the blank paper. The crayon started to slide across the paper. His feelings were taking form on the page. In the end, there is a little stick figure stuck in a box, scribbling all around the little man as it suffocated him. There was nowhere to go. No escape.

Donatello and Michalngo share a glance as they gazed down at their brother. The heartsick boy gazed down at his creation with shining eyes. His hands twitched as his gut felt like it was ripped out from the inside.

"That's good Leo here.. Try another one"

Mikey gave the turtle another page. Leo took another crayon from the small box and got to work. Doodling on the page while the others watched.

This time there were two stick figures, one with a cloud of red surrounding them as the other blocked away from them. They had their cloud that forbade the other person from reaching them while a red scribble surrounded their head as well.

The rising concern filled the room.

What the f*ck Leo!?

Was he okay!?

"Huh alright now let's do this, I'll give you a prompt and you draw what it looks like"

Leo nodded, his eyes clouded. It was like he wasn't there. Like he was a drone just going through the motions. That's honestly what he felt like.

"So I want you to draw what anger feels like"

Anger.

Leo knows anger.

He feels it bubble inside of him whenever he sees himself in the mirror.

Leo took a shakey breath as he grabbed another crayon from the pack. Placing the tip on the paper, almost breaking it with the force of his trembling hands.

It was a mess.

He was a mess.

The little stick man is in the middle of a storm of red black and blue. The colors fight each other on the page as he stands in the middle of it all. Unable to do anything. All he does is stand there while it consumes him. He's scared of what he's become.

The paper was damp. Why were there water droplets? Was there a leak?

"Leo?"

Oh, that was his name.

The turtle looked up at his brother. His vision is blurry.

Is he...

Is he crying?

Leonardo reached up to his cheek, feeling the tears wet his fingers. The boy instantly wiped them away with the sleeve of his hoodie.

"..I'm done here..."

Leo got up from the small bean bag chair he was in, pushing away the tray he was using as a makeshift desk. Leaving the papers he scrawled on, he pushed past his two brothers coldly as he headed for the exit of the tv room.

"Leo-"

Mikey went to grab the turtle's arm which made the boy yank his body away. His nostrils flared as tears flew off his face.

"I said I'm done!!!"

He snapped harshly, baring his teeth as Mikey's eyes dilated in fear.  The small boy stumbled back into the arms of his older brother. Donatello holding the box turtle as the duo stares at Leo in shock. The red ear slider's jaw went slack and his skin blanched.

His breath quickened as the tears started to pour down his face. As his jaw clenched in guilt he took in the sight of his scared brothers one last time before racing away. 

Idiot! Stupid! STUPID! STUPID! WHY DID YOU DO THAT!? WHAT IS WRONG WITH YOU!?

The boy kept on running until he made it to the dojo, he curled himself up in the corner. Hiding inside his hoodie and shell as he sobbed quietly to himself.

"Leo?"

The turtle sniffed as he heard the small robotic voice buzzing from across the room.

"Uncle Leo?"

Leo exasperated a shakey breath before coming out of his shell. Wiping his runny nose onto his sleeves as he dried his tears.

"Uncle Leo... Are you okay"

"I-I'm just as fine a peach, Shelly"

The boy reached up with a shaky hand and petted the small machine. Shelldon chirped in delight at the head scratches he was receiving. 

Then a string snapped in his mind and he shook his head, hovering a bit away from his teen uncle with his eyes shining.

"I know you're hurting Uncle Leon. You don't have to hide it. There's no shame in crying, I promise"

The slider sucked in a breath while fighting back tears.

"Ah, C'mere you little goober"

Leo sniffed as tears started to run down his face. Shelldon's face beamed as he zipped over to the boy. Allowing the turtle to hold him tightly.

"Sure thing! We can snuggle if it will make you feel better"

"I already feel better bud"

Leo sniffled while patting the purple turtle's shell. Shelldon chirped in response causing Leo to chirp back.

The duo stayed like this for a good 30 minutes before Leonardo accidentally fell asleep. His nephew didn't mind though. He enjoyed making his family feel better. It was the least he could do.

Sooner rather than later, Leo apologized to his brothers for lashing out at them as he did. Mikey and Donnie already understood why their brother acted in such a manner.

They didn't really need an apology they just wanted their brother to be okay.

The days seemed to fly by. The both of you droned through the hours. Leo buried himself in his studying and training while you drowned in your desperation for stability.

You've been hanging out at Hueso's more often, talking to the staff and the customers. Akira was teaching you more integrated pop culture references. You never got along with kids your age. You didn't know a single thing about being a regular teenager.

Leo and Akira are the only teenagers you hang out with! Ellana and Sidney are both young adults. They had their own set of problems. So you were kinda surprised when you made a new friend with a 17-year-old tiger all on your own without the help of the others.

He aspired to be a Battle Nexus champion, maybe that's why he felt drawn to you. You always tried to talk him out of it. Telling him that it wasn't all that it was chalked up to be. Though the feline never cared. Not much you could do there.

It was a Friday night when you and your new friend went out for milkshakes. Hanging out in the streets as you both talked about.

"You gotta be f*cking kidding me! Tiger claw!?"

"Well yeah!"

You attempt to not choke on your drink as you burst out laughing.

"That's a terrible stage name!"

The tiger gasped as he playfully shoved you.

"Well, why don't you come up with something better?!"

"Hey, I didn't come up with my name! I left that up to the professionals"

You defended while taking another sip from your drink. The boy rolled his eyes as he shoved his hands into his leather jacket. The yokai very much had a grunge aesthetic to him.

"Whatever"

"I'm serious Takeshi! They come up with cool names! Black death, The Kraken, Validus the walking night! Labitina! All formidable opponents"

Takeshi snorted as he nudged you with his shoulder. Showcasing a lopsided grin as he purred at you.

"Not as formidable as the infamous Red Phantom though right?"

A small flush of red came over your cheeks as you took another sip of your drink. Trying to hide your embarrassment.

"Yeah I guess not"

You mumbled while the taller boy smiled at you. The two of you continued to walk the streets as the city danced with life. You looked around feeling a small pang in your chest as you thought about your friend that wasn't with you right now.

"Miss who?"

"Huh?"

You glanced back at your taller friend who tipped their head in confusion.

"You said you missed someone. Who is it?"

"Oh! I said that out loud?"

You muttered as you take another sip of your drink from under your mask.

"Um... It's someone very close to me"

"Oh..."

The tiger glanced to the side for a moment, digging through some thoughts before questioning you.

"Is it your girlfriend or something?"

"Oh, my spirits! Why does everyone think I'm a lesbian!?"

You grumble out while rubbing your temple. The feline busted out laughing. Gripping his stomach as he attempted to quiet himself.

"I'm sorry! I'm sorry! That's just priceless!"

The boy continued to laugh as the thought rattled your mind.

You didn't know wheater or not you liked anybody.

Nobody's ever caught your eye before and you don't have time for trivial things such as that.

You mean, you fancied Akira. They were always very charming but they weren't Leo.

Your cheeks flushed a bright red at the thought that just passed through.

Did you really just think that?!

You took another long sip of your drink, realizing there was no more to sponge.

"Ugh."

"You okay, Red?"

You glanced over at your friend before rolling your eyes and walking over to a garbage can. Tossing your drink away.

"Come on whiskers. Let's go f*ck up a jackass or something"

The tiger laughed as he jogged behind you with a smile.

Hour after hour.

Day after day, you feel yourself start to break and heal at the same time. A continuous cycle of getting ripped open and stitched back together again.

He haunted you. The actions of that night tormented you. Donnie's words scratched into your mind like a broken record.

You're gonna get him killed

He'll be dead because of you

You'll put him in harm's way

What you're doing is dangerous

You're dangerous.

The thoughts warped until it wasn't even Donnie who was speaking, but yourself.

Then one day.

It came to an end.

"Y/n~"

You shiver at the woman's voice. You close your eyes as she creased your face with her thumb. Her red eyes shone down at you with that sickening grin she always wore.

"I need you to do me a favor baby"

You looked up at the yokai's eyes as she gazed down at you while she pushed a strand of hair behind your ear.

"I need you to pay that cheeky alchemist a visit"

"You don't mean-"

"Yes. Little Barry has been causing a muck recently, he wants to negotiate. I need you to strike a deal with him, Starlight"

Her sharp claw-like nails trail under your chin, lancing it as she looms over you.

"And you already know how my deals work don't you darling?~"

You can feel the bile wanting to rise from the back of your throat. Sweat beamed off your body as you begin to cringe away from Big Mama.

"Right?"

Her fingernail started to embed itself into your skin. A whimper escaped your shivering body as you replied.

"Y-Yes Mama!"

She hummed as she held your chin in her hand.

"Good... Now off you pop"

The spider let you go, slinking off to her desk. Plucking a cigar from a small crystal bowl that sat on the edge. She flipped out her lighter and placed it on her smoke. Bringing life to the small cylinder, as she breathed in its intoxicating fumes.

You nodded and turned away, quickly padding toward the elevator. You let out a shakey breath before groaning through your teeth.

"It's gonna be a long night"

. . .

"Alright so this is how this is going to happen"

Raph announced while Leo grabbed the twin katanas from the display in the dojo.

"Baron Draxum is driving to have an exchange tonight according to Loose-Lips Luckowski"

Donnie interjected as he typed away on his wristband. His gear is already on and ready to go.

"Right so we need to stop him! We don't know what it is but knowing that lunatic, it's not gonna be good"

The large turtle concluded with crossed arms. Mikey appeared next to him with a determined smile.

"Don't worry Raph! Us Mad Dogz, will get that creep!"

"Yeah huh- and hopefully no one gets thrown off a roof this time"

The slider quipped in with a laugh, and the others groaned except for Raph. Something came over the snapping turtle's face as if he just saw someone kick a puppy. Leo's smile falters before he simply glances away with a frown.

"So our mission is to stop Draxum from gaining what he wants and trading away whatever monstrosity he came up with"

The team nodded in agreement before Raph uncrossed his arms and let out a breath.

"Alright, team, let's roll"

Leo rolled his shoulder before following his brothers out the door. Splinter had allowed the teen to go out with his brothers since he felt it was better for him to be more involved with the team. The turtle's grounding time was almost up anyway. It was Wednesday so after Sunday he would be free.

The boy stopped walking when a large fist clasped his shoulder. The young boy glanced up to see his older brother holding up his odachi.

"I talked to dad and convinced him to let you have it for the mission"

Leos's jaw went slack as he stared down at the sacred blade.

"Wha-... I-...You- you didn't-...."

Leo stuttered, trying to find the right words as he took the sword in his hands.

"Thank you..."

Blue eyes shone up as his throat started to clog. Raph doesn't know how much this means to the turtle.

"It was no problem"

The turtle muttered while rubbing the back of his neck. Feeling a little anxious as his face got hot. Leo took the katanas out of the strap on his back and replaced them with his odachi.

"You ready?"

"As I'll ever be"

Leo added while he shrugged his shoulders. The brothers set off after the youngest of the team since they were already a pretty large distance between them.

"Hey, guys! Wait up!"

The slider announced while he bounded towards the others. Donnie glanced back at Leo and the wide smile he wore. It warmed his heart a bit to see his brother happy again.

"What took you so long?"

Mikey pipped up while clinging onto Donatello, who gave no mind to the smallest of the brothers.

"Maybe his inflated ego was holding him down"

Donnie quipped with a smirk while Leo glared at him. Leo smiled and gripped the strap that lay across his chest.

"Actually I think it was your big ass forehead getting in my way. There was absolutely no way I could walk around it."

"Wow! What an astute observation but have you considered- PUSH!!"

Donnie snaked over to Leo and shoved him at the last second while a shit-eating grin spread across his muzzle.

After the slider skidded across the ground, he sprung to his feet and tackled his twin brother; the two wrestling each other in the damp sewer.

Raph rolled his eyes before grabbing his two younger brothers by the shell and dangling them in the air like a mother cat to her kittens.

"Would you two knuckleheads cut it out! We're supposed to be on a mission!"

Leo and Donnie glance at each other before huffing under their breaths and crossing their arms in compliance.

"Fine."

"Yeah sure whatever, Donnie conformed "

Raph sighed before placing his little brothers back down to their feet and crossing his arms.

"Leo, could you make a portal to Draxums lab?"

The boy nodded before rolling his shoulders and cracking his neck with a cocky smile.

"I'll get there in a jiffy, big guy! No problem!"

The red-eared slider moved further away from his brothers to give him space. The teen slides his fret into position as he unsheathes his odachi.

Staring hard at the vast space in front of him.

"Are you kidding Raph? Leo sucks at opening portals."

The turtle gritted his teeth at his twin's comment, even though the softshell intended for it to be a whisper; the slider could still hear it.

"Hey, that's not nice, Donald!"

Mikey scolded under his breath at his older brother. Leo really wishes they would shut up. They were so loud.

The young teen sucked in a breath, closing his eyes as he cleared the thoughts from his mind.

You can do this Leo. Concentrate and envision the place that you're going to.

The turtle took in a deep inhale before slashing his blade through the air. The metal circled and sparked as a vibrant void busted to life.

"Haha! Suck it you loudmouth, four-eyed egomaniac!"

Leo ridicules while pointing at his twin brother with a smug smirk. 

"That was an unexpected turn of events"

The softshell uttered in amazement before shaking his head.

"Alright, team! Let's roll!"

The alligator snapping turtle commanded while stepping forward into the portal. The youngest of the group soon followed; leaving the two twins by themselves.

"After you nerd"

"Die a thousand deaths"

The slider chuckled in amusement as his brother went through the mystic doorway. The blue-branding turtle was the last to enter the opening.

The boy was spat out on the outskirts of the mystic city, smack dab in the middle of the bridge that leads to the lair of their rival alchemist.

"Leo, over here!"

The teen glanced over the hissing of voices; shooting his brothers huddled behind a large statue. Leo trudged over to them quickly; crouching down to listen to his older brother's plan.

"Okay, so Donnie says that the layout has roof access! We sneak in through there and ambush from above if things are going down! If something goes south several pipes lead to a sewer that we can use to escape! Got it?"

"Yup!"

"All clear here."

"Let's do this already!"

Raph nodded in satisfaction at his family's answer before smiling.

"Alright Mad Dogz! Let's roll!"

The team started to spread out, each finding a different way to get to the roof.

Leo shoots a portal while Mikey grapples his kusari-fundō around a pole and swings himself up.

Donatello fires up his jetpack on his battle shell and simply breezes up the building. Raph on the other hand was using his mystic strength to propel himself up the wall.

Once everyone made it to the top, Donnie leads them to an opening. The team of teen heroes snaked around every dark nook and cranny that the shadows offered.

They are finally on a pipeline near the entrance high above the ground where no one could see them. The turtles perched on the metal pole. Chirping softly amongst themselves as the goat man himself walked into sight. 

The two gargoyles he keeps around, flutter around his head as he makes his way toward the door.

"Draxum. How kind of you to let me in"

The air went static as Leo's heart dropped. The turtle's eyes were as large as saucers when the voice hit his ears. His blue pupils shook as his breath quickened.

no

No

NO

WHY IS SHE HERE?!

The teen's mind screamed at him as you strode your way over to the warrior.

"Why isn't it the infamous Red Phantom? What? Is Big Mama too busy to strike a deal? Did she really have to send her human pet to do her bidding?"

Leo felt his chest burn in anger.

You were not a pet! And you definitely weren't Big Mama's pet!

"Careful Draxum, I wouldn't want to stain that pretty armor of yours now would I?"

The tension was so thick it could be cut by a knife.

Leo wanted nothing but to jump to your defense, but the moment his twin realized it was you, he held a tight grip on his twin's shoulder; grounding him to the mission.

"I was informed you wanted to strike a deal. Big Mama is willing to listen, for a price."

You slipped cooly while gazing up at the yokai. He glared down at you with burning eyes before speaking up.

"Name it."

The man simply growled.

"She has asked that you leave her human hotel out of your experimentation. You've been causing a lot of trouble for her topside."

"You filthy dishonorable humans don't warrant any of my sympathies! You all deserve to be eradicated from the face of the earth!"

"This is her price. We will not continue negotiations if this continues. Take it or leave it."

Draxum hissed at you under his breath, his fists clenching as he was about to say something. His gargoyles flew up to you, circling around your face as they examed you.

"See, Muninn? I told you they looked familiar!"

"You were right, Huginn! Their face definitely rings a bell! But I just can't remember where from"

You glared at the two little creatures. Something about them seemed... You felt like you'd seen them before but from where? Your brain hurt.

You shake your throbbing head before frowning at the two.

"Do you mind? I'm trying to get big daddy crime over there to behave"

Huginn and Muninn both started to snicker under their breath causing a slight grin to form under your mask.

Leo himself felt his snout scrunch in amusement at your quip. Man did he miss you.

"My only crime is keeping the entirety of yokai kind safe from the unprincipled clutches of you humans!"

"Hey, Newsflash buddy! I grew up in this city. I haven't interacted with another human in like 4 years"

Your eyes glanced to the side, thinking about how long you'd been down here. It feels like an eternity. You don't think you'll ever go top side; even if you wanted to, you couldn't.

Big Mama would never allow it.

You shake the thought off and glance back at the middle-aged goat, who looked infuriated but besides himself.

"How fortunate of you."

You roll your eyes and cross your arms.

"Psst Raph! What are we gonna do Big M and Drax?! It's like criminal barbeque!"

Mikey whispered-yelled over to his older brother. The broad turtle glanced over to his round brother before glaring back at the duo that stood below them.

"We wait it out. I want to know what their demands are. Be ready to move in any second"

The brothers share a glance, unease hovering over them as they observed the exchange.

"So are we doing this or not?"

The goat stayed silent. Glaring at you with harsh eyes before letting his husky voice pass.

"Let's proceed"

Your face didn't show it but you were relieved. You were terrified to go back to Mama empty-handed.

Draxum walked deeper into the lab, strolling right over to a large canister-looking thing. You didn't know what it was but it was glowing a bright green. It seemed to have a million bugs buzzing around, filling the entire being.

The goat placed his hand on a lever and a small insect flew out; gently landing on the man's open palm.

"You see these? These are my greatest invention! They are mosquitos that carry my mutagen to turn you, pitiful humans, into something great-"

"Boss! I thought we agreed to call them Oozsquitos!"

"Yeah, it's such a cool name!"

The gargoyles flew back over to their master, drifting around his face as they conversed with him with a smile. The yokai's annoyance rises when the constant nagging continued.

"Shut you, puny simpletons! I agreed to no such name! I will not humor those idiotic creations of mine!"

"I don't get why you hate them so much, boss! They are your kids after all"

"They are all failures! Only one is fit to stand by me and she still hasn't returned from her mission"

The turtles shared dumbfounded glances with each other.

He couldn't be talking of Venus right?! Venus hated Draxums guts! More than any of them!  So she couldn't have sided with him right?!

Unless... There was another one of them that they didn't know about...

"Oh, we miss Sophroina too boss! Don't get all cagey!"

Muninn teased while sitting on the alchemist's shoulders.

Huginn flapped over to you, hovering over his face as he apologized for the behavior of his superior.

"Sorry about him! He's just been all cranky since Sophie left!"

"I have not!"

"You have to Draxy~"

The goat looked like he was about to murder his disciples. Though he just inherently sighed and rubbed his temple.

"Can we just get back to business- PLEASE!"

Darxum hissed out in fury at the two little creatures. They didn't so much as flinch; they just flew back over to you and after them glancing at your shoulders for a bit before perching on them.

Their claws pricked a bit but you didn't withdraw, for some reason you didn't yourself, you allowed them to roost on you.

"You were saying?"

You cocked a brow at Draxum while crossing your arms. He scowled at you before continuing his original statement.

"So guys are we just going to completely ignore that there's another one of us!?"

Mikey hissed through his teeth desperately. The whole group was rocked, they didn't know how to answer their little brother. They had another sister that they had no clue about! And she's been living with a manic like Draxum out of all people!!

There was nothing they could do about it at the moment, but Raph wanted answers. The turtle deadly clutched his tonfas while peering down at Darxum with a newfound disgust and rage.

Leo glanced over to his brother before answering the rest of the group.

"There's nothing we can do about that right now Mike. When this is all over we'll have to figure it out now's not a good time"

The rest of the team went silent. Teeth and fists clenched as they sucked in disappointed breaths.

"My insects turn any human into a yokai so I was considering that if I could make selected humans from Big mamas topside hotel into my warriors-"

"Draxum-"

You interrupted irritably. You already told him that Big Mama didn't want any experiments on her topside business.

"Listen, child. Then I will let Big Mama acquire some of my mutagen to create fighters for her Battle Nexus"

You froze a bit. That would be an amazing business venture for your mo- you mean! Big Mama! Though on the other hand, you would be dooming innocent lives to go through the same wretched hell that you endure every day.

Would you be a monster if you helped make this happen?

You honestly felt like throwing up.

"I-"

Before you could even open your mouth a large booming voice shot through the air, you glance up to see a red blur shooting straight down. You gasp and flip backward; unsheathing your weapon quickly as you shift your feet and get into a fighting stance.

"Sorry to interrupt the party but we just can't let you make this deal dad"

The last word was hissed out mockingly, so full of venom and resentment. You glanced up to see a massive red glowing turtle glaring at Baron Draxum.

Oh, what the f*ck was happening!?

"Yeah, Drax! Put that Ozzequito down!"

A smaller bouncy voice interjected while pointing at the goat man with a confident grin.

Oh, this was a whole ass family reunion- these two were turtles. Red and orange turtles. Oh no. Oh f*ck no- it can't-

"Yeah whatever he said"

You would know that voice from anywhere! It haunted you with that same phrase almost every night.

"He's gonna end up dead because of you"

Donatello leaned on his staff in the ready-to-attack, your eyes glued on them. Your heart was pounding as they caught the sight of your scared eyes.

You gripped more on the machete in your hand, your knuckles turning white as you backed up. Muninn and Huginn were floating next to you, checking your surroundings before you bumped into something.

"Hey watch out Phamtom!"

Muninn warned as he pointed behind you, you spun on your heel quickly and pointed your blade at the throat of whoever was behind you.

You dropped your weapon completely when those blue pools of relief and love gazed back at you.

"Hey"

The phrase was so small, so quiet, and yet so loud to you. You wanted to break down and cry but you didn't; instead, you stood there slacked jawed as your body stiff.

"K-Kappa?"

You mutter out, the boy smiled at you as you gazed at him in disbelief. You were dogmatic about the way he just left without a word but you couldn't help but feel over the moon to see your friend.

This was short-lived however because a large crack in the wall exploded; you flew forward and tumbled into the turtle. Your ears stung and your body ached as you hit the ground.

The turtle held you protectively as the dust settled. He glanced all over to make sure you were alright before his heart dropped to see what had crashed into the wall.

"RAPH!!"

Leo yelled in distress, he gently set you down and ran over to his battered brother. Helping him back to his feet as he groaned. You glance over to see Mikey and Donatello fighting viciously to no avail against Draxums purple vines.

You feverishly search for your machete, snatching it from the ground. You stood there in disbelief as the battle raged on in front of you.

You didn't know what to do!!

Should you stay out of it for Big Mama?! Or fight for Leo!?

You didn't know! Both ended up with you betraying people you care about.

Though your body decided for you in the end.

You lunged at an incoming vine that was heading for Leo and what you were assuming was his brother. You brought down your blade and slashed the plant in half, its green blood splattering across your face.

You huffed heavily as you glanced over at Leo who was helping the red turtle lean against him. The boy gaped at you with wide eyes but a smile spread across his face as you wiped away some of the plant's blood from your forehead.

Your attention was torn by a small shrill scream, you fly over to the defense of a much smaller orange-clad turtle. The saber that you carried glints in the light as your wicked blade of fury sliced through the multitudes of vines that encased the yokai.

You grabbed the boy by his hand and pushed him behind you as Baron Daxum went to strike. You block the blow and glare at him as he spat at you.

"Of course, you would side with these halfbreeds! The corruption of humanity kills any sense of nobility!"

You snarled at him spitefully and moved to pummel him in the face; he took his sharp gauntlets and sliced your hand open. You yelped in pain before he kicks you in the stomach, sending you flying across the room.

You skid across the floor before a vine seized you by the neck, lifting you in the air as you choked. Silva gagged you as you desperately clawed at the thick bulging vine. Baron Draxum fought the other's advances with the remainder of his plants as he wrung your neck with a smile.

"With your passing there will be one less stain on this earth"

Raw gasps of air escaped your mangled neck, tears flowing down your eyes as the plant dug into your charred flesh. The noises you made sounded like a dying animal.

This can't be how you die! You worked so hard! You survived this long! You can't!

Your desperate flailings began to slow as the world started to go black.

"GET THE F*CK OFF OF HER!!"

A sharp breath passes your lungs as you hit the ground, and harsh wheezes pass as you nurse your neck.

Your blurred eyes glance up to see flashes of bright blue lighting shining through the room. The screaming of curses and battle cries mow through the lab.

"LEO!!"

Someone screamed out as the turtle got repeatedly lacerated by the warrior alchemist's claws. The yelp of pain cut through your heart. In an instant, you were on your feet and bounding in the air. Unsheathing your small handheld blade and bringing it down on the old man's shoulder over and over again. Stabbing repeatedly as you screech at him.

You let out every horrible name you could before he snatched you by your hair and flung you across the room.  You crashed into a pillar of fire, causing the post to plunge to the ground and set ablaze everything around it.

You spat out blood that you obtained from biting down on your tongue. You glance up to see the large broad turtle screaming something as he held a smaller turtle in his arms.

You could see that Draxum was cornering the three, smoke filled your lungs but you ignored the sensation and ran to the aid of the turtles. Snatching a shard of metal, the piece splits open your hand as you thrust yourself at the man.

"Go! Get out of here!!!"

You shout in an attempt to stab the man in the eye, Baron blocks your stab so you then, in turn, dig a hole into his other shoulder.

"But-"

You heard someone interject, and you growled under your breath as you wrestle with the man under you.

"I CAN'T HOLD HIM FOREVER! F*CKING GO!"

You scream as the man took the metal and slashed you in the face. Blood splashed across the pavement as you were thrown off, to your relief the others were gone.

"Draxum!!!"

Your blood went cold when you heard the voice of a red-eared slider. You push yourself up to see Leo pointing his crackling blade in the direction of the goat.

"04, you disappoint me. You have the most promise out of all your siblings and yet you're an incompetent coward "

"Sorry to be a disappointment"

Leo growled before a large portal opened all around the alchemist. Fire burst through the swirling vortexes; as the flames consumed his creator, Leo rushed over to you and grabbed your hand running as quickly as he could while opening another portal and pushing both of you through.

You stumble out onto a rough surface and end up smack dab under Leo, who had his arms wrapped around you protectively. Trying to shield the back of your head with his hands as much as he could.

The two of your were on top of a random building in the hidden city.

Leo let out a small groan before squinting his eyes and staring down at you. Your eyes locked for a long while.

Hearts beating out of each other's chests as you reach up and embrace the turtle. This was the first time you've even really initiated a hug. You squeezed your friend so tight, scared that if you let go he would disappear again.

He let out a small sound of desperation before pulling your head into his shoulder as his other hand balanced the both of you.

"You f*cking asshole! I hate you! I can't believe you- I just ugh!"

Your curses were muffled out in Leo's shoulder as you gripped his shell tighter as you wrapped your legs around his waist.

You weren't letting him go this time.

"I know- I know- I'm sorry-"

"Sorry doesn't cut it!"

You sneered but still held him like a child to a teddy bear. To which he chuckled and then sighed as he sat up, cradling you like a baby.

You sat on his lap before sniffling away the tears that you didn't dare let fall. You looked up at him, and he looked down at you.

You wanted to say something anything but you just took him into another embrace, Leo happily reciprocated. His tail wagged happily as you mumbled into his ear.

"I missed you, you idiot"

"I missed you too"

You glanced down to see that both you and your friend were dripping with blood. You felt anger eat at your chest as you pulled away from the hug. You scowled down at his injuries before getting up, limping away as you run your fingers through your matted hair before they ended up behind your neck.

"You're a f*cking idiot, you know that? Pulling a stunt like that"

You motioned out into the air, Leo stood up from his spot on the roof.

"I was just following orders-"

Your eyes went thin at this.

No. Leo cannot end up like you. Endangering his life simply because someone told him to.

"Man- F*ck orders! You shouldn't have thrown yourself in harm's way like that!"

"I'm a vigilante Red- I have to do what I need to do to protect those around me-"

You felt your fists shake as you clench your teeth. You noticed an old soda can on the ground so you kick it hard off the building while cursing.

"God DAMMIT! You just don't get it!"

You hiss out while pacing across the floor.

"If you get hurt! If you get hurt and I'm- I'm not there- I would never forgive myself!"

Your voice cracked out as you take heavy breaths, staring down at the floor with glossy eyes.

"..Red..?"

You suck in a deep breath before sighing and walking over to the barrier of the roof. You slide your back down the border and take a seat as you slump your shoulders. 

"I just- look... I'm not good with words but... If something happened to you.. It would hurt me... And would you... Would you make fun of me if I told you that... I care about you?"

You make sure to not look the boy in the eyes as you burn a hole in the ground with your gaze.

You then felt a hand on your shoulder, you glance up to see Leo longingly gazing into your eyes.

"I really care about you too"

You felt your face flush and your heart skip a beat before the tears started to flow down. Leos's brows furrowed as he sat next to you and wrapped you into an embrace.

"Oh, spirits- spirits spirits! You could've died you jackass! I hate you!"

You sob out as you warp your arms under his arms and bury your head into his shoulder.

"Shhhhh I know, I know, I'm sorry"

Leo rubbed circles in your back, as you cried softly into his shoulder. The two of you stayed like this for a long time before you finally calmed down. You wiped away your tears. Your mask was now damp but you didn't really care.

Leo chuckled as he pushed back a strand of your hair behind your ear, he cupped your face with one hand. You let out a huffy laugh and lean more into his touch.

Spirits you missed this silly turtle.

"Kappa, why did you disappear for such a long time?"

Leo stiffened before sighing and letting go of your face, he rubbed the back of his neck as he explained what happened.

"I got grounded so I couldn't come to see you, I'm so sorry Red! I know that we left on bad terms"

You chew on your lip as the recurrence of that night flashed through your mind. You sucked in a deep breath through your nose and sighed.

"It's okay I just thought that... You never wanted... Never... To see me again"

Leo's eyes widened at this confession and he immediately shot it down.

"No no no! That would never happen! Red I- I..."

Leo felt himself go timid as he realized that he was holding your hands. His face went red as he continued his sentence.

"I... I really like you.. I think that I may..."

Leo bit his beak before gazing up at your eyes.

"I think I love you Red"

Your eyes widened at this statement.

He loves you?

That's absurd! How could he love you?! You're not the type of person someone falls in love with.

What is love even? You don't think you've ever loved anyone.

You have not known what love is for a long time and don't know if you can even love anymore.

"Kappa I-"

"You don't have to say anything back, I just- wanted you to know"

Leo blurted out while rubbing the back of his neck with a prominent blush on his face. You smiled at him. Feeling relieved that you didn't have to say anything at the moment. You really didn't know what to say.

You weren't good at emotions.

So you simply pet the turtle's head, and he melted into your hand before you slip your palm away from him and stand up. You pop your back and the ache of all your injuries started to make themselves known.

You glance over at Leo, offering your hand for him to grab. He gratefully took it and you helped him to your feet.

"Kappa, you should probably get back to your family. They must be worried"

Leo's eyes went soft as he sighed.

"Okay okay- let me tend to your wounds really quick before you go"

"What? Kappa-"

Leo took about a roll of bandages and rubbed alcohol from the pouch that was strapped to his hip.

"Trust me, babe! I've been practicing"

You roll your eyes but gave in to the turtle's insistence. The young teen happily started to care for your injuries. He wasn't as skilled as Sidney but for a beginner, he was pretty damn good. After Leo was done with you and started to manage his own damages.

"There now I'm all pretty again"

"You're always pretty"

You teased which caused the boy to become flustered. He made an effort to play it off by affirming his confidence.

"Pssh yeah! Of course, I am!"

Leo fanned you off which earned a laugh from you. You honestly missed him so much. You didn't think you could miss someone as much as you missed Leo.

"Okay Kappa, so what's the plan? Are you still this uh- grounded thing?"

The slider blinked at you for a moment before smiling.

"Yeah- but after the weekend I'll be home free!"

Leo exclaimed while grabbing your shoulders, motioning his hand across the air as he beamed. You chuckled at this and patted his head.

"Yeah well don't keep me waiting okay?"

Leo glances over at you, him stumbling on his own tongue before he spurred out with a smile.

"Ye-Yes Sir! I mean Ma'am-"

You snorted and punched him in the shoulder.

"I'm fine with both"

Leo's eyes widened a bit before his tail started to wag.

"Wait wait wait! You're a trans!?"

"Huh?"

Your noses scrunched up at Leo's weird words.

"Trans!? Like, you know, someone who changes the gender they were"

"Like Akira?"

"Yes! Like Akira!"

You pondered on this for a moment.

"I don't know- I don't think so- I just don't really care what people refer to me as. It hasn't been a big deal for me"

You rub the back of your neck. It was a little silly to you. The concept of whether people perceive you as a man or a woman. They would use you regardless.

"Oh okay! But uh- you- you wouldn't mind if I was um.... trans"

You tilted your head with inquisition.

"You don't want to be called a boy anymore?"

"N-No!"

Leo interjected but his tail was wagging violently. The turtle was so happy that you saw him as a cis man.

"I'm trans in the sense that I was once a girl and now I'm a guy"

Your eyes widen as you connect the dots.

"Oh~ okay!"

You quipped with pursed lips. Leo suddenly got timid and scratched the bottom of his chin as he stammered.

"Is that- does that um bother you?"

Your brows furrowed as you scolded him.

"I'm a little offended that your implying an insignificant thing like that would change the way I feel about you!"

You bonked him on the head softly, earning a little "ow" from him.

"But no. I have no problem with that. I have no problem with you. You're amazing, dummy. Don't you forget it"

Leo rubbed his head as a goofy grin spread across his mug with a red tint to add to it.

"Well, I'm glad you don't want to get rid of me"

"I don't think I'll ever get rid of you"

Leo's smile got bigger as he threw himself at you. Wrapping his arms around you while he squeezed you tight.

"I guess you're stuck with me forever now!"

You felt a little heat spread across your face as you pat his shell.

"I-I guess I am"

You mutter while a grin crept onto your face. Leo soon pulled away, gazing into your eyes before he got up and stretched.

You soon followed him, pushing yourself to your feet. You glance over at your friend, a sense of fulfillment and sadness taking over your chest. You wanted to speak but something was stopping you.

Better to stay silent anyway.

Don't want to ruin a precious moment.

"So I guess I better get going huh?"

"Yeah"

There was silence. A still sorrow consumed the space. You decided to break the tension by adding a small joke.

"Hey, why so blue, Kappa?"

The turtle blinked at you for a moment before bursting out laughing. You chuckle along with him as he pushed back the ribbons that tied his mask together.

"Jesus, Red! How many times are you going to reuse that joke?"

A smile crept onto your face as you answered.

"Until you get tired of it."

Leo cocked a brow at you with an amused grin.

"Well that won't happen because I'll never be tired of you"

You felt your heart pound again. It was doing that a lot these days. Especially around Leo. Though you didn't dislike it, you actually quite enjoyed the fuzzy feeling that it came with. That the turtle made you feel.

You let air pass your mouth as you shrug the slider off.

"Psh! Okay Mr. Sweet talk! Just open that damn portal already so that brother of yours doesn't try to kill me again"

Leos's smile falters. Your face fell as the boy's demeanor got quiet.

"Kappa?"

"I'm sorry"

You were taken aback by your friend's grievance.

"Kappa, you have noth-"

"Yes, I do. I'm sorry I ever let that happen"

Leo's beak scrunched up as he took a few steps toward you. Taking your much smaller hands into his.

"That I let that happen.. To you."

The turtle's blue eyes perked up at you, a sense of begging in them. You felt your chest clench as he squeezed your palms, his eyes falling away from yours.

"Hey, hey. Look at me"

You slipped one of your hands away from his and gently tilted his chin up with it so he was looking you in the eye. The boy's gaze hurt more than you could imagine but you continued.

"That wasn't your fault. I don't blame you, okay? You did the best you could"

Your hand glided from his chin to his cheek, and you rubbed your thumb across his face as he whimpered and leaned more into your touch.

His dark blue eyes stared back at you with a yearning, you couldn't explain. You sough and bring your foreheads together, lingering into each other's touch for a long while. Your breaths match each other.

You finally departed, Leo sucked a disappointed breath through his nose before exhaling deeply. He walked over to where his sword had been left when the two of you first got spat out of the portal.

The turtle grabbed the leather hilt and started to perform his rite. After a couple of attempts, a portal was opened. The swirling blue vortex sucked in the air around them. Its brilliant hue shines beautifully on the turtle standing in front of it. Its radiant colors bounce around like fire on Leo's skin.

"I'll come back for you next week. I promise"

"I know. Stay safe"

Leo nodded before giving you one last hug and walking through the portal.

That captivating display of light vanishes, leaving you in the dark once more.