Race. [TMNT 2012]

14. Dark Times; Charlotte

Stars are the only thing that light up the alley we're in. The huge shadows that loom around us cover us up from anyone who passes by. Maybe, just maybe, we're finally safe from those annoying Footbots.

   Slash plops down on the ground, dropping his spiked weapon beside him. Raphael takes a seat next to him, while Casey does the same a few feet away. I settle down next to my brother, slightly wary of the new mutants.

   Leatherhead, the mutant alligator, speaks up. "I will keep a look out incase the Foot find us," he says with a growl to his tone.

   "Thank you," Slash replies with a nod to him, before Leatherhead wanders away.

   Raphael looks up at Slash with such admiration that it shocks me. It's hard to believe that the hot-headed, red-clad turtle appreciates anything. I don't bother asking why, however; he won't explain it to me without initiating a stupid argument first.

   "So, why did you dudes break into the Foot's facility?" Casey asks Slash curiously.

   "I was separated from my team," Slash says, his gaze fixed on the ground. "Shredder found our hide-out and took Dr. Rockwell and Pigeon Pete. Leatherhead and I have been searching everywhere for them. That place was one of the many we checked. But they weren't there, as you saw." He lets out a long sigh.

   "I don't know what to do without them, Raphael," Slash mumbles, looking at the smaller turtle. "I feel like something is missing. I don't know if I'll ever see them again." He closes his eyes and his head droops.

   At first glance, Slash doesn't seem like the type of being to care about others. But looking at him now, I can see how broken he is over his lost friends. I feel a tug of sympathy for him.

   Raphael's expression changes to one of compassion, something I never expected from him. He says nothing, but something passes between the turtles that calms them both down.

   Slash breaks the silence that has settled over them. "Where are Leonardo and the others?" he asks.

   It's Raphael's turn to be upset. "I don't know," he admits. "I have an idea, but I'm not sure if they're still there."

   Slash's eyes suddenly glow with determination. He stands up, grabbing his weapon. "I will help you find your brothers," he announces in a growling-tone.

   "You don't have to, Slash," Raphael counteracts immediately, standing up beside him. He is already short for a mutant turtle, and being next to Slash doesn't help that issue at all. "You and Leatherhead should find somewhere safe to stay, instead of sneaking out in the open with us."

   "We do not have a place anymore since the Shredder discovered it," Slash informs him. "He is hunting down mutants, Raphael. We must stand together until the end, even if it means risking our discovery."

   "But I thought you hated my brothers?" Raphael points out softly.

   "You are my friend. Besides, we helped each other defeat the Kraang. There is no reason we shouldn't do the same with Shredder," Slash insists.

   A tiny smile appears on Raphael's face. "I like this new side of you," he comments.

   Slash dips his head in respect. "I learned it from a great turtle."

   His words make Raphael's eyes swim with emotion. He blinks it away and glances at Casey. "Ready?" he questions.

   Casey nods determinedly, flipping his mask down to cover his face. "Let's go find our friends."

   Raphael looks around to get his bearings. He takes off in a direction where we're least likely to get detected; down many dark streets. They are spooky and full of shadows. Every structure, big and small, seems to have something behind it, just waiting for the right moment to attack.

   Even with two oversized mutants, a trained ninja, and my strong brother, I am still afraid. I jump at nearly every sound, though nothing ever actually jumps out at me. At one point, I let out a startled scream. Casey panics and starts looking around, while Raphael shoots me a death glare.

   "Shut up! You've had us all on the edge for miles," the turtle growls, his green eyes glowing eerily through the darkness.

   "Then how about we stop walking around in the dead of night?!" I snap irritably. I am tired and hungry. I don't know how long it's been since I've last seen food. All I know is that my stomach is eating itself and making me nauseous.

   Raphael rears up, his shoulders tensing and muscles flexing. "How about you stop complaining about everything for once in your stupid, miserable life?!"

   "Knock it off, Raph!" Casey steps between us. "She's not used to walking this far, especially not in heels."

   I glare at my brother. Why does he keep inserting himself into my arguments? I'm not a helpless little child. I can take care of myself.

   "Then take the shell-brained things off!" Raphael snarls.

   "No!" I spit. "I don't want my feet to get dirt on them."

   "Dirt? Dirt?!" Raphael curls his lip. His facial expression exposes all of his demons. "We're out here trying to find my brothers, who might not even be alive, and all you care about is not getting DIRTY?!"

   "Raph-" Casey starts to defend me, but I shove him away.

   "I can defend myself, Case!" I shout at him. I turn on Raphael, rage giving me the energy I lack. "Why do you have to be so rude?! What did I do to make you hate me?!"

   "Oh, where do I begin?" Raphael sneers. "Let's see, you argue about every decision I make. You can't even muster up to courage to kick a bad guy where the sun don't shine. You act like the world revolves around ya. And you're so freaking stubborn, that you're actually making me look like a sissy."

   "Because that's so hard to do," I snort sarcastically.

   Raphael lets out a low animal-like growl. I steadily return the vicious look he gives me. I'm not about to give in to his terrible behavior. I'm not a wimp.

   But Slash intervenes before any action can be taken. "We must keep moving, Raphael," he says in a light, soothing tone that does not suit him well. "We need to find your brothers before the sun rises. Otherwise, we will be exposed out here."

   Raphael hesitates. Eventually, he breaks off our intense staring contest and dramatically turns his back on me. He marches away with such arrogance that it makes me quiver with uncontrollable anger.

   Ugh!