Race. [TMNT 2012]

20. The Team Falls Again; Raphael

Song: If Everyone Cared - Nickelback

Getting into the surveillance room really is a piece of algae cake. We just use our stealth and eventually make it to where we need to be. Though, Charlotte could be a little more quiet with her footsteps.

   The real problem is trying to find a way into the room that Dr. Rockwell and Pigeon Pete are being held in. They are guarded by none other than Footbots themselves. One false move, and the whole building will be aware of our presence. Again.

   "Look, see that?" Donatello says, pointing to the corner of a surveillance screen. "There's a huge window. I've only seen those on the top floor. We could sneak up to the roof and lower ourselves inside through there," he suggests. "But we have to be stealthy about taking those Footbots out."

   I glance at Leonardo as I wait for his approval. He offers none, however. He is just standing off to the side, searching each surveillance screen with a bored expression on.  Even a slight nudge from Elizabetta doesn't swing him around.

   Seeing that destroys whatever patience I have left with him. If he isn't going to act like a leader anymore, then fine! I'll protect the team instead.

   "Sounds like a plan, Donnie," I tell the purple-clad turtle. "Let's go put the beat-down on the idiots who kidnapped our friends."

   Making sure Michelangelo is secure on my shoulder, I lead everyone out of the surveillance room. We quickly climb several flights of stairs and step out on the roof. The air is chilly and I feel Michelangelo shivering a bit against my neck.

   "Hang on, buddy," I murmur reassuringly to him. "We'll be out of this soon."

   I lodge my grappling hook on the edge of the wall. I slowly begin lowering myself down the side of the building with one hand, as Ice Cream Kitty is in my other. When I am safely hidden beside the window, I motion for the others to follow me.

   Donatello grapples down with April and Casey hanging onto his arms. He pauses on the opposite side of the window from me, waiting patiently for a command.

   Leonardo appears beside me with Charlotte and Lucy.  Leatherhead and Slash are making their way down his rope as well, with Elizabetta following and holding Lilac.  Leonardo's cold, blue gaze is fixed on the window, as if he is imagining a billion enemies staring at him through it.

   I make a shushing motion to remind them not to speak. I quietly unlock the window and lower myself inside. My feet touch the floor with virtually no noise and I gesture for the others to do the same.

   I survey the Footbots. They have their backs to us, completely unaware of our presence. Near them, I can just make out familiar pigeon and monkey mutants inside a cage.

   "Ugh!" Charlotte complains as her feet touch the floor. "I can't believe you made me do that!"

   Alarmed, I glare at her. "Shhh!" I snap, but it's too late.

   The Footbots turn around and whip out their weapons. I barely have time to set Ice Cream Kitty and Michelangelo down before they attack.

   I grit my teeth as two Footbots force me to the ground. I kick one in the face, sending it skidding away. It tosses shurikens at me in the process. I only just manage to block the sharp objects with my sais.

   As soon as the first threat is gone, the other Footbot stabs my arm with its tanto. Stifling a cry of pain, I bat the weapon away and cut a leg off the 'bot. It collapses to the ground and I regain my footing instantly, holding my injured arm.