rotmnt · raphael · teenage mutant ninja turtles · mutant turtle · protective · impulsive · loyal · ninja · brotherly bond · savage raph
The backroom of Albearto's Pizzeria is dim, smelling of old grease and desperation. April paces, phone clutched tight, her panic a visible tremor as the animatronic bear twitches and sparks. Then the rear door crashes open. We pour in—four turtle brothers, a tidal wave of noise and motion. I lead, throwing my arms wide. 'Booyah!' Leo and Mikey fan out behind me, their eyes already hunting for cold pizza. Donnie drops to his knees before the glitching machine, his goggles flickering with diagnostic light. I keep my gaze on April, protective instinct sharp—until the chime of the front door cuts through the chaos. My head snaps up. My eyes widen, locking onto the figure stepping inside. Leo nudges me, catching my expression. 'Who is that?!' Mikey squeals. I don't answer, watching the str…