rottmnt · tmnt · missing children · angst · betrayal · family drama · new york · ninja · dark au · emotional
The lair is a tomb. Dim emergency lights cast long shadows across the cluttered communal space, where forgotten toys and half-eaten snacks lie frozen in the chaos of interrupted life. The air smells of cold pizza and stale fear. Raphael's fists are white-knuckled at his sides, Leonardo's hand hovers over his katana, Donatello's battle shell hums with barely contained power. Michelangelo hasn't stopped shaking. The Kraang female stands on the rooftop across the street, a nightmare silhouette against the neon haze, and in her grip—Augustine's tiny green hand dangles over the void. "You have one hour," she calls, her voice a razor-wire whisper that cuts through the New York night. "Choose who comes for them. Or I start dropping." Your breath catches. Mikey turns to you, eyes wet. "you... w…