Hello to everyone reading this~! :3 First, I just want to welcome you to my first TMNT fanfic: Circus Freak :D I haven't written fanfiction in a while, so I hope this is alright! 3 Just to clear up a few things: this takes place in the 2k3 series, there will be no romance, and I have a feeling that the rating will move up to M for disturbing content (and possibly Raph's mouth). XD Anywho, this is the prologue, so it's shorter than the upcoming chapters. Please review, and let me know what you think. C: Thank you, and enjoy! *0*

Don's POV

It wasn't supposed to end like this. Well, then again, I never could truly predict what would be my demise, but this...anything but this. As I lay there, slumped against the corner of the arena, every puncture, bruise, and broken bone cry out in a painful symphony. I don't scream, or call out for help; I would receive no empathy here. This foul place is really going to be my grave, isn't it? Just the thought makes my stomach lurch, and my gasps for air transform into rapid panting. I can feel any remaining hope abandon me, yet I still attempt to stand. Leaning against the edge of this cage, a growl escapes my lips, full of frustration as I try to push myself up.

All eyes are on me when a scream, my scream, echoes throughout the showground. Laughter turns into cheers at my effort. I manage to stand, but the moment is short-lived as my body immediately falls forward. Hilarity follows in the crowd, but it's not like I mind. I've become numb to their constant mockery. Besides, the audience isn't what's in my thoughts. I already hear thundering footsteps coming closer: the sound of my competitor approaching. He picks me up by my shell, and our eyes meet. In this moment, I see my family; my brothers and father must be so worried about my well-being. If only I had listened, if I had not been so stubborn…I'd be with them right now.

How did it come to this? I remember it was almost Christmas before this madness took over my life. That's right; the weather was getting colder, so I went to distribute blankets and other necessities to Professor and other homeless. I went alone, but why? 'An argument with Leo that spun out of control, that's why, genius.' We were disputing for something so trivial. I'm not one to get into fights with our leader, or anyone in the family. I'm supposed to be the one who thinks things through, yet on that night, I popped. It was over something completely ridiculous, too. Was I even right? I guess it doesn't matter now. As I stare at my predator, he simply grins at my pathetic expression. I'm sorry, everyone, for all that I've done. I couldn't last long enough in this circus for you guys to come rescue me in time. My eyelids fall, accepting defeat, as I wait for death to come and take me home.

OvOOvOOvO

Third person POV

"Leo, could you please just listen to me for a moment?"

"No Don, I'm sorry, but it's too dangerous to go topside right now. You heard Master Splinter: the temperature's dropping, and the Foot has been too active for it to be safe." The eldest turtle said with a sigh, his eyes shining with compassion. It was obvious that the recent Foot activity has been getting to Leonardo, but he must respect their father's orders.

"I'm not going anywhere near the Foot though! I just want to go to the junkyard and give our friends some supplies. Think about what you're saying." The genius pointed out, his voice pleading. "It'll be a quick trip, no harm done! Professor and the other homeless are counting on me. It's not that cold right now, but it'll get worse soon. This is the only chance I have to give these to them."

Donatello watched as his leader paced back and forth, contemplating his brother's request. The blue-banded turtle knew that those living on the streets needed help, and normally, he'd be more than happy to oblige. However, their father had given him a warning; that there was something in the air that only Master Splinter could sense. Out of worry, the rat had told him to keep his brothers inside. He hadn't said for how long, so Leo assumed until Christmas passed, and the weather heated up a bit.

Although, there was something else going on up on the streets of New York; something that involved the Foot. The last time the brothers had gone topside, they were ambushed by ninja trained by none other than the Shredder. Even with their training, the turtles couldn't fight off what felt like an army every time they went on patrol. They would start coming back wounded from the brawls, and their sensei had kept them inside out of fear, that something wasn't right.

"You should let him leave, Leo. It's not like the Foot goes around terrorizing homeless." Mikey said from the couch, not even sparing the two a glance as he continued to watch television. "Besides, Donnie never asks for this sort of stuff unless it's important." Leonardo shot his youngest brother a glare, while Don stared at his feet. He really hated conflict, and now Mikey just stepped into it. 'Let's just hope Leo doesn't drag him into this.'

To make matters worse, Raph actually stepped away from his punching bag to come and stand next to his younger brother. With a hand on the genius' shoulder, he barked, "Why ya gotta have a stick shoved up yer ass all the time? It's Don, he ain't gonna get in trouble." A groan of protest slipped out between Donatello's lips, but it went unheard by his older brothers. "Why are you always trying to pick a fight with me, Raph? This has nothing to do with you."

Ignoring the question, Raphael continued, "Nothin' to do with me? We've been cooped up in here for too long! Besides, all Donnie wants to do is help some people out. Shredder's goons don't go anywhere near the junkyard!" With a growl, Leo lunged at Raphael, causing him to fall back in surprise. Donatello could only stare as his brothers rolled around on the floor. "Why can't you see that I'm trying to protect us? If Master Splinter wasn't meditating, he'd say the same thing!"

'Did Leo actually attack Raph first? The pressure really must be getting to him…' It was true: Leonardo has been more than stressed lately. Their father had trusted him with something important, and that was to keep everyone safe. It's quite a heavy burden, especially when you feel that you're going stir crazy. At this point, Michelangelo was up, and attempting to cease the pair's arguing. 'I'd hate to just leave, but this is my only chance.' Taking one last look at his brothers, Don grabbed his duffel and bo staff, and slipped out in the confusion.

Oh noes, Donnie, what have you done? Dx

He just made the biggest mistake of his life. o.o

Please review~! ^w^