CHAPTER 1:

Sometimes there are incidences that will remain with you forever. They somehow get inside you, make you realise that you are not alone and they give you a purpose. That is exactly how the lone figure on the rooftop felt at exactly that moment. Clad all in black the figure darted in and out of the shadows the footsteps making no sound with every movement. Following swiftly behind were a group of males. These were the very same males who had just been disturbed by the figure whilst in the middle of terrorising a frightened young couple.

This was the mission, protect the innocents, fight for justice and keep the peace. This was what happened every night. The shadows providing the perfect cover for the lone warrior's mission. New York City was full of idiots and criminals all begging to be knocked into shape and that was one thing that could easily be done. Having practised martial arts since a child this warrior easily took out each and every one who stepped up to challenge and these idiots were no exception. Having knocked each one out the figure disappeared into the darkness.

Unknown to the vigilante someone else had been watching their every move and watching with great interest, inside his mind he couldn't quite believe that drongo was here AGAIN – stepping on his turf and disrupting his crime fighting. It was incredibly annoying. He always seemed to be here before him scouting out the area and homing in on every available rescue. Now Raphael had had enough – it was time that this kid learnt who the real hero was. Jumping down from the highest point he began to pursue this figure in black. Over the next roof he was suddenly greeted with another familiar sight.

"Too late Freaks" was spray painted across the opposite wall.

"Why you little…" began Raphael "Hey, you so tough why not come out and show yourself". There was no response, just the sound of a dog barking in the distance. Time to head back to his brothers and for probably yet another lecture. He was in no mood for lectures. Especially if it involved one from his elder brother Leo Mr "I never do anything out of line".

Descending into the underground Raphael suddenly thought of the old Sewer den. All that happened last year with the Shredder and the Foot meant that they had to move and find another underground hideout. An abandoned underground train station had become the new home and with a few home from home extras it soon became quite comfortable.

"Hey-up" he muttered as he entered, hanging up his weapons on the wall rack. Leonardo wasn't there – luckily. He was probably training - again. That was all he did beside boss them all around. Youngest brother Mikey looked up to inspect Raphael.

"Where you bin?" was the first question, before Raph could answer Mikey carried on in a rushed excited voice: "you're in big trouble! Master Splinter is on the war path, seriously bra I wouldn't want to be in your shoes – or feet – you know we aren't supposed to go out alone"

"Shut it Mikey" snapped Raphael "I can't keep sitting round waiting for our leader to put any plans into action and there are people that need help out there you know"

"Any sign of your little friend?" asked Michaelangelo with a huge smirk on his face. He knew how fed up Raphael was with this vigilante.

Before Raphael could answer, Splinter appeared.

"My son, you have once again failed to obey my rules"

"I know sensei but I can't stay in whilst they is butt to kick – this city is full if criminals and I want them to know they can't get away with it whilst I am around"

"Or your friend" interrupted Michealangelo, still smirking. Raphael glared at him.

"My son I understand your desire to protect the humans of this city – but you must work as a team – you and your brothers"

"But Master if they never want to go out topside when I do how can we work as a team?"

"You must learn to have patience" was Splinter's simple response

Raphael turned and headed off to his room – at least he wasn't being punished this time. After shutting the door he was tempted to slam his fist into it. He was fuming. This figure in black had mocked him for the last time – next time he was going to pay.