Diclaimer: Don't own 'em. Didn't copy from any stories.

A/N: Originally written in 2004

A delicate breeze gently brushed the bushes out side of a decaying structure. The leaves softly brustled from the winds touch. An owl sat lazily on a nearby branch of a bare tree, hooting quietly. The house, with its grave appearance of shadows caused by the full moon in the sky, was silent as well. Only a flickering light showed any sign of the life from the inside.

The inside was full of evidence that someone lived there. Comic books were scattered across a blue leather couch, along with pieces of pizza crust. Weights were set on the floor in a manner of which any unknowing body could easily trip over them. Books, papers with charts on them, and tools were spread across a wooden table in a room at the back of the house. And finally a dojo room filled with luscious green trees and small waterfalls that gently fell from the minute cliff to the blue-green pool of water below.

The furniture was second hand, most likely from a garage sale, but in the best condition it could be in. The small TV that stood in front of the couch was off, but was surroudned by soda cans. Rugs attempted to make the decomposing wooden floor seem more homey, and the lace curtains tried their hardest to look presentable.

The light was from the wavering candle that sat on the bed side table in an old ninjas room. The aged, graying rat slept peacefully in the comfort of his tenderly fluffed bedding. He was alone in the barn, his sons were out on their nightly patrol of the city and Splinter had been feeling utterly exhausted due to the days events. Therefore, the sensei had retreated to his living quarters early, settling in his bed and falling into a blissful sleep within a few moments.

A puddle splashed muddy water onto the New York City street as a large green foot stepped briskly in and out of it. Tiny droplets of water fell from the sky onto Raphael's face, wetting his clammy skin. He shivered in the cold, and squinted his eyes to see through the rain. He could barely make out the shell of his leader type brother in front of him

Oh how he hated to be cold! It was worse for a cold blooded creature such as himself, but thankfully the storm had just started and possibly he and his three brothers could wait out the unfortunate weather in the back of Casey's van.

"We should turn back" Leo's voice said through the storm.

Raph didn't protest against the idea, having wanted to return to the warmth of his home since they'd entered the downtown area. He clamped his hands together, making a pocket with his palms to blow his hot breath in. "Think we oughtta find Don and Mikey"

Leonardo nodded and left the residental area in search of the other two brothers with Raph.