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Chapter Text

He could remember what happened earlier that day during their latest mission for Krang. It was meant to be a simple deal raid the TCRI building and steal the military's secret weapon. Little did Krang know that it was a weapon designed by Rocksteady himself and it was only a prototype. 

The fear, the panic, and the chaos they caused to all of those innocent people, it was all too much for the mutant rhino to bear. He could remember that moment so well, the moment that changed everything...

They were confronted by the turtles weapons at the ready. He was about to open fire, when he noticed several innocent bystanders watching, and April, and Irma caught in the middle. Something in him snapped he dropped his weapons and couldn't bring himself to shoot, not when there were so many innocent lives at risk. 

He remember saying that exact word to Shredder "NO!" 

The second he said that word Shredder replied to his response by gashing him right across his left eye. Now he had a sizeable scar over his left eye. 

He sat at the desk that Stockman his old buddy from Korea had built for him. Resting on top of it was a holy bible, which was opened to the Parable of the Good Samaritan. also on top of the desk was a special chest with the name Ivan carved into the oak. 

When he was not reading from the bible or going through his special chest, he was writing in his diary, a diary which he had since he was young. 

It was something his grandmother had given to him when he got sick, and was in the hospital. Something to write his feelings in, and the things he wanted to remember forever. 

Rocksteady was writing his latest journal entry when Bebop entered the room, and Rocksteady knew that his peace and quiet was gone. 

"Hey Rock Shredder needs us for a mission, oh and Rock don't speak out against the boss again. Unless you want to get hurt again," Bebop explained 

He watched until the mutant warthog was gone, and sneered to himself. He was growing a strong resentment for both him and Shredder. 

Rocksteady ran his left hand across his right arm. It was wrapped up in bandages after Shredder bruised and cut it. It had been wrapped by Baxter Stockman the only true friend Rocksteady had in this miserable place.

He remembered the day they met. He had taken a bullet to the hip, and was brought to the nearest medical camp, and it was there he met Baxter Stockman the one who treated his wound, and became a close friend.

Now they were both faced with the same ordeal of serving Shredder, However Baxter didn't have it as bad as he did.

Deep flesh wounds covered his body, as well as large bruises from being tortured, and the bandages he wore quickly became soaked with fresh crimson blood. He was thankful that Stockman was there to help him change the bandages, every time the bandages came off he would gaze at the gouge marks, and hope, hope that the Lord would deliver him from this nightmare, and bring him peace. 

He snapped out of his trans and gathered himself up to go out on another mission for Shredder, and Krang, as he walked toward the bridge He made the sign of the cross, and silently prayed for protection against Shredder. 

When he arrived they were expecting him, and shot him dirty looks. The mutant rhino payed them no mind, and he began fiddling around with the gold cross, and gold dog tags around his neck.

Once they were all together Krang spoke "Now listen up for your next mission I want you to brake into the nearest military base, and brake into the archives. Once there you will steal all the information they have on Project K, and don't fail me this time or you'll be sorry!"

A look of guilt, and pain washed over Rocksteady's face. He knew that base it was were he served when he was still General Ivan Williams. He couldn't let them get away with this; Project K was something that he had started it was the designing, and building of robotic suits. However these suits weren't meant for battle, they were meant to help people who couldn't walk feel what it's like, but he had to shut the whole thing down, when Steve Johnson his sergeant told them to equip them with state of the art weaponry, but he was against this, only wanting to help people not cause more harm. In the end he was able to create one prototype that he ordered to be locked away in the archives, and never mentioned again. 

Now, now Krang wanted to take it, and use it for evil, No! he could let that happen.

Meanwhile April O Neil from Channel 6 news was at the military base conducting an interview with Major Caleb Jenkinson who served under General Ivan Williams. She was there interview him for the unveiling of the statue of General Ivan Williams. She was just wrapping up the interview, and heading back, when she crossed paths with Shredder, Bebop, and Rocksteady. 

Shredder had them grab her, and take her back to the Technodrome, however she was putting up a fight and Bebop knocked her out. Rocksteady had looked away, he could watch another innocent person get hurt. Then Shredder told Bebop to hand her over to Rocksteady who he ordered to go back to the Technodrome, so he wouldn't hesitate and ruin the mission again.

Bebop threw her into his arms, and Rocksteady gently carried her back to the ship, and brought her into his and Bebop's room and he made her comfy in his bed, then he grabbed a small bottle of oil, and rubbed it on her head before saying a prayer. 

Once she was comfortable, he went into the kitchen, and made her a cup of his favorite jasmine tea mixed with warm milk, and shaved chocolate on top. 

All she could remember was Bebop's fist, and then darkness.

April opened her eyes, and she looked around. one side of the room was an absolute mess junk food wraps, soda cans, and dirty clothes everywhere. However the side of the room she was on was neat, and tidy. The first thing she noticed was the oak wood desk near the foot of the bed, and what looked like the holy bible resting on it. 

She then turned and looked behind her, above the head board was a large set of rosary beads attached to a wooden crucifix, which rested just above the headboard. April placed a hand on her head, and felt something greasy on it. She was about to freak-out but the she turned to the night stand, and noticed the small bottle which read "The healing oil with a blessing from Padre Pio"  

April was about to get up when she heard the door open, and in came none other than the mutant rhino Rocksteady! She wanted him to stay back, but he had no weapons on him, and he was carrying a tray of tea and chocolate chip cookies, and what was most surprising to her was that he had a warm, gentle, comforting, and kind smile on his face. 

"Hey! Glad to see your awake, would you like to join me for some tea and cookies? The tea is jasmine tea, and the cookies are fresh from the oven I made them myself, it's pappy's recipe. Trust me you're gonna love them. Well what do you say?" Rocksteady asked never once losing that wonderful smile, that April liked for some reason. 

"Um well okay, but I have one question," April replied 

"Oh, okay ask away?" was Rocksteady's response 

"Why are you being so nice to me? is this some kind of trick to get me to trust you, so I'll let my guard down and you can attack me?" April asked 

"Oh, no, no nothing it's nothing like that at all. Besides Bebop's the one who knocked you out cold. I just brought you back here, and made you comfortable until you woke up. Also I thought you know maybe you'd want a snack. Ever read the Parable of the Good Samaritan? It says that we must help those who are in need, and ask for nothing in return, only the satisfaction of knowing that the Lord is watching, and smiling down upon you." Rocksteady explained setting the tray down on his desk. 

April was feeling conflicted part of her knew that he was a criminal, but another part of her was enjoying this, being alone with him. She had never met a guy as nice as him. He wasn't up to anything bad he just wanted to share a snack with her. So she composed herself, and agreed to join him for tea. 

Rocksteady beamed with delight, and he carefully poured her a cup of tea, and she watched, as he mixed in some warm milk, and topped it off with shaved chocolate, then he handed her the cup. She took it in her hands and noted that it looked love, it was antique, but well cared for. One sip and a feeling of warmth, and comfort washed over her, it was as if her cares had been melted away. 

He smiled and saw she was admiring the cup, and he spoke "I see you're admiring the cup. This tea set belonged to my grandmother, and well it's very special it was given to her by pappy. He bought it for her when he stayed in Paris during the D-Day invasion of WWII. Then When she died I inherited their countryside house, and all the antiques they had like this tea set." 

He offered her a cookie, and she took it in her hands. April bit into the cookie, and it was the best chocolate chip cookie she ever had, it was warm, soft, and gooey just the way she liked them. 

They talked for a good 2 hours before the turtles showed up, and Rocksteady let her go to them, but before she left April told him "Thanks for the tea, and cookies they were delicious, and it was nice talking to someone who listens to what I have to say, maybe next time Shredder kidnaps me we could have lunch together or something like that? Heh anyway see you later Rocksteady take care." 

"Yeah take-take care April goodbye," Rocksteady replied softly tears welling up in his eyes. 

He watched until she was out of site, then he turned and went back into his and Bebop's room. He sat at his desk, and began writing in his diary about April, and the wonderful time he had with her. 

Rocksteady made the sign of the cross, and was about to go to sleep when Bebop came in. 

"Hey, uh Rock master Shredder wants to talk to you, and he is really mad. So you'd better get over to the bridge before he has a cow," Bebop told the mutant rhino who sneered at him. 

"Shredder's mad well that's certainly not my problem. If he wants to blame me for this then he can kiss my rhino ass!" Rocksteady exclaimed just as Shredder entered the room, and was seething with anger. 

Bebop watched as Shredder approached Rocksteady, and the mutant rhino was unfazed by him in the slightest. 

Shredder grabbed Rocksteady by his shirt and proceeded to yell at him "So you think you can bad mouth me like that and get away with. Well you're mistaken Mr. I think I'm tough. Now talk the mission failed, and not just because those wretched reptiles showed up. We were surrounded by the military, saying they got a tip about someone breaking into that base! Admit it you mutant moron you tipped off the military. Admit it now, and your punishment will be less severe!" 

"NO! I don't have to admit shit! You don't scare me Shredder! I'm sick and tired of this doing all these horrible things! Putting innocent lives at risk! Hurting innocent people! and fighting those turtles! I'd rather be working at a garbage dump the being your henchmen you FUCKING ASSHOLE! Listen and listen good Shredder! I HOPE YOU BURN IN HELL YOU ROTTEN PEICE OF SHIT!" Rocksteady yelled back his eyes filled with anger, and frustration. 

Bebop's eyes went wide he couldn't believe what Rocksteady had just said to Shredder he knew that Rock was in huge trouble. 

The room was dead silent as both Shredder, and Rocksteady gazed into each other's eyes neither one moving an inch. Until....

POW! Rocksteady swung and punched Shredder in the face, leaving a pretty sizeable bruise and cracking his mask. Shredder spit to his side, and now he was angry. He grabbed Rocksteady, by the collar, and threw him into a torture chamber. 

He then went over to the control pad, and switched on all of the flamethrowers to full power, and huge blue flames flared all around the mutant rhino. Rocksteady made the sign of the cross five times, and then he let out a blood curdling scream as the flames torched his back. Then Shredder walked in, and swung his blades, and slashed his third degree burnt back leaving a huge X on his back which began to drip blood. 

Shredder watched as Rocksteady fell to his knees in agony. Then he walked over to his henchmen and whispered "Now I hope you burn in hell you worthless bastard." 

Rocksteady on the verge of collapsing replied "L-listen here you-you Fucker. I believe in the L-Lord, and he-he will deliver me from sin, and see me through thi-this ordeal until I can f-finally b-be at peace. Y-you're going to hell you D-Dick." 

His vision was starting to blur when he noticed someone rush to his side. He knew it had to be Stockman coming to his aid or maybe just maybe was it the Lord Jesus coming to save him from this pain and suffering. 

Just before he passed out he heard a voice "Don't you worry General I'll get you patched up as soon as I can. Please just stay with me."  

Chapter Text

"Remember Ivan soldier's fight with honor, justice, and above all heart."

"Yes Pappy I'll always remember that." 

"So Ivan I guess this is goodbye isn't it. I'm really going to miss you." 

"This isn't goodbye it's just so long. I know we'll see each other again someday, but promise me this if you still love me then always wear the pin that I gave you, and if not then leave the pin on my door step and I'll know that you have mode on to some one else."

"Yes Ivan I promise, and until now I haven't been able to tell you how much I love you. I just wish we could spend more time together, but I get it you want to make your dream come true, and your Pappy proud. I just be careful okay." 

"Yeah I'll be careful babe." 

"ALL ABOARD!" 

"Train's boarding I guess I'd better get going. So long Honeybun until we meet again. Oh and I love babe with all of my heart your my everything and I'll write to you everyday, and take care of my granny for me!" 

She watched as he ran towards the train tears cascaded down her face, and she saw him run to the back of the train and stand outside on the deck. 

He reached out his hand for hers, and she ran over to him and grabbed his hand firmly in hers. A tear came to Ivan's eye, then the train began to move and she started running while holding his hand until she reached the edge of the platform. and noticed him waving from the back of the train. 

"Hey! Honeybun, remember I'll always be with you so long darling! Don't forget to write and I'll write to you everyday!" 

"Yes Ivan so long! I'll never forget you the time we had together will always be in my heart and I know it'll always be in yours too! I Love you Ivan so very much and I promise I'll wait for you as long as it takes!" 

"So Long Babe!" 

"So Long Ivan!" 

Until we meet again....

April and Rocksteady both woke up with a start and both of their faces were wet with tears. April stepped outside onto her balcony and looked to the sunrise. She knew that if she was seeing it then he was too. 

Meanwhile Rocksteady was in the medical ward, and he turned toward the window, and noticed the sunrise as well tears came to his face. He saw his Pappy in the sunrise, and he also knew that where ever she was now she too was watching the sunrise, and missing him as well. 

"I miss you," They both said as sadness filled their hearts. 

Rocksteady's turquoise eyes filled with tears of pain, sorrow, regret, frustration, guilt, but most of all the longing for the love he had separated with so long ago. 

Then the door opened, and Baxter entered the room. He noticed Rocksteady's face was wet with tears, and went over to his side. 

He turned toward Stockman, then back to the sunrise filling the room with his sobs. 

"Ivan what's the matter? Please don't cry it'll be..." Stockman began to say only to be cut off by Rocksteady.

"No! It won't be okay! Not now! Not ever again! All those awful, terrible, horrible, rotten, dirty, and down right sinful things I've done can't be undone! I let my country down! I let myself down! But worst of all I-I let Him down! I'm a disgrace to the Williams family! I deserve to be punished by Jesus! I-I-I *sniffle* *Hic*..." 

Stockman tried to put his hand on Rocksteady's shoulder, but at that moment Rocksteady got out of bed, and despite the searing pain in his hip, and back, he darted out of the medical ward and raced down the hall. 

Baxter knew that Rocksteady needed someone to talk to so he got up and went after him. 

Rocksteady kept running until he reached his, and Bebop's room. then he flung open the door and jumped into bed, digging his face into his pillow, and sobbing loudly to himself. 

He heard footsteps and turned toward the door his pillow and face soaked with tears. He watched as Stockman entered the room, and sat down next to him on his bed. Rocksteady forced himself into a sitting position, and Stockman pulled him into a hug while Rocksteady continued to cry. 

"There there Ivan it's okay. Tell me what's bothering you, and maybe we can talk about it. I'm your friend and I want to help you, but I can't do that unless you talk to me. Please try and calm down so I can understand you," Stockman explained as Rocksteady pulled out a camouflage colored handkerchief and wiped the tears from his face. 

"Where do I even begin? You see I was born and raised in this little countryside town. It's so small in fact that you can't find it on most maps. it's called Rose Thorn, and everybody in town knew each other. We were all friend's there, and held many seasonal celebrations like the fall harvest festival, the spring blossom fair, the summer splash party, and lastly The Winter snowflake dance. Everybody got around town, by walking or by horse drawn carriage. Rose thorn is filled with mostly farmers, veterans, a small police force, firefighting squad, a small doctor's office, a small dentist's office, three school houses, one for middle school, one for high school, and one for elementary school. Everyone worked hard, but nobody worked harder than my Pappy former WWII General Michael Williams. While most farmers used all of those fancy farming tools, Pappy's only tools were his own two hands, and he taught me that too. He was an amazing chef, and he taught me how to cook as well, and well I've developed a love for cooking. He use to tell me Ivan he says there's no better tools, than a man's own two hands," Rocksteady explained

"Wow Rose Thorn sounds like a great place to live. By the way did you have any friend's growing up?" Stockman asked Rocksteady seeing a smile come to the mutant rhino's face. 

Then his smile turned into a frown as he thought about *Her* "Well I wasn't exactly the most popular kid in school, heck I used to get bullied a lot, and not for the reasons you think. I wasn't freakishly tall or big or anything. In fact I was this pail sickly looking kid with a slender body, but despite that I was pretty strong thanks to helping my Pappy, and Granny with the house work, and farm work. However I did have really one close friend, she was always there for me through thick and thin, good times, and bad. I well when I left for the military I promised her that I'd see her again, and well I feel awful breaking that promise. That day we said so long it well was heart wrenching. I've never felt love for anyone the way I feel love for her. I miss her so much, and I want to see her again, and tell her I still love her," Rocksteady said as a single tear fell from his eye. 

"I see well I hope you get to see her again one day my friend," Stockman replied placing a comforting hand on Rock's shoulder. 

"Baxter, if you don't mind I-I need a moment please," Rocksteady responded turning toward the crucifix over his bed. 

"Well okay then, but if you ever need anyone to talk to I'll be in my laboratory," Baxter answered as he left the room closing the door behind him.

Once the door was closed Rocksteady slowly rose up from his bed, and limped over to his desk. He placed both hands on his special chest, and made the sign of the cross over it. He went over to the far side of the desk, and grabbed the bottle of water resting on the corner, then he opened the drawer under it, and it pulled open to reveal several prescription medications. Out of all of them Rocksteady only pulled out two for the morning, one was for his heart, and the other was for his diabetes it kept his sugar levels balanced. Rocksteady took his pills, and then laid down in bed wanting to take a nap. 

He was just about to drift off to sleep, when a foot soldier came into the room. 

"What?" What in god's name does that asshole want from me!" Rocksteady exclaimed feeling very annoyed, and tired. 

"Master Shredder request's your presence immediately, I believe he is sending you on your next mission," The foot soldier replied leaving the room in a cloud of smoke. 

This caused Rocksteady to have a coughing fit. He breathed a sigh of relief when it was over, and got out of bed to do whatever his highness wanted from him. 

Rocksteady limped out of the room and down toward the control room where Bebop, Krang, and the asshole were waiting for him. 

Shredder told Rocksteady and Bebop that they were to kidnap April so they could lure the turtles into a trap, and finish them once and for all. Bebop was all for this plan, but Rocksteady went pale, he started to feel sick to his stomach. He didn't want to hurt her or them. True they usually clobbered him, but he wanted to take the first step into becoming their friend. 

Once Shredder told them they were dismissed Rocksteady wanted to say something, yell at him, scold him, and prove what a very small sad man Oroku Saki really was. He didn't say anything out of disgust, and they shot each other a look. 

"Bastard," Shredder whispered as the mutant rhino walked passed him.

"Shithead," He replied limping out of the room, and down to the garage where his motorcycle was parked. 

Rocksteady entered the garage and found Bebop waiting for him. He said nothing to the mutant warthog, and slowly boarded his bike. He put his keys into the ignition, and the engine started up. 

The two mutants drove towards April's apartment, and Rocksteady had a sinking feeling in his gut. 

Meanwhile April was off work for the day, and she had invited Casey over to watch Sunset Boulevard together. Casey thought it was boring, but April loved the musical, she sighed and got up from the sofa and walked over to the balcony. She gazed into the now cloudy grey sky, and sighed fiddling with the rose pin on her shirt. 

The pin was special to her, as it was given to her by her old childhood friend, and she promised him that if he still loved her, she would wear the pin on whatever shirt she wore. So he knew that she still loved her, and it was true April's love for him was something that nobody would take away from her. 

Her favorite song from the musical was starting, and April hummed along to the music, and she began to sing along....

I Don't know why I'm frightened 

I know my way around here

The cardboard trees, the painted scenes, the sound here

Yes, a world to rediscover

But I'm not in a hurry

And I need a moment

As Bebop and Rocksteady approached April's apartment they heard singing, Bebop hated it, but Rocksteady enjoyed the singing it was very beautiful, and he knew the song it was from one of his favorite musicals, and one his Granny started in. He was entranced by the melody, and wondered who was singing so sweetly. 

April noticed them approaching, but paid them no mind. She closed her eyes, and her mind wandered back to when she was a little girl, and she and her best friend would play together all the time. Especially when the played on the swings, and that's how they met on the swings. 

I've spent so many mornings

Just trying to resist you

I'm trembling now

You can't know how I've missed you

Missed the fairytale adventures 

In this ever spinning playground

we were young together

They pulled up on their bikes, and Rocksteady looked up and noticed April on her balcony sing along with the song as it played in the background. He noticed the pin on her shirt, and rubbed his eyes in disbelief. He knew that pin, it was the one he gave to his old friend, and the love of his life. "It couldn't be? Could it?" Rocksteady thought to himself

Then their gazes met, and both of them stared deeply into one another's eyes. Both wondered why this all felt so familiar, or maybe it was too good to be true. Then the final verse came on, and this time both April and to her surprise Rocksteady began to sing in a baritone voice...

The whispered conversations in overcrowded hallways

So much to say just not today but always

We'll have early morning madness

We'll have magic in the making

Yes, everything is as if we never said goodbye

Oh, please don't ever ever make me say goodbye

The song ended and both of them couldn't take their eyes off one another as both began to blush bright red, and huge smiles spread across their faces. However their moment was short lived when Bebop grabbed April and dragged her down to their bikes, and He gave her to Rocksteady. 

Then Casey came running after them, he swung his bat, and hit Rocksteady right in the face. The mutant rhino cried out in pain, and he started his bike, and drove away. 

They drove back to their headquarters, and Casey went to get the turtles for help. 

Meanwhile Rocksteady reached the garage and parked his bike. He slowly dismounted from it, and then foot soldiers came out of nowhere and grabbed April. He wanted to help her, but his nose was bleeding and he needed it to stop before he could come to her aid. 

It took about 10 minutes for Rocksteady's nose bleed to stop. When it did he rushed around trying to find April, and when he grabbed one of the elite foot soldiers, and tried to choke him, the foot soldier told him that she was being held in the prison in the basement. 

He took a big breath and walked down to the prison, and saw April in shackles. He rushed over to her cell, and she looked away from him in disgust, Then she noticed him pull out two keys, the gold one unlocked her cell, and the silver one was for her shackles, and she watched as Rocksteady release her from the shackles, and she fell into his arms. 

She blushed bright red, then she stood up, and noticed the look in his eye, it was somehow familiar to her, but she couldn't understand why. 

"You Ok?" Rocksteady asked with a concerned look on his face. 

"Yeah I'm fine," April replied

He pulled her into his embrace, and whispered "Thank god you're okay." It was at that moment she realized that this was the true Rocksteady, a kind, caring, polite, gentle, generous, person who always put others first. 

"You don't deserve to be in a dreadful place like this. Come with me to my room, there's something I want to show you," Rocksteady spoke his voice barely above a whisper. 

They walked up the stairs, and down the hallway toward his and Bebop's room. 

"Listen, April this isn't easy for me to say, but here goes nothing. I'm Sorry! Really and deeply sorry for what I've done! Please, Find it in your heart to forgive me! Promise me you'll tell the turtles, how sorry I am for everything I've put them through! This is the only way to clear my conscience! I know that forgiveness is something you must earn, and I'll spend everyday trying to earn their forgiveness, and yours!" Rocksteady exclaimed his body was shaking, and tears filled his eyes. 

"It's okay Rock, I forgive you," April replied making the mutant rhino blush.

They arrived at his and Bebops room, and Rocksteady invited her in, and she entered slowly, and carefully.

He motioned for her to sit on the bed, and she sat down next to him. 

"What is it you wanted to show me?" April asked, watching him grab something from his desk and bring it over to her. 

"This is my special chest. It's just well you remind me of an old friend of mine, she was strong, confident, caring, brave, never afraid to speak her mind, and she was always there for me through thick, and thin. I miss her so very much, and I wanted to ask you if any of these items look familiar, okay," Rocksteady told her as he moved the chest into her hands. 

It was as big as her lap, and when she ran her hand across it, it was smooth, and shiny. Then she moved her hand down, and felt the engraved letters on the box. They were painted gold, and the letters spelled IVAN!

Ivan she knew that name it was her old friend's name, the name of the man she loved with all of her heart. 

He motioned for her to open it, but before she could there was an explosion, and thick black smoke filled the room. Rocksteady's chest began to tighten, and he began having a coughing fit, only this time he could hear himself wheezing.

April heard his coughing, and wheezing, she wanted to help him, but instead of finding him, she found the turtles!

They were happy to see that April was alright, and she wanted to explain to them that Rocksteady was on their side, but Leo and Raph didn't want to hear it, on the other hand Mikey, and Donnie were all ears. Before she could say anything Leo and Casey grabbed her and they brought her back to the lair. 

When they arrived at the lair April realized that she had something in her hands, and when she looked down a feeling of guilt washed over her. It was Rocksteady's special Chest!

Back at the foot clan's headquarters. The smoke in Rocksteady and Bebop's room cleared and Rocksteady took a breath from his rescue inhaler. Then he noticed that his special chest was gone and he went into a frenzy looking for it. He searched everywhere but could not find, then he remembered handing it to April when the turtles showed up. That meant that she accidentally took it with her, and now he was hoping she didn't let it fall into the wrong hands.

Mikey noticed the chest in April's hands and asked "Hey April where did you get that chest?" 

She froze and tried to explain it away "Oh this chest, well you see it was already here when I first sat down." 

"Come on April stop lying and tell us the truth," Leonardo replied moving towards the chest. 

"Oh, alright I got this chest when I was in Rocksteady, and Bebop's room," April responded in defeat. 

"Where did those mutant criminals get this from?" Leo wondered

"I bet they stole from whoever this Ivan guy is!" Raph exclaimed pointing out the name on the chest. 

The four brothers gather around the chest, and Donnie was hesitating to open it, but if it was stolen, then they should know what they stole, and why? 

April's body was trembling, as sweat poured down her face, and she looked away when she heard the locks click, and they lid slowly creaked open. They were shocked at what they saw inside the box. 

inside the box was: 

A baby blanket with a yellow polka dot pattern

Two Teddy Bears, one was dressed like a U.S. Military General, and the other wore almost nothing except for a hospital band

Next was a hospital band

Followed by a purple heart medal

Then a Paper machete rose

A set of silver and gold Rosary beads

Several letters

A Medal of heroism

And Lastly a gold pocket watch, with the name Michael engraved on the cover 

The turtles wondered why someone would steal these things when they were probably worthless, then April froze when she noticed the paper machete rose. It was the same one she had made for her old friend for Valentine's day back when they were only 5 years old. 

The four turtles sighed and shut the chest relocking it, and setting it aside. 

They noticed it was getting late, and decided to turn in for the night, so they said goodnight to April and went to bed. 

She waited for them to fall asleep, and when she was sure they were sound asleep, she grabbed the chest and left the lair. Then she went to Central Park, and was waiting for someone, that someone was Rocksteady. 

April ran up to him and gave him his chest back. He thanked her and was about to leave, when she said something that caught him off guard. 

"Hey! Ivan I think it's sweet that you held onto that rose I made you back in kindergarten." 

The mutant rhino froze in his tracks, and slowly walked back towards April. They stood face to face and looked into each other's eyes, then They remembered the twinkle in each others eyes, huge smiles came to their faces as tears of joy ran down them, and then Rocksteady set his chest down on the bench, and opened his arms out wide for her. 

Aprils heart was filled with joy, and she ran right into his arms, and he swung her around happily before placing his forehead on hers. 

Then they both whispered "I missed you so much! Promise you'll never leave me again! Okay I Promise!" 

Under the twinkling stars Rocksteady asked April if she wanted to go for a stroll and she said yes. 

Hand in hand, they walked, and April rested her head on his shoulder, and he leaned his head to hers as they walked in silence with only the Lord to witness their joyful reunion. 

Friendship can last, and may even turn into true love. And just like Ivan said all those years ago It wasn't goodbye it was just so long. What lies ahead for these two lovers, and what do the fates have instore for Rocksteady? - To Be continued

Chapter Text

"Ivan, please you've got to pull through not just for me, but for your grandmother, and your best friend April too. Please Lord heal my grandson of what ails him." 

"Oh! Doctor thank goodness your here. Please what's wrong with my grandson, and is there anything that you can do to help him." 

"Well, Mr. and Mrs. Williams I would like to have a word with you in private if you don't mind." 

"Of course Dr. Peters whatever you say." 

"Right then please come with me." 

"Michael, darling are you coming?" 

"Huh? Oh yeah I-I'm coming just give me a minute." 

"Ivan? Kiddo it's Pappy I know you're still sleeping, but I just wanted to tell you that granny and I are going to talk to Dr. Peters and see what can be done to help you. Remember Ivan Pappy will always be with you."

"Okay, Doc I'm here now tell me what can be done to help my grandson?" 

"I don't know how to tell you this, but I'm afraid that your grandson suffers from an immunity disorder." 

"What kind of immunity disorder! HIV! AIDS! What doctor talk GOD DAMMIT!" 

"Mr. Williams, please I need you to calm down." 

"Calm down? Calm Down! How can I calm down my grandson is sick, and I want answers!" 

"Honey, please settle down let Dr. Peters talk alright, if not then we'll never know what's wrong with him or how they can help him, and you want him to live right?" 

"I, yes I want my Ivan to live. How could you ask such a thing, don't you understand  this pain that I feel. My only grandson abused, tortured, and disowned by his own parents, my own son and his horrible wife! Now-now we're all the little Ivan has and well he's become like a son to me, and I can't stand the thought of losing my little boy forever, he has his whole future ahead of him Sophie. I want to see him smile, and live! Oh, please Doctor what can be done." 

"I've never seen anything like what your grandson has. It isn't like HIV or AIDS, this is a rare disorder you see his body is only producing low levels of white blood cells which intern means less antibodies to help him fight infections. Whatever this disorder is it's attacking his blood, and damaging his immune system. I'm afraid if he gets another high fever or serious illness, well let's just say that his chances of surviving are slim to none." 

"Well what can be done?" 

"About that, we need both of you to sign a consent form which will allow us to preform very experimental treatments on him." 

"What kind of experimental treatments?" 

"blood therapy treatments." 

"Blood therapy treatments, how will that work?"

"First he'll need to be sedated, can't have him scared out of his mind, and thrashing about. Once he's under his blood will be drawn from his system, and sent through, a processing machine which will add artificial antibodies into his blood, and these treatments we'll be weekly, and he'll need to be closely monitored as this is experimental, and we don't know how his body will react to the artificial antibodies, meaning he'll need to stay in the hospital." 

"I see and how long will these treatments last?" 

"I'm sorry to say this but he needs to undergo these treatments for at least 2 years." 

"2 years, 2 Years! 2 years of constantly having his blood drawn, and being pricked by needles! 2 years stuck in this hospital? What kind of childhood is that!" 

"Mr. Williams I'm sorry but this is the only way we can help your grandson." 

"I-I understand, where do we sign?" 

"P-Pappy what's going on? Are they going to make me not feel yucky anymore?" 

"Yes, Ivan but I need you to listen alright, you're going to be having some treatments done, and Dr. Peters says you'll need to stay in the hospital for 2 years, just so they can monitor you okay?" 

"Okay, Pappy but I'm scared will you stay with me please." 

"Ivan there's nowhere you won't be that I won't follow. I'll always be with you even when  I'm not right beside you." 

Remember Ivan always with you.... 

Rocksteady's eyes darted around the room, wondering where that voice came from. He felt his forehead and noticed it was wet with sweat, not just his head, but his entire body was sweating, and trembling rapidly. He laid his bed back down onto his pillow and he laid in bed staring at the ink colored celling, and he gripped the gold cross around his neck in his hand, and placed it to his face, as a single tear fell from his turquoise eyes. 

"I miss you Pappy," Rocksteady whispered to himself, tears streaming down his face. 

Rocksteady sighed, and wiped the tears from his eyes, and turn toward the clock on his desk. It read 9:00am, he gasped in shock, and rose out of bed his back, and hip were stiff as boards. He stretched his arms, and moved toward the closet. 

He dropped his pajama pant's down, and unbuttoned his pajama top and let it fall off his arms as if he were a rag doll. He grabbed one of his favorite T-shirts, and a pair of navy blue shorts from their hangers, then he gathered up his pajamas, and placed them in the hamper to be washed. 

Rocksteady then grabbed his tooth brush, and his deodorant, and he walked into the bathroom and shut the door behind him, however he was in such a funk that he forgot to lock the door. He looked into the mirror and turned away disgusted with what he saw, and then a vision of his past self appeared in the mirror. 

Filled with frustration the mutant rhino grabbed the hair brush off the sink, and smashed the mirror into a million pieces. 

Without saying a word Rocksteady shuffled over to the toilet, and dropped his shorts, but only until they were around his knees, he wasn't able to bend down and didn't need the extra chore. Slowly he turned around, and grabbed the edge of the sink top, while slowly lowering himself onto the toilet. 

Several thoughts ran through the mutant rhino's mind, as he sat on the toilet. He leaned forward, and shuffled on the bowl to make sure his hip was comfortable. he sighed and put on his red reading glasses, then opened the book he brought with him which was one of his Pappy's old book's To Kill A Mocking Bird by Harper Lee. 

He engrossed himself in his book, while trying to go to the bathroom. "This constipation is going to be the death of my I swear,"  Rocksteady thought to himself. He suffered from chronic constipation, and was told by his GI doctor that it was brought on by high levels of stress.

At that moment Bebop came up to the bathroom, and knocked on the door. "Anyone in here?" he asked. Silence was his response, so without thinking he opened the bathroom door, and to his shock was greeted by Rocksteady's ass staring him in the face, and he turned away.

Rocksteady noticed him, and was seething with anger, he was trying to wipe his ass when this Fatass walked in. "Hey I'm wiping my ass! I would like some privacy bacon breathe. Can't your fat ass wait I'll be out in a few minutes!" Rocksteady yelled feeling very upset that his privacy was violate. 

"Sorry Rock I didn't know you were in there, and I really gotta take a shit. Please hurry up!" Bebop answered holding his stomach in desperation. 

Rocksteady flushed the toilet, washed his hands, and exited the bathroom grumbling to himself.

"I'm surrounded by insensitive jerks." 

"Can't even take a crap in private." 

The mutant rhino made his way into the kitchen and smiled seeing Stockman the only true friend he had in this hell hole. 

"Good morning Baxter," he said as he walked past his friend who was enjoying a hot cup of coffee. 

Rocksteady opened the cabinet where he kept his tea, and to his surprise it was empty. 

His temper was starting to take control, and he shot his mouth off "FUCK! GOD DAMITT! WHERE THE HELL IS MY TEA!" 

He began pushing things off the counter, dumping out the drawers, and throwing things out of the cabinet. 

"Ivan, please calm down. Listen Shredder threw away your tea okay. He told me not to tell you, but your my friend and I can't stand seeing you angry like this!" Stockman exclaimed grabbing the mutant rhino's metal shoulder. 

Rocksteady settled down, and with Stockman's help tidied up the kitchen. He could barely function without his morning tea, and he needed the jasmine to help calm himself down, and relieve his stress. 

Without any tea to drink Rocksteady poured himself some cranberry juice, and grabbed the container of oats to make his oatmeal. Once it was done He put it into his special bowl, and sat down at the table. He sighed, and was about to take a spoonful when Shredder walked into the kitchen and knocked the spoon out of his hand, and dumped his bowl of oatmeal in the trash. 

Rocksteady kept his mouth shut, and chose not to say a word, He shot Shredder a glare, and got up from the table, but before he could leave Shredder stopped him. 

"Just a second! I have had it up to here with you disobeying me, calling me names, disrespecting me, ruining our plans, and Lastly falling in love with that slut of a reporter! Now I must resort to more drastic measures! Sorry but you pushed me to this General Ivan Williams or should I say Rocksteady! From Now on you don't obey me, then you don't eat! continue to disobey me, well let's just say that you'll know what it means to feel true pain!" 

That did it Rocksteady turned to Shredder his body shaking with anger, hurt, and frustration. 

"TRUE PAIN? TRUE PAIN! HA! AS IF YOU KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO FEEL TRUE PAIN! BELIEVE ME I KNOW WHAT TRUE PAIN IS! I FELT IT WHEN I LOST MY PAPPY! I WAS ONLY 10 WHEN HE WAS TAKEN FROM ME! YOU DON"T KNOW WHAT IT MEANS TO SUFFER! TO SPEND ALMOST 2 YEARS OF YOUR LIFE IN THE HOSPITAL! TO BE ABUSED AND DISOWNED BY YOUR OWN PARENTS! TO PUT EVERYTHING ON THE LINE IN THE NAME OF YOUR COUNTRY! SEE YOUR COMMERADES DIE IN BATTLE, BATHED IN THEIR OWN SWEAT AND BLOOD! TO LEAVE THE LOVE OF YOUR LIFE AND FEAR! FEAR NEVER SEEING HER AGAIN! WELL I'VE FELT THAT TOO! DON'T YOU EVER CALL APRIL THAT EVER AGAIN SHE'S THE LOVE OF MY LIFE, WE'VE KNOWN EACH OTHER SINCE WE WERE 4! NOW YOU LISTEN AND YOU LISTEN GOOD OROKU SAKI AKA THE SHREDDER! YOU ARE AND WILL ALWAYS BE A SMALL, SMALL MAN! GO AHEAD STARVE ME, TORTURE ME IT WON'T PHASE ME1 I'M STRONGER THEN YOU SHREDDER! I ALWAYS HAVE BEEN, AND I ALWAYS WILL BE! DO YOUR WORST, BUT REMEMBER THIS GOD AND THE LORD ARE WATCHING US, AND YOU'LL BURN IN HELL!" Rocksteady yelled, keeping his stature the whole time. 

"How Dare You! Mouth off to me like that you'll pay!" Shredder yelled back. 

Rocksteady turned back to Shredder, and replied "Kiss my ass Shredder." 

Shredder watched as Rocksteady left the kitchen, and went back to his and Bebop's room. 

When Rocksteady got back to his and Bebop's room, he sat down at his desk, and opened his special chest. He removed his grandmother's rosary beads from his pocket, and placed them inside the box. Then he opened one of the desk drawers, and pulled out a small black prayer book. He opened it up, and recited several prayers inside, before closing it and placing it back in the drawer. 

Just as he closed the drawer, Bebop approached him, and told him that Shredder was going to give them their next assignment. Rocksteady sneered at the thought of seeing Shredder, and walked toward the meeting area. 

He arrived last, and both he and Shredder shot each other glares, before Rocksteady stumbled into his seat.

Stockman was concerned for him. He wondered if the mutant rhino remembered to take his medicine after breakfast. 

Rocksteady drowned Shredder out, and all he could hear was the loud growling of his stomach. He was starving, but at the same time he felt light headed, his back, and hip ached, then a sudden jolt of pain shot from his stomach. he hadn't peed all morning true he tried to take a shit, but at the same time he couldn't pee, and he knew why. It meant that he needed to take the medicine for his bladder. 

He could feel his bladder it was like a water balloon that was overfilled to bursting. The mutant rhino began shifting around in his seat, and he went into his pocket, and took out his bladder pills. He popped two pills into his mouth, and took a sip off water swallowing the pills at the same time. 

Shredder handed everyone their assignments: Bebop was to go and steal the new pink diamond on display in the hall of minerals at the museum of natural history. He ordered Stockman to continue his work on Krang's latest weapon. They stood up, and Rocksteady slowly rose to his feet, and moved over to join Bebop, but Shredder stopped him, and pulled him aside. 

"Not you! I have a special assignment for you Williams. Here's a mop, and an apron, now listen good I want this entire place sparkling, and you are not to stop until it is. Remember no eating unless I can totally trust you. Now get out of my sight you disgust me, oh and you might want to change your undies, seems you've sprung a leak in your trousers. HAHAHAH!" Shredder told him as he walked off. 

Rocksteady said nothing, and went to change his pants, then he went down to the kitchen, and started his cleaning by washing the dishes. 

Once the dishes were done, he began mopping the kitchen floor, then he vacuumed up any crumbs on the floor. He proceeded to scrub the stove top, inside the oven, and the he sorted the food in the fridge throwing out what was no good. 

It took him almost 3 hours to get the whole kitchen sparkling. Once he was done his stomach cried out even louder for sustenance, but he knew that Shredder would throw out anything he tried to eat. His hip, and back were so sore, he couldn't stand up straight, or walk without limping. 

Rocksteady was cleaning for a good few hours, then he felt tightness in his chest, and he felt his heart beating rapidly, and irregularly. He fell to his knees in distress, and thank god Stockman noticed him, and ran over to his ailing friend. 

"Ivan! My God look at you! You poor thing, you look like you're in pain, and I know you're not suppose to eat, but I snuck you some bread. Please you need to eat to keep your strength up. If you don't eat then you can't take your medicine. Come to think of it did you take your medicine this morning? You didn't did you. Oh! Ivan you need that medication!" Stockman exclaimed helping Rocksteady to his feet. 

Rocksteady gave no response, and he grabbed the mop, and bucket, and headed off giving Stockman a shrug of his shoulders. Baxter watched until his friend was out of sight, and sighed hoping he would be alright. 

By the end of the day Rocksteady only managed to clean 2 floors. He was in the middle of cleaning the 3rd floor when he heard Shredder call him into the kitchen to make dinner. 

He paid him no mind, and focused on his cleaning. His stomach was growling like a mighty lion roaring on the savannah. Rocksteady ignored his gut, and continued to clean, and every once in a while stopped to wipe the sweat from his neck, and forehead with his old military handkerchief. 

Then he walked over to the window sill, and removed his grandfather's golden cross, and the golden dog tags from around his neck: Something he didn't usually do, and boy was this a huge mistake. 

Shredder approached him, and scolded him, spat at him, called him names, and lastly kicked him in the stomach. 

That kick to the stomach caused the mutant rhino to gasp in pain, and he grabbed his stomach, Then he began heathing, and belching, and a wave of intense nausea washed over him. Without warning Rocksteady emptied the contents of his stomach right in front of Shredder. 

"Well then, you puke, you clean it! Now get your pachyderm posterior into the kitchen, and fix the rest of us supper. Bebop tells me you're quiet the cook, and I want a taste for myself. So get moving Williams!" Shredder yelled in frustration. 

Rocksteady gave no response , and proceeded to clean up the mess he made. This made Shredder angry: He looked around, and noticed Rocksteady's gold cross, and dog tags on the window sill. He walked over and picked them up in his fist, and dangled them in front of the mutant rhino's face. 

"I suggest you do what your told or say goodbye to these trinkets of yours," Shredder taunted getting the mutant rhino's attention. 

Rocksteady's eyes went wide, and his heart sank. He couldn't bear the thought of losing two of the things he valued most. He watched as Shredder dangled them out the window. Well this set him off he tackled Shredder, and the two began fighting on the ground. 

They both began punching one another. However Rocksteady due to not eating was feeling weaker, and Shredder overpowered him, and thrusted him against the wall. With the last of his strength Rocksteady charged at Shredder and sent him flying across the hall. Unfortunately, He accidently threw Rocksteady's cross, and dog tags out the window. 

He hobbled over to the window and watched as his most prized possessions fell like the rain cascading down from the clouds. They landed on top of a sewer drain, and then slipped down into the sewer. 

Rocksteady cried out in despair, and the poor weak mutant laid down on the floor warm salty tears wetting the floor around him. 

Meanwhile the turtles were skateboarding around the sewers when they noticed something sparkling near one of the storm drains. Leo went over to it, and picked up the sparkling treasures. 

Donnie began to feel nervous, and he grabbed the items from Leo's hands. 

"Hey! Donnie, why did you grab those from my hand like that?" Leonardo asked his younger brother who looked like he just saw a spook. 

"I know what these are! And we'd better return them or we could be in big time military trouble!" Donnie replied his voice filled with worry, and fear.

"The Military! Why would we be in trouble with those guys? After all we did nothing wrong," Raphael interjected 

"Yes, but one of these necklaces is a set of U.S. Military dog tags, and they're golden which means they must belong to someone who is or was very high ranked in the military," Donatello answered

"Okay, then what about that other necklace? It looks like one of those Christian crosses. What do they call them? Oh! Yeah a crucifix!" Michelangelo exclaimed as Donatello walked over, and examined the golden crucifix. 

"Hmm? Maybe they both belong to the same person, either someone actively serving or a veteran of the U.S. Military?" The purple masked turtle suggested. 

He motioned for the others to follow him, and they returned to the lair, and went into Donnie's lab, and watched as he prepared to pull up the U.S. Military database on his computer. Once he got on he went directly to the list of Veterans, and Active soldiers, trying to figure out who they belonged to. 

"Wow, that's a lot of soldiers, veterans, and dead guys!" Mikey commented seeing the pictures of many soldiers, past and present. 

"That's a lot of names, how are we suppose to narrow this down to one guy?" Raph asked in frustration. 

"Examine the dog tags for a last name it should be engraved on the front side, along with what Rank he is in or was when he served," Donatello explained, as they examined the dog tags. 

Then, when Leo held them up to the light, they shined a beautiful gold, and then their owners last name was revealed "WILLIAMS GENERAL OF THE US ARMY, FLEET ADMIRAL OF THE US NAVY, US AIR FORCE GENERAL, GENERAL OF THE US MARINE CORPS,  AND GENERAL OF THE US COAST GUARD" 

"Wow whoever this guy is, he must have a lot of respect, and importance to his name. He must be very famous in the US Military!" Mikey exclaimed, pointing out the obvious. 

With that Donatello typed the name Williams into his keyboard, and to their surprise only 1 result came up, and Donnie clicked on the photo, and it brought him to a page of information. 

"Let's see General Ivan Williams known for not only his bravery, but also for his heart of gold. He was truly, a role model for future generations, but none of them would ever fill the great military boots that he has left behind. Retired from the Military current residence is a small town called Rose Thorn," Donatello read, the other turtles listening closely to his words. 

"So we find this Ivan guy, and return the dog tags to him, but what about the crucifix?" Mikey asked. 

Donatello was examining the photo and noticed something that caught him off guard. "Uh, Hey guys you might wanna check this out," Donatello called to his brothers, who rushed over to his side. They wondered what made him so excited, and he pointed to the photo of General Williams, and to their surprise around his neck was the same golden crucifix they found in the sewer. 

"This Ivan guy must still be in the city somewhere, and well find him, and return his gold dog tags, and crucifix!" Leo exclaimed to his brothers. 

"Yeah!" They replied and decided to turn in for the night. 

Little did they know that General Ivan Williams, and their long time supposed enemy Rocksteady were one, and the same. 

Meanwhile, Rocksteady gazed out the window at the starry night sky, and tears came to his eyes. He felt horrible losing one of the only things he had left of his Pappy. Not only that, but it was the very same crucifix that Pappy had given to him on his deathbed, and the same one he told his Pappy he would never take off or lose, but now he broke that promise. 

"I-I'm s-sorry P-Pappy! I-I broke my promise! I lost your crucifix! Please I know your watching wherever you are, and I know I've let you and Granny down! F-Forgive me please! Oh Merciful Lord Jesus hear my prayer! I beg you to watch over me in my time of need! Oh Blessed Mother Lady Queen of Heaven and Earth hear my prayer! I pray for peace, I pray that you'll watch over me, and all those who are suffering, but especially watch over April! MY Love! MY soulmate! Hear me! Almighty God the Father! The Creator! The Immortal One! Have Mercy on Me! On those who have lost their way, and Those of little faith! May they find peace, and rest on thy bosom Oh Most Blessed Lady Of Sorrows!" 

"Hail Mary full of grace the lord is with thee, Blessed art thou among women, And Blessed is the fruit of thy womb Jesus, Holy Mary Mother of God pray for us sinners, Now and the hour of our death Amen!" 

"Our Father, Who art in Heaven, Hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, On Earth as it is in Heaven, Give us this day our daily bread, And forgive our trespasses, As we Forgive those who trespass against us, Deliver us not into temptation, But deliver us from evil. Amen!" 

"I Believe in one God, The Father Almighty, Maker of Heaven and Earth, of all things visible, and invisible. I believe in Jesus Christ, The only Begotten Son of God, Born of the Father Before all ages. God from God, Light from Light, True God from True God, Begotten not made , Consubstantial with the Father; Through him all things were made, for us men and our salvation he came down from heaven, And by the Holy Spirit was incarnated the Virgin Mary, And became a man. For our sake he was crucified under  Pontius Pilate, He suffered death and was buried, On the third day he rose again in accordance with the Scriptures. He ascended into Heaven and is seated at the right hand of the Father. He will come again in glory to judge the living and the dead, and his kingdom will have no end. I Believe in the Holy Spirt, The Lord, The Giver of Life, Who proceeds from the Father, and The Son is adored and Glorified, Who Has Spoken through the prophets. I Believe in one Holy Catholic, and Apostolic Church, I confess one Baptism for the forgiveness of sins and I look forward to the resurrection of the dead and the life of the world to come. Amen!" 

Rocksteady finished reciting his prayers, and he made the sign of the cross before getting into bed for the night.

Tears rolled down his face, and he hoped, hoped that the Lord would hear, and answer his prayers. 

To Be Continued...