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It all happened very quickly. Too quickly. Nobody had time to react, or even try to talk him out of it. But now... he's gone.
Donnie stares at where the portal into the void closed, taking his brother, his twin, away from them. From him.
Raph is on his hands and knees, his begging and quiet pleas choked by the heavy tears streaming down his face. Their strong, older brother. Their demoted leader; their new leader.
The softshell's lips part, his head shaking in disbelief as the same salty liquid drips onto his taste buds.
Mikey, from a distance, grunts as he holds his hands out in front of himself, trying his best to open a portal with his 'mystic hands'. And failing to do so.
He's gone.
Leo is gone, and there's nothing anyone can do.
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"You...." red eyes gleam in the dark atmosphere, coming closer, and closer. "You've ruined EVERYTHING!!" And closer. "And now... My wrath is saved for you alone."
Not much was heard afterwards, as the dark space around him had somehow gotten darker.
He closes his eyes, not even hearing himself grunt from the impact of his shell hitting concrete. Rolling his head to his right, he peeks his eyes open, revealing the photo that Casey had given him. The photo of his family, of his life. The edges of the paper crinkle under the grip of his fingers. He smiles, a few stray tears falling down his red cresent cheek.
"WIPE THAT GRIN OFF YOUR FACE!!"
He could feel it this time, his lungs struggling to take in a full breath of air for a worrisome amount of time. But it doesn't matter.
They're safe.
Leo looks at the photo once more before pulling it close to his heart.
"They're safe... they're home... I saved them..."
Lifting his head, Leo looks around where he is. He is fine with this, as long as his family is safe and alive. This is fine. This is okay. He can die happy.
Just as Leo accepted how his life will end, a light weight rests on his arm. He opens his eyes and sees a pale, turquoise, transparent hand in front of him.
Looking up, Karai is floating beside him. Her eyes are full of emotion. Leo's eyes widen before his gaze softens.
"Gramgram..."
Karai smiles softly, wrapping her arms around Leo's torso comfortingly.
Smiling, Leo holds onto her tightly. But when Karai pulls away, she looks into his eyes, with a knowing gaze.
"You have a good soul," she pokes his plastron where his heart is. "Never change here..."
Karai begins to fade, and Leo feels a sense of panic rise in his gut.
"Gramgram! Wait! Please don't leave me... I don't want to be alone..."
"Oh, my child," she wipes the tears from her grandson's face. "You are never alone."
Pulling away, Karai fades into nothing, leaving the prison dimention dark once more.
"Gramgram please!" Leo cries, reaching out. But she's gone.
Laying back, the young turtle floats in silence. He's alone. Again.
Then a golden light appears behind him.