It all started when we followed those strangers…

They were spotted at the intersection of Sixth Avenue and Stratton — four of them, dressed in long black coats, helmets that made it impossible to see their faces, and swords hanging on their backs. They moved quickly, precisely, as if they knew the city better than the locals. They didn’t say a word, but you noticed how Leo slowed his pace, holding his hand out slightly — a signal: “Stop. Surveillance.”

“Who are they?” you whispered.

Leonardo shook his head. — “I don’t know yet. But I want to find out.”

Your entire squad moved in the shadows, in complete silence. Donnie with the device, Raph with knives at the ready, you between Mikey and Leo, ready to cover if necessary. The trail led to an abandoned building in an industrial area. Only it wasn’t that abandoned — there was life behind it. Neon lights, security, electronic locks. Suspicious. Too much.

"There they are..." Donnie whispered, scanning with his thermal imager. — "Looks like they're building something. Lots of power. A portal, maybe?"

"Shredder?" Raph asked.

"Maybe. Or... something worse." Leo muttered darkly.

You, Mikey, and Leo stayed behind to patrol the entrance. The rest of you moved in through the roof and vents. You crouched next to a lamppost where you could see the door. Leo stood in the shadows, half a step ahead. Mikey couldn't stand the silence.

"Hey, have you noticed how those bros from the Coat Club walk? It's like they've all taken a course in 'grumpy and loud walking 101.'"

You chuckled, hiding your smile with your hand. — "Yeah, they're about to start reciting noir poetry. 'I walked into the darkness... because I am the darkness.'"

Mikey giggled, a little louder than he should have. — "Or: 'My heart is cold... and I hold a sword in my hand. Coffee. No sugar.'"

Leo, standing next to you, glanced at you. He seemed serious, but the corners of his lips twitched treacherously. — "The two of you are a dangerous combination."

"Are you saying that as a compliment?" Mikey winked.

"More like a warning."

You barely had time to respond when Donnie's voice hissed through the speaker in your ear. — "Hey, guys, we don't have Shredder here. I repeat, we don't have Shredder. These guys are building a portal. Something alien. Looks like... Utrom technology."

You frowned. — "Who are the Utroms?"

"I'll explain later. But you three need to get ready - one of the guards is heading for the exit!"

Leo immediately activated, yanking the katana from behind his back and moving closer to the door. Mikey slid to the left, to the window, where he could strike or distract. You froze in the shadows, telekinesis tense inside, as if ready to strike with the first wave.

A second later, the door swung open. One of those brutal guys in a coat came out.

You blinked. — "What is he doing?.."

He... adjusted his glasses. Seriously. Raised his face to the stars, as if catching GPS. Mikey whispered. — "Yeah, serious as the IRS. I wonder if they ever smile?"

"We'll find out soon enough," Leo said quietly and stepped forward.

The guard froze, turning around abruptly. His hand went to his belt, where something had flashed. But you had already felt it - a splash, a vibration of space.

Your telekinesis broke out before he could attack. He flew back to the wall - not hard, but enough to lose his balance.

"Apparently, they are not the type to say "good evening"..." — you said quietly.

"Well then..." — Leo turned to you and Mikey, his eyes shining with fighting determination.

"Reconnaissance is over. Time to show who the real ninja is here."