I know I shouldn't be following him, but I have to. I just have to talk to him alone. At the top of the stairs, I'm surprised the door is still open. I can see him rummaging through his bag that's still sitting on the bed. I knocked on the doorframe. "Hey, Raph?"

"Yeah, Mike?" he replied, without turning to me.

"Where've you been?" I asked. So much for small talk.

He pulled out his old, red bandanna--which didn't really look red anymore--and turned to me. "Ya know, I'm gonna explain everythin' later." He tied on the bandanna.

"I know, but Shadow was in college in Baton Rouge..." I started.

"Ya got it, Mike," Raph replied, cutting me off, then removed the cloak. He pulled out his old belt and a pair of very new sai.

"Is it nice down there?" I asked, genuinely interested.

"I'm plannin' on goin' back, if that's what ya mean."

I frowned. I really wish he'd stay around. "So... anything you wanna share with me now?" Now, I'm pushing it, I know it.

Raph chuckles. The hell? I must be delirious!

"Mikey, ya just don't give up. You'll find out everythin' later," he said, then walked up to me, and patted the side of my head. "So, just be patient, or you'll be the one I try my new sai on, kapeesh?"

"Gotcha," I said. This is gonna be one interesting get-together.