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Waiting For You	By : MysticMewtwo Category: Comics > Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Views: 7074 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 0
Disclaimer: I do not own Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, nor any of the characters from it. I do not make any money from the writing of this story.

Chapter List
- 1
- 2
- 3
Shell Shocked
Chapter Two

I apologize profusely for taking so long. Originally chapter two included what will be in chapter three, once I complete it, but since it was so long, I decided it should be split into two separate chapters to present it better. There are a lot of important aspects I emphasized throughout that would lose their oomph if it was all meshed together into one big document.

Disclaimer: As stated previously, I do not own TMNT. Mirage Studios does. Alisa is the only character I have rights over.

The next thing Leonardo knew, someone was shaking him gently by the shoulders. He groaned groggily, peeling his eyes open with some effort. His vision was somewhat blurred as the last webs of sleep still hung on, and he blinked his eyes a few times to clear them. After a minute, the world around him came in focus, and he found Donatello standing near his chair. His younger brother was looking on at him with a mixture of disbelief, and concern.

“Did you sleep like this for the remainder of the night?” Don asked.

His eyes widened in near horror at Donny’s question. He fell asleep?! Leonardo bolted up from the mattress so quickly, he would’ve fallen off his chair completely if not for the sudden pain he began feeling in his muscles stopped him. He winced inwardly. His neck, and back were stiff from the position in which he had slept for so long.

“I’ll take that as a “yes”,” Donatello stated, watching his reaction.

Leonardo ignored the cramps in his muscles, and glanced anxiously towards the young girl. His panic eased when he found her chest still rising, and falling with each breath. However, this did little to soothe the disappointment of his personal failure. He promised to keep watch over her, and what had he done? He had fallen asleep.

“Don’t worry, Leo,” Don assured him as he saw his older brother’s face twist with distraught, “I just checked her. She’s okay. She made it through the night. Her condition is still critical, but she is more stabilized now. I think she should recover soon.”

Leo was silent for awhile as he watched the girl sleep in her comatose state. His mistake could have cost her life. He finally turned his head away, and then looked to Donatello.

“How could I have fallen asleep?” he croaked out, “She might have died, and I wouldn’t have known until too late.”

Leonardo closed his eyes, and clenched his hands tightly. Donatello was taken aback. Was he actually blaming himself for falling asleep? He couldn’t control something like that.

“Leo, it’s not your fault…” Don began, but was interrupted before he could go on.

“Yes, it is!” Leonardo snapped, opening his eyes, the anger finally reaching beyond his containment, “It’s my fault for falling asleep! I broke my promise! She could be dead because of my mistake!”

“Leonardo, chill!” the purple-masked ninja ordered, “What’s gotten into you?”

His pent up emotions finally expelled, Leo hung his head shamefully. He hadn’t meant to yell at his little brother. Donny had done so much to help him save this girl. It wasn’t fair to target his anger with himself on him.

“I’m sorry, Donny,” he said, quietly, “I… I really don’t know what’s got into me.”

What had gotten in to him? Ever since he found this girl, his rationality had done a 180 on him. He was levelheaded; he hardly ever lost his cool. That was Raphael’s department, not his. He didn’t know anything about the girl, but the urge he felt to protect her with all his being was strong. It all left him so confused. He held his head in his hands.

“Hey, don’t beat yourself over it, bro,” Donatello said to him, softly, laying a hand on his shoulder, “I forgive you.”

Leonardo sighed deeply, and lifted his head to look at him.

“It’s not that…” he started, quietly, but then trailed off.

Don waited patiently for him to elaborate, but Leo didn’t have the chance to continue. They both turned as the sound of footsteps began entering the room. Master Splinter, followed by Michelangelo and Raphael, walked in carrying a tray of five steaming stoneware mugs. Leonardo stood up, and Splinter allowed him to accept the tray, taking a mug first. Leo served his brothers before letting himself have the last mug, setting the tray aside on a nightstand.

The mug was filled with a hot green tea, its strong aroma assaulting Leonardo’s nostrils. He took a deep breath, drawing in more of the scent. This was what he needed. The warmth of the tea through the mug felt good to his hands. He lifted the mug to his lips, and drank deeply. The soothing liquid slid down his throat, and almost instantly, he felt a restoring calm wash over him.

He brought the mug down after a moment, staring idly at the remaining contents. He shifted the piece of pottery around in his hands a bit. His mind felt clearer, the intensity of his emotions ebbing away as the tea worked to relax him. The room was silent for awhile as they all enjoyed the power of this natural elixir. At long last, the mugs of tea were set aside, and Splinter was the first to speak.

“How is the young lady this morning?” he asked Donatello, softly, glancing at Leonardo’s bed.

“She seems to be doing better, Sensei,” he answered, “Her condition is starting to stabilize.”

Splinter nodded his head in approval at this.

“Good,” he replied, “Healing has begun. She will be mended soon.”

“Can we still keep her?” Michelangelo inquired, hopefully.

Raphael shot his baby brother an irritated look.

“She ain’t a pet, you idiot,” he retorted, “She’s a human.”

“No shit, Sherlock,” Mikey answered, rolling his eyes, “I know that, but she’s so cute. I thought we could at least have her around as a new friend.”

“She may not think the same way, Mikey,” Donatello pointed out, “For all we know, we could never see her again once she’s well.”

Donny didn’t have to explain it any further for him to get the message. Michelangelo grew disappointed at this. They all knew very well what could, and would probably happen. It was something they were used to by now after the occasional run-in with a human. Most people weren’t as accepting as April, and Casey had been, and ran away in sheer terror at the sight of them. If he was accustomed to dealing with it, then how come Leonardo began feeling something inside him start to break at this prospect?

The softest of sounds suddenly caught their attention, and each head began turning in the direction in which it came from; Leonardo’s bed. They all watched in surprise as the girl’s body twitched, her head turning to the side a bit. A quiet moan issued from deep in her throat.

“Do you think she’s waking up?” Michelangelo whispered, anxiously.

“It may be too early to tell,” Donatello answered, quietly, frowning slightly as he studied her, “But at least she’s showing signs towards regaining consciousness.”

“What do we do once she does?” Raphael asked.

“We remain calm,” Leonardo replied, softly, “For the sake of her health, we don’t want to frighten her any more than she might be.”

He was feeling nervous, scared, and excited all at once. Soon, very soon, he could learn what was it that made her have such a strange invisible hold on him. Though he was also afraid he wouldn’t, if she did indeed run as predicted. He would never see her again, and he would never know why she made him feel the way he did. Somehow, he couldn’t let this happen.

She heard voices around her. They sounded so near, and yet so far away, as if she were listening to them through a thick wall of fog. Where was she? She tried to move her head, but it felt so heavy, as if it were made of cement. Her eyes felt like they were permanently glued shut, but she began struggling to lift them.

The girl let out another soft moan. The ninjas tensed, preparing themselves, as her eyelids began fluttering. A few moments later, her eyes slowly opened, revealing a green as brilliant as Leonardo’s skin. The eyes set on him first, and Leo had to catch his breath as he looked into those intense pools of emerald. They were almost mesmerizing. Her eyes quickly left him as they went on to survey the rest of the room.

With each passing glance of his brothers, and Master Splinter, the eyes grew wider and wider. They were almost the size of saucers by the time they came back to him again. They all waited anxiously to see what would happen next. Seconds seemed to crawl by, and still the girl stared, neither speaking nor moving. Michelangelo was beginning to grow restless with the silence, and he stepped closer to the bed. Leonardo nearly panicked, throwing his brother a warning glance. Unfortunately, Mikey didn’t see it.

“Hey,” he spoke to the rigid girl softly, giving her a warm smile, “How are you doing?”

All remaining color in her face drained at this simple, harmless question. Her eyes glazed over, and rolled into the back of her head. Her skin became deathly pale, and her lips were starting to turn blue. Leonardo quickly scrambled to the bed, and Donatello was not far behind him. Leo picked up a limp wrist, and checked her pulse. It took him thirty panic-filled seconds to finally get one, and when he did, he found it was fast, but extremely weak, and erratic.

“She’s gone into shock, Leo,” Donny announced, grimly, as he completed his quick examination of her, “I’m willing to bet her blood pressure just took a massive nosedive.”

Leonardo gritted his teeth, and turned on his heel to face Michelangelo.

“Damn, Mikey!” he shouted, “What the hell were you thinking?!”

Michelangelo winced. He had never seen his eldest brother this angry at him before. Raphael, sure, but never Leo.

“Leonardo, calm down,” Master Splinter admonished, “Your anger will help neither your brother, nor the young lady.”

Leo took a deep breath, and slowly exhaled, channeling the anger away in his mind. After a minute, he felt somewhat more composed.

“Hai, Sensei,” he said, quietly, bowing his head slightly.

He looked to his youngest sibling.

“I’m sorry, Mikey,” he apologized.

“It’s okay,” Michelangelo answered, shrugging it off, “It’s my fault. I guess I kind of forgot for a moment she was ill.”

Donatello stepped away from the bed, and stood close to Leonardo’s side. He put a hand on his shoulder, and Leo turned his attention to the young terrapin. Donny’s expression was seriously grave.

“Leo,” he began, quietly, “She isn’t going to make it. Not without proper care, and we can’t give it to her.”

Leonardo felt his heart sink at this news. He knew there was only one other option left, and that option made it impossible for him to stay with her.

“She needs a hospital,” Donny continued, “We have to call April to help.”

Leonardo sighed, but he knew it was the only way to save her. This was far too big for them to handle now. She needed professionals.

“Don, call April,” he told him.

He then turned to Raphael, and Michelangelo.

“Raph, Mikey,” he commanded, “Head to the warehouse, and get the Battle Shell ready. Donny, and I will be there in a few minutes.”

Without a moment to spare, the two brothers did as ordered, and ran downstairs to take the elevator to street level. Donatello had already unclipped his shellcell from his belt, and was dialing April’s number. The phone on the other end rang four times before it was picked up.

“Hello?” a young feminine voice answered sleepily.

“April,” Donny replied, “It’s Donatello.”

“Donny?” the young woman asked worriedly, sounding more awake now that her caller had identified himself as one of her friends, “What’s wrong? Is everyone all right?”

“We’re all fine, April,” Don assured her.

He could understand why she was so concerned. It wasn’t like any of them to call her at this particular time of the day. It was barely dawn.

“But we’ve got an emergency on our hands,” he continued, “To make a long story short, Leo found a seriously wounded young woman last night in the sewers, and things went from bad to worse. She needs a hospital now.”

“Shit,” April said, softly.

“Exactly,” Donatello answered, grimly.

“Listen,” he added, “We’re going to need your help. Can you meet us at the warehouse in ten minutes?”

“Sure,” she replied.

“Thanks, April,” he told her.

“No problem,” she answered, “See you in a few.”

The connection was severed as she hung up. Donatello closed the shellcell, and replaced the phone back in his belt. He then turned to watch Leonardo as he wrapped the girl in the blanket she was covered in, and lifted her up carefully from the bed. He gently cradled her close to him like a kitten in his arms. Her body felt so cold through the blanket, and he instinctively drew his arms tighter around her.

“Are you ready, Leo?” Donny asked him, quietly, “April’s meeting us topside in the warehouse soon.”

“Yes,” he replied.

He looked to Master Splinter who gazed back at him, his brow slightly furrowed.

“I do not exactly approve of this plan, Leonardo,” he stated, “It is hard enough for you not to be seen at night, but in broad daylight the risk is even greater.”

“We understand, Sensei,” Leo said, softly, “We will be careful. We just don’t have any other choice.”

“I know,” Splinter answered, quietly.

He glanced at the young girl his son held protectively in his arms. He sensed something with Leonardo between her, though it was unclear what right now. It was certain, however, that she must somehow survive. He reached out an arm, and touched the girl’s cheek gently with his bony hand.

“Be well, child,” he wished her, softly.

Leonardo smiled at this kind gesture from his father. It was as at some level he understood.

“We’ll be back as soon as we can, Master Splinter,” he told him.

Splinter nodded, and Leonardo and Donatello left the room, hurriedly descending the stairs. When they reached the elevator, its sensors activated, and the door automatically glided open. The two brothers stepped inside, and the door closed behind them. After a moment, the elevator rumbled slightly as it began moving up towards the surface. The ride was spent in grim silence. The only sound was from the girl’s labored breathing. Leonardo felt like the trip was taking much longer than it actually was.

He was relieved when the elevator finally slowed, and came to a stop. The door slid open, revealing the inside of an old abandoned warehouse. He, and Don exited the elevator, and walked towards an armored car parked in the center of the room. It was colored a camouflage green and brown, with an assortment of high-tech fixtures. One of the double doors on the back of the car opened as they approached, and Michelangelo stood there waiting. He helped Leonardo up as he climbed inside with the girl. Leo sat down in a chair, setting the girl in his lap.

“Has April come?” he asked Mikey.

“Not yet,” a slightly rough, Brooklyn accented answer near the cockpit came instead.

Raphael turned around from his position in the driver’s seat. He glanced at the unconscious young woman his brother held cradled in his lap. It wasn’t hard to tell she was struggling to breathe as each minute passed. He was no doctor, but he could see she didn’t have much longer to live. He knew it would crush Leonardo if she died, and he be damned if he let that happen. For his brother’s sake, he’d do everything in his power to help save her.

“But she better get here soon,” he added, quietly.

As if answering an unspoken prayer, a rap resounded on the warehouse’s metal garage door. Donatello rushed to the door, and hit a red button near the wall. The door gave a rattling groan as it rose. The early morning sunlight spilled into the darkened building. When the door came to a halt, a tall, lean red-headed young woman with dark green eyes stepped inside. She was wearing a white “I Love New York” t-shirt, grey sweat pants, and white jogging shoes. Her long red hair was swept up in a simple bun. It was obvious she had dressed in haste.

“I came as fast as I could,” she told Donny, “I hope I didn’t keep you waiting.”

“No, you didn’t,” he replied, “You’re right on time.”

He then led her to the back of the car, and Mikey took her hand, helping her up inside. Donatello hopped in after her, and closed the door behind him. April looked around for a moment at the somber faces of her friends before her eyes settled on Leonardo, and the girl he so desperately clung to. She gasped, and a hand flew to her mouth. The girl’s face was so deathly pale it was almost white. Her thin frame shuddered as she tried to take in the needed air to breathe. Her head was wrapped tightly in bandages, and judging from the stains of blood that had seeped through, it was a serious injury.

“She’s dying, isn’t she?” April asked, softly, finally taking her hand away.

Donny gave the slightest nod of his head.

“Yes,” he answered, quietly.

“It’s all my fault too,” Michelangelo remarked, sadly.

“No, it’s not, Mikey,” Leonardo spoke up, “If it’s anyone’s fault, it’s mine. I should have had her taken to the hospital last night, but I wanted to try to help her myself.”

He looked down sullenly at the girl, and remembered the striking green eyes she had set on him earlier. Was that last time he would ever see them? He had felt drawn into their depths for the few moments their eyes met. He wanted to know what mysteries laid behind those emeralds. He wanted to know how they had speared a place inside him he so rarely acknowledged.

“It’s not anyone’s fault,” Raphael said, “You did what you could, Leo, and no one can say you didn’t do a hell of a job trying.”

He turned back around in the seat, and buckled his seat belt.

“And now it’s my turn,” he continued, “She isn’t going to die. Not if I got anything to say about it.”

With that, he turned the ignition, and the engine roared to life. Leonardo was speechless. For once in his life, Raph had truly astounded him. At that moment, he never felt prouder of his younger brother.

“Everyone fasten your seat belts,” Raphael warned as he revved the engine, “This ride’s going to get bumpy.”

He had a wry grin on his face, and everyone who was not already sitting down, dived for a chair, and promptly buckled up. Donatello settled up front in the passenger’s seat. Raphael shifted the car into gear. He then slammed his foot on the gas pedal, and the car’s back tires spun as it peeled out of the warehouse. He turned the corner sharply at the end of the driveway, and onto the street, speeding down it towards the hospital.

“Shit, Raph!” Donny exclaimed as he gripped the edge of the seat, “Slow it down a little, will you?! This isn’t exactly NASCAR! You want us to get spotted by the police?”

Raphael eased off the gas pedal a bit at this, but still kept a fairly brisk pace. Don was right. It was critical not to be any more conspicuous than they probably already were driving the Battle Shell in broad daylight. They didn’t want to draw more attention to themselves by racing the city streets. After a few minutes of driving, Raph slowed a little more, and then made a right on the next street. The building of St. Luke’s Hospital loomed largely up ahead. It was one of the city’s finest medical facilities. The young woman would be well taken care of here.

When they finally arrived, he drove into the parking lot, and pulled up under the roof of the E.R. entrance. He applied the brake, put the car in park, and shut off the engine. As soon as it had stopped, Donatello unbuckled his seat belt, and leaped to his feet. Raphael did likewise, and both brothers stepped to the back. Michelangelo was already standing, and April was just getting to her feet. Only Leonardo remained sitting, but had removed his seat belt. He drew in a deep breath, and let it out slowly, as if contemplating a plan for the next means of action.

“This is what we’ll need to do,” Leo finally addressed them, after a moment of silence.

He turned to April.

“April,” he began, “You’ll go inside the hospital, and bring someone from the personnel to help you with the girl.”

April nodded at his instructions, and Leo then looked to his brothers.

“The rest of you will make yourself scarce in any way you can inside this car,” he continued, “Not a sound, or movement is to be made until the crucial moment has passed.”

The three brothers nodded, but Raphael frowned slightly. He was curious about one thing that was left unmentioned.

“What exactly are you going to do, Leo?” he asked his elder brother.

“I am going to make sure the girl is safely delivered into the hands of the hospital staff,” Leonardo answered, “I’m personally going to give her to them.”

The gasps of surprise were clearly audible. What in the hell was he thinking? Leo had never been one to take such a risk. It seemed like ever since he found that girl, his whole mannerism had literally changed overnight. Just what sort of control did she have over him?

“Leo, you can’t be serious,” Donatello answered in disbelief.

“I am,” Leo replied in a low, quiet tone, “I am quite serious, Don.”

Determination was set hard in his clear deep blue eyes, and his jaw was firmly clenched. They all knew this look well. It would be like arguing with a brick wall. Once his mind was made up on something, it stayed that way.

“But…” Don started to protest, but stopped when Raphael laid a hand on his shoulder.

“Let him go, Donny,” he told his younger brother, quietly, “This is something he wants to do. We gotta trust him on it.”

Donatello sighed, but knew Raph was right. Though he didn’t necessarily agree with what Leo was planning, he trusted his eldest brother. Leo rarely made a decision he didn’t feel was right. If this is what he chose, then he would assist him in any means possible. Donny turned to Leonardo, and their eyes met. No words were spoken, but there didn’t need to be. They understood each other perfectly without them.

“Thanks, Don,” Leo finally said, softly.

“No problem, bro,” Donatello answered, smiling gently, “Anything I can do?”

“Yes,” he replied, carefully standing up with the girl, “Take her while I get ready.”

He gently transferred the girl from his arms into Donny’s, minding her head while he did. Don supported it in the crook of his arm. As soon as he had her, Donatello gasped in shock. Her body felt like ice to him. She suddenly coughed, and a small trickle of blood seeped out from a corner of her mouth. He wiped it away with the edge of the blanket.

Shit, he thought.

He didn’t realize she was this far gone.

“Hurry, Leo,” he urged his brother, frantically, “She’s fading fast.”

Leonardo dove for a compartment near his chair, and threw open its door. Inside was a set of street clothes given to each of them a couple of years or so ago. They very seldom wore clothes, but if they needed cover, it did in a pinch. He took the clothes out, and quickly pulled on a pair of loose-fitting blue pants, latching its belt around them. He tugged a large red sweater over his head next, being careful of his weapons as he pulled it down. He then picked up a long dark gray coat with a high collar, and slipped into it. He left it loosely hanging open. The last two items was a light gray knitted ski hat, and a pair of black shades, both of which he wasted no time in putting them on. He tucked his bandana ribbons inside the hat. From a distance, the average person on the street would think he was human, and would virtually view him with no particular interest. This is what he hoped would happen when he encountered the hospital staff. His disguise now complete, he turned to April.

“Go now, April,” he told her, “And please be quick. There’s not much time.”

He was almost pleading with her. She could hear the slight distress in his voice, and she knew then just how deeply involved he had become in saving this young woman’s life.

“Don’t worry, Leo,” she answered, softly, “I’ll be back as soon as I can.”

He nodded his approval.

“And I’ll be waiting outside when you return,” he replied.

She walked to the back doors, and Michelangelo opened one just enough to let her slip out, helping her down to the ground. He gave her a thumbs up before closing the door. April proceeded to sprint through the automatic doors of the E.R, and inside the hospital. Once April had gone, Leonardo stepped towards the door, and peered out the window cautiously. His keen eyes swept the perimeter of the E.R. entrance, and the car, checking for anyone who might be nearby. There was no one to be found.

Satisfied, he pushed open the door fully, and nimbly jumped to the ground. He then turned, and beckoned for Donatello to come forward. His younger brother carried the young woman to the back, and stopped at the edge of the doorway. He slowly crouched down, and carefully deposited the girl into Leo’s waiting arms.
He securely tightened them around her, holding her close.

“Be careful, bro,” Donny told him, quietly, giving Leo’s shoulder a light squeeze.

“I will,” he answered, softly.

Don stood up, and pulled the door shut behind him. Leonardo walked away from the car, and towards the emergency entrance, but then stopped in the middle of the two. He wanted to keep some distance between them. He was far enough that he wouldn’t draw any immediate attention to the armored car, therefore keeping his brothers safe. Though he only allowed himself to be no closer to the hospital entrance than he was. Despite the fact he was well disguised, he still felt wary of standing just outside a building full of people.

He didn’t have long to wait, much to his relief, before April burst through the sliding doors. A male nurse was following close at her heels. They both ran towards Leonardo, and stopped upon reaching him. The nurse raised his eyebrows curiously at the somewhat short, stockily built stranger in what looked to be heavy winter attire. It was true the early spring morning air did have a chill to it, but could hardly be called for apparel of the magnitude this man wore. He had no more time to access the stranger as he finally caught sight of the unconscious woman in his arms.

“Is this the patient?” he asked Leo.

“Yes,” he answered.

The nurse quickly checked the young woman’s vitals, his expression growing extremely somber. He took a two-way radio from his back pocket, and pressed the button to talk.

“I need a gurney wheeled to the E.R. entrance, stat,” he ordered, “I have a patient who needs to be transported to O.R.”

He released the button, and waited for the reply. It came within moments.

“10-4,” a feminine voice answered, “On the way.”

He pocketed the radio at this affirmation, and then looked to Leonardo again.

“How’d this happen?” he inquired.

Leo pondered on this question a moment before deciding on a reasonable explanation. It wouldn’t be entirely true, but as it were, the circumstances called for a less than accurate answer.

“I believe she fell through a window on the second floor of a building, and hit her head on the concrete,” he replied, “I found her while I was out walking. My friend, and I brought her here as soon as possible.”

The nurse nodded grimly. A fall of that caliber certainly explained the trauma this young woman was suffering. She needed immediate medical attention. Her condition was deteriorating even as they spoke. Leonardo did his best to keep his calm and collected demeanor, but his mind was screaming for these people to hurry. He was glad for the shades that hid the inner turmoil going on behind his eyes, and neither April, nor the nurse could see what he was really feeling. If the girl died in his arms now, he’d never forgive the hospital. For that matter, he’d never forgive himself. She had become his responsibility, and if he failed her, he failed himself.

He looked up as the E.R. entrance’s sliding doors suddenly opened, and a bed on wheels was rolled out by two more male nurses. The relief he felt flooding through him was so intense, it nearly left him momentarily weak-kneed. They rushed the gurney to where they were standing, and came to a halt when they finally arrived. One of the nurses was carrying a portable oxygen tank.

“Lay her down on the bed,” the first nurse instructed him.

Leonardo did as he was told, and gently placed the young woman on the mattress’s stark white sheets. When he let go, she was abruptly seized by a fit of coughing, and a stream of blood spilled from the corner of her mouth. The event left her body heaving for the precious air it already struggled to take in. The nurse who held the oxygen tank wasted no time in strapping its mask over her nose, and mouth. The third nurse lifted the guard rails on the bed, and giving a signal to show she was ready for transport, the two nurses wheeled the gurney as swiftly as caution allowed them inside the hospital. Leo watched as they took her away. He continued to stare at the E.R. doors long after she had disappeared. A hollow feeling was developing in the pit of his stomach.

“She’ll be all right, won’t she?” he finally found himself asking the remaining nurse.

“Sir, we’re going to give her the best care possible,” the nurse answered, “We’ll do all we can to help her.”

Leonardo nodded his head at this assurance, but the feeling stayed. Why was it he suddenly felt so… empty? It was like a part of him had gone with the young woman. It didn’t make any sense to him, but then again, nothing had since the moment he found her. He didn’t know anything at all about her, even her name, but somehow he had become attached to her.

“If you’ll come with me,” the nurse spoke, startling Leo out of his thoughts, “I’ll take down any other information you can give me on the patient.”

Leonardo nearly froze at this suggestion. The thought of him setting foot in a hospital filled with people made him nervous. It posed a far greater risk of potential danger to him as he would ultimately be in plain view of all who saw him. It’d be even more difficult for him to keep up this pretense, and his chances of being discovered were higher than it was with just a few people. He knew it was time now to end the charade, and the fact that this sweater was starting to make him itch.

“Unfortunately, I am unable to accompany you,” he told the nurse, “I need to be heading along, but April here can assist you.”

He looked to the red-headed young woman, and she nodded. April understood the meaning behind his message, and that he was to be going no further with his facade. She then directed her attention to the nurse.

“I’m afraid there’s not much more I can give you on her,” she answered, “But I’ll try.”

“Anything at all will be helpful,” he replied, “Now, if you would please follow me inside, we can begin.”

He turned away from them, and began walking towards the entrance. Leonardo took April aside before she started after him.

“Please stay to find out as much as you can on how the young lady is doing,” he requested her, quietly, “We’ll be here waiting for you when you return.”

“I will,” she said, “Hell, I won’t leave until I know even what she’s having for breakfast.”

A half smile crept over his face at this.

“Thank you, April,” he told her, “For all that you’ve done to help today.”

“Hey, what are friends for?” she replied, returning the smile.

She then walked quickly to catch up with the nurse, who had already gone through the doors. Leo glanced one last time at the E.R. entrance, then turned, and slowly headed back to the armored car. The situation was out of his hands now. The girl was in the hospital’s care, and was receiving the treatment she needed. She would be all right… wouldn’t she? He didn’t know at this point if she would even make it. It had been so close. He had almost felt her life slipping away as he held her.
She just couldn’t die. He wanted her to live; she needed to live.

“She has to,” he whispered, softly.

This caused Leonardo to stop in his tracks momentarily, surprised by his own words and the level of their intensity. He didn’t realize how significant her survival had become to him until now. He felt it was as if it would be the end of a beginning of a world he would never know if she died. Though only time would tell if she did, and all there was left for him to do was wait. He sighed deeply, and started walking again. He knew this was going to be a very long morning.
When he finally reached the car, he opened the back door, and leaped inside, closing it behind him. He found his brothers sitting in the chairs, and they looked to him expectantly as he entered.

“She’s in their care now,” he told them, quietly, “But nothing is known of her condition at this time. April’s inside gathering all the information she can.”

He then removed the shades, and hat, his bandana tails hanging freely down his back once again. He peeled off the coat next, and tossed it in a heap on the floor, along with the hat, and shades. This was followed by the sweater, and lastly the pants. He gathered the pile of clothes in his arms, and stuffed them into their compartment. It felt good to get out of those restricting confinements. He hoped he’d never have to wear them again, or at least for a while.

His brothers watched him as he had undressed, waiting to see if he had more to say on the matter. When Leonardo continued to remain silent after he finished, and sat down in his chair still without another word, it was clear he had dismissed the subject. He didn’t want to talk anymore about it. His mood had grown very sullen, and withdrawn. Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo each shared the same look between them. This wasn’t like Leo. For some reason, he was acting very strangely.

“Are you okay, Leo?” Donny asked, quietly, cautiously.

“Yeah,” he answered, listlessly.

Leo absently fingered the end of one bandana ribbon that was draped over the front of his shoulder. Don raised an eye-ridge skeptically at him. It was obvious from his behavior that something was troubling him. Though about what, Donatello had yet to know.

“Are you sure, bro?” he inquired again.

“I said I’m fine,” Leonardo replied, more forcefully this time.

The slight edge he heard in his voice surprised Donny, and this made him back off. A pained expression immediately flashed across Leo’s face, and it was clear he regretted the rough tone in which he had spoken to his younger brother. He was only trying to help, and again he had pushed him away. Leo sighed heavily, and lowered his head.

“Gomen nasai,” he uttered, softly.

Donatello nodded at his apology letting him know he accepted it. He decided then that maybe it was best to leave him alone to fight what inner demon possessed him. Donny glanced towards his other brothers. Mikey looked really worried, something that was unlike the usually charming, fun-natured terrapin. Raph only scowled in response to Leo’s predicament, but deep down, he was also concerned for his brother. He then shook his head, and turned around in the driver’s seat he was sitting in. He leaned back, and propped his feet up on the steering wheel, closing his eyes. He was soon asleep. Don busied himself with working on some new gadget, and Michelangelo pulled out a comic book from beneath his chair to read. Occasionally, he peeked over the edge to cast a look at Leo.

Leonardo closed his eyes, and held his head in his hands. He felt absolutely horrible. Why did he keep driving away the ones he cared for the most, his brothers, over this human woman? How was it possible she could have the kind of effect she had on him? He found the whole situation unsettling, and trying to figure it all out was giving him a migraine.

What the hell is wrong with me?! he asked himself, angrily.

No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn’t get rid of these strange feelings that plagued him mercilessly. There was something about the young woman that called to his spirit. He raised his head after a moment, and wearily leaned back in his chair. He could kill for an aspirin right about now, or anything at all to help pull him out of this misery. Unfortunately, he had nothing on hand, and so he was forced to suffer through the headache. He doubted even meditation would work with pain of the magnitude he was feeling. At least, though, it was quiet inside the car, which made it a little more bearable for him. The only sounds penetrating the silence was the slight rustling of paper from a page being turned, the occasional tapping of keys on the onboard computer’s keyboard, and the light snoring coming from the cockpit.

A half an hour had passed since April left, but to Leonardo it felt like an eternity as he sat waiting anxiously for her return, and any word she might bring on the young woman. Time seemed to have come to a complete standstill for him. He finally grew tired of sitting, and rose to his feet. He started pacing the length of the car.
Donny glanced up from his work, and looked at him from the corner of his eye after crossing his line of vision twice. He was very concerned for his oldest brother. He seemed to be taking the situation quite hard. He looked so tired, and pained, but Don hadn’t heard him complain once. Leo never did. Unlike Raphael who vented his emotions through his ever present anger, Leonardo usually kept his bottled deep inside. It was often difficult to determine what exactly he was feeling as he rarely showed, or even talked of his inner most thoughts. Which he let build until he eventually poured them all into one emotional outburst.
Still, Leonardo did communicate these feelings in other ways. One just needed to know how to look for them, and as Donatello watched him, he could perceive those emotions through his current actions. Something was definitely going on with him.

Michelangelo peered over his comic book at his oldest brother as the light shifted continuously by his movements. He followed Leonardo with his eyes as he walked unrelentingly back and forth across the floor. Mikey thought this was really serious, even for Leo. He seemed almost genuinely upset over the pretty young woman’s fate. Mikey blinked at the concept that suddenly struck him. Could Leo be...? He shook his head, however, and quickly dismissed the idea. It was unlikely Leonardo was. He probably just felt responsible in saving her life because he was the one to find her. After watching him for nearly five minutes, Michelangelo finally lowered his comic book, and spoke.

“Dude, you’re making me dizzy,” he remarked to Leo, “Sit down already. Besides, you’re going to wear a hole in the floor.”

Leonardo was startled out of his trance by Michelangelo’s voice, and he stopped pacing, gazing at the orange-masked ninja. The younger terrapin offered him a friendly smile, but much to his disappointment, Leo didn’t return it. In fact, his face remained expressionless to the comment, but his eyes were still hard, and serious. Mikey sighed.

“Come on, bro, lighten up,” he told the blue-masked turtle, “Worrying like this won’t do anyone any good. It’s not going to help. It’s just going to drive you nuts.”

“Trust me on that,” he added, after a slight pause.

“He does have a point, Leo,” Donatello put forth.

“For once in his life,” a quipped response came from the front of the car.

“Hey, I thought you were asleep, Raph,” Mikey answered.

“I was,” Raphael replied, “But it ain’t easy to sleep when you got the kind of racket Leo’s been making going on.”

In truth, Leonardo had been quiet, almost too quiet for him, the last hour and Raph found it to be more than a little disturbing. It was blatantly obvious to him that Leo was showing more than mere concern for the young woman who now resided in the hospital. He seemed to be deeply troubled over her. In addition, he refused to talk about it, as was proof of Donny’s earlier failed interrogation. When he had taken to pacing the floor, Raph was awakened from his nap by the tumult of emotions he was emanating. Leo was practically tearing himself up over this woman, and why, Raphael could hardly begin to comprehend. He didn’t see what was so special about this girl that was nearly driving his brother over the edge. He found her to be just another street urchin. Although, she was kind of pretty, but he probably wouldn’t admit that openly. One thing was certain, she was lucky to have made it as far as she did. Leo was good at helping those that needed it. He hoped she would recover for his sake, but he wasn’t too happy with the fact that Leo thought he could try keeping the emotions he was enduring a secret from them.

They all knew the young woman’s situation was bothering him, but they sensed to be something else he was hiding about her; something much deeper. Leo wasn’t talking though, and prying it out of him would be next to impossible in his present state.
As he had watched him, Raphael didn’t know what annoyed him more, his incessant traipsing, or the excruciating silence, but he was growing increasingly tired of it. He wanted some answers now from Leonardo, and he was going to get them, one way or another.

Raph dropped his feet from the steering wheel to the floor, and stood up. He stretched his muscles briefly, his joints cracking as they unlocked from the position in which he had been resting. He then stepped towards the back of the car, and faced Leo, whom had stopped close to him. Leonardo’s expression was unreadable, but his clear eyes revealed what his face would not. They regarded each other coolly for a moment before Raphael gave him a hard frown. Before he could open his mouth to speak, a sudden knock on the back door interrupted him. A moment later, a muffled voice came through.

“Hey, guys, it’s me.”

At hearing her voice, Leonardo tore his gaze away from Raphael, and quickly walked to the back of the car. He opened the door, and April stood there waiting, holding two plain white medium sized boxes in her arms. She gave him a smile, and he returned it, though it was slightly smaller than hers. He then reached down for the boxes she held, and she let him accept them. He tucked them carefully under one arm, and with his free hand took April’s, helping her up into the car. Once she was safely inside, he pulled the door shut.

“Thanks, Leo,” she told him.

“Not a problem,” he answered.

He set the boxes down on a small shelf. A faint scent of sugar coming from them hit his nostrils, and for a moment he was curious as to what April had brought. However, he was far more interested in the news of the young woman she may have carried with her. He turned his attention back to her, as she sank tiredly in a chair. Almost as if she had heard his unspoken question, she looked up at him, and sighed.

“I got what information I could, Leo,” she said, “Damn doctors wouldn’t give me anymore than they did, and I had to hassle them just for that.”

She paused briefly, and took a deep breath.

“They almost lost her on the operating table,” she began, quietly, “If it had been any longer, she would’ve…”

She didn’t finish, and she wouldn’t have needed to either. Leonardo knew what she was going to say, and he could feel the knot in his stomach from earlier grow tighter. The fact alone of how close the young woman had come to death was enough to suddenly make him feel ill. He swallowed thickly.

“What else, April?” he asked her, very softly, trying to work his voice over the lump that had formed in his throat.

“She lost a lot of blood,” she answered, “They had to perform a transfusion. The head injury was worse than they first thought. She has a severe concussion, and they fear she may have bleeding on the brain, but they don’t know for sure yet. I was told she would be taken for a CAT scan.”

Leo nodded his head slowly, feeling sicker by the moment as he listened. He sure as hell hoped he didn’t throw up. Normally these types of things wouldn’t faze him much, but this was different.

“They managed to stabilize her,” April continued, “But the status of her condition is still very serious. She slipped into a coma shortly after, and they’re not certain when she’ll wake up. They placed her in Intensive Care on the second floor, room 215.”

She stopped then, and sighed. It had been difficult for her to tell her friends such gruesome details of the young woman. She knew the girl about as much as they did, and the situation was even despairing to her. What saddened, and surprised, her more was a reaction from Leo she had rarely ever seen him give before. He looked as though if he were utterly in pain. She knew he was especially worried about the young lady, but this struck her as very strange. After pondering on it for a moment longer, but reaching no conclusions, she began speaking again.

“It’s going to be a long time before they know anything more,” she finally concluded, “So there’s really no point in staying here. All we can do now is go home, and wait. I gave the doctor my phone number to call if something should happen.”

A heavy silence filled the car as the information April had given them was absorbed. They knew the situation was life-threatening, but now that the cold, hard facts had been laid open before them, they were stunned. Michelangelo appeared ready to cry for a friend he would probably never get a chance to know. Donatello could only shake his head grimly, and Raphael expressed the emotion he felt in his usual manner, roughly banging the back of a chair with his fist. In his own way, he cared about the young woman too. In such a short time, this girl, a total stranger, had somehow affected a part of them all, but none more than Leo. He seemed to have made a connection with her that had touched him deeply. Raph sighed, and dropped his arm at his side again, shooting a glance at his older brother.

Leonardo’s face was nearly void of expression, and the normally bright green skin seemed a shade paler. His dark eyes were distant, and clouded, losing some of their clarity. He found a chair, and nearly collapsed down onto it. He sat there almost in a daze, lost in his own emotions. At this point, his usual stoic control had become so fragile it was almost breaking, and it scared him. Never before had anything made him come this close to rapidly surrendering to the wall of feelings that threatened to crash upon him. He wondered then what would happen if the young girl actually did die. He felt for certain something inside him would die along with her.

Dread hung over the car like a dark storm cloud. Despite his sadness, Michelangelo was steadily growing uncomfortable under it. He never lingered too long in such serious matters. It dragged him down like a weight. He was an optimistic soul, and being one, he tried to find a bright side in all things. Now he was trying in his mind to find a bright side to all this, or at least a way to divert their attention elsewhere. His stomach answered that problem as it rumbled quietly with hunger.

“Hey, as long as we’re going home, can we stop for some breakfast?” he suggested, breaking the long silence.

At Mikey’s question, April suddenly remembered the white boxes she had brought with her. She had almost forgotten them in the midst of the tragedy. She stood up, and strode over to the shelf Leo had deposited them on. She pulled one of the boxes down.

“As a matter of fact, Mikey,” she turned to him, smiling, “I happen to have breakfast right here. I thought you guys might be hungry, so I bought them in the hospital’s cafeteria on my way back.”

She opened the box she held in her hands, and revealed a dozen of round holed fried dough. The scent of sugar, and glaze wafted through the car.

“Doughnuts!” Michelangelo exclaimed, in childish glee.

He leaped to his feet, and took the box eagerly from April’s hands. Donatello grinned, and Raphael shook his head in annoyance at his little brother’s enthusiasm, though he did look amused. Mikey grabbed two each of the glazed, and powdered doughnuts from the box, then passed the box to Donny. Michelangelo proceeded to stuff two of them in his mouth. His mouth was smeared with glaze, and powdered sugar, making his face for a rather sticky mess.

“Thanks, April,” he mumbled around a mouthful of doughnut.

“Don’t mention it,” she answered.

Don snickered quietly at the apparent disgust on her face. He took one of each doughnut, and gave the box to Raph, who did likewise. Leonardo was vaguely aware of a white box being handed to him by Raphael. He stared at the remaining doughnuts in the box on his lap. Though his stomach rumbled softly with hunger, he knew he couldn’t eat. The tight knot that was settled in it wouldn’t allow him. He closed the box against the sweet smell assaulting his nose, which was gradually becoming sickening to him. He then passed the box back to April, who was surprised at his declination as she took it from him.

“You didn’t want any?” she asked, puzzled.

Leo shook his head, looking apologetic.

“I’m not hungry,” he answered, quietly.

The sounds of chewing ceased at this, and all eyes turned to stare at him. Raph nearly choked on his doughnut, swallowing quickly.

“Say what?” he managed.

Never in his life had Raphael, or any of them, known Leo to turn down food. He had an appetite as hearty as the rest of them, and for Leo not to eat without a reason was greatly suspicious. Though Raph had a good hunch what that reason was, and suddenly his temper flared. He had had enough of this. He was now angry with the young woman who was somehow destroying his brother’s well being, and that he so stubbornly refused to confide his feelings in them about it.

“I said I’m not hungry,” Leonardo repeated, his voice almost deadpan.

“And why not?” Raph demanded.

“None of your business,” Leo replied, evenly.

“Like shit, it ain’t none of my business,” Raphael growled, “We’re your brothers, Leo; family. We deserve to know what’s going on with you. We’re so damn worried about you, we can’t do anything else.”

If Leonardo had been in a more stable frame of mind, the irony would’ve struck him as amusing. He couldn’t possibly begin to count the number of times he had said those same words to Raphael. However, Leo didn’t find it funny. He was in no mood for this, and he felt his normally carefully controlled temper rising fast.
Scowling, Raphael walked to where Leonardo was sitting, and stood in front of him, lowering his face until their noses were only inches apart. Leo glowered at him, his clear dark blue eyes burning with fire and pain.

“Start talking, Leo,” Raph pressed him, “I know it’s got something to do with that girl, and I’m going to find out what.”

“There’s nothing to discuss, Raph,” Leonardo answered, icily.

“Nothing to discuss?!” Raphael raged, “Shit, Leo, this little tramp is turning you upside down! What the hell is it that she’s got on you?!”

“Don’t call her a tramp,” Leo seethed, his tone dangerously low, “And she doesn’t have anything on me. I’m only worried for her well being.”

Raphael crossed his arms over his plastron.

“I think it’s more than that,” he retorted.

For a moment, Leonardo was almost speechless. How much did Raph truly know of what he was feeling? He quickly set that fear aside though, and forged on.

“And just what is it you are implying?” Leo challenged, raising an eye-ridge.

“Hell, Leo!” Raph exploded, “How should I know?! You tell me!”

“As I said, there’s nothing to tell,” Leonardo stated, dryly.

Raphael growled in frustration at his brother’s repeated stubborn evasion to talk, clenching and unclenching his hands.

“Leo, I’m warning you,” he threatened, “You better start talking…”

“No, I’m warning you,” Leo cut in, angrily, “Back off.”

He had had enough of the third degree from Raph. He didn’t deserve to be treated like this. He swiftly rose to his feet, and stood to be level with his younger brother, glaring at him. Raph equally matched the expression. Both appeared poised to lunge at the other like a pair of feuding lions.

“Guys, stop it!” a voice commanded them.

Donatello was suddenly standing in between the two furious ninjas. It probably wasn’t exactly the smartest move on his part, but he had to break them up before the fight became physical. Leonardo stepped back slightly in a neutral stance, but his deep blue eyes never left Raph’s light gray ones.

“Just calm down, okay?” Don told them, “I know we’re all on edge right now, but the last thing we need is a fight on our hands.”

He turned to Leonardo first.

“Listen, Leo,” he began, quietly, “We are very worried about how you’re handling the situation. We’re just trying to help you, that’s all. We wanted to get you to at least talk a little bit about it with us, but the tactics used weren’t meant to be this severe.”

Donny looked to Raphael then.

“And there was no reason for you to be so hard on him, Raph,” he continued, “It’s clear Leo is already having a tough time sorting everything out. Being pressured into talking by you only made things worse. So just leave him alone for now. When he’s ready to talk, he’ll come around, and we’ll be waiting right there for him when he does.”

Raphael grunted in irritation with Donatello’s intervention. Although he knew Donny was right, he was never one for waiting around. He wanted answers then and there. Don continued to keep a firm gaze on Raph, watching him closely. His hazel eyes were silently pleading with him to let the matter go. Raph frowned at his younger brother, and then reluctantly moved away from Leo. He walked towards the chair Donatello had preoccupied, and sat down in it in a rather indignant manner. He kept a persistent glare on Leo as he sulked over the outcome of the argument.

Leonardo sighed, and lowered his eyes to the floor. He was grateful for Donatello’s help, but he had reminded him of the aloofness he’d shown to them. He had separated himself, and thrown up a barrier between them all because he wanted to try to hide his feelings. Though in doing so he worried them even more, and they wanted to help him, but he hadn’t let them. He had rejected his own family in this aspect, and now he felt greatly abashed because of it. After a moment, he finally lifted his sullen gaze, and met Donny’s worried one. He managed to give his brother a small smile to help assure him he was okay, although he was feeling far from it. The headache was back, and his stomach was still tied up in knots.

“Thanks, Don,” he told him, softly, “I do appreciate the help you all tried giving me, but I’m just not comfortable now with talking it out. However, once I am, I hope you will still lend me an attentive ear.”

“Leo, you know we will always listen to what you have to say,” Donatello answered, quietly, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder, “Just as you do the same with us.”

Despite his ailments, Leonardo’s smile grew wider at this, and Donny gave one of his own. He patted Leo’s shoulder.

“Why don’t we go home now, okay?” he added, “Maybe a little practice in the dojo? It’ll do us some good.”

“Okay,” Leo replied, nodding.

It would do them well to disperse some of the tension they all had. Don nodded approvingly, and then walked to the front of the car. He slid in behind the wheel, and snapped on the seatbelt. He was not about to ask Raphael to drive again, and certainly not in the mood he was currently in. Leonardo followed, opting to sit in the passenger seat. He buckled his seatbelt, as did the other occupants of the car. Donatello cranked the ignition, and the engine roared to life once more. He shifted the car into gear, and pulled away from the E.R. entrance. He exited the hospital’s parking lot, and turned onto the street.

The ride home was spent in dead silence. Neither of them was in the mood to converse. They dropped April off first in front of her antique shop, and the apartment she lived in above it. The building had a history as intriguing as the antiques that resided there. Leonardo thanked April again as she was leaving the car.

“I can’t tell you how grateful I am for your assistance, April,” he told her, “I really do appreciate all you’ve done. We couldn’t have gotten the young lady into the hospital without you.”

“It was no problem, Leo,” she replied, feeling slightly embarrassed by the praise, “You know I’ll always try to help you guys when I can.”

“We know you do, April,” he answered, “And that’s why we can’t thank you enough for it. Today was very important to us.”

To me, he added, silently.

Never before had anything been as significant to him as that young woman’s life was now.

“I really hope she’ll come through,” April spoke again, quietly, dragging him from his thoughts.

“Me too,” he said, softly.

“If the hospital calls me with any more news, I’ll call you immediately after,” she promised him.

“Okay,” he replied, “Thank you again, April.”

She smiled at him, and turned to walk out of the car. Michelangelo helped her down to the ground. She couldn’t help but grin when she saw the little bit of sugar and glaze still stuck in a corner of his mouth. He had cleaned his face considerably, but had obviously missed that spot.

“Oh, and you guys can keep the other box of doughnuts, Mike,” she told him.

“Sweet,” he answered, grinning, “Thanks, April.”

“You’re welcome,” she chuckled.

She waved at them before Michelangelo closed the back door, and the car rolled off down the street. She watched them until they turned a corner, and disappeared. Then she took a key out of her pocket, opened the shop’s door, and went inside. She caught her reflection in a mirror, and grimaced. Talk about a fashion statement… It was a wonder no one had mistaken her for a tourist. She definitely needed to change. She exited the room, and into a hallway where the shop connected to her apartment. Two flights of stairs led up to her cozy little quarters. When she reached the balcony, she opened the door to the apartment, stepping in, and closed it behind her.

The apartment boasted a rather comfortable living area, with a fairly spacious kitchen/dining room beside it. A bathroom sat in a corner near the living room, and a doorway leading to a bedroom stood between the living, and kitchen areas. Across the way, on the other side, was a door to a newly added guest room. It was a welcomed one too because April had many a guest on occasion. Usually it was Casey who bunked with her most of the time, but once in a while, one of the turtles would come up to spend the night. Especially if they were troubled about something, or just wanted some alone time from the others. Mainly it was Raphael who came looking for some needed space.

April glanced at the sleek black cordless phone sitting in its holder on a table at the end of the couch. She dreaded the possibility that the hospital would call her because in turn she would have to relay any news they told her to Leonardo. She wasn’t sure how much more he could take if it was bad. It already seemed to her he was almost at a breaking point in his emotional stability. She had never seen him like this in all the time she’d known him. It was said no news was good news, and she hoped that for Leo’s sake, it would prove to be true. She willed the phone to stay silent for the rest of the day. She then turned her attention away from the phone, and headed to her bedroom to put on a more decent set of clothes.

End Chapter Two
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