Disclaimer: I don't own the original characters of TMNT.

A/N: A few quick points.

1. The time frame is 1997

2. This is the third in a series. Book 1 "The Monster's Sister." Book 2 "Breaking Chains."

3. The legends mentioned here are a mish-mash of several and are not supposed to represent any one in particular. And I have given my own spin on them too. So, if you believe you've heard of the legend before, it's possible. But not in the way I will render it.

Previously

The first man shook his head. "But she's the only one that can open the door!"

"We've discussed this. That is not a certainty. Now, come on."

"No! I won't! The line may be thin, but she's the last one!"

This time the older man narrowed his eyes. "No! We have no proof of that!"

The raised voices had drawn Don from the office. Seeing the rather frightened looks both Katherine and Sams wore, he glared at the two men. "Exactly what is going on here?"

Katherine started to take a step towards him, but the man named Chresal grabbed her wrist. She gave a gasp as she was yanked around. "See!" He pointed at her neckless. "She has all the proof we need! She wears the amulet!"

"Get your hands off her!" Don shot across the room so fast the man gasped as Katherine was torn from his hands and he was thrust to the ground. Don clutched Katherine to his plastron. He growled, his glare much darker now. "Who are you!"

The older man near the door frowned, his gaze fixed on Katherine. "We are the Tijodyn. And apparently we have come to ask for your help in saving our world."

Chapter 1 – Forgotten Bloodlines

"Saving our world? From what?" Don watched both men intently. They were dressed in similar clothing. But the older man seemed much more refined and calmer.

"From a terrible evil being released." The older man took a few steps closer. Don tensed and Sams stepped closer to him. "Please, forgive my companion. He is young and…determined." He shot Chresal a stern look, before returning his gaze to the group before him. "I am Warren Bache and this is Dale Chresal. We are of the Tijodyn, an ancient order that has kept our world safe for many millennia. And you are the last remaining heir."

Chresal got back to his feet. "Which means you're the only one that can open the doorway to Pahway and stop the apocalypse."

Katherine's eyebrows rose. "Me? You must be mistaken. I don't even know who my parents were." She shook her head with a little sigh. "I'm a nobody. I always have been."

Donnie frowned, his arms tightening around her. "Katherine, you know that's not true."

"It most certainly is not. You wear one of the Tijo amulets. And your eyes…" Bache explained. Katherine watched him doubtfully while touching the stone around her neck.

Sams put a hand on Katherine's back in an attempt to comfort her. "What about her eyes?"

"They are a tell. The Tijo heirs have all possessed dichromatic eyes. It speaks of their dual heritage."

"Dual heritage?" Don was still skeptical of what these men were saying.

Chresal turned towards Bache. "Sir, we have no time to explain everything to them here. Plus, this place isn't safe. We have to take her back to the caverns. If we found her, the Tawisect can't be far behind us!"

Bache frowned at his charge, but he couldn't deny that he was right. However, he suspected this turtle creature that was clutching the heir tightly to his chest was not going to make it easy. He sighed. "Chresal is right. She shouldn't stay here. If the Tawisect find her, they will kill her. She needs to return with us to the caverns where we can protect her."

Don glared. "I can protect her just fine."

"You don't understand. The Tawisect will be relentless. You may defeat the first wave, but they will send more and more until they achieve their goal – her death." Bache met Don's eyes and he knew he had not convinced the turtle in the least. He sighed again. "Very well, it seems I must give you a better explanation. Perhaps then you will heed our warnings. But we cannot do that here. This store is sure to be one of the places they look for you."

"Maybe, we could take them to April's." Sams suggested.

Donnie continued to frown, still eyeing the men. "Stay here." He released Katherine, only to urge her and Sams into the office. He still did not trust these men fully, but if Katherine was in any kind of danger, he needed to know as much as possible.

Katherine rubbed her arms, hugging herself. She was just as uncertain as he was. "What should we do?"

"Nothing right now." Don took out his communicator. He needed some backup.

Mikey answered. "Hey, dude. What's up?"

"I need to talk to Leonardo. Is he nearby?"

Mikey nodded. "Yeah, I think he was reading." Carrying the com towards the bedroom area, he spotted his brother sitting on his bed with a book. "Yo, Leonardo, Donatello wants to talk to you."

Leo looked up with a touch of concern as Mikey passed him the com. "Is something wrong?"

Donnie made a face. "Well, sort of." He gave his brother a quick explanation of what was happening.

"Well, we certainly can't bring them here. If they are lying, I don't want to show them where April's at either. Why don't we meet at the corner of Sixth and Peak Street? There's an abandoned garage only a few blocks from there."

"Alright, we'll head that way." The abandon garage was a good idea. It would be a safe place to talk since it had no connection to Katherine at all. Leo nodded, but didn't hang up right away. Don knew what he was silently asking. "We're all fine."

Leo visibly relaxed on the other end. "Good. We'll see you in a few minutes."

They hung up and Don looked up at the two girls watching him with deep frowns of their own. "Let's lock up, so we can meet them." Sams nodded and went to close up the register. Don and Katherine moved to follow, but he stopped her in the doorway. Cupping her cheek, he looked deep into her eyes, making sure she understood the sincerity of his next words. "You are somebody special to a lot of people, Katherine. And you are a very special somebody to me." He kissed her soft lips tenderly. "I love you."

A tear escaped from one of her eyes and he brushed it away. "I love you too." She said with just as much conviction, wrapping her arms tightly around him. "And you're very special to me as well."

He took in a deep breath, pressing his cheek to the top of her head. The moment wasn't nearly long enough. He stepped back and took her hand. "Come on. Let's go meet the others. We need to decide if these guys are telling the truth or not." He led her back around the counter to stop in front of the men. "Follow us and don't try anything funny." He paused for only a moment to put on his hat and coat.

The five left the store and headed to meet the other turtles. Don held Katherine's hand tightly, while keeping Sams close to his side. They walked in silence, but the genius glanced at the two strangers from time to time to ensure they weren't trying anything behind his back. Luckily, it didn't take long to meet his brothers.

When Sams spotted Leo she hurried the next few feet to his side. He wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close as he eyed the newcomers. Both were physically fit, though one was quite a bit older than the other. He suspected they would be able to put up a good fight, if it came to that. "This way. We have a place we can talk."

Bache nodded, while Chresal grumbled behind his back. Raph and Mikey followed at the rear watching the two men. They slipped unseen into the dark garage. Inside, Leo turned to the two Tijodyn. "Donatello explained what you have told them so far." He narrowed his eyes. "But no one will be going anywhere with you until we have a good reason to."

Chresal bristled. "Saving the world isn't a good enough reason for you!"

Bache placed a hand on his shoulder and stepped around him. "I have promised a better explanation. The Tijodyn have been searching for Katherine for the last two decades. Only she can protect the seal. Long ago a powerful ancient evil was locked away. But every thousand years the seal weakens and a door can be opened into a mid-realm that is called Pahway. It is a place between our world and the one where the seal is kept."

"And what does that have to do with Katherine?" Leo asked flatly.

"Only one of a particular bloodline can open the doorway and prevent the evil from being released."

Raph folded his arms with a frown. "And how exactly do ya know it's her?"

"As I explained before, she wears one of the Tijo amulets. They are made by the Tijodyn to help protect the heirs. Also, every Tijo descent has had two different eyes. She is the last of the line and so she must come with us. Our people have taken an oath to protect and serve the Tijo heir. Believe me, we mean her no harm. She must live or the world will die."

Leo looked over at Donnie, who was frowning deeply. He turned back to Bache, wearing the same frown. "This is something we're going to have to discuss. We'll need some time."

Bache looked past the turtle to the heir. She's small and rather delicate, but any chance is better than none. "Agreed."

Chresal gasped. "Sir, we don't-!"

"But time is of the essence, the door will only be available for a short time. I can, however, offer the night. Our flight leaves at dawn from the Lucas Private Airfield. If you are not there, then it will be up to us to try and contain the evil." He shook his head despondently. "Which I do not believe we can accomplish." He took the few steps to Katherine, taking her hand. Don glared and growled at the action. Bache would not be deterred though. He met her eyes. "Please consider my words. They are true. If the evil is released, it will bring with it death and destruction to everyone, even those you care about." Katherine gave a small nod and he released her hand. "It is my greatest hope that I will see you in the morning. If not, then farewell. Because, this will most certainly be the last time we will see each other."

With that Bache and Chresal left them standing in the middle of the abandoned garage.

Leo finally turned to look at his family. "Let's go back to the lair. Maybe Master Splinter has heard of these people. Katherine, this is ultimately your decision. But for now, I don't think it's wise for you to go back to your apartment."

Katherine frowned, wondering how long "now" was going to last. Don brushed her hair from her face drawing her attention. "He's right. You'll be a lot safer with us."

She gave a slow nod. "Alright, but what about clothes and essentials and things? I seriously doubt Sams' clothes will fit me."

"I can get them for you." Sams suggested.

Leo frowned, but relented. Katherine had a point. Regardless if they went with the Tijodyn or not, she would need clothes and such. "Okay, Sams and I will go get you a few things. We'll meet you back at the lair."

Katherine reached into her purse. "Here are my keys."

Leo smiled a little. "We don't need them. We'll be taking the ninja entrance." As he took Sams' hand, he paused to look at his brothers. "Stay sharp, guys. Make sure you're not followed."

As they left, Don looked around the room. "If we go through the basement, we'll have less chance of being spotted and followed."

Mikey noticed a trap door. "Over here." There were stairs leading down. The four made their way quietly to the lair.

Katherine didn't pay much attention as they wound their way through the sewers. Her mind swirled with all the information she'd been told in the past two hours. The only thing that kept her moving was Don's strong hand holding hers. It was surprising just how fast she'd come to rely on his strength and love. There were parts of her life that she couldn't remember anymore, but she could recall almost every detail of the few months they'd known each other. Perhaps it was because they went so well together – like a key and a lock.

Bache's words echoed in her head. "….it will bring with it death and destruction to everyone, even those you care about…" She couldn't let something like that happen to Donatello, or anyone else. And if only she had the power to save them, she would. Her eyes fell on her and Don's interlocked hands. No matter how frightening the task might be, she knew she could do this as long as he was with her.

Don glanced behind him. Katherine was pale and a bit shaky. He could tell she was upset and frightened just by looking at her. Wanting to comfort her, he came to a stop and turned to face her. She finally looked up at him. Pressing a hand to her cheek, he frowned at the confusion and fear in her eyes. "It'll be alright. I won't let anyone hurt you, I swear. And no matter what you choose to do, I will be right here beside you." Her skin was soft beneath his fingers and her hand warm when she placed it over his. She turned her head to place a kiss on his palm and he couldn't prevent the shiver that went through him.

Her eyes glowed when she met his again. A small smile crossed her pink lips. "I don't know what I would do without you."

"And you'll never have to know, because I will always be here." He pulled her to him, burying his nose in her hair. The scent of sunflowers and vanilla filled his senses, causing the tension in his muscles to melt away. After a few moments, he stepped back. Raph and Mikey had stopped a way up the tunnel, obviously giving them some privacy but still keeping watch. "Come on. At least you'll finally get to meet Master Splinter."

They moved to meet up with Mikey and Raph. Katherine let out a soft sigh. "I feel a little guilty about putting it off for so long."

Don smiled a little. "You weren't putting it off. You've been busy - we both have. Master Splinter understands that."

"Still, I wish we were doing this under better circumstances."

Mikey shot her a grin over his shoulder. "Don't worry, dudette. Sensei will think you're awesome!"

Raph glanced over his shoulder as well. "For once I have to agree with Michelangelo. As much as Donatello has talked about you, he probably feels like he knows you already."

Don blushed, but the comment only seemed to make her smile. She moved closer to wrap her arm through his. "That's sweet. I'd talk about you too, if I had someone to tell." She said softly. Don's blush intensified, but it was accompanied with a large smile this time.

A few minutes later they stepped through the threshold to the lair. Katherine looked around curiously. She was surprised to see how homey the place was. The guys hadn't said much about it, only that it was in the sewers.

"My sons, you have returned." Splinter said from the doorway of the bedroom area.

"Yeah, and we got a lot to tell ya." Raph stepped aside so that Splinter could see Katherine.

She blushed and her hand tightened on Don's. "It's very nice to finally meet you, Master Splinter. I'm sorry I haven't been able to come down sooner."

Splinter smiled. "Think nothing of it. Donatello has explained that you have many obligations. But it is good to finally meet you as well, Katherine." Splinter gave a small bow, then he looked at the three turtles. "Where is Leonardo?"

"He should be back soon. He and Sams had to stop by Katherine's apartment to get some stuff." Mikey flopped on the end of the couch.

Splinter's brow furrowed. "Why?"

"Well, that has to do with what we need to talk to you about." They settled on the couch and chairs as Donnie explained the events of the evening and the two strange men. Leo and Sams arrived near the end of the story with a duffle bag full of Katherine's things.

Splinter frowned, rubbing his chin. "Many cultures believe there was some type conflict between good and evil in the beginning. Usually there is some truth in myths with such similarities. I have never heard of the Tijodyn, but it is possible for such a group to exist. Do you believe this story to be true?" He directed to no one in particular.

Raph shook his head. "I'm not sure. I mean they seemed legit on the surface, but I don't fully trust 'em."

Leonardo nodded. "It did feel like they were hiding something. But I don't know why they would insist they need Katherine, if their story isn't true."

Sams shook her head beside him. "I don't know, the only proof they gave for Katherine being this heir is kind of thin. Saying she's the heir just because of her necklace and her eyes is pretty weak."

"I think they're telling the truth. At least most of it. I didn't get any bad vibes from them." Mikey told them.

Splinter looked towards his genius son. "Donatello?"

He leaned forward with a frown. "I'm not certain. I haven't had time to check out their story. There does seem to be a lot of holes in it though. But like Leonardo said, why would they insist they need her, if there wasn't some truth to it." He shook his head. "A part of me still doesn't trust them though." Beside him, Katherine placed a hand on his shell.

Splinter measured the young woman. In the little time since he'd met her, he'd found her thoughtful and kind with an open mind. "And what do you believe, Katherine?"

Don sat back as she started to play with a length of her long hair, a nervous habit he'd noticed a long time ago. "I honestly don't know what to believe. But what I do know is if I do something and their story isn't true, then ultimately there's no real harm done. But if I do nothing and the story is true, billions of people could die. I'm not sure I can do what they are asking me to do. But if there is the slightest chance that I can help them, I see no reason not to."

Don laid his hand on hers. "It could be dangerous. But if this is what you want, I'll go with you."

"You mean, we'll go with her." Leo corrected with a smile.

"Yeah, you're not leaving us behind, bro." Mikey grinned at the couple.

Raph smirked. "You're gonna need some backup."

Splinter folded his hands in his lap. "Then it seems you have made your decision."

Leo looked around the room. Although his team was still uncertain what they were getting into, they were all determined. He gave a firm nod. "Yes, we have." He glanced at the clock. "There's still several hours until dawn. Let's get some rest. I have a feeling tomorrow is going to be a long day."

Don waited until the others had left for bed, before speaking to Katherine. "You can sleep on the couch or I could and you can have my bed. Or you could stay with me…if you want." Looking away, he ran a hand across his scalp. "There's not a lot of room, but we don't have any-."

"Could I?" She asked softly.

He looked back at her with a touch of surprise. But his surprise was quickly washed away by her lost and frightened expression. He sighed inwardly. She's willing to help those people even though she's scared to death. Oh, Katherine, if you only knew how brave you truly are? He squeezed her hand. "Of course."

She hugged him, pressing her face into his chest. "Thank you."

He showed her the bathroom and where his alcove was. He was a little nervous as he laid in bed waiting for her to return. It didn't take long for her to reappear dressed in a sleeveless cotton gown that reached her knees. She paused at the end of his bed, blushing. The blush intensified as he stared at her. How had she managed to go from beautiful to drop dead gorgeous in that short a time. Now devoid of makeup and her light brown hair loose about her shoulders, it was much easier to see her naturally lovely form. He realized he was staring when she started to play with her hair. Clearing his throat, he offered her his hand. "It's alright." He said softly.

She stepped into the alcove to take it. As soon as they touched, all the nervousness left her. Smiling softly, she slipped in beside him. A deep sigh left her when his arms wrapped around her. She held on to him, allowing the fear to be chased away by the strength of his embrace. "I love you." She murmured into his chest.

He nuzzled into her soft brown hair. His own heart was filled with trepidation and desperation. He didn't want to lose her. But she had been right, to do nothing was not right. If Bache spoke the truth, then the entire world would be at risk. Which also meant Katherine's life would be at stake. Neither choice seemed fair. He could lose her both ways. But at least this way, we might be able to help her. He sighed, clearing his mind and focusing on the present. Katherine was soft and warm in his arms, and her scent was mesmerizing. "I love you too, more than anything."

A/N: I hope you've enjoyed this next installment in the "Monster's Sister" series. Don't forget to review!