Hello readers! First, let me just say that, while I'm not entirely new to writing fanfics, it has been some time. I've never attempted a TMNT one though...So I ask kindly for reviews! They're not to make me feel all fuzzy inside (though they help with it). See, if this isn't as enjoyable for you to read as it is for me to write, then I'm not really doing my job, am I?

One last note: this is a typical Leo/OC, even if it doesn't seem like it. Be patient! May turn into a Turtles/OCs later...

Enjoy! (I don't own any of the TMNT characters. If I did, they would've found turtle girlfriends long ago!)

~AniLouBenz

PROLOGUE:

Roosted high above the streets of New York City, the mighty Turtle Titan surveyed the dinner crowds like a great bird of prey. Silent and still as a statue, his eyes lighted on family after family, tourist after tourist, businessman after businesswoman. The only sign of life from him was a continual puff of foggy breath against the cool night. Always watching for danger, always listening for crime, always-

"Mikey, I'd really wish you'd just give up the whole turtle-in-tights thing!" Barked a second form crouched to his left.

And always supervised. Mikey sighed. ''Dude, shut up. You're ruining the mood!''

"Oh, sorry, am I interrupting Tiny Turtle's fantasies?"

Michelangelo took his eyes off the city below just long enough to glare at his brother. He hated having a babysitter. It was bearable when it was Leo or Donny, but having Raph follow him around was the worst. He always found ways to make fun of Mikey's crime-fighting. Bless his bitter, obnoxious heart.

''Come on, can't we just call it a night already and go home?" Oh, not to mention he was a chronic whiner. Raph didn't want to be here anymore than Mikey wanted him to be, so he whined like a baby the whole time.

Go home? So what, you can go out with Casey and smash some heads once your 'ittle brother's safe 'n sound? ''No,'' he said, retreating from the roof's edge, ''This block's all clear though.''

Together they waited in shadow, Raph tapping his foot impatiently while Mikey gauged which way he wanted to go next. He took a running start and leapt, enjoying the moment of mid-air suspension before landing smoothly on the next roof, Raph right behind him.

Another part of the city safe, Turtle Titan took off across the rooftops, ever aware of possible threats...

"You know, you could just ditch me like you want,'' Mikey teased, getting ready to spring again, "No one will know.'' Please just leave me alone already!

He heard Raph laugh as he flew through the air. ''This is Leo we're talking. He'll find out and I really don't need any more nag fests!'' (Leo had to give him the usual you're-older-be-responsible-and-watch-Mikey talk before they set out.) Always Raph, he had to show off and did an air-somersault at the last second.

Just as Mikey was about to retort back in favor of his case, a loud, echoing pop! disturbed the air.

Both turtles stopped and listened.

Too distinct to be backfire from a truck...

And sure enough, not a second later, a scream followed.

Close. They were close.

Turtle Titan soars into action! Mikey took off.

"You had better not screw this up!" Was all Raph spat before setting out after him.

A hop-skippity-doo over a few more roofs had them looking down in an ally at a rather enraging scene. Three Purple Dragon thugs were terrorizing a middle-aged man and a teenage girl, both finely dressed.

There had been a woman too...had been because she was clearly dead now.

The bullet had gone through her head.

Mikey shivered. The thug holding the girl had her in a choke hold and it wasn't hard to see why. Despite her nice clothes, she was fighting him every way she could.

One of the other Dragons, the one not restraining anyone, could be heard yelling at the man, who seemed to be pleading back.

This doesn't look good at-

"Mikey,'' Raph hissed, ''don't just sit there, get your costumed ass into gear!''

The Dragon pulled a gun, aimed, and shot-

The man collapsed.

Raph pushed past him-

He was falling...

The girl screamed again, the same scream from before-

And just like that, his ninja skills kicked in. He wasn't Turtle Titan or Michelangelo anymore. He was as warrior, and these men were his enemies.

Landing in a crouch, he snatched his nun-chucks from the belt of his costume. In the corner of his eye, Raph did the same, his sais glittering in the low light. Between the two of them, a couple punches and kicks was all it took. Easy-peasy.

When Raph finally dropped the guy who had the gun, the lowlife slumped to the ground, unconscious like his despicable friends.

Silence ensued. Mikey inspected the woman, Raph the man. They exchanged identical looks.

Both dead.

''No...'' Staggering, eyes wide, the girl stared at the woman. Tears dripped from her chin, making soft plips on the woman's bloodstained dress. Her own clothes were torn and rumpled, her face battered.

Mikey edged away, but there wasn't a need. She acted like she couldn't see him or Raph...which maybe she really couldn't in her shock.

Raph made the universal let's get out of here motion.

Not sure what to do, Mikey extended a hand towards her, lightly touching her shoulder. She jumped like a scared animal, shied away...

And then she saw him.

He'd always considered himself attractive, for a turtle, but wasn't offended when she squeaked like a rabbit. He did, however, feel a twinge when her eyes rolled back and she fainted. He caught her before she hit the ground.

"Great,'' grunted Raph, throwing his hands up in the air and stomping around the ally. His fist slammed into a wall and he kicked a dumpster for good measure. No matter how tough Raph acted, he never took death well. None of them did. Except maybe Leo.

Mikey let him throw his fit, glad he was taking out his anger on something besides him. Lucky for the ally, Raph always lost steam fast. Huffing, hands still in fists, he strode back to Mikey. ''Come on, let's go tip off the cops and blow this place.''

''We can't just leave her...'' Mikey shifted her in his arms. He'd noted how young she looked. Their age, at most. Not of age... and an orphan now, if he wasn't mistaken.

''Well we can't very well take 'er home, Numbskull!" He looked at her, cradled close to Mikey's plastron, then at the bloody bodies, unconscious Dragon goons, and the filthy ally itself. By the face he was making, Raph didn't like the idea of leaving her here any more than the idea of taking her home.

Forget you, Raph. He'd already made up his mind. "Guess you can go have fun with Casey tonight after all. I'm going home...and I'll take the blame for it."

Raph watched him disappear, a little steamed yet. But somewhere in his heart of heart's, he was somewhat proud of his baby brother. All he could do was shake his head. ''Boy...is Leo going to be pissed.''

Back in the sewer, Mikey tried to be quiet as he slipped inside the lair. He prayed everyone had decided to turn in early. There weren't any lights on in Donny's lab; the dojo was void of the usual racket. Master Splinter's room was also dark.

The girl hadn't stirred during the trip home. Careful as possible, he laid her down on the couch. Still she didn't stir.

Not two years ago, another girl had once lain in her place. One at least five years older, with red hair.

Master Splinter hadn't been happy then; he sure as hell wouldn't be happy now. And Leo...he'd be even worse. Mikey shuddered, glad he could sleep before the shit hit the fan...boy, was it going to hit the fan. He didn't even know how he was going to explain himself.

Better save it for tomorrow...

"You're home early." Arms crossed, Leonardo narrowed his eyes at his younger brother from an armchair.

Mikey yelped, feverishly imagining what he looked like, hovering over an unconscious human girl with torn clothes and bruises beginning to show on her body.

Leo didn't say anything, which was a very, very bad thing. Raph had been right.

Aw, shell...

I'm dead.