Chapter 2

The silence was almost unbearable. Every second that passed was worse than the last. Afraid to move, I let my eyes pass by my brothers' whereabouts. Probably fearing the same as myself, they had not yet moved a millimeter. I didn't want to meet the girl's gaze again. Shell, why hasn't she said anything? We must look like monsters to her.

My frustration was beginning to get the better of me. Someone say something!

"Uh, hi?"

Except him.

Mikey moved his hand an inch to the side and back so as to form some sort of a wave. A nervous grin was plastered on his face. If it weren't for the situation right now, I would probably be laughing my shell off. Mike's face looked like a jumble of emotions: excited enough to pee, terrified enough to pee, and nervous enough to throw up. It was pretty hilarious.

"Whoa. Nope. Didn't expect this." She shook her head and pursed her lips together as if stumped. After a couple of seconds of silence she puffed out her cheeks and widened her eyes looking to the side as if the whole scenario was awkward. With a pop from her lips she looked up at me.

"Just making sure my theory is correct, you don't plan on eating me right?" She actually looked concerned.

"That's disgusting! Ugh, why would you think that?" Mikey stuck out his tongue. Oh, maybe he might throw up. The girl gave Mikey an incredulous look like he was crazy, yet she seemed to relax all the same.

"So," she was nodding slowly, looking at each of us.

Delayed, my brain turned back on. None of this was normal! There was a human girl in our living room and she was just staring at us. Where was the screaming? Can she not see us? We are green for crying out loud! Does this not freak her out in any way? Cause, this is completely weirding me out. Is she crazy?

"Are you crazy?" I asked before I could stop myself.

"Possibly. Or dead. I am staring at four giant turtles." She stated plainly.

"Wha…" I cannot believe her.

"For those first few minutes I was a little worried you guys would attack and eat me or something. But since Orangie here said otherwise, I'm kinda excited. I might even throw up."

"You may still be sick from the virus. It's a miracle that you are alive." Donnie interjected, doctor mode still turned on.

"Yeah, maybe." She nodded and agreed while I shook my head.

"No. No. None of this makes sense. Why aren't you screaming? I don't… I don't get it? Why don't you act normal and be scared. You're almost as stupid as my brothers or even more so." I almost growled at her. She stared at me with wide eyes. Oh great, I scared her. Well, good. Cause whatever this is, isn't normal.

All of a sudden the girl stood on the couch and poked me on the plastron.

"Don't call me stupid." she frowned hard and definite. Even though she was standing on the couch she was still a foot shorter than I. We glared at each other and now I could see her face more clearly. Her hair was indeed a medium brown and her face had more colour to it than before. There were little dark specks across her cheekbones and nose. What were those called again? Her eyes were a light green and held some pretty extreme anger at the moment.

"Raph." It was Leo's voice that broke whatever daze I was in. I broke our staring contest and glared at my brother.

"This is your fault. What do we do with her?"

"I get to keep her, right?" Mikey beamed and started towards the girl who had now crossed her arms.

"No." Leo grabbed Mikey's bandana and yanked him back.

"But I found her." He whined still reaching for the girl.

"Careful, it might have rabies." I crossed my arms and stuck a thumb in her direction.

"Really?" Mikey tried to see over my shoulder. The girl crashed her teeth together to emphasize my threat. I almost smirked.

"So we're going to throw her out?" Mikey frowned and a new look of concern appeared on his face.

"No."

"Then what?" It was Donnie's turn to ask the questions.

"I don't know."

"I do, we'll chuck her out the back." I added my idea.

"I don't like that idea." Donnie shook his head and Mikey chuckled.

"Neither does she." He smiled widely.

I looked over my shoulder and the girl was practically fuming. Her face was all red and her eyes looked dark with rage.

"She has a name." the girl frowned.

"We don't care." I blurted before she could tell us. There was a moment of hurt on her expression before she regained herself and rolled her eyes. She was a feisty one. Were all humans like this? I can't believe this is even happening. I turned to face my brothers with wide eyes, trying to convey that this was insanity.

Donnie was looking from me to the girl every five seconds. He seemed to have worked out all the possibilities and was just waiting for Leader to make the next decision before acting accordingly.

Leo, for once, was completely baffled and appeared to be working over some things in his mind. Probably how crazy this was. I mean, come on! This was weird! There's a human in our living room and she's not screaming!

Mikey was practically buzzing. Excited as ever and obviously wanting to talk to her more. He was smart enough to know that right now wasn't the best time to divulge in his human obsession.

"Do you like pizza?" I was wrong.

I closed my eyes and sighed. Seriously, I must have dropped Mikey on the head too many times when we were younger.

I glared as Mikey chowed down on another piece of pizza. The others were tentative as they carefully watched the girl on the far side of the table. At least I wasn't the only one who thought this was a little nuts. The plate that had been placed in front of me was still holding my slice of pizza, though it had long since cooled off. My arms were crossed and my hands, balled into fists. My whole body screamed at the situation but I'd dare not move a single muscle.

The girl was staring at us right back. Every bite she took was a conflict between enjoying the food and keeping her senses wary of the green beasts in front of her. She seemed to have gotten over the fact that we were eating pizza. Like it was some sort of abomination. I didn't understand. Who doesn't like pizza?

"So, what is your name?" Leo asked hesitantly. Without moving my body, my eyes sharpened in his direction. Now Leo was gonna talk?

The girl put her slice of pizza on the plate. It didn't seem she was going to finish.

"Beau." She answered as a-matter-of-factly before eyeing me specifically. She evidently hadn't forgiven my earlier comment.

"Well Beau, you see… this is-" Leo started.

"I'm Mikey. Beau. That's a pretty name." Mikey chuckled. "I like it."

Leo glared at his brother before turning back at the girl. Beau.

"Beau, my name is Leonardo." He placed a hand on his chest then gestured to Mikey. "These are my brothers, Michelangelo, Donatello."

Donnie waved and straightened his glasses.

"And that's Raphael." Leo smiled nervously while eyeing me with careful eyes.

My eyes rolled automatically and yet I couldn't help but glance to the far end of the table. The girl stared at me. Actually, she was glowering at me. I tensed my muscles to keep from shuffling uncomfortably.

"Hello." Her gaze never left my direction. Seriously, is there something on my face? I fought the urge to check and instead continued our staring contest.

"Beau, why were you outside in the middle of January?" Mikey interrupted..

"I was kicked out of the house for not doing well in college." She answered blankly, taking another bite of her pizza as if too keep herself busy.

What?

"What?" My brothers had the same thoughts.

"There's not much else to say. My step mom didn't like my grades and that was the last warning. So, I'm out."

She was as calm as can be. Why would her family do that? That's not what family is supposed to do. I turned to Leo who seemed to be putting together the situation in his big head of his.

"I'm sorry, man. You can live with us." Mikey beamed as all heads turned to the giant turtle with the orange mask.

"I don't think I should…"

"I agree." Once again, the girl and I were eyeing each other mercilessly. At least we we're on the same page. Her green eyes were holding steady. If the situation had been entirely different, I would be impressed with her ferocity.

It took me a moment to understand the silence encasing the room.

Oh. I shuffled uneasily in my seat.

"Now, let's not jump to that conclusion." Leo's eyes narrowed when he caught my eye, warning me to calm my shell.

"Beau, if you can let us think about this for a second," Leader continued.

"Of course."

"Team huddle!" Mikey shouted. At once all four of us jumped from our seats and gathered at the other end of the kitchen. Finally, without the other face in the group I could inspect my brothers' faces. Mikey was an open book, clearly excited. Donnie didn't show any sign against the idea. Leo looked to be thinking things over but it was obvious he was breaking.

"You guys can't actually think this is okay." I voiced my thoughts.

"She's hot." Mikey cooed.

"Mikey," Donnie snapped, "I would think it appropriate to monitor the salubriousness of her constitutional state. And the introspection of accommodation is not completely abominable."

We gawked at our brother waiting for an understandable answer. With a huff, and from what I could tell, a little bit of bashfulness he rubbed his neck.

"I say she can stay." He sighed.

"And she's hot."

"You can't be serious." I rubbed my eyes.

"Shell yeah I'm serious. Look at her. She's smokin. Do you think she'll be my girlfriend?"

"Mikey!" We cried out at together.

"Leo?" I tried. My brother examined the ground then peered in the girl's general direction.

"We," He started then pinched the bridge of his nose, "We let her stay."

"Plus, she's super ho-"

"What?" I almost yelled. "Don't you feel like this is a little rushed? Numb-shell over here finds a human girl, brings her home, and now were just gonna let her stay? Just like that? This isn't some sort of love novel."

"It's three against one. The babe stays!" Mickey whispered excitedly.

"Urgh!" I growled. My fists clenched and unclenched. This was crazy. How did this happen so fast? How long will she be here? Once again, was this not insane?

I sighed and leaned up against the wall adjacent to my room. The darkness that surrounded me was moist and crisp. I fought the urge to shiver.

Unconsciously my mind drifted to the girl and how she spent who knows how long out in the winter cold. I frowned and brushed my hand over my head. Casting her out to freeze to death in the snow really wasn't something I wanted on my conscious.

Wow, just like that. I sighed again. A whole new anger began to well up in my chest.

I was going to let her die while she was fighting for her life? And then I was going to kick her out into the New York winter to freeze to death? I shook my head. This isn't who I am. My brothers had realized the danger of her leaving and I, once again, was too caught up in myself to see passed what was really important. I'm not a murderer.

"We're heroes."

My younger brother's voice rang in my head. I smiled to myself. Yeah, bro. We're heroes.

My muscles burned comfortably and the cool air outside the training dojo was welcoming. Ever since I can remember, whenever I've been angry or had something heavy on my mind, training served to clear my head. If my brothers were up for a spare, that was even better.

I rubbed the back of my neck as I walked down the hall.

Donnie was in his room with a breakthrough with one of his projects and Mikey had left with Leo to the surface for some sort of errand Donnie had sent them on. Or something like that. Whatever.

The past week I had barely interacted with my brothers. Probably due to the fact that all they've done is hang around the girl; showing her around, Mikey giving her some human clothes…

"Why do you have these?" Donnie held up a burgundy sweater.

"In case something interesting calls for them. I think this wins the pot." Mikey grinned before adding, "A girl is going to be wearing my clothes."

"They don't even fit you." Leo shook his head in disbelief at the scenario.

"They won't fit her. They're all boy clothes. Seriously Mikey?"

I rolled my eyes at the memory. Yup, everyone's getting all familiar with each other. We're just one great big happy mutant-turtles-and-human-girl family.

"'She kinda reminds me of you. But nicer.'" I quietly mocked my brother's comment made a few days ago.

"Oh really? I wouldn't know. I've purposely been avoiding her the whole thing." I finished my little monologue, just as I turned the corner. The hallway leading to the center of the lair was slightly aglow and a sound coming from the kitchen had me on high alert.

I immediately shifted the weight on my feet as not to make a sound. Exiting the hall, I followed the rounded wall around the center of the lair, still concealed in the shadows.

Oh shell, I sighed. The girl was in the kitchen, rummaging through our cupboards. She seemed frustrated until she opened what seemed to be the only cupboard left unopened. Ah. There at the top of the cupboard was the cereal: Mikey's cinnamon toast crunch.

With an arm reaching as far up as she could the box was still easily two feet higher. Well, what do you expect with a family of 7foot tall turtles? With nothing to climb on she began jumping as high as her little legs would let her.

An extremely minuscule smile crept over my lips. It could be that this was entertaining as shell or the fact that I really wanted her to succeed and eat all Mikey's favorite cereal. Maybe then they would let her go.

A grunt from the kitchen proved her irritation at her constant failure. This was pathetic.

I couldn't help the hesitation as I took my first few steps forward. My advance was nevertheless carefully silent. There was still time to turn around and leave without my presence ever being known. I was getting closer.

Should I show myself after a week of ignoring her? Shell. My steps slowed as I neared the last few meters. It's too late now.

I stopped right behind her. Today she wore her pants and one of Mikey's huge, oversized man sweaters. The sight was quite amusing.

At once, her stance changed; hands placed on her hips, staring at the tall cupboard fiercely. I gulped inaudibly. If she took one step backwards, we would be pressed against my plastron. Looking down then up at the cereal I could very easily reach, I sighed and raised my arm to grab it.

"Stop!" her voice was loud in the quietness of the lair. I froze and frowned. Can't she see I'm trying to help her? My eyes narrowed down meeting her cold stare.

"I don't need your help." She crossed her arms.

Really? I could hardly hide the annoyed confusion in my face. Is her shell cracked? Fine. My arm began to descend when she yelled again.

"Freeze!"

"What?" I yelled back. "You don't want my help. Fine. I'll go."

Before I could move a muscle…

"I said freeze!"

I froze. Why did I freeze? A cold hand grabbed my bicep. Then another made a lung for my forearm. What? Is she… Is she climbing me?

My muscles still burned from the recent workout. It took my all not to let my arm fall, her along with it.

Finally her two hands were grasping my outreached hand, only a couple inches from the cereal box. Letting one hand go, she made a grab for the box and let go of her other hand. With a grunt she landed her feet on the ground and fell backwards into my plastron, head knocking back. Ouch.

"Agh. Ow." She rubbed the back of her head. Stepping forward she turned to face me with a smirk.

"See?" She seemed pleased with herself. Snapping out of whatever frozen trance I was in, I cross my arms.

"And of course you did that all by yourself." This was unbelievable.

"Did you get it down for me?"

"No, but I… am I something to climb on and then play off?"

"What? Do you not like being disregarded? That's weird. Huh." She moved around my frame then sat at the table. I followed her movements and watched her mercilessly pour the cereal into the bowl. I smirked to myself. Mission accomplished. Oh Mikey's face…

"Do you want some?" she asked without looking up.

"No." The answer was automatic and out of habit. I cringed at the harshness of my voice.

"Fine." She seemed completely detached and impassive towards my animosity and began to eat.

Mikey would be even more grieved to find all of his cereal gone compared to just most of it. My thoughts raced and before I knew it I had grabbed another bowl and sat across from the gutsy girl. Not even paying me mind she grabbed the box and dumped it completely upside down, the remaining contents crashing into my bowl.

I raised an eyebrow muscle at the sheer cheeky behavior of the whole ordeal.

It didn't take long before my short attention span reached its limit and the quiet seemed just a little too quiet.

"So, girl…"

"It's Beau."

"I'm pretty sure you're a girl."

"My name. My name's is Beau." She stared incredulously.

Right. Forgot.

"Beau." I scoffed. "What kind of a name is that?" I took a huge mouthful of cereal.

"And Rapheal, Leonardo, Donatello, and Michelangelo are so much easier."

I almost choked. Shell, she was right. With a frown I stood from my seat and walked towards the sink where I tossed my bowl. Did I just lose a fight? I felt sick to my stomach at the thought of losing a fight to a worthless human girl.

"Wait, where are you going?" She stopped eating and watched my every movement.

"None of your concern." My eyes reached her face before I strode off. My frown kept, but I could help but feel a little foul at the sudden melancholy in her expression as I walked away without an explanation.

In my room I trudged back and forth. I was frustrated and angry. I rubbed my head and unsuccessfully shook the thoughts from my mind. With a growl I grabbed for my sai and threw one across the room into the dartboard, securing it to the wall.

"Why am I angry!" I yelled to myself.

And there you have it: I'm angry at not knowing why I'm angry. Is this what's it's like for my brothers? Not knowing why I'm angry and then getting frustrated?

Am I mad about the girl being here? Still? No.

I sat on the edge of my bed. Am I mad she beat me at my own game? That I was shocked into silence?

Now this may seem a little absurd to some people, but I've never lost a war of tongues to another person in my life. That's what has always got me into trouble: always having the last, heart-stabbing word. This was hardly a heart-stabbing situation. It was the thought of losing the battle.

I chuckled without humor. And I thought I'd come so far. Only to be undone by an innocent comment from a girl.

"Raph?" Leo's voice woke me from my sleep. When had I fallen asleep?

"Leo." I answered numbly.

"How have you been? We've hardly seen you this passed week." My brother entered my room and stood at the end of my bed. He's already notice the sai sticking out of the dartboard. Thankfully, he's made no comment.

"What's wrong brother?"

"Why is she here?" My words were a lot more biting than I had intended. I could see the patience in my brother's face. There was a time where that patience and calm demeanor had made me absolutely furious. How could he keep so calm and the smallest anything could set me off on a rampage.

Now, I had a whole new respect for everything my brother did. His patience was something I strove to accomplish within myself. It wasn't working out at the moment.

"Raph."

"No, Leo. Did you guys really think this through?" I asked, truly curious. I had no idea what their plan was or anything about the whole situation for that matter.

"We…" Leo trailed off and I waited. I really hoped he would find something to tell me. Please, anything.

"Nothing?" I shook my head, "There's nothing you can tell me?" I yelled, balling my fists.

"Raph, that's not – did you hear tha-"

"I know, let's just let her live with us forever. Maybe she can be our little sister. How about that? We'll be a big happy family. Four turtles, a rat, and a human. Perfect!" I fumed.

"Raph, keep your voice down. You know she's in the room down the hall?" It wasn't a question.

"Since when?"

"Since she came here. You haven't been around though, so how would you know." the frustration seeping into his voice. My brother veered for the door, obviously having enough of my little temper tantrum.

"Just," he rubbed his temples, a nasty habit I've been pointing out for forever. "Just get to know her. She reminds me a little bit of you." Leo chuckled.

That's what Donnie said. I turned my head away and rolled my eyes. The sound of my door closing told me Leo had left.

Ah shell, I ran my palm over my face. What was giant turtle to do when upset? Obviously…

"Time to hit the dojo. Again."

Leaving the dojo for the second time, the ground was cool on my feet. If my muscles didn't ache before, they sure were putting up a fight now. I winced while massaging my sore arm. My muscles haven't burned like this in months, not since the last strong encounter with the Foot. That was indeed a day to remember.

My hand dropped to its side then found one of my new scars. It was almost entirely healed now.

"…It's not that bad. Trust us." A voice sounded from the center of the lair. I recognized it as Don's. I shook my head, we're they gonna watch another one of Donnie's movies?

"I shouldn't have stay for as long as I have." The girl replied.

Oh boy.

"Beau, it's not what you think. Just let him get used to you. I'll talk to him." Leo's voice was concerned.

"And how did that go today? Leo, you were there. He said he doesn't want me here. I saw him only today for the first time since you allowed me to stay. He didn't seem too pleased. Do you really think that's gonna change?"

"You weren't meant to hear any of that. He didn't tell me you guys saw each… Beau. Please, you don't have to go."

She's leaving? I would be lying if I said I didn't feel a little relieved since it has been my goal from the beginning to have her go and keep my family safe. After the initial feeling of relief, there was a small feeling of… guilt?

"I'm leaving."

"Beau," It was Mikey. "Please stay. Who cares what that big meanie says?"

Oh, he's gonna pay for that later.

"I'm sorry."

My chest felt uncomfortable with hearing my brother's pained voice. Yes, I felt guilt. Guilty, for making my brothers upset. What was I going to do?

"Just get to know her." Leo's voice came back to me. We'll we need to be around each other to do that. That won't work if she's gone. Ugh, it was obvious where this was going.

My feet moved me towards the voices. The light was bright compared to the shadows from the hall. My eyes squinted for a second, which probably made me look like I was angry. Great.

"Raph."

In a few more steps I was standing with the group. The girl was wearing her own clothes, the one thing she had with her at the time of arrival.

"Raph, you need to stop her. She's trying to leave." Mikey jumped from where he stood, wrapping his arms around me.

"Leaving?" I asked without needing an answer.

"I'm leaving." She answered anyway. For the second time today I looked at the girl. Her eyes were locked on mine. They were an interesting green. Not too light or too dark. Just right. Freckles! That's what they were called. She was short; six inches lower than my shoulders. She was short, though we haven't had a lot of experience with humans in the first place. Other than the Foot Clan. Let's just say you really wouldn't want them to represent humankind. What she lacked in height she made up for attitude, I could put together that much.

From this close I could see her face clearly. Her eyes were sad and anxious and her mouth, taught. I've already made up my mind. How to execute without looking like a big softy, like Leo; challenging.

"No your not." I said plainly. Her change in expression was immediate. From sad and anxious, to confused and anxious.

"Raph?" Donnie, asked. I turned to my brothers.

"You guys really think we should put a girl on the streets who knows about us? She'll probably blab all about us to anyone she sees. We can't risk that."

"I wouldn't tell any-umph." I clamped my hand around her mouth, covering half of her face. It was…soft.

"We could let her go. Sure. She'll probably freeze the death before she could tell a soul anyway." I could feel her shift uneasily.

"Are you saying she can stay?" Mikey looked up hopefully. I grinned, if you could call it a grin. I don't usually like to smile when everyone can see me. It was weak.

I looked down the length of my arm to the face attached to my hand.

"There's not really a choice."

Her eyes were moist and she wanted to speak but tsk that; I wouldn't move my hand. Her gaze dropped, giving herself time to recompose before I let her go. I pursed my lips together, amused. When she lifted her eyes again, her vision had cleared. I let go.

"Who else is going to cook?" She stated plainly. Mikey almost choked. Everyone laughed.

"You can stay!" Mikey got over himself rather quickly, picking up the girl and swinging her around. She smiled and nodded without words.

A hand fell on my shoulder. Leo nodded and patted my shoulder. It was a gesture he made when he was pleased with one of us. I have come to treasure those moments. I could see Donnie shuffling from side to side, evidently excited. Mikey was a whole new level of excitement. He was all smiles and happiness, even as he was being kicked by the girl demanding to be put down.

"To celebrate we're going to have a games night!" Mikey shouted excitedly.

No.

And yet here we are. I frowned even deeper than before, eyeing the ground in frustration. Yes, yes, I saved the day and said she could stay. But why do they need to drag me into a petty games night? At first it sounded promising, maybe a combat match or a training session, or even a trip to the surface and mess up some Foot activity. You know, that kinda fun. But this?

I looked up from the ground were we created a circle while sitting.

"It's just a little bit of an icebreaker. Its called Truth or Dare!" Mikey beamed excitedly. What.

"Okay I'll go first. Beau, truth or dare!"

"Dare." She didn't miss a beat.

"I dare you to kiss m-"

Beep beep beep. Beep beep beep.

"The Foot!" Donnie announced, ripping out his T-phone to access the situation. The rest of us were on our feet immediately. Leo was already running towards the screen to locate the whereabouts of the action. Mikey was mumbling and throwing his arms up in frustration. There was no time to figure out what his deal was.

My eyes went to the girl forgotten in the middle of the room. Her gaze shifted uneasily to each of us, trying to put the whole thing together. Right. We completely forgot she had no idea about the Foot Clan. Obviously. It's been only a week since she found out giant turtles were living under the ground in the sewers. Surprise, there's a huge pack of evil ninjas that try to destroy the city every now and then.

"Babe!" Mikey shouted, jumping over the couch and grabbing the girl's hands.

"It's Beau." She stated plainly, but noticeably wanting an explanation.

"There's an evil clan of ninja's called the Foot. Sometimes they try and destroy the city."

Wow. That sounded as smooth as I thought it would be. I shook my head and rolled my eyes. Mikey.

"Destroy the city?" She asked.

"Okay, so they've never really got that close. But they are not to be trusted. Okay?"

"And they're extremely dangerous." Leo came back, armed with his katanas. It took me less than a second to realize I hadn't moved since the announcement of the Foot. I frowned at my complete ignorance, bewildered.

"Beau," Leo continued, "I'm afraid there's more to this city that meets the eye."

She crossed her arms and leaned on one leg, her hip jutting out. Serious attitude.

"And four giant turtles didn't give that away at all. I'm glad you cleared that up for me. Thanks Leo." She smirked, clearly amused with herself.

I fought the urge to crack a grin. Leo's face was sheepish and he smiled.

"Obviously." He nudged her shoulder and she grinned wider. When did they become so close? I scowled. The look on her face fell slightly. She was clearly still distraught at the given news. Was she worried?

Her eyes met mine and I looked away. Why did I look away? I mentally punched myself. I gotta get my head in the game. She only looked at you, fool. Only a weak person would cower. I have to say something. I looked down to find her still watching me.

"Don't look so scared. It makes you look weak." I'm an idiot.

"I'm not scared!" She snapped looking away angrily. Great.

"Leo, we gotta go. Their movement is shifting towards the east side of the city." Donnie was holding his gadget thingy that told us where we were to go to find the enemy. With a nod Leo looked at all of us before running for the exit, Donnie on his heals. I rushed after them with Mikey right behind me.

In the tunnels we swerved left and right, following Donnie and his tracker. My focus was on high alert. I knew where each of my brothers were, never letting them outta my sight. No one would be getting hurt tonight. Not on my watch.

Mikey was beside and I could hear a soft chuckle escape his mouth.

"What Mikey?" I demanded.

"You sure have a way with the ladies. 'It makes you look weak.' Real smooth." He laughed.

"Shut yer shell!" I knuckled him on the head. All of a sudden I remembered when he had called me a 'meanie'. That calls for another punch.

"Ow, what was that one for?" He yelped and rubbed his head.

"Guys, we're almost above them." Donnie whispered harshly. All other thoughts aside, we grouped closer together. The tunnels were dark and cold. I could feel the icy air enter my lungs. Winter was the worst for us. Our movements weren't as precise compare to warmer temperatures. As long as we kept moving we would be fine.

Don's arm shot up, pointing to a near ladder. All together we climbed and emerged from the dark sewer tunnels to the freezing night air. The wind could easily be compared to stabbing knives. Seriously, it was really freaking cold. We were decked in an alley, completely swallowed by darkness.

"There." Leo's voice cut through the cold. To our left on the other side of the street we could see shadows moving swiftly about. It was during this time when we each prepped ourselves for what happens next. Leo was going through the plan in his head in every way plausible. He went through all the possibilities and how each outcome would be dealt with. I don't know how he does it. Once again, he's leader for a reason. While Leo figured out what we should do, Donnie was figuring out what the Foot were doing, putting little details together. If Leo's mind was confusing, Donnie's was a chaotic mess of organized information I could never possess. And then there was Mikey.

I turned to my right to find him glued to my side, as he should be. I told him years ago, I never want him anywhere I can't see. He has always remembered.

Mikey was bouncing up and down, preparing himself for the fight the way the movies always told you. You know, jumping up and down, he's got that covered, flinging your fists and breathing heavily. Why he did it? Please, if Leo and Donnie's mind were bad… Let's not get into Mikey's

I usually don't need time to prep. I'm always ready for a fight. It has it's pros and cons but at this moment, it was definitely a pro.

Leo: the leader. Donnie: the brains. Mikey: Mikey. And me: the muscle. And there ain't no shame in that if it keeps my brothers alive.

In the corner of my eye I could see Leo motion us to his side. The plan was ready. Okay. Here we go.