The first few days back in New York were slow for the Turtles. Their lair had gotten a bit dusty in the time they had spent away, and they had to clean it up. With April's help, they also restocked their fridge. After they were reacquainted with their lives, things started to change.
The Foot were still scattered, since no one had stepped up to replace the Shredder yet. They weren't sure of what happened to Karai, exactly, so the Turtles just bided their time.
As the days wore on, tension started to rise. Leonardo's anger started to show, and he would take it out on the others. After him and Raphael had a fight one day, he stormed out of the lair. He returned hours later, multiple wounds covering his body. He hadn't said what happened, but the news the next morning reported that a large Purple Dragon gang had been taken down. They didn't want to believe that their brother had done it alone, but that was the truth.
After about 2 weeks of being home, Leonardo's personality had become horrendous. He was pushing the others extremely hard, demanding focus and time form them that they didn't want to give. One night, it seemed like he was going off the deep end. After practice, he had stomped out of the dojo without a word and left the lair. No one made a move to follow until Danika stepped forward. "I'm going after him. This has to stop."
Before anyone could stop her, she was gone. Her feet pounded over the ground as she ran through the sewers, moving only on instinct. She had no idea where Leonardo had gone, but somehow she managed to find him. He was poised on an old building by the water's edge, staring at a warehouse. Purple Dragons were swarming the place, doing God knows what. His face was set in a mask as he watched them.
Without warning, Leonardo suddenly moved, running to the alley next to the warehouse. He swung down through a window, pulling his katanas as he landed. The Dragons around him swarmed. Danika followed him, landing on top of two brutes with a growl. She and Leonardo fought in perfect harmony, their anger driving them on.
The rest of the Dragons soon followed them, some pulling out guns and opening fire on the ninja pair. They only got grazed a few times before taking most of the Dragons out. Just as they turned to see what was in all the crates, Hun stepped out of an adjoining room. He smirked at them, waving a remote at them. After pushing the button, he turned and ran from the warehouse. The squealing of tires said that he had hopped into a car and was leaving.
Instantly, Danika grabbed Leonardo's arm, pulling him towards the wall farthest from the remote. "Leo, we have to leave, now! Those far crates? I saw into one, and they're loaded with bombs. He rigged the place- this is all to get rid of evidence! We have to leave!"
Leonardo yanked his arm from her grasp, turning to glare at her. "Not yet. Maybe there is a clue in one of these crates!" He turned and took a step towards a crate, only to find his path blocked by the other.
"Leonardo- we are leaving!" The remote had started beeping, and that was normally never a good sign. She took an opportunity, striking Leonardo on the side of the head. He was dazed enough for her to put her arms around him and half-carry, half-drag him to the side of the building. A kick sent the door crashing down just as the beeping sped up.
"Shit."
Without thinking, she chucked Leonardo off the pier that the building sat on, leaping after him. She dragged him down and away just as the building exploded above them. Pieces of shrapnel fell around them, a few landing too near them for her comfort. One piece actually managed to hit her, dazing her slightly. Struggling to concentrate, she dragged them both up to the shore, where she collapsed.
As they both regained their senses, they sat up. Leonardo shot daggers at her as he stood. "What the hell, Danika? We would have had time to grab a crate or two before leaving. We could have learned about the Purple Dragons and maybe taken them down!" He turned and ran back towards the street, climbing back into the sewer.
With a look of disbelief, Danika followed her brother. She closed the manhole cover behind her, sprinting to catch up with Leonardo. She did, just as he had entered the lair.
"Leo, what the fuck is your problem? All you've been doing the past few weeks is making a complete asshole out of yourself. And you almost just got both of us killed!" Danika stood angrily in the door of the lair, her clothes still wet.
Leo stopped mid-step and turned, pointed a finger accusingly at Danika. "You didn't have to go, you know. You willingly followed me! That's your own fault!" His voice was slipping from normal to 'leader', and soon it would slip into just plain angry.
"Oh, yeah, because me going was a bad thing? They didn't notice us because of me, you know, and I saved your life Leo!" Just as she stopped screaming, the other 3 stepped out of the dojo. Donatello opened his mouth to ask where they had been all night, but stopped as he watched and listened.
Leonardo growled. "You know I wouldn't be this upset if we hadn't had the shit beat out of us by the Shredder, right?" His left hand was a tight fist at his side, while his right continually jabbed towards his sister. Both voices were constantly escalating in volume, and turning more desperate. Both of them were letting out emotions that had been held in for almost a month now.
"Oh, so this is my fault then? Who's the one that dove after the enemy to save her, and then proceeded to get stabbed by her?"
"Who's the one whose distraction during battle almost got them killed?!"
"I was worried about you! I was worried about everyone! How the hell was I supposed to ignore the fact that you could have died when I was right there?!"
"If you would have concentrated on the battle, you could have kept battling the Shredder and not gotten stabbed! The entire time I could feel the distraction coming off you. If you would have focused, maybe none of this would have happened!"
Danika froze as the words came from Leonardo's mouth. Her most beloved brother, her most trusted friend, had just accused her of the injuries that they had sustained in battle. Her eyes narrowed as she tried to hold back the tears. Her voice dropped dangerously low, but her eyes never left Leonardo's. "So you're saying that I'm the reason that we all almost died? I was worried about everyone Leonardo. But apparently winning is more important to you than that." Without another word, she turned and fled from the lair.
Master Splinter stepped out of his room just as the door closed behind his daughter, turning to his eldest son. "Leonardo, explain!"
Normally, when spoken to by his father, Leonardo would kneel and speak respectfully. This time, however, he didn't. He turned to his father and growled, "Explain what, exactly? How she put us in danger? How she lost the chance for us to gain clues about the Purple Dragons and potentially stop them for good?"
Master Splinter glared silently at his son. The other 3 brothers just stared at the pair, unsure of what to do. They didn't want to intervene, but they had never seen Leonardo act this way before.
"Leonardo. You have been suffering. Ever since we defeated the Shredder, there has been an anger in you. Your actions have turned reckless, and you have caused discord in this family." Master Splinter spoke evenly, holding back his anger. He knew that Leonardo was suffering, and he wanted to help.
Leonardo opened his mouth to retort, but Splinter's raised hand halted him. He was slowly getting his anger under control, but he still glared at his master.
"I think that it would be best if you went away for a while. Training on your own, both to better your skills as a leader and to let out your anger. There is a small town in South America that would suit you. You could simply be a ghost to them." Splinter looked out the corner of his eye at his other sons to gauge their reactions. They were obviously not pleased, but they didn't speak out against it.
Leonardo's eyes widened slightly as he stepped towards his master. "But, Master Splinter… I belong here, with my brothers, with you, with-"
Splinter raised his hand once more. "Leonardo. You will go for one year. You will train and become a better leader for your family. Set out tomorrow at dawn." At the mention of the length, the others all gasped in shock.
"A year, Master Splinter? You're sending him away that long?" Donatello's voice was laced with worry.
Leonardo spoke. "No, Master Splinter." Everyone turned to look at him in surprise. "I am leaving now." He thought back to what had happened earlier and deemed it best to remove himself from the situation as quickly as possible. He hoped that, by leaving, he could rectify his wrongs and change himself.
Without another word, he turned and headed for his room. The others just stared after him in shock before turning back to look at their sensei. Donatello spoke first. "Master Splinter… Are you sure that… this is a good idea? I mean, he's the leader and…"
Michelangelo interrupted him. "A whole year? He's leaving for an entire year? Master Splinter, that's insane! Who will be leader? How will we function?" A sharp slap from Raphael shut him up, but that just let Raphael speak up.
"That's a good point. Who's gonna be leader now that Leo's headin' to the jungle?" He jabbed his thumb angrily backwards at Leonardo's room.
Splinter sighed. "We will discuss that later. Let us say goodbye to your brother now." He turned to look at Leonardo, who had stuck down the stairs. He was standing near the front door, his eyes locked on his family. They all walked towards him, but Michelangelo was the first to do anything. He hugged his oldest brother tightly, clinging almost desperately to him.
"I'll miss you, Leo… hurry back, ok?" He glanced up before stepping back, hanging his head a bit. Donatello stepped up next, also pulling his brother into a hug. He pulled back more quickly than his baby brother had, however, and he seemed more withdrawn about his feelings.
Raphael stepped forward, staring into Leonardo's eyes. Neither of them moved for a moment, but Raphael eventually stepped forward. Both brothers held out a hand, grasping the other's tightly. "Come back safe, Fearless." They stepped away from each other, and Leonardo turned to look at his sensei.
He nodded, but the stone-cold glare in his eyes wasn't fading. He turned and, just like that, he was gone. He had taken with him his swords and some provisions, as well as a few other weapons. He planned on sneaking aboard a plane and stowing away in the cargo hold.
The rest of the family stood there for a moment before Michelangelo suddenly gasped. "Wait, Danika left… she doesn't know he's leaving and didn't get to say goodbye! Oh, this is bad…"
Raphael, for once, didn't smack his younger brother upside the head. He agreed with him, because he knew how people that lived by their emotions acted, since he was one of those people himself. Their reactions were explosive and they were quite volatile. He only sighed, hoping she wouldn't be as bad as he was himself.
The crew disbanded from their position at the door to return to normal things. Splinter said that he was going to April's to give her a bit of extra training, and set out immediately. Michelangelo and Raphael decided to play some games, and Donatello retreated to his lab. The peaceable, yet slightly tense, silence lasted for all of about 15 minutes before the door to the lair opened. Raphael looked up to see Danika.
His eyes narrowed slightly as he noted the look in her eyes. She was upset beyond reason, and the best reaction they could hope for was one of silence. Luckily, that's what happened. She took one look at her brothers before sprinting up the stairs to her room, locking the door. Once inside, she started to blare music to drown out her sorrows.
Michelangelo's eyes strayed after her, sighing when the music started to blast. "I don't know which one of you crazies is worse… Are Donnie and I the only sane ones left?" The pair turned back to their gaming for about another hour. At that point, Master Splinter returned.
Upon entering, he cast a sad glance up towards his daughter's room, from which the music was still pouring. He sighed sadly before he walked to the dojo. "My sons. Please bring Donatello and Danika into the dojo so we may discuss a few issues." The old rat then slowly walked into the dojo, closing the door behind him.
Raphael and Michelangelo both stood, each one going a different way. The younger instinctively headed for the lab, while the hothead headed for the stairs. They reached the doors at the same time and knocked almost in unison, but the reactions they got were different.
Donatello slowly opened the door, glancing out at his brother. "What is it, Mikey? I'm trying to organize some files."
Michelangelo peered past his brother. The lab was a mess. There were papers and folders everywhere, as well as a few random technological trinkets here and there. "Um, Master Splinter wanted us to meet in the dojo to talk…"
Donatello paused before nodding. He stepped out of his lab, closing the door behind him. They both walked towards the dojo, waiting outside for their other siblings.
Raphael knocked on Danika's door, but he initially got no response. Thus, he banged loudly on it. "Hey, open up in there. Splinta' wanted ta talk about somethin' with us." The music continued on, so he banged again. "Hey! I'm talkin' to you in there!" This time, the music shut off. The door slowly opened, and Danika's face appeared. She stepped out and shut it behind her before trudging off.
Raphael followed his sister, and soon the pair joined the other 2 outside the dojo. When they entered, only a row of candles before their sensei lit the room. Each of them kneeled before him. Danika turned to look for Leonardo, but he wasn't there.
"My children. There is an issue of utmost importance we must discuss today. As you know, Leonardo possesses skills that make him fit to be a worthy leader." He glanced at each teen separately, as if telling them that they each lacked a very specific trait. Danika, however, just sighed. So that was it. He was naming Leonardo the leader, and what, was he going to pop out of nowhere because he was so ninja?
"However, in light of recent events, I am naming a temporary leader." These words confused Danika. Temporary leader? Why wasn't he just saying that Leonardo was their leader? "Donatello. Out of all your siblings, you possess the most insight and the most level-headed thought process. Therefore, you shall lead your brothers until Leonardo's return."
This was too much for the oldest child. She looked up at Master Splinter, almost accusingly. "Where is Leo? And why is Don 'temporary leader' all of a sudden?" She heard a sigh from Donatello to her right, and knew that something was up.
"Leonardo has been sent on a training pilgrimage. He has gone to South America, and will be living a solitary life to learn how to better himself. He has left us for a year." At these words, everyone could physically feel the emotion that started pouring off Danika.
"He left for a year… without waiting for me? He went to fucking South America without so much as leaving a goddamn note?" She stood at this point, fighting the tears that surged to the surface. No one cursed before their master, and no one rose without his permission. The others turned to stare at her in disbelief. Without warning, she turned and fled from the dojo. She ran silently, but the sound of her door slamming was all they needed to know what happened.
Raphael looked to Master Splinter before he, too, stood. "Sorry, Master." He bowed slightly before running after his sister. Of everyone there, he understood her feelings most. Leonardo had just abandoned them, and the last thing she had done with her brother was argue. Now he was gone for a year.
Donatello spoke quietly. He didn't want to put an idea into his sensei's head, but he was curious. "Master, why didn't you send Danika somewhere as well?"
Master Splinter sighed, casting his keen son a glance. "Leonardo has a demeanor much better suited to living a solitary life to meditate on his actions and better himself. If Danika were to leave, I fear that she would spiral out of control. She must stay with her family to heal. You are dismissed, my sons."
The pair of siblings stood and bowed before exiting the dojo. They walked out to the living room, but saw nothing. Apparently Raphael had either went to his own room or had found a way into that of his sister. The pair returned to their previous activities to busy themselves.
x.x.x.x
After Raphael had left the dojo, he ran to his sister's room. He knocked on the door, but all he received was a choked "leave me the fuck alone". He growled once before leaning against the door.
"Danika, just open the door. It's just me out here, and I promise I ain't gonna tell ya to do anything." He paused, thinking that she didn't care for company, but almost sighed with relief when the lock clicked open. By the time he had opened the door, she was back on her bed.
Danika's room was no different than any of the other rooms in the lair. Just because she was a human girl didn't mean that she acted or lived any differently than the others. Her room consisted of a desk and chair, a small table, and a bed. There was also a hammock that she used on occasion, but she most often slept in her bed. The walls were void of any decoration except a few odd things- a few pictures of the family here and there, her training katanas mounted in their sheaths, and a picture Michelangelo had drawn for her when they had first met.
Raphael closed the door behind him before walking towards the bed and perching on the edge. He didn't speak, knowing that she would talk when she wanted. Though he was a hothead and seemed to not like the emotions of others, that was entirely untrue. Raphael lived by his emotions. They often clouded judgment, and that gave him a connection to his sister. They both lived that way, and he was the only one that could understand her at the moment.
They sat in silence for a few minutes before Danika spoke. Her voice was choked, meaning that she had been crying. "Why the fuck did he leave, Raph?" The Turtle turned to his sister. She had never cried in front of them, except as a child. But back then, they all cried. Her letting him see her like this was something that was special to him. He doubted if even Leonardo had seen this. She turned to stare at him as she awaited an answer, nothing but abandonment, rage, and loneliness burning in her eyes.
Raphael sighed, putting a hand on the back of his neck. "Splinta' said that he needed to train himself to be a better leader, and that he needed to calm down. Apparently sendin' him to South America to protect a jungle village is gonna do that." He scoffed before moving his hands to his lap. He glanced over at Danika, meeting her eyes.
Before he knew what was happening, she had climbed into his lap and was openly sobbing into his chest. She clung to him like a lifesaver, and Raphael's eyes widened a bit. Without thinking, he put his arms around her, hugging her close. He rested his head on hers, speaking quietly. "Hey, it's ok… Ya still got Mikey and Don, and sensei… and you still got me, ya' know. I may not know exactly how ya feel, but I don't hide my emotions like they do. The rage, the hurt… All my feelings make me protect my family. I don't care if ninja are supposed ta be stoic. I don't buy that, and neitha' should you."
Danika didn't react immediately to Raphael's comments, but her crying soon slowed. It took another moment for her to slowly sit up and look up at her brother. The tears were gone, though her eyes remained red and slightly puffy. The emotions seemed to blaze even more brightly in her eyes. "You're right, Raph. I'm not going to let Leonardo ruin my life from a different country." She stood, glancing at her door before back at Raphael. "I have to go talk to Don for a bit…" With that, she left her room to head down to the lab.
Raphael stared after her, unsure of what to think. He had wanted to make her feel better and just forget about the events of earlier for now, but his speech seemed to have a different effect. There was something strange about the look in her eyes when she left, and Raphael wasn't sure if it was a good thing or not.
As Danika reached her brother's lab, she entered nearly silently. Only the sound of the door shutting alerted the geek Turtle to the presence of anyone in the lab. He turned to find Danika staring down at him, and the look in her eyes almost frightened him. "Hey, is there something I can help you with?"
"Don. I want you to make me a… serum. It has to be very particular, you see… And it must be done correctly, because I think there's a chance it could kill me." She stared down stoically at her brother, which made her words all the creepier.
Donatello stared up in confusion. What the hell? "Why would you want me to make something that could potentially kill you, Danika? What would it do if it works?"
"It would make me like you. Sure, being a human is nice and all, but I've always felt like an outcast among you guys because of it. The only thing my looks are good for is ordering pizza and groceries, and April can help with that stuff anyway. What do you say?" She smiled a bit, noting that the reactions on Donatello's face seemed to say no.
"Not that that wouldn't be an amazing feat of technology, but it could kill you! If just a single bond doesn't happen right, if a single molecule is out of place… You would die. I couldn't live with myself if I did that to you!" He paused. "What would the others say? What will Leo do when he comes back?"
Instantly, he regretted mentioning his older brother. Danika's smile faded as she propped her hands on the table, leaning over her brother in an almost menacing way. "I don't give a fuck what Leonardo thinks, Don. This team is in danger without his skills, I'll admit. If I'm a Turtle, I'll be a better team mate. You just better get the serum right."
Donatello opened his mouth to protest, but closed it again when he met Danika's glare. He closed his eyes as his brain staged an argument with himself. Finally, he sighed and looked up at her. "Alright, I'll do it. I'll need a few samples of you and myself and-"
Danika held up a hand. "Just do whatever you need, Don. I don't mind." She pulled up a stool and sat down, waiting expectantly for him to start. He nodded nervously before setting to work. What had he gotten into?
x.x.x.x
Because of Leonardo's absence, the team was forbidden from fighting until they could work cohesively. Thus, they all started their own things. Donatello continued to work on Danika's requested serum, but he also took up a job as an online tech-support. For at least 8 hours a day, Donatello would lock himself in his lab and put on his headphones before dealing with the daily customer calls. His job left him tired and stunned at how incompetent people were most of the time.
Michelangelo wasn't sure of what to do, so he just played games for the first few days. Donatello started complaining that the sound of him gaming distracted him, so he found a position for an entertainer. He donned a fake zipper on his plastron and a large, cartoon turtle head. Cowabunga Carl would cater any event. Michelangelo often came home very tired and annoyed.
Raphael and Danika were different. They didn't want a job, and they were both too tense to train all day. Though Raphael started it, Danika followed in his footsteps. They both took to backwards sleep-cycles, spending all night playing vigilante. Raphael made himself a metal suit to hide his appearance, and donned it every night. The general populous knew him as the Nightwatcher.
Danika took a slightly different approach. She found long but tight black pants and a dark blue shirt. She wore black wristguards and a black mask. Her persona was that of the Shadow. Her movements were quick and silent, though she restrained herself from killing. She only trussed them up like the Nightwatcher for the cops. While the Nightwatcher would leave them hanging upside down from things and tied up to each other, the Shadow would go a step further. She would tie them up and leave them for the cops to find, but she would also carve a small S into the back of their hand, similar to the mark of Zorro.
This continued on for a few nights, making the rest of the family worry about their actions slightly. They both knew another vigilante did work, but neither knew of the other's identity. Until one night, they crossed paths.
A burglary was taking place at a jewelry store, and both the Shadow and the Nightwatcher headed for the scene. They arrived, the former in an alley and the latter perched on a building across the street. Their eyes watched as the burglar- or rather, burglars- escaped out the door. The alarm was sounding, but they would be gone when the cops came. Thus, the vigilantes stepped into play.
Both of them started the chase, the Nightwatcher leaping down to follow on the street. It was then that the pair became aware of each other's presence. Still, they continued on their way. Eventually the couple ran into a large fence. As they tried to scale it, the pair of ninja approached and cornered them. Both spoke, but their voices sounded slightly different than normal. Raphael's voice was a tinny growl, and Danika's was a harsh whisper.
"Well, I think you've reached a dead end, buddy." Raphael stepped forward, cracking his knuckles intimidatingly.
"Just make it easy and give up for us." Danika stepped up and shifted from foot to foot, her eyes trained on the thieves. The pair of criminals turned to glance at each other before leaping up the fence. Both the Shadow and the Nightwatcher groaned, moving forward as one. They easily caught the pair or crooks, each making their trademark before chucking them out to a populated corner. The yells from bystanders let them know that their work was done. Thus, they retreated to the alley.
As the Nightwatcher climbed to the roof, the Shadow followed. Once they were away from prying eyes, they turned to each other. Raphael stepped forward first. "Ok, buddy, what's the big idea? This town's already got me, so you can just go home." He waved his hand as if to shoo away the other, who only chuckled and stepped forward.
"Oh, I believe that I have as much of a right to be here as anyone, Nightwatcher." She stood defensively, as if waiting for the other to strike. She didn't have to wait long. Two long chains fell into Raphael's hands, the large balls on the end swinging in a quick circle. He advanced as Danika drew her swords.
They clashed, each of them evenly matched. After only a moment, they managed to land a strike simultaneously- Raphael's helmet flew off, and Danika's mask was pulled down. They turned, trying to hide their own faces as they tried to figure out who their enemy was. Both of them froze when they saw their supposed foe.
"Raph? What the hell? This is what you've been doing?" Danika paused, a slight grin coming over her features. "I kinda like the outfit… Make it yourself?"
Raphael growled slightly, but couldn't stop the chuckle that escaped him. "Yeah, I made it. I guess you were tired of being cooped up and letting crime run rampant too, eh?" An affirmative nod was all he needed. He bent down to pick up his helmet before turning back to his sister, who was adjusting her mask. "You wanna partner up, sis?"
Danika turned to glance at her brother, smirking as she did. "Why, I always wanted a sidekick!" Her snarky comment started a small banter war, at which point she ended up punching him lightly. They wrestled for a moment before deciding to go home. Though she was normally in a bad mood, Raphael had made her feel better again.
They returned home, their outfits stashed in their respective secret locations. They entered the lair separately, each heading to their own room. Tomorrow was Saturday, so they had nothing to do. Or so they thought. They were awakened the next morning at 8 by Donatello. He had decided that they needed to train every now and then. The four of them had the day off, and Master Splinter had headed over to April's to train her for the day. They headed into the dojo.
Raphael and Danika were both extremely tired, and it showed. Donatello tried to scold them, but it just ended with Raphael stomping out. Michelangelo groaned and complained, so Donatello decided to just end practice now. Just as Danika stood to leave, Donatello pulled her aside. He spoke in a hushed voice. "It's done. I did what I could, but I really wish you'd reconsider. There's still a 35 percent chance that it will either make you horribly sick or kill you. There's also a 10 percent chance that it just won't work." He begged with both his eyes and his words, but nothing could sway her.
"There's a 55 percent chance it will work. I'm doing this, Donatello. Thank you for making it." She gave him a quick hug before walking out of the dojo. Donatello just hung his head, sighing.
As Danika walked into the lab and shut the door, Michelangelo shot her a weird glance. He snuck over, but the door was locked. Inside, Danika found the syringe with the serum. It was premeasured and ready. She picked it up delicately, turning it over in her hands. The liquid inside looked moderately thin, and was surprisingly clear. She smirked before rolling up her sleeve.
Though she had always feared needles, the thrill of this overrode her fear and discomfort. She knew the basics of how to administer a shot, and it went in rather smoothly. When she was done, she set it on the table once more. She unlocked the door and strolled out, ignoring Michelangelo's questions. He peered inside, but didn't see anything unusual. Putting a hand to his chin, he walked back towards the TV.
That night at dinner, Danika looked at her family. They were all rather quiet, except Michelangelo of course. When there was a lull in the conversation, she spoke. "I have an announcement." At these words, Donatello almost seemed to cringe. "I have made a decision to better myself for this team. You'll notice it starting…. Tomorrow morning I think?"
Raphael looked at her questioningly. "What the heck is that supposed ta mean? Can't ya just tell us?"
Danika shook her head. "Just wait and see." Only a few moments later, dinner wrapped up and everyone went their separate ways. Danika told Raphael that she wouldn't be going out tonight, further raising his suspicion. She just locked herself in her room around 10 and refused to come out. Of course, Donatello was worried. He didn't know if it would work, and he didn't know how long or how painful the transformation would be. He knew how painful his had been…
The night went on as usual, and soon everyone was asleep. Danika had tried to stay awake to experience it, but she had fallen asleep as soon as her head touched the pillow.
x.x.x.x
The next morning rolled around as usual. Donatello was up at around 8, though Master Splinter had been up far longer. They were both in the kitchen when Raphael and Michelangelo joined them. "Ok, Donnie, spill- what is up with Danika, dude? You looked nervous yesterday."
Donatello ducked his head slightly and looked down at his coffee, not wanting to answer. The silence became slightly tense as he felt his sensei's eyes travel to him. "My son?"
Just at that moment, everyone turned to see someone enter the room. Their first instinct was Leonardo, but it wasn't. Upon further examination, the strange turtle figure wasn't anyone they knew. Raphael instantly drew his sais, glaring at the person. "Who the hell are you?"
The stranger was a beautiful shade of green, a bit brighter than their leader's skin had been. Her eyes were a stunning shade of blue. She wore a belt with sheaths, pads and a mask like they did, but hers were a dark gray, almost black. When Raphael's eyes fell on the 4 sets of scars, however, he growled. "Danika?" He turned to Donatello, pointing a sais at him. "What the fuck did you do, Don?"
Master Splinter hissed. "Language, Raphael." He turned to look at Danika. "What happened, my daughter?" The look on his face was indecipherable- she didn't know what to say that wouldn't set him off, so she just spoke the truth.
"Nothing that I didn't want, Father." She saw him sending a gaze at Donatello, but spoke before he had a change. "It was not his fault. If he hadn't made it, I would have tried. He's much better at science than I am, so there's a chance I would have messed up." She then turned to Raphael. "And I am Danika no longer. I am Shadow." Raphael was the only one that could truly appreciate the name, seeing as it was what the public had dubbed her vigilante persona. She shot a glance in his direction, but he was still scowling.
"I did this because we are down a member. As a human, I was a liability. You all have genes that allow for faster healing, and shells and thicker skin for more protection. You don't wear clothing that can bind you up as easily, and you have a much higher muscle concentration. I may not be able to take his place, but I can at least do my work and part of his." Her gaze hardened as she spoke, and she looked at each member of her family in turn. There was clear rage in her father's eyes. Donatello seemed to be upset with himself, but at the same time amazed that it had worked. Raphael didn't seem to care either way, and Michelangelo actually looked excited.
After a moment more, she turned and headed into the dojo. She didn't care if any of the others followed. She closed her eyes, moving swiftly into a set of katas. She had to work on balancing her body. The shell on her back made her want to fall backwards, and she had to get used to only 3 fingers. It would take time, but she would learn to do it. Since Leonardo had abandoned them, she had to step up and take responsibility. She would protect her family.
