Hey again, guys! Like I said, you're getting two chapters for the price of one today. After this one, it may be a bit longer before I update again because I have to write the next few chapters. I want to be sure I know where I want this story to go before I just start writing a bunch of stuff. But this one will be wonderful because you get to learn a bit more about Mei's past and how she's dealt with things the past few years. I hope you guys enjoy!

To WOLF JADE28: Thank you, honey! I'm glad you're enjoying and been looking forward to another chapter. I hope you enjoy this one just as much! Thanks again and God Bless, sweetie!

To Princess Bunny: No, her powers aren't affected by DNA like when she kissed Leo. It wasn't because she was kissing a turtle that she changed. It's was just kind of like an acceptance thing, more subconscious than caused by touching Leo. I hope that made sense. Thank you again!

"W-what?"

Raph could barely get the small word out. It sounded more like a choke rather than a question. I watched as he tried to keep his teeth separate so he wouldn't grit them together and his fists clenched so tight, I was afraid he'd draw blood.

"W-when? How? Where?"

I sighed. I'd known this day would soon come, far sooner than I had hoped it would. I'd disillusioned myself into thinking that I'd be able to get as close as I have with the five of them and still keep my secrets as close to the chest as I had for so long. I couldn't possibly have gotten any stupider than I already was. And now, one of my younger brothers was learning, rather unexpectedly, what I'd endured in the years before I'd even laid eyes on the turtles.

"Raphael," I breathed, "let me get changed and I'll explain everything, I promise. For now, go wait in your room for me and I'll be there as soon as I'm done."

"Mei…"

"Raph, please. Do as I say. Please. That's all I ask."

He looked at me, a bit disbelieving, and, after a moment, nodded. I could still tell he was wary and a bit worried about what I might say, but, for now, this was the only option I had.

He gave me one last look then turned and headed for the door. He opened it, looked around the hallway to see if we'd woken anyone, and then headed to his right off to his room.

If it hadn't been for the edge of the bathtub being behind me, I'm sure I would have fallen with the pressure that had begun to settle in my stomach. There was the moment of truth, staring me in the face like a ghost come to haunt me…and this time, I couldn't escape.

I finally gained the strength to change into my pajamas for the night, throw my clothes and towel, into the hamper, and go to Raphael's room, ready to face my baby brother.

When I got to his door, I knocked and waited for a reply from inside. I heard his gruff Brooklyn accent say, "Come in," and I turned the cool metal knob, allowing myself in. The lamp from earlier was still on and Raph had resumed his spot on his hammock, but now, he was sitting up, his legs hanging over the side, his hands in his lap, and he was staring down at the carpet floor of his room. He didn't even look up at me as I entered.

I shut the door behind me then treaded over to the hammock and took a spot beside him. I glanced over at him, wondering what he would think when I finally told him, what he would say.

"Raphael, I can't change my past, but I can tell you, I wouldn't change all that's happened because it brought me to the five of you. Just hear me out, okay?"

He continued to stare at the floor then gave me a slight nod, indicating I continue my story.

I guessed the beginning was the best place to start, if any…

"Five years ago, I lived with my mom and dad in upstate in New York. They were scientists, geneticists who studied human DNA. Nothing major, just the assembly, deterioration, and growth of genes. We lived a pretty quiet life. I went to school studying art, and, in my spare time, took martial arts at a dojo only a block from my house. I enjoyed doing what I did and spending time investing in the things I love. But, I came home one night after practice at the dojo and my parents weren't home yet. Usually, by the time I'm done, they're home and mom is fixing supper while Dad read the paper or looked through a new genetics magazine. But that night, it was quiet and they weren't there. Everything in the house was clean and in its right order but when I went to their home office, papers were everywhere and all the drawers had been thrown open. The intruders had been looking for something. To this day, I'm still not sure what. I have a few ideas but nothing concrete.

"Next thing I knew, chloroform was filling my nose and I blacked out. I woke up to a light in my eyes and wires connected to my body.

"I spent weeks in that hellhole. They injected me with so many DNA combinations, I'm surprised it didn't kill me. But I honed my skills when they left me alone in the cage they kept me in. I continued training with the martial arts I retained. I wasn't able to put it to good use till the last day I was there.

"The Shredder came to see how his minions' handiwork was coming along. All I really remember was finally breaking out, getting past every guard that came at me, and barely getting away once the Shredder had gotten a good chunk of my back.

"I just ran and ran until I couldn't anymore. There wasn't anyone I could turn to, not with what I'd become or putting them in danger.

"I found that if I stay in water for a while, my wounds heal quickly compared to if I stay on dry land. I disguised myself as a turtle as I healed and hoped I didn't draw too much attention to myself for the time being.

"I've still yet to find my parents. I'm not even sure they're alive, but…"

I was stopped. A spark of confusion and shock ran through my system. I looked down as best I could to Raphael's head on my shoulder and his strong arms wrapped around me.

"Raph," I asked. "Raph, what's the matter?"

He was beginning to worry me. Raph never acted like this. He was usually pretty resilient to stories or situations like mine.

"I'm – I'm sorry."

I was puzzled. "Why are you sorry? It wasn't your fault."

"That's not what I mean," he interjected. I could hear the grit in his teeth and the anger in his voice. "I'm sorry you had to go through that. I'm sorry the Shredder did that to ya. I promise, none of us will ever let that happen to you again."

"Raphael…"

This turtle never ceased to amaze me, none of them did. They were always caring about me and making sure I was okay. They kept telling me how they loved me when we went to bed and how things had changed since I'd come here. It made my heart swell and I couldn't describe the feeling they elicited in me.

"Thank you, Raphael."

I don't know how long we stayed there or when we'd dozed off. All I knew was that I woke up the next morning and Raphael's arm was still draped around me…

All right, guys. That's going to have to be it for just a bit. I've got a Basic Design project I've got to work on and school and practice sometime this week. I hoped you enjoyed this last chapter. I'm sorry if a part of me is totally BSing this. I tend to do that sometimes. I'm sorry. But let me know what you think and we'll go from there. Wasn't that so sweet?!