Chapter 5-

"Lotus... Lotus wake up." Blinking away the blinding light above, Lotus surfaced from slumber, her crimson eyes stilling on Kitty's face which floated above her own.

"Kitty what's going on?" Lotus mumbled sleepily and sat up, forcing Kitty to take a step back.

Sluggishly Lotus lifted her hands and rubbed two loose, three fingered fists against her still foggy eyes. Her lips parted to reveal a cute pink tongue which arced as she yawned. Above her Kitty sighed as she looked down at her little sister stretching on the bed, the blue sheets fell from Lotus's pale body to reveal her nude soft, scaly flesh.

Lotus hummed in relief as the tension left her muscles and she blinked up at her sister. Lotus could tell Kitty was struggling to remove her smile, her face a mixture between impatient and amused.

"What do you think your doing?" Kitty's words were meant to chastise but the affect was ruined by her bell like laughter.

"What does it look like?" Lotus winked saucily and rolled over onto her stomach and posed, her chin resting on the base of her right palm with her fingers curled closed. Her left leg was bent and her toes curled in the air, then to top it off she wore a sexy smirk and sleepy bed eyes. At first Kitty stood dumbfounded then she giggled at Lotus and crawled onto the futon.

"Where did you learn that?!" Kitty laughed and swatted at Lotus's head playfully. Lotus easily dodged and rolled over again, but her shell bumped into the wall and she stayed there on her side.

"From you!" Lotus teased and grabbed onto Kitty's slim creamy tail and slid it through her fingers.

"From me?" Kitty laughed and watched as Lotus played with her tail. "I don't remember ever posing for you-" Kitty choked and her body tensed, her eyes widened to the size of milk saucers. Lotus's movements slowed to a stop as the chimes that were her sisters voice froze. Her crimson eyes drifted upward until she found Kitty's wide blue eyes, her sisters face stiff with horror.

"Kitty?" Lotus whispered hastily. "What's the matter?" Kitty woke violently from her daze and stood in a blur, her tail slipping from Lotus's surprised fingers.

"Stop sleeping naked!" Kitty snapped without looking at Lotus, with a snort she took long angry strides to the door before she turned. Her crystalline eyes looked to the side instead of back at Lotus, the twin pools heavy with emotion. "And wear something more decent, their are boys living here." Kitty reached for the door but stopped at Lotus's unfamiliar tone.

"Coming from you?" Lotus chuckled coldly, her eyes hidden by her bowed head. "You were a necklace for a skirt for Christ's sake." Lotus hissed, her hands forming tense fists against her bent knees. Kitty couldn't help but look down at her leather string with a single line of shells for a skirt. They were all painted either mottled browns or white with a explosion of orange-brown melting into black. "I'm not a child so stop treating me like one, I know he's dead so stop sheltering me." Lotus hissed and her burning eyes lifted to scorch into the back of Kitty's head.

A few heartbeats of silence passed before Kitty spoke. "I will always shelter you. Your my baby sister." Kitty whispered and her tail twitched. "I wear these shells as a constant reminder of him and you, so that like you I can never forget the past I have come from. Because I don't want to be able to live freely when you can't. As long as you carry his memories I will carry these shells. I will struggle just as you do. So you don't have to walk this path alone." With that Kitty exited the room, the heavy steel door loudly closing behind the anthropomorphic cat. Lotus stared at the door a moment longer before a tremor passed through her.

Tears fell quietly onto her thighs and she sighed before loosening her fists to allow her fingers to catch the salty droplets. With empty eyes she watched as she smeared the salty moister into her skin by running her thumb over the collection of tears.

Her head slowly lifted until she was staring up at the roof, leaning back she placed her moist hands behind her for support. Leaving her body bare and on display to the empty room, her full breasts, tiny waist, and broad hips created a perfect hourglass figure. Her legs were shapely and well proportioned to the rest of her small body. Lotus inhaled deeply before standing and glancing around the room, she spotted neatly folded clothing at the end of the futon. Lifting it up she let it unravel for examination, the cloth was a grey sweatshirt with most of the back cut out. She slipped it on and pulled at it until it slipped over her shell, leaving it exposed at the back. It was long enough that it covered her butt, for a moment she shifted in discomfort at the sensation of her tail being confined but quickly ignored it as she headed for the door.

XxXxXxX

As soon as the door closed behind Kitty she swayed forward and groped for the railing. Her head was swimming and she was choking on the lump in her throat. Her claws clicked quietly against the cold, somewhat rusty metal she used to steady herself. The memory of posing for Mar was still burned into the front of her brain. Lotus must have run across it while she was alone, but what really disturbed Kitty was the fact that Lotus so easily dismissed it. Why was Lotus so damn forgiving? How was she ever going to move on if she was not punished by the sole person who deserved to be angry? Kitty trembled like a frightened kitten and closed her eyes as she focused on calming herself.

"Kitty? You and Lotus joining us?" Don asked as he stepped out from the kitchen to stare up at the cat leaning heavily on the railing. Instantly Kitty released the bar from her death grip and stood up with an unusually shy smile.

"Oh ya she'll be down soon." Kitty purred nervously as she took careful steps down the stairs. When she arrived at the genius's side she smiled again to defuse the questioning look on his face. She could tell he wasn't buying it. Without a word Kitty stepped around him and into the kitchen, with a smile she greeted the boys and Splinter.

Don's eyebrow ridge rose questionably after Kitty but he did not follow her in. The sound of metal shifting drew his attention back to the rise above the living room.

"Good mor-." Don choked on his words, he stared at Lotus before turning tail and fleeing into the kitchen. The genius raced to Kitty's side, drawing more than one of his brothers gazes. Don though ignored his family at the table and stood as close to Kitty as he could. She was in the process of grabbing herself a bowl which Don snatched from her hands before it even touched the countertop. Shocked Kitty looked up at the tallest of the turtles and was even more surprised by the annoyed look on his olive-toned face.

"What the hell are you doing?" Don yelled in a hushed tone, so that the prying ears couldn't catch their conversation.

"What do you mean?" Kitty whispered in return, the dark spots at the beginning of her brow bones pulling together in confusion.

"What the hell is Lotus wearing?!" Don growled quietly, the shock obvious in his voice.

"Just something to cover up so you guys can't ogle at her!" Kitty snapped back in the form of a whisper.

"Don are you ok?" Don stiffened as he suddenly noticed a familiar presence just beside him. Whirling around Don stared wide eyed at the Albino next to him. The kitchen was suddenly choked with awkward silence.

"You look like you just had sex." Mikey giggled, snapping the other two brothers sitting at the table out of their shock. Splinter just smiled at his breakfast and said nothing, amused by the suddenly eventful morning.

"What?" Lotus said just before Kitty rushed around Don and began shoving Lotus towards the entrance of the kitchen. "Wait!" Lotus snapped and dug her heels into the tile. "I'm hungry." Lotus said and removed herself from Kitty's grip.

"Then I'll deliver some food to your room!" Kitty snapped and tried to stop the small turtle from dodging around her.

"I want to eat with our new family members." Lotus said and easily avoided Kitty's hands before taking the seat between Mikey and Raph. "Ok so how does this work?" Lotus questioned as she glanced around at Mikey and Raph's plate.

"Just stay where you are, I'll get you both a plate" Don sighed and gave Kitty a exasperated look before traveling over to the stove. As if it was second nature he blindly made two plates of eggs and bacon before setting them before their respective eaters. Kitty sat in between Splinter and Raph, her narrowed eyes watching every interaction Lotus had with the brothers. Kitty's sharp eyes narrowed on the sudden blush that raced across Lotus's face when her fingers brushed Raph's muscular forearm. They both shared a flustered look before looking away to hide their blushes from everyone, everyone but Kitty. Snorting quietly to herself Kitty turned her gaze to her food and quickly ate. Half her food was gone when a sharp knocking echoed into the kitchen. Everyone stiffened and Kitty's eyes slid over their surprised faces to the door that she could see through the archway. Lotus leaned forward to peer past Raph's hulking form, attempting to catch a glimpse of the entrance.

The iron door flew off its frame and crashed into the kitchen, everyone scrambling to escape it's wrath. Lotus felt Raph crash overtop of her as they dashed for cover. His arms wrapping protectively around her, cradling her. She had no time to blush though because the next moment he was on his feet and sliding into a defensive position. Lotus twisted to stand as well and felt her heart hammer at the sight of the turtles and their father side by side, prepared to defend one and other.

"Lotus!" The dust cleared and reveled Terra standing amongst the ruble, the iguanas eyes scorching over the turtles until she found the Albino. Their eyes met, molten gold on the palest sky blue, and a thousand emotions played across Lotus's face. Terra though was all anger, her long tail thrashed angrily, it's gold stripes shimmering in the dull light. Lotus found herself at a loss for words, movement in the darkness behind Terra left Lotus with a single word flying from her mouth.

"Run!" The albino screamed but it was too late, a hulking green mass tore into the light and crashed straight into Leo. A broad tail swept by and also knocked Raph off his feet, sending the cursing turtle spiraling through the air. The giant anthropomorphic crocodile and Leo slammed into the counter, a thunderous crash echoing through the kitchen. "What are you doing?!" Lotus shrieked, her eyes wide with horror as Raph stumbled to his feet.

"Killing your kidnappers." Terra stated and with lighting quick movements she swung her blade whip, it's target an unsuspecting Mikey. Lotus screamed in terror as the blades came so close they shimmered in the reflection of Mikey's eyes.

The blades though found hold in Dons arm brace instead of Mikey's face. The tallest brother lifting his own arm to save his youngest sibling. Don let out a relived breath and smiled at the still shocked Mikey.

A smirk of satisfaction crossed over Terra's face before she violently yanked the whip towards her, the tallest of the turtles gave a startled cry as he was ripped from his feet and crashed into what remained of the front door. With a mastered flick of her wrist the whip came free from Don. The iguana then gave the olive skinned turtle a sharp kick to the head before he could escape and Don collapsed into a messy heap at Terra's feet. Terra foot drew back to kick again but she was forced to plant her feet firmly on the ground when Mikey lunged for her.

"No Mikey!" Lotus shouted and attempted to scramble after him on the loose rumble. But it was futile and far too late, Terra twisted to escape his body slam and ducked just enough to avoid the nunchucks; as Mikey passed over head, her hand that had been empty before now bared a dark crooked dagger. Her movements were carefully calculated so Mikey's softer underbelly was exposed to her wicked blade.

A metallic clang echoed loudly over the background noise of Leo and Raph fighting with 's blade sliced across Mikey's shoulder instead of gutting him and the youngest of the brothers crashed into the sewer outside.

Terra's face contorted violently before it became once again emotionless. Her eyes slid menacingly across the room to Kitty who already had another throwing knife prepared.

"Terra don't do this." Kitty pleaded and Lotus felt her own heart contract at the raw anguish in Kitty's voice. Terra's eyes seemed to waver for a moment. The surface of rage in her eyes rippling like a disturbed pool, hinting at something else below. Then they hardened and Terra snarled down at Kitty, her bared teeth glinting dangerously in the pale light.

"You just want her for yourself!" Terra snarled and swung her whip in a sweeping motion, aiming for Kitty's legs. Effortlessly Kitty leapt straight up and threw the knife at the same time. Terra reacted just as quickly, deflecting Kitty's blade with her own.

Lotus's eyes flew to the movement in the dark sewer beyond Terra and she soundlessly gasped at the sight. Fey carried Mikey over her shoulder. As she entered she let him slide safely onto the floor. Meeko followed silently behind, her ears drooping as if they carried they weight of the world.

Fey's eyes were blank and her movements exhausted, her arms hanging limp at her sides. The snow leopards cool gaze drifted from Terra to Lotus. Fey's eyes lit up and she easily skirted the rumble, heading straight for Lotus.

Lotus stumbled back only to be sent into the floor, face first as something connected with her shell. A heavy weight pushed all the air for her lungs and she involuntarily made a strangled sound.

The weight lifted and she saw Leo slide onto the floor beside her, his eyelids fluttering as if something unpleasant were caught on the surface of his eye.

Before Lotus even had the chance to catch her breath she was pulled to her feet and came face to face with a worn out looking Fey. Meeko stood at both their sides, her fingers twisting and curling around one and other in a nervous habit.

"Lotus." Meeko sighed, more in relief than disappointment. Her hands unfurling to reach out for her.

"What are you doing?!" Lotus exclaimed and jerked out of Fey's grasp. The leopard became deathly still. Then Fey's arms returned to their limp position at her sides and her eyes stared emotionlessly at Lotus. "Why are you doing this?!" Lotus shouted again, color burning its way onto her face as her anger swelled. Fey did not answer.

Lotus ignored Meeko's timid voice and just stared at Fey. Pure rage boiled within her and she felt her body move on its own to lash out at Fey.

Anger turned to horror as Lotus realized it wasn't her body that moved but her mind. Fey crumpled like a dead body, her limbs splaying out in awkward directions. Meeko's horrified scream rose above the battle noise until it was all Lotus could hear. Even when Meeko stopped, the sound roared on in her ears, rising into a torrent of noise. Then all she could hear was long string of curses and an immense tidal wave of emotions.

Meeko's mouth moved and tears streamed over her fluffy cheeks but Lotus could not hear the rabbits voice. Only the high pitched song of Meeko's panic reached Lotus's ears. Wildly Lotus turned to where she heard a string of curses, Raph's curses.

But when she found him, trapped under Crocs massive scaly hand, his mouth was clenched in strain, his teeth screwed tightly together. But the cursing continued. She could hear his thoughts, she could hear everyone's thoughts. She just wanted it to stop, she wanted it to all go away!

Lotus screamed, but not with her mouth. Her mental cry rang out and deafened all their thoughts. Raph flinched but turned his gaze straight towards her, he knew her touch. His ears began to bleed.

Lotus watched the trickle, horrified. But she couldn't stop, not yet, she had to finish. All the fear and anger she felt was ringing out to the others. Deafening them, crippling them.

When the last note echoed in her mind she felt her strength evaporate with it. Her knees gave and she crumpled to the floor in a messy heap. She found comfort in the cool of the cement pressed to her feverish skin.

At least she could hear again. Or at least she thought she could, everything was silent. Trembling she pushed herself up into a sitting position.

Meeko and Fey lay silently at her side, unconscious. Above her on the pile of rumble lay Terra and Mikey, also unconscious. Don lay at the bottom of the ruble, knocked off the top by Terra when she fell. Kitty was only a few steps away from him. Groaning Lotus rolled over to catch a glimpse of the kitchen.

It was in shambles, food and caned goods were scattered everywhere. Raph lay slack against a bottom cabinet, his mouth hanging open. Next to him lay Croc, Meeko's mate. Halfway in the kitchen Leo was passed out. Where was Splinter?

"Splinter?!" She cried, alarmed, she shakily rose from the cement and stumbled to the kitchen.

"It's okay." She heard, her head spun around to see the elderly rat was supporting himself with the sink. Tripping over the rocks she rushed to his side.

"Are you okay?" Lotus whispered. Something flickered behind the rats dark eyes before he nodded. She noticed both his hands were empty and instantly she swiveled around to look through the kitchen. "Did you drop your staff?" She asked.

"No, I broke it. When you almost overpowered me." Splinter said calmly. Everything in her tensed, then her shoulders slumped in defeat.

"I'm sorry." She meekly whispered over her shoulder. And trembled as images and memory's surfaced, she wouldn't give in. She would face this demon.

"I never do it on purpose." Lotus voice came out strained. "I would never..." She drifted off and stared at her own hands.

Warm wrinkled hands enveloped her own and she looked up to see a blurry Splinter.

"Hush young one. We will deal with your weaknesses later. Today it has served you well." Splinter gave her a quick smile before turning to Croc and Raph. "Do you know this crocodile?" Splinter asked as he began searching through what was left of the cabinets.

"Yes, he is mated to my sister Meeko." Lotus answered as she watched Splinter pull a long strand of wire from a surviving cabinet. The old rat seemed to mull this over as he turned away from her and began to shuffle over the ruble. As Splinter passed over Raph he shook his son with his foot before moving onto Croc.

At first Raph didn't respond. Then slowly his gold eyes slid open, and he shifted to sit himself up. His lips parted and he groaned loudly, his movement sluggish as he forced himself to stand.

"Do you need help?" Lotus whispered.

"No." Raph answered without looking at her, making her flinch. She watched as he began helping his father tie up Croc. Another moan had her spinning on her heel to find Leo standing up from the rubble.

"Leo!" She cried out in relief and rushed to the turtles side. She reached out to steady him but thought better of it and let her hand fall to her side. "Are you okay?!" Lotus demanded, her eyes flying over Leo's bruised and bloody body. Nothing seemed broken.

"Ya." Leo stopped to cough. "I'll be fine."

"Leo get da iguana!" Raph snapped before tossing the leftover wire from Croc to his brother. The red masked turtles eyes never once paused on Lotus, passing over her like she was invisible. Lotus felt hallowed out but she silently turned to follow Leo. Maybe she could make it up to them by helping, but as soon as Leo noticed her following him he frowned and stopped.

"Why don't you go wake up Kitty?" Leo offered and Lotus bowed her head in shame before turning away to stumble down the ruble hill to her sisters side. With both hands she gently shook the cat in an attempt to wake her, when Kitty didn't stir the albino shook even harder and the cat came alive with a snarl.

"Woah!" Lotus stated as Kitty tried to bite her, stumbling back she tripped and landed on something soft that groaned in surprise. Scrambling to her feet Lotus turned to see a semi awake Donatello, his eyes fluttering open. She felt Kitty shuffle over to her side and a quiet apology escape her.

"It's ok." She whispered back to her sister before crouching down to examine the genius. "Are you awake Don?" She chuckled and pulled him up into sitting position.

"Mhm." Came Dons dazed reply.

"Thought so." Lotus laughed and ducked under one of his arms, Kitty mimicked her and ducked under his other arm. Together they hoisted the olive toned turtle up onto his feet and carried him over to one of the surviving chairs. Gently they set him down and Kitty set to work cleaning the worst of his wounds.

"He's going to be fine." Kitty mumbled as she used his violet mask to bandage a deep gash on his arm. "Go get Mikey up." With a quiet nod Lotus turned to find the spirited turtle. A spot of orange grabbed her attention and she hurriedly limped over to him. He was lying face down in the ruble and Lotus couldn't help but giggle a little bit. A muffled groan escaped the turtle and she scolded herself finding amusement in his pain before kneeling by the turtles side.

"Mikey?" Lotus whispered and gently tried to roll the turtle over, hooking her fingers in the underside of his shell gave her a good enough grip to flip him. His shell clattered loudly on a edge of the door which jutted haphazardly out of the rumble, instinctively Lotus flinched.

"Eh- where?" Mikey mumbled as he came too, his big blue eyes squinting up at her.

"Your safe, it's okay now." Lotus whisper to the dazed turtle as she helped him sit up.

"Lotus, is everyone okay?" Mikey said and tried to scramble to his feet but a gentle but firm on his shoulder stopped him, confused he glanced up to see a conflicted Lotus.

"Just stay still will you?" Lotus laughed but Mikey didn't miss the tremor that shook the albinos voice or her glistening eyes. With a heavy lump in his throat Mikey sat back down, comforted by Lotus's relieved smile and her shaky laughter. "I'll go get Kitty."

"I'm right here." Kitty announced as she crouched beside Lotus, startling the Albino. "Your going to be fine Mikey." The cat added before she reached for his bleeding shoulder.

"Really?" Mikey said and tried to crane his neck to look down his own body.

"No idea yet." Kitty chuckled before lifting his wounded arm up. A pained howl filled the room and Mikey's hand latched onto Kitty's wrist.

"That hurt!" Mikey whined and both Lotus and Kitty let out relieved laughs.

"It's okay, this just needs to be bandaged." Kitty purred before turning to Lotus. "You can do that can't you?"

"Been doing it to you all for years." Lotus laughed before standing to search for the first aid.

"Over here." A deep baritone rumbled and Lotus spun around, spotting Raph a few feet away. In his hands he clutched a roll of gauze, the gashes on the dark turtles arm already bandaged, albeit rather sloppily. Raph made a motion to inform her he was going to toss it and then he did, straight into her awaiting hands.

"Thanks you." She said but he was already turning away, wordlessly he headed for Splinter and Leo who were standing over a motionless Terra. Embarrassed Lotus quickly spun on her heel and retreated back to Mikey. Kitty was already working on checking over Fey and Meeko when Lotus reached the youngest turtles side. Silently she crouched next to Mikey and set the gauze aside.

"Can you sit up?" Lotus asked the freckled turtle.

"Course!" Mikey chuckled as he pushed himself up, for support Lotus pressed her palm flat against the other turtles shell.

"Careful." She murmured when Mikey cringed, his hand flying to the oozing wound. "I'm going to have to bandage that." Lotus murmured and gently removed Mikey's blood smeared hand from his shoulder. Carefully she extended his arm to make it easier on both them, and then pressed the beginnings of the wrap to his armpit. With quick, practiced motions Lotus began to wrap the wound. Her nimble fingers danced over his shoulder until it was completely bound, not a spec of blood in sight.

"I'll clean it soon, for right now that's just to stop the blood." Lotus added comfortingly, her gentle hands rubbing soothing circles into his back.

"Thanks Lotus." Mikey chuckled and ran his hand of the temporary bindings.

"Don't worry about it." Lotus smiled before standing and glancing around the room, searching for anywhere she could help.

"Woah!" A startled cry rang out, drawing Lotus's attention to the pair of eldest brothers and a large thrashing Croc. Leo, the one who had shouted, was standing a few feet away out of reach of the crocodiles tail. Raph on the other hand was surging forward towards Crocs jaws where the rope was fraying.

"Raph!" Lotus shrieked instinctively and she was running before she had a moment to think, Raph already wrestling with Crocs jaws.

By the time she reached the scene Leo had also thrown himself into the fray, both turtles hanging on desperately to Crocs head. Lotus dove for the rope and grabbed hold of it with both hands, her feet were ripped from the ground instantly.

With her heart in her throat she pulled herself flat against the bottom of crocs jaw and wrapped her legs around his nose. With desperate movements she grabbed the rope and pulled it together, retying and knotting it all over again. Satisfied Lotus released the rope before realizing her mistake.

Croc seemed to sense her moment of weakness and tossed his head violently to the right. The grip Lotus's legs had on Croc broke and she was spiraling head over heels through the kitchen. Everything was a blur of color and sounds before she was struck with intense pain, the darkness that followed swallowing her whole.

XxXxXxX

Kitty watched as Lotus crashed into the overhead cabinets, the whites of her eyes visible from the living room. A horrified yowl escaped the felines lips and in the next heartbeat she was sprinting towards her sister without a thought.

Kitty's paws grasped the albinos shoulders before she tried to roughly shake her sister awake. Tears blurred her vision until Lotus was on large white and cream colored blob.

"Kitty!" Leo shouted before she felt a firm grasp on her shoulder, a harsh yank sent her stumbling blindly backwards. Straight into the remains of the left wall, there she sank to her knees, a horrified choke escaping her.

"Miss Kitty you must focus." A soothing baritone voice hummed and Splinter slid into view, blocking her line of sight to Lotus. The sound of shifting and shuffling almost had her leaning to look around the rat, but then their eyes met and she was captured by him. "Breath in, breath out." Splinter commanded and made slow motions towards the rise and fall of his chest. Her eyes though never broke away from his, his gestures deemed pointless. "Breath in, breath out." She obeyed finally and inhaled we instructed to and exhaled when told. Splinter repeated this until finally Kitty had calmed down. "Are you alright?"

"Y-yes." Kitty muttered, her ears pressed flat against her skull in embarrassment. Sluggishly she tore her eyes from his scrutinizing gaze. Feeling like a scolded child under Splinters worldly eyes.

A sudden bout of anger blossomed inside her at the notion, she wasn't a child and Splinter wasn't her father! If she ever expected the old rat to treat her as an equal she shouldn't be bowing her head in shame in front of him or panicking like a lost child. With her new resolve she straightened her back and stood, peering down at his squaring form with smoldering eyes. He slowly rose after her, his barely there smirk only enraging her further. Quickly Kitty stepped around the grinning rat and strode over to the turtles, her tail lashing behind her.

XxXxXxX

Raph saw it all unfold out of the corner of his eye, Lotus had raced towards the giant crocodile bastard and courageously joined the tussle. He watched her tie the ropes back and he watched her smile with relief. He watched as she did the dumbest thing ever and released the ropes. He then watched helplessly as she tumbled through the air.

He'd never hated anybody as much as he hated this crocodile he told himself as he drew back and slammed his fist into a yellow, hateful eye. He told himself he'd never felt as satisfied as he did when a muffled roar of pain resounded from the bastards tied mouth. But it was the feeling of sickness in his stomach that told him to release the beast and commanded that he turn to face the scene he refused to see.

Across the kitchen Lotus was lying limp on the cupboards and her bitchy sister stood over her, viciously shaking her. Fire built at the sight and he almost stomped over there to beat the shit out of that cat, screw the fact that she was a girl. Leo though saved the cat by ripping her off of Lotus.

He was there in the next heartbeat, scooping the albino up before he could even think to stop himself. Leo was by his side the same second telling him where to put her, ol' reliable Leo. Gently, which he found insanely hard to be, Raph set her down on a spot Leo cleared on the floor.

"She's unconscious." Raph stated numbly, his mind blank with fear.

"Thank you Captain obvious." Leo automatically stated earning him a severe glare which he chose to ignore.

With care Leo lifted Lotus's wrist to feel her pulse, it was even and steady. Next he moved his ear over her chest and lifted the back of his hand to allow it to hover over her parted lips.

At first she didn't stir and fear captured Leo, then slowly as if it took all her strength Lotus breathed. With a sigh of relief Leo sat back on his hunches, he heard someone shift behind him and twisted to find both Raph and Kitty hovering over him. He almost smiled.

"Is she alright?" Kitty questioned. Leo took note that she was much calmer now, if not a little angry.

"Yes she'll be fine, she's just unconscious." Leo comforted and didn't miss the flash of relief that passed over Raphs face before his infamous mask of irritation fell back into place. Silently Raph turned away and made his way back over to the now still crocodile, Leo reminded himself to keep an eye on the pair of reptiles to ensure his brother didn't try to kill the beast.

"Have you been listening to me?" Kitty snapped and Leo broke his line of sight from his brother to the annoyed cat in front of him.

"Sorry what did you say?" Leo drawled, a hairless eyebrow raising in question.

"I said can I move her! I want to take her upstairs." Kitty hissed.

"Yes that's fine." Leo sighed and moved aside for the anthropomorphic cat. Turning his attention away from Lotus and Kitty he spotted Splinter watching from the corner of his eye, but before he had the chance to actually look Splinter turned away and walked towards Donnie. He silently followed, his curiosity getting the best of him.

XxXxXxX

Donatello watched as the scene unraveled, Lotus had been thrown into the cabinets, Kitty had leapt from her position at Mikey's side and raced to her, Leo pulled her off Lotus, Raph picked the albino up as Splinter calmed Kitty, and finally when everything was all right Splinter began to pick his way over to him. Leo not far behind. He waited patiently until his father reached him and stood to offer the seat to the rat.

"No you sit, I am fine." Splinter insisted and Donnie did as he was told. By now Leo was at Splinters side and Don sat back, prepared for questions. Splinter might be the wisest of them all but Donnie was pretty damn intelligent.

"Where did they come from?" Splinter questioned, all the care in his voice from before had evaporated and his fathers gaze was sharp and calculating.

"You've been researching them?" Leo questioned before seeming to realize how stupid the question was.

"Of course I have." Don answered smoothly allowing his brothers slip up to pass by without a jeer in light of the situation. "Luckily what I've been able to find is on my computer in the lab." Donnie added with a sad look towards the state of the living room and kitchen. "Shall we?" Don added as he stood shakily from his chair.

Brother mode kicking in, Leo instantly took Donnie's arm and threw it over his shoulder. Together the wove their way through the rubble to the lab, Splinter on their heels.

Slipping through the door way Leo proceeded into the room before releasing Don onto his computer chair, Splinter came to stand behind the olive skinned turtle. Leo shifted into a more comfortable position on his feet and waited for Donnie to begin. Don didn't and Leo look over at his father and brother. They both stared back, finally Splinter spoke up.

"You should take care of Terra and Croc, the other two won't try to fight again." Splinter instructed. Leo chose to ignore the question that formed on the crocodiles name and instead he focused on the fact that his brother and father were trying to get rid of him.

Leo looked like he was about to put up an argument but Terra's awakening screech seemed to draw his attention, so with slow, suspicious steps Leo made his way out. Donnie sighed in relief.

Effortlessly Don's fingers flew across the keyboard with a precision and ease all the other members of his family could only dream of. Not that any of them would want to type on a keyboard, they left that kind of stuff to him.

"Here." Donnie announced triumphantly as he clicked on a certain saved file.

Images and articles flooded the screen, a unseen video began to play, pained screams echoed through the lab and Don's stomach did summersaults at the sound.

After regaining some composer he began to shift through the mess of information and quickly organized it, thankfully turning off the video in the process. Next he moved to the saved writing and opened the first article, it was a letter.

"I think they know a little more than their telling us." Don stated as he zoomed in for Splinter, allowing the rat to read the hasty writing. The old rat frowned at what he saw.

"It would seem so."