Chapter 10

Previously…

I cried out once more, "KATHY!"

(Kathrine's POV)

I watched in horror as my friends and sister were taken away.

"NO!" Leo shouted.

"Come back!" We tried to follow them but Leo, stumbled and held his knee. I tried to run faster but I only made it a few feet before my tail caught up in my legs and I fell face first into the dirt.

"They're gone." Leo said solemnly, "I couldn't do anything!"

"Leo? Kathrine?" I turned and saw April staring off into space with white eyes, "My eyes."

"What's wrong April?" I stumbled to her side, as did Leo.

"April. You're blind?" Leo asked with a hint of fear.

"Not exactly."

"What does that mean?" I cocked my head in confusion. How can you not exactly by blind?

"Somehow I-I got a physic connection to the monster. Maybe from Donnie's Nurrow Transmitter?" She asked. Me and Leo looked at each other, completely confused at what she just said.

She huffed in annoyance, "I'm seeing through it's eyes." She pointed at her eyes and I watched in anticipation, "I know where it's taking them!" Suddenly she held her stomach, "Uh oh. And I know why it took them too."

My eyes widened, "It wants to eat them?!"

April nodded. 'Oh no…'

"Well lets go!" I started to lead them into the woods.

I suddenly heard a yell and I turned to see April on the ground, holding her head.

"April! Ah!" Leo collapsed on the ground too. I looked at them with a worried expression.

"I-I'm fine. I… I could feel the creature's pain. It got dizzy" She stood up, "The guys are at the top of Talbid Peak. We better hurry." I nodded, forgetting for a moment she couldn't see.

"Hurry?" Leo stood up, a little wobbly. His voice was soft and strained, "April look at us."

"That's a little difficult right now!" She exclaimed and I felt a stab of annoyance towards the red head.

"That's my point! You can't see, I can't walk." He sighed and pointed at me, "She's the only one of us who'd do any good."

My eyes held hurt in them for the two, "No I'm not." I walked up to them and put a paw on each of their shoulders, "I'm just as bad. I'm a mutant. And I can't even control my own tail! I'm not a ninja or a street fighter, and all these smells and sounds confuse me." I hung my head, "To be honest, I'm worse. I could have tried to do something but I couldn't! You're injured and April's practically blind!" I shut my eyes, "I could have prevented this…"

Silence greeted my words and that's what I expected. Everything I said was true. I didn't want pity. I just wanted to be useful.

"We'll make it!" April suddenly declared and started to walk away.

Me and Leo looked on in surprise. That is, until she walked right into a tree.

"Hehe, I meant to do that…" She said and I frowned. And the impossible journey began.

(Joleen's POV)

I breathed heavily and stared wide eyed at the mighty Chimera. It had dropped us in it's nest and we had tried to get away. So far… it wasn't working.

"We have to get off this mountain!" Donnie exclaimed.

The Chimera lunged for us and Mikey and Casey hit it away, "Easy Churdukin!" Mikey yelled.

"We can take this thing!" Casey shot back at Donnie.

"Oh sure! On a cliff with a thousand foot drop! Very smart plan Jones!" I rolled my eyes.

"Joleen's right! We can't take it on it's turf! Not here!" Donnie agreed.

Suddenly, the mutant swept it's tail, knocking us off the cliff!

"AHHHHH!" We yelled as we tumbled down the mountain and into a hole. I landed heavily, the wind knocked out of me. I looked up and saw Raph helping Casey up while Mikey stopped Donnie from falling further.

"W-where are we?" I asked and peered over the ledge. Just below me was a giant pool of hot boiling water! We all heard the loud screech of the Chimera again and we looked up. It glared at us but didn't make a move to follow us.

"Well, looks like it doesn't want to come down." Casey said, turning back to us, "I think we're safe."

"Safe?! Dude we're trapped inside a giant hole!" Donnie yelled.

I couldn't help it, I burst out laughing from Donnie's statement and the others looked at me weirdly. I blushed and took a deep breath, "Please. Continue." I snickered one more time as they looked away again.

Suddenly, the ground vibrated and a loud cracking could be heard.

"Um… did anyone feel this thing move a little?" Mikey whimpered.

'Uh oh.'

The ground lurched beneath us and me, Mikey, and Donnie fell further down the hole! We landed once again on a hard rock.

"Ow…" I complained. We seemed to be doing a lot of falling lately…

"You guys ok down there?" I heard Raph's voice and I felt something hit my head.

"Hey!" I rubbed my head where the grappling hook and been thrown.

"Sorry…" Raph mumbled.

"We're cool!" Donnie rubbed his head and peered fearfully down into the water.

"Just barely…" I muttered.

"Hot tub time! Alright!" Mikey exclaimed, poising to leap. I grabbed his shell and yanked him back.

"No!" I scolded.

"Not alright!" Donnie yelled at his younger brother, "That water's boiling at about 200 degrees Fahrenheit! " He turned around and started to climb the rope, "It's under intense pressure. I-I think we're stuck in some sort of geyser!"

"I take it that's bad?" I asked, climbing up behind him.

"Yes! That's very bad! It must erupt all the time. It's why the walls are so smooth." Donnie explained.

"How long do we got?" Raph asked as he pulled us up, "An hour?"

"Less, then we're turtle soup."

"Oh great. Now what?!" I asked.

"I have an idea. We'll tie all our grappling hooks together!" Raph said.

"Ok. One problem. " Mikey said. 'What now?'

Raph crossed his arms, "I forgot my grappling hook." Mikey whimpered.

I face palmed. Sure I loved him like the next guy cause he was so cute but really?!

"Yea… Me too…" Donnie spoke.

Raph turned to Casey and me, "Some ninjas." Raph raised his eye ridge expectantly and Casey opened his eyes.

"Awwww! Wha-what were the odds we'd be kidnapped by a giant mutant?!" He tried to defend himself.

"Have you met us?! What are the odds we wouldn't be kidnapped by a giant mutant?!" Raph shot back. 'Good point.'

"You need to be prepared for anything!" He shouted, shooting a glare back at his brothers.

Donnie smacked his hand away, "Why is it always on me?!"

"You're the scientist!" Raph pointed out harshly.

"Let's make a giant balloon!" Mikey offered happily.

"Listen to Casey Jones!" Casey joined the argument and I sighed. We'd never get out of here at this rate!

(Kathrine's POV)

We walked through the forest, me stumbling around over my tail and April being guided by an injured turtle, Leo.

"Things are getting worse. We have to hurry!" April urged.

I rolled my eyes, "We're trying April!" I once again stumbled over my tail.

Suddenly April started sniffing the air as her stomach rumbled, "Leo… you-you smell really…" She sniffed Leo and I looked at her weirdly, "Good!"

"Don't get any ideas!" Leo tried to walk backwards and I almost burst out laughing despite the situation at hand.

"I'm hungry! So hungry!" She said and then started cawing!

"Caw caw! Caw caw!" She lunged for Leo and started trying to bite his face! I stood there, unsure what to do.

"April! Snap out of it!" Leo yelled as he tried to push April away, "April!" He shook her around and suddenly she looked up and backed away.

"Oh man Leo…I am so embarrassed right now…" April confessed with a slight dusting of pink on her cheeks.

"It's ok. Just uh… please stop trying to bite me." Leo smiled a bit.

I couldn't help it. I laughed out loud and they both looked at me, "I'm sorry!" I clutched my stomach and eventually stopped.

April held her head with one hand and closed her eyes, "We have to hurry. The link is getting stronger."

Suddenly I noticed something, "Leo!"

"What?" Leo turned around.

"Y-you're walking! You can walk!" I shouted, excited.

"Oh man! I can't believe it!" Leo exclaimed happily, "I'm standing! I'm standing!"

April narrowed her eyes, "Then let's save the guys."

Leo nodded, determined. I smiles. I was so happy for him.

(Joleen's POV)

"Ok, by attaching Mikey's Kusarigama chain to Raph's grappling vine it should be just long enough." Donnie explained and I nodded. Piece of cake. The real problem was getting past the Chimera.

"Let's find out." Raph took Mikey's Kusarigama chain and spun it around before throwing it up. Casey used his hockey stick like a bat and helped. The blade flung up and caught on a rock.

"Go!" Casey yelled and I rolled my eyes. What a dork.

Raph yanked on the chain, then smirked, "That'll hold. Let's go!" First Raph went up, then me, Mikey, Donnie, and Casey.

"Argh! Almost… there!" Suddenly the Chimera's head appeared in the hole!

"Oh boy…" I sighed and the monster started to snap at us.

"Woah! Easy! Easy!" Raph yelled, a bit paniced. 'Like it's gonna listen to you!' We were jerked around and I started to lose my grip!

"Ahhh!" I screamed as I let go and I began to fall.

"Gotcha!" Mikey caught me in his arms and I couldn't help but blush. But I couldn't celebrate for long. The Chimera ducked down and snapped the rope right in half!

"AHHHHHH!" We all plummeted down back onto the rocks. Raph caught himself and grabbed my and Mikey's hands but Mikey's rump was dipped in the water.

"HOT!" Mikey's eyes went wide and he leaped out of the water, "Hot hot!" He started scooting along the rock like a dog, whimpering, "My sweet little turtle toosh! Ow! Owie! Ow!" I ran to his side and hugged him.

"You ok Mikey?" I asked, concerned for the little turtle.

He smiles, "I'm fine dudette." I smiled back.

"Guys the water's rising! We're running outta time!" Donnie yelled, worry etched in his usual calm voice.

I frowned. How would we ever get out of here alive…

I sat down and hugged my knees. Mikey kneeled beside me and I smiles a bit.

Suddenly I heard a familiar voice, "Guys! Guys! Are you alright?!" 'Leo!'

"Joleen? Are you down there?" 'Kathrine!'

"Leo!" Casey yelled.

"Leo! Yes! We're ok!" Raph called with a rare smile on his face.

I cupped my hands to my mouth, "Kathrine! Get us outta here! Before the Chimera comes back!" I yelled.

"But we're running out of time!" I turned around and saw Donnie's feet just a few inches from the boiling hot water.

"Leo! Wait!" April paused and then grabbed his shoulder, "I'm right on top of us!"

I saw the Chimera swoop down from the sky and I gasped.

(Kathrine's POV)

"Leo! Wait!" I turned and saw April holding Leo's shoulder, "I'm right on top of us!" I heard a screech and the Chimera burst from the clouds above! I dived to the floor and covered my head. As if that would help.

I heard the scream of Leo and April and I looked up in time to see them get taken by the Chimera, "No!" I yelled and tried to follow them, but I skidded to a halt when I reached the cliff's edge. I stood there and watched for any sign of them returning.

"I couldn't help them! Again!" I shut my eyes and grinded my teeth. I was useless. I could faintly hear the voices of my friends inside the hole but I didn't move. What was the point in trying to help if I was just going to fail.

Then, my ears pricked and I looked up to see the Chimera hurtling towards the mountain with April and Leo RIDING it!

"What the shell?!" I cried as the Chimera hit the ground and Leo and April jumped off. I lost my balance and fell to the floor. The mutant's head was plugged into the hole and I stood up. They did it… they defeated the Chimera!

Leo put April down and ran to the now plugged hole. He pushed it aside and yelled into it, "Guys! Move" I ran over and helped him push it aside the best I could. One by one, my friends emerged from the hole*

"Finally!" Mikey exclaimed, "Are we glad to see you guys!" 'Them anyway.' I inwardly sighed. Mikey turned around. He pulled out my sister and I ran to her side.

"Are you ok?" I started to check her over for any injuries.

She gently pushed my hand away and smiled, "I'm fine Kathy."

"Thanks re-" Casey was pushed harshly out of the way by Donnie and I chuckled.

"April… you're eyes." He said, "They're still-"

"Yeah. I can't see anything right now." April told him, "The creature must be in total darkness."

"Um guys? Exploding mountain. Remember?!" Raph said with wide eyes.

"Exploding mountain?!" I yelped.

Donnie nodded and I gulped.

Then the ground started to shake. 'Exploding mountain! Got it!' We ran but not fast enough!

"Avalanche!" We slid down the mountain, or in my case, tumbled down the mountain as giant boulders rained down on us.

We fell to a path and April suddenly yelled, "I can see! I can see again!"

"Does that mean it's dead?!" No one had a chance to answer my question as ore rocks fell.

"This way!" Leo ordered and we ran and dodged the giant boulders. Suddenly, one came my way and I didn't have a chance to dodge before it hit me off balance. I fell to the floor as the others continued to run, completely unaware of what had happened to me.

"Help!" My cries were cut off as multiple boulders covered us, burying us in darkness.

(Joleen's POV)

I gasped for breath and clawed frantically at the layers of rock on my head. My hand burst through the thick mineral and I felt someone grab it. I was pulled out of the rock and I looked up to see Mikey helping me.

"Whoo hoo hoo hoo!" He smiled at me and I smiled back.

"We did it! We're alive!" Casey laughed.

I turned my head to the right and saw Leo helping April out of the debris, "April… thanks."

"Thanks for what?"

Leo smiles, "I'd still be at the farm if not for you. You really inspired me." He said truthfully and I smiled. 'How cute.'

"Oh, Leo. "April hugged Leo tightly and he gladly hugged back.

Mikey and I walked over and Mikey gave Leo a high three, "You guys were awesome! It's good to have you back bro."

"It's good to be back."

"Yeah I mean if you're not leading, who am I supposed to complain about?" Raph smirked and they grabbed hands like bros.

That's when I noticed it, "Hey… where's Kathrine?" I asked, scanning the clearing for her.

Everyone frowned, looking themselves.

"Wasn't she with us?" Casey asked.

"Yea but…" Leo trailed off and put his hand to his chin, "…what if she got separated…"

"Oh no!" I ran back the way we came, "Kathrine!" I called, "Where are you?!"

The guys came too and I took note that Raph seemed to be calling a bit louder than everyone else.

We all searched a bit more until I heard Raph's call, "I found her!" I whipped around and saw him digging away the boulders.

We rushed to his side and helped. Leo pulled her out of the rocks and she hacked up bits of dirt. She opened her eyes and coughed, "Thanks guys…" Her voice was scratchy and hoarse. But a bit of water would fix that.

"Are you ok?" I asked in concern.

She smiled a bit, "Yea I'm fine sis."

I sighed in relief, and then punched her arm, "You almost gave me a heart attack!"

She laughed, "I tend to have that effect on people."

I rolled my eyes. We were all safe and the Chimera was gone.