Chapter 11

Previously…

We were all safe and the Chimera was gone.

(Kathrine's POV)

Snow fell softly from the gloomy skies. No sound could be heard except the crackling of the fire in the living room. It was cold outside and I shivered a bit. I sat by the kitchen window, staring off into the woods. For some reason I felt a strange urge to go deep into the woods where everything was peaceful, still, and well… familiar… I shook the feeling off. It had been annoying me for a whole month, a strange intuition that I should be out there, free as a bird. Yes, a whole month since my mutation into a fox and I was about fed up. I couldn't get my tail under control, every scent and slight sound set me on edge and I couldn't stand it. Everything was so confusing! And this feeling! I was scared that my fox side would take over and I would actually begin acting like one!

Ever since the Chimera incident, I had been avoiding the others. I felt they didn't need me. I was useless after all. Everyone had their place but me, all because I was a mutant.

Suddenly, the farmhouse seemed too crowed and stuffy, too full of scents and sounds. I flattened my ears and stood up. My light paw steps almost got me out undetected but of course, there was Joleen.

"And where are you going?" I scowled and turned around to face her.

"I'm going out for a walk in the woods. I need to clear my head." I spoke truthfully.

My sister simply nodded, "Ok sis, but don't be out too long ok?" She smiled at me.

This brought a chuckle out of me, "Yes mom. I'll be back soon." I turned and slowly opened the door. It closed firmly behind me and I took a deep breath of fresh air. I suddenly felt the need to run so I sprinted towards the bare trees

I ran deeper into the woods and let my feet carry me there. I burst into a clearing and laughed. Despite the cold, I was happy, I felt free! All my worries disappeared. All my problems, gone. The feeling grew stronger. I was meant to be out here! Not stuck in a farmhouse where I have no purpose!

I was so deep into my thoughts and feelings that I hadn't noticed the fast approaching scent until it was too late.

"Another mutant? Perhaps Master Shredder will find use in you." My eyes widened and I quickly turned around, flattening my ears in fear, staring upwards. I sniffed the air but scented nothing. Odd.

"Who are you?" I pretended to not know.

"My name is Tigerclaw."

(Joleens's POV)

I paced back and forth, constantly looking at the clock. Kathrine should have been home by now! A blizzard had begun and it was below freezing out there! Even with her new fur and long hair, Kathrine couldn't stay warm!

"Joleen, will you calm down?! I'm sure she's fine. You know Kathrine." Leo looked at me worriedly.

I just simply shook my head and went to the window, squinting and trying to see my sister. Then I saw it. A dark silhouette, getting closer and closer to the edge of the trees. I instantly recognized the pointed ears and swishing tail.

"Kathrine!" I hollered and ran into the hallway, practically throwing open the door and slamming it against the wall.

"Hey!" I heard Raph shout behind me as I flew out the door.

As I got closer her face became clearer. It WAS Kathrine!

Suddenly, I saw her stumble as she reached the edges of the trees. She fell to the ground in a heap of fur.

"Kathy!" I ran faster and stopped a few feet from her. My eyes widened and I gasped. Her ears were shredded; her right foot was twisted at an odd angle, and a long gash along her shoulder.

My knees felt weak and I fell to my knees in the snow.

"Joleen!" I heard multiple footsteps behind me and I felt a hand on my shoulder, "Joleen?" It was Mikey. Tears came to my eyes and I hugged him tightly while he rubbed my back.

"Kathrine…" I looked up through blurry eyes and I saw Raph staring at Kathrine in near horror. Donnie collapsed next to my sister and took his bandana off. He wrapped it around her shoulder, though it immediately stained a dark scarlet and I had to look away.

"W-who could have done this?" April whimpered.

Leo unsheathed his Katanas and peered suspiciously around the clearing, "Whatever it was is a threat. Be on the lookout guys."

"We have to get her back to the farmhouse." Donnie urged worriedly.

"I'll carry her." Raph offered quickly and gently picked Kathrine up. None of us have ever seen him so gentle.

Warm arms wrapped around me and lifted my bridal style. I looked up into Mikey's blue orbs and smiled. He smiled back. We walked back to the farmhouse and Donnie immediately rushed to the bathroom. Raph laid Kathrine on the couch and sat next to her, his green eyes filled with pain.

Mikey sat on the chair and held me on his lap. I blushed but stayed quiet. The atmosphere was tense and everyone was silent while Donnie came back and started working on Kathrine.

After about 20 minutes he was finished, his green hands turned crimson from the blood, "She'll be ok. But I don't know when she'll wake up…" He stood up without another word and trudged to the bathroom upstairs.

I climbed out of Mikey's lap and kneeled beside the couch. I looked at my sister's pale face and my heart broke, "Please… wake up sister…"

(Kathrine's POV)

Something woke me up from my peaceful sleep and I moaned in protest. 'Let me sleep longer…'

My ears picked up the shuffling of feet on wood and they flicked. A quick sting of pain came from them and I briefly wondered why my ears hurt.

"K.. rine… can… hear… me?" A voice reached my ears but it was muffled and sounded far away. As if they were across the world but yet right next to me.

I decided to ignore the voice and drift off again. It was probably my mom, telling me to get outta bed and go to school. I was just drifting off again when searing pain shot up my arm. My eyes snapped open and I cried out in pain. That wasn't supposed to happen on a school morning! I clenched my fists and grinded my teeth together as another spasm of pain made me shake violently. My breathes quickened and tears sprung to my eyes. I couldn't breathe!

"Kathrine! Calm down! Donnie!" I felt hands on my shoulders but I couldn't focus on the figure in front of me. Then it all came rushing back. Coming to the TMNT dimension, becoming a mutant, and getting attacked by Tigerclaw! I started to hyperventilate. It was them! The Foot had caught me and were trying to restrain me! I struggled and cried out as my arm protested at the movement.

The hands squeezed tighter and I tried to get away.

"Donnie! What do I do?!"

"Show her comfort! Don't restrain her!"

Suddenly, the hands were removed and I felt arms around me in a light embrace. I stopped struggling and stood there, shocked. My breathing slowed and my eyes focused again. I saw Donatello standing near me with his hand outstretched. Joleen stood beside him, Mikey held her in a tight hug. Leonardo stood by the doorway with a look of shock on his face. Then I turned my head and saw something I never thought I'd see. Raphael had his arms draped around me, his eyes closed, and his teeth grinded together. My eyes widened before I closed them and hugged back, my head lying on his shoulder. I felt him stiffen and I chocked a sob and instead sighed in relief. I wasn't with the Foot and they weren't going to hurt me.

I felt him pull away and I opened my eyes tiredly to meet his. His cheeks were the color of his mask and he looked embarrassed. I offered him a smile and he gave me a small one.

"Kathrine?" I looked up and saw Joleen staring at me hopefully. I smiled and nodded at her. She broke away from Mikey and tackled me in a bear hug. I hugged back wordlessly.

Donnie came towards me, "Are you ok?"

I nodded, "Yea. Sorry about all that…"

He smiled, "It's ok. It's normal for that to happen. I'm honestly surprised that didn't happen to Leo when he woke up."

"So what happened Kathrine?" Joleen asked. I flinched as I remembered.

"It was Tigerclaw…"

*Flashback*

'No! How did he get here?! How did they find us?! W-was this our fault…'

I straightened my face and tried to look threatening, "Leave me alone!" I growled, baring my fox fangs.

He growled back, "I suggest you come with me easily child." He took a step towards me and I looked at his side to see a Tanto in his giant paw. Fear tugged at my heart and I knew he could beat me anytime. I didn't have any fighting skills. Just two ninja moves I had practiced.

I started to back up and he growled one more time before lunging at me. I turned tail and ran. I heard a mighty roar and fast approaching paw steps behind me. I ran faster but I couldn't stay ahead. I heard a blast and something hit my leg. I screamed and fell to the ground. Searing pain shot up my back paw and I let out a choked cry.

"Now, you will come with me." I looked up through blurry eyes and aw Tigerclaw standing over me.

"Never!" I yelled but my voice was strained and shaky. He raised his Tanto and I tried to dodge. It lodged into my shoulder and I let out a sickening scream. It hurt so much. I had never experienced this level of pain before and black dots already covered my vision. I wrenched the sword out and threw it at the mutant. I scrambled to my feet and started to hobble away, leaving a trail of blood. For some reason, Tigerclaw didn't follow and when I looked back he was gone. 'Odd.' But I didn't care. All I knew was I had to get back.

*End Flashback*

I hung my head. They knew where we were now and it was my fault.

I felt a hand slide under my chin and I moved my eyes to see Raph looking at me with his poison green eyes.

"Look Kathy, it wasn't your fault. What matters is that you're alive." My heart thumped in my chest and sweat covered my forehead. But I didn't feel pain. 'This is new.' I felt my cheeks grow hot and I mentally slapped myself. What was wrong with me?

All I could do was nod and he stood up.

"Get some rest Kathrine. We're going downstairs to train." Donnie ordered. I nodded again and crawled back under the sheets. Joleen covered me up and I closed my eyes. The last thing I heard was the guys leaving my room.

Sorry it took me so long guys. :) I hope you enjoyed. Please R&R.