Hello hello hello! Here is the next chapter and to be honest this one took me forever to plan out. Hopefully you all like it as much as I did planning and writing it. Like always, I do not own TMNT only my OC's. Enjoy:)

Chapter 11: The Nightmare

Verena's P.O.V.:

"Ugh. My head hurts." I rub my forehead and open my eyes, "Where am I?"

I awake to find myself in a white space. There is no sign of life anywhere. No doors. No windows. Nothing. Whatever this place is it cannot be good. I start to walk forward trying to find anything in here, but it seems like I'm not getting anywhere with the entire place looking the same. Why am I even here? Is this a trap? Have I been captured? What happened to the guys? I keep thinking of a bunch of questions until I see a giant brown door. It looked really old, almost like an antique door that I've seen on Earth a few times. I'm hesitant to open the door, not knowing what lies in wait for me behind it. It started to open by itself when I touch the handle; I look and see a flower in the center of the next room. Do I even dare? I have no choice and enter the room with the door shutting behind me.

This room is dark and the only sign of life was the flower. I kneel to pick it up, but suddenly a strong wind blew at me and made the petals on the flower fly away. The flower withered and died. What does this mean? I look up and see that I have been sent to a new location, a familiar location, Kennistar. I am home again. Everything had seemed normal until the army came charging down from a hill with their weapons drawn. Are we under attack? I turn around and see hundreds of Dark Benders charging at them while others burn the fields until they were chard. How dare they come to my home and do this. I draw Timaeus ready to fight, but it disappeared in my hands. Now what? The army shoots arrows and their blasters at the Dark Benders, protecting me. I try to use my telekinesis to push them back, but it didn't work; I try using my earth-bending, it didn't work either. None of my magic works. How is that possible? One Dark Bender came at me almost slicing my throat, but I dodge and kick him to the ground. More of them started to surround me, trying to stab me with their swords and axes; I dodge every attempt and hit them away from me. I get hit in the back of the head with a blaster and fall on my knees, looking up at the Dark Bender that's ready to shoot. Out of nowhere a sword comes out of his chest and bleeds to death; the person that killed him was Archimedes. I am so happy to see him.

"It is good to see you again, Your Majesty." Archimedes said with a relieved tone.

"I'm happy to see that you are safe," I said and had changed my mood, "but what is going on?"

"After we returned, I told your father what had happened and I'm guessing one of them heard everything and told Nathias. So he sent the Dark Bender army down here and attacked us." He stopped and killed one, slicing his head off. "Now that you are here we need to get you back to the palace."

"Agreed, but what about my family? Have you heard from them?" I ask.

"We tried to contact them and haven't had a response." He said and handed me two blasters and a sword, "Take these; you're going to need them."

I strap the sword on my back and held the blasters, "Let's go!" I yell and run.

"PROTECT THE PRINCESS!" Archimedes yells and the army yells back.

We run through the field and get to the market place. The Dark Benders start to shoot and we run through. I shoot the blasters, hitting each Dark Bender on our sides while Archimedes slashed the ones in front. Not long after we got to the palace doors and go inside. It was quiet and dark. We walk farther in and I see the horror before me; all the guards were dead. Their blood covered the floor and most of their body parts were scattered. Whatever killed them isn't a Kennistarian or even a Dark Bender; no, it looks like the work of some force. I heard something move in back of me and Archimedes and it hissed. It came darting out as a dark cloud. I wanted to get a look at it, but Archimedes pulled my arm and we ran. That thing is hot on our trail and we run to the throne room, shutting the doors. I look around and there are no signs of a struggle anywhere; Archimedes stood next to me and I can tell from his expression that he doesn't know where they are. There was a giant bang on the door that made us turn around, weapons ready. The second bang made the doors fall off and the room filled with a black fog. I can't see anything, but I heard a scream. The fog faded and next to me was Archimedes, dismembered on the floor. I kneel down and can't believe that he is gone.

I started to cry, "Archimedes. No, you can't be." The monster came back and I shut my eyes, "No! Stay away! NOOOO!"

I open my eyes and nearly have a heart attack. Archimedes disappeared. The whole throne room is gone. I was back in my room in the Lair. My room, however, is trashed, all my things are destroyed. I just hope that the guys are alright. Aloud noise came from outside and I went to check it out. The entire Lair is almost destroyed. Out of the rubble I see a hand pull out, a grey hand. I run over and help Master Splinter out, but it was too late, he died. There was grunting coming from the dojo and I head over there. Those Foot Ninja were attacking the guys and my family is here. Why? How did they get here? A man in a suit of armor came over and started to attack my mother and sister. I run over to help them, but the ninjas block me and attack. One by one I take them out, but I hear my mother and sister scream as that armored man slit their throats with his gauntlet, and they fell.

"Mother! Liza! NO!" I yell and keep attacking.

The armored man went to Mikey and stabbed him in the back. Mikey screamed and fell on his face.

"Mikey!"

I tried to get to the others, but Hun stepped in my way and is punching me. He came and swung a fist, but I quickly grab it and twist his wrist and kick him to the floor. I jump over, but he grabbed my leg, holding me down. The same man went to Don, grabs him and breaks his neck. He was about to slice Raph, but my grandfather pushed him out of the way and died.

"Grandfather! Donnie!"

Hun was pulling my leg more to him and I can't break free. The only ones left were my father, Leo, and Raph; I can't let anything bad happen to them. I see a staff on the floor, grab it, and whack Hun on the head. He loosened his grip and I kick him in the face and got up. The armored man was in back of my father, ready to stab him, but Raph ran in front and got stabbed in the chest.

"Raph!"

My father saw me and we locked eyes. He is happy to see me as he smiled. We run to each other, but I stopped as the armored man is behind him. With one swing of his arm, he sliced off my father's head and it rolls on the floor.

I scream and look at my fallen father. "Father!"

That armored man looked at me; his red eyes pierced through my heart. I'm terrified. I stood there in fear and cannot move. He charged at me, ready to stick his gauntlet in my chest, but Leo stepped in front of me. The gauntlet went through his chest, piercing his heart and fell to the floor on his shell.

"Leo!" I held him in my arms, "Leo. You're going to make it." I said putting pressure on his wound with my hand and tears streamed down my face.

I felt Leo's hand on mine as he breathed heavily, "Verena… I-I…"His eyes shut and his body was lifeless.

I cried, "No. Please, Leo. Please don't leave me."

I heard a wicked laugh that belonged to the armored man. He killed everyone and now I am his last victim. This can't be real. It can't be. My friends and my family are dead because of me and nothing will bring them back. He was getting closer with his arm raised.

"No! No!" I stare at him like I would with death, wide. He swung his gauntlet, "NOOOO!"

Leo's P.O.V.:

I had a hard time falling asleep last night. All I am thinking about is Verena. I tossed and turned for hours and just looked up at the ceiling. Finally I decided to get up; at the very least I can do some meditating. I stretched out and sat on the floor, focusing my mind on my meditation. It is nice and quiet.

"AAHHHH!" I heard someone scream.

I open my eyes and got up.

"NOOOO!" I heard it again.

I know who it is. "Verena."

Not wasting any time I run to her room. Her screams were getting louder and I can hear them throughout the Lair. I get to her door and it's already opened. When I walk in, Master Splinter is sitting beside her trying to wake her up. Verena is tossing and turning on the bed, tears are streaming down her face; she's scared out of her mind. It has to be those nightmares that she had before, but I thought she made them go away. If it is it, then they gotten stronger. The guys soon ran in and stood next to me.

"What the shell is goin' on in here?!" Raph yelled looking at me.

"I think Verena's having another nightmare." I told him.

"A nightmare? But I thought she got rid of them." Mikey said.

"I guess not. From the look of her, it's gotten worse." Don said.

We look at sensei and hear him, "Verena, you must gather all your strength and come back to us."

"No! No!" She murmured and shook her head.

"Hear my voice and awaken, my child." He said holding her hand.

"NOOOO!" She screamed out and made us nervous.

"Awaken." Master Splinter said again.

Verena opened her eyes and gasped as she shot up on the bed. She's breathing really fast and looks at sensei with her eyes wide open. Sweat was falling down her forehead as were the tears from her eyes. We don't know what to do. I see Master Splinter wipe the tears on her face with his thumbs; she slowly looks at him and at us as her breathing slowed down. Sensei wraps his arms around her, carefully not hurting her. Verena didn't do anything but stare. Tears started to form in her eyes and she cries into Master Splinter's shoulder, hugging him tight and he rubbed her back. I wish I can comfort her, hold her in my arms, but sensei will probably have better luck with it. Why would these nightmares come back now? She was doing so well until this happened, but we'll have to check on it later; for now, Verena needs us.

I see her let go of Master Splinter and lies down on the bed. She turned to her side with her back to us; we guessed that she didn't want to look at us yet. Raph puts a hand on my shoulder so we can leave, but I waited for Master Splinter to come. After rubbing her head, he walks to me and we leave her to rest, alone.

In The Evening…

Verena's P.O.V.:

It was another nightmare, but this one felt so real. I have never had one that intense before and I seriously thought I was going to die. Not that I fear death, but I would rather die fighting than in my sleep. Before it would only be my family in it, but this time the guys and Master Splinter were in it. The weird thing about it all was the armored man that was there, having a killing spree; he didn't look familiar to me, but I bet the guys know who he is.

"The guys-" I started to cry again.

I haven't come out of my room all day because I was crying nonstop. How do you tell someone that they died in your dream? I didn't want to tell them, but I know I have to or I'll live with the pain until I snap. There's a knock at the door and I quickly dry my face of all my tears.

I took a deep breath, "Come in."

The door opened and the guys enter. Their facial expressions all showed the same thing: concern. It didn't surprise me that much when they get like that; I've been used to it. They sat on the bed and sighed. If I wasn't uncomfortable already, I certainly was now. I just don't want them to ask me about it.

"Are you feeling okay?" Mikey asked me.

I don't know how to answer so I stay quiet.

"Does anything hurt?" Don asked.

I shake my head, still not answering.

"Ya need to snap out of it Princess." Raph said in an angry tone.

I look up at him, then back down to my hands.

"Are ya gonna do what you did last time? Hide whateva you saw?" Raph was starting to get more upset and stood up.

"Raph stop it!" Leo yelled at him.

"I will when she tells us what happened." He said with an angry look.

I'm starting to get terrified as Leo stood up.

"She doesn't have to tell us!"

"Oh and I guess ya know what she's thinkin', huh Splinta Jr.?!"

"I know that she doesn't like being yelled at Hot Head!"

I can't listen to this, "STOP!" I didn't realize that I screamed at them until they looked at me. "Stop your bickering!" I started to cry again, "Please… just stop." I put my face in my hands, "I have to get out of here." I used my psychic powers to turn invisible, got up and ran out of the room.

"Verena! Wait!" I heard Leo say.

I don't care at this point if the call me or not. Their fighting made me feel worse; they were arguing over something that happened to me, not them. How can I make them do that? I hate it when people fight, especially over me. If I had known that this would happen I would never had let them in. I run as fast as I can to go outside, to get away from the Lair.

Leo's P.O.V.:

"Verena! Wait!" I call to her, but got no response.

"Aw shell, I really blew it." Raph said looking down.

I put a hand on his shoulder, "We both did. Verena's scared more than she is already and we caused it."

"Dudes, we gotta find her." Mikey said with a worried look.

"Yeah, but with her being invisible it will be difficult to find her. She could be anywhere in the entire city." Don said.

I start to think of anywhere Verena would go to, like a building, alley, or…, "Of course." I realized where she went and look at the guys, "I know where she went."

"Where?" Mikey asked looking surprised like Don and Raph.

"The same place that we went to on our date."

"Well what are we standin' here for? Let's go!" Raph said.

"Raphael." We heard Master Splinter and he walked to us, "It would be best if you all do not go."

"But sensei-"

"Verena is overwhelmed with fear. The argument that you and Leonardo had made her panic and run away. If she sees all of you then she might believe that you are still angry and not come back. One of you must go." Master Splinter said and looked at me, "Leonardo, since you know where she has gone you will go."

I bow to him, "Yes, sensei."

"Be careful Leo." Mikey said.

"I will." I reassured him and left the Lair to find Verena. "Please be okay."

Verena's P.O.V.:

"The breeze feels good." I thought with my eyes closed.

I ran all the way from the Lair to the beach where Leo took me on our date. This place was the only thing I could think of to come to. It feels nice as I'm standing on the sand and I have been here for a while now. My mind needs to be relaxed. I don't want to leave and go back to the Lair; I'm afraid that Leo and Raph will argue again. Yet here I am, running away from the very thing that has been out of my system until now. I have had many nightmares in my life, but this one is hands down the worst one that I have ever had. All I want is for everything to be normal before the nightmares came back. I sigh and take in a deep breath, smelling the ocean.

"I knew I'd find you here." A voice said from behind me.

I turn around to see who said that. I gasp at the familiar form. "Leo."

He walked over and is standing in front of me, "Are you alright?"

I was about to answer him, but I can't. My eyes left his, starring at the sand. I could feel tears starting to form and I do not want him to look at me.

"Verena."

I could feel his hands on my cheeks, lifting my head up to look at him. Leo wiped my tears with his thumbs.

"Verena… I-I'm sorry." Leo said looking sad.

That look on his face made my heart hurt. I never meant to make him or his family feel this way. With this thought I can't help but break down and cry. I feel Leo's arms wrap around me tight and he rubbed my back; his arms feel so strong and warm. I can hear his heart beating as I try to calm down, focusing on the rhythm and sound. It's beautiful. The weight of the world was lifted from my shoulders in this moment. My breathing started to slow down and the tears began to ran dry; the sobbing soon after became silent. I let go of him and he did the same and I wipe the tears from my face.

"I'm so sorry." I said to him.

"For what?" Leo asked confused.

"I made you and Raph fight. You guys were arguing because of me and my horrible nightmares."

"Verena, it's not your fault."

"Yes it-"

"It's not your fault." Leo said putting his hands on my shoulders, "Look, the reason we were arguing was because we got worried about you. Raph and I should have known better not to yell in front of you, especially since you just had another nightmare."

I took a deep breath, "Leo, I know you and Raph have your arguments and I should have realized your concerns, but I didn't. I yelled at you guys and ran away, for that I apologize."

"And I'm sorry that we yelled." He said and wrapped his arms around me again.

I can't help but smile and hug him back. Leo helped me calm down. He comforted me and held me in his arms. I felt him look down at me as I look up, staring in his eyes.

"We should probably go back." I said to him.

"Whenever you're ready." Leo said smiling.

"I have to." I thought trying to give myself courage. I nodded, "Let's go."

Half an Hour Later…

"VERENA!" I heard the guys call me as soon as Leo and I walk in and they all gave me a group hug.

I giggled and their squeeze got tighter, "Guys… can't… breathe." I told them and they let me go.

"We're happy that you're back, Verena." Don said. "We got worried about you."

"Really?" I ask.

"Yeah," Mikey said putting an arm around my shoulder, "even Raph was freakin' out."

"He was?" I look at him and I can sense the sadness in his heart.

"Yeah." Raph said looking upset, "Look, Verena, I-I want to apologize for-"

"Raph, stop." I said gently, putting a hand on his shoulder and smiled, "You owe me no apology, alright?"

He took a moment and nodded, "Okay. I'm glad ya came back."

"Me too." I said and see Master Splinter coming over.

"I am pleased to see you are safe." He said with a smile.

"Thank you sensei," I smile back, "but I think I should tell you what I saw."

Master Splinter looked at me closely, "Are you sure?"

I nodded, "Yes. I'm ready."

We all walk over to the living room. I sit on the couch with Leo and Raph between me, Master Splinter on the armchair, and Don and Mikey sat on the floor.

"I can do this." I tell myself and begin to tell them about my nightmare.

Twenty Minutes Later…

The whole Lair is quiet. I told them each and every detail that went on in my nightmare and to be honest they looked completely freaked out. Their expressions made me worry a little bit. Master Splinter was deep in thought as the guys stayed silent. I'm keeping my composure as much as possible so they won't see how badly I want someone to say something.

Master Splinter looked at me, "Was there anything in this nightmare that you question?"

"Yes. The armored man seemed to know you all from the way he was fighting, and I was wondering if you can tell me who he is?" I look at them and they seem hesitant to answer, looking at each other.

"Verena, that armored man you saw is the Shredder." Don told me.

"Wait, the Shredder?" I couldn't believe it. "How could I dream of someone that I don't know, unless…"

"Unless what?" Mikey asked looking scared.

"Unless this wasn't a nightmare." I said thinking about it.

"Perhaps the nightmares that you have been having are visions." Master Splinter said.

"Yes, that what I was thinking." I agreed with him, "Whatever this dark cloud is it cannot be good. It destroys anything it touches and brings chaos wherever it goes, now it seems the Shredder is in on it. And…" I sigh and hold back my tears, "And because of me you all are dragged into it." I put a hand on my forehead and rub it.

"Do not blame yourself, my dear." Master Splinter said and I look at him, "You could not have known that these visions would occur during your stay. It is something that you cannot control."

"Yeah and we'll help ya out." Raph said.

"What?" I wasn't sure what he meant.

"Aw come on, you didn't think we would let you handle this on your own, did ya?" Mikey said.

"We're your friends. If one of us is in trouble we are all willing to help." Donnie said with a gentle tone.

"Guys. I-I don't know what to say." I am stunned.

"You don't have to." Leo said putting his hand on mine, "We're always here for you, Verena."

I smiled at all of them, "You all are the best friends that a princess can ask for."

"The way we see it, you're part of our family." Leo said and his brothers and Master Splinter nodded.

Tears began to flow, but I'm not sad I'm happy, "Thank you all."

They came together and gave me a group hug. I haven't felt this safe and comfortable in a long time and I will never take it for granted.

Later…

Leo's P.O.V.:

"What does the Shredder want with Verena?" I asked myself this question since she told us about her nightmare.

I'm in my room trying to sleep, but I can't. I tried to read one of my books and I can't do that either. My mind is focused on Verena. The nightmare made her feel so helpless and scared and it sent a pain in my heart that she felt it. Not only that I'm angry that the Shredder is involved with this, but what can he gain from her? Money? Weapons? And that dark cloud too, what is it? A monster or something supernatural?

All of these questions were making me frustrated. Verena needs answers more than ever and we have to help her find them before it's too late. She is our friend and we can't abandon her, not now. I will never leave her to handle this on her own. I care for Verena so much and it hurts to see her in fear of something she can't control. We will do all that we can to figure out this nightmare and hopefully discover what it means.

"I have to get up." I'm driving myself insane that I need to walk it off.

I leave my room and jump down to the lower level. Maybe watching a movie would help so I walk to the living room. It was quiet until I heard someone getting up from the couch. At first I thought it was Mikey that fell asleep during a movie marathon, but noticed the shadow was smaller. I get close enough, still not seeing who it is so I put my hand out, ready to tap them on the shoulder. Suddenly, I see the shadow whip around and grab my wrist; then I felt five fingers.

"Verena?" I ask to see if it was her.

"Leo?" I heard her voice and she stepped out of the dark to reveal herself. She let go of my wrist, "Sorry."

"It's okay." I said smiling.

"What are you doing up?" She asked.

"I couldn't sleep so I thought I come down here." I tell her rubbing my neck, but I realized why she is down here, "You can't sleep either?"

Verena shook her head, "No. I got nervous trying to so I figure I would watch a movie to calm down." She said holding a DVD up.

I read it, "Forrest Gump."

"Yes. I bought it when April and I went out and I've been meaning to watch it." She walked over to the DVD player to put it on and looked at me, "Would you like to watch it with me?"

"Sure." I grab a blanket as she put in the movie.

She sat on the couch and sees the blanket, "What is that for?"

I sit and spread it on our legs, "Just in case you fall asleep."

"Thank you." Verena smiled and I did the same.

The movie started after we got settled. I have seen this movie a few times before so I already know what to expect. Verena's eyes were so focused the whole time. To be honest, it's a good movie to get into; Forrest Gump is one of those movies that you like to keep following the story. The parts with Forrest and Jenny kind of remind me of Verena and I. Maybe it's because in the move, Forrest is as defensive of Jenny as I'm defensive with Verena, and Forrest loves Jenny despite all the things that has happened to her and what she has done and I care for Verena regardless of what's been happening to her. I slowly put my arm around her shoulder and she puts her head on mine. It was quiet the whole time and we didn't mind it. As the credits were starting I look at Verena and saw her sleeping; she must have felt calm enough to try and sleep. I pull the blanket with my other arm and rest my head on top of hers, finally able to sleep knowing she is safe and secure.

Well, what do you think? I really hope you like it. The reason I chose Forrest Gump for this chapter was because whenever I get upset this movie always makes me feel better and I thought that it would be nice to have the characters watch it. The next chapter is going to be very special so hopefully you stick around to read it; I will do the best I can to have it up soon. R&R or PM me whenever you like. Until next time:)