Unexpected Mother

Part 12 (LH POV)

(Leatherhead POV)

Yelling and screams scattered throughout the farmyard, accompanied by the sounds of wood clashing together.

"LEO! Get BACK HERE!" Raph screamed, running after his younger brother, who smiled at him evilly.

"What's wrong Raphie, are you mad I beat you! Yet again!" Leo yelled back, giggling swinging his wooden sword, with his other hand holding onto his pirate hat.

"Not fair, I'm the captain! You're the one that should be losing," Raph complained blocking Leo's sword, then lost his footing falling to the ground hard.

Leatherhead resting under the big tree in front of the farmhouse, watched the two playful five year olds playing their favorite game, pirates.

Normally, all four will get into it, but today Mikey was leaning against Leatherheads side drawing with his crayons, Leatherhead made out of old wax.

Donnie was also under the tree in the shade playing with his makeshift drum set using sticks and drums that Leatherhead made out of large old cans, that he placed some leather he found in the house, as the drum head.

Smiling Leatherhead leaned back as a sadness took him over, it's been two years since he escaped with the boys out of New York City.

Two years since she has died… April the woman he loved and the mother of the boys, since then he has taken the role of their father, he tried his best, this was still new to him, in truth what new parent has any true experience, one can only follow their heart.

The boys were happy and healthy, even Leo was fully recovered from his illness and was free of its burden.

Though things were great, he has been giving the boys some education for their age, yet sometimes things were too much, it was hard on him, when they started to ask about her, wondering when she was coming home.

The worse was Mikey; he kept stating that April was trying to come home, the young turtle even woke up screaming from nightmares every night, saying something is trying to eat his mother among other things.

Leatherhead tried everything for Mikey's night terrors, in the end he could only hope time will relieve him from them, no matter what he told them, especially Mikey, to make them understand that April their mother has passed on, neither of them would believe him.

In turn, it was frustrating, they stopped asking some time ago, he figured they must have realized, their questions was hurting him, making him sad inside.

Sighing Leatherhead closed his eyes, then opened them quickly as he could hear something coming down the driveway towards the house.

Jumping to his feet, Leatherhead growled narrowing his eyes, "Boys in the house."

The boys stopping their activities looked at Leatherhead in fear, obeying without a word, running into the house for safety.

What was it this time? Being not the first time to have visitors, Leatherhead was weary, the last, was some time back, when a group of refugees came by, finding out he was a mutant they tried to kill him and the boys.

Though Leatherhead wasn't 100% sure how the outside world was doing, all he did know was that the government put boarders up in New York to prevent an outbreak.

New York wasn't the only city attacked by the mutagen, by the sounds of it, a war was going on between human and mutants.

After that day, around two weeks later, the government fell apart, while other factions took over, being in the middle of nowhere he didn't have to worry about those influences affecting his family.

But now and then this happened when wandering humans come to visit.

Hiding behind the tree Leatherhead waited, he wasn't going to show himself until whoever was coming did first.

He had to be careful, all he knew they could be armed or there could be a group, he couldn't risk his family lives on poor judgment.

Breathing in, he let his other side take over, his animal side; he would need all his senses.

Closing his eyes, he could smell the exhaust fumes, hear the sounds of the vehicle, which he became aware didn't sound like a car or truck… a motorcycle.

Odd… normally no one would travel on such a vehicle anymore for many reasons, no protection was a main one, if it was a bike, the max number of individuals on it, was no more than two and he couldn't hear anything else coming his way.

Opening his eyes it was time to see who was coming, taking a peek around the tree, his heart stop as confusion took root.

The bike he recognized it, it was Raph's old bike, and the individual sitting on it was no other then Nightwatcher!

What was going on, Nightwatcher, of all things to show up? This was impossible, as he recalled Nighwatcher aka Raphael, put that vigilante to rest, long before the egg made them to be reborn.

Leatherhead thought Leo force Raph to get rid of the suit, yet there it was, whoever was inside, found the suit?

Shaking his head it didn't matter, who it was, was an intruder and could be a threat to his family.

The bike stopped just beside the van as Nightwatcher killed the transmission, getting off the bike, scanning the area.

It was apparent, he didn't notice Leatherhead was there, standing there Nightwatcher looked at the house, then made a step towards it only to stop, as the sounds of cracking wood came under Nightwatcher's foot.

Removing his foot from the source of the sound, he looked at the broken wood sword in wonder; slowly Nightwatcher bent down to pick it up.

This was Leatherhead's chance, letting his anger swell his eyes slit, with a fearsome growl he charged forward towards the man.

Everything moved so quickly that Nightwatcher didn't see the seven foot alligator charging him, instantly by the force, Nightwatcher smashed into the front of the van, creating a bow in the grill by the impact.

Pinning the intruder against the van, Leatherhead growled unable to see the man he had in his mercy, for the way that Nightwatcher's mask was made; only Leatherhead's reflection could be seen.

That said he knew who it was, as the scent hit his nostrils, his breathing quicken, his heart pounded out of control, that smell!

"KARAI!" Leatherhead growled under his breath, losing all train of thought and reasoning, her of all people was here, it was her!

First she causes the death of April then insults Raphael's past by wearing his suit!

Clenching his fist, he thrust it forward, but missed, as Nightwatcher punch him hard in the gut, making his fist lose its path, hitting beside her head instead.

Before he could pull his fist out of the van, Nightwatcher managed to kick Leatherhead's side, making him lose his balance, advantage taken, Nightwatcher squeezed out of his hold, escaping, stopping a few inches away.

She didn't do anything, just watched Leatherhead take his fist out, like she was waiting for something… for what?

Shaking his head, he didn't care; he was going to get his revenge for April's death, by removing Karai's head!

Clenching his teeth, he charged at her again, she waited, before he was inches to punch her, she took a chain from her belt quickly wrapping it around Leatherhead's hand, things became slow, as Leatherhead could only watch, how he fell hook line and sinker into her trap.

Quickly after placing the chain around his arm, she moved forward, literally jumping on his arm as support, then flipped over him, kicking him hard in the back, forcing him to take a dirt nap.

On the ground Leatherhead tried to retaliate, only to find his arms snap back with much force, as Nightwatcher tied him up, in defense he used his tail to swipe at her, in his disbelief she caught it without issue.

With a sudden pull, Leatherhead found himself swung by his tail slamming into the tree that wasn't too far from him.

Dizzy he shook his head, about to get up; he rethought that action, as he froze when a blade lightly went against his throat.

Nightwatcher was breathing heavy yet kept the blade straight.

"What do you want Karai!" Leatherhead growled narrowing his eyes, what did she want and when did she get so strong, better yet, how did she find this place?

"Karai?" a female voice answered him confused.

Staring at her, Leatherhead felt more confused than she was, for he could smell Karai, but she acted surprised for him saying that, who was she?

Biting his lip, he wondered what he should do, if this stranger wasn't Karai this could be really bad, for it was apparent she was skilled and strong, he didn't know how to fight her or protect his children.

"Yes, I called you Karai, for you smell like the ninja that goes by the name Karai…" Leatherhead started, then stop as the female lower her blade, putting it away, Leatherhead's eyes widen when he realized the blade she was using was Leo's old katana!?

"Shit… that's why you attacked me… I forgot about that…" removing her mask, a female turtle was looking at him with green emerald eyes.

Staring at her Leatherhead recognized those eyes, but it couldn't be, could it!

"MOMMY!" Mikey screamed, rushing out of the house as the other three boys jump him to stop him.

"Mikey that is not mommy…" Raph said, as Mikey tried to fight him off.

"It's mommy, I know it! Get off me RAPH!" Mikey screamed more as Leo held down his arms and Donnie tried to assess the situation.

The female turtle eyes watered, her tears ran down her face as she saw the boys.

"April?" Leatherhead said quietly not to let the boys hear him, he wanted to make sure, yet she was dead, wasn't she?

Watching the boys, the female looked back at him uncertain why he said it that way, then she turned white, "… I look like a turtle at the moment… do I …"

Looking at her reflection on the helmet, she shook her head, "Sorry about that, one sec… Sometimes I forget."

Leatherhead watched in utter disbelief, if he didn't see this with his own eyes, he would never believe it, the turtle suddenly change in front of him, her green skin turned white, her turtle face became human, her head quickly grew long red hair.

In the matter of seconds, the female turtle was human and she definitely looked like April!

Star struck, Leatherhead was speechless, what was going on, how was this even possible this can't be…

"I told you its mommy!" Mikey yelled at his brothers as each boy let him go.

Looking sadly at Leatherhead, April sighed, then untied him, "Sorry I had to act like that towards you… When I saw your eyes, I knew reason wasn't going to work on you. I had no choice then restrain you before you hurt me…" ashamed April walked away from him placing her helmet onto the bike.

By this time the boys were on their feet running towards April, only to be stopped by Leatherhead as he got to his feet studying her, the smell of Karai was still on her, no, he could now smell her, yet he was still weary.

It was not that he wasn't happy in seeing her, but it has been two years, and she shows up now?

There was too many questions and no answers, part of him fear this was a delusion, or some trick, he had to hear from her, her reason she was back.

Feeling his eyes, April turned around towards Leatherhead, leaning against the bike, sadly looking at the boys, she wanted no more then to pick them up and hug them, but some explanations was in order.

"Her scent was laced onto the suit as a tactic to keep us alive… I'm sorry Leatherhead I know right now nothing adds up. I was told that you thought I was dead, and also knew you fled the city with the boys…," April started.

"I… I mutated after touching the water, but not before suffering major injuries from the falling debris, that's what must have made you think I was dead."

Crossing his arm Leatherhead tried not to shudder, fighting his tears, the urge to grab her and hold her tightly, "If you did why weren't you with the boys?"

April closed her eyes, taking a breath, "Karai… she mutated too… I guess I pass out from my injuries and mutation. She grabbed me, caring me away to another part of the sewers… When I regain consciousness you and the boys were long gone… but for me I wasn't so lucky. By this time … well a bit after the fight between me and Karai for reasons I don't want to get into, we found ourselves stuck in the city. The government made it impossible to escape without winding up dead."

"All this time… all this time you were there, stuck in that city! Oh April I am so sorry," Leatherhead broke down going towards her holding her tightly crying into her shoulder.

"I'm sorry… I'm so sorry… I didn't mean to leave you behind… April I am sorry!" shuddering Leatherhead collapse to his knees begging April to forgive him.

Crying, she shook her head, "It's not your fault, I never blamed you! You did the right thing Leatherhead, you save our boys, they are more important. That place… the things that went down in that city, made it no place for children…"

April bit her lip pressing her face into Leatherheads shoulder, giving out the cry that has been trying to be released for two years now.

"Daddy, can we hug mommy now?" Leo asked with big eyes, that made him very cute with his pirate hat.

Leatherhead nodded, wiping his eyes getting to his feet, letting all four boys rushed to April, chirping and crying, happily hugging and kissing her.

"My babies, I miss you four, so much. I love each and every one of you. Donnie, Leo, Raph, Mikey," April cried, hugging them, kissing them.

"April how is this possible, I mean you're a mutant turtle, but now you look human?" Leatherhead had to ask, he never seen this before, or heard this as a side effect of the mutating water.

April looked up from the boys, shrugging, "I don't know how I can do this. All tests that have been done on me, prove inconclusive. The test stated that when I am human, I am just that, human; there is no evidence in my DNA of being a mutant. When I am a turtle, it shows I'm a mutant."

Stroking the boys' heads April gave them kisses, she was so happy to see her boys, feel their hugs, this was a dream come true.

"You can change when you want?" Leatherhead became intrigued.

Chuckling April looked at him, "Of course, this would fascinate you, yes I can. Don't ask me how, I just can. As well, there are rules which now isn't the time to get into it. I just want to get this suit off and some fresh, clean clothes, even wash up."

"Yeah mommy you stink," Raph smiled at her, but still hugged her either way.

Leaning forward April smiled at him, "Oh, do I, well, I have a reason, why do you smell like you haven't had a bath for three days? Huh Raph?"

Raph froze under her eyes completely floored she could tell, shifting his feet, he looked away from her, then Donnie piped up, "Raph won't take one."

"Oh is that so… how about this. I turn back to a turtle and we both take a bubble bath. You can help mommy with her shell it needs a cleaning," April offered, smiling at Raph who became excited on the thought.

"Really!" Raph jumped up and down as April laughed.

Suddenly the other three boys got upset, wanting to have a bath too, as they puppy eyed April.

Then an idea came to April, "Leatherhead is there still a pool in the barn?"

"Yes, there is. Oh I get it. Lets have a bath outside so everyone can join," getting up Leatherhead headed towards the barn grabbing the plastic pool, bringing it to the side of the house, where April was now a turtle, taking the suit off.

Her shell was a bit scratched up, she had a three claw scar on her right arm, turning around she smiled at him as he approached her, "April I was wondering, why does the suit smell like Karai?"

"Oh, that… well… Leatherhead I will say this now and please understand me that it has nothing to do with trust or anything… it's just… The past two years was nothing short then hell, things happen, awful things… I did things I wish not to reflect on. That said, to let you know, my condition as bazaar as it is, I was the only one like this. To protect myself from anyone finding out, I wore the suit and we put Karai scent on it to fool anyone from realizing that I had two forms. Also Karai and I use it to our advantage, too trick anything that… that wanted to eat us…," April turned away as she said that, the painful memories coming back, flooding into her mind that made her quiver.

Leatherhead's eyes widen by her words, his heart throb in terror, on the way April said something or was it mutants that wanted to eat her, didn't Mikey say something like that as well to him?

Shaking his head, he went up to her holding her tightly, trying to help her, comfort her, show her he was there, she was safe now "April… If I had known that…"

"Don't… Leatherhead I would never in a million years make you come back for me. Thank you for taking care of the boys. I see you let them call you dad now."

"I did let them… are you ok with that?" Leatherhead laid his head on her shoulder.

With a smile April pressed into Leatherhead closing her eyes, "Of course I am."

Smiling Leatherhead held her, not wishing to let her go, she was home and he didn't care what she was, or what she had to do in the past two years she was in that city.

She was April and she was truly alive and he didn't feel alone anymore.

Author note: No I am not going to write the story about what happen to April in the city for the past 2 years. The story will continue on as is. Maybe I will add a side story reflecting that time frame, which is horrifying considering there was a lot of cannibalism, fighting to stay live and trying to escape the hell hole city. Which April at the time took the name Nightwatcher, and used Raph's bike, to protect herself, and she even became friends with Karai of all people. It depends if there is enough interest.