Tiger Claw and Rahzar crept in on either side of Asha. There was nowhere to run. Hopping rooftops wasn't going to help her when her enemies were as quick and agile as she was. She needed to think. No wild attacks would work in this situation. She would need to bring to bear everything her uncle taught her, and some stuff he hadn't to get out of this alive. She wasn't accustomed to being the prey, and she wasn't going to start now.
The bleeding from her back had slowed down, but it hadn't stopped. It burned and ached but she had to block it out. Or use it to fuel the attack. There was always that wasn't there? To use the negative and turn it into a positive? Asha thought about her second exile. How she had risked the lives of others for her own gain. Now she would atone for that by getting rid of her friend's enemies. They were still her family even if they'd ousted her. She still loved them, even Raph, nothing would change that.
Absently she rubbed the spot where Raph had slapped her. She didn't hate him, she wasn't even mad about it anymore. Maybe he owed her an apology, but then again maybe it was the other way around. She wouldn't have the opportunity to say goodbye, to say she was sorry for all her mistakes. Her mind turned to Leo, maybe for the last time. Did he know that despite everything she loved him more than life itself? Then she thought of Donnie. His bright brown inquisitive eyes. Always worrying after her, always showing his loyalty and his friendship. She was leaving her friends and her love behind, but she was going to make sure they had two less things to worry about when she did.
The fire lit inside of her. She stopped backpedaling and stood her ground, rising to her full height. Asha glanced around and saw fires spring up around the city, and heard the chaos and screams. So it had already begun. Fine. She eyed Tiger Claw and Rahzar, both of them wearing sadistic grins on their faces.
"Tiger Claw, I think this little kitty has finally accepted her fate. What do you think?" Rahzar asked mockingly.
"I think you still talk too much when it's time to kill," Tiger Claw said as he raced towards Asha gun raised.
Asha let loose her patented roar and ran towards Rahzar, leaping into the air just as shots rang out and echoed through the night.
Leonardo finally got up off the bed. He'd been sitting there quietly watching Mikey squirm while getting his shell sanded. Looked uncomfortable to say the least. Mikey claimed the vibration of the sander was tickling him. Go figure. Mikey was chattering on and on about comics, and tv shows and whatever else he could think of just to keep the silence at bay. Donnie and Leo were in contemplative calm after Leo had it out with Raph. Raph had finally made it to the dojo for a much needed workout to blow off some steam. April was still giving Donnie the silent treatment.
When Donnie was done, Mikey got up, gave them both a quick smile and headed towards the dojo where April was watching Raph. Leo and Donnie exchanged a quick glance and followed him out. They had to see how their fun loving brother was going to handle his first time being truly displeased with his girlfriend.
The dojo looked like a hurricane hit it. April was standing against the wall when Mikey went to stand next to her. Leo and Donnie came in later and the tension instantly became thick enough to slice with a katana. April shot Donnie a look. Donnie didn't even react, finding her behavior both hypocritical and childish. Leo stood with his arms crossed simultaneously watching Raph destroy the punching bag, and listening to what Mikey and April were going to say to each other. The thought suddenly sprung up in his mind that they were all world class nosy. He almost cracked a smile at the thought….almost.
"Angel cakes, can I talk to you for a minute," Mikey said then looked around at his brothers. Donnie wasn't even hiding the fact that he was listening. "Privately?"
"Sure," April shrugged, trying to be nonchalant but her cheeks began to flush anyway. They went to Mikey's room, closing the door behind them. He sat her on the bed and cupped her chin in his hand. At first he said nothing, just looked into her eyes.
"What happened?" Mikey asked her gently.
"Nothing much. Nothing you should worry about Mikey," she said shrugging again and struggling to meet his gaze. The gentle look he was giving her penetrated through her defenses more than Leo's piercing glare. Mikey just kept looking at her waiting for her to tell him what happened.
"Okay, so we got into a bit of an argument. I said some things I'm not particularly proud of, but it's only because I was so upset," April said, her own eyes shining as she finally looked directly at her lover. "When I saw how hurt you were. When I saw that crack down your shell I didn't know what to think. I flipped out. I didn't know if you were gonna be alright, and I just didn't know what to do." April said breaking down and embracing Mikey.
"Shh, shh, it's okay angel. It'll be alright," he said trying to comfort her. She pulled out of his arms to look him in the eyes once more.
"No, it's not alright. I said some pretty mean things and I don't know if she will forgive it or what. I don't even know if Leo will forgive me," she said as she wiped her tears with the heels of her hands. Mikey just continued to listen. He was sure whatever it was wasn't as bad as all that.
"I told her that I wish it was her by herself getting tortured instead of you. I told her that she wasn't good enough for Leo and never would be. I called her a whore and I blamed her for everything that happened to all of you," April began to cry again this time not just a few tears.
"Whoa. April why did you say those things?" He asked taken aback by what she'd just told him.
"I don't know why I said all that. I was just scared and I lashed out at the one person I felt I could, without a lot of blow back," she answered honestly. She looked up to see his brow furrowed as he nibbled his bottom lip.
"Did you mean any of it?" Mikey asked finally. April thought about it.
"Only the part about not liking how it all turned out. The other stuff was meant to tear her down. The worst part is I think I really succeeded in doing just that," she held her head in her hands as she spoke, crying again.
"I'm s-sorry Mikey. I'm so s-sorry. Please don't hate me," she said as once again Mikey embraced her, tighter this time. It was her biggest fear that he would view her differently after she'd told him what she said. She valued his opinion of her greatly, and knew that she dealt her image a blow in his eyes. He'd never been angry with her, or at least he never expressed it if he was. Even though he was holding her now, the look of disbelief on his face was enough to break her down. He couldn't believe his angel cakes could be so cruel, and really where had that come from? She'd never been one to be a mean girl, but she was sooo angry with Asha at the time.
A long while passed as Mikey allowed April to cry until she was done. He released her out of the hug, but wasn't quite done with her yet. He looked disappointed, and April almost broke back down, but held it together somehow.
"April, I know you were upset. That's the worse that you've seen me I think in a long time," Mikey said adjusting himself, clearly uncomfortable with even the thought of reprimanding anyone especially April, but knowing this needed to be said.
"But even so, you gotta understand that Asha, she's been through a lot. She's really a sweet person, and she would never try to hurt us. I mean, yeah she made a mistake but really even if she wasn't doing what she was, do you think Shredder would have passed up an opportunity to capture us?" April shook her head.
"He got us before one time, we just have to be more careful. You owe her an apology if we can even find where she went," Mikey said, noticing April's eyes get a little wider and then a bit concerned. "Donnie says she wasn't at home. We don't know where she went but Leo might have an idea. Speaking of him, you owe him an apology too dudette. He loves her a lot, like I love you," Mikey said wiping her remaining tears, and smoothing her hair.
"And I could never hate you," he smiled that 1000 watt smile and all was right in her world again. If Mikey forgave her, she would be just fine.
A few moments later Mikey opened his door, only to find Leo and Donnie sitting not too far away, suspiciously preoccupied with nothing. Mikey flashed a smile, he knew the deal. April lingered behind still sitting on Mikey's bed collecting herself. Donnie came and stood in the doorway.
"Go away Donnie," she mumbled, still sniffling.
"So that's how it is? We have a disagreement and now we don't speak to each other? Or should I say you're not speaking to me rather?" Donnie said watching her reaction. April turned her body. Donnie waited a while. Slowly she looked up at him and batted her pretty eyes. Then in one motion, she rushed and almost bowled him over with a hug.
"Sorry Donnie. I've been way out of line lately, especially with you. It's just that, when you said what you said I knew I had been acting an ass, and that you were right. I just didn't wanna face it. I'm so sorry Don. Can you forgive me?" April hugged him as tightly as she could. Donnie was her good friend. He'd helped her so many times with so many things, she couldn't even begin to list them all.
"Of course April, I could never stay mad at you," he said. She let him go and saw his gap toothed smile for the first time.
"What happened to your tooth?" She asked smiling but a little concerned.
"It got knocked loose when we were escaping. I went ahead and extracted it this morning. You like it?" He was nervous a bit about the reaction he'd get from his family.
"I think it's so adorable Donnie," April said smiling brightly and giving him a peck on the cheek. Donnie blushed and adjusted his glasses.
"Thanks," he said. Donnie turned her around to face Leo who was sitting with his back turned. "There's one more thing though," he gave her a reassuring smile and patted her shoulder. April took several deep breaths and walked over to where Leo was sitting. Any other time she would never be even slightly intimidated by any of them, but then again she had never dealt with a Leo whose anger was directed at her. That was something worth being scared about.
"Leo, may I speak with you for a bit?" April asked. Leo slowly turned around to face her, his eyes rooting her to the spot.
"Am I your brother?" The question threw her off, but she nodded.
"No, I need to hear you speak. Am I your brother?" Leo asked again.
"Y-yeah sure, you know you are Leo," April stammered, not sure where this was headed.
"Do you love me as your brother?" He asked again, his tone even and deceptively calm.
"You know I love you Leo. I love all of you," April answered, believing that she now understood his line of questioning, and it made her feel worse than if he'd simply yelled at her or insulted her.
"Do you believe that respect is included in love?"
"Well, I never thought of it like that, but I suppose it would have to be. You can't love people that you can't even bring yourself to respect." April said, feeling more ashamed as she stood before him.
"So why would you disrespect me by disrespecting someone I love? Who has been there for me, for us? Someone who has placed their lives on the line for us on more than one occasion? Yet you spoke to her as if you didn't know her, as if all those things don't matter? If for no other reason than out of respect for me, you should have held your emotions, and your tongue, in check," Leonardo was now standing in front of her. April didn't know what to do. It almost felt like the first time she saw them on the roof. He loomed, and then his hand was on her shoulder.
"We're a family April. Even Asha. I would no more tolerate disrespect for her than I would for you. You're my sister, and everyone makes mistakes," he sighed as he continued, absently stroking her hair much like Mikey had done minutes before. "Despite her exterior, Asha is soft-hearted. I have no doubt she would readily forgive you and let bygones be bygones," Leo said giving her a ghost of a smile and patting her shoulder. April felt relieved. He was obviously still furious, so this was as far as his words of forgiveness were going to go. April hung her head in shame. Leo lifted her chin.
"I'm sorry Leo. You know I would never hurt you on purpose. I respect the hell out of you, we all do. Trust me Donnie and Splinter gave me an earful about it," she said smiling sadly.
"Don't worry about it," Leo said.
She had turned to walk back towards the dojo when she suddenly faced Leo again, this time with worry etched across her features.
"What about you and Raph? I think he feels bad about what happened," she began but stopped when she saw Leo's once soft expression turn to stone. His jaw worked as anger built in his eyes. His muscles tensed and his eyes kept darting towards the dojo. It was as if he were willing himself not to march in there and fight.
"What about Raph? He put his hands on my woman, and I'm not about to let it go so easily," and with that he walked off, one hand on his bandaged side.
Leo went into his room and made as if to sit or lay down, and then chided himself. As far as they all knew Asha was missing. If he had to guess she was out there looking for a fight, perhaps finding one. There was only one place he could think of off the top of his head that she might go and that was Chinatown. They all knew a warehouse was there, but none of them knew the exact place. He made up his mind. He gathered his gear and did his best to put it on. His side screamed at him, but he ignored the pain. Hadn't she come to his rescue that night in Manhattan, broken ribs and all? No, he wouldn't leave her hanging.
Leo walked out of his room and was met by his whole family.
"Where are you going? You are in no condition to leave this lair Leonardo," Splinter pleaded. His voice was firm, but left room for protest and argument. Leo bowed stiffly to his father.
"I'm sorry sensei, but I need to find her. She's out there alone, rejected, and hurt," Leo said looking pointedly at Raphael as he spoke that last word. Raph had the good sense to cast his eyes down.
"At least take one of your brothers. I fear there is trouble brewing on the surface," Splinter said, a sad frustrated frown on his face. He grabbed Leo's arm in silent protest to this new development. This gave him serious pause. Leo didn't remember the last time he openly went against his father's wishes. He was reticent to do so now.
"Leo, please don't do this," Donnie walked up to his brother. "Trust me that I'm worried too, but even if she is in trouble, in your condition you run an extremely high risk of re-injury, reinfection, losing consciousness again, or death," Donnie begged, swallowing hard on those last two words. He had one of Leo's hands, and Splinter had the other. When it didn't seem that Leo would relent Donnie spoke up again, this time addressing his sensei.
"Master, may I have permission to leave and look for her? Raphael and I are the only two even slightly fit for travel," He said watching Leo and Raph's reactions. Predictably they both bristled.
"Absolutely not! He better not go anywhere near her," Leo demanded shooting death in Raph's direction.
"Not even to save her life, if that's indeed what it's come to?" Donnie asked. Leo seemed heavily conflicted as he continued to stare at Raph.
"I ain't goin'," Raph said as he stalked off again. An angry Donatello ran up to him and confronted him.
"You need to come with me Raphael," he said, adjusting his glasses but standing his ground before an increasingly angry Raphael.
"No. He don't want me getting close to her so fine. I told you I didn't care what happened to-" Raphael was cut short by a raging Leonardo. He'd ran into him like a runaway freight train. They tumbled to the ground in a heap of scaly muscles and carapace.
There was very little ninjutsu going on. It was more like an MMA brawl, as Leo got top mount and proceeded to ground and pound. Despite being able to easily defend himself against an ailing Leo, Raph was only blocking his attacks. Blow after blow landed on Raph's forearms as he guarded his face. His bite mark was bleeding anew through the bandage. Growing tired of getting hit, Raphael quickly turned the tables, grabbing Leo's arm in an arm bar. Leo howled in pain and frustration. Raph pushed him away with his foot, simultaneously rolling away and then jumping up to pin Leo's arms to his sides against the wall.
"Leo I said I was sorry! M'sorry! Okay?!" Raph's voice was strained with pinned up emotion. Everyone except Leo was watching in amazement as they thought they would witness a crying Raph. Leo's plastron heaved with his breathing, his eyes stormy. His expression was a hard mask of hurt, and as he looked into his brother's eyes he saw a hurt there as well.
"Why?"
"Because….I trusted her. We, trusted her. I just…I just felt betrayed. I..I," Raph was breathing heavily himself as the words tried to form. His eyes blinked rapidly as he attempted to get himself under control. Slowly he let Leo go, looking warily at his brother and ready to defend himself again should there be a round two.
"The truth Raphael," Leo said in a much calmer voice.
"She's so right for you Leo. April, she's so right for Mikey. I just… I didn't wanna lose my brother! Okay?!" Raph struggled and stepped back reeling from the revelations coming from his own lips. Did he really just sort of admit jealousy?
The anger that fueled Leo's actions a moment ago dissipated almost entirely. Instead of attacking his brother, Leo reached out to embrace him. Raph fought against it a while, and then relented.
"M'sorry," his voice muffled in Leo's shoulder.
"You're not gonna lose me Raph. I would never leave you. I love you. I love all of you too much to leave you," Leo said soothing Raph and wondering how he couldn't have seen his brother's anguish. Raph broke the hug first, looking around as he noticed Mikey had come in for a hug, and so had Donnie, making it a family affair.
"Lemme help. Lemme go with Donnie to look for her. I can do that much at least," Raphael said, replacing his emotion with his usual tough exterior although his voice betrayed him a little. Leo nodded.
"Be careful and please avoid fighting. I think she may be in Chinatown. She would have been looking for a fight to ease her pain. She's funny that way," Leo added as brothers got ready to go.
"No problem Leo, we're on it. We'll come back with her, don't worry," Donnie comforted Leo and gave him a quick nervous smile that was meant to be reassuring.
Raphael was the first to emerge from the manhole. Donnie was wondering why he was just standing there until he too emerged. They climbed to a nearby rooftop and gasped at the scene below. Before them the city seemed literally to be in flames. Sheer pandemonium met them as people ran to and fro being attacked, beaten, some maybe even murdered. The loud blaring of fire truck sirens pierced the night. The absence of law enforcement was both unnerving and painfully obvious as anarchy ruled the streets. Shredder had made his move, and the brothers felt powerless to stop him.