Chapter 11
Chapter 11
April pushed a bothersome branch from her path, whipping it back to Michaelangelo whom caught it quickly.

"Hey, watch it, will ya! You almost poked my eye out!"

"Sorry, Mike! I didn't know you were right behind me!"

"Well, here's a news flash, I AM right behind you!" Michaelangelo groaned and tore the branch from it's tree.

Splinter easily walked under the branches, giving a look to Mike.

"Calm yourself, Michaelangelo. What we need from you is your help, not your anger."

"Right, sensei, sorry."

"Do not apologize to me." Splinter glanced over to April.

"Um, right again." Mike raised a finger, smiling. Splinter didn't smile. "Sorry, April. The branch had a mind of it's own."

"That's alright, Mike, I-" The communicator suddenly beeped out. "Oh, hang on! Yes?!"

"April? It's Leo."

"Leo. What's up? Did you find Shadow?"

"No, but I heard from Don. Him and Casey need our help."

"Where are they? Did Don say where he was?"

As a matter of fact, he did. But Leonardo didn't wish to repeat the name.

"They're at some warehouse on the east side of the woods. Some strange operation is being held there. Don found Casey there and from what it sounds like, they could be doing some experiments on him."

"Oh, my God. Okay, Leo. We'll hurry." April looked to Mike and Splinter. "I hope you both didn't plan on sleeping much tonight."

Leonardo placed the communicator back on his belt. The sound of movement hit his ears. Following the noise, he could see someone lying on the ground under a bare tree. The person looked in trouble. Leo slowly inched his way over in the quietest stealth possible.

Shadow raised her eyes, seeing a dark figure coming toward her. She couldn't see too well who it was and let out a unusual shriek, causing Leo to flinch.

"What the hell?!" Leonardo reached for his flashlight and beamed it toward her. "Shadow?!"

Shadow blinked to the light and let out a grunted reply.

"...Uncle....Leo....?"

"Shadow?! Is that you?!" Leonardo quickened his pace, reaching her side.

"Oh....help-" She extended her hands to him as he bent lower to pull her up. "Help...I'm trapped.....there...."

"Huh?" Leonardo looked down to the clamp on her ankle. "Oh, damn! Hang on...." Shadow fell limply over his shoulder as he reached to unclench the bothersome bear trap that bit deeply in to her ankle.

"What is it?" Shadow winced from the pain.

"Bear trap. You must have triggered it when running." A harsh clang and a good tug separated her foot from the clamp. "Got it. Damn hunter's toy." He mumbled to the grinning, steel teeth.

"I thought you were a zombie." She looked into his big, soft eyes.

"I think you've got me mixed up with your Uncle Don." Leo cupped his hand under her chin. "You've let those video games get to you. I warned Mike about buying that game. Something told me it would have a lasting effect on your vivid imagination inside here." He gently pointed on top of her damp head. Shadow looked up, then around the dark forest. She felt safe in his arms but also a little unsure of where this was going. Changing the subject might spare her precious game from being taken away from her for good. A small smile formed on her lips.

"Well, at least....I found you."

"More like I found you, darling." He smiled with relief, hugging her tightly. That ended the zombie and video game lecture. A light snow fall drizzle down on them like flakes. He started to walk on; his boots crunching down on fresh snow. "I should notify April that you've been found and-" He looked left to right, suddenly making a sharp turn off the path. "Someone's coming!" Shadow whined softly as he ducked down under a bush.

"Hunters." Shadow whispered in his ear.

"Looks that way." Leo whispered back.

About four men crowded together, crunching loudly on the snow and checking the ground in several spots.

"This trap over here has been sprung but it looks as though whatever it caught, got away."

Another man came to his side.

"Yeah, might have been some deer or something. Who knows."

Leonardo slowed his breathing down. Any slight movement would alert their presence. Who were these guys? I've never seen them before. Especially all the way out in the middle of nowhere. I need to contact Raph first. Wherever he may be. This is going to take all of us to get through this.

Raphael sat with Kate in the living room. He had to get over the shock of hearing that name she uttered.

"Did you say, Jack Russell?" Raph blinked rapidly.

Kate nodded. "That's right. Did you know him?"

"The name might have crossed my mind." Raphael didn't want to lose his chances with her. "Oh, now I know! Wishbone, the Jack Russell terrier!" Kate frowned. "My niece loves to watch that show! You know, the little dog that goes on the adventures?"

"Uh-huh. Listen, Raph. The real reason is, we don't know what really happened to Jack. His body was never found. But I still think he's still alive and living somewhere out in those woods."

"Is that why you came to Noho? To find your husband?"

"Yes. I still love him even after all this time. I want to find him and rekindle our marriage. Andy needs a father to grow up with."

"Mm, hmm." Raphael stared at her closely.

Under this light, he got a better look at her features. She must have been in her late twenties, her brown hair shoulder-length with hints of red in it. Her small eyes were a shade of jade green; he assumed they were contacts, she had lush lips with a dimple on one side whenever she smiled at him. He'd love to put his lips onto hers if he got his way. Next, he looked to her skin. Hmm, must get a bit of sun. She had a tanned skin with many faded freckles, a few beauty marks up on the shoulders, and one or two hiding behind her soft neck.

"What are you doing, Raph?"

"Wait..." Raphael grinned suddenly when she noticed him staring. "Just taking a picture." Kate smiled next.

"You know, I didn't know what to think when I first discovered what you were."

"How 'bout now?"

"Now is...nothing different from then. You're still the same from when we first met. Only now, you're wearing less clothing."

"I can wear less than this if you me want to." Raph gestured to his battle gear. She could tell he was being suggestive.

"Raph." She said coyly. "The last thing I need in my house is a naked turtle running around."

He smirked at her. "I was a normal turtle at one time. And I was butt-naked if you can believe it."

"Oh, I probably could." Kate looked away, the little dimple appearing to her cheek. "So, what am I going to do with you? Throw you out or let you spend the night?"

Raphael kept his grin. "I'll behave if you let me stay." His communicator suddenly beeped off. "Oh, shit!"

Kate looked down to his waist. "What's that?"

My sex alarm! "Um, my beeper!" He shrugged. A small voice came out.

"Raph? It's Leo! Pick up!"

"S'cuse me." Raphael raised a finger and left her to take the call in the next room. "What do you want?" His voice sounded angry.

"Don's in big trouble. We gotta go help him!"

Raphael looked out to Kate whom sat quietly.

"Ya kinda called at a bad time, bro!"

"Why? Are you in the middle of fighting with a wild creature?"

"More like, I'm trying to tame the wild creature." Raphael stared to her.

"What?! Raph, we need you NOW!!"

"Dammit!" Raphael covered his mouth, looking around. Then spoke more quietly. "Dammit, Leo! What is so important that I have to leave her, um, I mean here, to come out to you?!" Leo didn't hear the little error of the word, 'her' instead of 'here.'

"Some weird scientists might kill Casey!"

"And that's a bad thing?"

"Raph!"

"Alright, alright! Just kidding! Where is everyone now?!"

Kate stood up as Raphael entered the room.

"What's wrong Raph? What's going on?"

"Ah, remember the part I told you where I'm a crime fighter and that I fight to protect the innocent and all that shit?"

"Yes?"

"Well, duty calls. Leo sounded like he was in trouble. I've got to go."

"Now? It's after 2 in the morning."

"Whoever said trouble waited to occur for decent hours?"

Kate frowned. "No one has. I think you made that up just now."

Raphael took her hand. "Thanks for dressing my wounds. I'll probably rip them to shreds all over again."

Kate cupped her hand over his. "Let me come with you, Raph."

"No, I can't do that to you. It's very dangerous."

"Your family needs help. And four feet can move a lot faster than two. I can't just let you go without doing something for you."

Raphael stared at her and sighed harshly.

"You already have done something for me. But this is what I do for a living. I saw I was at the ranch and thought you could take care of some needs." Bedroom needs also came to mind, my love! "I never meant to pull you into the lion's den, Kate."

"You haven't, Raph." Kate leaned closer to his ear. "The lioness has entered willingly."

Leonardo followed the southern trail toward where it all happened. It was true Casey was gone. Well, of course! Why would Don make all that up? Even if that warehouse had an obscene name, he wouldn't lie about it. The ropes were left from where he released him from the tree. It looked as though he was dragged away by the way the leaves were scattered in a line pattern.

"Damn." Leo put Shadow down. "Stay there." Shadow slumped to the ground as Leonardo checked around the tree for any evidence of what might had happened. These men were good. Aside from the alteration of the leaves, They didn't leave a trace behind of them ever being there. Leo gathered the half of the rope that was long and still intact and placed it in his back pack incase they needed it for future use. Standing up, he sensed another presence being there with them.

Shadow started to rock in her spot. "Unca Leo? I-"

"Shh!" Leonardo turned to face her, then darting his eyes to the surrounding woods. "We're not safe here. We have to move on." Leonardo began marching forward. "Come on." Shadow started to hobble after him. "Sore?"

"Yes, but, I have to potty." Leonardo looked skyward and groaned. Why here? Why now? "Sorry."

"Don't be sorry. Can't you hold it?" He looked to her face. "Maybe not. Ummm....there...." He briefly tapped her shoulder and pointed to some bushes. "Go and make it fast."

Shadow ran to the bushes as Leonardo turned his back to make a quick call on the communicator.

"April? Come in, April."

"Leo?" A voice crackled. "What's wrong?"

Leo paused and let out a groan to see a pair of wolves emerging toward him. "We've got a problem here.".

"Hello, there! Excuse me! May I speak with you folks for a minute?"

April quickly turned to look down the trail. Two men were walking up to them on horseback. They looked like forest rangers dressed in uniform and wide-brimmed hats. Splinter and Michaelangelo placed on their hoods and buttoned up their coats to their necks.

"Hang on, Leo. We've got a problem here right now." April turned the volume down on the walkie talkie. Big mistake to do that.

"Something wrong, officers?" Mike crossed his arms to them. The two men pulled on the reins, stopping their horses by them.

"Yes, I'm afraid so. I'm Bob Candis, forest ranger of this area and this is my partner, Jesse." Jesse tipped his hat to them.

"Are we in trouble or something?" April also crossed her arms.

"No, ma'am." Jesse shook his head. "We came out here to investigate a disturbance. Normally, we don't travel this far out but it appears we received an urgent phone call from one of the neighbors near this residence."

"A disturbance at this hour?" Suddenly, April got worried. "What kind of disturbance?"

"The reports said an escaped convict was seen running loose in these parts." Bob climbed down, digging through a satchel on the saddle. "He goes by the name Kelvin Harris but he has been known to go by other aliases." He handed Mike a black and white photo of a man with brownish, black hair and a stubbly face. His eyes looked hallow and sunken in.

"Oh, God." April whispered, staring at the photo. It was the kind of face that would give a person nightmares.

"So, do you want us to be on the lookout for this character?" April looked wide-eyed to Mike. She wanted to leave more than anything!

"Actually, folks, we wanted to make sure everything was all right out here." April kept her eyes wide, the fear growing stronger.

"We're fine." April gestured to the path. "We were just heading home from a late-night walk."

"Very well, ma'am. You were warned. Be careful getting back home, ya here?"

"Yes, officer. Please let us know when you find this person." April nodded to him.

"We will keep you posted. Thanks, folks."

Bob tipped his hat and turned to head back the way he came. Jesse waved and did the same for his horse.

"Mike, I'm scared. I want to leave." Splinter approached April.

"But, what about the others?"

"We'll look for them but as soon as we get to the farmhouse, I want to pack up and go home. Our home. Back in New York."

"But Leo said-"

"Leo! Oh, my God!" April picked up her communicator. "Leo? Leo! Come in, Leo!"

Leonardo backed away slowly, never taking his eyes off the enemy's.

"Uncle...Leo" Shadow came out slowly and Leo waved a back hand to her.

"Stay right where you are. Don't run, don't do anything."

Shadow looked up and gasped. "Oh...."

The wolves padded closer as Leo stepped further back.

"There's only two. Just two. Two to handle..." He mumbled. Leo felt someone brush against him.

"Uncle...Leo..." Shadow clutched his coat sleeve.

"Stay behind me."

Shadow gasped to see the other wolf circling them.

"Go away." She said calmly. The wolf only came closer, snarling at her. Shadow let out a small screech and felt herself being snatched off the ground. Without a warning, Leo caught and lifted her into his arms just as the wolf snapped near his pant leg. The wolves reacted to the sudden movement and became active.

"Oh, great....." A surprised pounce from the side sent Leonardo sprawling to the ground with Shadow falling forward in a skid. The two wolves readied themselves to attack. Leonardo was quickly back on his feet with a sword already in hand. Shadow started to run without looking back. The sounds of struggling brought tears to her eyes. "No, Shadow! I said, don't run!" Leonardo grunted while fighting off one wolf as they other gave away to chase after her. It was fast. Very fast. "Shadow!"

Shadow ran and looked up around her. Too many weak trees. None with low branches. She could hear panting and four legs reaching up to her within seconds.

"No, no, noooo!" Shadow started to leap run next. The snow was like running in sand.

The sore ankle lost it's battle and bent with a loud 'crack' sound. Shadow tumbled forward and rolled down a steep hill off the trail. Just as the wolf reached the cliff, it paused and watched her with curiosity. She might be dead. The fall would have killed her instantly, depending on whether she broke her neck or she landed on soft weeds. A quick twist of the neck sent the wolf slumping to the ground.

"Your killing days are over." Leonardo stood looking down the hill where Shadow fell. There was silence below. "Shadow!" Echo.

Shadow rested on a slab of cold, slippery rock, her breathing shallow. Opening her eyes, she felt distorted. Sitting up sent exploding pain to her stomach and legs.

"Ohhhh.... ....ow....."

Her leg had a wide gash on the ankle up to the shin, her stomach was covered in scrapes and bruises, her hands, from trying to stop, had layers of skin peeled away from the palms. Shadow raised a shaky hand to her forehead, pulling back with blood on the fingers. Leonardo slid down the dirt and snow path, almost skiing on just his snow boots. Mike's skis would have come in handy at this point.

"Shadow!" Leonardo stopped at the rock with a gasp. Shadow could only breathe irregularly. Leo circled around to look in her face. She looked deathly pale to him. "Oh, Shadow." He spoke more in sympathy. Shadow managed to look up and blink twice.

"Hurts..."

"Just relax and don't move too much." Grabbing her shoulders, Leo slowly pulled her away from the rock and turned her body over on her back. A frown sprung up to her lips followed by cries of pain. Leonardo sucked in a breath, attempting to move her without dislocating any broken bones. Shadow put a hand around his shoulder. She could actually feel the cool texture of the coat material on her opened skin.

"It hurts...." Shadow started to sob, thinking it wasn't a wise thing to do. Crying is an emotion that works from the pit of the stomach. The stomach was so badly bruised and scarred, it hurt to even breathe.

"Shh, don't cry. It only makes it worse." Leonardo backed away and looked up the hill. Damn, that was one hell of a tumble! He looked to her in his arms. He could do what he can as of now. Placing her on a soft bed of weeds, he removed his bag from his back and started fumbling through it, every so often glancing at her changes in status. He feared she'd stop breathing on him from the shock she just went through. "Casey will have to wait. We need to get you to a hospital."

"No, s'pital." Shadow whined and clutched his pant leg tightly. "Make....stop.....hurting..." She cried anyway. The release felt good and bad all at once.

Leonardo bent over and cradled her body in an attempt to calm her down. Shadow only moaned in pain with tears rolling down her dirty cheeks. Soon, he carefully lifted her onto his lap and held her close, allowing his warmth to reach her cold body.

"Come in, April. April....this is Leo." Leonardo clicked it several times. "Damn it! April! Come in, now!" All he got was static. Placing the antenna back down, he groaned and replaced the communicator to his belt. "Shadow?" He paused to look into her face. Her eyes were closed tight. He wrapped his coat around her as the snow started to fall down harder on them. Leo backed himself up against a tree and took in deep breaths. He held her as if she were no more than a baby in his arms, rocking her gently back and forth. "Please, Shadow." He said softly. "You'd better just be sleeping."

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