Nocturnal Creatures Chapter 25, a ninja turtles fanfic

Chapter 25

At the first sign of light in the morning, Casey was up, dressed and out the door. He was sure he told everyone he was leaving early because this was unlike him at all to skip breakfast. That would be most shocking to his family members. Waiting in the driveway was Jack's Nissan along with the man himself revved up behind the wheel. Smoke billowed in every direction of the old 1986 vehicle to indicate he'd be sitting there for several minutes.

Jack Russell. An interesting person with an odd sense of humor. Like Casey, a lot of them held grudges to this man; some of the turtles didn't like his attitude or ways about him. But, with a convincing proposition made from the night before, Casey couldn't turn down the offer to go with him to a place Jack kept secretive about. Curiosity is what mostly pulled him out of a warm bed and leave on a empty stomach. This had better be good.

"Get in, my friend. Coffee?" Jack held up a blue thermos. Casey shook his head and held up his own thermos. "Fine by me. Let's roll."

"So, where are we going, Jack?" Casey paused when he saw Jack's rifle in the back seat. "Goin' hunting or somethin'?"

"You'll see when we get there."

"You still won't tell me?" His response was silence. "Well, wherever there is, it'd better have food. I'm starving!"

"We'll stop and eat somewhere; don't worry."

Jack turned out onto the main road without having to look both ways. The high way was empty of any other cars at that hour of the morning. Winter seemed to be coming closer and closer. Although on a few of the days the sun broke out, the chilly breezes and strong winds were just a hint of the brutal weather that was yet to hit the small community. Casey and his family would be back in New York by then but even that state has it's bad storms as well. There's no escaping it from anywhere on the east coast.

"I never asked you, Jack. Do you still have that wolf at your house?"

"Which one? Oh. The one you called Di?" Casey nodded. "Nah. Once she was fully healed and able to eat and walk on her own, I let her go. Animals like her should be free to roam around in their own habitat, not locked up as domestics. You understand, yes?"

"Yeah. I guess you're right. April would've had a fit if I took her home to New York. Heh, not just April. My mom would, too."

Jack laughed a little bit. "Women. They can really be weird sometimes."

"I know. But I love April no matter how weird she gets. I hope I never lose her." Casey paused at what he said and turned to Jack. "Oh, shit. Damn it, man. I didn't mean to say that-"

"Forget it, Casey. Don't worry about it." Jack sighed and looked in his rear-view mirror. "The one thing I don't regret about it all is I was with her when she went. But I do regret missing a lot when we were separated like my son's first birthday or Kate's 20th attempt to stop smoking....she'd make up a world record to go two days without lighting up but it wouldn't last. She'd be reaching for her pack and lighter in no time."

"To think her long history of throat disease was caused by those little pieces of tobacco." Casey said mostly to himself.

Jack looked to him. "Call me absurd, but I still have the last pack of unfinished cigarettes from her."

"Now, there's something to remember her by, Jack." Casey said sarcastically. "Some people keep photos, clothes, or knick-knacks as momentos. But a cigarette packet? Jeez...and I thought you just said women were weird."

"Hey..." Jack frowned angrily. "I've got plenty to remember her by. The cigarette pack was the last thing she used that I have of her. All of her belongings and momentos as you put it are still at her house. And I don't plan to throw or give away any of it."

"Correction, women are weird and some men are too sensitive."

"Oh, shut up, Casey! You'd be the same way, too, if it were your wife that died-"

"Hey! Don't you dare speak that way about my wife, Jack!" Casey pointed to him with a growl. "You're lucky your driving now because if you weren't, I'd kick your ass so hard-"

"Will you stop with the ass kicking?" Jack sneered with eyes flared. "If that's all your good at, you'll never be friends with anyone!"

"Who said you were my friend?" Casey huffed.

"Look, we're both suffering the same curse! I'm just trying to help you out!"

"I don't want your help. I don't need your-"

"Then, I'm helping your wife and kid because they don't deserve the tortures you'll put them through."

"So, is that where we're going, Jack?" He thumbed the rifle. "You're going to take me to a nice quiet spot and shoot me dead?"

"No, don't be ridiculous." Jack grumbled. "There's been too much death around here, anyway."

Yes, way too much death. Not just from Kate's passing but also a whole warehouse full of people was quite a large number. The woods would definitely be haunted in that particular spot, if they weren't before from a previous encounter. Casey always hated walking in that area of the wilderness and Splinter usually picked up strong vibes whenever he'd venture out that far. Even the Turtles themselves would pause and turn away when hiking around. It was too desolate and dangerous to get lost in. Casey was relieved everyone was home safe and sound. He would have never forgiven himself if his daughter was lost for good out there. Much as Leonardo annoyed him sometimes, he was greatly appreciative of him saving her.

Jack continued to drive on in silence. Casey looked out his window in deep thought, wondering what he was up to. Now, he knew it had something to do with this curse of theirs. Whether he was getting good news or bad news out of it, he was yet to find out soon.

April was up and walking around the house after Casey left. Shadow was asleep in her bed as well as the Turtles and Splinter were still sleeping in their rooms. It was nice to walk through the quiet house without hearing arguments, ninja activities, video games blaring, and any other noise she usually detested.

She ended up sitting alone in the kitchen with a delicious cup of hazel nut in front of her. Utter silence. It was wonderful! And then...it was getting boring. April knew had to occupy herself or else the absence of sound was going to drive her insane. Packing. They were leaving tomorrow morning for New York. She could start to pack her clothes and some of the stuff they brought with them. Taking her cup with her, she started to walk out of the kitchen just as the wall phone rang out. De ja vu? April almost spilled the cup's contents from the surprise.

"Hello?"

"April? Hi, it's me, Lark!"

"Oh, hi Lark. What's up?"

Lark explained when she came over the night before to talk to Don after she got the news on Kate. She told April everything, except for the kissing part, no one had to know that! April nodded to her every word and filled in her two cents when she could. She wasn't sure what the guys were doing today, but sometime during the vacation, they mentioned that on the last day before leaving home, they wanted to do something big and time consuming. April didn't know what that meant but she, Shadow and Casey, were to stay out of it. Splinter wanted his students all to himself. She assumed he meant 'ninja stuff' out in the woods.

"I'll go with you to the police station, Lark, but I'll have to bring my daughter with me. I can't leave her alone."

"Okay, April. That sounds like a plan. Let me know when's a good time to come over."

How perfect. Casey was having a guy's day out with Jack, April was going to have a girl's day out with Lark and Shadow and the others...erm, were going to have a mutant's day out!! Can you see the silliness in this sentence?

By 9 a.m. in the morning, each turtle was suited, zipped, snapped, buckled, tied, and dressed up to go out. April stood by to watch the formation of ninja gear and winter attire being applied to themselves.

"You don't have to do this. Really." She tends to worry...well, all of the time! April sighed. "Just be careful. If you need me..." Leo lifted his communicator. "...of course. I'll keep it turned on." The four trampled down the three steps of the porch in an almost marching pattern. Even Michaelangelo was starting to walk a little better. My, how they heal fast. Splinter followed last and bowed to April.

"We will return before nightfall."

The group walked single file along the dirt and snow trail heading due east, thanks to a spinning compass in Donatello's hands. Leonardo led the way, followed by Donatello, Splinter, Michaelangelo, and finally Raphael in tow. Within ten minutes of the hike, the question finally came up as they entered a huge maze of trees.

"Master?" It was Mike. "Where is it we're going exactly?"

"We are going..." Splinter turned to him. "To a place where each of you can clear your minds."

"Why?" Don's eyebrows lowered.

"You want us all to act like Shadow?" Raph asked next.

"No, no." Splinter shook his head.

"You want us to meditate, then?" Leo said it in more of a statement then a question.

"Yes, Leonardo. Meditation...something you are all familiar with. This is a moment for when we must cleanse our souls and by doing that, we must flush out the negative feelings and allow the positive ones to enter within. The past has been unkind to all of us. Since the start of this vacation, each of us has been traumatized in some form or another. I would like each of you to find a quiet spot, sit down, and produce nothing but serene thoughts. That is all."

"Ah..." They slowly nodded and glanced to one another.

"We will do as you ask, Master Splinter." Leonardo placed his hands together with a bow.

"Whenever you are ready..." Splinter folded his legs and sat down cross-legged near a flat stone. "Come back to me."

The four spread out in north, south, east, and west. Ironically, they were all heading in the same paths they had originally took from when they were running away from the pack of wolves. Leonardo headed north, Michaelangelo headed south, Donatello went east, and Raphael ventured west.

"Clear your mind..." Leo said to himself.

"Cleanse my soul..." Mike looked to the surrounding trees and carefully sat down against one, closing his eyes.

"Flush out the negative feelings..." Don stared to a large hiking trail within the trees and rested up against a large rock.

"And allow the positive ones to enter within..." Raph realized where he was when he came across the small stream. His cuts hurt so bad from the wolf fight, he had to soak his arms in the ice cold waters. The stream was now turning into a sheet of thin ice. Better steer clear of it.

Each turtle was soon absorbed into mother nature. In the four corners to the center, an invisible force, not seen to the naked eye, soon appeared to guide them. Each of them reached out to Splinter in his own way. Anger, sorrow, pain, and hope. Splinter closed his eyes last and suddenly the woods and ground beneath him vanished.

"My sons..." His lips hardly moved. "I feel your emotions inside. Such tension....how I long to take it all away and set you free from your bondage." Their fists clenched, their eyes squinted, and their bodies began to quiver from head to toe. Splinter's ears twitched slightly. "Relax, now....let it all go and hear the spirit as it tells you it is all right."

Don inhaled deeply to take in the crisp air and exhaled to remove the anger he had of Harris and those that hurt him. Raph released his sorrow through shedding tears as he thought of his friend and lost love, Kate, as he too breathed in slowly. Mike fought the pain of when Shadow was scared of him and his brothers and attempted to learn that it won't last forever. And lastly, Leo gave in to any sign of hope to see each and everyone of them pulled through, despite all that's happened to them.

Splinter raised his neck higher. "Do you see it now? What has the past shown you all?"

"The past can be evil..."

"The past can be deplorable..."

"The past can leave many open wounds..."

"But the past..." Leo exhaled softly. "Is past..."

"Precisely." Splinter whispered. "The strong-willed ones always come shining through. You have all made me proud."

"Thank you, Master Splinter." All four simultaneously said. Then, a gunshot went off.

Casey and Jack stepped out of the truck parked in front of a glitzy little building with large posters of stars, shapes, and moons. The sign outside the door read: 'Come and a get your future told through palm or tarot readings! We buy or sell jewelry at half price!' Casey stared up at the place with one eye squinted and one eye wide. Gack-faced came to mind.

"Okay, Jack, um, is this a fortune telling place....or a pawn shop?"

"I said....you'll see!" Jack walked around the truck and stepped up onto the sidewalk, heading for the door. "Come on!"

"I'm seeing, damnit..." Casey grumbled. "But, I'm not liking!" The two walked through a beaded curtain that was more fit for the sixties. "Groovy." Casey said to the little stringed beads that smacked him in the nose. In the center was a small round table with a large crystal ball. The walls were decorated in dark colors of crimson red and royal blue tapestries. Beneath their feet were the kind of carpets you'd see in Agrabah where if you yelled, 'rise up!' the carpet would command and float in the air. They didn't have to wait long. A buzzer near the entrance sent a signal to the back room whenever some person interested in the world of the psychics came walking in.

"Good morning, gentlemen." A woman dressed like a gypsy came floating out to them. She looked beautiful with her hair wrapped up in a silver turban and her make-up piled on to perfection. Someone had their coffee this morning. She was very perky and ready to do business at the first sight of the green paper. "Ahhhhh....Jack Russell! Welcome back! It's so nice to have returning customers!" Casey's lip curled as he looked to Jack whom now had his hat removed. Talk about major sucking up. "And you must be Casey Jones."

"Yes, he is, Della." Jack said. Della? Casey wanted to turn and leave within the ten seconds they walked in. "He's the one I told you about over the phone." Phone? There's a phone in here? Maybe he told her telepathically. Della glided over to Casey. His face tried to hide the giggles from the idea of reaching out to touch someone...in thin air! She extended her hand to him.

"Pleasure to meet you, uh....Della"

"The pleasure is all mine." She soothed. "I am glad you two have come to see me today. You must have plans that I'm keeping you from so let's get started now." Della took Casey by the hand and lead him over to the table with the crystal ball. "To start, I get to know my customers on a first-hand basis. Okay? So, give me your hands and just....relax." Casey was not buying any of it but did what she told him to do. For a few seconds, the two sat still until her eyes began twitching to the unusual vibrations she seemed to feel from his arms. "I....feel something..."

"Yeah, my arms-"

"Shh! Oh....my...this is most interesting...it's oh..." She looked to Jack whom stood by staring with interest. "Excuse me...." Casey watched her suddenly stand up and walk over to one of the display tables. He couldn't see what she was up to with her back facing him. She took something out of the drawer, clutched it in her hand and returned to her seat. She placed whatever it was in her lap and then extended her hands over his arms.

"What the hell was that all about?"

"I will tell you soon. Just give me your hands again, please-"

"No! Now, hold on one damn minute here!" Casey snapped his arms away from her. "What've you got on your lap?!"

"I will show you in a minute, just please give me your hands back-"

"Uh, uh! This is stupid! Let's get one thing straight, lady! I don't believe in magic, spells, incantations, or any of that hocus pocus bullshit! Just get on with why the hell I was brought here and we'll be on our way!" Della and Jack sat back, blinking in surprise.

"Hmm, I see you're a skeptic." Della glanced to Jack.

"Duh! No shit!" Casey grumbled with arms crossed.

"Well, Casey." Della leaned forward with eyes on him fully. "Let me explain with what I do here. People come to me to seek guidance in their life. They want to know if they'll fall in love, have children, get rich, or live another 50 years. I get them all. With you, on the other hand, I seem to be sensing an evil force far too powerful to overcome."

"Riiiight. How much are you paying her?" Casey snapped his head to Jack. "Huh? You told her, didn't you? How about I put an ad in the goddamn paper and tell the whole world?!"

"Casey, please. I can assure you Jack only told me your name and that he wanted me to see you right away." Della extended her hands to Casey. "The rest I am trying to figure out on my own. I want to help you but it is you who needs to help me first. By cooperating."

A long pause. Casey sighed heavily. "I just...I just want to live a normal life with my wife and kid. But...that's never been possible and now...now something happened to me that I...I can't get rid of."

"Then give me your hands, please. And I'll tell you what I know." Casey reached out as Della placed her hands over his arms again, closing her eyes. She rubbed the soft texture of his sleeves with her thumb and index finger in a circular motion. Casey watched her rub over the large bandage where the wolf bit him, pausing to open her eyes to him sadly. "Oh, Casey. It..." She glanced down to the arm with the bandage, her red polished fingers resting over it. "This scar you have doesn't seem fresh, you've had it for a few days."

"Yeah, so?"

"May I see it?"

"What are you, a doctor, too?" Della said nothing. "Fine. Knock yourself out." Casey removed his jacket and rolled up his sleeve. The bandage pulled at the hairs on his arm but was removed rather quickly. Della loomed over it and placed two fingers onto the teeth marks.

"It was a very large animal. Bigger than a dog. But of the canine species." Della looked up to his face, getting no reaction. "The force I felt is very powerful, like no other I've felt since..." She paused to look at Jack. "...that I've felt in a long time. It was a wolf that bit you, wasn't it? And not an ordinary wolf, at that....could it be a werewol-"

"Ah! See!" Casey pointed. "You did tell her, Jack! You did!"

"No, I didn't! I swear to God!" Jack stammered. "Honestly!"

"Casey, I only asked you-"

"You're both lying to me! How could she have know that?!" Casey looked back to her. "How could you have known?!"

"Because, I got the same reactions from Jack!" Della said, raising her voice. "I could see it in your eyes...I could feel it in your touch...your hands, your skin, it's pulsating throughout your entire body! I've been known to make mistakes but I can clarify this perfectly!"

"So, if you knew, then why the hell did you question me?!" Casey snarled.

"Casey..." Della started to calm down. "As you the customer, I can't brand you as something that I may be incorrect about. That is why I questioned it. I have to hear it from you. I ask the question while you make the confession. Now tell me, am I'm right or wrong that the curse of the werewolf lives inside of you?"

"YES!!!" Casey jumped up with angered excitement. "Yes, it fucking does! A goddamn werewolf bit me and now I'm a fucking freak! What the hell can you do about it? How can you stop it from happening?" Della stood up next and backed away, clutching the object she got from the bureau. "Huh? Tell me!!!" Jack turned to watch Della step forward and drop the object from her hands to dangle it down in front of him. It was a necklace with a large medallion that swayed from a sterling silver chain. The stones and designs of the crafty piece immediately silenced Casey in an instant.

"Here...is your answer." Della said quietly.

At a quarter to 11, April heard the door bell ring just as she was applying her coat. Lark arrived right on time as she said she would. "Just a minute! You ready to go, Shadow?" The girl nodded on the sofa, kicking her feet. "Okay, come on. If we keep you bundled up, you'll be fine."

The three girls piled into Lark's SUV and drove straight out to the police station. Lark glanced to April with a smile. "I appreciate you coming with me. I didn't want to do this alone but if Donatello has something else going on today, I won't stop him from whatever it is he and his brothers are doing."

"Yes, whatever." April rolled her eyes. "I don't even know so don't ask me. They all left and Casey was already gone so that's why I have my daughter with me." She waved to the back with a grin. Shadow smiled a little and gazed back out her window seat, swaying her feet back and forth.

So, that's your daughter?" Lark glanced to Shadow in the rear-view mirror. April nodded. "She's a cutie. But you know, she doesn't look anything like you."

"Well, that's because she's not my biological daughter. Casey and I adopted her."

"Oh, I see." Lark looked again. Yup, the child doesn't really mark any resemblance to her. "I'm sorry."

"No, don't apologize. A lot of people ask me and I just tell them the truth."

"Okay." Lark sighed, feeling she was being too nosy anyway. April didn't seem to mind talking about it but Lark felt better changing the subject. "I think I'm falling in love with someone, April, but I'm not sure about it." She began slowly. April perked up in her seat. Even Shadow raised her head when she heard the 'l' word mentioned. "But, um...between us girls, I don't want this to leave the car."

"My lips are sealed. That goes for you, too." April looked behind her, zipping a finger across her lips. Shadow nodded but April had a feeling she could care less and would possibly forget hours later when they were back home. April had a strong suspicion who the love interest was but decided to play it cool. And dumb.

"I know you thought I loved Jesse...but that relationship isn't working out as I planned."

"Yes, I noticed that, too." April said cautiously. Lark said nothing to her, eyes looking straight out. "Is this someone you love from your...school?"

"Nooo..." Her eyes slanted over to April's. "It's...um, someone you know."

"Oh! Well, that narrows it down." April pretended to think but only had to sit there with a smile on the inside. "By about 100 some-odd people!"

"Okay, April. Enough with the 20 questions. It's Don."

"Don!" April repeated in a fake surprise.

"Don!" Shadow also repeated happily, kicking her feet. "Who?"

"Ohhh, I knew I shouldn't have said anything." Lark covered her eyes briefly. "It's wrong, it's not possible. It could never work out."

"Lark, you and I need to have a serious talk." April said softly.

"A serious talk." Shadow mimicked in the backseat. "Why?"

"I know. I need to have a serious talk...with my shrink!" Lark pulled the car into a parking space of the police station. "I know I shouldn't be telling you this but I don't know who to talk to! I have these strong feelings for him...but, is it right to love a turtle?!"

"Like I said, Lark. We need to have a talk. And I will tell you what I think about it."

"Me too!" Shadow popped up. The three stepped out of the car to look at one another. "Why are we here?"

"All right, April." Lark tapped her shoulder. "Let's get this over with and we'll talk over lunch. My treat."

"Deal." April smiled.

Birds screeched as they flew overhead after the gun shot went off. All five jolted to attention and looked in all directions. Raphael leapt up and started to follow the path where he heard the sound. It was closer to the east side where he found Donatello also up and bug-eyed.

"Did you hear that?" Don approached him slowly.

"How could you not?" Raph said curtly.

"It sounded like it came from that way."

In an small open space, the two paused half way in the center to find several rocks in a large formation by what looked to be the work of human hands. Suddenly, they didn't feel right at all.

"Jenal Courtwood. Born 1964, Died 1999. Hmm...." Donatello read one of the rocks and scratched his head.

"Norman Gibbons. Born 1975, Died....1999." Raphael read another and looked up with pain on his face. "All these deaths are marked of this year. Jeez, look at them. There's got to be over two dozen rocks here, all with dates of 1999."

"Creepy." Don mumbled. "Hey, have you seen the others?" A gun suddenly clicked near his ear. Caught by surprise. Raph jumped and raised his hands. "Oh, no, not again-"

"Your 'others' are with our others!" A voice to Don's left snickered. Raph got a good look at them and put his hands down, staring with annoyance.

"Relax, Don. They look harmless. And stupid."

"That's easy for you to say!" Don moaned. "I've had my head near the barrel of a gun far too many times! I'm sick of it!"

"Awwww, Sal!" The gunmen's partner droned. "Don't cha recognize them? Them's are heroes!" Don and Raph looked to each other questionably.

"You sure about it, Vern?" Sal pulled the gun away slowly. "Welllllll......can't trust anyone these days."

"What'd you do with the others? And what the hell others are you talking about?" Raph demanded.

"You'll see, strange guy! We've been looking all over for you!" Sal spoke proudly. "Follow us!"

What choice did they really have then to find their others? Donatello and Raphael agreed to go along and were escorted down a familiar trail path. A group of men and even women were gathered around the burnt out shell of the old warehouse. Among them were Michaelangelo, Leonardo, and Splinter whom kept a low-profile from everyone. The area smelled horribly of old smoke and crispy flesh. The cops cleaned up on the outside but dared not enter the inside.

"Eew, what a smell. I think I'm gonna be sick." Don pinched his nose.

"Raph! Don!" Michaelangelo hobbled over and tapped them quickly. "Um....you're not going to believe this but, these people here we're looking for us! They've been calling us-"

"We know Mike." Don said calmly. "We're heroes."

"Oh! Who told you that?"

"They did." Raph thumbed to Sal and Vern. "Tweedle Dum and Tweedle Dummer." A rather unattractive woman approached him and Don with her eyes wide and mouth agape. She looked like she had been crying; perhaps that's the reason she looked so terrible. Don sobered up and looked to her sadly.

"You've come." She simply said. "You've come back."

"Why have we been brought here?" Leo walked over as Don and Raph stepped closer to him. "What's going on?"

"We're the families of the workers from this place." Her voice was very soft and low. "You must have not seen it, but you five made the front cover of yesterday's newspaper." The woman lifted a folded sheet of the local newspaper and handed it to Leonardo. "Some have been calling you demons. Others call you saviors. But a lot of the people among this group are not ones to prejudge. All we want is the truth of what happened here Wednesday afternoon."

"But, the bad guys were rounded up." Michaelangelo said. "It's all been taken care of."

"Yes, but I don't want to live out the rest of my life not knowing the questions that could have been answered by those who knew what went on here. I was once a wife and now, I'm a widow. My children have been asking where their father is. Please, I have to know. For their sake and my own."

Donatello was now staring with mouth hung open. He and Raph glanced to Leo, Mike, and Splinter, unsure of what to do or say next. They felt sympathetic for these individuals whom suffered losing the people they loved over a ridiculous place that was unfit for anyone since it first opened.

Finally, Splinter stepped forward, causing some people to turn their heads and gawk at him. He knew it wouldn't do any good if he asked everyone to meditate and forget the past, as he did with the Turtles. These folks were total strangers for one thing, second, they wouldn't listen to a four foot tall rodent, and third, a lot of them don't believe in that sort of relaxation. More than anything they wanted answers then to sit and do nothing.

"We will tell you what we know. From the beginning."

Casey stared with his eyes glued to the dangling piece of jewelry in front of Della. It was so beautiful, nothing like he'd ever seen before. He knew deep down he always hated that kind of stuff and would complain if April wore anything gaudy with large stones in them. But for some reason, he was getting mesmerized.

"It is a beauty, is it not?" Della leaned her head to look around the necklace into Casey's transfixed expression. "Casey?"

"Uh, uh, right." Casey blinked and looked to Jack whom sat grinning like a Cheshire cat. "It's very nice."

"Ah!" Della huffed and dropped the necklace onto her opened palm. "Just like a man to say that!"

"So, if I wear it, it'll cure me from the curse?"

"There is no known cure for the curse, Casey." Della sighed. "If Jack hasn't already told you, the medallion will prevent your body from becoming a werewolf during every full moon. According to most lunar calendars, that's every 28 days. But if I were you, I'd wear it for the rest of my life."

"A permanent curse." Casey sat back down and looked to his scar. "What'll happen when there is a full moon? Will I feel anything?"

"You'll become agitated. A little wild like a wolf itself but your form will stay the same. Here..." Della raised the necklace higher in the air with her fingers laced around the chain. "Give it a try..." Casey stood up and walked over to her. Della carefully placed it around his neck as if she were awarding him a medal. The stones felt heavy and cold pressed to his exposed chest.

"Shit. Everyday? Wonder what the guys will say to me back at work."

"It'll take some getting to used to but pretty soon, it'll become apart of you."

"Wonderful." Casey lifted the trinket into his palm to gaze at it closer. The stones shimmered and glistened like they were winking at him. When the light hit it just right, there were hints of bright yellow, like a wolf's eye, and then there were hints of light blue, like the pale moon light. "How much do I owe you?"

"It's already been taken care of." Della waved a hand.

Both eyebrows lifted on Casey. "What? I don't have to pay?!"

"Mmm..." Della smiled. "The next time you come to town, pay me a visit instead. I'd like to see you again sometime."

"I don't say this very often but...thank you for helping me...." Casey sighed and looked down to his new necklace. "....and for saving my marriage."

"Don't thank me. Thank Jack. He was the one that brought you to me. And paid for the necklace in advance." Casey whipped his head over to Jack whom was now looking over the jewelry display. "For someone to do so much as that, he is a true friend."

"Yeah, well, whatever..." Casey shrugged.

"I'm very happy you two came here." Near the door, Della placed a hand to Casey's arm. "And also...I hope you come back soon with maybe your family if you wish. Here's my blessing...." Della reached up and kissed Casey on the forehead. "Go with God."

April watched Lark eating with some difficulty. There were food smells all around them in the tiny cafe. Everything looked and tasted delicious. However, Lark was losing her appetite over a reason April could plainly see. Shadow, on the other end, was doing much better, eating her B.L.T. sandwich and munching on her fries with delight.

"I hope something good happens soon." Lark stated miserably.

"With D-"

"With the uniform." Lark paused and looked up to April. "Oh, and him too." April glanced around, realizing this was the same restaurant she and Donatello sat in that one day they were out looking for something to help Casey. "Would he even be interested in a human?"

"Oh, yeah." April nodded, also remembering his discussion. "They all have a soft spot for humans. Especially girls. They're turtles but they have feelings, too."

"Turtles." Shadow repeated. April smiled.

"You know, I didn't tell you all that happened last night..with Don." Lark leaned in as she watched April's eyes widen. "I mean, I was upset but I didn't think I would find myself...um, well, he sort of-"

"Oh, my God. He took advantage of you?!"

"Who did?" Shadow looked to April, then to Lark whom sat back and laughed out loud.

"Noo..no! He didn't do anything of the sort." Lark lifted a smile. "We didn't get that far."

"Oh...my..." April cupped her mouth, hiding her smile. "Laaaaark!"

"See, this isn't working out, I told you! You wouldn't understand!"

"No, no. Wait a minute, I didn't say that! I'm just..." April started to laugh, too. "I'm just wondering if this is it. You know, if it's actually happening to one of the guys."

"What is?" Lark asked, surprisingly so did Shadow at the same time.

April hung on the table. "Tell me I don't have to spell it out?" Lark looked to Shadow whom stared at both women. "Don's got a girlfriend!"

"Oh, stop!" Lark spat out.

"Girlfriend! Don has a girlfriend!" Shadow exclaimed.

"That goes for you, too." Lark glared to her, trying to hide her smile. Shadow smiled back, popping a French fry into her mouth. "Remember, not a word to anyone Shadow, okay?"

"Not a word about what?"

"Nevermind." Lark looked to April. "It's just a...faze...he'll move on."

'That's not very likely, Lark." April said sternly. "However, it might be for you."

"We'll see, April." Lark said quietly. "I have quite a large social life that I don't want to give up. My friends would never agree to this."

"'Then they're not your friends. If you can respect Donatello for what he is, then you should have friends that respect you for who you're dating. I've lost a lot of friends since these guys came into my life. Well, the little amount of friends that I had. I had to be extra careful when they were around. But, I would never pass up not knowing them for anything. I love them. They're my family and I don't want to see any of them getting hurt." Lark gulped to that. "Don't panic, Lark. If it doesn't work out between you too, I'm not going to hunt you down for it. It just means it wasn't meant to be."

"No, that's true." Lark drummed her finger slightly. "I really should have this same talk with Don."

"Don..." Shadow said quietly. Lark looked over to her.

"She keeps saying his name. I hope she doesn't say anything to Don himself."

"Whatever she says to him will probably be something he already knows." April looked over. "But she won't. She's not very talkative with them right now so don't worry about it."

"How was everything?" The waitress came by. "Is everyone finished?"

"Um, everything was great." April gestured to Lark's unfinished portion. "We'll need a doggie bag for her, please. Thank you." The woman smiled and left the check on the table. April went t grab it but Lark picked it up instead. "I was just going to read it to figure out the tip."

"I can do it. Don't worry. I said I'm buying." Lark reached for her purse.

"Well, thank you. I really appreciate that." April nudged Shadow. "Say, thank you, Shadow."

"Thank you, Shadow." Shadow grinned.

"No, April. Thank you for hearing me out." Lark mumbled. "I couldn't possibly have talked about this to my mom. She'd freak out."

"Freak out." Shadow repeated.

Lark stood and dropped the cash and the tip. "Let's check out some stores for awhile. I'm in the shopping mood."

"Only if you're buying." April grinned. "Just kidding."

The Turtles and Splinter walked home with full minds but empty hearts. Those people treated them like they were on pedestals, a kind of deserving respect for what they had to go through to stop Kelvin Harris, the madman from destroying their community. With the madness comes a price of many lives that could have been saved, but then again, could have not been saved.

One of the women there knew Kate personally. She was a former riding buddy for many years. The explanation was told through all that occurred, including Kate's passing and the woman fell silent and dissolved into the crowd of mourners. Raphael only saw her briefly but knew he didn't want to get attached to any of those people.

Donatello bumped into several students whom went to the same college Lark was currently attending. Many asked how she was and if she was returning to school on Monday. He answered all their questions with 'yes' 'no' or 'I don't know.' She must be a very popular student to these guys. If any of them had her number, he knew he wouldn't have a chance with her at all. As if he weren't fooling himself already.

Michaelangelo held it in as best as he could but he had to turn away when the women would start to cry or clutch the person next to them for support. He and his brothers and Splinter had their own problems with April, Casey, and Shadow and seeing these people so sad and distraught also made him feel the same way.

Leonardo was the quietest one of all and it worried Splinter. He was thankful there were no clear snapshots taken of them but the words alone in the article would do damage to him and his family's privacy. When the one woman showed him the paper, his feelings went from shock, anger, and finally, defeat.

"I sense you are troubled, Leonardo."

"Yes, Master." Leo straightened his coat collar higher as if he felt someone was watching them. "The exposure to that group of people was very uncomfortable for me." He caught his brothers nodding. "I mean, I felt sorry for what they had to go through but now, after they all discovered who we are, what's to become of us? Do you think they'll follow us home to New York? Camp out at the farmhouse? I know we did the right thing in stopping Harris but we can't be living with the thought of someone constantly watching over with either love or hate toward us."

"I understand, Leonardo. And you are correct. This exposure has left us very vulnerable to many people, good and evil. That is why I believe each of you and myself will have to keep our guard up wherever we may reside. If the news has reached New York, the same will apply there as well."

Splinter paused to see them looking more depressed then before. On returning to the farmhouse, he wanted them to be calm, relaxed and feeling good about themselves. Instead, their faces were back to the typical expression they usually had after fighting a battle or....burying someone. Within 20 yards of the farmhouse, they stopped in their tracks and stood for a moment. Thinking.

"If it's all right with you, Master." Don said, staring at the house. "I don't want to return to New York just yet. I'd like to stay behind a little longer."

"Same here." Leo bent carefully to pluck a lone weed sticking up from the snow. Don gave him a look. "I'm not going to supervise what you do here, I just don't want to return home just yet."

"You will have to ask April or Casey if you want to stay longer, my sons." Splinter replied, then turned to Mike and Raph. "Do either of you wish to stay behind as well?"

"No, I've had enough of the country." Michaelangelo waved a hand. "I want to rest my injured leg, get back to my work, my cat, my T.V., my everything that's in New York and not here."

Splinter nodded, his eyes turning to Raph whom felt obligated to answer. "Um...right, I'm goin' back, too. There's nothin' here for me. April didn't mind that I gave Tom the number to her apartment. He needs somewhere to call to let us know when the...funeral will be held for Kate." None of them said anything to that. "Sooo...I'm just gonna kick it back in the city...n'guess."

The five walked the rest of the way back in silence. It was almost five o'clock in the evening and the sun was setting just in time to watch it disappear on the horizon. The struggle was hard, but Michaelangelo had to climb to a higher ground to get a good view.

"Let's watch it..owch!" Mike paused and rubbed his knee.

"I got a better idea." Raphael assured him.

On the roof of the old barn sat four turtles and a rat, all watching the sun go down. The sight of it was breathtaking and safe to view without the use of sunglasses! Donatello got into a small explanation that it was harmful on the eyes to look directly at the sun during the hottest part of the day when it shines the brightest. They heard him, but didn't really listen. Lark's SUV pulled into the driveway at that moment. The ladies had a long day full of shopping, eating together, gossiping, and hanging out. But as they say, all good things must come to an end.

"Thanks for a great day, April, and whatever happens with Jesse or the police station...or Donatello..." She chuckled. "I'll let you know."

"You take care of yourself, Lark. Maybe I'll see you during winter break. We'll go Christmas shopping together or something."

"I'd like that." Lark and April quickly embraced, patting each other's backs. "Have a safe trip home."

Later that evening, April spent a good time packing her clothes up. Casey returned and showed her what he called a new addition to his body. The two talked, held each other, kissed and then continued packing their stuff. The Turtles and Splinter had another thing up their sleeves, this time involving the humans.

"Are you doing okay?" April asked Shadow as she entered her room. She nodded to her. "That's good. I want you to come downstairs with me. The guys were saying something about meeting us all in the living room. They want you there, too."

"Why?"

"I don't know. We'll find out." April took her by the hand and headed down to the living room.

Donatello put a second log in the fire place, adding more flames to his creation. Sitting on the couch were Leonardo, Splinter, and Raphael while the rocking chair was occupied by Michaelangelo whom twiddled his thumbs patiently. Casey grabbed a chair from the dining room just as April and Shadow came down. All eyes looked to them.

"Please, come sit." Splinter said softly.

Raphael rose to offer his portion of the couch to April as he moved to sit on the arm of it beside her. Shadow crawled up onto Casey's lap to make herself comfortable and lastly Donatello decided to remain near the fire place, plopping down on the rug cross-legged. Everyone got quiet.

"For the holiday of Thanksgiving, we have decided to say what each of us have been thankful for...tonight." Splinter started as he looked to each face. "I cannot begin to count how many times I have felt honored and blessed to know people such as you, April." He nodded to April. "...Casey...." He looked to Casey. "And yes, child, even you." He looked down to Shadow in Casey's lap. "Without your love and trust, we would not be here now. It is you whom we have much gratitude for and we thank you for all that you have done for each of us. Bless you three." Splinter looked to Leonardo whom nodded and stood up.

"April, Casey..." He smiled to Shadow. "Shadow, too. You guys have been so wonderful to my brothers, sensei, and myself, words cannot fully express how I truly feel. I for one am also honored to know that there are people like yourselves whom see us more than meets the eye. To me, the only gift I could possibly treasure is having a family like you." April looked like she was about to cry but held it in. Leo looked around before returning to his seat.

"Thank you, Leo." April nodded to him.

"Uh, I'll go next." Michaelangelo raised his hand. "I'd stand but...ah, you can see me just fine." He cleared his throat and looked straight to April. "What I wanted to say was, um...wow. Jeez. You know, like Leo said, you, Casey, and Shadow have seen us more than what we appear to be. I mean, that to me is very cool in my book. No one has ever been as nice to us as you and Casey have and I'm happy that we met and got to know you." Mike felt himself getting choked up and had to stop. "So, yeah. You're both a great couple."

"Thanks, Mike." April smiled to him.

"Right." Raphael mumbled and April turned around to face him. "Hey, I'll go. Um, yeah. April...n' that guy over there with the kid on his lap...um, look, I don't go into all that mushy shit, I mean, stuff but damn, you both have dealt with a lot of our crap that most people couldn't handle. And to me that's like, damn, you know? What's the deal? Our lives are never simple but you guys have seemed to lessen the burden on what we went through to get here now. Yeah, I leave my 'what I'm thankful for' speeches beneath the ground and dirt, but damn, I mean it when I say you both deserve more than just...what you've had to put up with." Raph leaned back to indicate he was done.

"Thanks, Raph." April said, tapping his shoulder. "That was very...thoughtful."

"Well..." Donatello stood up, resting a hand on the fireplace mantle. "That doesn't leave me with much, does it?"

"Say whatever you feel, Donatello." Splinter said calmly. "Your individuality is unique. Let your speech be the same way."

"Riiight." Don laughed out, looking to each one and suddenly feeling he was on spotlight. "Look, okay...um...I'll just be honest with you, then. April, Casey, Shadow....I love you guys." All three blinked to him. "Yeah, I know that's totally mushy but it's definitely true. I mean, I love my brothers and sensei of course, but my love also extends to you guys, too."

"I think I'm gonna be sick." Splinter shushed Raph.

"Okay, enough with the love word. I just had to say it out loud. But...anyway, I know I'm one to brag when things go wrong or when my name is often heard if something's broken and I don't hesitate to drop what I'm doing to go run and fix it. In other words, I'll do anything for my family because they've done so much for me. I've lived my life knowing three identical guys like myself and one furry guy that's sitting right there. And that was it. But now, I've gotten to know a lovely woman..." April blushed to that. "A six-foot 3 mountain man of his own law..." Casey just stared, saying nothing. "...and of course, Shadow, his daughter that has been a great addition to the group. That's how I feel deep down. You're an awesome asset to us. Don't ever forget that."

April waited till Don was silent before standing up to cross over to Casey and Shadow.

"Wow. You guys all planned this, didn't you?" They agreed in unison, talking at once. April laughed and put her arm around Casey. "Well, we both appreciate it very much. Um, and so does Shadow...um..." April looked down to catch her sleeping on Casey's shoulder. Well, I know she does, too. Did you want to add anything, Casey?"

Casey looked to them all. "Eh...you're welcome."

"I'm touched." Raphael clasped his chest.

"Shadow?" April tapped her. "You ready to go to bed?"

Shadow opened her eyes and looked around the room. "I want some more pumpkin pie." There was a low murmur of giggles.

"I like that idea better." Michaelangelo stood up with a crack to the bones.

It was the last night in the farmhouse for this holiday. The grandfather clock played it's usual half hour tune for 12:30 a.m. Michaelangelo couldn't sleep too well. He sat up in a dark red robe and looked through one of the photo albums April forgot to put away. It was full of photos from so many years back, around the time they first met one another. His hand brushed lightly over a photo of April and Casey when it was a happy time. Their smiles were real and Mike smiled back to it.

"Poor Casey. If only there was a way to end this curse permanently."

Shadow blinked in her bed and licked her dry mouth. The cup by her bed was once again empty but she knew she had to get a drink. She rolled out of bed with a light thump. The headache calmed down but was still with her the whole day. Now to get out to the hall. She walked like a drunken sailor that just had enough beer to last him a month. The stairs descended like an enormous mountain top overlooking the living room. Gulping, she gazed down. Going upstairs was hard enough, but down was even more of a challenge. Mostly, she slithered down and hit the bottom with a large thump sound.

Michaelangelo looked up, seeing no one there. He gazed back to the book as Shadow started to crawl on her hands and knees towards the kitchen. She passed the living room, pausing at a pair of green feet just below the rocking chair. So strange-looking, she had to touch and see what it felt like. Her fingers lightly brushed passed his toes, causing him to snap his eyes from the book down to the floor.

"Hmm?" Shadow darted back with a gasp. Michaelangelo closed the book using one finger as a bookmark and leaned forward. She stared at him and started to crawl backwards. "Was that you I heard thumping?" No response. "You know you're not supposed to get up on your own. Did you want something?"

"Water."

"Oh. All right. I'll go get you some." Mike stood up and headed for the kitchen.

"I was told you're a turtle."

"Huh?" Michaelangelo turned and waited for her to repeat the statement even though he heard it the first time.

"You're a turtle?"

"Yes, I am a turtle." Mike slowly limped back over to the living room and carefully bent down on his knees to her level. "My brothers and I are all turtles. I know I look very strange to you now, but, I promise I would never do anything to hurt you."

Shadow gathered her knees up under her chin next. "I didn't know....that."

"Didn't know what?" He asked softly. "That we're turtles?"

"You would not....hurt."

"No. I would never. You have my word on that."

"I didn't mean to..." Shadow gazed to his knee with the bandage wrapped around it. "Hurt you."

"I know you didn't. You were just scared of me..." Michaelangelo started to sit up and move closer, hearing her gasp. "oh, um...and you're still scared of me, aren't you?" She shrugged to that. "I see..." Mike looked downward to the floor with a rising smile. "You know, you seemed fascinated by my feet when you touched them."

"Oh...I was curious...I guess..." She looked away; he could almost see her blushing.

"It's okay to be curious. I didn't mind you doing that." He glanced down at his arms. "Do you want to touch my hand?" Shadow gave a side glance to him and shrugged again. Slow...go very slow with her... Michaelangelo reached out his hand flat to her, almost as if he were trying to lure an animal towards him. Shadow watched him, glancing down at the green palm with the two fingers and thumb. It was so strange-looking, but just like his foot, it seemed safe to touch. She picked up her fingers and lightly batted at it, almost giving him an unsure high-five.

"I touched it..."

"Yeah." He continued to hold his hand upright towards her, the strain starting to kick in. "You can touch it more if you want to. It won't bite."

"I know that." She mumbled with pursed lips.

"Of course you do. My mistake."

Shadow reached again and brushed her small fingers along his two, large ones. He observed in silence of her gripping a finger, then two, followed by turning the hand to look at the veins around the knuckle area. Her fingers now took a hold of his in a hand-shake manner. He caught her smiling a bit as she shook the hand up and down.

"Now, what are you doing?"

"Shaking it." Her smiled remained with the hint of fascination.

"You're shaking my hand?"

"Guess...so...like we're meeting!"

"For the first time." He added.

"Oh." Shadow echoed and pulled away from him, her frown returning. "We never met?"

"We have." Michaelangelo sighed and returned his hand to his side, looking at her with the same expression. "You've just forgotten for the moment."

"I didn't..." She squinted. "...forget..."

"Remember Grandpa Splinter?" Shadow stared at him. "Mommy April? Your father, Casey?" He feared he was puzzling her but tried one more name. "What about...Uncle Mikey?"

"Mikey...he...that man...told me...um....." Shadow watched him swallow, then look downward. "What's wrong?"

Everything. "Nothing." Michaelangelo moved over to the rocking chair and sat down, elbow on one of it's arms and head turned away from her. "You should go back to bed now." He said without looking over. "It's very late for you to be up." Shadow stood up and wobbled over to him. Her hand fell upon his knee, causing him to flinch it away. "Owch..."

"I'm sorry." Shadow took a step back to watch him. Hand resting on his chin, he'd look to her then glance off in various parts of the rooms, including the floor. She sat down on the sofa across from him, curling herself up into a little ball, still watching him with eyes blinking rapidly. "...Mikey..."

Michaelangelo turned over to her, blinking back. "Did you still want water?" Shadow sighed and looked around the room with wonder. She's definitely trying to remember her surroundings.

"Water? I didn't say I wanted....or, no...I don't...." She murmured softly. "I can't seem to...." Her eyes darted in every corner.

"Give it time, Shadow. You've hit your head; you've got amnesia."

"No, I don't." She stammered, still darting around. "Can't have an ammesheea."

"Shadow, look at me." It took a few seconds but she turned to blink into his stare. "It will all come back to you eventually. Don't fight it now because you'll only make things worse."

"But, I don't even know...." She whispered with tears forming. "...who April is."

Michaelangelo frowned. "It's not my place to tell you those things. I'm not an immediate relative to you, but, my brothers and I have been chosen to be apart of this family. We've been considered as uncles to you. You even call me...Uncle Mikey."

"Uncle Mikey?" She repeated. He nodded as he watched her slowly break down on the sofa, covering her eyes from view. Despite the pain, Michaelangelo rose and stepped over to gaze down to her little formation. Soft cries were heard beneath the throw pillows. He reached to brush one hand across her back. She didn't react to his touch, making him wonder if her fear of them was finally disappearing.

"Hey...come here-" He started to lift her but she stopped him.

"No...your hurt."

"It's all right." Mike said quietly. "I want to do this." He lifted her up and carried her over to the rocking chair, placing her on his lap.

"But...your knee." She blinked and wiped her eyes.

"I did suffer some damage, heh." He smiled down to her. "But, knowing I could do this once again, I'm doing just fine."

Shadow continued to blink up at him before turning to look around at where she was. The large living room with it's old, fraying furniture, the paintings April put up to add color to the dull walls, the little coffee table with it's many scratches from disobeying shoes being rested upon it, the poor TV that took a beating during the wolf raid...and then she looked back to Michaelangelo. A strange creature with a gentle smile that anyone, including a small child, would find a comfort in. She gazed to the arms that held her, the legs that supported her, and the face that told her she should not be afraid anymore. By the time the grandfather clock chimed 1 in the morning, she was sound asleep in his embrace.

CHAPTER 26/EPILOGUE BACK TO CHAPTER 24 BACK TO FAN FICTION PAGE