Thankful

Chapter III: It's Time

By: Michelle

Splinter meditated in Shadow's room to avoid his son's rowdy football game.

"Master Splinter." Hana poked her head in the door.

"Yes Hana." He replied still concentrating.

"April needs you. I think Venus is going to have the babies soon."

Splinter rushed with her out the room and cleared the girls from around Venus.

"How are you my child?" He asked sensing joy, nervousness, and fear in her.

"I think it's time." She said as he placed his hands on her large belly.

"April, call Obento." Splinter Instructed. "

April rushed to the phone and began dialing the animal shelter where Obento worked.

Splinter looked over at his sons, Casey, and Mondo Gecko yelling and watching the game.

"RAPHAEL!" Splinter yelled and Raphael heard.

"WHAT?" He answered.

"COME NOW."

Raphael got up and walked sideways over to them. "Huh." He asked, stopping five feet away from him.

Splinter looked at his drunken son disapprovingly. Raphael obviously had more beers than they all thought. "It's time."

"Time for what?" Raphael asked as he lost his balance and ran into the wall.

"Venus is going to have your babies." Splinter said disgusted with Raphael.

"She is!" Raphael seemed shocked and began yelling to his brothers and friends." "Venus is having my babies!"

They all turned and looked over at him and watched him pass out on the floor. For a few moments, they sat there. Then, it hit them. Venus was going into labor. All five flew off the couch to help.

Venus looked at Raphael unconscious on the floor. This only made her more nervous.

April hung up the phone. "Obento and Usagi are getting ready for us."

"Good." Splinter and Kat began to help Venus to her feet.

"Are you sure it is time?" Donatello asked as he walked over to take Kat's place.

"I'm sure." Venus said and watched Donatello jump back as her water broke.

Venus looked down at the puddle under her. "Oh April! I'm sorry."

"It's OK Venus." April assured her. "We'll clean it up. It's not your fault."

Donatello took Kat's place with helping Venus.

"Come. We need to get to the van." Splinter instructed. "Donatello, I want you to drive."

"Yes sir." Donatello answered looking at April for the keys.

"Casey and Leonardo." Splinter said as he helped Venus get her cloak on. "I need you and the girls to meet us there after you wake up Raphael."

"Yes, sensei." Leonardo began to shake Raphael.

"Come on Shadow." April said trying to get her to come.

"But what about the cookies?" Shadow questioned, not understanding what was going on.

"I'll watch Shadow." Kimmico volunteered. "It may be hours before the babies are born.

"I'll stay too." Zenobia stepped forward.

"So will I." Kat agreed. "We'll clean everything for you April."

"OK." Splinter said ready to go. "Whoever is coming needs to come with us NOW."

Splinter and Donatello opened the door and walked Venus downstairs. April and Hana rushed down ahead of them to make room for Venus to lay.

Not sure of what to do, Michaelangelo and Mondo Gecko began to help the girls in the kitchen.

"He's not waking up." Leonardo looked over at Casey.

"I might have something that will get him up. Casey got up and went looking for something to put under Raphael's nose.

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Meanwhile, at the animal shelter, Obento and Usagi prepared for Venus arrival.

"Obento, are you alright?" Usagi asked noticing Obento was shaking.

"I'm worried." Obento explained. "I have worked with dogs and gorillas, but never a mutant turtle."

"You shall be alright." Usagi assured him. "Donatello and Splinter will be helping you."

"Yes, you are right." Obento said as he relaxed.

Usagi then began to help him sterilize the tools they may need.

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Donatello opened the door to the van and began helping Venus in. Splinter and Hana sat on the floor next to her, so she could lie down.

April got in the passenger's seat and turned around. "Are you comfortable?"

"A little." Venus answered feeling her belly.

Donatello climbed in the driver's seat and started the engine. Hana closed the side door and held Venus' hand.

"It will be OK Venus." Splinter assured her.

"Where is Raphael? Venus asked.

"Casey and Leonardo are trying to wake him." Splinter replied trying not to make her worry. "He will meet us after we arrive. Now try to relax."

Venus sighed and tried to relax. She felt her belly. She could feel small movements inside of her. She closed her eyes and remembered how it all started.