Disclaimer:…I'm not addicted to Ninja turtles no matter what whores (ha, that's what u think) wanna say!…..SHUT UP ANI! GET OUT MY FAN FICTION!!! (he he he! I don't think so!, u scatter ur squid butt out of my way, this is my story now!!!!!! Mwahahahhhahahahahaa Owen, u can now take over the world and be my man slave!)

Vestque:…blinks…MY…rather rude…MUSE, EVERYONE! SAY HELLO! random applause, well, not really (Oh, by the way. Ani is a real person, which makes her all the more musey!)

Chapter Eighteen

…A battle amongst the shunned reigned on for centuries on end, the 'repentants' being lead by Seraphim herself. However, despite her efforts, the war turned as the small band was struck down by the vast armies of the Betrayer. Defeated, Seraphim fell, her once bright light growing dim, her six wings broken and scattered about by the Betrayer's hands. Her immortality bled from those wings. Her followers lying helpless, their own deaths soon coming as well. However, here is where the true story differs from that of myth. In her last fleeting moments, she bestowed upon them a gift, her immortality through her own blood. With her last breath, she commanded her followers to drink that of the blood of her wings, thereof insuring their own immortality. She perished, leaving behind a gift and a curse. All those that drank from her immortal blood lived, while those that did not, perished along with her.

And thus, the first vampires were born…

'Whoa…' That was all his mind could muster as he absorbed the new information. This was overwhelming. His initial beliefs were all a giant lie, or at least, that's how he felt. The very fact that they withheld any part of the truth was just as bad as not telling the true at all as far as he was concerned. His heart boiled in suppressed rage. How could they hide this much from them, how could their society have left so much out?

'Seraphim.' It had been her that saved them, not themselves. She gave up immortal life to save her followers, the 'repentants' as the book so cleverly called them. He turned back to the page before, the beautiful painting of the angel with the six wings leaving him awestruck. Her ultimate goal had been the salvation of her and her followers, and through sacrificing herself, she gave them that chance.

A true angel to the end, she was. A true angel.

He shut the book, once again running his hand over the cool hard cover.

He had read enough.

He sighed, pushing the books away as he placed his head down. He knew all he needed; there was no need to read anymore.

'Seraphim…'

His arms folded around the soft locks that was his hair. He sighed, all of the information settling into the back of his mind as he blinked. Once. Twice. Wearily, he checked the time, his mind telling him that it was now four in the afternoon.

Way past his bedtime.

Tiredly he yawned, his eyes closing almost automatically. His thought drifted back to the beautiful figure that had saved them all. Her soft auburn curls and her bright smile reminded him of a mother he had never had. It kind of gave him a sense of closure.

'The mother of all vampires' the book had called her, and now Owen saw that it was true.

Without her, they all would have perished.

His mind drifted between consciousness and unconsciousness, as he smiled, closing his eyes for the last time. 'The mother of all, indeed.' With his final efforts, his mind once again drifted back to the reasons he had come to the library before hand. However, before he could think about it anymore, his mind was already gone, flowing amongst the stars in a dream state for the ages.

-

Donny laid a hand on Centrice's tense shoulders before backing away.

"That was good, but I know you can do better. Here, try it again." He threw the bo staff back to her, grinning as he did. She caught it with practiced ease and spun it once to get a feel for it before settling to just holding it in her outstretched arms. Meanwhile, Don picked up his own bo staff and immediately fell into stance. At his example, she did like wise; keeping her feet apart and her head straight as her staff lay posited and ready in her hands. She waited for him to confirm her stance with a once look over and then for the nod of his head, telling her that it was ok to continue.

When it came, she took a breath before attacking him with all she had.

She had started learning ninjitsu months ago, which was an incredibly short time of study compared to the turtles' twenty-two years. It had been hard in the beginning, all the different positions and stances were too confusing, not to mention all of the different weapons. But now, seven months later, she could handle herself pretty well, as she was ready to prove right now.

The bo staff twirled impressively as she closed the gap between herself and her Sensei. He watched as she barreled towards him, falling into the defensive as she brought her staff forward and against his with a thwack that echoed the large Dojo. With a grunt, she pushed away only to come back, this time, operating at close quarters.

His eyes widened slightly at how good she had gotten, her speed almost matching his. Of course, he was nowhere close to how fast he had been last night, but this was still impressive. Their sticks met once again, their faces coming within inches of each other's at the exertions. However, despite the struggle for control, Centrice smiled, her eyes going suddenly sensual.

'What is she up to?'

He didn't have to wait long for his answer though, for it soon came as she closed the gab between them, their lips meeting in the middle of their battle. The kiss wasn't passionate, or particularly long, but it did throw him off long enough for her to throw him off.

His feet that is.

He hit the mats with a thud as her staff caught his heal, sweeping his feet right out from under him. He looked up at her, his eyes wide as she smiled down at him. Her face was smug and she planted the bo, leaning on it as she batted her eyelashes innocently.

"Looks like I've won." She stated, offering a hand to help him up. He growled once before taking it, his own green hand engulfing Centrice's. Now standing, he faced her, his expression stern.

He was not amused.

"Centrice, you can't go around kissing people in the middle of a fight-!"

"But it worked!" She interrupted, offering her own defense. That only resulted in him frowning all the more.

"Yeah, now! But what if you're fighting for you life?! Will it work then?" His voice became soft as he watched her, true worry melting into his stern features. This was important to him, she could tell. Sighing, she fell back into the role of the student. Bowing lightly, she responded.

"No, Sensei. I am sorry. I will try harder, Sensei." At the show of respect, he nodded, allowing a small smile on his lips. It was a small gesture but it showed that he was satisfied with her actions. Aptly, she fell into stance, waiting for him to do the same.

They would battle again, for real this time.

Meanwhile, Donatello looked her over, growing satisfied with what he saw. With a single nod from his part, and a single grunt from hers, she was in motion once again.

Initially, they had all been teaching Centrice, mostly just to pass the time. In her first few visits, she had watched them as they practiced with Splinter. Donatello remembered the giddiness he had felt when she first asked if she could watch their practice. He had looked over at her right before it began, watching her as he watched him. She smiled a little, her head tilting just a little bit. He breathed, his own smile growing as he did.

She was beautiful.

"Donatello, pay attention! We are starting." Don turned back to Splinter's stern eyes and his brother's chuckles. Centrice suppressed a giggle of her own as the turtle blushed.

"Sorry, Sensei." Don dropped his head in embarrassment before bowing in apology as well. Splinter nodded.

"Now that we have everyone's attention, we will begin today's practice. Leo..." Splinter stepped down from his leadership allowing Leo to continue the practice for him. Donny peripherally watch Splinter has he made the journey to his room. The rat was getting old, even though no one would ever admit that aloud. However, the rat's walk alone spoke volumes. His walk was labored as the slight limp hindered his once fluid movements. Don watched as Splinter absently rubbed at one of his brown furred hands, probably trying to rub away the ache of his arthritis. He made a note to go check up on him after practice, but for now Leo's voice interrupted his thoughts.

"Ten katas everyone, and then we will split into One on One groups." And with that Leo fell into his own Katas as well as the rest of them. Don began his own, feeling the fluid movements of his bo staff as it cut through the air. A random glance at Centrice's direction told him that she was still watching him. He stepped his Katas up a notch, his aim to impress her.

Little did he know, he already did.

She watched on in silent awe as his body moved in a ballet of its own. So beautiful, yet so deadly. She knew what she had to do, and it only became confirmed when they broke into groups for one on one battles.

"I want you guys to teach me." She stated after the practice. Donny looked up from toweling himself off, his ears perking at her quiet demand.

"What?" He must not have heard her properly. However, he soon learned that he did, but only after making her repeat the demand not once, but twice.

"But Centrice, this isn't like Karata or Judo when you can quit after one lesson. This requires a long time commitment and it's a lot of hard work. Besides, this is a way of life, not just a fighting mea-"

"Don't you think I know that, Donatello?" She interrupted, questioning him. He blinked at her tone. Meanwhile, the dojo emptied, all of the turtles finding their respective spots elsewhere, leaving Centrice and Doantello alone.

"Of course, I know that Centrice." He sighed as he watched at her stern gaze and tense posture, reading her like a book. "You're not going to settle for no, are you?" Smiling slightly she shook her head. He sighed, also allowing a smile on his own lips. When she wanted something, she usually did not stop until she got it. Not that she was spoiled, or anything, it was just that she usually knew what she wanted, and would always work hard to achieve it.

Now, a little more that seven months later, she charged him, her movements perfectly fluid and in sync with her mind. He braced himself, twirling his own staff in anticipation. Contact came within seconds as her staff met his. He smiled at the obvious determination in her eyes.

She knew what she wanted, and would work hard to achieve it.

She grunted against his force, but held it, pushing back with a force of her own. Instead of unleashing his entire strength on her, he swept through with the staff, brushing her own aside. It also gave him room to maneuver as he sidestepped her. However, Centrice used the swinging bo to her advantage, following through with the arch. She spun as she did, only to aim low. Donatello saw this though, and quickly hoped over the low bo. She would not sweep him off his feet a second time, that was for sure. However, with her crouched and side tracked with the miss, Donatello saw the perfect opportunity for his victory. He quickly brought the bo down, ending the battle. If this had been a real fight, her skull would have been left crushed from the impact.

However, this was not.

The bo lightly tapped the top of her head.

She frowned, her eyes never leaving the ground. She had lost.

However, Donatello seemed to see the defeat in a different, more pleasurable light.

"You're getting better, Centrice. You did very well, today. I am proud." And with that, he removed the bo to put it back in its place on his back. She stood as he bowed in respect. Blinking once, she understood, bowing also. That was all for today, he was satisfied. Don smiled slightly, falling out of the roll of Sensei as he hugged her.

All of the turtles usually took turns being her teacher, each and every one of them being her Sensei at one time or another. Now, it was Donatello's turn. Nevertheless, he handled it well, setting a thick line between Donny the Lover and Donatello the Sensei, which was how it should be.

She leaned into his arms, her hand coming up to stroke the back of his as she did. Absently, she mused over her defeat. She had let her guard down with that last move, that having been her downfall. Well, she was never one to repeat mistakes. Next time, it would be different. She would not go down so easy.

"Donny, don't you have to leave soon?" Mikes voice sounded out from the middle of the den. He was already putting on his coat and hat, which just left Donny to do the same. Centrice gasped, her own gaze falling to the watch that inhabited Don's nearby wrist.

It read eleven forty.

"You have to go, Donny." She stated, making her way to the door. However, his strong arms held her back as he nuzzled her neck. Shivers went down her spine at the ministrations. "Donny, you have to go!" She fought the urge to melt in his arms and he opened his mouth, lightly sucking at her nape. Slight shivers of fear went though her as his mouth opened, but she fought those down as well. Donatello wouldn't bite her, that much was obvious. But still, fear crept up on her as he sucked and licked at her neck. However, almost to her relief, it was that moment that Mike stuck his head through the door.

"Don- oh!" Donatello looked up, his ministrations stopping in its tracks has he did. And likewise, the fear in her gut settled down as well. He was still the same old Donny, she was in no danger.

So why was she so scared just now?

Oblivious to her thoughts, Don smiled at her, kissing her softly as he detached himself from her warm body. Her breath hitched at the loss of his warmth, her eyes following his retreating form out of the door.

"Lead the way, Mikey!" Don's surprisingly chipper voice sounded out. Putting on his coat and hat, he followed his brother out of the lair, but not before throwing one last glace at the love of his life. She stepped out of the dojo to watch him leave, smiling slightly at the great mood their practice seem to put him in.

"I'll be back later, Centrice. Don't wait up. Love you."

And with that, he was gone.

-

For the second time in a row, Owen was actually early. He lightly puffed on the cigarette in his fingers while fingering the money in his pocket. He had fallen asleep at the library, only to be awoken by an annoying Katrina and lectured about his lack of sleep. His fingers brushed his other pockets now, the bubbles of blood weighing down his jacket considerably. After waking up, he knew what he had to do. As a result, he made one last trip to the blood room, knowing that he would not be able to come back for a while. Now he stood, the trees and nature rustling softly at the winds of the autumn night. It wasn't as cold as it had been just nights before, and for that he was grateful.

Besides, this would be his last night under the stars, and he was glad that he could enjoy it. All too soon, a rustle sounded out from the nearby bushes.

They were here.

He rubbed out the smoking stick on the near by tree before placing it in his pocket.

'Well, here goes…'

"Hello, Owen." It was Donatello. "Did you get a change to think over our propo-?"

Owen pushed himself off the base of the tree, facing the turtle for the first time that night. "I'll do it." he stated simply.

Don blinked at the sudden interruption before actually realizing what the vampire had said. He had to admit, it wasn't expected.

"What?" Mike and Don both watched the vampire as he shrugged, his hands suddenly in his pockets. "I said I'll do it. I'll move in with you guys." And with that, Owen shrugged once more before brushing past the still turtles. Both of them watched on in silence as the vampire brushed past them, their eyes following his retreating form. However, it was not until Owen turned to speak, did everything finally hit home.

"Um. I don't know where I'm going, so I highly recommend that one of you guys lead the way. However, that's only if you want us to get there anytime soon..."

-

Mike watched the figure next to him as he walked. Owen's face was barely visible in the dank of the sewers. Everything seemed so out of place, thrown off just by his presence alone. Mike knew that he was an ok guy, er, vampire. They basically owed Donny's life to this man, but to bring him to their home?

That was a completely different matter entirely. Owen was such a variable; Mike couldn't imagine how much the new addition would change their family life. In the back of his mind, he prayed that it wouldn't.

Meanwhile, Owen trudged through the smelly sewer in silence.

'What the hell have I gotten myself into this time?'

He had accepted the turtle's offer of their home, but not for the reasons once thought. The library had really opened his eyes, especially to the potential danger the turtle could be in. The puzzle pieces between Trevor's offer and the man's threats had come together in that library, and he was thankful for it. He knew that the two incidents were related; the man he had decapitated all but said so. But he just didn't know how.
Well, now he did and it all ended with Drakoc.

Trevor had wanted him and had hunted him down because of it. What kept him from seeking out the turtles as well?

The ball was already in motion, and he knew he couldn't stop it. But he also knew that if and when something did occur, he would be there, protecting these creatures…these people, with all that he had.

That was his true reason for his move, not the fact that he had nowhere to live…

Ok, well maybe that did affect his decision a little, but not by much. He could live with out a house, but this was not about his survival, but the survival of the turtles.

Suddenly, both turtle stopped. He too stopped, more curious as to what they were doing than he would ever admit. His curiosity only grew as Donny knocked on the nearby wall, the both of them waiting expectantly. Now he was really confused.

Where they there?

This place seemed no different from the walls they had been passing for the last twenty minutes.

Was this where their "lair" was?

Almost as an answer to his questions, the wall opened from within, revealing a rather impressive and humble home on the other side. Leo blinked, his eyes falling on the displaced vampire immediately. The two turtles brushed past their brother, Mike muttering an unnecessary "He accepted." as he did. Owen watched on, suddenly nervous all over again. What was one suppose to do at a time like this? Say hello? Follow the other two inside?

He was at a complete loss.

However, this time, was not the one to get things moving. Leo extended a hand, and just like the night he had agreed to the lessons, Owen shook it steadily.

"Welcome to our home, Owen Cromwell."

-

YAY! IT'S FINISHED! THIS PART FINISHED!!!!YAY!!! Now seriously you guys, tell me what you think! I need to know! Please?! And I'll keep writing in the meantime! Just review…it doesn't hurt…much :D!! R and R