Chapter 3

Lost and Found

A/N: Well, here's the next chapter to my story. First, I want to thank all those who reviewed and send them some shout-outs.

Shellsboy24: Thanks for reviewing sweetie. I reviewed your story too. Check it out and keep reviewing mine.

Jej Jej Flam: I think we need to get a few things straight right now. 1) The boy version of my character's name is spelled Aaron. Plus, I state in the story that she's a girl when I write. You should be able to see that. 2) I would never write a story about a lesbian. I don't approve of that lifestyle. 3) I will not change the name of my character. That's the name I chose and I'm sticking to it.

Reluctant Dragon: You like Irish music too? Cool. Do u like Leahy? They are an Irish band that I like a lot. I also think you misinterpreted what I said in my story. I stated that the girls had already done Irish dancing at a previous talent show, so they decided to dance to Play instead of Irish dancing. Thanks for the review though. I know the first chapter was boring, but it picked up in the second chapter.

Ana the Romantic: Thanks for the boost of confidence. I really appreciate it. Please read this chapter and review it, too. I'll definitely keep reading your story. It rocks!

Readerrr Grrrl: Thanks for the compliment. Do you have any fanfics out at all? If so, I'd love to read them. Are you a Turtles fan too? If so, that's cool. Keep reading and reviewing.

Well, now that I've got that done, I think it's time to get back to the story. Enjoy!

Disclaimer: Turtles not mine. I'm just borrowing them. I'd love to own Leo, but that's wishful thinking.

Erin's school day had gone very well, despite the scene with Maureen and her mother that morning. She had passed a spelling test and a math test. She had also done well in gym class too. But the best thing about the day was that David Ellis had actually said hello to her that morning when she arrived at school. Even though Erin was thrilled by this, she still couldn't get over how she had snapped at her mother.

"Let's sit over there," suggested Sara. "It looks like a good place."

"Okay," said Erin. She and her friends set their trays on the table.

"I can't believe that David Ellis spoke to you, Erin," said Kelly as they ate their lunch.

"I know," added Lindsay. "I think he's finally starting to notice you, Erin."

"Maybe," said Erin. She didn't want to admit that her friends were right.

"Is something wrong, Erin?" asked Kelly.

"I just keep thinking about how I snapped at my mother this morning," replied Erin. Then she told her friends everything that had happened that morning with Maureen and her mother.

"Did she make Maureen apologize for taking your diary?" asked Sara.

"Yes, but I didn't accept Maureen's apology," said Erin. "I also told my mom that I hated her."

"Maybe you can make it up to her today after school," said Lindsay. "You can also talk to Maureen when we practice today."

"Yeah, I guess so," said Erin. She was still upset about how she had treated her mother. She just hoped her mother would forgive her.

"Why is Maureen coming with us, anyway?" asked Kelly.

"Because Laura has to leave for Pennsylvania to see her grandmother," answered Erin. "Her grandma is sick."

"Do they know what's wrong with her?" asked Lindsay.

"No, they don't," answered Erin. "All Mom said was that they had to leave right away."

"I hope everything works out," said Sara.

"Me too," added Lindsay. "Laura's a nice girl."

"So, how long do you want us to practice tonight?" asked Kelly.

"Why are you asking me?" countered Erin.

"Because you're our official leader," said Kelly with a smile.

"What a surprise!" said a snooty voice behind them. "I didn't think the Irish were capable of being good leaders." Jeanie Kramer was standing there, along with her friends, Rachel Sanders, Leah Monroe, and Amber Brewster. These four girls were Erin's worst enemies.

"Well, for your information, we are capable of being good leaders," said Erin defensively.

"Whatever," said Jeanie with a smirk. "Just know that my friends and I are going to be the best act ever in the variety show. You and your lame friends don't stand a chance."

"We'll see about that," said Erin with fire in her eyes.

"Let's go, girls," said Jeanie, not looking at Erin. "We have to talk more about our preparations." She and her friends turned and walked away.

"I don't know who makes me madder," said Erin, "Maureen or Jeanie."

"I think Jeanie makes you madder," said Sara. "She does things to be mean and spiteful, while Maureen is just a curious seven-year-old girl."

"Forget about her," Kelly said, referring to Jeanie. "Let's just pick up Maureen after school and practice in the Park. With you as our leader, there's no way we can fail."

"You're right, Kelly," Erin said. "And thank you for the compliment."

"You're welcome," Kelly said.

"But I still can't wait to show Jeanie what we're made of," Erin said with a determined look on her face.

Foot Headquarters

Shredder looked at his army of Foot Ninjas with pride. He felt that his army of warriors were the best ever. They would help him get rid of his most hated enemies, and when they did, he would be the one to rule the whole city.

Hun came running up to Shredder. "Master, one of the Foot Ninjas is in need of your services," he said.

"What is it?" asked the Shredder impatiently.

"I have a plan," replied the Foot Ninja. "Remember how I tried to recruit a member for you?"

"Yes, I do," answered the Shredder. "Is this person willing to join?"

"He is willing if we will do him a favor," said the Foot Ninja. "At first, he was going to take matters into his own hands, but he couldn't think of what to do."

"I don't understand," said Shredder.

"His girlfriend was pleading with him not to join," said the Foot Ninja. "He got very angry at her for that. She left him because of his desire to join us. He wants revenge on her."

"He wants me to dispose of her?" asked Shredder.

"And her children," said the Foot Ninja. "He feels that they are the reason she didn't want him to join and the reason she left him."

"What do you think of the plan he's offered, Master?" asked Hun.

"I think it's brilliant," Shredder said. He turned to the Foot Ninja. "Don't worry," he said to him. "We'll help your friend, That girl and her children will pay for what they tried to do." His evil laughter rang in the building.

Central Park

It was a sunny day in Central Park, but night was falling fast. Erin, her friends, and Maureen were in a large spot with a blanket spread out. Maureen sat on the blanket and watched her sister and her friends dance their routines.

Maureen clapped her hands when the girls finished. "That was great, guys!" she said with awe. "You rock! You'll do well for sure."

"Thanks, Maureen," Kelly said. "Your compliment gave us a boost of confidence, didn't it, guys?"

"Yeah," Lindsay said. "You should be a dance critic."

"I agree," Sara added. "You'd be perfect for that job."

"No thanks," Maureen said. "I'd rather be a writer, an artist, or a dancer just like Erin."

"Why would you want to be like me, Maureen?" Erin asked.

"Because you're a great dancer," Maureen replied. "I really admire you."

"Why, thank you, Maureen," Erin said. "I'm flattered." It looked as though things had worked out between them.

"So, you forgive me?" Maureen asked.

"Yeah," Erin said. "I know you were just curious. I used to do stuff like that when I was your age."

"Really?" Maureen asked.

"Yeah," Erin replied. "I once got into Mom's makeup and put it all over my face. Boy, did I get in trouble for that one!"

"What did Mom do to you?" Maureen asked.

"She spanked me and grounded me for a week," Erin answered.

"Wow!" Maureen exclaimed. "I can't believe that you were like me."

"Well, I was," Erin said. "I wasn't the perfect girl you see now."

"I don't think you're perfect, Erin," Kelly teased. "You want to get Jeanie for being mean to us."

"Yeah, but that's different," said Erin. "No one makes fun of the Irish and gets away with it."

"Do you and Maureen want to go to the mall with me?" asked Lindsay.

"No thanks," replied Erin. "Mom's gonna take us out to eat tonight."

"I'll go with you, Lindsay," said Kelly. "I don't have anything to do."

"Me neither," added Sara. "I want to show you guys the boots I would buy if I had the money."

"Cool," said Lindsay. "See you tomorrow, Erin."

"Yeah, see you tomorrow," said Kelly and Sara.

"Okay, guys," said Erin. "Have fun at the mall."

"We will," aid Lindsay. Then she, Sara, and Kelly went to the bus stop to wait for a bus to take them to the mall.

Erin and Maureen walked down the street to their apartment complex. Maureen was humming a tune and thinking about when she would spend time with Laura again. Erin was thinking about Jeanie, but those thoughts were smothered by the dream she'd had last night. She just wished that David would talk to her.

"Hey, Erin, what's that?" asked her sister, pointing in the distance.

Erin saw flames and smoke coming from a building. "That's our apartment!" she cried. "Hurry!" The two girls ran as fast as they could to the building. When they got there, they saw that firemen were trying to put out the blaze, but with no success.

Erin ran up to a fireman. "Excuse me, sir, but my sister and I are looking for our mother," she said. "Is she okay?"

"What's your mother's name?" asked the fireman.

"Noleen Finnigan," replied Erin.

"I'm sorry, Miss, but your mother is dead," aid the fireman.

"Dead?" Erin repeated. "How can she be dead?"

"There were no survivors in the explosion," the fireman said. "Someone planted a bomb in this building. Are there any relatives or friends of the family who can take you in?"

Erin thought for a minute. None of her relatives would want anything to do with them. They were mad that Mrs. Finnigan had gone to America in the first place. "No," she said. "There are no relatives."

"What about friends of the family?" the fireman asked.

"Well, April's our mom's closest friend," Erin replied. "She would take us in."

"April who?" the fireman asked.

"April O'Neil," Erin answered. "She's met us and likes us. I know she can help us out. She promised our mom she would look after us if something happened."

"Good idea," the fireman said. "You know where she lives?"

"Yes we do," Erin said. "Thank you." Then she took Maureen's hand and led her down the street. She couldn't believe that their mother was dead. She would never be able to apologize for what had happened earlier.

Maureen had said nothing the whole time Erin and the fireman were talking, but she knew what had happened. "Why did Mom have to die?" she asked Erin. "She wasn't old."

"I don't know, Maureen," said Erin. "I guess God just wanted to take her. But I do know that whoever did this is gonna pay."

"Where are we going to live, Erin?" asked Maureen.

"We're going to live with April," replied Erin. "She'll be able to care for us."

"Do you remember where she lives?" asked Maureen.

"I think so," said Erin. She saw an alley near them. "Let's cut through here," she suggested. "It could be a shortcut."

"B—but it's so dark in there," said Maureen with a shiver.

"It's okay," said Erin in a reassuring voice. "I'm right here with you. Now, let's go."

The girls ran through the alley, hoping it would lead them to April's. Then, some men in black suits with a red symbol on them came at the girls. The girls were stunned at first. They'd never seen these men before.

"Who are these guys, Erin?" asked Maureen, trembling in fear.

"I don't know," said Erin, "but something tells me they aren't friendly."

The men drew their swords and advanced toward the girls. Erin and Maureen were scared, but they had to do something. Erin seized a piece of pipe and threw it at the men. It hit one in the knee, and he went down.

"Run!" yelled Erin. She pulled he sister along, and they ran out of the alley. They went down a street, hoping someone would help them. The men were now pursuing the girls, angry at what they had done. The girls turned down another alley, but it was blocked. They were trapped

The rooftops

Leonardo sat on a building in deep meditation. He was still hurt by Raphael's harsh words. Why had he said that? Was it just out of anger? Or was it because Raph was jealous? Whatever it was, Leo felt sure that Raph was sorry now.

Leo turned to go home, when, suddenly, he saw an explosion. He was very worried about the people inside, but he knew he couldn't do anything. Then, he spotted some Foot Ninjas on a building across from him. He just hoped that they wouldn't attack him.

"That was close," said Leo as the Foot Ninjas disappeared around a corner. "I'd better get home before anything weird happens." But, before he could go, he heard two high-pitched screams. "Uh-oh," he said to himself. "Someone's in trouble. I'd better go see what's up."

He followed the screams until he came to an alley. Down below, he saw two girls being attacked by Foot Ninjas. Leonardo knew what he had to do. He unsheathed his katanas and jumped down among them. The Foot Ninjas attacked, but Leo fought bravely. More and more kept coming, just as they did last year. Still, Leo kept on attacking, anxious to save the girls from these foes.

Erin and Maureen were amazed at the Turtle's fighting skills. They had never seen anyone fight like he did. Then, the tables turned, and the Foot Ninjas ambushed him. The girls knew they had to help. Erin and Maureen both grabbed weapons and lunged at the Foot Ninjas. Erin hit one in the chest with a pipe, while Maureen hit one in the knee and over the head with a piece of wood.

The Foot Ninjas abandoned Leo and advanced on the girls. But before they could attack, another turtle leaped down in front of them. Raphael twirled his sais and hit each member head on. Then he was joined by Leo with his katanas. Together, the two brothers fought endlessly against the Foot. The ninjas realized that they were no match for the two Turtles, and they fled.

"Raph, what are you doing here?" Leo asked his brother.

"I had a feeling you would need help," Raph replied. "So, here I am."

Erin gazed at her two rescuers in amazement. "Who are you guys?" she asked. "And who were those men who attacked us?"

"I'm Leonardo and this is my brother Raphael," the Turtle with the swords said. "Those men were Foot Ninjas, one of our worst enemies. Who are you?"

"I'm Erin Finnigan and this is my sister Maureen," Erin answered. "We were on our way to April's apartment when we got attacked by the Foot Ninjas."

"You mean April O'Neil?" Leonardo asked.

"Yes," Erin said. "Do you guys know her?"

"She's one of our friends," Raphael said. "How do you know her?"

"She's one of our mom's closest friends," Erin replied. "She promised to look after us if anything happened to our mother."

"What happened to her?" Raphael asked.

"She died in our apartment building when it exploded," Erin said, tears filling her eyes. Before she could stop herself, she started to cry.

Leonardo ran to her side and embraced her. "It's okay," he said soothingly. "We'll help you out. I know it hurts." He held her for a few minutes as she continued to cry.

"Where will we go now?" Maureen asked.

"You'll come home with us," said Leo. "April's visiting her sister in New Jersey right now. She won't be back for a few more days."

"Hold on a second, Leo," said Raph. "I don't think it's a good idea to take them home with us."

"Why not?" asked Leo. "They have no place else to go."

"Because they might be workin' for the Foot," answered Raph.

"Why would we do that?" asked Maureen.

"You tell me," countered Raph with an angry look in his eyes.

"For your information, we don't work for the Foot," said Erin.

"Are you sure you aren't spies?" asked Raph with a scowl.

"Quite sure," said Maureen with a smile.

"I still don't trust you," said Raph, turning his back on them.

"Raph, that's rude1" chastised Leo. "Apologize to them now!"

"No," said Raph stubbornly. "I mean it, Leo! I don't trust them. If we take them home, they'll be able to see where our lair is. Then they'll rush off to alert the Foot, who will come and finish us off."

"What else can we do, Raph?" asked Leo. "They have nowhere else to call home. They need shelter and food. Why can't you show them some compassion? They just lost their home and their mother for God's sake!"

Raph's angry look softened. "You're right, Leo," he said. "I'm sorry. Of course, we should take them home with us."

"Thanks, Raph," said Leo softly. "That's what Master Splinter would want. Now, come on, you two," he said to the girls.

Erin took Maureen's hand and they followed their two new friends. They were thankful that Leo and Raph were willing to take them in. Hopefully, they would be able to answer the questions that Erin and Maureen had for them.

"So, where do you guys live?" asked Maureen.

"We live in the sewers," said Leo. "It's the safest place we know of."

"Ugh!" said Erin, wrinkling her nose.

"You know, we could always leave you here in the alley if you want," Raph said with a smile

"Raph!" Leo cried, shooting his brother an angry look.

"I'll pass, thanks," Erin said, returning her own smile.

The Lair

Back in the Lair, Don, Mikey, and Splinter were waiting for the others to get back. Mikey was in the kitchen looking for some snacks to munch on. He found a bag of Doritos Nacho Cheesier chips and carried them out to the living room where Master Splinter was watching the news. Don was in his lab, as usual, working on one of his inventions.

"What's taking Leo and Raph so long?" Mikey wondered. "They should have been back by now."

"It is not like them to wander off so long," Splinter said. "I just hope that nothing has happened to them." His thoughts went to the day when Leonardo was attacked by the Foot Ninjas. He just hoped his son was okay now.

Suddenly, they all heard the elevator descend and then open. In walked Leo and Raph with two girls beside them.

Leonardo made the introductions. "This is Erin and Maureen Finnigan, everyone," he said. "Erin and Maureen, these are our two brothers, Michelangelo and Donatello. And this is our Master Splinter."

"Nice to meet you all," said Erin politely. Maureen nodded in agreement.

Splinter got up from his chair. "It is nice to meet you, too, my children," he said. He turned to Leonardo. "How did you find them, my son?"

"I saw them getting attacked by Foot Ninjas," replied Leonardo. "I went to rescue them, and that's when Raph came along. We helped them out and brought them here. They told me they were looking for April. Apparently, she's their mother's closest friend."

"And where is your mother?" asked Splinter gently.

"She died when our apartment building exploded," answered Erin. "We knew that April could help us. That's when we got attacked and Leo and Raph helped us."

"I see," said Splinter. "Well, you two must rest. You have been through a terrible ordeal. We will hear more of your story in the morning."

"Where are they gonna sleep?" asked Mikey.

"Erin can take the spare room next to mine, and Maureen can bunk with me," said Leo. "Is that okay, Master Splinter?"

"Yes, it is," said Splinter.

Leo helped the girls upstairs and got them settled in. Don came in to give them bandages and ice. Then, Leo said goodnight and went to the bathroom before going to bed. He met Raph outside before he went to his room.

"Leo, I just want to apologize for what I said earlier," said Raph. "I didn't mean it."

"It's okay, Raph," said Leo. "I know you didn't mean it."

"Good," said Raph. "Goodnight, Leo."

"Goodnight, Raph," said Leo. Then they both went to their rooms to sleep.

A/N: Well, that's it for this chapter. What do you think? Is Shredder after the girls? Does this have anything to do with their mom's death? Find out in the next chapter. Please read and review.