A/N: As always, ownership of the TMNT's will never have my name attached to
it. My interest and creativity is from the inspiration and encouragement
of those readers and authors who continually drive me to write better – and
more often! Without your input and encouragements, I'd have given up long
ago! Thank!
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CHAPTER 5 – Reluctant Acceptance
I was finally allowed to visit the restroom. Father's sudden mood change from talking about Mei Pei's death afforded me a break in his inquisition. I was quite happy to be released, that was certain.
After doing my business I decided that I couldn't deny who and what I was anymore. I stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom. I stared for the longest time at my reflection, studying my face and my form. I was fearful and amazed all in the same moment. It just seemed so surreal for me. Knowing that for now I had to adjust to this reality, it still pained me to realize what I had left behind in the other. Sheesh, just when I was starting to get an idea of what I wanted to do with my life, too.
When I was human and living in California, it had taken a couple of years of experiencing university life before finding a major that was interesting to me. Once I made up my mind, my main focus of study became biology. I hadn't yet decided what area to concentrate in, though, since there were so many to choose from. But, I had been mildly interested in zoology. I took the basic course as part of my biology prerequisite. Along the way I discovered a love for nature. Since it covered the foundation for all life I gained a little knowledge about herpetology.
Probably the most interesting fact I learned from that class was that turtles, for the most part, did not have ribs. Also, their spines were fused to the back of their shells. Yet the basic skeletal system for their body was their plastron in the front, or bottom, and their carapace on the back, or top. They did have some sort of bone structure for their limbs, tail, and neck, however. Turtles had appendages in front with a pectoral girdle that was connected to the bones of the cervical vertebrate, or neck, just inside the shell. In the rear, they had appendages as well, of course, with a pelvic girdle that adhered to the end of the spinal column just before the tail. I wondered, then, how much I represented the common turtle internally and what part of my anatomy had changed due to the inherent mutation.
Of course, the way I had moved around when I first 'arrived' pretty much told me that I had more movability than what my zoology class taught me about turtles. But I hadn't really considered it then since I was more in a state of shock and panic; completely overwhelmed with where I was for the moment.
I moved around in the bathroom a little to test my self. I swung my arms out and about to see what kind of flexibility I had. I was amused to find that whatever mutation-enhanced change I inherited from Leo and Mei Pei – if indeed they were my parents – it afforded me mobility above and beyond the average hard-shelled reptile! It was possible that the human element that changed them added more bone structure to the turtles' physiology. Since I could swing my arms completely around like a windmill it said as much.
My plastron was hard but not rigid, allowing me to twist and bend. Most turtles would have been prohibited from such forward movement because of how their carapace was attached. However, my shell allowed this since it wasn't as attached in the severe way that it would be normally. It came away from my buttocks and sides a little more which let me bend over or turn without much hindrance. However, I did note that I had lost my trim waist-line completely! That was depressing to say the least.
Another startling aspect of the new me was the fact that I sported a tail! I wondered about that as I was reminiscing over my zoology class. Reaching back as far and as low as I could to determine if I was so endowed I nearly jumped when I touched it! Not only did it freak me out to even have one, I also found that it was loaded with nerve endings! It was very sensitive and, in my opinion, a little too much so. I pretty much made up my mind to leave it alone.
My face, however, was not typically turtle-esque, either. Though my lips were not like they were when I was human, they were more obvious than your garden variety terrapin – and wider. That afforded me the ability to enunciate words. Of course, I had a denture structure that was contrary to what the average chelonian had. Turtles didn't normally have teeth. Again, I knew that the human aspect to the turtles' mutation helped attribute to this condition.
I took my bandanna off to expose my face a little more. My eyes were large and spaced rather far apart. Unlike where a regular turtle would have had their eye placement along the side of their head, mine – like my 'father's' - was full on the front of my face. Once again the human ingredient the reason for that incredible change made itself known.
Regarding my eyes, they were brown in color and ringed with blue, which I thought fascinating. I knew that the common box turtle – which I believed our species was – had different colored iris rings; purple, gold, yellow, orange, or even pale red. But, mine was blue. I knew that males had reddish hued irises that enjoyed yellow, white, or purple rings around them. Hmm...I wonder what color Father had? With his bandanna on and my distraction with why I was here in the first place, I hadn't taken the time to notice.
Well, once I was pretty much done with inspecting me and at a point where I was convinced my reality wasn't going to change any time soon, I decided to finally leave the bathroom.
Father was waiting for me right outside the door.
"What took you so long?" he asked inquisitively. I could sense that he was still concerned about me, yet there was a marked bit of impatience to his voice, too.
"Just – checking things out is all." I mumbled softly.
"Well, I think we need to discuss this 'story' of yours a little more. Come with me, Kira." And then Father nodded in the direction of the living area.
Sighing and realizing that he wasn't going to accept my explanation for my behavior, I resigned myself to do as I was told. I followed him dejectedly through the corridor and into the main room. I discovered that the other three turtles and Splinter were patiently waiting for us there. They all noticed my entrance immediately and almost simultaneously they each took a deep breath. It was as if they anticipated some outburst or reaction from me.
I looked back down at my feet sheepishly. Right away, that was when I noticed that I had two toes on each foot as well. I guess I didn't bother to check that fact while I was still in the bathroom. All it did, however, was add one more thing to my list of weirdness for the day.
I was overwhelmed with their presence. With the obvious black mood that hung like a wet blanket over the scene, all I could do was to pull into myself emotionally. I didn't know how to respond to them but it was obvious that they were all too familiar with me, but not necessarily in a good way.
"Kira, take a seat, please." Father instructed as he took the last chair available.
Splinter was in the rocker while Mike was seated in another chair, smiling at me in a sort of sympathetic way. I smiled back a little bit, but it was forced and I knew it. He did, too. I could discern understanding in his face but there was also a slight bit of irritation, as well. If I remembered correctly from what I knew about their different personalities, Michelangelo was the easy going fun guy of the group. To sense his impatience with me now made it seem like I had done something terribly wrong or had pushed everyone beyond their limits.
I looked around and found that the only seating available was the couch. However, to my chagrin Raphael and Donatello were already sitting there, each occupying an end of the sofa. This afforded me the middle. I realized right then that I was being coerced to sit in-between them. Donatello's gruff comment earlier concerning my attempt to get out of the lair affected me deeply. But Raph's snort of disgust when he went to tell his brother to make the tea that Father had given me just made me insecure. My heart dropped in that moment. It was a good strategy on Father's part to put me between the two members of his family that would probably not put up with much from me. That was if I gave them reason to.
Well, I would not satisfy that assumption. I was determined to get through this personal hell of mine the best way I could. For now, it was all I could do anyway.
"Kira, I want you to repeat to the rest of the clan what you told me earlier in your room about your 'previous life'." Father commanded evenly. His whole being told me that I'd better comply and swiftly, too.
However, the more I thought about that, the more ludicrous it sounded. Considering my present condition and the fact that I didn't have any proof at all of that existence, it would only sound made up and foolish. Hard as it was going to be, I knew that in order to survive my experience in the here and now I was going to have to recant my story.
"I – was mistaken. I'm – ah – sorry." I replied quietly but hesitantly.
Leo narrowed his eyes at me and I could see he was not at all satisfied, "I did not ask for an apology, Kira. I want you to tell the clan exactly what you told me."
I was mortified. I didn't know if I could do that, not with out falling apart again. I shook my head 'no' and in that same moment I felt an obvious dissatisfaction coming from both Raphael and Donatello. My eyes widened ever so slightly in alarm.
Subtly and with barely a whisper, I heard Donatello admonish me, "I would suggest you comply, Kira. It will not go well for you if you do otherwise."
Reluctantly and with much trepidation, I decided to follow his advice. Slowly and quietly I repeated to the rest of the clan what I had told Leo earlier in my room. Once or twice I had to compose myself as the clan's response became obvious. I wanted to run and just escape, but I knew it would have been a waste of time. I doubted very much the two book-ending me would have let me even leave the couch.
When I was done, I saw Splinter look hard but compassionate at me. His tail lashed a little, but it didn't seem as if it was done in anger. At the very least, it was almost as if he were weighing my words to determine their sincerity.
I had noticed that Mike seemed rather amazed with my words; his eyes were wide and his mouth slightly ajar, obviously disbelieving what I had just said.
Raph muttered something along the lines of a sarcastic "Oh, brother!" chuckling a little derisively in my direction.
Donatello only shook his head, groaning.
My own father licked his lips and then nodded his head as if in agreement with how everyone else was reacting.
I wanted to crawl into hole; a very deep and dark hole for that matter. I didn't have any idea or compass to what would happen next. I held my breath.
The next voice I heard was not from Father, but from the rat, Splinter, "My child, please come here and sit before me."
Something about the way he said it and, most definitely, the vibes coming off of the two turtles were next to me, that indicated I needed to comply without hesitation. Before I realized it I found myself sitting cross- legged in front of the rat.
I looked up at him and saw compassion. His ears were slightly back, but his whiskers were thrown forward as if it would give him a better understanding of me. He studied my face intently for a few moments and as much as I wanted to I couldn't look away from him. His very presence almost commanded a respect that I had obviously not shown anyone else in the lair.
Then, he leaned forward and cupped my face with both of his hands. His fingers were long and bony and obviously aged. But, the gentleness with which he held my face was very soothing. It felt comforting and for a moment whatever cares and concerns I had melted away. I felt a sense of peace for the first time since my arrival.
Splinter closed his eyes as he embraced me; turning his nose up just a little as he concentrated. I didn't have a clue what he was doing but after a moment, he opened his eyes once again upon me. Still cupping my face, he smiled and then commented, "Your mind is in much turmoil, Kira Siew. I sense fear and confusion." He paused as he looked over at Leo, my father. I didn't dare turn around since I had this feeling it would be construed as disrespectful. Then, Splinter looked back at me softly, "Maybe you are having what they call a 'delayed reaction' to losing your beloved mother? Possibly your 'other life' was a form of imaginary escape for you? Either way, Kira Siew, you must try harder at finding some peace within your heart." He smiled at me, almost lovingly in a grandfatherly way. He offered, "I would like for you to visit me in my room first thing each morning when you awaken and then the last thing each evening before you retire. We will 'talk' and meditate together then."
What that entailed I didn't know, but he had touched something within my soul that needed healing. I knew that my 'other' life was not imaginary. Yet I also knew that my current situation needed some sort of intervention to help me cope. Maybe spending time with the aged rat might help me. All I could do was to try.
I nodded to him in acceptance. He smiled at me and it seemed like the sun had come out from behind the dark cloud that had overshadowed my mind over the past several hours.
I smiled back and it wasn't strained or forced. I really meant it this time.
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IN THE CLOUDS: Don't worry about what to say re: reviewing. The fact that you signed in means a lot to me! I'm glad that you find my story interesting. I hope that I can continue to make it so. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. As for Leo, there is a history here between himself and Kira that even Kira/Alicia is unaware of. Hopefully, if I don't forget, I will try to fill in the gaps. At this point in the story he has run out of options AND patience!
RAMICA: Faithful reader and reviewer. You're quite special to me! :0) Yes, I was trying to justify Kira's existence and decided to throw 'Venus' a.k.a. Mei Pei into the mix, albeit posthumously. Can't say much about Kira and how this Alicia came to inhabit her. Like I said once before, the ending will explain everything. There are clues here and there in the body of the chapters; you'll just have to 'think outside the box' for a change on this one! :0) Yes, Leo loves her very much; she is the product of his love for Mei Pei. But, he has lost patience with her, though he is greatly concerned with her near breakdown, of course. Hmm...Splinter could be on to something – or he may be light years away!
PRETENDER FANATIC: Thanks for reading and reviewing! So sorry about your headaches! Bummer. I hate headaches; they tend to be quite intrusive with day to day things and especially where it concerns writing fan fiction! Glad you 'stopped in' and signed my guest book! LOL I'm also glad that you understand the dream 'thing'!! Eventually we will understand what is going on with Kira – but I won't promise you that she will! Bwahahahaha!
JO DAWN: There are no laws that say you have to review, but I always look forward to yours when you do! Hey, that rhymes!! Anyway, I wanted a softer side of Leo to show since I made him into a real jerk with the first chapter. But, that was when he had run out of tolerance to the things that Kira had been doing. She was endangering the clan and he had given her too many opportunities to change; which she evidently continued to ignore. So, to counteract his attitude towards her, I allowed his 'fatherly love and concern' to shine forth. Won't last long, though, unfortunately! :0)
TO ALL OTHER READERS! Again, no law says you have to – just like those E- mails that say to forward to 10 people and see what happens! Yeah, right. You end up with 10 people getting mad at you for telling them what to do! I've had it happen. Anyhew....if you have a thought or two feel free to post it on the review part of this or, if you want, you can e-mail me privately. I won't tell! Honest!!
Be blessed – all of you – and Happy Blessed Easter, too!
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CHAPTER 5 – Reluctant Acceptance
I was finally allowed to visit the restroom. Father's sudden mood change from talking about Mei Pei's death afforded me a break in his inquisition. I was quite happy to be released, that was certain.
After doing my business I decided that I couldn't deny who and what I was anymore. I stood in front of the mirror in the bathroom. I stared for the longest time at my reflection, studying my face and my form. I was fearful and amazed all in the same moment. It just seemed so surreal for me. Knowing that for now I had to adjust to this reality, it still pained me to realize what I had left behind in the other. Sheesh, just when I was starting to get an idea of what I wanted to do with my life, too.
When I was human and living in California, it had taken a couple of years of experiencing university life before finding a major that was interesting to me. Once I made up my mind, my main focus of study became biology. I hadn't yet decided what area to concentrate in, though, since there were so many to choose from. But, I had been mildly interested in zoology. I took the basic course as part of my biology prerequisite. Along the way I discovered a love for nature. Since it covered the foundation for all life I gained a little knowledge about herpetology.
Probably the most interesting fact I learned from that class was that turtles, for the most part, did not have ribs. Also, their spines were fused to the back of their shells. Yet the basic skeletal system for their body was their plastron in the front, or bottom, and their carapace on the back, or top. They did have some sort of bone structure for their limbs, tail, and neck, however. Turtles had appendages in front with a pectoral girdle that was connected to the bones of the cervical vertebrate, or neck, just inside the shell. In the rear, they had appendages as well, of course, with a pelvic girdle that adhered to the end of the spinal column just before the tail. I wondered, then, how much I represented the common turtle internally and what part of my anatomy had changed due to the inherent mutation.
Of course, the way I had moved around when I first 'arrived' pretty much told me that I had more movability than what my zoology class taught me about turtles. But I hadn't really considered it then since I was more in a state of shock and panic; completely overwhelmed with where I was for the moment.
I moved around in the bathroom a little to test my self. I swung my arms out and about to see what kind of flexibility I had. I was amused to find that whatever mutation-enhanced change I inherited from Leo and Mei Pei – if indeed they were my parents – it afforded me mobility above and beyond the average hard-shelled reptile! It was possible that the human element that changed them added more bone structure to the turtles' physiology. Since I could swing my arms completely around like a windmill it said as much.
My plastron was hard but not rigid, allowing me to twist and bend. Most turtles would have been prohibited from such forward movement because of how their carapace was attached. However, my shell allowed this since it wasn't as attached in the severe way that it would be normally. It came away from my buttocks and sides a little more which let me bend over or turn without much hindrance. However, I did note that I had lost my trim waist-line completely! That was depressing to say the least.
Another startling aspect of the new me was the fact that I sported a tail! I wondered about that as I was reminiscing over my zoology class. Reaching back as far and as low as I could to determine if I was so endowed I nearly jumped when I touched it! Not only did it freak me out to even have one, I also found that it was loaded with nerve endings! It was very sensitive and, in my opinion, a little too much so. I pretty much made up my mind to leave it alone.
My face, however, was not typically turtle-esque, either. Though my lips were not like they were when I was human, they were more obvious than your garden variety terrapin – and wider. That afforded me the ability to enunciate words. Of course, I had a denture structure that was contrary to what the average chelonian had. Turtles didn't normally have teeth. Again, I knew that the human aspect to the turtles' mutation helped attribute to this condition.
I took my bandanna off to expose my face a little more. My eyes were large and spaced rather far apart. Unlike where a regular turtle would have had their eye placement along the side of their head, mine – like my 'father's' - was full on the front of my face. Once again the human ingredient the reason for that incredible change made itself known.
Regarding my eyes, they were brown in color and ringed with blue, which I thought fascinating. I knew that the common box turtle – which I believed our species was – had different colored iris rings; purple, gold, yellow, orange, or even pale red. But, mine was blue. I knew that males had reddish hued irises that enjoyed yellow, white, or purple rings around them. Hmm...I wonder what color Father had? With his bandanna on and my distraction with why I was here in the first place, I hadn't taken the time to notice.
Well, once I was pretty much done with inspecting me and at a point where I was convinced my reality wasn't going to change any time soon, I decided to finally leave the bathroom.
Father was waiting for me right outside the door.
"What took you so long?" he asked inquisitively. I could sense that he was still concerned about me, yet there was a marked bit of impatience to his voice, too.
"Just – checking things out is all." I mumbled softly.
"Well, I think we need to discuss this 'story' of yours a little more. Come with me, Kira." And then Father nodded in the direction of the living area.
Sighing and realizing that he wasn't going to accept my explanation for my behavior, I resigned myself to do as I was told. I followed him dejectedly through the corridor and into the main room. I discovered that the other three turtles and Splinter were patiently waiting for us there. They all noticed my entrance immediately and almost simultaneously they each took a deep breath. It was as if they anticipated some outburst or reaction from me.
I looked back down at my feet sheepishly. Right away, that was when I noticed that I had two toes on each foot as well. I guess I didn't bother to check that fact while I was still in the bathroom. All it did, however, was add one more thing to my list of weirdness for the day.
I was overwhelmed with their presence. With the obvious black mood that hung like a wet blanket over the scene, all I could do was to pull into myself emotionally. I didn't know how to respond to them but it was obvious that they were all too familiar with me, but not necessarily in a good way.
"Kira, take a seat, please." Father instructed as he took the last chair available.
Splinter was in the rocker while Mike was seated in another chair, smiling at me in a sort of sympathetic way. I smiled back a little bit, but it was forced and I knew it. He did, too. I could discern understanding in his face but there was also a slight bit of irritation, as well. If I remembered correctly from what I knew about their different personalities, Michelangelo was the easy going fun guy of the group. To sense his impatience with me now made it seem like I had done something terribly wrong or had pushed everyone beyond their limits.
I looked around and found that the only seating available was the couch. However, to my chagrin Raphael and Donatello were already sitting there, each occupying an end of the sofa. This afforded me the middle. I realized right then that I was being coerced to sit in-between them. Donatello's gruff comment earlier concerning my attempt to get out of the lair affected me deeply. But Raph's snort of disgust when he went to tell his brother to make the tea that Father had given me just made me insecure. My heart dropped in that moment. It was a good strategy on Father's part to put me between the two members of his family that would probably not put up with much from me. That was if I gave them reason to.
Well, I would not satisfy that assumption. I was determined to get through this personal hell of mine the best way I could. For now, it was all I could do anyway.
"Kira, I want you to repeat to the rest of the clan what you told me earlier in your room about your 'previous life'." Father commanded evenly. His whole being told me that I'd better comply and swiftly, too.
However, the more I thought about that, the more ludicrous it sounded. Considering my present condition and the fact that I didn't have any proof at all of that existence, it would only sound made up and foolish. Hard as it was going to be, I knew that in order to survive my experience in the here and now I was going to have to recant my story.
"I – was mistaken. I'm – ah – sorry." I replied quietly but hesitantly.
Leo narrowed his eyes at me and I could see he was not at all satisfied, "I did not ask for an apology, Kira. I want you to tell the clan exactly what you told me."
I was mortified. I didn't know if I could do that, not with out falling apart again. I shook my head 'no' and in that same moment I felt an obvious dissatisfaction coming from both Raphael and Donatello. My eyes widened ever so slightly in alarm.
Subtly and with barely a whisper, I heard Donatello admonish me, "I would suggest you comply, Kira. It will not go well for you if you do otherwise."
Reluctantly and with much trepidation, I decided to follow his advice. Slowly and quietly I repeated to the rest of the clan what I had told Leo earlier in my room. Once or twice I had to compose myself as the clan's response became obvious. I wanted to run and just escape, but I knew it would have been a waste of time. I doubted very much the two book-ending me would have let me even leave the couch.
When I was done, I saw Splinter look hard but compassionate at me. His tail lashed a little, but it didn't seem as if it was done in anger. At the very least, it was almost as if he were weighing my words to determine their sincerity.
I had noticed that Mike seemed rather amazed with my words; his eyes were wide and his mouth slightly ajar, obviously disbelieving what I had just said.
Raph muttered something along the lines of a sarcastic "Oh, brother!" chuckling a little derisively in my direction.
Donatello only shook his head, groaning.
My own father licked his lips and then nodded his head as if in agreement with how everyone else was reacting.
I wanted to crawl into hole; a very deep and dark hole for that matter. I didn't have any idea or compass to what would happen next. I held my breath.
The next voice I heard was not from Father, but from the rat, Splinter, "My child, please come here and sit before me."
Something about the way he said it and, most definitely, the vibes coming off of the two turtles were next to me, that indicated I needed to comply without hesitation. Before I realized it I found myself sitting cross- legged in front of the rat.
I looked up at him and saw compassion. His ears were slightly back, but his whiskers were thrown forward as if it would give him a better understanding of me. He studied my face intently for a few moments and as much as I wanted to I couldn't look away from him. His very presence almost commanded a respect that I had obviously not shown anyone else in the lair.
Then, he leaned forward and cupped my face with both of his hands. His fingers were long and bony and obviously aged. But, the gentleness with which he held my face was very soothing. It felt comforting and for a moment whatever cares and concerns I had melted away. I felt a sense of peace for the first time since my arrival.
Splinter closed his eyes as he embraced me; turning his nose up just a little as he concentrated. I didn't have a clue what he was doing but after a moment, he opened his eyes once again upon me. Still cupping my face, he smiled and then commented, "Your mind is in much turmoil, Kira Siew. I sense fear and confusion." He paused as he looked over at Leo, my father. I didn't dare turn around since I had this feeling it would be construed as disrespectful. Then, Splinter looked back at me softly, "Maybe you are having what they call a 'delayed reaction' to losing your beloved mother? Possibly your 'other life' was a form of imaginary escape for you? Either way, Kira Siew, you must try harder at finding some peace within your heart." He smiled at me, almost lovingly in a grandfatherly way. He offered, "I would like for you to visit me in my room first thing each morning when you awaken and then the last thing each evening before you retire. We will 'talk' and meditate together then."
What that entailed I didn't know, but he had touched something within my soul that needed healing. I knew that my 'other' life was not imaginary. Yet I also knew that my current situation needed some sort of intervention to help me cope. Maybe spending time with the aged rat might help me. All I could do was to try.
I nodded to him in acceptance. He smiled at me and it seemed like the sun had come out from behind the dark cloud that had overshadowed my mind over the past several hours.
I smiled back and it wasn't strained or forced. I really meant it this time.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
IN THE CLOUDS: Don't worry about what to say re: reviewing. The fact that you signed in means a lot to me! I'm glad that you find my story interesting. I hope that I can continue to make it so. Your thoughts are greatly appreciated. As for Leo, there is a history here between himself and Kira that even Kira/Alicia is unaware of. Hopefully, if I don't forget, I will try to fill in the gaps. At this point in the story he has run out of options AND patience!
RAMICA: Faithful reader and reviewer. You're quite special to me! :0) Yes, I was trying to justify Kira's existence and decided to throw 'Venus' a.k.a. Mei Pei into the mix, albeit posthumously. Can't say much about Kira and how this Alicia came to inhabit her. Like I said once before, the ending will explain everything. There are clues here and there in the body of the chapters; you'll just have to 'think outside the box' for a change on this one! :0) Yes, Leo loves her very much; she is the product of his love for Mei Pei. But, he has lost patience with her, though he is greatly concerned with her near breakdown, of course. Hmm...Splinter could be on to something – or he may be light years away!
PRETENDER FANATIC: Thanks for reading and reviewing! So sorry about your headaches! Bummer. I hate headaches; they tend to be quite intrusive with day to day things and especially where it concerns writing fan fiction! Glad you 'stopped in' and signed my guest book! LOL I'm also glad that you understand the dream 'thing'!! Eventually we will understand what is going on with Kira – but I won't promise you that she will! Bwahahahaha!
JO DAWN: There are no laws that say you have to review, but I always look forward to yours when you do! Hey, that rhymes!! Anyway, I wanted a softer side of Leo to show since I made him into a real jerk with the first chapter. But, that was when he had run out of tolerance to the things that Kira had been doing. She was endangering the clan and he had given her too many opportunities to change; which she evidently continued to ignore. So, to counteract his attitude towards her, I allowed his 'fatherly love and concern' to shine forth. Won't last long, though, unfortunately! :0)
TO ALL OTHER READERS! Again, no law says you have to – just like those E- mails that say to forward to 10 people and see what happens! Yeah, right. You end up with 10 people getting mad at you for telling them what to do! I've had it happen. Anyhew....if you have a thought or two feel free to post it on the review part of this or, if you want, you can e-mail me privately. I won't tell! Honest!!
Be blessed – all of you – and Happy Blessed Easter, too!