DISCLAIMER: Sorry about the long wait between updates. WB took root on this story ( writers block ). Nope, still don't own them, though I love to tweak their world from time to time. TMNT's belong to Eastman & Laird and whoever else has ties to them. I only own Kira and Alicia.
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CHAPTER 23 – Unabridged Over Troubled Waters
Mike greeted me with a smile as I finally came out of my room, "Hey, you okay there, Kira?" he asked, cocking his head to one side.
"Yeah, bad meditation dreams." I replied weakly. I had stopped trembling, but I guess my expression still showed the strain of what I had just experienced with Alicia. I decided not to bore Mike with the details, as I much preferred sharing my experience with Splinter later on after patrolling.
"Hey, I've had them myself. Guess it pays not to fall asleep, eh?" he laughed. Then, he motioned me towards the dojo, "Need to fetch yer weapon, Kira."
He followed me into the workroom and then watched as I walked over to the display case. Without thinking, I grabbed up a bo staff and then took the belt holder that went with it. After wrapping the belt around my middle and securing it in the front, I took up the staff. I then slipped it over and behind me, blindly threading it through the loop that kept it steady against my shell. I was so deep into thinking about what I had dreamt or meditated on that I hadn't been paying attention to what I was doing. I was on remote, it seemed, but what was startling was the fact that I had slipped my gear on as if I had been doing it for years. However, I was oblivious to all of it until I turned around and noticed Mike staring at me.
"What?" I asked him impassively.
"Do you know what you just did, Kira?" he inquired, a small smile spreading across his face.
"Ah, I think I put my utility belt on and then slipped the bo staff in its holder. Isn't that what I was supposed to do?" I was completely daft to Mike's implications.
"Yeeeaaah – and all within a few seconds, too. You did it so quickly and fluidly, it's almost like you're regaining your memories!" He just stood there with his hands on his hips, grinning at me.
"But I can only remember putting the equipment on once before tonight, though." I replied, puzzled as I realized the truth to Mike's words. "How can I just do it as if it were all natural?"
Mike chuckled in amusement, suggesting, "It's possible that the more you work the katas and the equipment, the more your memory will return." He studied me for a moment, clearly entertained by my confusion, but then he invited, "Com'on, we need to get going. Leo returned over thirty minutes ago and we need to start doing our patrolling."
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Patrolling the sewers with Mike was completely different than it was with Father. For one, Mike didn't disappear on me only to jump out from a shadow later on to scare the living shell off of me. Second, he wasn't nearly as cautious. In fact, he was rather on the loud side with his chatter compared to what Father would allow. Mike joked around quite a bit and, in fact, most of his musings were a little lame.
"Say, if you crossed a bureau with a plaid coat, what would'ya get!" Mike asked cheerfully as we made another tour through the Bleeker Street sewer system.
Rolling my eyes for the umpteenth time, I replied my usual, "Haven't a clue."
"A really bad dresser!" Mike slapped his thigh and barked out a laugh so loud, that I thought for sure Father could hear him way back at the lair.
"Aren't we supposed to be quiet or something?" I asked him, looking around as if any minute some bad guy would jump out at us. I noticed that the depression in the center of the tunnel had more water running than normal. Fortunately, it was deeper there that where we were walking, allowing Mike and I to tread relatively dry, all things considered.
"Naw, it's raining topside, Foot activity will be down quite a bit. They hate the sewers when it rains." Then, looking back at me he asked, maintaining his pace through the sewers, "Why're you so jumpy?"
"Well, to be honest, just the idea of fighting bothers me. Plus, Father was really strict about not making any noise, not to mention he seemed to enjoy playing hide and scream with me." I complained.
"Hide and – scream?" Mike asked and then offered, looking at me with a puzzled expression, "Don't 'cha mean hide and seek?"
"Nope, hide and scream. Father would hide, then he'd jump out at me, and then I'd scream!" I had to smile at my little joke. Yet, the memory of my first patrol was still too fresh on my mind for anything more than just that small smile.
Mike, however, thought it uproariously funny. His infectious laugh echoed down through the sewer tunnel as we trudged along. It was a reminder to me that sounds could travel quite a ways within the concrete tubes below New York City. I cringed a little, wondering if the Foot indeed avoided the rain or maybe they would make an exception just for tonight. If the later turned out to be true, my partner just sent his regards. Mike caught my apprehension easily enough, though, "Hey, chill out, girlie. Nothin's gonna get ya down here." He slapped me on the back of my shell and did a little skip. Mike then nodded in the direction we were heading, "Maybe you'd like ta get some fresh air, eh?"
Oh, now my interest picked up considerably. I hadn't seen the light of day – or the dark of night – in over forty-eight hours! Mike's suggestion lightened my mood quite a bit and I guess it was quite obvious to him. "Say, I must have hit the jackpot with you! Well, what're we waiting for? Let's go!" He then gently took my arm and led me along down a different tunnel.
After about ten minutes or so of walking and making one more directional change, the tunnel we were in opened up to a catch basin of sorts. The basin was filling with water but dispensing just as quickly as it funneled its wet collection away from the sewers. I could see that the basin was rather long and not as high up the sides as one would expect. Observing further, I saw that it took a bend to the right about fifty yards from the opening of the sewer, possibly channeling out towards the ocean or maybe to a processing plant. As we walked closer to the opening, I could tell that it was still raining just a little. However, the night seemed brighter than I expected. Possible the clouds were reflecting the glow of the city lights. Either way, what did impress me was how fresh the air was at that part in the tunnel. It was intoxicating for me to say the least! Unfortunately, we couldn't go any further than the opening all because of the metal grating that barred our way.
I looked up and saw trees! I smiled wide and the sight and then I saw grass that peeped over the edge of the concrete walls of the basin. "Is there any way to get up there?" I asked my co-patroller.
"Ah, yeah, there is, but I don't think we should. Right now, we're only patrolling the sewers. It's safer that way." Mike replied, maybe too soberly for what he had been like earlier.
"Don't any of you go topside?" I asked, turning to face him.
Mike shrugged a little, "When we need supplies."
I was disappointed and I guess it showed, because Mike reached over and squeezed my shoulder, saying, "Ever since your mom was killed, Kira, we stay as much in the sewers as we can. Yeah, we did venture out whenever you took off, but going topside on a regular basis has proved to be more risk that its worth."
I looked back at the beckoning outdoors, taking in as much of the fresh air as I could. "Feeling the grass again would be so nice." I mused quietly. "I – I miss it so much."
Mike nodded but then jerked his head back to the interior of the tunnel, "Come on, we still have about two hours left to patrol."
Dejectedly, I complied, taking one last longing gaze at the rainy outside, one last large breath of the fresh air before turning back around to follow my patrol partner. It was only about ten minutes later and deeper into the sewer system when Mike became quiet. His abrupt silence piqued my curiosity and concern. What was it that he heard?
Quietly, I stepped up beside him and asked, "What?"
He shot a look at me that froze me to my spot. I stopped, as did he. Through his expression, I immediately realized that something was going on deeper in the sewers ahead of us. I was beginning to get just a little anxious, not confident with my abilities to defend myself, yet realizing that not to do so could put Mike at a disadvantage. Not only would he be trying to protect himself, but his focus would be on protecting me as well. In that moment, Mike realized my predicament. He smiled confidently at me and then gently pushed me into a shadow against the wall of the sewer, mouthing the word, 'stay'. I eagerly accepted his request, nodding enthusiastically. He then turned and headed up the sewer. As he came to a bend in the tunnel, he flattened himself against the wall and cautiously peered around. Looking back at me once and winking, he slipped around the corner and disappeared.
Okay, now this is where things began to seem all too familiar. Father had done just about the same thing with me only a while ago and he ended up being a major pain in my tail. Was it possible that he and the rest were 'training' me for patrol by taking me out, disappearing at one point, and then – suddenly – reappearing without warning? The more I thought about that the more it made perfect sense. Considering I remembered nothing at all about my training and only my 'knee-jerk' reaction would interpret what action to take, sending out someone like me so unprepared would be foolish. Yeah, it all made sense. They would each take me out, each with their own way of doing things – I'll feign sickness when it comes to Raph's turn, you can count on that – and then terrorize me to death! All in the name of training and ninjitsu. I was peeved! Why take me out at all if there is even a remote chance of crossing paths with the enemy? Why not just keep me in the lair and work me until I understood what I was supposed to know? Yes, on the job experience was sometimes the best kind – but in my opinion that only worked well if your weapon of choice was a cash register!
I was so convinced of this thought, that my anger and ire was going full tilt. Right then and there, I decided that I would not be the foil and patsy of my senseis. I would not just wait there to be pounced upon and then aged through terror just because they wanted to teach me a thing or two. I decided to follow Mike and turn the tables on him, instead.
The nerve of that guy!
I edged along the wall, keeping to the shadows, making my way slowly towards the bend where Mike had disappeared around. I exaggerated as quiet a step as I was able. I remembered how Father - and Mike, for that matter - walked so silently that if I had closed my eyes, I would have sworn I had been alone. I tried to duplicate their ability. I wasn't flawless, but I have to say my attempt made a great improvement on going stealth.
As I came up to turn in the tunnel, I stopped. I strained my ears to hear any sound out of the ordinary. I dismissed the drip and gurgle of water and the occasional scurry of rats further up the sewer. I could hear nothing else, though, other than that. Well, what did I expect? With father I didn't hear anything either. Therefore, I took the corner and saw to my disappointment an empty tunnel. I hesitated just a bit, if only because a chill was starting to creep up my spine. Mike had disappeared and there didn't seem to be enough shadows to hide him, either. However, as I peered further ahead, I could see that there were several junctions intersecting with the system I was in currently. It was quite plausible that Mike was in one of them. So, creeping slowly forward and sticking to the shadows along the wall, I edged closer, keeping my footfall as silent as was possible. My heart was pounding like a drum inside my chest as I anticipated that at any moment an orange bandanna turtle would leap out at me! None came, of course, but that thought was still in the back of my mind, nonetheless.
As I finally neared one of the junctions, a faint sound of 'something' came to my ears. I stood there a moment and turned my head this way and that, hoping to get a better understanding of what it was. It seemed to be coming from the farthest intersection to my right and deep within it, too. It was as if the sound was several hundred yards away and only the echo of what was happening was finally reaching me. Unfortunately, to reach the tunnel in question, I had to step out of the shadows and cross the culvert in the sewer. The water was running rather well at that point, a slight decent in the system causing the flow to be rather swift. I guess it had to be that way in order to empty the sewers out effectively. Still, the width between my side and the other was a good ten feet. I would have to jump it, as I was a little fearful of wading through. Being swept off my feet and carried to who knows where was the last thing I would want to happen. Given the fact I hadn't a clue where I was in the system, I could end up either in the ocean or, worse, at a waste processing plant. Neither prospects seemed appealing. I knew, though, that if I were to find out where Mike had gone to, one way or the other I was going to have to jump the culvert!
Making sure my bo staff was secure, I judged the distance and did a few lateral leaps along the side of the sewer. I found that I actually had a decent trajectory. Maybe it was my mutation or the training my body was used to doing, but I was amazed with the distance I was able to clear. My confidence now at an all time high so I faced my challenge head on. Doing a little personal pep talk, I spotted an area on the other side devoid of moisture and gathered my resolve, "You can do this, Kira, you can! You MUST." I chanted to myself. Then, as an afterthought, "Just don't land in the water!" I remembered how cold it was down below the city and I knew getting completely soaked would only invite hypothermia. It would be the last thing I would want to happen.
Taking a deep breath, I took off. I ran straight for a moment to get my speed up and then did a neat little right turn, heading for the edge of the walkway. As I fast approached it, I judged the distance one more time to make sure I put as much into my effort as would get me to safety. Then, I was off!
Halfway through my launch, I felt a momentary rush of air fly by me in the same direction as I was heading. Part of my brain told me something was wrong, while the other part dismissed it and just enjoyed the 'ride'. I thought for sure I was going to make it, elated with the experience. However, just as the opposite walkway loomed ahead and I was confident of landing triumphantly, the rush of 'air' slammed me into the drink!
I nearly choked on the water and gasped almost out loud from the cold, except for the hand now wrapped around my mouth! I also felt an arm encircle one of my own as it pulled me along through the rushing water. It was deeper there in the sewer, making it difficult to find any footing. Even if I had, I was sure the floor of the culvert was too slippery to find purchase. Yet, my immediate concern was who had knocked me into the water. I was panicking now, not certain if I had been attacked. Maybe I was now looking at facing my first battle – or not.
Amid the sound of rushing water a soft quiet voice, rich in anger and emergency, filled my ear, "Keep your mouth shut and do as I say!"
It was Mike!
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TURTLE-WITCH404: Glad you're liking this story – well – at least chapter ten! LOL Yeah, at that point, Leo does seem tricky, but there's a purpose to his madness. Just wait. If you've read this chapter then you know something is up, maybe Foot, maybe not. I'm not sure what's up other than clouds and the sky. :0) Either way, keep reading if you want to know the outcome. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed.
KUROI NEKO-KUN: Confusing? You think this story's confusing? Ah, I have to agree with you since that's the reason why it's taken me SO long to update. I'm trying to figure out how to end this missive and it's giving me gray hairs in the process! LOL Anyway, hope to have an ending before I leave for the Philippines, but I highly doubt it. Same goes with my other stories! Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed.
VESTQUEX: Confusion abounds from here on out – I guarantee it! Love your updates as you well know; stories in and of themselves. Well, there'll be more Kira/Alicia discussions in the near future. What they'll say to each other is anyone's guess. Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed.
LADY VENOM2: Ah, my muses are mum until I start writing and even then they're stingy with ideas. I'd like to strangle them, but – ahem – I'd be strangling myself. Hee hee…okay, so K & A are on speaking terms, finally. No guarantees that any feasible answers will be given and the outcome is anyone's guess – including mine. Being in the dark about such matters is not a good thing when one is the author. Wish I knew how to storyboard; my life would be so much simpler! Anyway, thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed.
PRETENDER FANATIC: Well, glad I gave you a 'lift'! Sorry about how long this one took. Writers block is alive and well at my PC. Anyway, yes it would be scary but in actuality it's all through the subconscious, so you can rest easy. Patrol with Mikey is a little different than patrolling with good ol' Dad! At least from Kira's perspective – until now! LOL Thanks for reading and reviewing. Be blessed.
RAMICA: A connection on the subconscious level, though, which can often be weird where our fears reside! Hmm…to truth or not to truth, that is the question. Not sure how this one is going to go. Confusion reigns as it has since the beginning; why should I change the premise now?! LOL A riddle? Hmm…there's a thought. The real riddle is – can I or will I finish this story? Only subsequent chapters – if and when I get ideas for them – will tell! A journey of enlightenment for me, I think, since I haven't a clue what's going to happen next. The pitfalls of not storyboarding! Thanks for reading and reviewing! Be blessed.