pacphys – Sorry to confuse you there. Lotus is one female person, wanted to try and preserve some of the mystery. In the 80's cartoon she featured briefly in two episodes. The first one, 'Beware of the Lotus' saw her hired by Krang and taking Shredder's place. She succeeded in getting into the lair, out smarting Leo in a sword fight and capturing Master Splinter. This is the one that I've drawn my inspiration from, though which parts are going to carry over into my portrayal of her and which aren't I'm not saying …

Also, I hope this chapter doesn't disappoint you too much …

Sassyblondexoxo – Hee hee! Yes, I have the thing on my computer, and I just have to put it up. I hope you like where I go with it, and hey! If you have Q then go ahead and ask … you've stirred my curiosity now.

Tiamat11 – Don't want to miss you out, thanks for the compliment, and I hope you like her too … she's not like she was in the 'toon.

Chapter 2; Hook …

Letting out a groan Leonardo moved slowly where he lay. The events of the ... he paused in his line of thought, how many hours? not readily returning to him. Not yet ready to open his eyes his brow furrowed whilst his mind desperately attempted to recall what had unfolded in his last few conscious hours. There had been Raph, and fighting, a slight smile came to his face at this realisation, and ... the tiny frown on his face increased in size he'd ... Bringing a hand up he nursed his throbbing head, the small smile turned into a grimace of pain as the aches and bangs of his mini smack down came back to haunt him. Forcing his eyes to open he let out a long sigh, the curved dark brown bricks above his head, and familiar scent of old books and old spice telling him he was in his room. Gritting his teeth in order to move told him something else as well, sharp pain, accompanied by the tightly bound bandages could mean only one thing. Cracked ribs. Cracked ribs and bed rest. Two things that he really didn't want to deal with right now. Not if Raph was going to be on the inevitable warpath again anytime soon.

Other than the hazy memories of the previous ... day? Shaking his head he stood awkwardly from his bed, moving with slow, uneven steps towards his bedroom door, opening it he emerged into the bright lights, and sounds of the real world. Walking to the main living area the sight of his katana's hanging on the back of the sofa brought memories flooding back. Staring at them for a few seconds he turned to see Mikey staring at him, smiling weakly at his youngest brother he moved over with a slight grimace to join him on the sofa.

"Ya get it outta ya system then?" Mikey asked nonchalantly his eyes never leaving the constantly moving, ever active world of Robot Wars.

"Hm?" Clearing his throat, he stretched slightly, "If you mean giving Raph a shot at leading, then no, not really." he admitted quietly.

"Great! So that means I'll get my turn next week?" As always everything was a joke to the youngest. Flashing Leo a bright smile he punched his big bro in the arm playfully.

Smiling gratefully at Mikey's support for what could well turn out to be a disaster Leo waited for the appearance of the others. Turning to ask Mikey exactly where everyone was he was cut off by his younger brothers open musings.

"B'cuz Raph doesn't think ya're being serious. And Master Splinter is being all quiet on it." Leaning forwards to get a piece of pizza he added quietly "Thatsa bit freaky dontcha think?" Turning to look at Leonardo he asked with genuine concern, "What happens when he screws up? I mean you will take over again, right?"

Bringing his feet to rest on the coffee table Leonardo let out a long sigh, "You never know Mikey, you might like his style." For the most part all Leo felt right now was tired, there was a small doubt in the back of his mind that he should reassure his brother that yes, one day soon he would take over as Leader. But then again maybe a break from it all would be what he needed to take up the daily grind of locking horns with his tempestuous, smart mouthed brother.

Nodding his head thoughtfully Mikey leant forward to get the box, "Pizza?" he offered, his light hearted mood returning with such force that it felt like it had never been away.

Smiling gratefully Leonardo dipped his hand into the box.

--

Following her last highly unsuccessful attempt to get what she needed Lotus decided that the best thing to do would be to retrieve the next item on her list. A golden pin brooch from the New York museum of antiquities. Carefully equipping her self with all that she would need for that nights events she walked up the museum steps and into the building, her eyes on the lookout for adequate routes in, and out of the building when she made a return trip later that night.

--

Leo good mood didn't last particularly long, with the arrival of Raphael from the dojo, and Don from his lab it meant only one thing. With Master Splinter's guidance they were going to sit down and sort out exactly what it was that had occurred there the previous morning. Re-located to the kitchen table the four sat there patiently waiting for one of the two antagonists to break the death stares and say something.

"Raphael?" the old rat prompted gently after the silence dragged on for too long.

"Look, I'm sorry Leo. Didn't mean to get your panties in a twist." he huffed loudly, his voice and demeanour saying everything but sorry.

Pressing his lips together firmly Leo considered all of the options available to him. Leaving Raph in charge was perhaps the last thing he wanted in his heart of hearts, but maybe walking a mile in his shoes would do him some good. Unable to convince himself otherwise he eventually stated, "No, you're always getting on my ass about being too damn hard on everyone Raph. Like I said yesterday, since you're so sure you can do better, go ahead and give it a go!"

"What if I don't want it Leo?!" Raph demanded, his already stony features getting harder.

"Tough beans Raph! You've got it!" Leonardo snapped back, a familiar sense of indifference towards his position returning. Leaning forwards to meet Raph's stony gaze he maintained eye contact until his brother blinked. "So get used to the idea!" Pushing back from the table he bowed to his Sensei before turning to leave the room.

"There is more my Son." the old rat intoned quietly, his firm grip upon his smooth, knarled walking stick tightening. Watching his son return to his seat the old rat continued in a far more serious tone, "There is a strange thief in town. Last night this person struck very near to Miss O'Neil's store, breaking from their task Leonardo to assist you against those that attacked you."

From his place at the table Leonardo nodded, "They're well trained in the ways of the Ninja Master Splinter." he mused after giving his passing meeting with Lotus some thought. Going through the events in his head last night he shook his head slowly from side to side indicating that he could offer no more insight.

Nodding his head slowly the old rat continued, "If this is the case then it is our responsibility to halt these activities. According to the news this individual has evaded arrest more than once." Pausing Splinter looked to Raphael to take up the baton, receiving a blank stare in response the rat let out a long sigh. Deciding to give his son a gentle push in the right direction he gave out simple orders to those at the table, "Donatello, do you think you could establish a pattern for this person?"

"I guess, anything is possible Sensei." Shrugging Donny got up from the table, returning to the back of his lab to enter what little the police had gathered from the break ins.

"Raphael, perhaps you and Michelangelo can sit down and come up with some method of detention once they have been found." After a moments pause Raph and Mikey stood and made an uneasy exit towards the living area. Working with the other was perhaps the last thing either of them wanted. Watching them leave Splinter turned to Leonardo for the final time. "Is there something troubling you my Son?" he asked gently.

Blinking slowly Leo turned to look at the rat, "No Sensei." he told him with little thought on the matter.

Smiling once again the rat reached out and took Leonardo's hand in his own; giving it a reassuring squeeze he said nothing more. "Should anything begin to bother you my ear is always open." Looking up to meet the rat's eyes Leo nodded dumbly, "But for now perhaps you will rest, and heal."

Once again all Leo could do was nod and smile.

--

The night air was crisp. Tonight the sky was clear too, the crescent moon easily picking out the softly moving shadow that danced along the wall of the red brick museum. The shadow paused by the fire exit, using the tip of her blade to prise open the tampered door before moving inside, a single gloved hand letting the door swing shut behind her. Sliding the sword away the young woman moved up the stairs, her feet and breath muffled by the rolls of black cotton that had been carefully wrapped around her shoes and mask. With the assistance of a tiny flashlight two keen brown eyes sought out the marker ink that had been left behind earlier that day.

Unlike her last attempt everything was working like clockwork, as expected the security guard made his rounds at seven past the hour, his sweep of the Antiquity floor little more than a passing flash of pale light before the doors to the room were shut and the man moving on. Lotus moved confidently in the darkness, pausing only to disconnect the CCTV camera that hung over the guest display cases. Reserving a wry smile for her self Lotus walked towards the glass case. This was too easy. Pausing before the rope barrier she looked around one final time before stepping over it and approaching the glass.

"I don't think that's gonna be real smart!"

Without turning Lotus's eyes flickered to the pane of glass before her eyes. In the reflection afforded her she sought out the source of the interruption. Having heard no entrance she could only assume that she was in the presence of another thief. And if this was the case then she would not be surrendering her prize so easily. Raising her arms up slowly her keen eyes never moved from the glass, nearing the hilt of her blade she turned slowly, her eyes now actively seeking out the owner of the voice.

"Back it up!" from the shadows Raph watched her carefully; he had left Donny near the door and Mikey hanging in between the cases. There was no way she was getting out. "I said move!"

Her furious searching was rewarded with movement in the background. It seemed that her opponent watched her as keenly as she was now going to watch him. Turning slowly she raised one leg up and over the burgundy cord, placing her foot carefully on the other side she shifted her weight forward onto the ball of her foot, flexing fingers that itched to grab the hilt of her sword Lotus threw herself forward into a neat flip, her gloved hands wrapping firmly around the smooth hilt she drew the blade in a graceful arc to land facing the hidden turtle. A habit that she associated with good luck, Lotus circled the blade around her torso in a controlled figure of eight before approaching Raphael. Confident that she would not find him Raph watched her determined strides into the middle of the room, he noted her pause to check the surrounding area, and then she turned to look directly him. She charged towards him, the tip of her sword held high the air sang as she swung it down and towards the hidden turtle's chest. Raph couldn't believe it; instinctively he reached for his sai's bringing them high, the sound of metal striking metal echoed through the large room.

"Whoa ..." Mikey couldn't help but vocalise his awe at their opponent's accurate attack.

Okay, now he was pissed. The force of her initial attack over Raph pushed the crossed blades up and out, forcing his opponent backwards with surprising force. The black clad figure stumbled backwards over her own feet, an irritated groan emerging from her as she struggled to remain on her feet. Circling the blade again her head shot towards the source of the second call. There was more than one? Things were not looking particularly good, turning her attention back to her emerging opponent Lotus let out a soft gasp of surprise. There was another like the one clad in blue? Which meant that there was probably a third also. Who else would choose to creep through the dark in the middle of the night?

"Don't let her out Mikey!" Raph barked, circling his own weapons as he did so. This was going to be sweet.

Mikey? Tossing her head back she caught a glimpse of orange material in the murky dark. How many more were there? Three would be no trouble to her, but what if there were more? Sighing she knew what the result of this night would be. Failure, and retreat. Having no desire to be struck again by the one clearly in charge Lotus easily ducked beneath an incredibly sloppy, yet powerful swing. Turning on the balls of her feet Lotus headed towards the door, the tip of her drawn blade skimming the surface of the stone floor as she sought the youngest turtle.

"End of the line dude" Mikey chimed, appearing in front of her, his nunchakas drawn and swinging. Staring at him Lotus paused, she could make out the soft footsteps of the other closing in behind her, and this gave her an idea. Her blade swung purposely towards the twirling weapons. In the half light Mikey looked towards Raph, was this guy crazy? Feeling the chain wrap the blade he looked back to the tightly stretched black material with an almost apologetic smile. "Looks like you lose du-..."

Watching the chain wrap around the sword Lotus tilted the weapon upwards, closing the space between her and Michelangelo in a single, fluid motion and pushing his nunchaka to the hilt of her sword. Turning her shoulder into wards his chest she threw the lightest turtle with ease, using his trapped nunchaka to direct weapon and boy into his approaching brother. Hearing the grate of sliding metal she turned and hurried onwards, satisfied by the loud "Oomph!" that came from behind her. That had been far too easy.

"Trip 'im up Donny!" Raph positively screamed from the floor, his limbs and those of Mikey's a jumbled mess.

Another? Where? Sliding the blade back into its sheath she wondered how much experience their leader had. Giving orders was all well and good, but to so in such a manner that gave away the plan was foolish. By the door way she saw Donny's shadow, the moonlight catching a long shaft of darkness emerging from his back as Donny drew his bo out. Calculating speed and angle it was with great reluctance that he brought his stick swinging downwards towards the moving legs. Only where legs should have been was now open space, frowning he barely had a chance to react to the two clothed feet that hit him in the upper chest in a powerful drop kick. In the mind of the thief she felt slightly guilty about the amount of force she had utilised, but when she had heard their leader instruct Donny to go low what choice did she have but to go high? Grunting with pain as she impacted upon the ground Lotus rolled away from Donny and towards the partially open door, scrambling towards the crack she pulled herself to her feet and throwing the doors open she made her break for freedom. A trail of pollen sprinkling onto the floor from a cracked knapsack that rested at the small of her back...

--

Remaining in resting was all well and good, Leo could understand that, but when there was nothing on TV, and meditation escaped him, what could he do but worry about Raph and his attempts at leadership? Staring blankly at the same page of the TV guide he finally looked up and towards the dojo where Master Splinter meditated. He had been resting all afternoon, and most of the early evening, and in good conscience he couldn't simply leave his brothers out there alone. What if they needed him?

Sighing Leo stood, for a second he looked back towards the dojo, perhaps he should remain behind. No, after all he wouldn't be taking over, merely offering some support should everything go pear shaped. And even Raph couldn't screw up that badly. He had an excellent, 'flawless' leader to emulate. Picking up his swords Leonardo slipped out of the lair.

--

Locating the museum and gaining entrance had not been too difficult, ignoring the tiny knot of dread that had been growing in the back of his mind had not. As Leo climbed quietly up the stairs the feeling of dread grew sufficiently for him to quicken his pace. The sound of crashing followed by Raph's muffled shouts brought Leo up to a sprint. Pushing open the fire exit door he had no time to stop the head on collision with a petitely framed, black clad intruder.

"Gah!" a tiny metallic voice hissed as she collided with the turtle. Knocked back into the room Lotus stared at the final turtle, watched him steady himself in the door frame, and then slowly but surely draw his swords. Staring up at Leo from the floor Lotus moved backwards into the room on all fours, pausing once she had enough room to rock backwards onto her shoulders in order to vault onto her feet. Drawing her own sword Lotus moved forward confidently her blade swinging downwards towards the drawn weapons of her latest opponent. In much the same way that Raph had blocked, Leo brought his katana up to deflect the blow, unlike his brother he did not throw her backwards like a rag doll. Allowing Lotus to withdraw her sword from his Leo moved into the room fully, raising his right arm to retrieve his second katana.

Lotus circled warily, unlike his brothers this one did not move with the same impulse as they had. Like a snake judging when best to strike she concluded, darting forwards with a flurry of movement designed to test him, and surprised to find that each of her blows struck the blade of her opponent. Attempts to drive him back towards the door were failing, so she paused. Perhaps if she could convince him to circle her so that her back faced the exit and his the room she had departed. That would be simple enough, beginning in a simple arc she noted that instead of circling with her Leo moved to block her path, clearly aware of how close she was getting to the door the turtle sprang forwards, his own blades moving fluently in a series of arcs and parries clearly designed to drive her backwards and towards the assistance of his allies. Gritting her teeth beneath the force of the ringing blows she deflected nearly all, a seemingly harmless slip on her part bringing the tip of Leo's blade along the material that protected her chest. Surprised Lotus let out an enraged battle cry, her body dipping low beneath the activity of swinging metal she shot a leg out to trip the eldest brother flat.

The skill with which Lotus re-sheathed her blade in order to move low surprised Leo greatly. It was far smoother than anything he had ever attempted. Feeling the thwack to the back of his knees Leo dropped down with a small grunt of pain, eyes seeking her he noted her shadow and her swinging blade before he did the person. Having succeeded in bringing down her prey Lotus had swung her legs around to put herself onto one knee and one foot just behind Leo's left. Drawing her blade with the same fluidity she had demonstrated in tucking it away she brought it down in a sharp arc towards the back of his head, if she could not defeat him by any other means then she would defeat him through death. A sad state of affairs for this was one opponent she would truly love to engage once again. But with her course of action decided upon she could only hope that he could impress her once again and find a method of escape.

"LEO!" With the moonlight shining through the museum's high windows there was a ghostliness to the silhouette the three brothers saw before them. On his knees they watched in horror as the black clad thief stood, drew her blade and swung it at the back of their brother's sinking head.