The Legacy

Disclaimer: I deny any ownership of any adult or adolescent transformed shadow warrior chelonians.

Chapter Twenty – Things to come.

Karena:

It was taking me a while to calm down after the nights events, at the moment I was far too keyed up to sleep though it was all ready after three in the morning. I decided to make a cup of tea in hopes it would help me unwind and ease me into dream land.

Leo came padding silently into the kitchen while the water was boiling he looked over towards me with a faint smile " Can't sleep Karena?"

" Not yet that is why I am making some tea," I explained, " Would you like some?" I offered.

He nodded as he went to the cupboard and pulled out some tea packets " These ought to help." He suggested handing them to me. " We make them here from Chinese herbs and the like but they are better then what you might buy in the store."

I took them and placed them into the tea pot as Leo took two cups over to the kitchen table, I carried the tea pot over and sat across from him.

" Karena there is no way we can fully thank you for all that you have done for us tonight" Leo began.

" It was nothing Leo," I muttered, while silently thinking that there was plenty of ways I could think of for him to personally thank me.

" Nothing?" Leo repeated, " You risked a great deal when most people would have tended to not become involved as it wasn't their problem."

" Your family didn't have to become involved with me when I was attacked either, and you had a lot to lose by letting yourself be involved." I pointed out, " It was the least that I could do for your family. I couldn't let Shay do that to Mike because Rama belongs here, She needs to know what you can teach her." I insisted.

A smile played fleetingly across his face " Even how to steal?" he asked in a teasing fashion.

" I have come to accept that Leo" I confessed, " It wasn't easy to understand it at first but I realize better now, where you were coming from" I replied as I poured the tea into the cups. " Couldn't you sleep Leo?"

" I don't sleep much as a rule. I was meditating before" Leo stated, " I plan to get a couple hours after this."

I gave him a shocked look " That's it a few hours?"

Leo laughed a bit, " I find it is all I really need Karena as meditation works just as good if not better then sleep itself." He sat back with his tea cup in hand blowing lightly over the dark steaming liquid " If you hadn't been here we may have lost Ramiela and that would have been…" he trailed off scowling his brow furrowed with concern at the thought.

" Mike would have been devastated, he loves her so much. That was all I could think about while I chased after Shay, that and how could she have done it in the first place." I grouched a bit as I took a cautious sip of my own drink.

" Ramiela has done a great deal to help Mike, she has helped him to grow up, become more mature and responsible then he was before she arrived but because he is also her playmate he has maintained some of those qualities that make Mike who he is" Leo reflected, " She has helped him to become a better ninja as well as a better person." He sighed a bit " When Ramiela was a toddler she came down with a bad fever nothing we did seemed to ease it. Mike spent the whole time in the infirmary by her bedside, he was so worried about her." Leo shook his head as if clearing his mind and his blue eyes seemed to suddenly drill into me " Karena you aren't like our other guests, I have to wonder, out of curiosity alone why you have chosen to stay here as long as you have?"

I had to think about that question for a moment, as I debated about how much I should tell Leo. I gave a shrug and decided I may as well admit the truth.

" I stayed because of you Leo. I liked you and I was hoping to get your attention and possibly get a chance to know you better."

Leo raised an eye ridge " Well you got my attention tonight. Though I must say Karena that most girls who want my attention have never tried something like that."

I wondered if he was teasing me, his voice was so calm that perhaps he was being serious, I really didn't know Leo well enough to know for sure how to respond to that comment.

I shook my head " Don't kid yourself Leo, what I did tonight was for Mike and Rama alone" I confessed, then in a lighter tone I concluded " However since it got your attention I'll consider that an added bonus."

Leo laughed his eyes sparkled with amusement " So what were you planning to do get ninjitsu lessons from me?"

" No, I wouldn't mind perhaps learning a few moves in the sake of self defence, especially after that attack because I don't want to be hurt like that again" I licked my lips, " But I know I could never do that whole ninja thing."

Leo leaned back in his chair a contended look on his face " Now that is almost refreshing to hear, usually our guests want me to teach them ninjitsu when in actuality they aren't interested in it" He grimaced, " In fact the only thing they seem interested in is wasting both of our times and my time is much to valuable for that" he brightened a bit " So now you have me incredibly curious on what you were planning to do to me."

I smiled at him " I'm not going tell" I sing-songed.

" Ninja have ways of making people talk you know" he informed me.

" I'll take my chances" I replied as I drank the last of my tea, " Though I will warn you I was thinking of something drastic."

" Drastic?" he echoed, " Suddenly I'm not sure I want to know" he muttered as he drained the rest of the tea in his mug.

I got up to remove the cups realizing as I took them over to the sink that this was the longest conversation I had with Leo since I had been in the infirmary. On top of that he no longer seemed as stiff and formal as he had been previously around me, as if he was finally letting his guard down.

Or perhaps he was just being Leo instead of the great leader I had come to know.

I turned back to the table reflecting that I did love him, which seemed odd when one realized I really knew so little about him, but until now I had never been sure that he would ever take any notice of me.

Perhaps it was the effects of the tea, combined with my own emotions and the events of the night, I am not sure what lead me to do what I did next.

I walked back over to where Leo was sitting and said " Well you know drastic like, doing something like this perhaps" I bent and kissed him.

He jerked back slightly as if I had caught him unaware but he seemed to return the kiss as his arms slipped around me.

I pulled back startled by what I had done " I'm sorry," I stammered uneasily.

" No don't be it is all right" he assured me.

All right? I had just blown everything with that fool move of mine. How could I be so stupid! Of course he had said it was all right but he was most likely just being polite again. I mentally kicked myself for my actions but I knew I couldn't take it back now.

Leo stood up and wrapped his arms back around me.

For the first time I felt the power and strength in those arms, I relaxed a bit as I suddenly felt sheltered and protected by him. I found my face growing warm. I swallowed slightly and gave a small smile as he leaned over to give me another kiss.

Well the boy wasn't shy I had to give him that much and his kisses took my breath away. He broke off the kiss this time but continued to hold me close.

" Take it from me drastic works at times" he whispered.

I swear I could hear my own heart pounding hard beneath my rib cage as he held me, he smiled a bit before releasing me.
" I think we both need to do some more talking but not tonight Karena." He declared as he left me there.

" Good night Leo" I called after him suddenly wondering if I would now be able to get to sleep or not.

Michaelangelo:

I had put Rama into bed with me figuring that she'd sleep better with me close by but I also needed to reassure myself and I had to admit that I wanted her close to me too.

I looked down at her still peaceful form sleeping under the blankets and hoped she would be okay now, that she was home safe, around familiar people and surroundings. I knew that she might be on the quiet side for a couple of days but hoped that would be the end of it.

Children were supposed to be resilient able to bounce back easily from such things, or so some might think, but I knew each child was different and I also was aware of the things Rama had to deal with on her late night adventures, so I wasn't about to consider everything all right just yet.

In fact as I added all the problems Shay had caused in that span of time I figured I would count myself lucky, if Rama's fear of not being ninja was the only thing that had bothered her from that problem.

Only time and Rama herself could tell us what consequences might follow.

I slipped quietly out of the room and headed for the kitchen yawning a bit as I did so.

Don was all ready there making coffee, meaning he probably hadn't slept at all.

" Morning Mike how is Rama?"

I stifled a yawn as I replied " Still sleeping at the moment or she would be correcting you on how to say her name Don" I retorted.

Don smiled at my remark " I checked into a few things this morning over the internet, effects trauma has on young children, just in case I'm not expecting any trouble" Don hastened to assure me.

I was relieved to hear that, but I also figured Don would be looking into that information, being the doctor of the clan and Mr. Know it all to boot it was to be expected that he'd check into the matter quickly.
" So tell me what are we to look for?" I wondered.

Don placed a hand on my shoulder " I wouldn't worry about it Mike, it was only for a short period of time…"

I knew Don was probably trying to spare me, but I knew Rama best so I would be the first to know if the events had bothered her more then to be expected and I wanted to know. I had a right to know.

I shrugged Don's hand off " Short period Don?" I asked tightly as I whirled on him, " I'm not so sure it was short, for us maybe but not for Rama. I was thinking about it when I woke up this morning and from her view of things it could have been a lot different for her." I growled.

Don held up a hand and took a step back " Mike relax" he comforted.

I shook my head in frustration and heaved a sigh as I poured myself a cup of coffee " I'm sorry Don I didn't mean to snap at you. It is just everything about this whole fiasco bothers me" I apologized. " First off Don I sort of lied to Rama because I brought Shay here and told Rama she was a friend."

Don sat down beside me " You didn't know Mike, you thought you could trust Shay" he pointed out sympathetically, " None of us expected it."

" Yeah and we should have clued in or you think we would have." I grouched. " I lied to her maybe unintentionally but I did lie. Shay also lied to her. Shay spent a lot of her time alone with Rama and now I'm thinking what if Shay had been feeding her little bits of lies to her" I groaned, " What does Rama believe or think if Shay did that. Shay also hit her and caused physical pain on top of Rama's emotional distress and fear" I scowled, " Then to finish it off she takes Rama topside. You know yourself Don how different it is up there from down here. That is a lot of damage for a short period of time" I concluded.

" I know topside the first time is scary enough" Don commiserated.

I gave him a faint knowing smile, I knew he was thinking of his first time topside.

" You have seen how Rama can pick up on aspects of ninjitsu by watching and listening to us. You think going topside under those circumstances wouldn't upset or bother her?"

" All right Mike but do yourself a favour and don't go worrying about what may be just wait and see how she reacts first and take your cues from that." Don insisted, " Nor should you go blaming yourself for what Shay happened to do it wasn't your fault. None of us expected it."

I knew Don didn't repeat himself, not normally " Raph expected it."

" Raph is suspicious by nature Mike" Don refuted, " If he doesn't like someone he will look for trouble and anyone has to work ten times as hard to earn his trust. However if Raph does give his trust he ends up being a good friend." Don stated, " Raph just didn't want Shay here after the way she treated you last time."

" I prefer last time to this time," I muttered as I stared down into my coffee cup, " Shay planned to take Rama out of our home. I don't know what she planned to do with Rama if she managed to succeed but the thought scares me Don."

Don nodded understanding " Yeah I concur it is frightening to think of the possibilities but she didn't get away with it and she won't be coming back" Don advised, " In the meantime keep life normal as possible for Ramiela. But watch out for any mood changes in her, nightmares things that aren't quite right. Most of all give her lots of love and attention."

I smiled at him " That I can do" I agreed.

" Daddy. Daddy!" a piercing scream came from my bedroom.

I was up from the table and running towards Rama in a heartbeat with Don close on my heels.

I saw Rama coming out of my bedroom looking around frantically as I swept her into my arms instantly she wrapped her arms about my neck.

" What's a matter baby?" I asked.

" I thought you go away" Rama sniffed.

" No Rama I am right here your all right." I assured her.

" Daddy stay" Rama whispered lying her head down by my neck.

" I am not going anywhere Rama" I soothed.

All that day she stayed close to me, afraid to let me out of her sight even for a second. She didn't want to run or play on the playground, instead she preferred to do quiet things like colouring and watching TV, or having stories read to her. The liveliest she got was when she helped me bake and sample some double chocolate chip cookies and even then it just wasn't normal for Rama.

Course I had expected her to be a bit quiet for a day or two so I did my best not to read too much into all of this. However even Leo noted a lack of exuberance from Rama during her lesson as she quietly obeyed every thing Leo asked her to do.

Leo gave her a warm smile as he finished up the lesson and glanced my way " Why don't you stay at home with Ramiela tonight Mike? I have a feeling that she needs you far more then we do" Leo stated, " We can handle the patrol without Mike" Leo assured me.

I didn't want to leave them short handed knowing, sure enough that was when some major battle would go down but I also wanted to be here, at least tonight to gauge Rama's reaction and of course the father in me won out over the ninja because I didn't even protest " Thanks Leo I appreciate that and so will Rama."

" I be good ninja." Rama said but it sounded more like a question.

Leo kneeled before her " You Ramiela are going be a wonderful exceptional ninja." He assured her.

She gave him a faint trembling smile in return.

….

That night tucked into her own bed, she woke screaming in terror from bad dreams when I ran in to comfort her all I could get out of her were four words.

" Shay come get me! Shay come get me," she sobbed.

Oh gods, my poor little Rama while other children dreamed of monsters under their bed or in the closet, Rama dreamed of her mother coming to steal her away. Her own flesh and blood mother had proven to her that she wasn't safe, that there actually were monsters in the world out to get her.

I figured then that we were in trouble, that this was only the beginning of things to come.

TBC

Digimon Girl: Glad to hear you are still enjoying the story so. A gratitude for your insight.

Lady of Randomness: yes I know but Shay is now out of the picture, at least for the time being. Sorry for the delay in updating it has been a rather busy week to say the least. A gratitude for your insight.

Mikaela's Spade: reader participation in fics is against the rules of this site so be careful. Might I suggest offering a vote e-mailed to readers who have interest in your story if you want to go that route. Mike isn't always a goof, I have learned from all aspects of Ninja turtles comic/movie/cartoons ect and my view has always been sort of a mix of each one. Plus a little of my own. As for the I hate Shay fan club it is unofficial but it is well known, your membership is duly noted. Try reading my M rated story His True Love where Shay returns. A gratitude for your insight.

Lunar Ninja: In my story His True Love Shay does get hers without the use of dragons or any other mythical creature. Yes she does come back to see if Mike really did mean what he said. Chapter 21-28 in HTL deal with her return and the consequences. Oh I took your membership into the I hate Shay fanclub as well on the basis of your review. A gratitude for your insight.

Lenni: Mike is usually fun and easy going but you must remember he is still ninja, which means when push comes to shove you don't want to be on his bad side and like everybody else Mike has one. Yes I know what you mean by grass and yes it is coming in a few more chapters. A gratitude for your insight.

Reinbeauchaser: Yes Shay never stops to think things through a bad character flaw that spells trouble, the fact she doesn't learn also isn't much of a help either. Still a mother desperate desires can I suppose overrule what seems to be common sense. Had to break up the Mike Shay confrontation a bit and I must say I like how it reads now. A gratitude for your insight.

Chibi Rose Angel: Well I figured that was too good of a Raph line to pass up on. If you truly want to know what Shay gets in the end well one day if and when you have time try reading His True Love an M rated fic that has Shay coming back. A gratitude for your insight.

Gogglehead: Ah the fun of a rewrite is I really don't have to worry about writer's block. No the only thing that slows updates are my other rewrite story and my two original stories all going at the same time. No Shay didn't and never has thought things through, the poor girl. A gratitude for your insight.