The Legacy

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

Chapter Twenty One- Repercussions

Michaelangelo:

The next few days were more of the same Rama did quiet things. She did her ninja lessons with Leo causing no fuss or trouble, but otherwise she tended to stay close to me. Raph tried in vain to entice her into rough housing with him but she wasn't interested, even worse and more alarming, was the fact she showed no interest in stealing his sais.

It tore me up to see how listless and apathetic she had become, we all gave her plenty of cuddles and hugs. I tried to get her to talk to me but she didn't seem to want to talk and I didn't want to push her into it.

Every night without fail Rama would wake screaming that Shay was coming to get her. It finally got to the point I gave up on letting her sleep in her own bedroom and started letting her sleep in my bed, at least she slept better when she was with me.

Leo kept telling me to stay at home with Rama, though I had to admit I wasn't in a big hurry to head out on patrol while Rama was so freaked out anyways. So I spent my evenings talking with Karena and helping her on her Japanese. I was giving her a bad time now, that Leo was starting to notice and pay attention to her.

The way Karena blushed when I teased her made me think that talking wasn't the only thing her and Leo did when they got together. Karena definitely had Leo's interest, sure he wasn't fully hooked as of yet, but judging from his emotions, he was keen on finding out more about Karena.

I hadn't even made any play for her, though I had considered offering a bit of competition my concerns for Rama, and Leo opening his eyes and making up for lost time made it almost impossible for me to consider getting her.

I sat on a chair half watching TV as I glanced at Karena " Karena motte iru kare koremade ed kisu ka."

She gave me a sour glare " I'm not answering that Mike" she huffed as she sat back on the couch.

" Ni nihongo. Ni nihongo" I berated her gently.

" I'm not about to answer in Japanese either." She responded, " What business is it of yours if I have kissed Leo or not?"

I smiled, " Totemo rikai suru. Ni nihongo omidasu." ( You understand very good. Remember in Japanese.)

She tossed a pillow my way " Stop fooling around and asking things like that!"

" You realize Karena that your blushing is the only true answer I need" I teased her.

" Kame gyogi no waru" she shot out. ( You're a naughty turtle.)

" Domo Arigato gozaimasu" ( Thank you very much) I replied as I bowed before her for her generous compliment, then I straightened up. " The others are coming home and they are hurt" I murmured wishing suddenly that I had been there with my brothers, though Leo knew about Rama's night terrors and he probably realized I'd be slightly distracted with my concern for her.

" Do you know any first aid?" I asked Karena.

" A little" she replied.

" Good we might be able to use your help. I'll wake Splinter up go to the infirmary and start setting things up" I ordered her as I left the living room.

By the time Don and Leo came in supporting Raph between them, we were ready. Raph had a bad gash in his leg probably caused by a sword or a bisento blade, and the others had wanted him to stay off of it as much as possible until it could be treated. Typical of Raph he refused to be carried.

Leo had a shuriken that embedded itself deep into the shoulder and other then that it was pretty basic stuff, stitching here or there, bandages that sort of thing. While Splinter worked on Raph's leg, I helped Leo.

" It isn't poison tipped is it?" I inquired.

" I doubt it Mike, I'm sure I would know by now if it was" Leo grunted a reply.

" Want your katana blade to chomp on while I do this?" I offered.

" No just pull it fast" Leo hissed at me through gritted teeth.

I picked up a small pair of needle nose pliers to extract the throwing star, clamping it down firmly on the metal projectile then I yanked back fast.

Leo winced and let out a tiny hiss of air, inwardly I was sure he was saying a few choice words, but Leo being who he was, wouldn't say them aloud.

" All right just have to clean and bandage the wound for you bro." I muttered cocking my head to one side, " Course now that I think of it Leo the Foot could be using a slow acting poison."

Leo gave me a dirty look " Your bedside manner leaves much to be desired Mike" he accused.

" Fine be like that Leo! I don't have to take this from you" I informed him, " Karena you said you know first aid come treat Leo and be extra rough on him for insulting me. Besides Don needs some stitching up." I declared.

Karena traded places with me as I started to tend to Don " So Leo did you solve the Foot problem?"

" I think so for now at any rate. Next few days ought to let us know for sure," Leo stated.

" You should have been with us Mike you could have used the practice" Raph joshed.

" I wouldn't have been hurt" I insisted.

" Naw ya would've been creamed bro" Raph drawled.

…

I watched Rama cuddle up to Karena as she read a story aloud, I had to wonder what had happened to my once lively little girl. It was almost as if something had died inside of Rama when Shay had snatched her.

Karena closed the book and Rama looked up at her.

" Karena you be my mommy?" Rama asked suddenly.

My blood felt cold at those words, Rama didn't hear the word mom around here. She knew April was going be a mom but I had never heard Rama use mom in relation to herself. I took a step forward and came around to sit in the rocking chair " Rama who told you about mommies?" I asked cautiously.

Rama glanced my way and instantly fell silent.

" Did you hear about mommies from one of your uncles?"

She gave a negative shake of her head.

" From Shay?"

Rama nodded mutely.

" When babe?"

" Lots daddy. Shay said Mommies are just like daddies and that I need a mommy and she be my mommy." Rama whispered watching me nervously, " She say it lots. I don't know what she mean daddy but Karena nice like you so maybe she my mommy not Shay." Rama explained.

I took a few deep breaths to calm myself it was clear to me that Rama wasn't very sure what a mother was or what they did. However she was taking whatever Shay had told her about mothers and attributing them to Karena.

" Rama why didn't you ask me about moms?" I wondered.

" Shay say you get mad and punishes me. She say you not like mommy and don't want a mommy for me" Rama replied shrinking a bit into Karena's arms.

" Rama I wouldn't punish you for asking a question. You should know that." I got up and sat down on the other end of the couch. " Baby come here," I coaxed.

Rama came into my arms and I hugged her close " You are not in any trouble and you won't be punished for asking me questions. You have to talk to me and tell me things. I can't help you if you don't talk to me Rama."

" Shay be silly" Rama whispered.

" Is that what she said, that she was being silly?"

" Yeah" Rama agreed, " Is Karena a mommy?"

" No not yet Rama maybe one day she will be. I know when I see her with you that she will be a wonderful mother." I smiled at Karena who ducked her head, " I'm sorry Rama."

" Why sorry daddy?"

" I trusted Shay I didn't think she would hurt you Rama" I stroked her face and kissed her forehead.

" I liked Shay till…" Rama stopped and sniffed snuggling closer to me, " Daddy what is a mommy really?"

" Moms are very special people and yes in many ways they are like dads and in other ways they are very different, they love to give hugs and kisses and read and they know how to make you feel better."

" Have I got a mommy?" Rama wondered.

" Somewhere yes, everyone has a mother but your mom couldn't stay with us Rama, she had to leave you when you were a little baby and that is why you don't know her." I replied.

I wasn't going tell her any more then that for right now, it was better that Rama not know the truth of the matter, especially with how bad she was taking things.

…

I found myself complaining to Don one morning, about the many changes in Rama and how she just wasn't herself. April and Casey had come over the night before and Rama wouldn't have a thing to do with them.

" I know Mike obviously what Shay did is having far longer repercussions then even I expected" he sympathized, " Think of what is happening with her like dirt in a wound, it has to be cleaned properly otherwise it gets infected and that then pushes the dirt out." Don explained, " Ramiela either isn't ready to talk about what happened she is holding it all in and it is finding other ways of coming out Mike. She doesn't know how to deal with it and we have to wait until she is ready." He insisted as he sipped at his coffee.

I found his answer anything but encouraging.

Later that day I brought home a bouquet of flowers for Rama. Rama gave the flowers the strangest look I had ever seen, before she snatched them from my hands, tore the petals off, broke the stems tossed the remains onto the floor and stomped on them in fury, and then she ran off sobbing.

I didn't understand this reaction. I knew Rama loved flowers so her total destruction of my spontaneous gift to her only made me scowl with concern.

It had been over a week and Rama still wasn't improving. I knew it was time to start considering other options simply because I knew there had to be something more I could do for my daughter.

…

That night after placing her to bed in my room I went to consult with Leo on the situation. I found him and Karena in the dojo. The last few evenings he had been giving her a few simple but effective lessons in self defence techniques, nothing fancy or lots of work just real easy moves. Sly dog that Leo was, it gave him the perfect opportunity to grab hold of Karena and make it seem perfectly natural.

" The amateur strangler comes from the front hands on either side of the neck, not very smart, which is why he's an amateur" Leo was explaining to Karena patiently " To break the hold is simple, you just have to say your prayers."

" You're a big help!" Karena accused lightly, " I'm being strangled and all you can suggest is say my prayers?"

Leo chuckled, " In this instance it goes along way." He assured her, " here take the hold on me I'll show you."

Karena sighed placing her hands lightly on either side of his neck her thumbs resting on his throat.

" Should I put on some mood music and dim the lights for you two?" I offered.

Leo ignored me, " Hold a bit tighter you aren't going break me. Basically to breath all I have to do is remove your thumbs, note that your fingers aren't were strangling does much good." He pointed out, " Now I clasp my hands about stomach level. I bring my arms up on the inside of your arms and separating them so that the power in my arms breaks the hold pushing your arms up and away." He demonstrated the move with ease, " Once the hold is broken you follow through with a few moves to slow down the attacker or dispatch him."

He then had Karena try the move a few times before he turned his attention on me " Come to join us for a lesson?" he teased arching an eye ridge.

" No thanks I'm beyond that Leo." I remarked casually.

" What do you want Mike?" Leo asked cutting to the chase.

" At this second I would love to see you teach Karena the professional choke hold because I would love nothing better then to see her throw you." I said honestly.

Karena grimaced and backed up a step or two " Professional?" she murmured uncertainly.

Leo nodded " The professional knows what he is doing and it is best to be trained because you might be lucky enough to be attacked by a professional" Leo declared, " So Mike you don't want to join us so what is on your mind about Ramiela?" he coaxed.

I went over and sat on the mats, Leo lowered himself to a lotus position in front of me.

" She isn't doing any good here Leo. I think she needs a different change of pace, something else…" I began hesitantly because even I had my doubts.

" You planning on going out to the farm with her Mike?" He asked.

" That was my idea. She can get out and play in the sunshine, climb some trees. It might do her good and it can't hurt" I pointed out, " I don't care if the whole family goes or it is just us two. It is just I can't help seeing her like this Leo. The farm has always helped us rest and recuperate from our troubles I'm hoping it can work its magic on her."

" A farm?" Karena wondered raising an eyebrow.

" Casey's grandmother owned it, it belongs to him now. We go out there whenever we need a break. Haven't been out there since Rama was a baby." Leo informed her. " It is on acreage way out in the middle of nowhere some woods nearby." He turned back to me " Have you made arrangements with April and Casey yet Mike?"

" Not yet I wanted to talk to you." I replied. As chunin it was up to him on if he could spare me for a week or so.

" We could all use a break Mike and Ramiela might feel more comfortable there if the whole family was with her."

I smiled as I sent a mental message to Leo. ' That and it gives you a good chance to be away from your duties and get to know Karena better.'

' Well there is that if she comes,' Leo admitted.

' Oh she will come Leo I am almost certain of that.' I stood up " I'll call April and Casey now, it isn't too late at the moment and see what I can arrange and when. Far as I am concerned the sooner the better." I declared as I headed out of the dojo.

I didn't go too far before slinking stealthily back to take a peek on the lesson.

Leo was demonstrating the professional choke hold he was standing just behind Karena with one holding her tight to him and the other arm around her throat so his elbow was near her chin. He was busy planting kisses on her cheek.

Karena for her part didn't seem the least interested in getting rid of her attacker or in breaking loose, in fact she seemed quite content to stay right where she was.

Yep Leo was most definitely a professional.

….

It was the next evening when April phoned to tell me that if we wanted they could bring us out to the farm tomorrow morning, which just happened to be Saturday, unless that was too early then we could leave Sunday or they could arrange to drive us out one night during the week.

I jumped at the offer of leaving with the morning.

It was around ten at night and I knew I had a lot of work to do if we were to be ready but the family had been looking forward to the call and had all ready started a few preparations.

I barely hung up when I heard Rama screaming from the bedroom. Damn Shay for scaring her so. I ought to have killed her when I had a chance not that killing Shay would have made much of a difference.

I went into my bedroom and picked Rama up taking her out to the rocking chair in the living room, there I sat her on my lap and proceeded to tell her about some of the grand adventures that awaited her.

" Guess what Rama tomorrow we are going on a long ride with your Aunt April and Uncle Casey to a special place where you can run around outside and play in the sun and grass. It will be so much fun!" I promised.

Rama stayed silent but her body began to shake a bit, the trembling increased the more I told her about the farm and the things she could see and do there.

Ramiela:

I know words, big words, small words. Don't know nuff words.

Daddy say I go to grass sun and trees but not true. I know it not. Why daddy say not trues?

Daddy and Uncles say before that grass and sun is topside. I topside and not see them. So hard don't know why they say what not true.

I wish daddy stop saying that.

It not true! I know it not! I topside I saw no tree, no sun, no grass it not true. Flowers not true.

Too much stuff not true.

I wants somethin' true.

Michaelangelo:

Rama sat very quiet instead of getting excited and asking numerous questions she huddled up against me as her trembling became more violent. I paused and looked at her about to ask her what was wrong when all of a sudden something seemed to snap inside of her and she started to lash out with her small hand yelling at me as she did so.

" Not true! Not true! Stop it daddy!"

I knew this went far deeper then her rule of no hitting outside the dojo, this was something she needed to get out, or to use some of Don's analogy some of that dirt was making its way to the surface.

I easily deflected her blows from areas that might hurt or badly damage her hands but at the same time encouraged her to keep hitting and get it out. While I did it I sensed my brothers and Splinter drawing near, all of them keeping their distance not disturbing us but letting me work things out with Rama.

I allowed her to continue striking at me until she collapsed sobbing into my chest nestling her face into my neck. I pulled her into a hug reassuring her with a soft tone.

" What is wrong Rama, why are you so upset?"

" Not true daddy. No grass or trees. Not true" she whimpered through her sobs, " I topside I know not true. Why you says it daddy?" She demanded sharply.

Rama thought I was lying to her about the farm, thought we had all lied to her because Shay had lied to her and she had seen a part of topside for herself. Now she knew that not all adults could be trusted, or believed in. She knew some adults could hurt her.

" All topside big buildings go up sky. No sky. Lots of people, cars noise and lights topside. No grass no trees." Rama insisted emphatically.

" Rama do you know what a lie is?" I asked her gently, knowing full well that she didn't or she'd be calling us liars.

" No daddy" Rama sniffed and took a deep shaky breath.

" A lie Rama is when someone tells you something they know isn't true. Like Shay when she told you that you couldn't be a ninja, or I didn't love you." I explained, " Shay lied about those things Rama and lies can hurt. Lies can make you doubt the very people you love and care for, that is why it is so important to tell the truth." I paused and placed a hand under her chin raising her head slightly so I could see into her eyes that were red from tears " Do you think we lied about grass and trees Rama?"

Rama shrugged.

" Rama it is okay, you can tell me I just want to know if you think your uncles or I have lied to you."

Rama grimaced a bit " Don't know daddy maybe lie. Shay lie she say she take me to grass. I wants to see grass but there no grass." She whispered morosely.

I could see in her face that she wanted to believe and trust in me, but wasn't so sure that she could. Shay had lied to her and due to Shay's lies other things and people in her life was now suspect, especially as Rama hadn't seen the things we had told her existed topside, she had it seemed good reason to doubt us and all we said to her.

" Rama listen to me very closely. We have told you before you live in a very big city with lots of people right?"

She nodded.

" There are other places topside that look much different from the city we live in there are large mountains, sandy deserts, great big huge forests, and many things I have never seen except in books or on television. I know these things exist even though I haven't seen them." I smiled, " I also know that grass and trees are real even though you didn't get to see any topside, it doesn't mean that it isn't there. Tomorrow morning we will be going out to a place where you will see these things for yourself" I assured her, " However I think that this is very important for you to important to let it wait until tomorrow. So I am going take you to a special place in New York city where you can see trees and grass. The flowers will be sleeping but you can see them too." I vowed.

She gave me a sceptical look.

" There is a big park in the city and it was put here so that people who live in the city can enjoy some nature, growing things and have some space to run and play in." I told her, " We won't be gone very long and we will go to and from the park by way of the sewer. We are going have to put some clothes on just in case someone sees us." I cautioned her, I could sense most of the family moving off, only Leo stayed near. " So you want to come to the park and see grass tonight Rama?"

Rama looked up at me her bottom lip quivering a bit. I sensed a part of her wanted to but another part seemed more hesitant and unsure.

" Trust me Rama please?"

She threw her arms about my neck as she hugged me " I trus' you daddy."

" Good" I whispered.

I heard Leo softly clear his throat behind me, " A trip to the park sounds like fun want some company Mike?" he asked innocently.

" Sure Leo and don't forget to ask Karena to join us for a midnight stroll through the park" I teased him.

Leo smiled at me, refusing to say anything in response to my words.

TBC

Lady of Randomness: At that time that Shay is dealt with, Mike has other concerns or else he might have handled Shay on his own. A gratitude for your insight.

Chibi Rose Angel: Leo has been aware of Karena's feelings for some time, he is ninja, so when Karena kisses him then starts to berate herself, Leo is also aware of it. He kisses her back to reassure her and make her see it might not be so foolish, nor does he hold her kissing him against her. Your membership into the I hate Shay fanclub has been accepted. A gratitude for your insight.

Green Leo fiend: Hopefully you do catch up soon if you haven't all ready. Hope you enjoy my pairing of Mike and Leo for and throughout this story. A gratitude for your insight.

Rat Queen Valarian: Yes 9.95 indeed and about time too. Anyone saw what them kissing? No it doesn't happen at this point of time. A gratitude for your insight.

Lunar Ninja: Leo does take a while you have to forgive him while he is quick on the uptake in other areas. He is a real turtle in the female relationship department. A gratitude for your insight.

Lenni: Sorry to keep you waiting for this update and the last. You must be champing at the bit for more of your favourite scenes. Yes first kiss for Karena and Leo hasn't changed any. Next chapter is the grass one that you have been anxiously awaiting and then we move out to the farm for pretty much the remainder of the story. A gratitude for your insight.