Beginning: Part Nine
Day Five I

Alisa woke up early next morning. The dinner tray had been cleared while she slept, and a new tray held breakfast. She was starving by now, and carefully picked up the plate of food with her good hand. She unwrapped the plastic fork, and ravenously attacked the eggs.

It would be a few hours before she could leave, and she could hardly wait until then. She was starting to grow restless with staying in bed.

---

As exhausted as she was L could have slept forever, but she hadn't slept very well and was already awake and dressed, making coffee in a real coffee pot for once. The sound of her in the kitchen woke Casey up and he stumbled in sleepily.

"What time is it?"

"Time for you to put on some pants!"

He looked down and realizing he was still in his boxers he darted out of the room, returning a minute later.

"I thought I'd make some coffee and we could go to the hospital. I'm sure Alisa's going crazy by now if she's awake."

"Coffee? No breakfast?"

L shook her head. "Too jittery for breakfast, I just want coffee." The statement made no sense. "Besides, don't think we're going to be cooking for you just because we're women. We'll chip in where we can but we're not your personal chefs."

Casey raised his hands in surrender. "I didn't even say anything like that! Jeeze, women are so defensive!"

She laughed as he grabbed a box of cereal from the cabinet and made little grumbly noises as he poured himself a bowl. L was in a very cheerful mood this morning and for once couldn't wait to get to the hospital.

"The guys are probably going to stop by tonight to talk to Alisa and make sure everything's okay," Casey said as he sat down. "You aren't going to have any problem with that will you?"

"What do you mean?"

"Well so far you and Raph seem pretty set on killing each other."

"Only because he's an insensitive suspicious jackass. And as long as he leaves me alone, I'll leave him alone. Besides..." she smiled slightly. "I think Alisa will be happy to see them."

Casey arched an eyebrow. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Huh? Just what I said! I mean they saved her, she's gonna want to thank them!"

"Right... why do I have a feeling I'm missing something?"

"Casey dear you're missing a lot. Now hurry up, I wanna go." Clearly she was taking her coffee to go.

---

After Alisa finished breakfast, the nurse came in, and took the empty tray away. Then she checked Alisa's wrappings on her arm, and other vitals. She seemed satisfied with Alisa's condition, and the woman left to tend make the rest of her rounds.

Alisa settled back into the pillows, and turned on the television. She browsed through the endless channels, experiencing the pleasures of cable. She found an early morning cartoon that interested her, and watched as she waited.

---

"Why are so many people awake this early?" Casey grumbled, squinting into the sun as he fought the morning traffic.

"Y'know if you didn't spend all night beating people in the park-"

"Then people would be getting killed in the park."

L paused. "Fair enough. It is really brave... what you do. If not a little crazy. Is that how you met..." She trailed off, still having trouble referring to them as "the turtles".

"Yeah. After Raph and I tried to kick each other's butts we realized we'd make better friends than enemies."

"Oh, so he just does that to everyone he meets then?"

"That's Raph for ya. See, it's nothing personal, he's a jerk to everybody."

"Good to know."

She fidgeted in her seat as they drove, snapping at two of her rubber bands rapidly. She was definitely feeling very impatient. In her opinion it took them way too long to get to the hospital and when they finally did she leapt out of the door before Casey went to find a parking space.

"Morning!" She chirped as she entered Alisa's room.

Alisa turned her head away from the television at the sudden sound of L's voice, and smiled broadly as she saw her friend. "Good morning, L," she greeted, "How are you? Did you sleep well?"

Casey stepped in the room, lagging somewhat behind L. Alisa gave him a smile as well. "Good morning, Casey."

"Not really, no... but that doesn't matter! You get to come home today, that is what matters. Casey's even promised to clean up a little bit later today!"

Casey looked thrilled at the idea.

"He's a little fussy because I actually made him wake up this morning. But I somehow figured he'd be a little upset if I took the van without him. Though... that would fix the seating arrangement issue. Ah well, I'll just sit in the back!"

L placed a plastic grocery bag on the bed. "I brought some clothes for you to wear."

Alisa smiled. "Great."

She pulled out a simple t-shirt, jeans, and her pale blue slippers. She glanced first at L, then at Casey, and back to L again. "I'm going to need help."

Casey promptly headed for the door. "Right. I'm out of here."

L giggled and shut the door behind him. "Oh by the way," she said as she helped Alisa get dressed. "Casey said the guys would be coming over tonight to ask you some questions. I of course said you probably wouldn't mind but if it's too soon to talk about or something Casey can tell them to do it another time."

Alisa shook her head. "No, it's fine. They can come over."

She slid her feet into her shoes, and stood up from the bed with L's assistance.

"I don't know what's involved in checking out, but I guess you have to do that yourself," L said. "Hopefully Casey won't stay gone too long, I imagine you probably don't want to stick around here any longer than you have to. Personally I'm ready to get you home."

Alisa walked to the door, keeping her injured arm close to her side. L opened the door, and the two girls stepped in the hall where Casey was waiting. The three all trooped to the nurses' station, and Alisa began the progress of checking out. She was given a large sack of bandages and gauze, plus strict instructions to change the wrappings on her arm daily. She was to keep it dry, and medicated.

She was to come back in three weeks to get the stitches taken out.

After Alisa was finished receiving her instructions she was finally free and they headed towards the van. Casey helped Alisa into the passenger seat while L climbed in the back. Somehow in her good mood she'd forgotten that there had been no time to clean the van out yet, and the remnants of Alisa's injuries were dried up here and there. L looked away and instead focused her attention on her friends in the front.

"I guess this means we should limit our leisurely walks. It's a pity, they were going so well," L said sarcastically.

Alisa chuckled quietly, but didn't reply. She stayed relatively silent for the whole trip to Casey's apartment.

It was a nice little place, and was a bit bigger than hers and L's apartment had been. Once the three entered, Alisa sat down on the couch, holding her arm in her lap.

"Like I said, he has cable!" L said, setting the remote next to Alisa's good arm. "And a fair supply of snacks... mostly junk food of course, nothing good for our girlish figures. Just ask if you want anything."

"I'm gonna go back to your apartment and get anything that looks important. No point in leaving your stuff around for a bunch of punks to just walk in and steal. You girls gonna be okay on your own?"

"Yeah, no problem. Oh, and Casey..." She walked up next to him and leaned close enough so she could whisper. "Do you think you could clean the blood out of your van, or at least put a blanket over it or something? I don't want Alisa to see it."

"Yeah no problem." He waved goodbye before leaving.

Alisa busied herself for the moment changing channels with the remote. There was so many to choose from, but again she found the station she had been watching at the hospital, and decided to leave it on there.

She got a couch cushion to prop her arm on instead of her lap, and settled back into the couch. L joined her, sitting down beside her. She was careful not to bump the cushion.

"I hate to ask... 'cause I know they'll ask you later... and you don't have to answer if you don't want... but do you know why they took you?" L asked, suddenly feeling extra fidgety.

Alisa looked at her, and then shook her head slowly. "No," she answered, softly, "No, I don't."

She lifted her eyes to the ceiling, briefly noting the absence of water stains here.

"Saki told me I was unique," she continued, quietly, "That I had a rare gift. I don't understand what he meant by that."

She sighed. "He never intended to kill me all along. He just wanted me to serve him."

"I wonder if that will still be his goal now that you've told him to go to hell... y'know in other words." She chewed on her bottom lip as she contemplated the sudden turn their lives had taken.

Alisa shook her head. "I don't know, and I don't want to think about it."

She looked away, and laid her head to the side of the couch, signaling the conversation was over.

L sat and watched television for a little while but her mind was working too quickly for her to sit still. Eventually she slipped into the kitchen to examine the contents of the cabinets just in case there actually was some real food hiding amongst the junk. She wasn't really hungry but it would be a good idea to plan ahead for lunch. Of course this was really just an excuse for her to escape the tense mood of the living room that she knew she wasn't helping.

Alisa was beginning to feel tired again as she stared at the television screen, not really watching it. She vaguely heard L rummaging around in the kitchen. A few moments later, Alisa closed her eyes, and dozed off to sleep.

After realizing that she'd definitely have to either ask Casey to run to the grocery store or simply take the van and do it herself L decided to return to the living room. When she found Alisa asleep however she decided that rather than wake her she'd simply make a go at cleaning up Casey's room.

- Below them and slightly to the left -

Leonardo walked alone through one of the many tunnels that ran beneath the city. He hadn't slept well last night and what sleep he did have was plagued by nightmarish distorted images of the night before. Instead of Alisa's arm being cut it was her throat or there were deep slashes across her face. In each dream Saki did something to her that was more horrible than the last and Leo had finally given up sleep all together. It was no secret that he blamed himself for her injuries after all.

"Damnit!" he cursed quietly. "Why did I hesitate? Why didn't I move sooner? She could have been seriously hurt and it would have all been my fault. Or worse, she could have..." He let the words drop, not wanting to finish the sentence despite the fact that he would be the only one to hear it.

He couldn't quite explain it but he really cared for this girl. It wasn't some cheesy romance movie "love at first sight", but he still couldn't stop thinking about her. He'd never met anyone so like himself before, and even if they were to only be friends (after all how could someone so beautiful be romantically interested in someone like him) he knew he had to get to know her better. He had to be more careful, to watch her more closely.

With a new feeling of determination replacing his guilt he headed back to the lair.

Alisa awakened to the sound of the door opening noisily. She drowsily lifted her head, and saw Casey struggling in with a couple of boxes. She nearly leapt up to help him, but remembered she couldn't do anything without help herself. She sighed, and called out for her friend. "L! Casey needs help!"

L appeared from the bedroom and grabbed one of the boxes before Casey dropped it, hurt himself or both.

"I guess I'll just take this back to the bedroom. I've been cleaning by the way."

Casey peered around the box. "Huh? Cleaning! My room?"

"Yes Casey... your room... and yes... I found the magazines."

"They're not mine, they're Donny's!"

"Suuuuure thing Casey."

Alisa smiled faintly at their exchanged, and then looked aimlessly around the living room. She was growing restless with sitting, and she stood up, wandering into the kitchen. She opened a cabinet door, and wrinkled her nose slightly in disapproval at what was revealed. Didn't Casey have anything a little more healthy?

She closed the door. She was more thirsty than hungry anyway. She went to the refrigerator, and found a can of soda. Opening a can with one hand proved to be difficult as she tried to pry the tab. The can kept moving around without something to hold it. She growled in frustration as her efforts remained fruitless, and finally gave up, plopping down in a kitchen chair. She jarred her injured arm as she did, and she cried out with pain.

Luckily L heard Alisa's whimpers as she returned from setting the box down. "Never fear, I am here to rescue you!" She cried as she came and opened the soda for her. "I know it sucks not being able to do simple little things for yourself but it's only temporary, don't be too proud to ask for help, kay? You know I'd never make fun of you for something like that."

"I see you two have made yourself at home," Casey said from the kitchen's entryway.

"About that, we are in serious need of non-junk food. You may be able to run and jump and... I dunno flail about enough to burn off all those extra calories but we're sort of grounded right now."

"So... you want me to get some groceries?"

"Or I can. Don't worry, I'll give you some money if you go. If I go I'll need to drive the van."

"Nuh uh, no way! That's my baby!"

"It's a van... a junky van..."

"It's my van!"

L and Alisa exchanged glances. "Alright then... it's your van."

After Casey left, Alisa sat quietly sipping her soda. She still felt slightly embarrassed that she had to have help opening a can. The simplest of tasks now had become impossible for her. She sighed inwardly. She might as well get used to it because she would need help for a while.

She decided to take her mind off the subject. "Did Casey say what time the guys were coming?"

"No, my guess it's whenever they feel the need to miraculously appear. Because they are ninjas and I'm sure that they routinely climb in through the kitchen window or something."

"Bedroom actually."

L screamed and easily leapt three feet off the floor.

"Sorry," Leo said sheepishly. "I wanted to make sure you two were okay."

"Well do it a little louder next time!" She looked at Alisa. "Can we put a bell on him or something?"

Alisa smiled softly. "Ninja, L. Remember? Wouldn't be any good with a bell on."

Leo smiled slightly at the comment, but then his expression turned serious.

"How is it?" he asked, quietly. He gestured to her bandaged arm.

Alisa shrugged. "It's okay as long as I don't move it. Could be better though."

L slipped out of the room allowing the two their alone time. She wanted more than anything for Alisa to be happy and while her friend was reluctant to admit it, L knew Alisa could be happy with Leonardo. She retreated back to Casey's room where she continued cleaning and made a mental note to remind Leo that they were now sleeping in Casey's room. Knocking would be appreciated.

---

Leo's gaze drifted slightly to the floor. "I'm sorry."

Alisa blinked, surprised at the apology. "Why?"

Leonardo lowered his head. The expression on his face was unreadable, but his eyes reflected a mixture of guilt and sadness.

"I failed you, Alisa," he said, softly.

Now Alisa really was astonished, and confused.

"Failed me?" she repeated, "How?"

"I didn't react fast enough," he answered, "And you paid the price."

He clenched his jaw, curling a hand tightly into a fist. He felt so ashamed, and angry at himself. Alisa reached towards him, and touched his arm gently. His skin was warm, and smooth. Though it was a little rough in some places from scars, it had a soft leather-like feel.

"Leonardo, look at me," she commanded, softly.

He lifted his head to her gaze. She hadn't noticed before what such deep blue eyes he had. They were so intense, bright and clear. It reminded her of the sky at twilight, just as the first stars of the night were appearing.

"You didn't fail me," she continued to speak, quietly, "You saved me. I'm alive now because of you."

He stared at her for a moment, and then he looked bashful, rubbing a hand behind his head. He smiled nervously.

"You're welcome," he replied, shyly.

She smiled, and Leo suddenly felt his breath almost catch in his throat. Her eyes were like jewels. They were so beautiful, shining with the radiance of a real emerald. He was mesmerized by them.

"Are you coming back with the others later?"

He realized she was speaking again, and snapped out of his trance. He nodded.

"Yes, tonight," he answered, "They are anxious to see how you are doing."

"Great," she replied, happily, "How would you like to have dinner here? Say around 8-ish? L and I will cook, though I suppose I won't be much help."

He smiled. "I'd like that," he said, softly.

---

Between her current and earlier cleaning efforts L had gotten the room almost entirely clean, and she was feeling very proud of herself. Now she was working on hanging up her and Alisa's clothes, and filling the dresser drawer Casey had cleaned out for them with their undergarments. She knew Alisa was upset about leaving their apartment but L was determined to make this place feel as much like home as possible, without making Casey feel like he was being run out of his own home of course. Once Alisa healed she supposed the two girls would do the polite thing and move out to the living room so Casey could have his bed back... but until then he'd just have to suffer.

Every now and then she'd catch a random word from Alisa and Leo's conversation and she'd just heard something about dinner. Was Alisa inviting Leo over perhaps? Probably not, she was probably inviting them all over. Straining to hear anymore before finally giving up L sat on the bed and sighed. She hated to admit it even to herself but she was slightly worried. She wanted Alisa to be happy but at the same time a part of her worried about Leo taking her best friend away. She knew the fear was no doubt irrational but that didn't make it any less real. And then there was that other part... even smaller than the irrational fear, so small it was almost non existent... that part was just a little jealous.

---

Alisa walked to Casey's bedroom to find L. Leonardo watched her, hesitating in the living room a moment, and then followed her.

Alisa peered in the room, and smiled at her friend who was sitting on the bed. "How's it going?" She grinned. "You manage to make Casey's room livable?"

Leo chuckled quietly.

"It was difficult but I managed." She looked at Leonardo. "Do you know anything about Donatello and some magazines?"

"Magazines? No, I don't think so."

L smirked. "Figured as much. Nevermind."

Leonardo was a little confused, but decided it wasn't important to pry. He bowed then to the two young women.

"I must leave now," he told them, "But I will return tonight with my brothers."

He glanced at Alisa. "8 'o clock, right?"

Alisa nodded. "Right."

Leo smiled. "I shall look forward to dinner."

He walked to the bedroom window, and slid it open. He ducked under the frame, and quick as lightening scaled the fire escape to the roof. He disappeared over the top in a matter of seconds.

L watched him go and closed the window after him.

"Eight, what? You guys got a date?

Alisa fought to keep the blush she felt from creeping up on her face, shaking her head.

"I invited the guys for dinner tonight," she answered, "That's all."

"Ah, I see... prelude to a date. Well dinner isn't a bad idea, I mean- Wait. Dinner? Whose... cooking?"

Alisa smiled.

"Aw crap. Well hopefully Casey gets everything I asked for."

"Hey, can someone give me a hand here!" Casey's voice suddenly called out.

The two girls looked at each other, and then rushed out to the living room.

"Casey good, we were just talking about you!" L said as she grabbed some bags from his arms and took them to the kitchen.

"What, you wanted me to pick up your dry cleaning?"

"Don't get an attitude Casey Jones I said I'd get the groceries, you were the one getting all possessive about your van."

"Alright then, what?" He set the rest of the groceries down and L began to put them away.

"Since we were having visitors tonight anyway, Alisa invited them for dinner."

Casey's eyes lit up. "You're cooking? Really? Hey wait, how'd you invite them for dinner?"

"Leonardo stopped by, rather unexpectedly I might add. I don't think I'll ever get used to this stealth crap."

Alisa smiled, and helped the best she could unloading groceries with one hand. She kept her right arm protected against her side.

"I thought it would be nice to have a home cooked meal with our new friends," she said, "Perhaps give us something to celebrate about?"

"Works for me! I haven't had a home cooked meal in... a long time!"

L couldn't help but smile at his enthusiasm. "Well I make no promise of excellence but I can at least try. And after yesterday I do feel like this is the least we could do. Good thinking Alisa!"

"So, whatcha gonna make?"

"Good question..."

Alisa frowned.

"I don't know," she answered, "I don't know what they like."

She looked to Casey for his input and help.

"Uh... pizza... takeout... TV dinners..."

"Okay, so I'm cooking for a bunch of frat boys, I can handle that." She continued putting the groceries away, examining the purchases as she went, hoping for inspiration.

Alisa was deep in her own thoughts, watching L as she pulled a couple of packages of chicken out. When she saw them, she suddenly had an idea.

"How about teriyaki chicken?" she suggested, "We'll roast the chicken in the oven, and I know how to make the seasoning. We can have rice, macaroni and cheese, and biscuits. Do you think they'd like that?"

"If it's food, they'll like it, especially Mikey."

L laughed. "Sounds like a plan. But yeah, you're so going to have to help me on that. I can do the work but you get to be my lovely assistant recipe card or something. Oooh, I could even call you Vanna!"

Alisa laughed.

"Of course, I'll help," she answered, "I'm limited to what I can do, but I'll try."

She was starting to grow excited. She almost couldn't wait for 8 'o clock, but she knew she would. She'd have to.

"Fabulous! But for right now we need to worry about lunch. Lunchtime was an hour ago and I'm starving!"

"I got ya covered!" Casey pulled three boxes of frozen pizza from the last bag and smiled.

"Thanks Casey..." Whether L wanted pizza or not Casey seemed so pleased with himself that she would never be able to decline.

"Now if you don't mind I'm gonna go relax and watch some TV."

L laughed. "No, we don't mind. You deserve it, you've done a lot for us today."

Casey disappeared into the living room and L motioned for Alisa to sit down while she cooked the pizzas. The girls chatted while the pizzas cooked and once they were done L brought some out to Casey before returning to the kitchen where she and Alisa would be eating.

"I know this isn't exactly home but it could be worse y'know." L said. "And maybe it's just stupid optimism but I actually feel safe for the first time in days."

Alisa nodded, taking a bite of her slice of pizza. She swallowed before speaking.

"So do I," she admitted.

She ate quietly for a while, a distant expression on her face. She then sighed deeply, causing L to look curiously at her.

"I wonder anymore if we're truly safe," Alisa remarked, quietly.

"I don't think anyone in this city is truly safe. It's more just a matter of being as safe and as prepared as you can be. The whole time we were living in the apartment I knew the danger and I knew people were after you but I foolishly didn't think too much of it I guess. Sure I had my knives with me all the time but to even believe I could have a chance against a gang of Purple Dragons or even one of the Foot is ridiculous." She sighed. "We just have to work with what we're given and right now we've been given a group of new friends who will stop at nothing to protect us. Well... at least one of them will." She smirked.

Unfortunately, Alisa didn't catch L's underlying meaning of her last statement. She was confused, but decided not to question it. Alisa picked at the pizza now, and finally gathered her plate with the half-eaten slice, emptying it into the garbage. She placed the plate in the sink, and then retreated to the living room.

Alisa spotted a worn, old recliner in the corner, and curled up in it.

L remained in the kitchen putting away the rest of the pizza and tidying up a little. Just as she was finishing up Casey popped his head in the doorway.

"No more pizza?"

"Relax Casey," she said with a laugh. "I just put it up, it still should be hot. Sorry I didn't realize you wanted more."

He hurried to the fridge and grabbed the pizza, which as L had promised was still warm. With a little wave of thanks he turned towards the living room.

"Hey Casey, can you come here a second?"

"Huh? Yeah sure." Pizza still in hand he walked over to where she was standing next to the sink. "What's up?"

"I'm just a little worried y'know... about Alisa. I mean I know she was just attacked yesterday but she seems kinda... distant all of a sudden. And I'm actually a little worried that cooking a big dinner and having people over is such a good idea. She can't seem to be up and about for more than an hour before she ends up resting again."

"Alisa's gonna be fine, don't worry about it. You're right, she just got attacked yesterday and it's gonna take some time before she's back to her old self. And she's the one that invited them over for dinner, if she thinks she can handle it then let her try."

"I know but I just... I don't know..."

"Relax, don't worry quite so much."

With those parting words of wisdom he returned to the couch and L decided to return to the bedroom. It was clean already but she was sure she could find something to do in there.