Chapter Sixteen ~ The Start of Something New
"Donna?" Sarah asked again in disbelief.
"Yeah it's me" Sarah stood there for a moment ... it's not possible... it just isn't....she thought.
"Are you just going to stand there and gawk?" Donna asked.
"Well I..." for once in her life, Sarah was speechless. "Oh my god!" Was all she could manage and she went over and hugged her sorely missed sister. Donna returned the hug.
"I missed you kiddo"
"Dido" Sarah pulled back and looked around.
"Where are the others?" She asked.
"Now don't freak Sarah... they aren't here" she said softly.
"What!?"
"You might want to sit down"
"I'll stand thanks!" She snapped.
"Okay, well..." she looked down to the floor, she did not want to go... she knew Sarah would react like this... Julie had insisted... "There are two reasons why I came... why I was sent..." she looked at Sarah who had folded her arms angrily.
"Go on, this I gotta hear"
"Okay firstly..." Donna took a deep breath, she had intended to blast her for her behaviour... but found she had no energy... that was Leena's thing.. not mine she thought "Julie had a dream, it freaked her so much she knew I had to come..." Sarah raised an eyebrow why was this sounding familar? "... she said I had to go... it was important? She couldn't say what, but said it was a neccessity... apparently I'm about to meet someone and I had to be here for it... it's important to us... to us as turtles..."
"You've got to be kidding!" Sarah asked rolling her eyes. Donna shook her head.
"You're serious aren't you?" Sarah's eyebrows both raised as she listened to what Donna had to say.
"I'm afraid so. Julie pulled some strings and here I am" Sarah sighed. She knew Julie. Once she made a decision, then nothing anyone said would have changed a thing.
"But how? How did you manage to get here?"
"Now that's a trade secret"
"Don't be coy with me missy!"
"What?" She asked innocently. Sarah thought for a moment.
"I got it... Julie took advantage of that life debt thing with those Chinatown triads... didn't she?"
"Boy, you don't miss a thing do you?"
"No... besides she always knew that it would come in handy... when do you go back?"
"I have two weeks until the next plane on the way back from Japan drops by"
"I see" Great... this is bad timing... I love my sister, but now it's potentially very dangerous.. not only with four male turtles walking around, but with the B. Ds she thought, but first things first.....
"Have you eaten?" Donna shook her head.
"Well, I might have some cold pizza in the fridge.. as you can see we haven't finished the apartment, so it's take away"
"That'll be fine, I'm not fussy, just jet lagged" Sarah watched as she ate in silence.
"You know, you can take that off" she said refering to the cloak.
"I prefer not to"
"Why not?... Noone's here"
"It's not that... " she said in a near whisper "I've had my first battle tonight Sarah"
"What!!!! Are you hurt? What happened?" Sarah was concerned.. yes, she is highly trained, yes, she is ready, but not here, not now.... Sarah approached her sister and pulled the hood back. She looked at her young bruised face, feeling with dread.
"It was the Foot, I'm telling you Sarah, they knew I was coming. I don't know how, but they knew..." she paused as she watched Sarah getting a damp cloth. She winced as Sarah wiped the blood away from her lip.
"Sit!" Sarah demanded as Donna sat on a milkcrate. "I can't believe it, you're only a child... look what they did!" Sarah could feel the tears coming. She was a strong person... but this was a little too much for her to handle right now. Sarah turned her back to Donna as tears ran down her cheek. Donna looked blankly at Sarah. She had never seen her cry before. She slowly stood.
"Sarah what's wrong?" She asked softly.
"I'll.. be.. okay..." she sobbed. Donna said nothing and gave Sarah a hug.
"A lot has happened here... is that why you haven't called lately?"
"Yeah I'm sorry, I meant to call you guys, to let you know.. but I..." she was interrupted as the apartment door opened.
"Sarah are you okay.....?" Donnie's voice trailed and his jaw dropped as he saw Sarah and a small turtle infront of him.
"What the...?" Donna asked, infront of her was an injured turtle, clutching his arm.
"Donnie!" Sarah exclaimed as ran up to him and caught him as his legs gave way. He had been swaying on his feet. She sat him on the floor. "I told you to stay put... someone could have seen you!"
"Cmon Sarah, don't lecture me please! You were taking a long time" he looked up as the small turtle crouched beside him.
"Do I know you?" She asked. Donnie had seen... but not seen the turtle.
"You, you're the one from the alley..." he managed to say as his eyes fluttered shut.
"Lock the door, then help me move him" Sarah waited a few seconds as Donna ran to the door and locked it. "On three and lift.. one... two.. three" Donna's face distorted with pain as they lifted Donnie and moved him further into the apartment. Sarah said nothing to Donna as she worked on Donnie. She took off the bandage, cleaned the wound, then sprinkled bistort onto the wound, before she rebandaged it. Finally she looked up to her sister.
"Donnie helped you?" She nodded her head, not looking away from Donnie for a second.
"He saved my life"
"It sounded like you did quite well yourself, he raved on about you, you've upped your training?"
"Yeah we had too, after Julie realised the Foot were in Sydney she tripled our training.. even with her new guy" Sarah raised an eyebrow. " I don't trust him though, we haven't met, but there's something about his eyes, like there's nothing warm there...." Donna blushed as she stopped on what Sarah had just said "he raved on?" Sarah rolled her eyes.
"Oh brother! Do I have to remind you that you are thirteen years old and therefore a minor?"
"No Sarah, I know. What exactly did he say?" Sarah paused, Donna was grateful, so went along with it.
"He said you were awesome and kicked ass"
"Really? It didn't feel like it. I've never been so scared in my entire life. I can't even remember how many I fought off..." as she pulled off her cloak her muscles screamed. " I don't feel too good..." she said as the colour drained from her face.
"The bathroom's that way" she said as she pointed. Donna ran off into the direction, her hands over her mouth.
"Sarah?" Donnie mumbled. Sarah looked down as Donnie slowly opened his eyes.
"Yeah?"
"I had the strangest dream that I saw a female turtle"
"Keep still okay, the medicine is starting to work. Howz the pain?"
"Bareable I think, just so tired"
"Of course silly, you've lost a lot of blood. You've been out around 15 or so"
"Oh"
"Sarah?" Donna called out "Have you got any ice?" Donna stopped as she noticed that Donnie was now awake.
"Hey?" She said softly.
"Hey" he replied back "are you okay?"
"I'm okay, thanks for helping"
"It's okay. I'm glad you're not hurt too badly" Donnie looked at the unmasked female infront of him, bruises and tiny lacerations covering her small frame. Donna did not say anything as she grabbed an ice pack from the freezer.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Not too bad I guess, I didn't even realise they got me until after"
"It's the adrenaline you know" she said as she brought the ice pack onto her now bruised knuckles.
"Yeah I know" he said quietly. Sarah looked at the two sitting uncomfortably near one another.
"Donnie, this is my sister Donna" Donnie turned and looked at her.
"Hi" he said with a half smile. "It's actually short for Donatello"
"Oh I see... you mean as in the Italian Renaissance sculptor?" Donnie nodded.
"Spot on" It surprised him she knew.
"Well... I'm not named after anyone, Donna is just ... that" she said quietly.
"It's a pretty name" Donna said nothing and blushed a little. There was something about him......
"I think that Donna and Donnie is going to get a little confusing being so similar..."
"I don't think there's anything wrong with it" he said. Sarah knew what was coming.....
"Call me Dai, Julie decided a Japanese name would be more appropriate after we started to change..."
"Mutate?" Donnie asked. This time it was Donna who nodded.
"What's wrong with Donna?" He asked.
"Oh nothing, except an eight year old gave me the name" she said looking at Sarah.
"Hey don't blame me.. hello? I was eight! Besides it's a perfectly fine name! Julie only uses those names when you lot are in trouble, you probably don't even know what it means!"
"Actually I do, it means great.... and Donna does mean lady... I have two eyes I do read you know..."
"Well excuse me for breathing!"
"Actually, speaking of breathing, we should check on Jesse, the others were still asleep when I left" Sarah eyed Donna as she left.
"Well if you don't mind can I call you Donna?" He asked in a voice just louder than a whisper. There was something about this girl... he couldn't put his finger on it... at the same time he didn't want to blow his chances... it's not everyday you stumble across a female mutant turtle and one trained in the arts at that...he thought.
"If you like but the option's there"
"Nah it's okay, so how long have you known Sarah?"
"All of our lives. We were only babies when Julie and Sarah found us and raised us like their sisters, actually Julie is more like our mother than anything.... so in that regard they're family, despite what we look like"
"And Julie trained you?"
"Yes, she knew that it was for our own protection as we are different and people wouldn't understand" Donnie said nothing and nodded in agreeance.
"Well I think she's done a good job from what I've seen. Actually if you wouldn't mind, maybe before you go, we could do some sparring?"
"Sure I don't see why not, I'm sure Sarah won't mind..."
"Won't mind what?" She asked as she walked back in the room.
"A training session"
"That's fine by me. Just make sure he's well enough first. I know what you're like. I've had bruises to prove it"
"How is Jesse?" Don asked.
"Sleeping" Sarah watched as she noticed Donna staring at Donnie.
"You know, I think we should move you, the floor isn't that comfy. Can you stand?" She asked.
"I'm not too sure" Donna hesitated before grabbing an arm and putting it across her shoulders. Sarah did the same as they lifted him to his feet and slowly moved him to the window seat.
"I only have one question for you" Sarah asked. "How did you find me? I didn't leave an address"
"Well" she said as she moved the ice pack to her other hand "It was actually quite easy. I found you through your friend Casey Jones"
"Huh? How? I never mentioned a name" Donna grinned.
"That's where the fun started. I had that number you left and went from there. Using the computer, I hacked into the phone company's records and the number gave me a name and address. Once I was here, I went to Casey's landlord and asked if Casey had left a contact address and here I am!" Donnie applauded.
"Pure genius" he said with a smile.
"Are you sure noone traced you?" Sarah asked concerned.
"Of course. I also added a fifth level security code onto the information in case someone else tried the same trick"
"That's my gir!l" Sarah said as she smiled.
"Of course. I didn't study for three years for nothing you know!" Donnie raised an eyebrow.
"Studied?"
"Oh sure, I've just finshed one of those home courses. Computers of course... you know it's the way of the future"
"Yeah I know" Donnie said as he looked at her. Their eyes met and locked for a few seconds. It has started.... Sarah thought.
"Ok, ok, I don't wanna rain on anyone's parade, but Donna you gotta sleep and I have to get Donnie back before someone notices us missing. Will you be okay here alone?" Donna nodded.
"I'm ninja don't forget"
"Yeah who's young and wearing bright blue nail polish" Donna quickly glared at her nails then hid her hands behind her back.
"There's a sleeping bag and air mattress I believe up there. There's also some fresh towels in the closet if you want to freshen up. I'll see you later?" Donna nodded.
"Good nite" she said to the both of them as she yawned and headed up stairs. Sarah turned to Donnie.
"Give me your arm and lean on me. Grab the bistort on the way out?" Sarah and Donnie slowly made their way back to April's.
"You know, I'm starting to like your sister" Sarah stopped and started at him.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. Do you have any idea what it's like to talk to someone and have them know what you're talking about?"
"Oh" she said with a half smile.
"I just find it refreshing when I don't have to explain myself, like three times. Will it be okay if I saw her tomorrow?" Sarah was taken back.
"Why you asking me?"
"Because she's you're baby sister and it's the proper thing to do"
"Yeah it's fine. Just let her sleep a little" they had come to April's apartment and had locked the door behind them.
"Where've you dudes been?" Mikey asked as they jumped.
"Sorry Mikey, we didn't want to wake you. I needed to apply some bistort onto the wound. It was deeper than I thought"
"Oh okay. Did you wanna get some sleep? It's my turn to keep watch"
"Sure" Donnie said as both Sarah and Mikey helped him to the sofa. "Whatever you do Mikey, keep Leo and Raph away from here. They'll freak if they saw this"
"But dude..."
"I know, I know" Donnie laid down as Mikey stood and went to check Jesse's vitals. "But most of all, we have to keep them away from Donna" Donnie whispered to Sarah.
"I know Donnie, I know"
~ Chapter Seventeen ~ Up Soon!
"Donna?" Sarah asked again in disbelief.
"Yeah it's me" Sarah stood there for a moment ... it's not possible... it just isn't....she thought.
"Are you just going to stand there and gawk?" Donna asked.
"Well I..." for once in her life, Sarah was speechless. "Oh my god!" Was all she could manage and she went over and hugged her sorely missed sister. Donna returned the hug.
"I missed you kiddo"
"Dido" Sarah pulled back and looked around.
"Where are the others?" She asked.
"Now don't freak Sarah... they aren't here" she said softly.
"What!?"
"You might want to sit down"
"I'll stand thanks!" She snapped.
"Okay, well..." she looked down to the floor, she did not want to go... she knew Sarah would react like this... Julie had insisted... "There are two reasons why I came... why I was sent..." she looked at Sarah who had folded her arms angrily.
"Go on, this I gotta hear"
"Okay firstly..." Donna took a deep breath, she had intended to blast her for her behaviour... but found she had no energy... that was Leena's thing.. not mine she thought "Julie had a dream, it freaked her so much she knew I had to come..." Sarah raised an eyebrow why was this sounding familar? "... she said I had to go... it was important? She couldn't say what, but said it was a neccessity... apparently I'm about to meet someone and I had to be here for it... it's important to us... to us as turtles..."
"You've got to be kidding!" Sarah asked rolling her eyes. Donna shook her head.
"You're serious aren't you?" Sarah's eyebrows both raised as she listened to what Donna had to say.
"I'm afraid so. Julie pulled some strings and here I am" Sarah sighed. She knew Julie. Once she made a decision, then nothing anyone said would have changed a thing.
"But how? How did you manage to get here?"
"Now that's a trade secret"
"Don't be coy with me missy!"
"What?" She asked innocently. Sarah thought for a moment.
"I got it... Julie took advantage of that life debt thing with those Chinatown triads... didn't she?"
"Boy, you don't miss a thing do you?"
"No... besides she always knew that it would come in handy... when do you go back?"
"I have two weeks until the next plane on the way back from Japan drops by"
"I see" Great... this is bad timing... I love my sister, but now it's potentially very dangerous.. not only with four male turtles walking around, but with the B. Ds she thought, but first things first.....
"Have you eaten?" Donna shook her head.
"Well, I might have some cold pizza in the fridge.. as you can see we haven't finished the apartment, so it's take away"
"That'll be fine, I'm not fussy, just jet lagged" Sarah watched as she ate in silence.
"You know, you can take that off" she said refering to the cloak.
"I prefer not to"
"Why not?... Noone's here"
"It's not that... " she said in a near whisper "I've had my first battle tonight Sarah"
"What!!!! Are you hurt? What happened?" Sarah was concerned.. yes, she is highly trained, yes, she is ready, but not here, not now.... Sarah approached her sister and pulled the hood back. She looked at her young bruised face, feeling with dread.
"It was the Foot, I'm telling you Sarah, they knew I was coming. I don't know how, but they knew..." she paused as she watched Sarah getting a damp cloth. She winced as Sarah wiped the blood away from her lip.
"Sit!" Sarah demanded as Donna sat on a milkcrate. "I can't believe it, you're only a child... look what they did!" Sarah could feel the tears coming. She was a strong person... but this was a little too much for her to handle right now. Sarah turned her back to Donna as tears ran down her cheek. Donna looked blankly at Sarah. She had never seen her cry before. She slowly stood.
"Sarah what's wrong?" She asked softly.
"I'll.. be.. okay..." she sobbed. Donna said nothing and gave Sarah a hug.
"A lot has happened here... is that why you haven't called lately?"
"Yeah I'm sorry, I meant to call you guys, to let you know.. but I..." she was interrupted as the apartment door opened.
"Sarah are you okay.....?" Donnie's voice trailed and his jaw dropped as he saw Sarah and a small turtle infront of him.
"What the...?" Donna asked, infront of her was an injured turtle, clutching his arm.
"Donnie!" Sarah exclaimed as ran up to him and caught him as his legs gave way. He had been swaying on his feet. She sat him on the floor. "I told you to stay put... someone could have seen you!"
"Cmon Sarah, don't lecture me please! You were taking a long time" he looked up as the small turtle crouched beside him.
"Do I know you?" She asked. Donnie had seen... but not seen the turtle.
"You, you're the one from the alley..." he managed to say as his eyes fluttered shut.
"Lock the door, then help me move him" Sarah waited a few seconds as Donna ran to the door and locked it. "On three and lift.. one... two.. three" Donna's face distorted with pain as they lifted Donnie and moved him further into the apartment. Sarah said nothing to Donna as she worked on Donnie. She took off the bandage, cleaned the wound, then sprinkled bistort onto the wound, before she rebandaged it. Finally she looked up to her sister.
"Donnie helped you?" She nodded her head, not looking away from Donnie for a second.
"He saved my life"
"It sounded like you did quite well yourself, he raved on about you, you've upped your training?"
"Yeah we had too, after Julie realised the Foot were in Sydney she tripled our training.. even with her new guy" Sarah raised an eyebrow. " I don't trust him though, we haven't met, but there's something about his eyes, like there's nothing warm there...." Donna blushed as she stopped on what Sarah had just said "he raved on?" Sarah rolled her eyes.
"Oh brother! Do I have to remind you that you are thirteen years old and therefore a minor?"
"No Sarah, I know. What exactly did he say?" Sarah paused, Donna was grateful, so went along with it.
"He said you were awesome and kicked ass"
"Really? It didn't feel like it. I've never been so scared in my entire life. I can't even remember how many I fought off..." as she pulled off her cloak her muscles screamed. " I don't feel too good..." she said as the colour drained from her face.
"The bathroom's that way" she said as she pointed. Donna ran off into the direction, her hands over her mouth.
"Sarah?" Donnie mumbled. Sarah looked down as Donnie slowly opened his eyes.
"Yeah?"
"I had the strangest dream that I saw a female turtle"
"Keep still okay, the medicine is starting to work. Howz the pain?"
"Bareable I think, just so tired"
"Of course silly, you've lost a lot of blood. You've been out around 15 or so"
"Oh"
"Sarah?" Donna called out "Have you got any ice?" Donna stopped as she noticed that Donnie was now awake.
"Hey?" She said softly.
"Hey" he replied back "are you okay?"
"I'm okay, thanks for helping"
"It's okay. I'm glad you're not hurt too badly" Donnie looked at the unmasked female infront of him, bruises and tiny lacerations covering her small frame. Donna did not say anything as she grabbed an ice pack from the freezer.
"How are you feeling?" She asked.
"Not too bad I guess, I didn't even realise they got me until after"
"It's the adrenaline you know" she said as she brought the ice pack onto her now bruised knuckles.
"Yeah I know" he said quietly. Sarah looked at the two sitting uncomfortably near one another.
"Donnie, this is my sister Donna" Donnie turned and looked at her.
"Hi" he said with a half smile. "It's actually short for Donatello"
"Oh I see... you mean as in the Italian Renaissance sculptor?" Donnie nodded.
"Spot on" It surprised him she knew.
"Well... I'm not named after anyone, Donna is just ... that" she said quietly.
"It's a pretty name" Donna said nothing and blushed a little. There was something about him......
"I think that Donna and Donnie is going to get a little confusing being so similar..."
"I don't think there's anything wrong with it" he said. Sarah knew what was coming.....
"Call me Dai, Julie decided a Japanese name would be more appropriate after we started to change..."
"Mutate?" Donnie asked. This time it was Donna who nodded.
"What's wrong with Donna?" He asked.
"Oh nothing, except an eight year old gave me the name" she said looking at Sarah.
"Hey don't blame me.. hello? I was eight! Besides it's a perfectly fine name! Julie only uses those names when you lot are in trouble, you probably don't even know what it means!"
"Actually I do, it means great.... and Donna does mean lady... I have two eyes I do read you know..."
"Well excuse me for breathing!"
"Actually, speaking of breathing, we should check on Jesse, the others were still asleep when I left" Sarah eyed Donna as she left.
"Well if you don't mind can I call you Donna?" He asked in a voice just louder than a whisper. There was something about this girl... he couldn't put his finger on it... at the same time he didn't want to blow his chances... it's not everyday you stumble across a female mutant turtle and one trained in the arts at that...he thought.
"If you like but the option's there"
"Nah it's okay, so how long have you known Sarah?"
"All of our lives. We were only babies when Julie and Sarah found us and raised us like their sisters, actually Julie is more like our mother than anything.... so in that regard they're family, despite what we look like"
"And Julie trained you?"
"Yes, she knew that it was for our own protection as we are different and people wouldn't understand" Donnie said nothing and nodded in agreeance.
"Well I think she's done a good job from what I've seen. Actually if you wouldn't mind, maybe before you go, we could do some sparring?"
"Sure I don't see why not, I'm sure Sarah won't mind..."
"Won't mind what?" She asked as she walked back in the room.
"A training session"
"That's fine by me. Just make sure he's well enough first. I know what you're like. I've had bruises to prove it"
"How is Jesse?" Don asked.
"Sleeping" Sarah watched as she noticed Donna staring at Donnie.
"You know, I think we should move you, the floor isn't that comfy. Can you stand?" She asked.
"I'm not too sure" Donna hesitated before grabbing an arm and putting it across her shoulders. Sarah did the same as they lifted him to his feet and slowly moved him to the window seat.
"I only have one question for you" Sarah asked. "How did you find me? I didn't leave an address"
"Well" she said as she moved the ice pack to her other hand "It was actually quite easy. I found you through your friend Casey Jones"
"Huh? How? I never mentioned a name" Donna grinned.
"That's where the fun started. I had that number you left and went from there. Using the computer, I hacked into the phone company's records and the number gave me a name and address. Once I was here, I went to Casey's landlord and asked if Casey had left a contact address and here I am!" Donnie applauded.
"Pure genius" he said with a smile.
"Are you sure noone traced you?" Sarah asked concerned.
"Of course. I also added a fifth level security code onto the information in case someone else tried the same trick"
"That's my gir!l" Sarah said as she smiled.
"Of course. I didn't study for three years for nothing you know!" Donnie raised an eyebrow.
"Studied?"
"Oh sure, I've just finshed one of those home courses. Computers of course... you know it's the way of the future"
"Yeah I know" Donnie said as he looked at her. Their eyes met and locked for a few seconds. It has started.... Sarah thought.
"Ok, ok, I don't wanna rain on anyone's parade, but Donna you gotta sleep and I have to get Donnie back before someone notices us missing. Will you be okay here alone?" Donna nodded.
"I'm ninja don't forget"
"Yeah who's young and wearing bright blue nail polish" Donna quickly glared at her nails then hid her hands behind her back.
"There's a sleeping bag and air mattress I believe up there. There's also some fresh towels in the closet if you want to freshen up. I'll see you later?" Donna nodded.
"Good nite" she said to the both of them as she yawned and headed up stairs. Sarah turned to Donnie.
"Give me your arm and lean on me. Grab the bistort on the way out?" Sarah and Donnie slowly made their way back to April's.
"You know, I'm starting to like your sister" Sarah stopped and started at him.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah. Do you have any idea what it's like to talk to someone and have them know what you're talking about?"
"Oh" she said with a half smile.
"I just find it refreshing when I don't have to explain myself, like three times. Will it be okay if I saw her tomorrow?" Sarah was taken back.
"Why you asking me?"
"Because she's you're baby sister and it's the proper thing to do"
"Yeah it's fine. Just let her sleep a little" they had come to April's apartment and had locked the door behind them.
"Where've you dudes been?" Mikey asked as they jumped.
"Sorry Mikey, we didn't want to wake you. I needed to apply some bistort onto the wound. It was deeper than I thought"
"Oh okay. Did you wanna get some sleep? It's my turn to keep watch"
"Sure" Donnie said as both Sarah and Mikey helped him to the sofa. "Whatever you do Mikey, keep Leo and Raph away from here. They'll freak if they saw this"
"But dude..."
"I know, I know" Donnie laid down as Mikey stood and went to check Jesse's vitals. "But most of all, we have to keep them away from Donna" Donnie whispered to Sarah.
"I know Donnie, I know"
~ Chapter Seventeen ~ Up Soon!