Chapter Nineteen - For bad or for worse?
Donnie paused for a moment. Things had gone from bad to worse. He looked down to the sleeping figure in his arms. Panicking, his thoughts turned to his sensei. He would know what to do. He placed her gently on the ground and lifted the hatch to his underground home. As he bent down to pick her up, she stirred.
"Donnie?" Her voice wasping, bearly above a whisper.
"Ssshh." He laid his hand on her cheek. "We're home, Splinter will know what to do." With the little light they had, he could just make out a tear rolling down her cheek.
"It hurts so much."
"I know baby, I know." As he shifted her, a groan escaped from her lips and he felt her head fall limp. He slowly made his way down the ladder with her over his shoulder.
"I really need to find another way in here." He thought to himself.
He gently placed her on the couch and headed to the carriages to find his master, only to find his master waiting for him.
"What happened my son?" Splinter asked as they made their way to the injured turtle.
"The Foot jumped us in the park, she's hurt bad. I tried to stop the bleeding." The rat nodded and remained silent as he removed what was left of Donatello's mask.
"Hot water, cloth." The turtle jumped to his feet to comply.
Donnie paced as he watched the sleeping turtle. His sensei had cleaned and stitched the wound and she was now resting comfortably. He shook his head. It was all his fault! He was to blame! If only he could explain his reactions... he sat in the armchair, his head in his hands. He looked up as he felt a warm hand on his shoulder.
"You should rest my son, all that could have been done, has been done." Donnie paused for a moment.
"That's my point, sensei, all this... it's my fault. I don't understand what happened. We were arguing and she ran off into the park. It wasn't even over anything important... I don't understand... I'm so confused."
"Donatello, you are not the only one at fault. It takes two to argue. I am sure you were both to blame for this. You have met a girl with similar interests to your own. I fear it is not your interests that are conflicting, it is your feelings." Donnie stared wided eyed at his sensei. He's right... how could he have missed this?He realised now that it had been staring at him all along and he had not picked up on it. A moan from the couch caused them to turn. They watched as Donna's eyes slowly flicked open.
"Splinter?"
"Yes my child, I am here. Do not try to speak. You were hurt and Donatello brought you here to me. Rest, save your strength. We shall speak some more in the morning..." she gave a slight nod and closed her eyes. "... And Donatello, I suggest you do the same."
"If it's okay, I'd prefer to stay here tonight. Just to make sure everything's fine."
"As you wish." Donnie looked around for a pillow and blanket and made himself comfortable for the night. He laid there and looked up at the stain glass ceiling. A slight smile forming on his face. His sensei had been right. He found himself falling for this girl - the smile vanished. There was only one problem - her age!
He awoke late the next morning to find Donna watching him. She did not seem pleased at all.
"I hope you're satisfied! This is all your fault you know!"
"I'm sorry... I didn't mean for this to happen..." he watched as she tried to get up, grimacing at the pain from her head and her forearm. He rushed over to help her. This time, it was she who brushed him off.
"Don't touch me!" She growled. Donnie stepped back. "I don't ever want to see you again, you hear me?" His heart sunk.
"Where are you going?" A lump was quickly forming in the back of his throat.
"Home."
"But you're not well enough."
"Watch me!" She roared.
"Fine. Can I at least give you directions?" She gave a slight nod and he wrote them down on a piece of paper for her. "So you don't forget, it can be confusing the first few times." Donna snatched the paper from him and headed for the stairs.
"Don't even think about following me!" She snapped. Donnie watched as she slowly climbed the ladder and disappeared from sight. He dropped onto the couch, were she had been only minutes before.
"Where is Donna my son?" Splinter asked as he approached.
"She went home."
"And you did not stop her in her condition?"
"No, I didn't even try sensei. She's real angry at me. I saw the hate in her cold eyes." He nodded.
"Give her time. Wait for her to heal. You might find her more accomodating in a few days."
"What if I don't?"
"I am sure then... this friend of yours... Sarah... she might be able to help."
Sarah took another gulp of her drink. She had not slept all night and now she was beyond worried. She was fuming. She watched as the door to the apartment swung open. She sprung to her feet.
"And where have YOU been all night?" She demanded. "I've been worried sick!."
"It's not what you think." A tiny, frightened voice answered. Sarah paused, sensing fear in her sister's voice. Her jaw dropped as she walked into the light. Her sister was a pale green, swaying on her feet with a bruise on her cheek. She rushed over, helping her into a seat. "I gotta get this off!" Sarah watched as Donna slowly ripped the bloodied cloak from her body and threw it on the floor.
"What happened?" Sarah inquired, eyeing the bandage.
''It's all Donnie's fault!"
"I didn't ask who's fault, I asked what happened." She wanted to kill Donnie right about now, though she thought she'd better get the details first before laying blame. She knew that Donnie would not have allowed this to happen if it could have been avoided.
"We fought the whole night, it was horrible. Then at the park I guess I got upset and ran off. That's when they attacked."
"They?"
"The Foot." Sarah swallowed hard. "I see." They were interrupted as the phone rang. Sarah reached over for it and answered.
"Hello?"
"Sarah, oh thank god, is she there?" Donnie's worried voice asked.
"Yeah. I heard what happened. You okay?"
"I tried Sarah, I really did. I got to her too late... I'm sorry..." she could hear the worry in his voice.
"We'll talk about this later," she spoke with a stern voice, "I gotta go." With that she hang up.
"He's freaked out. Please explain." Donna pouted and crossed her arms angrily.
"Who's side are you on anyway?"
"I'm not on anyone's side! I'm trying to work out what happened, that's all."
"It's Donnie's fault! If he hadn't upset me, I never would have run off, it's all his..." she stopped. Actually she had started it in the sewer. She swallowed her pride.
"Well... actually maybe it's both our faults." She mumbled. She was intelligent enough to know when she was in the wrong. The night had just gone badly. She knew she had been too harsh on him. As Sarah opened her mouth to speak, there was a knock on the door. They both looked up.
"You expecting someone?" Sarah shook her head and in a sign language only her and her sisters knew, she signalled for her to vanish. Cautiously, she approached the door and opened it only after peering through the peep hole. She stuck her head out and looked down the hall. Empty. She shrugged... maybe someone had the wrong door. She had not even taken two steps away from the closed door when an envelope was pushed under the door and stopped at her feet. Sarah bent down and scooped it up. She opened it and her face became grim. She headed for the closet and pulled out her jutte, tucking them into her belt.
"Stay here and keep an eye on Jess. I'll be back soon."
"What's going on?"
"Just do as I ask!" She demanded. Donna nodded, she knew that tone of voice and knew it was not one to be challenged.
"Be safe." Sarah nodded.
Donna watched as Sarah placed the note on the counter and head toward the kitchen window to the fire escape. She waited until Sarah was gone before reading the note. Trouble was brewing and she didn't like it.
Sarah paced the roof top across from her building. This was to be their meeting place. She sensed someone and turned around.
"You're late."
"It couldn't be helped. I'm surprised you actually came."
"So, does this mean the Foot know where I live?"
"No. This is just between Dan, myself and you."
"So what's going on Josh?"
"Dan sent me to give you a warning."
"Oh?"
"The Dragons are out of control. We are receiving information everyday about their activities. It's only the latest that concerns us... Maki is concerned... or should I say not impressed." He paused. "I believe the latest stuff concerns your turtle friends. The information is stetchy at best and one of our informants disappeared shortly after passing this on. Let me just ask, is it true that there is now a female turtle?" Sarah was not sure what to say. How did she know it was not a scam to get information from her?
"Why do you ask?"
"Look, I'm here for YOU, to give YOU information and to protect YOU. Remember there is that prophecy that may or may not have something to do with you. I really don't give a shit if there is a girl turtle or not. I have ethics and I heard rumors that they may do something nasty to her to get to you. I heard she's young. I don't want to see you in that position. Like you don't have enough to deal with." His voice softened. "How's Jess? Dan was the one that interrupted the attack. I take it she found you okay?"
"She's not doing too badly considering. When she's well enough, she's outta here. Tell whoever you need to that she won't pose as a further problem. She got the message and will keep out of their way."
"So what are you going to do?"
"I'm not sure yet, when she gets home, get her out of Sydney and somewhere quiet. Get her a job... you know the deal." He nodded.
"You're a good person, never forget that. I gotta go." He looked around."Remember, the Dragons are planning something big. Lay low and keep that female safe. They may use her as bait." With that he vanished. Sarah stared out into the night. Just the thought of what he was implying sent shivers down her spine.
"But I just don't understand!" Donna protested, flopping herself into the armchair.
"I told you, you are not to leave this apartment until you go home and Donnie should not come either."
"Why? Why are you being like this?" Donna watched as Sarah had started to pace in front of her.
"I don't have a choice okay. I didn't like what I was told. It just isn't safe if you really must know."
"I'm not a baby!"
"I never said you were and that may be half the problem. If it wasn't bad enough that the Dragons are on the prowl is that you and Don are both not fit to fight. You two wouldn't last five minutes!" Sarah stopped and faced her sister.
"It's not that bad now, really."
"Is it now?" Sarah went into a double back handspring, coming to the kitchen counter where some shruiken had been placed in the fruit bowl. She snatched up two and threw them at her sister. Donna did not even finch as they wizzed past her left cheek. They embedded themselves in the wall behind her.
"You're lucky I wasn't aiming." Donna's jaw dropped. She did not see that one coming. Despite what she had just said, she admitted to defeat.
"Okay, point taken." She watched as Sarah walked over and pulled the shruiken out of the wall.
"I really do wish that you wouldn't leave these lying around you know. We do have a safer place than the kitchen." As Sarah walked up to Donna, she placed them in her hand.
"I was training with them while you were out. Sorry."
"Yeah, well, let's just hope April doesn't mind the holes." Sarah sat on the coffee table, facing her sister.
"Look, I was told you are a target okay. I don't like this any more than you do."
"And you believe him? The would-be-half-brother in the Foot, that's just great."
"I don't have a reason not too. There's more going on here than you realise. I don't know what it is exactly, but I don't like it. It's been non stop since I got here. A day hasn't gone past without something happening. I've been hit as well. I'm still not one hundred percent, but at least my senses aren't hampered like yours. My head is clearer. Look, we'll wait a few days and see what happens okay?" Donna nodded.
"Until then, no outings with Donnie, you got it?"
"Yeah. The last one was pretty nasty so I don't think there's any rush for the next."
"Good. Then it's settled."
A few days had passed and all had been quiet. Donna had spent the time in deep meditation, Jesse had started to heal and Donnie had been silent. Sarah had spent the time cleaning out the apartment. Painting was due to start the following week. Back at April's apartment, Sarah sighed as she searched the cupboards. It had been a week since she had done a grocery run. Donna's concentration lasped as there was a knock on the door.
"Expecting someone?"
"Actually I am sweetie." Donna watched as Sarah crossed over to the door and opened it to reveal... Donnie. Donna double blinked, finally standing. Donna's face flushed with embarrassment as their eyes met.
"If this is a bad time, I can come back."
"Not at all Donnie, it's fine." Donnie stepped in closer and whispered into Sarah's ear. "Are you sure?"
"Yes, it's fine, really." Sarah smiled and patted his shoulder. Donnie gave her a half smile. His sensei had been right. Waiting a few days had given them time to think. Donna approached him slowly.
"Hi." Her voice was just above a whisper. The two stood there in silence, not sure what to say. Neither one of them wanting to start off wrong. Then Donnie remembered what he had hidden behind his back.
"I hope you don't mind, but I got you these, I hope you like." He brought his hand forward showing her a small bunch of daisies. A smile broke out on her face.
"Yes, thank you.. how sweet." She bent in and gave him a kiss on the cheek. "Let me just put these in a vase." She headed into the kitchen, Donnie following her.
"There's something I need to say..." her voice trailed, she took a deep breath "...about the other night.. I.. you were right.." Donnie came up from behind her and put his arms around her shoulders.
"We made a mistake, want to start over?" Donna spun to face him.
"I'd like that." She smiled. Donnie gazed into her eyes and he felt his heart racing. He took a deep breath.
"Did I ever tell you how beautiful you are?" She smiled once again and watched as Donnie bent down to kiss her. Before their lips could meet, Sarah cleared her throat and they straightened up and separated. Sarah smiled as she watched their faces redden.
"Sorry to interrupt but we need that food."
"Right..." Donnie walked over to Sarah's side.
"I don't want to hear it young lady. We can't risk it."
"I understand. I just wanted to ask if you could get some chocolate." Sarah rolled her eyes
"Milk, right?"
"Yep and some diet coke."
"Alright fine, but I don't want to see you getting hyper okay?"
They had waited until it had gotten dark before setting out onto the street. They had remained silent the whole time. Paper bags in hand, they headed into to the alley that would be their short cut home.
"That was a nice touch." Sarah said absent minded.
"What? The flowers?"
"Yeah."
"It was the least I could do. Your sister is special."
"Yeah... she is." They continued in silence. Donnie could tell her heart wasn't in it and she was making polite conversation. Maybe the flowers weren't such a good idea? Donnie thought. He paused. He wanted to do right by her. Things had not been the best these last few days.
"Something buggin' you Sarah?" Donnie stopped and turned to face her.
"It's nothing to do with you, if that's what you're worried about."
"Then what is it?" Sarah hesitated. She could not lie to him. She had just earned his trust and valued his opinion.
"I heard something a few days back and I'm worried to be honest. She's only thirteen and she's a target already. It's not fair!" There was a slight hesitation, "Speaking of which, I don't want to leave her alone for too long. Let's go." Donnie opened his mouth to respond and decided that this was not the time nor the place so he chose to remain silent. He made a mental note to ask her later about it.
From the shadows, numerous sets of eyes watched as the human and turtle walked through the alley. Now was the perfect time. Andy made the call, signalling for his men to attack. The plan was going along nicely. Now to get the girl out of the way for the moment...
Sarah paused for a second. Something wasn't right. Something... or someone was coming fast.
"Donnie, hold up..." her voice trailed in mid sentence as she felt an explosion of pain to the side of her lower abdomen. As Donnie turned, she dropped the bags and looked down. She took a deep breath as the pain riddled her body from the entry and exit wound. In the dimly lit alley she could just make out the hilt of some sort of dagger. Her skin started to tingle and her breathing grew hoarse.
"Oh god... Donnie..." her voice trailed again as her legs gave in and she fell into his arms, his bags falling to the ground and splitting.
"Sarah!" Donnie laid her on the ground as he looked at the hilt sticking out of her. He looked up as he became aware of others in the alley with them. "Keep still." Sarah watched as hordes of soldiers filled the the space around them. She looked up as someone stood over her, katana in hand. She watched as the person hesitated, then reseathing the weapon. There was nothing she could do, she knew her injury was serious and she felt her strength fading. Sarah turned her head to one side and watched as Donnie readied himself, knowing full well that the odds were against them. As she turned her head back to face her masked assailant she watched as he went for his weapon, her eyes widening with horror.
Chapter Twenty Up Soon!