Chapter Twenty Two - A Plan of Attack

Sarah groaned as she woke, for it had been a rough night. Her eyelids fluttered opened and she looked around the old sewer den. Her arm stung and she knew that she had to get it properly looked out. Josh had driven her where she had asked him too, then she had gotten out and slowly made her way here. She looked down at herself, apart from underwear, she was still barefoot, in the hospital gown with her hospital i.d tag still around her wrist. The towel had been hastly wrapped around her forearm. A presence flooded her senses and she scanned the area with her eyes. A figure stepped into the light.

"I wasn't about to leave you here on yer own." Josh kneeled beside her and offered a helping hand.

"You weren't here all night." She stated flatly.

"True, I went to get you something to wear... and eat." He pointed to the bag near the door. "I was gone for maybe an hour...so, what next?" She paused for a moment.

"Just give me a minute." She held her face quickly as she wiped the sleep from her eyes.

"The attack was on the morning news." Josh stated flatly. Sarah raised an eyebrow as she took a breath. She was becoming more alert as the minutes passed and her mind started to race. She limped over to the bag and looked down.

"A dogi?"

"That was all I could find in such short notice." She nodded, acknowledging his response. Her face grew grim.

"Got a quarter?" He searched his pockets and handed one to her. Sarah had seen a pay phone last time she was here with Danny.

"Who you callin'?" She made a sign for him to be quiet. A male voice answered the phone.

"I take it you saw the news?" Casey recognised the voice immeditately and waited for her to finish. "It was the Dragons."

"We figured. Weren't sure what happened tho."

"Enough is enough! Now it's time to act." Casey paused for a moment, he knew that once Sarah had made up her mind, there wasn't anything he could say to change it, also, curiosity had gotten the better of him.

"Whatcha got in mind?"

"Get anyone with any fighting abilities and meet me at April's in two hours... including the guys as this directly involves them, also, any chance one of ya mates is a doc?"

"Yeah Andrew." The name was familar and Sarah remembered that he was the one with Kyle who had helped her.

"Good. I need painkillers. Strong and non drowsy." She did not wait for a reply and hung up. She turned to Josh. "Call Dan and tell him to get his ass down here."

"No, it's too dangerous." Sarah turned on him. No more excuses! She pointed at him.

"I don't give a shit! Lie if you have to, I don't care!. I want him here and I want him now!" She demanded.

"He won't come."

"MAKE HIM!" She roared.

Three figures in all black crept silently over the rooftop, sticking to the late afternoon shadows. The shorter of the three hesitated and placed a gloved hand up against a wall to steady herself as her lungs filled with much needed air.

"Sarah?" Dan asked.

"I'll be okay." She answered in a low hushed voice, waving off his concern.

"Well, I hope this is worth the trouble we're going through."

"It will be, trust me." He nodded in acknowledgment. As they came to the doorway which lead to April's apartment, Josh pulled out a lockpicking kit.

"I have just the thing for these little emergencies," she stated as she reached for the down pipe above the door and produced a key - a key which she had placed there only days earlier.

Silently, the three of them entered the top floor of the apartment with Josh closing the door behind them. Sarah put her arms out and to the side of her in the hallway to stop the boys.

"You may see some turtles in the room below us. They are not your enemies and I will not tolerate any trouble. Understood?" She hissed in a lowered voice. She did not pick up on any kind of response.

"UNDERSTOOD?" She looked into the eyes of the hooded figures in front of her - they were not wearing Foot Clan head gear. "Do not make me enforce this, I am not in the mood!" She snapped. Dan was taken back by her very presence. He had never known anyone like her and noone he knew came even close to having this kind of effect on him. He couldn't place his finger on it as he knew not to cross her.

"Understood." After a moment Josh nodded, if Dan agreed, then he would too, after all, not only was Dan older, he also outranked him.

Sarah took a breath as she adjusted the black bandana covering her face.

"Okay, here we go!"

"Well?" April inquired as Casey put the phone back on the receiver.

"It's Sarah. She's fine and she'll be here in two hours. I gotta get on the phone, somethin's up." Relief swept her face as she turned and faced Leo and Mikey, as the oven timer went off, meaning that their evening meal was now ready.

"Food's up!" She headed for the kitchen as the smell of pizza filled the room. Casey turned to Leo and lowered his voice, watching out for her.

"I think she's hurt bad. She's asking for pain killers."

"I don't like this," Leo stated.

"Dude, let's just wait until she gets here 'k? Her stitiches could be giving her trouble."

Leo raised an eyeridge. That was a real possibility.

"Point taken, though I don't think we should mention this to April, just in case." He peered over his shoulder to look into the kitchen. He could already see how this was effecting her. The other two agreed and while Casey headed to the phone to make some calls, Leo and Mikey walked into the kitchen.

"Smells good Ape."

"Thanks Mikey, but I know you're just being nice! It's vegetarian, thank Sarah for that." He shrugged.

"Aww.. no meat? It's still edible... right dudette?" April rolled her eyes as Leo half smiled. The smile vanished as he spied Raph entering the room through the corner of his eye.

"Nice of you to join us." He commented as he approached him.

"Give it a rest okay? I'm not in the mood!"

"Like you ever are!" Leo muttered under his breath... which Raph caught.

"Where I was and what I was doin' ain't any of your business!"

"Pardon?"

"You heard me right!"

"In case you've forgotten we already have one missing brother, the last thing we need is another!" Raph went to answer when they saw Jesse walk in, not looking at all pleased.

"Oh, for-crying-out-loud! Will you two just quit it! This isn't helping!" She snapped. She knew the situation was tense and the two brothers needed to be reminded. Raph stared at her, knowing she was right. He grunted out of frustration and headed to the roof.

"I'm outta here!" He stated, his back to them. Leo rolled his eyes and flopped himself on the couch behind him, watching him walk away. Jesse smiled as she handed him a piece of pizza.

"He'll get over it." Leo half smiled.

"Yeah I know, but..."

"Just let it go, he's worried too." Leo nodded as he bit into his slice.

"So, you're finally gonna meet Sarah." Jesse said with her mouth full.

"Guess so... "

"Well, don't let first appearances fool you. I'll tell you now, she's as angry as all hell..." Leo stopped chewing and looked into her eyes.

"Should we be worried?"

"Angry... not stupid."

Sarah made her way down first, followed by Dan and Josh. They were a little early and the group had been distracted by something on the television set. The three of them stood there, looking down at everyone in the split level lounge room. Some faces she knew, while some seemed familiar.

"Hello everyone." She watched as the faces turned to her and the two others beside her. They were all in black, with only their eyes showing. Mikey, who was the closest lept to his feet, as recognition hit and he swept her up in his arms, glad to see that she was alright.

"Hey dudette!" Sarah half smiled, she had found him very likeable and she too was glad to see him.

"Hey Mikey.." her voice went hoarse as he squeezed her a little too tightly, "ease up please."

"Right, sorry dudette, forgot." He eased off then stood back as he spied April making her way to her cousin.

"It's fine, Mikey, really." Her voice softened as she saw April approach her, tears in her eyes.

"We were so worried." She too, hugged Sarah, overjoyed to see her cousin standing before her.

"I know, I..." her voice trailed as she became aware of someone entering the room from behind them - that someone filled with anger. Sarah immediately knew who it was and her demonour changed.

"Oh shit!" She exclaimed as she felt the presence behind her closing in. Unable to do anything with April's arms still wrapped around her, she felt herself being yanked from behind out of April's arms - everything happening so quickly and her reactions hampered by her injuries. The force from which Raphael had grabbed her had left her spinning like a rag doll. As Sarah lost her footing, she hit the ground heavily, moaning as she did so. She looked up to see a figure in a trenchcoat and fedora head for her. Within a few strides he was on top of her, a sai at her throat and a knee in her chest, the adrenline pumping through his veins as he saw this person below him and he wanted answers - and he wanted them now!

"Where is he?" He demanded, reaching for the neckline of the black top and twisting the fabric in his fingers. He stared into her eyes.

"Get the hell off me!" Sarah hissed, as the pain filled her senses and she too started to grow angry as her fuse was short at present. She didn't need this right now. Raphael paused for a moment, as recognition hit him. He had heard that voice before, the accent being unique and one he had not forgotten as the unusual girl he had encountered months back had intrigued him. With the sai still at her throat, he let go of her top and reached foward to pull off the bandana. His jaw dropped as he saw her pale face. He scrambled to his feet as Mikey and Leo got to him, as well as Dan and Josh. She motioned for them to back off, which they did after briefly hesitating.

"You..." he stammered unable to believe his eyes. He lowered his sai as Mikey kneeled beside Sarah.

"Are you crazy?" Leo demanded, confronting him. "What the hell is your problem?" Raph double blinked as he became aware of everyone in the room. He also knew that Sarah had been seriously injured only a few days ago and he had pounced at her, maybe hurting her further.

"I thought... I mean April... ninja..." Raph stammered, he had never been lost for words before as he knew that this time he was seriously in the wrong.

"Well you thought wrong!" Sarah spat angrily. She cringed as Mikey helped her to her feet and she moved toward Raph, ready to make her point.

"I remember which one you are," she poked his plastron, keeping his focus on that hand while she spoke. "Next time be on time or don't come at all!" She snapped as Raph stared at her, his anger building. "Also I don't appreciate being followed!" She added as an after thought. This time it was Leo's jaw who dropped as he now knew who stood in front of them. He had not gotten a good look at her the first time, it was her - the one from the sewer!

"If I remember, you had just gotten your ass kicked by the Foot!" He hissed. Sarah's jaw dropped. That was low. She offered something of her own, not letting that one slide.

"I fell out of a tree and they followed. They did not "kick my ass" unlike someone I know! At least it WAS a tree and not a Skylight!" She stated. Leo looked to Mikey worried. It sounded more like a challenge than a statement. The last thing they needed was a full scale fight on their hands. Mikey only shrugged, not wanting to get in the middle of these two. He knew what Raph was like and had only heard of Sarah's temper.

"Hey... what?" His anger built and he reached for his sai, only to find that one had vanished. He looked down to his belt surprised.

"Never let your emotions cloud your senses!" She snapped as she twirled Raph's sai in her fingers, forcing a change of subject and teaching him a lesson - one she hoped that he would not forget in a hurry. She was angry, though level headed and had to play her cards right. His jaw dropped as he realised that Sarah had picked it from under his nose! The anger came to boiling point and he took a step closer so that his beak and her chin almost touched. He clinched his jaw as he took a breath. She had played him and he knew that it was a just cause. This was not going to accomplish anything. What happened next surprised everyone in the room.

"The Dragons almost killed you and they've got Donnie... you got a plan?"

"Yeah I do."

"Count me in."

"Good." She handed the sai back. "Take a seat." Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Leo looking relieved, as well as everyone else in the room. She motioned for Raph to sit, as they walked back, she took hold of his arm.

"For your information, I'm not that easy to get rid of."

"So I noticed." He took a seat next to her on the step. With everyone's full attention, she took a breath. Dan stood on one side of her, Josh the other, this time they weren't taking any more chances.

"Okay, so you all know that the Foot Clan have splintered into several factions over the last few weeks, with the largest and most dangerous ones calling themselves the Black Dragons. These guys in such a short time have become major players and have taken a disliking to myself and they have Donnie..."

"Yeah we know that bit, get to the point!" Raph stated. Sarah stared at him for a moment then continued.

"My plan is to take them out - all of them..." before she could even finish, the room errupted in disbelief as everyone stated their opinions all at once. Dan faced her.

"There's several hundred members in five locations - that we know of. You're mad!"

"Let me finish," with eleven people in the room all speaking at once, she was not heard.

"LET HER FINISH!" With Splinter's unexpected presence, the room instantly fell silent.

"Thank you Splinter," she paused for a moment as an evil smile formed and she raised an eyebrow as she addressed everyone. "And to top it off, we're going to do this legally!" Kyle looked confused and turned to Andrew, who had the same look on his face.

"Legally, what the hell?" Sarah turned to address the two P.I.s sitting to the left of her.

"Okay, you two are P.I.s. I take it you got contacts."

"Yeah, some..."

"Wouldn't they be intrested in taking down a major player in this city's crime problem?" As Andrew's mind ticked, a smile formed.

"Exactly what did you have in mind?" He asked as he raised an eyebrow.

"Well, I thought that while they raided the locations, that would be a big enough diversion for us to go in and get Donnie. It has to be on all locations at the same time... they won't know what hit them!"

"Sounds good in theory, but..."

"This needs to be done in the next 48 hours. If they get wind of this we're scr..." she remembered that Splinter was standing beside her "we're stuffed. We gotta get Donnie outta there ASAP. They went to a lot of trouble to get him and I as sure as hell don't wanna know why. This is where you guys come into it. We're not going in blind, that'll be stupid. Dan, Josh, go and find out what you can, I need latest intel, locations, estimates on numbers... whatever you can dig up. The rest of you are needed for recon. Tonight, depending on locations, we need to get an idea of the areas surrounding these locations. If Donnie's location isn't pinpointed, then we'll have to split up. April, what I'm going to need from you are blueprints and maps. City Hall should be able to help you with those in the morning." She stopped to take a breath and double blinked as she felt a little light headed. She put an hand on Dan's shoulder to steady herself. He turned to her concerned.

"I'll be okay. I'm just a little tired."

"What about me?" Jesse asked. "Aren't I included in all of this?"

"Of course. You're gonna be the brains of this whole operation. I need someone to stay here and help process all of the intel. Up for it?"

"Yeah, I'm in." A smile lit up her whole face. This was her chance to get even.

"Good." She turned to face the others on the couches in front of her. " I take it that was clear. I don't hear any objections, so I take it you're all in?" No one spoke as they processed the information Sarah had just told them. There were a few grunts and nods.

"Well, then, that's it. Let's meet back here in say... three hours. If you need sleep, I suggest you get some now. It's gonna be a long night." She watched as the seated group rose and split up, speaking amongst themselves. Andrew approached her.

"When was the last time someone checked your dressings?" He spoke softly, as not to attract the others attention.

"A while." He nodded.

"Okay, not good. I think the kitchen might be the best place."

"Yeah, but not here, meet me in five minutes at my apartment. Case has the keys. Make it quiet, I don't want April to freak." He nodded. She watched in the corner of her eye as Jesse caught up with Josh and Dan, hugging both of them. Andrew walked up to Casey and spoke in a hushed voice. She saw Casey look around before handing him the keys. Her attention was directed away as Keno walked up to her.

"Hey, I'm Keno." She smiled as she recalled the name.

"Hi, Sarah."

"Let me know how I can help. I'm here." He rubbed his hands in anticipation.

"Cool, though get some sleep. It's gonna be a late one. What about your folks?" He looked at her confused, not sure about the word she used.

"My parents?" He guessed.

"Yeah."

"I'll tell them I'm working." Then it clicked.

"You're the pizza boy, right?"

"Yeah, they eat alotta pie."

"Ahhh." She paused, "I remember now, that night I found out about April, you were here." He nodded as he gazed at April, who was speaking to Mikey behind Sarah.

"Yeah, looks like everything's cool?"

"Yep."

"I gotta go, I'll see ya later?." Sarah nodded as he let himself out. She watched as Leo approached her.

"Can I have a word with you?"

"Sure, though I'm heading back to my apartment so I can change." She turned to walk away when Leo reached and took hold of her left forearm, pulling her back. Her whole body jerked as she gasped from the pain. She turned and faced him, reclaiming her arm back.

"Please don't do that again!" She hissed. Leo looked puzzled, surely he hadn't handled her that hard? He knew the answer would present itself sooner or later as he was sure he hadn't. He opened his mouth again to speak.

"I need to speak to you." He implored her again.

"Fine, then come with me." She looked over to April.

"I'll be back, lemme change?" April nodded.

"Don't take too long." Sarah smiled, though as she turned to face the door, it vanished, Leo noticing her sudden change in mood.

"What do you wanna know?" He was taken back by her directness.

"I want to know why you're so willing to help... considering you hardly know us."

"Hmm, okay, I'll give you that." She opened the door to her apartment and walked in to find Kyle and Andrew, a doctor's bag on the counter, its contents spread out. Sarah's eyes narrowed as she firmly closed the door behind them.

"Pay backs a bitch and I'm not letting this one go!" She paused as she reached for the gloves she wore and slowly took off the left one. A quick dressing came off with the glove, the blood having seeped all the way through.

"That's not the last of it." She stated as she took hold of the bottom of her long sleeved top and pulled it off over her head. Her long hair fell past her waist as a bruised and battered lean body revealed itself. Both bandages on her side and arm had seepage and many bruises covered her stomach and back, included a new one forming on her chest, which just poked through the sports bra she was wearing.

"Now you know." She stated. "Happy?" Leo's jaw dropped, not sure what to say. The injuries, he thought, justified her claim, though it was her attitude that he found to be a little... odd. He found this a little unsettling as to him, things didn't add up. She hissed as Andrew went for the dressing on her side. She noticed Leo looking a little unsettled.

"You can go if you want." .

"Yeah I might, I gotta say Sarah, that's real nasty." He commented, pointing out the obvious. He was silently relieved to find that she had mistook his reaction, as it gave him time to speak to his brothers... his thoughts were cut off as Sarah spoke.

"Yeah it's a bitch ain't it?" He remained silent as he hadn't caught what she had just said, so changed the subject,

"That was some plan," he stated, "I'm gonna go see what the other's are up to."

"We'll finish this later... oh and don't mention this to April, please." He nodded, understanding that this would distress her somewhat. He turned and headed out the door.

As Leo walked back to the apartment his thoughts ran wild as he was not satisfied with what she had just said. The plan was ... well thought out and optimistic to say the very least. As he re-entered he looked around at the faces in the split level apartment. Some he knew and some he didn't and it surprised him that they had rallied to her aid so quickly - and from all walks of life. He didn't even know how the two active Foot members came into the picture. Who was this girl and exactly what kind of influence did she have over these people? His brothers and his friends were one thing, they wanted to get Donnie back, but the others? What was their purpose? He couldn't guess the two Foot members involvement, and the P.I.s were another issue. He saw the way that the one called Kyle looked at Sarah, not sure if anyone else had picked up on it, so his reason seemed simple enough. He knew that at present he was ill informed and he wanted to correct this as soon as possible for she had the strangest effect on people, especially with the way she had handled Raph earlier. His brother was not one to back down and that's exactly what he had done. The only way he would find out would be to gather his own information as he felt that there was more to the girl than meets the eye. He had been told a little of her, though not enough in his eyes. He was skeptical. Her training and timing seemed too good to be true...an important friend and ally. The thing that bothered him was how everyone treated her. What she held over everyone, he couldn't see it. The thing that worried him the most was his gut instinct. It told him that she was hiding something, something big and that scared him the most.

"It's not looking to great, there's a fair bit of swelling." Andrew had a closer look and lightly touched the area, which Sarah jumped a little too.

"Just clean it and strap it!"

"You really need to rest!"

"There'll be plenty of time for that later!" She stated. "And you brought the painkillers right?"

"Yeah I did, though I think..." Andrew's voice trailed. Sarah felt her hair being moved to the side on the base of her spine. "What the...?" She knew what they were refering too.

"What the hell is that!" Kyle demanded.

"What? Like you've never seen a tatt before?" The two men looked at one another, concerned, not expecting for this to happen.

"It's not that Sarah, where'd you get this symbol?" Andrew quired.

"Why?" She asked unsure of herself.

"'Cause it's extremely old and rare, that's why! Where'd you get it?" Andrew asked again, annoyed she wasn't being straight with him.

Sarah hesitated a moment, reluctant to answer."I dreamt it okay!" She stated. The two men looked surprised as that was an unexpectant and odd answer. Feeling vulnerable all of a sudden, Sarah snatched up her top and covered herself. "If you're finished, i'd like to go!" Andrew motioned for Kyle to let it go. They could always ask her later.

"We're not done yet. Keep still." Sarah hissed as she felt the antispectic sting at her stitches and she held her breath when Andrew applied the bandage tightly around her waist. Her forearm was not that much better and she gasped as Andrew worked at the wound.

"This really needs stitches." He stated. Sarah did not comment and kept her head turned until she felt him slowly put it to one side. "Keep it dry and I'll re-check it sometime tomorrow, got it?"

"Yeah, I got it. Thanks... for everything." She gave both men a half smile and headed up the stairs to freshen up and to get away from them. She was not in the mood for any more questions with so much at stake.

Andrew and Kyle watched as she headed upstairs and they hesitated before speaking.

"It has to be her." Andrew commented as he cleared the counter.

"She's only got the one marking."

"That we know of." Andrew raised his hand to his chin, thinking.

"Coincidence?" Kyle asked, raising an eyebrow. Andrew shook his head.

"I doubt it, we'll just have to wait and see."

"For what?"

"How quickly she heals... that's the myth right?"

"Yeah from what i've deciphered... so which one do you think she is? The Guardian or the Protector?" Kyle began to shake his head.

"I dunno, that part of the scroll was patchy...right? Well, it doesn't help we both saw different parts of it. The piece I saw says something about one being born into it and the other forced? I'm not sure that's the right term for it, but I am certain of this, the other one carries the mark of the Dragon."

When she was certain they had not followed her, Sarah looked around the other bedrooms.

"Donna?... Donna?" She called out softly, as she slowly approached the bedroom that Donna had been sleeping in and looked around. The room had looked untouched as Sarah figured that she had covered her tracks. Sarah turned to head out, when she looked up and noticed Kyle leaning on the door frame, his arms crossed.

"Lost something?" He asked coolly.

"No, not really." Upon seeing him so calm, she had a feeling what he wanted.

"What? Did Andrew send you up here to lecture me?"

"Nope, I wanted to know how you are. They wouldn't let me in to see you at the hospital cuz I wasn't family." Sarah lowered her eyes to the ground, a little sorry for her tone in voice.

"I know." Kyle hesitated briefly then reaching in and gently tilted Sarah's head to face him. His brown eyes softened, full of emotion. Sarah could see the genuine concern he held for her.

"I've been meaning to thank you for that. I know that you and Andrew found me and I know that you were there. Thank you." Her voice had softened and she felt a lump starting to form at the back of her throat. She noticed Kyle hesitate briefly before opening his mouth to speak.

"When I found you, I've never been so scared in my life. I mean you were unconscious and your breathing was shallow and I..." his voice trailed as Sarah lent in and kissed him. After a moment he embraced her as he kissed her back, a kiss he had longed for since first meeting her months ago. As quickly as their passion roared to life it disappeared again as the moment dissolved when Kyle's hand had moved to Sarah's side and he accidently squeezed her causing her to jump a little as she gasped and broke off the kiss. She double blinked and pulled away, confused.

"I.. I'm sorry," she stammered, " this shouldn't have happened." She took a step back and headed out the door, her emotions a real mess.

"Sarah?" He was confused by what had just happened. He went to follow her into the next room when he was greeted by the door to Sarah's bedroom as she closed it behind her. He went to knock, then thought better of it.

"I don't see how something that felt so right can be so wrong!" He hoped he would receive some sort of response. When it appeared that he would not, he turned and headed for the stairs. He had not known her long enough to know what she was feeling, though at present it seemed simple enough, seeing he had spoken to her through a closed door. There was nothing more he could do so he decided to let her be. He and Andrew had work to do.

Sarah stared at the door and sighed in response to Kyle's statement. It did feel right, very right in fact, though the timing was bad - like everything else in her life. The more she thought about it, the more it seemed that she was trying to please everyone else and left her own well being to last. Not that, that had done her any good.

She gazed at the mirror on the opposite wall and her reflection shocked her. She was pale, extremely thin, bruised and tired. Her hair clung to her face as well as the blood soaked clothing. There were perspiration beads along her forehead and bags under her eyes. She looked down at herself and before she knew it, she had started to tear the clothing from her body. She kicked the soiled clothing to one side and headed to the en suite. A long hot shower would do her wonders... and a hot meal, she added as an after thought.

Donna looked down at her sleeping sister, a half smile forming on her face. Sleep had never come to Sarah easily and it was good to see her getting some much needed rest. Donna plonked herself in an armchair Sarah had placed opposite to her bed. She just sat and watched as she seldom saw Sarah like this. Her face looked content and it was good to see her like that. It had been a long time. Sarah had been plagued by nightmares these last few years and rarely got more than five hours sleep a night. The more intense the nightmare, the longer and harder she trained. Donna's jaw dropped as a moan escaped from Sarah's lips and her eyes started to roll her in head. Donna sat at the edge of the armchair ready to wake her when something caught her eye. Her hand had moved to her side and she held it as another more desperate moan came from the sleeping figure. She knew Sarah's injury was bad and the thought of the pain she must be in brought tears to her eyes. She fell to her knees and looked at the sleeping figure.

"I swear on my life I'll make those bastards pay! You wait and see!" She swore an oath to the sleeping figure. The voice of a male on the other side of the door registered and she leapt to her feet and headed for the window, to the safety of the fire escape, not before she sensed one of them coming her way. She made her way to the roof as fast as her legs could carry her. As she neared the top, she stopped and looked down... only to look straight into the eyes of one of them.

Kyle sat back and watched the scene around him after returning from Sarah's. He watched as Leo, the one in the blue mask, gently probed the others for answers. It was subtle and the others hadn't thought anything of it when answering. He could tell that Leo didn't trust Sarah. He couldn't really blame him though, really, how well did any of them know her? Not long, but it was the sense of urgency and wanting to help that he could not explain. Andrew had agreed with him. If they didn't help, they both had gut feelings that things would be bad... then they had come across the unexpected - Sarah's marking. She had to be the one the scroll was refering to, if only they could check the base of her neck for the second one... his thoughts were broken as Andrew approached him.

"Well?" He had a sly smile across his face.

"Well, what?"

"C'mon bro, like you only went to talk to her?"

"I did."

"And?"

"And she closed the door in my face."

"Like, who could resist your charms?"

"Bad timing I'm guessing." Kyle shrugged.

"Yeah right man!" Kyle folded his arms, not amused.

"I"m not in the mood..." He peered over to the clock on the wall. Time had gotten away from him. It had been just been over an hour and he wondered what was taking so long.

"Have you seen Sarah?" He changed the subject, hoping that Andrew would get off his back.

"Nope."

"Well, it's been more than an hour."

"Give her time, we're not exactly in a rush and I did tell her to rest. That injury of hers isn't looking too great, if the truth be known." He was looking concerned. "Actually, I'm worried about infection considering how many times it's reopened... okay let's go chase her up."

They remained silent as they walked down the hallway. Andrew held up his hand and Kyle stopped in this tracks. The sound coming from Sarah's room was unsettling and Kyle found his stomach turning.

"Open it, open it now!" He demanded as Andrew pulled out a lock picking kit. Within fifteen seconds, there was a sound of the lock unlatching and he turned the knob, the door swinging open. As it did, they both caught a flash of green ducking out of the window.

"What the hell was that? Check it out!" Kyle headed for the window, while Andrew headed for Sarah. He looked down at the sleeping figure in a bathrobe, a towel still wrapped around her hair. He almost fell over backwards as he saw the wound on the back of her hand. Although he had dressed it, the dressing was now off and the wound itself had a hard scab. He double blinked not sure what to make of it, then his thoughts were interrupted as he heard Kyle jump onto the fire escape.

As Kyle looked up, the figure on the fire escape paused for a moment and looked down. Kyle momentarily caught a flash of green and two deep blue eyes. As Sarah stirred, Kyle's attention was brought back into the room. He looked into the room, then back up the fire escape, only to find it empty. He knew where his priorities were and climbed back in.

He looked on as Andrew gently roused Sarah. She slowly blinked her eyes as she brought a hand to her head. Her eyes focused on Andrew's face and she tried to sit up.

"I've got a splitting headache!" She stated as her eyes scanned the room. When her eyes rested on other member in the room, she tried to stand.

"What the hell is going on?" She looked from one to the other, as her legs gave way. Andrew caught her and gently sat her down on the bed, as one of Sarah's hand rested on her side. "What are you two doing here?" She demanded.

"It's been over an hour." Andrew answered.

"Oh." Sarah could see how this looked. She gasped as she tried to stand again, her face screwing up in pain.

"Well, I got tired, so I must have dozed off. Since when was that a crime? Look I'm fine, just tired okay?" Andrew raised his hands in defence.

"Sure whatever you say, though didn't sound like it when we got here."

"What do ya mean?" Her eyes narrowed as she looked him in the eye.

"You were groaning, almost screaming if you must know!" Kyle cut in. Sarah raised an eyebrow.

"Really? Well, I'm fine now!" She snapped. "I'm going to change and dry my hair... do you mind?" Andrew looked to Kyle. That was their queue to leave.

"Fine, whatever, sorry for helping!" Kyle mumbled as they walked out.

"Someone really doesn't like you." Sarah heard Andrew say to Kyle as the two men walked out.

She closed the door behind them and walked back to the bed. Truth be known, her whole body was sore and her legs felt like dead weights. Her head was pounding and the wound on her side stung. She looked down to the back of her hand and noticed how well it had healed in the last hour. She also knew, that the two other wounds on her body were healing quickly. Little did anyone know, she had always been an exceptional healer, only trouble was, that when it did, it usually wiped her out for a few days afterward...

Chapter Twenty Three Up Soon!