Dream Walker

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

Author's Note: Sorry about the delay in this chapter. I hope it makes sense. If it doesn't well I blame my current state of mind, lately I have been so run down and exhausted that it is hard to think so writing this chapter was rather difficult. Ramica

Chapter Fourteen: Turning on the charm.

Michelangelo:

After we made sure April was on her way, after many protests on April's behalf, I turned to Leo "We heading home by rooftop?" I asked innocently, while subtly waiting to see Jen's response, she turned a wonderful shade of yellow and she looked a little nauseous at the very thought. She didn't care for rooftop jumping.

I don't know why she was so opposed, I mean Don and I were very careful with her, and we didn't do anything too, outrageous, like wild flips or the like, but Jen had changed many wonderful shades of colour on her trip over from the hospital.

"I'm not doing that again" she grumped weakly, as she placed a hand over her mouth and made a mad dash for the bathroom.

"What was your problem Jen, Donny and I were doing all the work, you just had to hang around and enjoy the view" I pointed out.

I heard Raph chuckle slightly as there was a low groan from the washroom and the sound of someone heaving, Raph cocked an eye ridge Leo's way " I don't plan on carrying her over rooftops." He quickly informed Leo.

"You know Jen I liked that ghostly pale colour you changed on your first jump" I continued merrily, "But that green colour," I shook my head, "Wouldn't even look good on a turtle."

"Leave her be Mike" Leo ordered giving me a sharp dirty look, "Remember we do need her help" he growled low, "We use the sewers to go home." He said loudly for Jen's benefit.

"Are you kiddin' Leo with Jen on our side we actually stand a chance at defeating Akuma now," a strange glint shone in Raph's eyes, "So let us use it before Akuma finds out we got the extra ace up our sleeve so to speak."

"We can't Raph, because we aren't sure what she is capable of, nor does she know how to control it" Leo insisted.

"Yeah but Leo…" Raph began the look said he was ready to argue the differences with Leo over what course of action we ought to be taking, a favourite Raph and Leo past time.

"Guys." Don grimaced, "Jen is here and it isn't fair to talk about her, over and around her head like she isn't a part of this."

Jennifer came out of the bathroom and leaned weakly, against a wall, "Look, I don't think I have any ability to control or stop Akuma, whatever controls they had on Akuma have been destroyed." She said in an exhausted almost defeated tone, "I'm just willing to try because I'm positive the sooner I do, the quicker Akuma may be stopped, and I'm very much aware that Akuma wants me dead." Her voice shook and she bit her lip, before heaving a heavy sigh, "I'm terrified right now, I just don't know what else to do or…" her voice trembled near the breaking point.

I went over and put an arm around her "Honestly Jen, we're all scared right now. You're not alone."

"Splinter ought to be able to help you figure out exactly what it is that you may have and hopefully, he can do it quickly for time really is of the essence" Leo declared, "Besides we ought to be getting back I don't like the idea of leaving him alone for too long."

Jen gave a slow trembling smile, "What if t turns out I have nothing to help you?"

Leo shrugged giving her a smile in return, "Then we know where we stand, but I don't think that will be the case."

…

We quietly and swiftly returned to the sewers and made our way through the dark tunnels, trying to move quietly through the water and litter that had found its way into the sewer system, the endless dripping water, and sounds of water running through pipes echoing eerily off the concrete that enclosed us. We stayed tense and alert, hoping for any sign of trouble to reach us before it actually hit into us, but at the same time I think we were all hoping that Akuma had caused enough trouble for one night and wasn't really after us at the present moment.

Jen was sandwiched behind Raph and in front of me.

We returned home by a round about way, knowing that while Akuma knew where we were, that perhaps a fresh scent leading straight to our home might only encourage another unwanted visit.

Of course we could go elsewhere, and probably would eventually, but Akuma, being quite unlike any other enemy we had ever fought, would have the ability of tracking us down in the sewers and our traipsing back and forth moving essentials would only lay a defined path for Akuma to follow. Moving may have to wait until Akuma had been fully dealt with.

We returned to the lair where Splinter was waiting he had turned the armchair towards the front entrance of our home and I could tell by the way he was sitting that he had been warily waiting for us, alert to any one that might approach, and ready to take action if necessary.

He was so much on guard that his customary tea was not sitting close by, his tail moved slowly along the floor, and he arched a bushy eyebrow, his eyes narrowing as he saw Jen.

Leo was already explaining how Jen had come to be with us.

Splinter scowled as he heard of the damage Akuma had caused, both to April's apartment, and that scowl deepened and darkened drastically when he heard about the attack and harm Akuma had caused to Jen's Aunt.

"Normally child, I would not approve of my sons bringing anyone down here during such dangerous times, as it might only jeopardize their lives." Splinter began.

Jen swallowed, "This is different" she murmured stoically.

"Indeed it is" Splinter agreed, he bowed his head and gave a deep regretful sigh, "for no matter what we may want it seems our paths are entwined for a time being."

"Master I am sure we arrived at Jen's aunts place moments after the beast left but I am also certain there was no way for Akuma to scent our arrival" Leo declared.

"It must of because you arrived so soon after Leo." Jennifer protested.

"We did a quick scan of the area, there was no sign of Akuma" Leo stated as he stood up straighter, "Akuma we know can move quickly, that demon almost has ninja reflexes, I'll grant it that much even," Leo permitted in a grudging way, "But it couldn't have been near there when we arrived, something else sent it off." He turned to glance towards Jennifer.

Raph smirked and chuckled, "You control Akuma again Jen?"

Jen shook her head backing up slightly a panicked look in her eyes "I, I uh don't think so" she stammered uneasily as she glanced over her shoulders to see Don and Raph blocking the exit. They stood firm and there was a look on both of their faces that clearly said she wasn't getting out that way.

Leo smiled as he walked slowly towards Jennifer, he spoke softly in a calm soothing voice "Jen you said you wanted to help us," he entreated.

"Yes I did," Jen admitted as she watched Leo, "But that doesn't mean I have any ability to control Akuma."

Splinter smiled as he raised his head, "Child do not shut yourself off or away, one must stay open to thoughts, observations of others. If you want to help as you say then the first step is allowing yourself to believe," Splinter's whiskers twitched, "that sometimes what you believe is impossible is in your grasp." He sighed as he clasped his hands together resting them in his lap, "If you close yourself off you will never accept the truth even if it doesn't agree with how you see yourself."

Jennifer shook her head "I don't have any ability beyond my dreams though" she replied, but there was something about the way she said it, the way she stood, sort of hunched over on herself that said she was closing herself off.

I looked towards Splinter and he barely moved an inch but his silent words were enough. He wanted me to turn on the wonderful Michelangelo charm, and get Jen to maybe, possibly accept the impossible.

"Jennifer, your dreams have to be pretty frightening at times. Huh?" I asked innocently as I took her gently by the arm and over to the couch.

"Well yeah, but not always" she confessed quickly.

"Akuma though he is a dream that scares the living daylights out of you right?" I asked as I got her to sit down on the couch, "I mean he scares the hell out of me too, and I am a trained Ninja."

"Of course he does, and I just don't want to be near it because I know what Akuma wants." She whimpered, as she choked back a sob.

"Aw, Jen you know we will protect you." I assured her, "You know we will do everything in our power to stop Akuma, and it is natural to be afraid. You know I'd be shaking in my boots right now." I admitted.

She glanced up giving me a trembling smile "You would?"

"Sure if I wore boots" I grinned.

She gave me a sneer that turned to a weak smile.

I rolled my eyes "I know that was bad wasn't it?" I asked. "But hey I got to work with what I got girl" I play grumped.

She smirked a bit, "That ain't much" she muttered.

"Watch it girl, why I have you know I am the pick of the clutch. You gotta lotta nerve girl, sassing off to me like that I have half a mind…"

"Only half a mind?" she quipped suddenly.

"Humph, just keep that up Jen girl and I'm going teach you how a ninja kicks butt, literally" I joshed.

"I'd worry if it was Raph making that comment." She remarked.

"But you aren't worried about me?" I asked sounding slightly grieved.

"Come on Mike you aren't like that" Jen insisted.

"So you think Jennifer," I whispered softly, I shifted to sit just behind her beginning to rub her neck and shoulders, my knowing fingers felt the knots and tightness and began to work them out, Jen sighed shutting her eyes leaning back a bit.

"What you know about me only comes from what some people think about us, who they think we are. But Jen you have all ready seen that we aren't really what we've been made out to be right?"

"Yeah I guess" she allowed.

"Good I am hoping for a chance for you to really get to know all of us, for who we really are Jen." I assured her, "Just as we want to know you for who you are, the fact you are afraid and scared right now is normal."

"But are you said you were afraid Mike?" she wondered suddenly.

"Very much so Jen we all are, but we have learned to look beyond our fear and to use our skills to help one another achieve the goal we are set upon obtaining. This time though we may need a new member of the team" I told her keeping my voice low, while my hands continued the massage, "We are not saying you are able to control Akuma, for all we know you can't. What happened with Raph, when he was bringing you down here the first time could have been mere coincidence?"

"You mean when I told Akuma to back off Raph and it did." Jen said.

"Exactly" I confirmed, "You may have no more special powers or abilities then having these dreams, I guess those dreams set you apart from the rest of the world too, makes it hard to fit in at times." I probed keeping my tone sympathetic but full of knowledge.

"Well yes, I guess I am a bit of an outcast, even among my peers." Jennifer agreed.

"Of course but we understand that Jen, because of who we are and what we are." I informed her.

"Mutants." She said the one word, and sighed, "I guess we aren't so different Mike." She acknowledged.

"Look if we learn you are capable of no more then, at least you tried right? You did what you could to help us and we'd appreciate that. In fact, Jennifer we'd be in your debt." I told her sincerely, "Not only that we know we'd have gained a wonderful friend in the bargain." I stopped my massage, and glanced towards Don, sending him a silent message.

Don nodded and slipped silently from the room, as I once again came to sit on the other side of Jen again.

"If I do have something else, though, say I can maybe control Akuma what then?" She asked in a quivering voice.

I smiled "First you must believe that you can do this, what happened with your Aunt, Jen?" I asked curiously.

"I got angry and I told Akuma to drop Aunt Crystal and leave." Jen replied uneasily glancing around.

Raph smirked knowingly and even Leo stiffened his posture and looked as if he was about to say something but he held it back with a warning glance from Splinter.

Don arrived then breaking the tension perfectly, he was carrying a tray with iced tea, and cookies.

"Ah Donny refreshments good idea bro, it has been a long night, and Jen is tired I think she could use a break and then a good nights sleep." I chirped cheerfully.

Jennifer relaxed a bit "Then you don't think I had anything to do with this Mike?"

I chuckled a little "Did I say that Jennifer?" I paused as I silently replayed my words, "No I don't believe I said anything of the sort. Maybe you can't control Akuma, I will give you that much, maybe you can but there isn't time for you to figure it out, in which case it would be dangerous to have you try to control Akuma, especially as Akuma seems to learn from previous attacks." I scowled a bit, "Or it is possible you do have the ability to control Akuma and can be essential in our battle to stop Akuma from hurting others" I concluded the possibilities, "But I don't think now is the time to push for it, you need to rest and relax, to really consider. You also have to trust us and Splinter."

"I do though" she claimed quickly, as she took a glass from Don.

"Trust takes time Jennifer…" I began in protest.

"Yes, but you guys seem to trust me, and we do have a lot in common in some ways, and much as I hate to admit it, Akuma does seem to share some sort of connection with me, and I have a feeling the only way to stop it is to help you." She insisted firmly.

"Of course" I agreed, "You are helping us Jen" I assured her sincerely, "But right now you are tired and a bit of a rest won't hurt when you wake up perhaps you will allow Splinter to search your mind out and see if he can figure out what you may be capable of. Until we know that the point is mute."

Jen sank back into the sofa cushions yawning widely she looked as if she couldn't keep her eyes open for much longer, as she raised her glass drinking the last of the contents in one large swallow.

"I guess you're right Mike. I'm exhausted and right now I just…" her words slurred slightly.

I nodded as I waited for her to drift off to sleep I knew it wouldn't be long. I also knew while she slept Splinter would have a chance to probe her mind without her guard being up, by the time Jennifer woke up she would be refreshed and ready to deal with the possibilities.

Right now she felt it was us pressuring her into doing what she really didn't want to do and felt it was a five against one situation, meaning her back was up and she wouldn't feel like cooperating. After a rest and perhaps some gentle dreams supplied by Splinter using what he had to, she would awake far more ready to help us defeat Akuma. In the meantime we would look as if we cared more about her, as a friend then the city at large, by putting her needs first.

I had done my best to ensure her we shared a bond and that we would be her friends, in many ways I hadn't lied to her. I think it helped, in fact I know it did because Jen wouldn't have drank the iced tea if she suspected anything.

We had shared a few jokes and I had done my best to assure her that it wasn't necessary to control Akuma. When in reality we all hoped and needed some control over that monster so we could maybe stop it.

…

Splinter:

I watched as Leonardo lifted the young teenage girl packing her to his bedroom. Michelangelo had done well, to comfort and soothe Jennifer to the point he had, and it was true that not much more could be achieved while the girl was awake and stubbornly resisting us.

I decided the important thing was to encourage the bond of friendship between her and my family, instill within her some confidence and the willingness to aid us, in our time of need.

As Michelangelo had pointed out she might not have any ability beyond that, which was known, she might not be able to control Akuma. But if she could control the beast, even to a small extent, just enough to allow my sons a chance to perhaps, strike a killing blow or something equally devastating it would be preferable to allowing the beast to continue on the dangerous path it was on.

I could see there was death and danger ahead for any who might stand in Akuma's path, and I knew the demon had to be stopped. I had a feeling Jennifer was the key, that her dreams were but, the tip of the iceberg and that other powers or abilities lay beyond, perhaps she was even aware of it to some extent. What ever the case happened to be we needed her help now and I was not opposed to insuring that she would offer this help freely, even if it meant we had to do some things to encourage her to give us such an offering.

A ninja learns to use what he has at his disposal for the good of all, so I had no compunctions over what I was about to do now. It was the ninja way.

Besides I was not so different from Michelangelo, I was just going to charm the girl using old ninja methods.

TBC