1I drifted back to Leonardo's room as he went to speak to Melinda. She had looked so ready to run off, to throw caution to the wind and put herself in danger, but I had a feeling if anyone could stop her, he could. Leonardo had a way with words that made you want to listen to him, want to do as he asks; he's a good leader. I sat on his bed, waiting. Fairly certain Melinda would be up soon and we could talk about everything, formulate a plan of action.

I picked up my Kakashi plushie, running my finger along his headband, staring down at his small unblinking eyes. I couldn't believe that Tina would do what she did to Don. I had listened to Don's description and there had not been a doubt in my mind who the girl was. I knew she wasn't an outstanding citizen or anything, but I figured sense she was friends with Mel she must have had some redeeming quality. I suppose I was wrong.

Her help in the attack had been very dishonorable, very bias. I growled hugging my plushie to me. Wishing I could hurt her right now. Tear at her face with my fingers, make her feel the pain she was causing both Donatello and Melinda. When we had exchanged words I had never suspected she would pull an action like she did. I wanted her blood. I wanted to make her cry out for mercy. She was scum. Still I held back. I knew if I came off half bent it would not help Melinda handle the situation any better. I had to stay strong, practical, so that I could be there for her.

She had been so torn up about all of this. Really all of us had, but her I think most of all. I had talked with Leonardo about all of it after Melinda had went up to Don's room to watch over him. Leonardo had looked so distant, almost weak after he had given Don blood. I think it was more the mental taxing of seeing his brother injured then the actual donation he had given him. Everyone was so disturbed and I had just wanted to make things better, but I didn't think I could. I just hoped Leonardo could talk to Mel. Could make her see if we stayed a team we would be stronger. I heard the steps of someone approaching and turned towards the door. Readying my face, trying to convey nothing, but concern and guidance. My expression fell as the door was slowly pushed open.

Leonardo stepped inside. His expression guilt ridden, pained. He crossed the room and collapsed on his bed, sitting on the side, he head in his hands, I heard his sigh loudly. "I tried to stop her, I really did, but she wouldn't listen to reason. She wanted to avenge him. She… left…" His last words hung in the air; I could hear the anguish in his voice. I could tell he had desperately wanted to help Mel to stop her and he hadn't been able to. He sat there.

I looked at him, feeling my own fear and sorrow rising, but I forced them down. Watching Leo, I had the impression he didn't let his guard down often like this. He didn't let many people into his innermost thoughts. I knew he was asking for my support. I knew it without his words. I was drawn to him, I moved closer, part of me wanted to run out the door, after Melinda and try to stop her. The other part of me felt it would be rotten to just leave him alone now. Not when he was asking me for help. I had a feeling I would only get this chance once and him ever asking me again, would depend upon this moment.

I felt selfish for not chasing after my friend, but as my arms wrapped around Leo, nestled close to his side, nuzzling and kissing his cheek, I knew he needed me just as much as she did. Maybe more, because if anyone could get Mel back it would be him, but he couldn't right now. Not with everything he had gone through in the last 24 hours, it was trying on him too much.
He responded to my touch instantly, pulling me down so that both of us were laying together, he yearned for me it seemed, my warmth, my affection, and my strength. His head buried against my chest, still, recovering. I stroked his shoulders, making soft comforting noises. "You did the best you could, Leo. You tried to stop her and she wouldn't listen, because poor Melinda is so upset. So now, we need to think of a plan to help her. You won't let her go alone I know that. What should we do?" I encouraged him, prodded him gently back to his duties, so that he could find his power again.

He nuzzled against me for a while thinking, Finally I felt him take a deep breath; as if nothing had transpired between us he pulled away. His appearance once again stoic. I smiled softly to see it. "Let go talk to my brothers. We need to move quickly. I can't imagine that Melinda would do anything to rash." He sighed pushing himself to stand again. "At least I hope."

I felt worry cross my expression and he touched my face with his hand. "I'll take care of this. I will bring her back to you and Don. No one will stop me." I nodded, even at the boldness of his declaration. He pulled me up into a sitting position and then I stood, following him back to Don's room.

"Leo, you CAN'T mean that…" Raphael growled, glaring at his brother. The discussion wasn't going well. First we had left Don's room for the main area, to allow the Turtle to rest. Mike and Raph had seemed interested in what Leonardo had in mind. Sensei had stayed with Donatello to watch him, he seemed to trust his sons to handle their own problems and come to him if they needed him. Leo had been trying to set a plan in motion to go get Mel back. He wanted to have everyone disguise themselves and enter right into the club where the Purple Dragons were congregating. Raphael seemed a little less then excited about this notion.

"Do you have a better plan of action, Raphael? A better way to find Melinda quickly before she gets hurt?" Leo's tone became sever. I sat watching the two brothers square off. Raphael seemed displeased with the fact Leonardo wasn't listening to him and Leonardo seemed fed up with Raphael questioning his every idea.

"I just think it's a awful big risk especially when we are already one man down." Raphael's tone lowered, I could tell he was already giving in to Leo's idea. I knew deep down he wanted to get in there and get revenge for Don just as much as Melinda did. I cleared my throat lightly and spoke up.

"I'll go!" I volunteered myself Leo and Raph both turned on me, their expressions surprised.

"No!" Leonardo shook his head. "I won't allow it." The look he gave me was one of disbelief. I knew he was still upset about the last time I disobeyed him and went to face the Purple Dragons to get Mel back and I had been fairly certain he wouldn't support the idea of me doing it again.

"But I want to help my friend too!" My tone was stubborn. I felt my lower lip form into a pout as I looked up at him. He held his ground his expression tense, he wasn't going to budge.

"I think you should let her, Leo, who are you to hold her back?" Raphael was back bickering with his brother about anything he could muster an argument for. I had to nod, almost wishing he hadn't chosen to defend me. It made my choice seem wrong to me.

"Because it's too dangerous, Raphael. I won't allow Lea to risk herself like that." I watched and smirked slightly as Leo crossed his arms. His mind was made up that was the sign.

"OH… but it's okay to risk Mikey and I, but not your little girlfriend there…right." Raphael rolled his eyes as he spoke in a very condescending tone. Leonardo stared back at him coldly. I suddenly wished I wouldn't haven spoken up, I felt trapped in the middle now.

"Why, Raph, are you scared? Are you the TRAINED ninja going to send in Lea to fight for you? Is that your plan?" Leonardo's words matched the feeling of Raphael's. His eye ridge rose.

Raphael let out a loud growl, giving his brother a look of absolute poison. "FINE! I'll go Leo, but if we do she should go to!" He pointed at me. "She can help us find Melinda without raising too much suspicion. That and I wanna get Casey. With Don hurt we will need the extra man power." Raphael now crossed his arms, showing he was through with his discussion.

Leonardo turned to look at me. I gave him a hopeful expression. I really did want to help them find Melinda. I was sick of being left behind. I watched him war within himself. Trying to decide on the coarse of action that would best suit his desires. He too growled, raising his hand to massage his temple.

"Fine, Lea you can go, but you need to be disguised too and you will do whatever I tell you. If I tell you to leave at any point, because I think it's too dangerous, you WILL NOT argue with me. You will simply turn and exit the building. You have to swear it!" His eyes were intense, I nodded a reply. My expression surprised.

"I swear! I don't want to be in the way… I just want to help." My voice was small. I had never actually felt in the way with my friends before. I was usually the one making the decisions and planning what we did, now I just felt like everyone would be better off without me tagging along. Still I wanted to help Melinda and that drove me to go, even if I was second-guessing doing so.
Leonardo's expression softened slightly and he nodded with a sigh. "Fine. Raph, you go call Casey and tell him to meet us at the club. Mike, you go pick out our clothes. I'll go tell Sensei our plans." I watched as the three brothers all went their separates ways to fulfill their duties. Leo lingered for a moment, his eyes trying to lock on mine, but I looked away. I felt ashamed as I watched him leave out of the corner of my view.

I felt like a burden to him suddenly and that hurt. I didn't want him to feel like he had to protect me all the time. I realized he must not have much faith in me. He must think I am weak. Compared to them honestly I was. I was no lightweight, I had always stayed fit and could hold my own in most confrontations, but I wasn't a trained fighter. Against someone like Hun I was useless.

I was afraid to put Leo or his brothers in danger. I sighed and rose going up to my room to find my own clothes I would wear. I just hoped I could be a help to them, in some way.

I felt a little stifled as I stepped into the warehouse club again. It had actually been easier to get inside at this time of night. There were people pouring in and out of the place and few guys and one girl in hoodies hardly stood out. Casey had shown up as promised. He seemed thrilled at the prospect of messing with the Purple Dragons. I was assuming there was a history between them, but decided this was not the time to ask.

Leonardo stayed painful close to me. I could actually feel him growl whenever anyone stepped too close. I once again had to fight off my feelings of guilt. I wish he wouldn't be so worried about me, it was destroying his focus. We needed to find Melinda that was what was important. My eyes scanned the crowd, and grew wide when I saw a familiar face.

I stopped and Leo collided with the back of me. Lightly, he was scanning the room… trying to decipher what I was so startled by. I pointed, across the way at a table with three other people was Tina. She was drinking a beer and smirking. Telling a story to her friends she was with a gloating smile on her face. My eyes narrowed. "That's the girl that hurt Don."

There was an instant reaction from every man around me. Mike looked shocked, Raph and Casey looked venomous and Leonardo, he appeared calm and collected, but calculating. He glanced around the room, summing up the situation, planning his coarse of action. "We need to get her alone." He stated to all of us.

I knew this was where I could help. I could move freely, walk up to her and maybe startle her into following me. "I'll do it!" Once again I volunteered. I watched Leonardo's mouth move. The protest so desperate to leave him, but his eyes closed briefly from beneath his hat.

"Fine, but just lead her away." He pointed to a hallway that looked less used in a corner. I was almost afraid to guess where it went. "Get her over there so we can question her. Nothing dramatic." He stressed to me as his Brothers and Casey started to head there. I sighed, wondering why I was getting lectured but nodded.

"I'll be fine, don't worry." I pushed him gently, wondering if Leo even trusted me at all. He moved away stopped once to glance back at me. I moved swiftly through the crowd, afraid to linger for fear of him coming back to see why. I slowed as I neared Tina, I could hear her words now.

She was laughing over the crowd. "Yeah you should have seen the fucking freak! Master Saki's men hung him out to dry. There was blood everywhere it was so cool." She took a swing of her beer. I felt myself grow furious realizing she was talking about Donnie. "They even let me kick him a few times, right in the face." She smirked. "They are the ugliest things I have ever seen." She downed the rest of her drink. I felt myself shaking I was so angry.

"So Tina what happened to Melinda? I heard she came and tried to pick a fight with you?" A dark look crossed Tina's face, as one of the guys next to her spoke. I moved a step closer, now VERY interested in their conversation.

"Stupid bitch. She actually must have fucking loved the ugly ass freak and she came here and tried to get in my face about what happened. But I fixed her ass, I reported her to Hun, she's probably getting the living shit beaten out of her by Saki right now and me? I'm a fucking hero!" Tina laughed again, a loud, unpleasant sound.

Something snapped inside of me. I felt a fury like I didn't even know I possessed. I was across the space between us before I could blink and my fist connected with Tina's face, sending her flying to her side. I heard screaming and yelling around me, but all sound disappeared, I was out for blood. I leapt over Tina's legs; I could see her looking up at me in horror, a huge bruise already forming where I had hit her.

"I'll kill you!" I growled as I felt my hands grasp her hair and pulling back pound her face into the pavement of the floor. Her nose made a sick squishing sound as it broke and she cried out in pain. I felt someone grab me from behind. Holding me tightly to them, restraining me. I nearly howled with fury struggling to return to my prey when Leonardo voice brought me back to my senses.

"LEA, STOP!" He was carrying me away from the situation, leaving the club as quickly as possible as he spoke. My breathing started to calm. I felt my heart rate lower and I looked back at what I had just done. I felt sick. I couldn't imagine what would have happened if Leo wouldn't have stepped in. I blinked a few times as Leo nearly threw me out the door. "MOVE!" He commanded. He looked angry. I couldn't blame him. I was fairly disgusted with my actions also. But in a strange way I also felt empowered.

I ran to where he pointed. I could see a fire escape up ahead Casey was climbing it and Raph and Mike were already on the roof of the building. Leonardo boosted me up and I started to climb to. Everyone was silent as we moved swiftly away from the club. Stopping only after we were certain we were not being followed.

We were quiet a few blocks away now; it was silent for the city. All I could hear was the honking of a few cars. Leonardo was scanning the buildings around us waiting for any sign of movement. "What the hell was that?" Raphael was the first that spoke, looking at my form in disbelief. "That was just insane."

I looked down at my feet, a guilty expression on my face. I choked back tears my emotions raw. "She was bragging about hurting Donnie and then… then she said Hun took Melinda to Saki and he was going to hurt her and she was PROUD of herself. I just got so angry." I sighed, looking up.

All the guys were exchanging looks. Casey spoke first. "Shredder has Mel? That not good." He ran his hand through his hair. "What should we do, Leo?" Leonardo was looking at me hard, I felt myself shirk under his gaze. I wasn't sure what he was thinking.
"We are going to need more help. I don't think it would be wise for even us to go into Saki's alone now. I am certain he will be expecting an attack." Leonardo looked away, his expression troubled.

"Do you mean who I think you mean?" Raphael gave Leo a considering look, leaning back against the side of the building. Leonardo nodded. My gaze shifted between the two of them.

"Who?" I was curious. They were talking about a friend I didn't know. "Who's going to help us?" Leonardo didn't answer my question, but instead turned to look at me a hard expression on his face.

"There is no us… YOU are going back to the lair and Casey is taking you!" Leonardo looked stressed, I felt a protest want to leave me, but I just looked down. He didn't want me there and honestly I couldn't blame him.

Casey on the other hand looked furious. "WHAT! I don't want to be sent back. I want to fight!" He pouted. Leonardo shook his head there was no room for discussion in his expression.
"No, Casey, you will take Lea back and make sure she gets there safely. No arguments." He walked over to me and stood in front of me, looking at me for a few moments. I watched him hesitate, but I couldn't read him. "Go back… We will return with Melinda. Tell Sensei not to worry." I felt hurt as he walked right past me without even a goodbye. "Come on Raph, Mike!" Leo was over the side of the building, his brothers following.

I stood staring behind him, confused. "Let's go." Casey sounded upset at being left behind. He started to walk in the other direction. I looked at where Leo had left to one last time before I turned to follow.