1As soon as I came back into the lair with the others, Mikey led me into Splinter's room so Splinter could check me over. I didn't see Lea in the main area so I figured she was up in Leo's room asleep. I watched Leo escort Karai over to the couch. I really didn't know who she was, but she must have been another one of their friends.

"Michelangelo, place her over there," Splinter directed Mikey as he brought me into the room. Mikey nodded his head and gently lowered me down on the small mat, which appeared to be Splinter's bed.

"Everything will be okay now," Mike smiled at me.

"Good. I will tend to her injuries. Go check on Donatello," Splinter said as he walked over to me.

I looked up at Splinter sadly. "I-I am sorry, Splinter…" I didn't know what to say, I felt really bad for what I had occurred.

Splinter let out a deep sigh as he looked down at me. "It is alright, my child. I do believe that your mind was clouded by your anger for what happened to Donatello, but do not blame yourself for what has happened to him. You did not physically cause his wounds. I know how much you love Donatello, Melinda. I can tell that and I do feel happy knowing that someone cares for my son like you do," He smiled gently. I couldn't help but to blush some. "Now where does it hurt?" I pointed to my right side where Hun had kicked me really hard with my hand. Splinter gently felt my skin on my side with his hand, pressing hard somewhat, which made me cry out some in pain, though I tried my best to remain calm and silent.

"Master Splinter…I still feel bad for what has happened to Donatello. I mean if I didn't get involved with them, then maybe they wouldn't have attacked him," I sighed again as I started to get angry with myself and the Purple Dragons once more.

"Silence, Melinda. They would have attacked him regardless of your involvement. My sons have been fighting against the Shredder and the Purple Dragons for years before you came so do not blame yourself. I have dealt with this before." Splinter let out another sigh. "You know there is saying that goes, 'History repeats itself.' Sometimes I do believe that this is true. About a year ago, after we believed we had destroyed the Shredder once and for all, the city fell into chaos when the Purple Dragons, the mob, and the remaining Foot clan try to fight for control of the city. My son, Leonardo, felt that it was his and his brothers' fault for the innocent people that were getting hurt. I tried to reason with him, but he would not listen. He went out to do what he felt was right for the sake of the people, but nearly got himself killed. Fortunately for him, we were able to stabilize the Foot."

"That woman that came to get me…who is she?" I asked.

"Her name is Karai. She was raised by the Shredder and controls the Foot clan in Japan. Luckily my sons met up with Karai during the city's war and were able to end the conflict. She promised my sons that she would not harm them since they helped the Foot regain control of the city. However, the Shredder does not believe in honor and wants Karai to help him destroy my family. She will not kill us because she knows what honor is and lives by it, like a true warrior, but yet she must obey her master. So no matter what happens, she always goes back to him though now I am beginning to think that she has joined our side for good." Splinter took his hand away from my side. "I do not believe you have broken your rib. Could be fractured, it's hard to tell. I will give you some herbs to ease your pain and it should heal on its own in a week. Just try not to move that part of your side too much."

I nodded as I gently rose up from the mat, holding my side to support it as I arose. "Thank you, sensei."

Splinter gently bowed at me. "I will go check on Karai. You should go get some rest." He turned and walked out of his room.

I decided to go see how Donatello was doing before I would make my retreat to Leonardo's room. I walked out of Splinter's room and walked over and up the stairwell to the small platform where the turtles' bedrooms were located. I looked down to see Splinter over near the couch where Karai was. Leonardo was watching nearby and Raphael was walking towards the kitchen. I turned and walked into Don's room. I saw Mikey standing there, looking sadly at his brother.

"How's he doing?" I asked as I approached him.

Mikey turned his head. "The dude's like zonked out," He chuckled some. I knew Mikey was trying to make jokes to cheer not only me but also his own self up. I giggled some to reinforce his happiness. "You alright?"

"Yeah, Sensei said it was probably really bruised or slightly fractured," I smiled some. "I'll take some of the herbs later to help with the pain." I added, and then held my side some. I noticed that Don had stirred some in his bed and then turned over on his side, facing us. His eyelids opened slowly and I saw him look over at me.

"Melinda? You're back?" He asked softly. I could tell he was still weak from the pain medication.

Mikey smiled and said, "I'm going to head back to see what everyone else is up to."

I nodded my head and then refocused my attention to Don. I decided not to tell him about my injuries if he didn't already know yet to keep him from being upset. "You feeling better, Don?" I asked.

"Why did you leave?" He asked.

I sighed. "I wanted to find Tina…I know she was the one who did this to you, Don. I couldn't let her get away from doing this to you…" I sighed hard, becoming angry with myself once more.

"You shouldn't have done that," He said, looking at me sternly.

"I know…I am sorry. Do you need anything?" I asked, trying to change the subject.

"I am kind of thirsty," Don said as he slowly lifted his back up to a sitting position, holding his head.

I looked over and saw a cup of water sitting on a table where his computer was. I walked over towards it. "Your cup is over here, Don. I'll get it for you."

"No…I need to walk some. I don't like just laying here. I'll get it," Don replied.

I turned my head and saw him slowly climb down his ladder to get his feet on the floor. I walked over and held my hand up to help him. He was kind of shaky some from the pain medication and the lack of food, plus I knew his body must be really still sore and stiff. He stumbled some and the weight of his body pressed against mine, his hand running against my right side. I couldn't help, but to let out a small cry of pain. My rib was now throbbing from the impact. I tried my best to hold it in.

"What is it?" Donatello asked, kind of worriedly.

"Nothing," I said, praying that he would leave it at that.

Don studied my face for a minute and then I felt his fingertips brush up against my skin as he lifted my shirt up some to expose the skin of my right side. I had a huge bruise on that side. It was about the size of softball and a deep purple. I cringed some when I knew that he saw it and I didn't even realize how big it was! He gasped some. "Mel, what happened? Who DID this to you?"

I pulled away and pushed my shirt back down. "Nothing…don't worry about it," I replied quickly. I didn't want to whine about it. "Come on, let's get your water so you can get back to resting." I turned away to walk towards the desk, but I felt Don grab my wrist to pull me back.

"I AM going to worry about it," Donatello looked at me again; his eyes were serious, but yet sincere.

"Look don't worry about it, Don. I'll be fine!" I snapped back, becoming irritated.

"No, I AM going to worry about it! You're NOT fine, Melinda!" Don said, his voice raising.

I sighed and closed my eyes; I felt tears coming to my eyes some. "Look, Hun did it okay! HUN KICKED ME!" I screamed at him. I felt so stupid for even going back to even talk to Tina.

Donatello's eyes went wide. "Hun? You went to him?"

"No…I went to find Tina, but I kind of said the wrong thing out loud and Hun became aware of my presence. He took me back to Saki…" I sighed again, my voice was becoming shaky. "I am sorry, Don…I love you…I felt like it was my fault you got hurt…"

"Melinda…" Don replied gently to me as he reached over and gently touched my face with his hand. "It wasn't your fault. I am just glad that you made it back safely. I just don't want anything bad happen to you…I was scared. I thought I would lose you again…"

I looked at him and then grabbed him, pulling him closer to me and buried my head against his chest. Hugging him close to my body, I could smell his scent. Don chuckled some. "Easy, don't hug me too tight! I am still tender!" I giggled some and let go of him, blushing some.

After I had helped Don get back to his bed, I decided to go to Leo's room to check on Lea. As I was walking to Don's room over to Leo's, I stopped when I heard talking going on in the main area. I stopped and listened in. Apparently it was Karai talking to Leo and the others. I think she was leaving. I waned to walk down and thank her, but I decided to check on Lea. I felt like something was not right. I walked into Leonardo's room and noticed that no one was there. I really didn't think of it much until I saw that Lea's bag was gone! I stood there for about a minute as my body grew tense. I then rushed over and checked the closet where Lea had kept her clothes and nothing was there! I felt my eyes filling up with tears. Where did she go? Why did she just leave? Why didn't she tell me? My eyes then rested on the Kakashi plushie that was lying on the bed. I knew how much she loved that plushie. Why would she leave that there? Did she forget him? No way! Was it a sign? Maybe she was going to come back after all. But why would she leave so suddenly and not tell me about it? If she did leave why didn't the others tell me? I sighed and walked over and picked up the plushie and stared at it blankly.

Suddenly I heard someone walk in the room. I looked up and saw Leonardo walk in. His face seemed to falter when he saw only me sitting there. "Where's Lea?" He asked.

"I don't know…" I said as I sat down on the bed, the plushie still in my hands.

"What do you mean ' you don't know'!" Leonardo asked as he looked around, he too then noticed that her stuff was gone.

"I am saying I don't know where she went. I didn't even know she left." I said sadly.

"Huh? But I told her to come back here with Casey…I-I don't understand," Leo said, I could sense the sadness in his voice. He then turned quickly on his heel and walked out of his room. I tossed the plushie on the bed and decided to follow with great interest.

"Master Splinter!" Leonardo called to his Master who was walking towards the kitchen.

"What is it, Leonardo?" Splinter asked, I knew he could see the trouble on his son's face.

"Lea…did she come back with Casey?" Leonardo asked as he approached him. I knew that Leonardo was trying to calm himself down in front of his Master.

"Yes, she did. She has been here the entire time with me. I know she went to your room earlier. Why is something wrong?" Splinter asked again, he looked back at me. "Has she disappeared?"

Leonardo sighed again, his body almost seem to slump over. "Yes…she did. Even Melinda doesn't know where she is. I don't understand why she would leave like this. She knew we were going to bring Melinda back. Why would she do this!" He screamed out.

Raphael walked out of his room over to where we were. I knew he must have heard Leonardo yell out. "Yo, Leo, what's with the yelling now? Sheesh! I can't even take a nap around here anymore," He grumbled.

"Shut up, Raphael!" Leonardo snapped at his brother and turned to walk away but he stopped at me. "You BETTER stay here and not TRY to go out and look for her." He said sternly to me, his eyes narrow. I looked at him, both of my eyes wide and I remained quiet. With that, he walked to their elevator.

"Leonardo! Where are you going?" Splinter asked as he watched his son.

Leonardo stepped into the elevator. "I need some fresh air, Master," He said. I noticed how his tone had changed when he was talking to his Sensei.

Raphael sighed and cursed a few words under his breath before he walked back to his room. I sighed and gave a glance over to Splinter who returned my glance, then walked back up to Leo's room to get some rest as much as I could, holding my right side as I walked.

For the rest of the evening, I mostly stayed in Leo's room. Sensei had given me some herbs for my pain so I had been dozing on and off. I didn't like sleeping, but the medicine was helping the pain tremendously. Every now and then I noticed that Leo had stopped by to look inside the room as if he was looking for any sign that perhaps Lea had returned. Finally around 4pm the next day I got up from the bed and decided to go down to get myself some food. I hadn't eaten in almost a day so I was craving food majorly. Plus the lack of food with the medicine was giving me a severe headache. Now I knew what Don was going through. I noticed that Donatello was up and walking more. He was sitting on the couch, eating a bowl of soup. He looked a little better, but I could tell he was still sore and weak. There was no sign of Raph or Mike so I figured that they were in the kitchen getting them something to eat as well. Leonardo was doing katas. But not like katas he had done before. He was really working at them as if he was in an engagement. I stopped and watched him. He was yelling out and slicing at the air hard with his katana swords. Every muscle on his body was tense and sweat was covering his body. I guessed he must had been practicing for hours, which I figured must have been right because I heard him yelling out from katas on and off during my sleep. Poor Leonardo. I felt so sorry for him, but yet I was really sad and worried about Lea too. It had nearly been 24 hours and no word from her. How could she not at least tell me what was going on? Was she mad at me? I sighed and walked inside the kitchen to get some food.

"Hey, guys," I said as I saw Raph and Mikey scarfing down their food loudly at the table.

"Hey," They both mumbled through the food in their mouths and continued to eat.

"You want something to eat?" Mikey asked.

"Yeah, what do you guys have?" I said as I looked around. I hated to go through other people's cabinets to look for food.

"Well we had some pizza or you can have the rest of the soup that I made for Don," He said.

"Amazingly, Mikey didn't burn the soup," Raph said as he stuffed another bite of his pizza into his mouth.

"Hey! At least I don't burn water!" Mike snapped back.

"Oh that was a good one, Mikey," Raph said as he rolled his eyes.

I cringed as I looked at their pizza. Normally I loved pizza, but I wasn't craving it from the lack of food and doses of medicine. "I'll just eat the soup." I walked over to get a bowl from the cabinet. "What kind is it?"

"Potato," Donatello replied as he walked in, carrying his empty bowl. "For once, something that Mikey made that didn't kill me either." He smirked. Mikey poked out his tongue at Raphael from Don's comment.

"Sounds interesting," I smiled as I took the ladle from the pot and began to pour the soup into my bowl. "Are you sure you don't want anymore, Don?"

"I don't know," Don smiled some at me. "I may want some more. I'll just have to fight you for it." He smirked teasingly at me.

"My bet's on Melinda," Raphael mumbled some. I giggled some.

"Nah, I am just playing. Go ahead and eat it. I am full," Don turned and walked out of the kitchen, along the way, he reached over and jerked hard on the end of Raph's bandana to make Raph smear pizza sauce on his face. He grinned big as he left. I laughed as I watched. Mikey chuckled too.

"You're so dead when you get well, Geek Boy!" Raphael said as he wiped his face off with a napkin.

I smiled and sat down at the table beside Raph and sipped on my soup slowly. Even the soup wasn't that appetizing for me, but I knew I had to eat. Suddenly I heard the phone ringing. I crossed my fingers that it was Lea. "Oh! Oh! I'll get it!" Mikey jumped up and ran over to get the phone. "Turtle Headquarters! What seems to be the problem, Mayor?"

Raphael groaned and rolled his eyes. "Dumb twit." I giggled.

Suddenly I heard someone yelling on the other end, it was so loud I could hear what she was saying, so could Raph. Both of us exchanged glances, then I got up and walked closer over to Mikey.

"MIKEY! WHAT THE HELL IS GOIN ON! WHY is Lea at Casey's!" the voice on the other end yelled out. I knew it was April. Mikey looked over at me nervously and I began to wonder why Lea was at Casey's. "SHE AND CASEY WERE ROLLING AROUND ON THE FLOOR! Are they Messing around! I can't believe THIS!"

Mikey let out a high-pitched scream. He looked over at me, groaning some, almost putting his fingers in his mouth to gnaw on them. I exchanged a worried look to Mikey. Then I heard Raphael get up from the table.

"This is like a soap opera," He laughed as he walked out of the kitchen. I stayed beside Mikey and listened.

"Uh, April. Are you sure? I mean, I doubt that Lea even likes Casey! He's not THAT good looking like us studly turtles! Nobody would like him unless they were blind or something!" Mikey replied. I groaned and slapped my face.

"WHAT! Mikey! I DID like Casey! Hello!" Then she stopped some. I didn't know if she just realized that she admitted to liking Casey and she grew embarrassed. "I KNOW WHAT I Saw! THEY WERE MESSING AROUND MIKEY! I SAW CASEY ALMOST ON TOP OF HER! I can't believe that stupid jerk would do such a thing!" April said. "Gah, Mikey! You're no help! I need to talk to Master Splinter. I'll be over there soon.." She hung up.

"Whoa that didn't go good," Mikey said, he was almost shaking from all the screaming. "What is it with women and yelling like that?"

I chuckled some and then frowned thinking about what April said. Was she right? Why would Lea go to Casey? I thought she liked Leo. Suddenly my heart almost stopped when I heard Leonardo walk into the kitchen. He wiped his brow and walked over to the fridge to retrieve a bottle of water.

"So who was on the phone, Mikey?" He asked.