Disclaimer: I don't own the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Whoever told you or suggested to you that I do is a lying, raving lunatic.

I do, however, own several very nice pairs of socks.

More moving along-ness this time around, so "woo!" for that. Incredible thanks to everyone who has reviewed so far, especially those who reviewed this last chapter and answered my questions about chapter length and such. It was greatly appreciated, and if I knew where you lived, I'd give you all cookies! Seeing as how I don't, though, instead you guys get computer cookies! See? () Mmmm, cookies…

Also, special thanks to: Jerico Cacaw, Oni Mathier, coldsunshin, Tewi, BubblyShell22, Pi90katana, and Digmon Girl for reviewing the story. You guys are what keep me writing! And several of you gave me some great input about the chapters, and I really appreciate it! To those of you who consistently review each chapter, you're awesome, and it means a lot to me. :D

And now behold all the glory, wonder, and special-ness that is Chapter 5!

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After Don washed off the blood from the surgery, and Raph spent a few tight-lipped minutes staring at Leo, they reentered the hall with April. But before they advanced two feet, Don faltered and stopped.

Raph felt his brother leave his side, and glanced back over his shoulder. "What's up, Donnie?"

Don was standing a couple steps behind them, his eyes on his feet and tears evident in his voice. "I can't do it, Raph. I can't go in there and face them. I can't tell them he's going to be okay, or any of the things they want to hear; I don't even know if they'd be true. This is the worst he's been hurt ever, and I-I…I just can't do it."

Raph stayed where he was, unsure of what to do. Here was another glimpse for him of what it felt like to be standing in Don's shell, to be the "medical" turtle. The only thing everyone expected of Raph was for him to be the hothead and the first one in a fight. He didn't know if he'd have the guts to always be the one to tell everyone else how bad someone was doing. And despite his knowledge of Don's currently fragile emotional state, he still wanted Don to do it, not wanting that responsibility. It was April who saved him.

"It's okay, Donnie. I'll tell them." The gratitude in the brainy turtle's eyes told the redhead she'd said the right thing. "You've been through enough tonight. I was there too; I can tell everyone how he's doing. Why don't you go get some rest? The second door down the hall is an extra bedroom."

"Thanks, April. I'll see you guys in a bit." Don moved off down the hall slowly, his shoulders bent under a still-heavy load.

As the door shut, Raph turned to April. "Listen, April…thanks," he managed gruffly.

The redhead faced him with a tired smile. "It's alright, Raph. I'm glad to do it for him. Seeing Leo like that…it was awful." Tears filled her eyes. "I've never been so scared for him in my life. And I've only known you guys for a year or two. But Don…tonight was horrible for him." She wiped her eyes and took a couple deep breaths to calm herself. "No matter how hard it is for me to do this, it'd be ten times worse for Don, having to relive all of that again. If I can spare him from that, I will." Squaring her shoulders, she continued down the hall, Raph falling into step beside her. "Let's go give them the news."

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Mikey sat at the kitchen table, staring at his hands, his mind going over what April had just told them.

"Leo's still unconscious, but that's to be expected; we just have to hope he doesn't go into a coma. Don and I were able to get the bullet out, but…there was a lot of bleeding. Fortunately, we didn't find any extensive internal damage, and the transfusion from Raph helped. But the only thing we can do now is keep an eye on him and hope he pulls through."

After giving the news, April had called Master Splinter. Casey left shortly after that, offering to go pick the turtles' sensei. Meanwhile, the rest of them had spent the time following the announcement sitting silently in the apartment, each lost within their own thoughts. April seemed to be the only one still able to function; she tended to Iganna, cleaned up the bathroom, and checked on Leo and Don. The other two turtles were left with nothing to occupy them other than worrying about their eldest brother.

Mikey laid his face in his hands, a choked sob working its way out of his throat. Why Leo? He wondered miserably. Why did it have to be Leo who got hurt? Wasn't getting attacked by the Shredder and the Foot enough? Why does this keep happening? A gentle hand was laid on his arm, drawing him out of his despair. As he looked up, he saw Iganna sitting next to him, compassion on her face.

Remembering her injury, he glanced down at the bandages on her side. When he affirmed that very little blood stained the dressing, he met her gaze again. "How're you doing, Iganna?"

A gentle smile crossed her face. "I am fine, Michelangelo. The bullet only grazed my side. Your brother needs your prayers and concern far more than I do."

The mention of Leo caused Mikey to lower his gaze back down to the table. He had not yet gone into the bathroom to check on his brother. The memories of the last time Leo's life was in danger still haunted him; he remembered well how hard it had been to see Leo beaten and frail. Mikey had already watched his brother get shot, and he didn't think he could stand to see him injured so badly again. Even though he was the youngest, he always tried to be as strong as his brothers. If Don and Raph could handle this, so could he. Swiping at the new tears in his eyes, Mikey turned back to the woman at his side.

"So, Iganna, do you live in the Big Apple, or are you just visiting?"

"I only just arrived in New York this month. I am staying near Central Park for a while to see how city life suits me."

"Suburban girl, huh?" His eyes lit up at the thought of showing a tourist around and some of his energy returned to his voice. "I could show you the movie place! Ooo! And the pizza place! You gotta see it; they make a pizza fit for a king! Or…" he chanced a sly glance at Raph before continuing, "a Battle Nexus champion!"

"Mikey…" Raph growled warningly. His tone lacked the normal threat, though, for they were all glad for a lightening of the mood.

"Hey, you could come visit us at the Lair and I could show you my trophy! It's big and shiny and it makes Raph jealous." Waving a three-fingered hand at his older brother, he quipped, "See? The dude's green with envy."

His brother groaned at the pun. "Can it, bonehead." Focusing on the woman beside Mikey, he narrowed his eyes slightly. "So what's yer story?" Ever since Karai had come into their lives, Raph doubted his eldest brother's taste in women.

Iganna sat back, meeting Raph's glare evenly. "I was born in Canada, and spent the first eighteen years of my life there. Then, after my eighteenth birthday, I decided to move to the United States. There were more…opportunities for living here than there were in my hometown. After looking around for a few months, I settled down in Maine. It was near enough that the environment felt like home, but far enough that no one knew me."

For some reason, the woman's words and tone caused Raph's spine to tingle. He even imagined his hackles would be rising, if he had hackles. Can mutated turtles have hackles? What da shell ARE hackles? Shaking the thoughts from his head, his focused his gaze on Iganna. "What da shell is that suppose'ta mean?"

The woman jerked her eyes up to Raph's, a panicked look flashing in her eyes before she ducked her head and replied quickly, "I mean, I meant, I-I would be far enough from home that I would be forced to depend on myself; I would have to be independent."

Raph's eyes narrowed several more degrees; there was no way that he bought her excuse. His eyes darted to meet Mikey's, and he saw to his surprise that his normally comedic brother seemed serious. He watched as Mikey gave an almost imperceptible nod in response to his unspoken question: Did you catch that too? Mikey then turned back to Iganna, falling back into his normal, charismatic persona.

"Geez, bro, lay off! She's just spreading her wings; you know, like some mutated turtles I know, goin' topside when we're not supposed to. 'Cept she doesn't get punished with chores from Sensei."

The red-banded turtle was confused by the change, but suddenly understood; his youngest brother didn't want Iganna to know that they were suspicious of her.

He played along, giving a disdainful snort. "I don't know what yer talkin' about, Mikey. That was one time; I ain't the one that gets caught every time I go topside without permission. If I remember correctly, shell-for-brains, you are tha graceful one that managed ta let everyone know when you were "sneakin'" back into da Lair last month." He was gratified to see Iganna relax as he continued the bantering.

Mikey cringed at the memory. "Don't remind me; Sensei kicked my shell over that. I still don't see why I had to clean all the weapons for a week over one little pizza run."

Raph raised an eye ridge. "It was in da middle of the day, bonehead."

"Oh, right." The youngest turtle shrugged. "Well, the Teen Titans Marathon was on, and as everyone one knows, the Turtle Titan must have proper nourishment for such an occasion. Sensei just doesn't understand the amazing pie of joy that is a large pepperoni pizza!"

"On the contrary, Michelangelo," a calm voice interrupted wryly, "I too understand the allure a good pizza. However, I also understand the importance of stealth to a Ninja. A lesson you would do well to learn yourself, my son."

"Sensei!" Both turtles jumped out of their seats to greet their master.

"I am glad to see you too, my sons. But I wish now to see Leonardo; where is he? And where is your brother Donatello?" The Ninja master watched as the happy smiles slowly faded from his sons' faces, replace by masks of worry and sadness. He had known in his heart that Leonardo had been attacked, but not the extent of his injuries. And though he sought to remain calm, the fact that his sons' spiritual energies were in such a state of turmoil began to concern him. "Come, my sons, take me to them; Mr. Jones has informed me of Leonardo's condition since our departure of the Lair, but I wish to see him myself."

Raph looked over his shoulder at the way to the bathroom and sighed. He hadn't seen Leo since they'd brought him to April's place, and he had to admit that despite his fear and April's assurances that Leo was safe for now, he wanted to see his older brother. "This way, Mastah Splintah." The trio stopped by the room Don occupied, and after he awoke and greeted their sensei, they entered the bathroom.

Sorrow immediately filled Splinter's eyes at the sight that awaited them. "Oh, my son…"

Leo was lying on the "operating table," horribly silent and still. His chest and stomach, nearly his whole plastron, were covered with bandages, which were already tinged with scarlet. And his skin, normally a bright, healthy green, was now a pale, sickly color that worried Splinter. He quickly crossed the distance between the door and the table, and laid a gentle hand on his son's shoulder.

"Leonardo…Leonardo, my son, can you hear me?" The lack of response worried the old rat; why did his son not answer?

"He's not conscious, Master Splinter," Don told him softly. "He was knocked out, so he's not answering you. He's currently in a deep sleep, both from the blood loss and the aftereffects of Raph knocking him out."

The turtles watched as their sensei moved his hand to Leo's head and closed his eyes. They remained silent, for they knew that Splinter was trying to reach their brother through his mind. It was a normal occurrence whenever any of them were hurt, and it let Splinter determine the exact extent of their injuries. What they weren't prepared for was Splinter's reaction: their sensei's eyes jerked open and his hand fell from Leo's forehead.

"Raphael, Donatello, Michelangelo; tell me what has happened."

The three brothers exchanged confused glances; neither could remember hearing their sensei this agitated before. Raph stepped forward and related the story to Splinter.

"…And that's how we ended up here," he finished. Taking in the anxiety of their teacher and father, he hesitantly asked, "Mastah Splintah? What's goin' on?"

The old ninja sighed. "I am concerned for your brother's well-being, Raphael. I cannot sense his mind at all."

Mikey paled. "What do you mean, Sensei? He's not-"

"No, Michelangelo," Splinter assured him quickly, "your brother is still with us. But something is blocking my contact with him on a mystical level. I sensed a dark force of a supernatural nature surrounding him earlier, and this carries the same feeling." He shook his head. "I will meditate on this later; for now I wish to thank Miss O'Neil and Mr. Jones for their aid. I would also like to meet the young woman you have brought here."

"About that, Sensei," Mikey began, "she's really not that bad. I mean, she totally freaked when she first saw us, but who the shell wouldn't? But she's been really worried about Leo, and the chick's been really cool about the whole "giant, mutated turtle" thing. She hasn't even mentioned ratting us out…oops, sorry Sensei, " he finished, embarrassed.

"It is alright, Michelangelo. One must wonder, however, as to the reason why our guest is so, as you say, "cool" with our unusual appearances," Splinter said softly.

"Whadda ya mean, Sensei?"

"Never mind, Michelangelo. We will talk later. For now, honor demands that we greet our guest."

The ninja master calmly led the way into the kitchen. He slowly approached Iganna's chair and, leaning on his walking stick, bowed to her. "My name is Hamato Splinter, my child. I wish to extend my gratitude for your acceptance of my family."

To the turtles' surprise, Iganna's reaction to a four foot talking rat was nearly the same as her reaction to them: momentary surprise, and then the right hand offered for a handshake. "My name is Iganna Triolini. It's an honor to meet you, Spli-um, sir," she finished awkwardly, unsure of how to address the venerable figure before her.

Splinter reached forward to take the proffered hand, but when his paw was inches from her hand, he paused. Only his three sons behind him saw the small twitch of his tail, which had always signaled concern or anger in the past. Their confusion grew when their sensei, rather than shaking the woman's hand, instead patted her on the arm and proceeded to bow again. "You may call me Master Splinter, and the honor is mine, Miss Triolini."

The glint of anger in Iganna's eyes as she dropped her hand was almost too brief to be seen, but the turtles had spent the last sixteen years of their lives sharpening their senses. Mikey, never wanting to be left out of the loop, leaned over to Raph and whispered, "Okay…what the shell was that all about?"

His older brother shook his head slightly. "Got me, Mikey." The two turned to look at Don, who shrugged. The fact that their brainy brother was also in the dark about the situation concerned, rather than comforted, the two turtles. But at that moment, Splinter's words caught their attention.

"…I am indeed glad that your injury is a minor one, Miss Triolini. If you will excuse us, I wish to speak with my sons about their brother."

The woman's usual gracious smile was back in place. "Of course, Master Splinter. I am very glad that I got to meet you."

As the rat slowly left the room, Don, Raph, and Mikey followed behind, struggling to hide their confusion. Once they reached the bathroom, Splinter sat down on the chair by Leo's table with a weary sigh, while his other sons positioned themselves around the room. Don was the first to break the silence.

"Master Splinter, I don't mean to pry or anything, but what's going on?"

Splinter looked up, meeting all of his sons' gazes sharply. "Why don't you tell me what you believe is amiss, my sons?"

The three younger turtles exchanged confused glances. "What do you mean, Sensei?" Mikey ventured carefully.

"You all seem convinced that something is not right; why do you feel this way?"

"Well, one thing that was kinda weird was when you didn't shake Iganna's hand, Sensei," Mikey pointed out. "Didn't you like her?"

"I shall share with you my opinion of Miss Triolini later, Michelangelo. Raphael, Donatello; did you witness anything that concerned you?"

"Iganna did seem unusually upset when you didn't shake her hand, Master Splinter," Don mused. "Although I'm not sure why."

"And you, Raphael? Did nothing of our guest's actions disturb you?"

The red-banded turtle folded his arms, a suspicious glare coming to his features. "Now dat ya mention it, Sensei, there is somethin' that's been buggin' me. How come she ain't freaked out by us? I mean, shell, even April an' Case were when they met us. An' all she does is shake Leo's hand like it's every day she meets giant talkin' turtles. So why the shell ain't she scared?"

"Language, Raphael," their teacher reproved mildly.

"Sorry, Sensei. And another thing; when Mikey asked her why she was in New York, she said 'cause no one knew her here. That ain't the kinda thing people say, an' I ain't buyin' the line about bein' "independent," eithah."

"And all this you have noticed? Nothing else?"

Raph and Mikey shook their heads, but Don had a thoughtful look on his face. "Actually, Master Splinter, there is one more thing."

"Yes, Donatello?"

"Well, it might be nothing," the brainy turtle warned them. "But, when we first met Iganna, before Leo…got shot," he said, choking slightly on the words, "when he shook hands with her, he, well, he looked…strange."

Splinter's gaze was focused on Don with an unnerving intensity. "Strange? What exactly do you mean, my son?"

"Well, he looked like he felt really dizzy. Right after he touched her, he grabbed his head like he was exhausted or had a headache. But the fight hardly lasted three minutes, and Leo wasn't even breathing hard. And after they shook hands, Iganna was smiling," his family watched as a curious look crossed Don's face. "I didn't think about it until now, what with being so worried about Leo, but now it seems odd; if she just got shot at, and met us, why would she be smiling? I mean, other than us taking care of the gang members, there wasn't anything to really be happy about." Breaking off his musings, he returned his teacher's stare. "What are you getting at, Master Splinter?"

Splinter sighed. "Michelangelo, will you check the hall and close the door, please?" The orange-banded turtle silently obeyed, peering down the hall, and signaling that they were alone as he carefully shut the door. Splinter continued in a solemn tone. "I believe that our guest is not quite who she claims to be." Raising a paw to still his sons' interjections, he continued. "When I went to shake Miss Triolini's hand, I sensed from her the same dark energy that I felt threatening Leonardo earlier this evening."

"WHAT!" All three turtles were shocked by the revelation. Raph was the first to reclaim himself.

"I knew there was somethin' screwy about dat broad," he snarled. "I swear, if she's the reason Leo got shot, I'm gonna-"

"You will do nothing, Raphael," Splinter snapped. "An enemy one does not know is the most dangerous enemy one can have. Until we know more, we will act as though these happenings are merely coincidence. Donatello, I would like you to find out anything you can about Miss Triolini by, as you say, "surfing the Web". And remember, my sons, be prepared for anything."

Raph bowed before heading for the door. "You don't have ta worry 'bout that, Sensei. Anyone who messes wit' our family goes at tha top of tha list; we'll find out what she's up to," he assured his master.

As he left the room, neither his brothers nor his sensei heard what he growled under his breath.

"An' when we do, she'll be answerin' ta me."

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A/N: Ooo, the plot thickens! Cue the foreboding music! BUM BUM BUM:D So now things are starting to come together a little bit, even though this wasn't the most action-packed of chapters. But some more of the plot is showing up, and hopefully you all are getting curious now. And I know you guys are missing the Leo action, but trust me, he'll be in the next chapter, so don't worry.

Let me know what you think of this chapter; for some reason I had some trouble writing it, but overall I'm pretty happy with it. Also, how did I do on Mikey? I never realized it before, but he's the hardest turtle to write for, 'cause he's just all over the place. I think I did an alright job though, but input would be greatly appreciated. And apologies for this chapter being out so late; school and creativity have not been kind this week, and I haven't been able to get as much done as I would have liked. And with next week being exams, I won't be able to get the next chapter up until after Thursday. . Arg. But I promise I'll be doing my best to pick up the pace a little and churn out some more chapters during Christmas break.

And the final note, concerning last Sunday's TMNT episode: LEO'S BACK:D I'm so happy! I haven't liked him being all "GRRR" and everything, and when he attacked Master Splinter I went "Holy crap! No he didn't!" Unfortunately, though, tomorrow's episode is an old one. (Tear) But Leo is back to his old self, at least a little, so happy yay-ness for that! And I ordered the DVD of TMNT with the episodes "Shredder Strikes Back 1 & 2" and "Tales of Leo". I'm soo excited to actually get to see them, 'cause all I've seen is "Tales of Leo", and I can't even remember if I've seen the whole thing. So here's hoping it gets here soon!

Thanks for reading, and please R&R! Flames shall not avail you, for I am flame retardant! (Checks burn scars from pan and toaster) Well, maybe not. ;; Anyways, this is calliopechild, signing off. Bye!