First things first, regarding my question from before: No one, and I mean no one, voted for it to be separated. I was surprised at that but everyone who responded...you get your wish. I'm keeping it all in one big, massive story! Woooo! Second, I want to give a shout out to "Just Be Reckless" They pointed out a few things that needed to be looked at so hopefully I can go back and change those mistakes. Thank you, you're amazing. On with the story!
"Are ye sure ye don't want tae come wi me?" Dragan asked, concern in her voice, standing next to Kara on the balcony.
Kara shook her head with a sigh. "It's been several days after meeting Renet. I'm pretty sure I know what Leo is preparing for; I know you do as well." Kara looked down at the people who were doing their own thing, not having a care in the world. "It's still too soon for me.." She lowered her head in her arms, clenching her hands tightly together.
Dragan brought her arm around her, pulling her close. "I understand. Do ye want me tae stay wi ya?"
"Nah, you don't have to. I'm going to go visit Casey so I'll be ok." She gave Dragan a small smile.
She slowly pulled away and went to climb to the roof but turned giving her one last glance. When Kara gave her a wave, her smile widening some more, she turned back and reached the roof, leaving for the Lair.
Kara went back inside, closing the door behind her and fell over onto the couch. She laid there for a couple minutes before standing up and heading out the door.
Dragan arrived at the Lair to see Mikey watching Crognar the Barbarian alone. Knowing this was one of the guy's favorite shows she looked around wondering where the rest were until she heard Raph's voice in Donnie's lab. She walked over and to see them going over the plans to rescue Karai. "So she was right.."
"I say a full frontal assault. We bash our way in and take no prisoners."
"Remember last time? We couldn't even get through the front door." Leo reminded his battle ready brother.
Donnie butted in, slamming his hand over the pizza box that was Shredder's hideout. "All we need is better stealth which leads me to present my latest invention." He pointed both his hands towards a dumpster with a toilet seat attached to it before moving them to his cheeks to admire his handy work.
Dragan, now having entered the lab with Mikey by her side, stared at it.
Leo asked the question he was looking for; though not in the form he intended. "What's with the mess?"
"That's my latest invention: The Mark X1 Experimental All Terrain Urban Stealth Vehicle."
"So you invented a dumpster?" Raph asked bewildered.
"Hate tae break it tae ya Donnie but...the dumpster an toilet seat hae already been invented. Sorry, better luck next time."
"That's the point, Raph." Donnie emphasized, sticking his tongue out at Dragan, "It's suppose to blend in perfectly with the..um..other trash libering New York City." Donnie moved over to the toilet and shoved a puppet head back inside the seat before turning to his brother's in excitement. "Come on! Let's test it out!"
"I thought you were fixing the Turtle Mech. How's this thing going to help us?"
"Look, if you want to break into Shredder's Lair this babys the thing to use; not a giant, lumbering robot they could see a mile away. The Foot will never see us coming."
"He does hae a point, Leo. I mean, even the smell is real." She chuckled while waving her hand over her nose. She blinked when she heard a toot behind them and turned to see Mikey sitting on the toilet, flushing it.
"Dude, it's got full flushing action. Nice." Mikey was kicking his feet admiring the added detail.
Dragan looked away while covering her eyes. "Ooch, seriously, Mikey?"
As they all got ready for the night's mission Donnie came over to Dragan and placed his hand over her shoulder. "Hey, how's Kara doing? I know she's been avoiding us lately.."
"It's not ye that she's been avoiding..it's the mission. She feels she won't be able tae control herself around Shredder, Tigerclaw, or anyone else. She doesn't want tae compromise the mission. I hope ye understand."
Donnie nodded and gave a sigh of relief. "Of course. I'll give her a call later. Thanks for telling me."
"Anytime, Don." Dragan smiled as he turned and left.
Feeling hungry, Dragan left to go get something to eat as well as pick something up for Kara and Casey. When she returned to the guys she blinked when they managed to bring the "stealth vehicle" from the sewers to the surface.
"Worst. Invention. Ever." Dragan heard Leo say from inside, making her giggle.
"Ugh, and I thought it smelled on the outside." Raph groaned.
"Well, if it makes ya feel any better...ya guys look pretty convincing from where I'm standing." She took a casual sip of her soda and smirked when she heard Raph yell.
"Ok, guys, let's do this." Donnie smiled as everyone got into position, all four of them sitting across from each other as they began to simultaneously peddle together making the dumpster move..a centimeter per minute.
Dragan watched, unamused, while drinking her soda as the dumpster moved slower than an old lady crossing the street. She took two steps and she was already ahead of them. She let out a sigh thinking this was going to take forever when Smelly Jon took a seat on the toilet and got comfortable as he unwrapped his dinner for the evening.
"Hi, Smelly Jon." She gave a small wave which he returned with inaudible gibberish. She blinked when he was suddenly thrown off the toilet and gave him another wave. "Bye, Smelly Jon."
"Meh-noy!" He shouted.
She shrugged and gave the dumpster a knock. "I'll wait for ya at the location."
"Right behind you, Dragan." Donnie strained to say as they worked their muscles to move the vehicle.
"Uh-huh." Was all she said as she left.
Dragan was sitting on the roof in the shadows watching the Footbots as they stood guard at the entrance. She figured she'd be able to take them on all on her own til she heard the soft squeaking of a type of machine. She leaned downward into the alley and covered her mouth to keep herself from laughing as she spotted the "stealth vehicle" slowly making it's way to the edge of the alley. She leaned back, staring down at her watch. "Huh, only took them aboot an hour an a half tae get here. I'll just stay an watch them play." She got comfortable watching as the little gadgets and add-ons Donnie made with it tore the Foot Bots a new one. "Man, I should o' bought some popcorn for this show."
Once the Foot Bots were dealt with she landed beside Donnie and Raph.
"See? No fuss no muss, haha, the perfect stealth vehicle." Donnie smiled.
"Took ye guys long enough." Dragan grinned as she began to stretch.
"Now, let's head to Stockman's lab and capture a brain worm. Stealth only, ninjas."
Dragan nodded, her grin disappearing and she followed quietly behind the others as they made their way inside Shredder's Lair but blinked when she heard Mikey run into something and apologize. "Come on, Mikey."
They made it to Shredder's training room without a hitch.
"We're almost tae the lab." Dragan whispered leaning her head out from cover as she observed the are for any sign of the enemy.
"We're gonna make it this time." Mikey whispered, smiling as they ran for the door until Raph was knocked off his feet by a surprise attack.
"Oh, dang, we got some trespassing turtles up in here." Bebop landed across from them with a smirk on his face.
"Surprise turtle freaks! This time we squashes you heads like the blueberries."
"Five of us against two morons? We got this." Leo said with a grin as he pulled out his weapon, his brothers and Dragan following suit.
"Well, well, well, I see the gathering has just begun." Tigerclaw appeared behind them.
"Leo...he's mine." She whispered taking a step towards him.
Leo gave her an uncertain look but nodded as he and his brothers charged Bebop and Rocksteady.
She ran at Tigerclaw with a battle cry as their swords collided.
Tigerclaw grinned as he stared down at her. "Such potential. Such talented wasted on the wrong side. You and Kara would of accomplished so much more if you would of obeyed Master Shredder."
"That's what ye think, Catman! We know what we fight for! Ye will pay for aw the things ye made us do." Dragan shoved Tigerclaw back and swung her sword for a low attack but Tigerclaw blocked with his sword. Metal collided with metal til she spun around for a high attack but instead she switched the sword to her other hand, lowered it to the ground at the last second, and punched him in the gut.
Tigerclaw doubled over and she took this opportunity, throwing her fist up in an upper cut. He yelled out in pain as he was thrown off his feet, and landed hard on his back. "That's for Kara." She glared down at Tigerclaw before turning her attention to the other side of the room to see the doors open and three crab like mutants appearing. "What the?"
"Aw, not these freaks again!" Raph rolled his eyes in annoyance as they joined the party.
Dragan jumped back to where the others were. "I don't remember seeing ya three around."
"Guys, there's too many of them. Get out of here!"
After spin kicking Rocksteady, Raph turned to Leo in surprise. "Retreat?!"
"Tactical retreat!" Donnie added in, running towards the exit.
"Lock the doors! Do not let them escape!" Tigerclaw ordered as he stood to his feet.
"Raph! Look out!" Hearing Rocksteady charging them Dragan turned around, while bringing out her shield, and stood her ground but she didn't stand a chance against a five hundred pound charging Rocksteady. She was thrown into Raph and the both flew across the room.
Raph was the first one to land, hard, on the ground and rolled a few inches then came Dragan right on top of him just as hard, her shield landing right on his legs, the impact adding pressure to his already sprained leg, letting out a scream in pain.
Dragan shakily stood to her feet, holding her stomach in pain. Leo ran for them, Donnie right beside him as they helped the two to their feet, Donnie grabbing her shield as well.
Tigerclaw and the others took a step to surround them til Mikey jumped over them, throwing a smoke bomb to escape while yelling his catchphrase, "Booyakasha!"
April was helping Dragan rub some ointment over her bruised side but Dragan stopped her with a pained smile. "I'll be ok. Go help Raph instead. I think he took the worst o' it." April nodded and stood to her feet grabbing an ice pack she had and placed it over Donnie's head then moved to Raph.
"Hold still, Raph, I think it's sprained. You're going to have to stay off your feet for awhile and heal up." April explained as she began wrapping his ankle.
"I'll heal later. Right now, I'm down for a little sweet revenge."
"You've proven your foolishness once. There's no need to prove it again." Master Splinter walked in staring at his sons with worry.
"Sensei, we have to get one of those brain control worms. It's the only way Donnie can create a cure for Karai."
"I appreciate the effort but you must remember your lives are just as important to me, my sons, and because of that..no missions until Raphael's leg heals." Master Splinter said.
Of course, the guys didn't like that.
"Not again!" Mikey groaned while Raph shot to his feet.
"Don't sideline the rest of the team because I'm down, Sensei." Raph pleaded.
"I have made my decision." Master Splinter narrowed his eyes, making his final decision, before his eyes softened. "Rest and get well my son. You as well, Dragan." He turned and left them be.
"I'm sorry, Raph..." Dragan looked away, holding her side.
"It's not your fault." Raph sighed, plopping back down on the couch.
"Are you guys ok?!" A yell caught them off guard as Kara and Casey ran full speed into the Lair. She looked around seeing their pained expressions as well as the bruises. She first ran to Donnie, hugging him close with a sigh to see he wasn't as hurt as the others but when her eyes fell on Raph and Dragan she hung her head. "I shouldn't let them get to me.."
"Uh...hey..again." Casey gave an awkward wave not entirely sure if he was suppose to be here or not.
The guys gave a wave back. They were still unsure of him but seeing how close he is with Kara as well as his fighting skills they didn't have too much of a problem with him.
"Come on, Dragan, let's get you patched up." Kara helped Dragan to her feet and escorted her to Donnie's lab.
Casey stood there while looking around, now able to get a good look at the place. "Nice home."
"Uh..thanks.." Leo rubbed the back of his head nervously but blinked when Casey held his hand out.
"We've never been properly introduced. I'm Casey Jackson, a friend of Kara's."
"Um..Leonardo but Leo is fine." He smiled and shook hands with him as he introduced him to the rest of his brothers but then the air around Casey got intense as he stood in front of Donnie.
"Nice to meet you, Donnie." Casey said with a steely smile as he clenched his hand tightly around Donnie's making him tense up and panic. He leaned in and whispered something that Leo couldn't quite catch but if he had to guess, it was about Kara. Once their small talk was over, Casey's gaze fell over to Leo and he gulped, knowing it was his turn.
"I'm sorry, Dragan...I should of been there." Kara said quietly while wrapping her side up.
"It's nae your fault, Kara. Tigerclaw was there an...he spoke o' it. Ye wouldn't hae been able tae control yourself; I almost didn't. We won't force ye tae fight a battle ye cannae handle." She placed her hand reassuringly over Kara's shoulder and smiled. "Besides, I gave him a little present, just for ya." She grinned as she balled her hand into a fist and giggled, making Kara smile.
"I can always count on you. Now it's your turn to count on me. You should rest with Raph."
"I suppose. It's not like we can do much anyways. Wait, did he mean us as well?"
"We're part of the team soooo, yeah, I think we count. We're grounded too." Kara sat down on the chair having finished with Dragan's side.
Dragan winced as she put her shirt on and gave a pout.
Donnie came into the lab at a rather fast pace which surprised both of them; looking at each other curiously.
"So uh..just had a uh..chat with Casey." Donnie said nervously, rubbing the back of her head.
"Oh? How'd that go?" Kara smiled leaning against the chair.
"He...he cares deeply." Was all Donnie said.
Kara raised a brow but began to laugh. "He gave you "the talk" didn't he?"
All Donnie did was nod. "He's currently talking to Leo as well."
"Leo too, Huh?" Kara looked over at Dragan, smiling seeing her blush.
"Wow...that's really sweet o' him."
Kara's smile widened but blinked when Donnie placed his hand on her shoulder. "I need to talk to you for a moment."
"Aw, come on, Donnie, Casey may look big and tough but he's a real gentleman." She looked over at him and noticed he had a serious look to his face making her stand to his feet. "I'll be back, Dre." She moved to the other side of the lab with Donnie.
"I think Leo is planning something; I think he plans to go back to Shredder's Lair alone."
"What makes you think that?" Kara blinked in surprise.
"It's..just a feeling. You and I both know how he feels about saving Karai and since Master Splinter "grounded" us you know he's bound to do something reckless."
Kara crossed her arms lowering her gaze in thought. "True...what should we do about it?"
"I don't know..he might be more successful if alone but..they could consider this action and set a trap." Donnie placed his hands to his chin.
"I'll watch him tonight while you all rest. If he does I'll follow him."
"Are you sure?" Donnie put his hand on her arm. "If you're not ready.."
Kara let out a sigh, running her hand through her hair. "I'll be ok. I don't like staying on the sidelines while you all put yourselves in danger."
Donnie smiled and held her close, kissing her forehead. "You're more brave than you think, Kara."
That night Kara patiently waited in the shadows, her eyes closed, as everyone rested. A figure emerged out from their room and a small smile crept from her thinking Donnie was right. As she went to stand she blinked when she noticed the figure wasn't as tall as Leo. In fact, they were coming from a different room and were heading for, "The kitchen?" She quietly walked inside and saw Mikey digging through the fridge for leftovers from dinner.
"Mikey? What're you doing up so late?" Kara whispered walking over to him.
"My mid morning snack." He answered while shoving a slice in his mouth.
"You should be resting. Go back to bed." Kara hissed while pointing towards his room.
"No way, not til I finish my snack. Besides, I didn't get hurt as badly as the others. I'm ok to go with Leo." He smiled as he took another bite, surprising her.
"Wait, you know?"
"Mhmm. After Casey left and Donnie went to check on you he began talking weirdly about going solo and stuff. It's pretty obvious what he's planning." Mikey rolled his eyes shoving the rest of the slice in his mouth and grabbed another.
"You're right about that.." She leaned against the wall, arms crossed. "If he planned it tonight I was going to go with him to make sure he would be ok." She clenched her fist, closing her eyes. Being caught and held against her will, having that mind control worm inside her head, She placed her hand to her forehead feeling the pain of it entering her head; it made her shudder.
Mikey noticed this and placed a hand to her shoulder, snapping her out of her thoughts. "Hey." He spoke calmly, setting the pizza down on the table, his full attention on her. "Don't force yourself to face something you're not ready for. I'll go with him instead, ok? I'll keep in contact in case something happens." He gave her his bright smile that could cheer anyone up, and as always, it succeeded.
"Ok...thank you, Mikey." She pulled him into a hug and grabbed a slice of her own. "I'll head home then and stay in touch...be safe." She took a bite and went to leave but stopped. "He's making his move."
Mikey picked up his pizza and took a bite as he poked his head out seeing Leo, indeed, was making his move tonight. "Showtime." He whispered, giving Kara a smile and followed silently behind Leo.
Kara let out a soft sigh and calmly walked out of the lair eating her slice of pizza as she made her way home.
Kara had winded up taking a nap on the couch while watching the morning news. The sound of her phone going off right in her ear which made her almost jump out of her skin and fall off the couch with a start. She jumped to her feet frantically looking around the room til she saw her phone on the floor vibrating while playing a ringtone Mikey handpicked. She bent over, picking it up, and placed it to her ear giving them a tired, "Hello?"
"Kara! We've got a situation!" Mikey screamed into the phone but it was hard to hear from the wind blowing and what sounded like the phone was held against a rumbling stomach.
"What? I-I can't hear you..." Her attention went to the TV where she saw a giant mutant monster thing on camera with Grody. "Oh no..." She ran out to her balcony and was able to see it, pinpointing it's location. "Oh geez..what did you guys do?"
"It wasn't us!" She heard Mikey yell over the phone. She rolled her eyes with a sigh. "I'll be there shortly!" She yelled before hanging up the phone and dialing Donnie as she ran out the hotel and towards the monster. "Donnie, have you seen the news?"
"Yeah, we're watching it right now. What happened?"
"I don't know but it's near Shredder's Lair so I'm guessing it's one of Stockman's experiments. I'm heading there now. Leo and Mikey are close by to the creature."
"Ok, we'll be on our way. Stay safe.."
"I'll try." A small smile appeared on her face as she hung up the phone.
Donnie lowered the phone from his ear then looked up at Master Splinter.
"Go. Find your brothers and save the city."
Dragan slowly stood to her feet along side the others, ignoring the pain in her side but would rather not run any time soon. Hearing Raph groan in pain she turned around to see him on one knee, holding his foot. "Maybe ye should stay here instead.. We don't need your feet getting any worse."
"If I gotta walk on my hands we're taking that thing down!"
"Hmm..maybe we can use something else to help you walk." Donnie said with a smile.
"I'll tak the Shellraiser an give ye some back up." Dragan grinned after hearing his plan.
"We'll meet you there." Donnie called out as she left for the van.
"Alright. Stay safe, everyone!" She yelled back just before entering the Shellraiser and turned it on.
Kara rounded the corner near Shredder's lair and halted, seeing Mikey being eaten by the thing. "No...Mikey!" She screamed running up to the mutant but stopped when the Shellraiser moved in her way.
The doors opened and Dragan came to view. "Hop in."
Kara jumped inside before Dragan reversed and rode away from the monster. "Wait, where you going? The monster is right there!"
"Wait an see, Kara." Dragan stopped a ways from the monster.
Both of them saw something small attacking the monster and upon closer inspection saw Leo fighting it off and eventually, got caught.
"We have to go help him!" Kara yelled and went to run out the van but was stopped by Dragan grabbing her hand.
"Be still, Kara. Help is on it's wye.." She turned to her and smiled before looking back towards the monster. A shadow loomed in the background and her smile changed to a smirk. "The fight is about tae begin."
Just as she said that a large explosion came from behind the monster forcing it to the ground.
Kara's eyes widened and followed Dragan's eyes to see the Turtle Mech. "He did it!" Kara shouted in excitement.
"Come on, let's show this thing what we can do." Dragan glanced back at Kara, smirking as she stomped her foot on the gas pedal, speeding towards it.
Kara grinned and moved over to the weapons, beginning to fire manhole covers at it's feet. It stared down at them but it's attention went back to the Turtle Mech since it was causing more damage. Dragan swurved for a corner as the Turtle Mech moved in for close range attacks.
"This is getting insane!" Kara yelled watching as the tongue began attacking the guys inside the mech. "Firing garbage cannon!" She slammed her fist on the button, aiming for it's tongue and making contact. Both the girls cheered but blinked as the tongue slithered towards them. "Oh..I did not think this through..." Kara had a sweatdrop slide down the side of her face as she let out a yell, the tongue wrapping itself around the Shellraiser.
"Why didn't Donnie install something for this!?" Dragan yelled as she tried to reverse back but was lifted up off the ground. She heard explosions and could see the guys and April trying to distract it but it clearly wasn't working.
Kara looked out the cameras and saw the Turtle Mech charging for them and grabbed the back of the van. She put on her seatbelt as the Turtle Mech and Mega Shredder had a tug of war with them. "I don't know how much more this can take!"
"We can hold out a little longer!" Dragan noticed Leo attacking it from above but blinked when she saw movement inside it's mouth. "What the...Mikey!" Dragan smiled as she saw Mikey burst through the monster's teeth and charge in, slicing the tongue off, freeing them. Once the Shellraiser landed safely, Dragan pulled it into reverse behind the Turtle Mech. "I think the guys hae this covered." Dragan said with a sigh.
"You said it. Though I wouldn't mind watching the rest of the show." Kara unbuckled herself and stood by Dragan's side watching as the Turtle Mech threw a hazard container into it's mouth and the monster exploded into bits and pieces. "Woohoo, yeah!" Kara shouted in victory but blinked as monster goo and gunk began falling on top of the van.
"Ew..." Dragan turned on the windshield wipers, cleaning the windows.
"Time to go."
"Yup."
Dragan drove off back towards the lair to return the Shellraiser back to Donnie.
Honestly..I had no clue what to write for this chapter (._.) It's another one of those winging it chapters but I hope you enjoy it nonetheless. You all know the routine! Rate/Comment! All feedback is much appreciated! See you when I see you :D