Wow, feels like it's been forever. But, here I am! New chapter! New faces!
I don't own Ariana OR tmnt... so please don't kill me!
Chapter 6
Fighting Words
The present
Leatherhead waited until the last shift. He entered Donatello's office and silently, he inserted a microchip into the hard drive, waiting patiently as it drained the information from the computer.
All of Donatello's research, all his notes, his work went into the microchip. As soon as it was complete, practically wiping the computer drive clean, Leatherhead tucked the microchip into his shirt pocket and quietly slipped back out.
He growled to himself, thinking quietly, "This will not pass quietly. And I wouldn't want it to," as he continued his work.
There were specific instructions for him to stay in his office for as long as possible.
Leatherhead knew why. Donatello needed someone on the inside, to investigate. Someone who could be the eyes and ears that Donatello would soon need.
Leatherhead growled low in his throat as he sat back at his desk, taking a breath as he looked over his shoulder.
No one had seen him go into Donatello's office.
And after he hacked the security cams, they never would.
8~8~8~8~8
"Ya know, Kat, you're not so hot."
Kataline Razel looked up from her Subway sandwich, her pink eyes sharp and teasing as she retorted to her rival.
"Yeh? Well, lemme tell ya somethin', Marie. Ya NEED hips ta samba!" She smacked her hip then, which made a loud noise, echoing just slightly through the now-empty subway station.
"Hey you two, cool it." Rick Moda grunted as he looked over his shoulder at the two girls. "Marie, leave Kat alone."
Kataline smirked slightly as she lazily stretched before standing to her feet as she smoothly tossed the wrapper of her sandwich into the nearest trashcan. The rest of the troupe were finished with their lunch. It was almost show time.
"Mommy! Look! It's a dragon-lady!"
Kataline chuckled quietly as she turned around to look. Their first customers were beginning to arrive- many of whom were humans.
The said humans stared at the only mutant in the group.
Kataline was a gecko mutant. She wasn't overly colorful, as some of the other mutants were, but she definitely stood out in the midst of her fellow human dancers.
Marie was already warming up, stretching slightly, the blonde, willowy human started to turn the music up. Jaden, a young punk from Jersey, went to the center of the ring as he chuckled," Alright gang; check this out."
He started dancing, but slowly, warming up as he moved robotically.
Kataline rocked her body to the beat, smirking.
Daft Punk was a fun band to dance to, and Jaden was the best at robotic, repetitious movements. He seemed like an inanimate puppet, as he jerked his elbows and knees fluidly, moonwalking "better'n Michael Jackson", as Rick liked to joke.
Marie was next, jumping into the center of the ring as Hook from Far East Movement droned, "Poppin' bottles in the ice, like a blizzard…"
Moving with seductive accuracy, Marie used her gymnastics and her elasticity to draw gasps of envy and amazement from the crowd who were waiting for their subway.
One by one, the troupe danced, showing off their unique styles and daring grace, drawing admiration from the crowd.
Kataline hung back, as she always made sure that she jumped into the ring only when her crush arrived at the subway. Said crush was a giant of a mutant.
She didn't know what it was about him that made her seek him out. He was reptilian, a mutated Crocodile, she assumed, from his long broad snout and the frills along his head and tail, broad and strong build, though he always appeared in a business suit and spectacles, belying his obvious athletic build.
Tall, Dark and Scaly, as she nicknamed him in her head, always took the 8:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. subway. It seemed that he always came in with a scowl, and seemed to leave with a lighter expression.
Kataline didn't want to admit it, but she liked to think that her dancing made him smile.
And besides this, ever since she had noticed him start coming in, she also observed that their funds seemed to be a little more… wealthier.
But to her chagrin, she never could work up the nerve to ask him for his name. Kataline wanted to know more about him, but when she thought of approaching him, her heart beat too fast.
It was worse then the rumor of limelight fright.
She scowled now, as her music began to play and he wasn't there.
Oh well.
"Go time." She whispered before entering the circle, as T-pain and Pitbull began the song, "Oo la-la-la, girl wanna play, let her go, la-la-la-la, girl wanna play, let her go, la-la-la-la… Hey baby girl what'chu doin' tonight?"
She swung her hips, moving with fluid grace, before leaping up and back, landing upside down on the subway column as she began to move, breakdancing horizontally. She never wore shoes, for the simple reason that if she did, she would not stick to the wall if she did.
Landing onto the column in the subway tunnel, she swung her legs, moving like a gymnast as she stood, bending intricately, all the while moving to the beat of the music. She closed her eyes and let the rhythm take her far away, allowing her body to move with the music as she break-danced on the wall and moved to the ceiling, horizontal and denying gravity it's power over her.
When her part was done, she leapt off, bowing low, and a thunderous applause broke out. Most had seen her dance before, but her dances were never the same.
The subway came and the people left, making the subway empty once more.
Kat stretched as her tail swished slightly, still listening to the latino pop song in her mind.
Rick was counting the money they had received and his eyes widened.
"Guys! We've got enough to start hiring ourselves out at clubs!"
Marie whooped, popping into the air as she exclaimed, "FINALLY!"
Kat was quiet, wrapped in her own thoughts as she looked at the entrance, wondering why Tall, Dark and Scaly hadn't shown up.
Was he just late? Or… was he alright?
She hardly noticed as her troupe started whispering among themselves.
Finally, Ricky announced, "Kat, we think it's time that you went solo."
"Eh?" Kat whirled around, "What ya mean, Ricky?"
"I mean… we've decided that we stand a better chance at getting hired if we're a pure human group. The better clubs don't hire mutants."
Kat's eyes narrowed.
"Aftah all these years… you're jus' throwing meh out?" Her spanish accent got stronger as she glared at them with her brilliant pink eyes.
Marie grinned nastily," Oh, but you're such a brilliant performer, I'm sure you don't need our pathetic dancing to aid you, isn't that right?"
Jaden looked uncomfortable as he stammered, "Kat, please, it's not that we don't like you anymore, it's just that-"
"Save it. Jus' give me mah cut o' da earnings an' I'll take mah leave." She snapped.
There was silence. Ricky shook his head.
"We need ALL the money, if we're going to move up, Kat."
She nearly felt her jaw drop, but she didn't allow it to go. Instead, she drew herself up and responded, "Den Ah guess Ah'll see ya in court."
She turned to run, but the other, stronger members of the troupe grabbed her.
"That's what you think, you treacherous little reptile!" Ricky hissed, his patience at an end as they dragged her away into the darkest corner of the empty subway station.
8~8~8~8~8~8
Donatello went home and quickly opened a case he had buried in the basement of their aboveground home. It was a key, to the Lair. Their Lair still received regular attention, because, as Leo liked to say, they needed to "Be ready for anything."
Donatello grimly took that key and then went underground. As he traveled to the Lair, he contacted Leo and told him the story. It was with a grim ear that Leonardo listened, his scowl growing as dark as Raphael's face had grown when Mikey put a rubber spider in his cereal bowl.
"Donnie, what are you going to do?"
"Reopen an investigation. And heal the cancer patients. No matter what it takes. I'm reopening my lab in the Lair. It's the only safe place I can think of."
"What do you need us to do?"
"Be ready. For anything."
"Got it bro."
8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8
(8 years ago)
Donatello snuck into the apartment, silent as shadows, he looked around. The place was quiet, clean and tidy. Except in one corner, there was a big pile of rocks, crumpled to the ground. Don raised a brow at this before silently looking for the sick computer.
He paused, as someone called out," Hello? Who's there?"
Donatello hid, as a young girl, at least his own 17 years of age, came out from a bedroom. She was pale, with long brown hair and two different colored eyes, one purple and one blue. Her form was hour-glass, though she wasn't skinny, it was easy to see she was healthy. And… well endowed… And...
He gulped as he looked closer.
She wasn't human.
She had long, pointy ears, sticking out from the sides of her head.
Bat ears.
Bat-like wings grew from her shoulders, and her fingers were tipped with claws.
Her mouth had twin, vampirish fangs.
She was beautiful.
Donatello gulped as she came out, her expression stern. Her ears suddenly shrank into her head, as did her wings.
"I know you're there. Come out. NOW."
Donatello realized then, she could probably hear his heart thundering from his chest.
"Um, hi?"
"Shiitaake mushrooms! I thought you said you COULDN'T trace my number!" She scolded, whipping around in his direction, but her eyes were unfocused.
"I said I couldn't. I never said I wouldn't try. And at the time, though, I thought I couldn't." Don responded sheepishly. He added quickly, as her expression darkened, "Listen, I know what you are. And it's ok, I'm not human either."
"Come again?" she responded, her expression changing from anger to anger and disbelief.
"Look, feel my hands. I'm not armed, and I won't hurt you." He thrust his hands into her own pale fingers, mindful of her claws.
"Huh… three fingers, and they're rough." Her eyes, now eerily looked into his face as she gently moved her hands to the rest of him, moving up his arm to his shoulder and then just a little beyond that, "Mmm, a… shell? Are you a turtle?"
"Yeah… nice guess. People who CAN see always get it wrong."
"Well, I'm not quite the average blind person. Besides, I like turtles, I've been begging Cupid to let me have one, but she won't let me keep pets."
"I hope she'll let you keep me." Donatello thought to himself as Ariana paused and murmured," … Oh yeah… Cupid…" She cocked her head, as though listening, "She's still not here, is she?"
"I don't think so, who is she?"
"You'd know her if you saw her."
"I see… I can fix your computer, if you still want me to."
"Oh that would be awesome! THANK you!" she grinned, flashing her fangs.
He smiled back, though she couldn't really see it, "No problem. What was your name again?"
"Ariana! And yours was… Donatello, right?" she smiled.
He grinned back," Yeah. But you can call me Don, or Donnie."
She smiled," I'll do just that."
8~8~8~8~8~8
Cupid slammed herself against the cells of her cage, yelling in fury.
"You can't keep me here, damn it! I've got people I need to look out for! Let me out! PLEASE! I didn't do anything wrong! I-"
"Sh!"
She stopped, looking around with a glare.
And then blinked. That shadow in the corner wasn't just a shadow… it was a creature.
A green creature with a shell, huge muscles and a red mask.
And an attitude.
"Ya screaming so much, a person'd think yer bein' tortured!" He hissed as he snuck over to her prison.
She hissed back.
"No one asked you, bozo."
"Look, you want out or not?"
"Please. I want out. Very, very much." she whispered.
He nodded as he picked the lock. She nearly bolted out, her eyes narrowed as she whispered," Find me a window and we'll be good."
But at this moment, the sun rose. And she gasped, "Oh no!" as her feet became incased with stone, followed by her legs, and then her whole body. Her expression was one of mournfulness.
Raph stared. And then, he was forced to book it back the way he came, as security guards came. They all dropped their coffee, seeing the statue in the cell.
Raph growled, unable to believe it. How the shell… WHAT the shell was she?
8~8~8~8~8~8
Ariana yawned as she murmured," Is it sunrise?"
"Yeah, why?"
"Cupid's not back…" Ariana stopped, her eyes growing dark as she murmured," Something's wrong. Cupid ALWAYS calls to tell me if she's roosting somewhere else for the day."
"Um… who is Cupid?"
"She's my roommate… and a literal gargoyle."
"Come again?"
"She turns into stone during the day. But at night, she breaks her stone casing and goes hunting. Not for food though… for justice."
"A… gargoyle?"
"Yeah. That's what that pile of rocks over there is from. She normally roosts right there."
"Umm… does she have feathery wings? White hair? And a forked tongue?"
"Oh, you've met her?" Ariana added under her breath," She DOES get around…"
"Not exactly…" Donatello swallowed. He didn't know how to break this to her.
8~8~8~8~8~8
Raphael stormed into the Lair. He was tired, angry and even Mikey seemed to know that it was best to stay away from him… preferably a mile or more away.
Raph slammed the door to the dojo shut as he drew back his fist and began to bash away at his punching bag. He growled, ignoring the pain of his bare fist hitting the rough leather, harder, faster, beating the crud out of the innocent object.
Finally, with a yell that echoed through the Lair, he ripped his sai from his belt and tore the bag to shreds, breathing heavily, he collapsed to the ground. A hand rested upon his shoulder and he looked up, to see Splinter there.
"My son, what troubles you?"
Raph growled, trying to get his breath and his thoughts together before responding.
"Everything."
Splinter waited, before the whole story poured from Raphael. His encounter with the winged being, trying to spring her out… and the nasty surprise when the sun rose and she turned to stone.
"Hmm… I did not know there were still gargoyles living in the world. And in New York, no less."
"Gargoyles?" Raph looked sideways at his Master. "Is that what she is?"
Splinter nodded. "I have never seen one, though, my son. This is the first that I have heard of a living gargoyle."
Raph grumbled," Great. More mumbo jumbo…"
At this moment, Raph's shell cell began to beep. He picked it up with a snarl," Yeah WHAT?"
It was Donnie.
"Guys, we have a problem. A big problem."
"What is it, Donnie?"
"Well, you know how the Foot tried to poison April? Well, I just found out that… that Oroku Saki, aka The Shredder, supports organizations that are dedicated to finding the cure… which means he's directly involved with the research."
"How did you find this out?"
"I've been, uh, talking with someone who used to associate with Mr. Saki."
"Who?" Raphael asked, suddenly worried.
"Her name is Ariana. And she's… well, she's got a lot of answers to some of our questions."
8~8~8~8~8~8
Cupid woke with a shout, growling as she cracked her stone coating, snarling with rage as she examined her surroundings. She tried, once again, to smash her way through the bars of her cage, but these bars seemed to have been designed for her.
"Good morning. Or good night. However that works for you."
Cupid hissed as she looked at the human who spoke. He was a cop, a guard, she guessed. He looked young, and he quickly slid in a plate of food for her.
"I'm really sorry about all this." He added quietly.
She snorted. "So am I, human."
He looked at her sideways," What are you?"
"I'm a gargoyle. Don't ask me where I came from, cause I don't remember." she growled as she ate what was given to her.
He shrugged as he watched her, telling her quietly, "I hear the couple you rescued are trying to bail you out. But there's some debate, because… you're not human."
Cupid rolled her eyes.
"Terrific. This is just what I need."
The guard swallowed before asking," Do you have family?"
"Why would I tell you that, bozo? So you can hunt them down and imprison them?" she growled.
"No! I'm just… I'm sorry." he told her quietly. His shift ended and he looked over his shoulder, as she perched in her bed, her blue eyes never leaving him as she growled, "I hate cages…"
8~8~8~8~8~8~8
Ariana cheerfully made another pot of coffee for Donatello as he finished fixing her laptop.
She sat across from him, her sightless eyes eerily on his face as she shrugged," I used to have leukemia. My progress to recovery was slow, despite the treatments I was getting. And… Mr. Saki promised that by making my mutation stronger, my own DNA would save me. But I had to sign a contract, one that took away my freedom. I was so desperate to beat my cancer though, I was blind to the fact that I was selling my freedom… No pun intended," She added with a short grin.
"Luckily, one of the stone statues that was stationed at the palace was Cupid. She was a hired thug. Saki promised her a safe place to roost if she would protect her level of the building, and allow samples of her DNA and stone skin to research. We bashed into each other one night when we were on patrol and became friends. Once we realized that we were being played by a man of great evil, Cupid helped me bust out of there. We've managed to survive on our own for about three years now. I work, to support the both of us while she protects the building and generally keeps this side of town clean of bandits, thugs and other unsavory types."
"Incredible…" Donatello murmured. "So… Do you think it's possible that Saki is behind some of the deaths of the Cancer patients?"
"I wouldn't doubt it. He's cruel and evil, and it would be like him to take advantage of something so horrible. But… what could he stand to gain from poisoning those innocent people?" Ariana questioned gently, "I thought I was the exception. He knew of my bat mutation. I never thought he could be killing the other patients. And… why would he do such a thing?"
Donatello did not respond, because he himself did not know the answer.
At this moment, however, the door was broken down. Ariana shouted," CUPID! I TOLD YOU NOT TO DO THAT!"
Donatello had his bo staff out, his eyes narrowed as he growled, "I highly doubt that's Cupid. If it is, she brought company."
Ariana growled as she suddenly ducked low to the ground, just as a handful of shuriken came hurtling towards her, burying their blades into the wall behind them. Donatello pitched himself forward, engaging their attackers.
He couldn't see them very well, but the style of attack was unmistakable.
The Foot… they, they found Ariana! But… how?
There was no time for questions. Donatello grabbed Ariana's computer before grabbing her around the waist, quickly throwing himself shell-first out of the balcony. Ariana shouted, "Don, let me go! Trust me!"
Don didn't want to, but then, she ducked down, biting his arm sharply.
He shouted, jerking away in surprise and shock. Her wings sprang out, and she grabbed hold of his shell, grunting and straining as she glided to a stop. They both ran, as soon as their feet hit the pavement.
Ariana chirped, every now and then, to maintain Don's position. He suddenly skidded to a stop, instructing," Hold this TIGHT. And trust me!"
He put the laptop in her arms and then scooped her into his arms, taking off at a dead run. Ariana clung to the laptop, rigid as she whispered, "Where… where's Cupid?"
"I don't know. But I know a place we'll be safe. Trust me."
She chuckled quietly," Honey, if I didn't trust you, I never would have bit you."
Don grumbled, "About that, I HAD a plan!"
"Ah, but you didn't trust me."
He didn't respond. Because at that moment, they were surrounded.
And not by the Foot.
By the police.
8~8~8~8~8
(The Present)
Leatherhead left work late, the microchip in his coat pocket. His home was across the street from where Donatello and his brothers lived. It was a good set up, but Leatherhead still hated being around so many people.
Perhaps the only upside to walking home from work was the subway dance performers. A small group of humans with one mutant member would dance and perform crazy antics, in the subway that he took to return home.
The mutant, a Gecko girl, was the most talented of the eight people in the group. With her ability to crawl up walls, she certainly was the most eye-catching of the group. Using the wall and columns in the tunnel as her props, she was more amazing then Spiderman.
He didn't know her real name, but he had heard her called, "Kat."
Leatherhead felt a smile working on his face as he thought about her. She always looked like she had so much energy, so full of life and laughter.
Every day, he made sure to give the group a good amount of money for their performance. What he didn't understand was why the group continued dancing in the subway tunnel. Why didn't they move up in station?
Especially Kat. He knew she had potential to be something better.
A scream broke through his thoughts.
Leatherhead stopped mid stride and looked around with a snort, his eyes widening as the screaming was cut off short.
A thin, muffled Thwack! sounded out.
Leatherhead growled as he followed the sound, moving fast. He dropped his briefcase, when he saw the cause of the noise.
The street performers. All of the human dancers surrounded the gecko girl. She was splayed on the cold concrete, bleeding from knife-wounds and horribly bruised.
"What do we do with the body?" One of the men whispered.
Leatherhead growled, taking off his coat. His eyes had narrowed, the pupils slit as he felt rage grow, burning like a bonfire in his soul.
"You're not doing ANYTHING with her body."
And with that, he charged into their midst.
The knives proved useless, as the small pricks only served to piss LH off further. He roared, grabbing two, he bashed them together before throwing both bodies into the third, who was attempting to flee. Most of them tried to flee, but he picked up a garbage can and rolled it, knocking them down like bowling pins.
Leatherhead breathed hard as he tried to bring himself back under control.
The thugs were not going anywhere for a while. He crouched beside Kat, who was breathing shallowly.
As he took off his shirt and used it to stop her arm from bleeding any more, her eyes, one of them swollen and bruised, cracked open.
"¿Es usted un ángel?" she murmured in a hoarse tone. (Are you an Angel?)
"No. No, soy un amigo." (No, No, I am a friend) He replied haltingly. His study of languages was limited, and he quickly inquired," Habla english?" (Speak English?)
"Si.. Yeh." she hissed, "I speak English."
Leatherhead was not done checking her vitals.
Thank god, no broken bones so far.
"Do I have your permission to check for any serious injuries?"
"Yeh." she replied, wincing. She was in obvious pain.
He quickly questioned, "Where do you feel pain?"
"Mah head. Esos hijos de puta, traidores mentira …" (Those bastards, lying traitors) she murmured angrily.
Leatherhead gently took her head in his hands, feeling it. Her skin was transparent enough that he could feel her bone structure well. But there were no cracks, other then bumps and bruises.
"Why did they gang up on you?" He asked, as he moved down her body, checking further for injuries. She was very muscular, yet sinewy.
There was hardly any fat in her waist. But as to her hips… another story.
Mild concussion. He concluded, Cuts and bruises… but no broken bones, or internal bleeding.
"Dey through meh out of the troupe… and dey was gonna take mah share of the earnings. Cause I'mma mutant. Today, we made a fortune. And… dey 'cided dey don't need me. No mas." (No more) She added wearily.
Leatherhead grumbled to himself. Stupid greedy humans…
"I've seen you before, but I don't know your name." Leatherhead told her quietly.
"It's Kataline." she added. Her voice was halting, and her brooklyn AND spanish accent were a little hard to decipher.
"I'm going to call the hospital."
"Nah, I don't got the money fer a hospital. Jus' bandage meh up and get dose esos hijos to a p'lice station."
Leatherhead knelt by her as he took out his cell phone. He told her quietly," I won't leave you alone like this. And if you can't pay, then I will. But you're not going anywhere until you're back in good shape."
She looked at him with surprise, her bright pink eyes looking at him with a mixture of both shock and weary happiness.
"Gracias dude. Bu' I can't repay ya."
"That's fine. I don't expect you to." Leatherhead replied gently. This day just kept getting better and better… He scowled to himself. First, his friend was fired, after discovering cancer's CURE… and now this poor young mutant was beaten and bruised, all for the sake of money.
Money, money, money… the love of it being a curse to all. Leatherhead replied quietly as he took out his cell phone.
He didn't notice the one human, standing around the corner, who had not joined in the beating up of the mutant girl. She had her own cell phone out, and she was dialing 9-1-1 as well...
8~8~8~8~8~8
Donatello walked into the Lair and gave an inaudible sigh of relief. He had yet to hear from Ariana, whom he had called 3 times already. He was beginning to worry.
"April, what have we gotten into?" he muttered quietly. As he booted his computer, re-awaking his old laboratory, he silently calculated what it would take.
Leatherhead would have to be his inside man. Leo and Raph would also have to pitch in, alternating and picking out some of their closest friends as spies.
Donatello was determined to find out who was behind the real reason for his being fired. He himself would not be able to do it. Not without drawing attention.
And in the meantime… he needed to find someone to test his cure on. Somebody…
And he knew just who to contact for that job.
But as he worked, his eyes narrowed in thought.
Didn't they already defeat the Shredder?
If it wasn't Oroku Saki, then who? Who could be behind this atrocious act?
His shell cell rang and he quickly picked it up.
"Donnie? What happened?"
"It's ok, Ariana. I'm alright… I'm going to need your help though."
8~8~8~8~8~8~8
Leatherhead made sure that Kat was comfortable, carefully and swiftly, as he growled to himself. She was not pleased that he was taking so much trouble to make sure she was alright.
"Look, Leatherhead, I know ya gots bettah things to do, am I right?" she muttered. His jacket was wrapped around her, as he waited for the EMS to arrive.
"Excuse me, Kataline, but I'm not going to leave you here all by yourself. If you truly wish for me to leave you alone, I will, but I would prefer to see to it that you are taken care of. Will you let me do that?"
She gave him a lopsided smile, showing blunt teeth," Amigo, yer a little late in askin' mah permission."
"I beg your pardon, but-"
"S'ok. I'm jus' not used ta people givin' me so much sincere TLC."
He smiled slightly, as he looked down at her, "Not everyone is heartless, my friend, though the majority of the world finds it much easier to act without soul."
"Hhnnn." she murmured, closing her eyes, "Feel tired."
"They'll be here soon. Rest easy." He replied, putting a hand to her pulse.
The humans he had tied together, and they were awake and shouting threats and taunts.
Leatherhead tried to focus on Kat, instead of the punks who were making his blood boil.
At this moment, police sirens rang out, and the subway filled with policemen.
They took one look at the situation before pulling out their guns and pointing them at Leatherhead, shouting, "FREEZE!"
Leatherhead paused, confused and filled with both anger and worry. NOW what?
"Step away from the mutant and put your hands over your head!"
"She's injured! I have to get her to a hospital!" Leatherhead shouted back, only to have a warning shot fired at him.
"Step away from the mutant!"
Leatherhead didn't dare to disobey. If he did, he might survive, but Kat would be harmed.
All at once, though, a roar sounded out, "STAND DOWN!"
Leatherhead nearly gave a shout of relief. Raphael came racing towards them as he sent his order ahead.
"What the hell do you boys think you're doing!" he snarled at the policemen who were pointing their guns at the giant mutant.
"We got a call that there had been a mutant attacking some humans and-"
Leatherhead tried to restrain a low growl as he interrupted, " I'm afraid you are mistaken. This young lady needs medical attention NOW. At least take her to a hospital. I'll comply with whatever demands you make, but take her to a hospital and see that she's taken care of."
Raphael could sense the dislike around him. Except for Ricky and David, his two closest human friends, most of the law enforcers there were not happy when he growled, "STAND. DOWN. Someone get an EMS down here NOW."
The emergency vehicle came within 3 minutes. Leatherhead watched as Kat was taken away. He then submitted, as he was forced to put his hands behind his back. Not even Raphael could stop them from hauling him away.
Raphael growled as he turned to his friend, "Ricky, I need the name and number of the person that called Leatherhead in."
"Will try, boss." Ricky nodded as he quickly took out his keypad. David scowled as he looked at the tied up humans, who all looked a little too smug about their 'rescue'.
"Maybe those punks down there can tell us."
Raph nodded sullenly as he spotted six bruised and smug looking hooligans. He recognized them, as some break dancers who often frequented the subway he had to take to work. Except their number was missing one. A Gecko girl. Now that he thought about it, the mutant who Leatherhead had been carrying was the same performer.
Raphael growled, "Frankie, let's go talk to these guys. I gotta feeling they know all about that stupid phone call."
8~8~8~8~8~8~8~8
(8 years ago)
Cupid hissed, her eyes dilated as she woke from her stone sleep, only to find that she was not alone. Several jail guards stood just outside the cell door, along with what appeared to be a city official and… some strange dude in a suit with a briefcase.
A real loan shark. she thought dryly to herself.
"What are you?" The city official growled at her.
Cupid looked at him balefully but did not answer.
This did not please the human in authority, who barked, "Are you deaf? ANSWER!"
"… I am a gargoyle." She responded. It was with reluctance she spoke, and every word seemed filled with distrust.
"And where did you come from?"
"Dude, not even I know the answer to that question. And what I do know, I have never told anyone."
His face softened as he looked at her, another question materializing, "How old are you?"
"I'm 15 or 17. I never was sure. I could be older or younger. Why do you care? What would it matter if I was 15 or 1500?" Cupid growled, "I rescued a helpless couple of humans from the real predators, and just because I look like a monster, I'm treated like one. Did you even arrest the punks I bashed?"
"A few of them are dead." The man replied flatly.
Cupid snorted, "And you would rather that the old man had died, yes? Or his wife injured?"
"You cannot just decide what justice is and how it should be meted out-"
"You're right. So what now?" Cupid growled.
The question was unexpected. And the official had no answer for it.
She added with a hiss, "You do not own me. I live here, but I am not required to obey your laws. Therefore, you do not truly have the right to hold me here!"
"We would if we made you a citizen." One of the guards spoke. It was the same guard she had spoken with her second evening there.
As his words hit the air, there came a stifling silence. Cupid shifted uneasily. She glared at them, but said nothing as she waited for the verdict.
The coifed loan shark now spoke up.
"I've been hired by the couple you saved, miss…"
"I'm Cupid."
"Miss Cupid. I'm your lawyer. My name is James Brooke. And it's true, what the officer here said. You'd be required to obey the law if you were made a citizen."
"She's not human!" The city official barked.
Cupid smirked, "Nope, I'm just a savage who scrounges in the sewers, trying to make a living."
"Are you mocking me?"
The city official puffed up, but Cupid only responded quietly, "What do you wish me to do? I can't leave, I have too much in this city to leave behind."
The lawyer looked at the city official, who only now appeared to be softening somewhat, as the gargoyle slouched in the cage, looking at them with her stony eyes.
"So, you tell me, wise ones. Where do I go from here?"
There was a moment of silence. Simultaneously, the humans all turned and walked away. Cupid slouched on the bed, her wings folded around her shoulder as she glared sightlessly at the opposite wall.
Softly, she murmured.
"Where do I go from here?"
8~8~8~8~8~8
Ariana gripped Donatello's hand as he led her through the sewers. Her nose wrinkled and she murmured, "I'm glad I can't see right now. It smells like an outhouse!"
Donatello chuckled quietly," Not a bad guess."
He opened the Lair door and pulled her in. Mikey glanced up, his eyes immediately resembling saucers as the bat girl walked in. Her ears jutted jauntily from under her cap and swiveled as she observed, "Ok, how many pairs of eyes are fixated on me?"
"DUDE! DONNIE! You brought home a BABE!" Mikey crowed as he sprang to his feet. Donatello winced, "Mikey, be quiet! I've got to explain to SPlinter about-"
"Explain what to Master Splinter?" Leo walked in and crossed his arms.
Ariana's ears shrank beneath her cap and she cowered slightly behind Donatello, murmuring, "I sense disapproval."
Donatello squeezed her hand reassuringly as he looked at Leo.
"The Foot's after her. I figured this would be the best place to bring her. Besides, I didn't even need a blindfold."
"For the simple reason that I can't see anyways." Ariana added, as she hesitantly stepped from behind. She couldn't see the others, not in the regular sense. She extended her ears and chirped. The sonic vibrations gave her an outline of the room and the now four other mutants.
She cleared her throat and allowed her wings to spring from her back, showing them that she was no more human then they.
"My name is Ariana. I am no friend of the Shredder's. He saved me from cancer, but he asked me to do evil things in return. Had I known, I would have rather died. And I would rather die then serve him. Please accept my friendship and let me help you in anyway that I can."
She chirped again, the image shifted slightly, as the others had moved. She could hear and smell the fourth person, who was much smaller then Donatello, but still stood about her height.
"I am called Master Splinter. And you are welcome into our home, child."
Donatello smiled. And Ariana flashed her own pearly fangs in a grin.
"I'm delighted to meet you, Master Splinter."
Raphael growled, "You'd better be ready to stand by those words, lady."
"Oh I am." Ariana growled softly back. "But first things first… We have to rescue my friend, Cupid. I have a feeling that if the Foot knew where I was, then they know where Cupid is as well."
The song Kataline dances to is "Drop it to the floor" by Pitbull and T-pain. I don't own it! Or "Like a G6" by the Far East Movement. OR Daft Punk.
Thank you to all who have read, reviewed, fav'd and put this one on story alert!
If you're interested, there are pictures of Ariana and Kataline on my DA account. the link's on my Profile. :) til next time!