"We did everything we could; now we just have to wait. I know it's hard, Raph. We may not know her personally but in a way, she is one of us." He said trying to reassure his younger brother. "Why don't you get some rest, I'll take over." Raphael made no motion to get up. Leonardo just sighed, knowing how stubborn his brother can be and protective. But as a leader, Leonardo has to make sure that his family is also taken care of. "Raphael, this is not your fault. If anything; you saved her life."
"Yeah but what if she doesn't make it, no one knows she is down here. I know she has allies but how do we contact them?" Raphael replied with his head in his hands; feeling defeated.
"She'll make it, she's strong and we will worry about her allies when she wakes up. Now go to bed." Raphael got up and made his way to his room. Leo took the seat for his vigil over the injured superhero. "Not sure if you can hear me or not but let me tell you a few things about us. My name is Leonardo, the leader of the team. You met Raphael. There is also Donatello, Michelangelo and Master Splinter. Donatello and April were the ones that just took care of your wounds. Mikey is a big fan of yours and so am I. We live down here sewers only venturing topside when needed. We have been trained in ninja arts by our father, Master Splinter." Leo quietly explained. He continued his vigil until he heard the door whoosh open. Mikey entered to take his turn.
"How is she Leo?"
"No change, she is resting comfortably. Donatello said nothing major was hit so she should be fine." With that; Leonardo stood up and left the room. Michelangelo sat down for his vigil. In the next room; Raphael lay on his hammock, tossing and turning. He couldn't get the images of a bloody Phoenix out his mind. He wasn't sure why this was bothering him so much. "It's not like I know her personally or something. But there is something about her that reminds me of myself. I guess it's her attitude. I've always heard that she is stubborn and would rather rush in. Definitely not a Leo!" Raph chuckled a little at his last statement. He continued to try to sleep but it avoided him. Raphael left his room to check on Phoenix. When he entered; he found Mikey dozed off in a chair next to her. He gently coaxed Mikey back into his room and took the seat himself. Raphael felt that since it was him that found her; it is his responsibility to watch over the superhero. Raphael continued his vigil until Leonardo entered.
"Go get some rest Raph, I will take over."
"No Leo, this is my responsibility. I am not leaving until she wakes up. I found her so she is my charge."
"Raphael, don't do this yourself. It is not your responsibility completely. You didn't do this to her; if anything you saved her life. Let us help you."
"Yes it Leo, I heard the gunshots while on patrol but didn't see anything by the time I got there. I searched the area but found nothing. I tried following the blood drops but it fell off in the street. I heard a lot of shouting yet I decided to leave it alone. If I followed my intuition, I would have been to get to her sooner." He said frustrated. Leo placed a comforting hand on his brother's shoulder. Leonardo understood his brother's feelings and knew himself that Raphael would not easily let this go.
"Raphael, even if you had followed; who is to say that she would have one less injury. There is no telling what would have happened. I'd say by the number of wounds she had, most of them occurred before you heard anything. Also, you could have gotten hurt, think of that Raph, how do you think she would feel if you got hurt trying to save her. I know we fight to protect people but so does she. Technically, she has been doing this longer than we have. I know it doesn't make it right but without you finding her; she would be dead." Leo said trying to reassure his brother. Raphael made no motion to get up. Leo sighed; knowing he was fighting a losing battle with his stubborn brother. He decided it would be better to leave rather than continue to the conversation.
Master Splinter sat in his meditative position when he heard Leo enter the living room. He plopped on the couch, exasperated from his attempt in fighting with Raph. "Why is Raph so damn stubborn that he can't get it thru thick head; this is not his fault?"
"Your brother feels responsible since he is the one that found her and he heard the commotion right before hand. Raphael, as you know, is very protective of anyone that needs help and he already explained to me what happened. Please be patient with your brother, Leonardo." Master Splinter calmly said.
Raphael continued his vigil over the next few days until he heard a slight moan. Three days after being found, Phoenix was finally coming around. He sat up straight and strained his ears to listen. Phoenix slowly opened her eyes to adjust to the dim light of the room. She put her hand on her head, rubbing the spot where she had been hit.
"Where am I?" She slowly sat up, stretching muscles that hadn't been moved in days.
"You're down in the sewer, in the lair." Raphael answered. "I brought you down here after I found you." She turned her attention to the voice. "You're the one that saved me; Raphael, right?"
"Yep, that's a good sign you remember my name. Let me go get my other brother to check on your wounds. I'll be right back." With that, Raphael left the room and retrieve Donatello. He found Donnie sitting at his computer. "Hey Don, she's awake." He said tapping his shoulder. The two turtles made their way back to the room.
"How ya feeling?" Donatello asked as he began his examination.
"Tired and a bit sore." As Donatello began removing the bandages, he was surprised to see no scabs, scars or even a mark. Phoenix sat still as she tried to calm her racing heart. She knew she would have to explain why just three days ago she was covered in blood and now nothing.