"I don't understand; where did all of your wounds go, they surely could not have been healed already!" Donnie exclaimed. Raphael stood surprised as well.
"I have healing powers; my body heals at an accelerated rate." She meekly said. They both starred at her. "I'm not like other superheroes in that respect. Thanks for saving me by the way."
"Your welcome, my name is Donatello. So, what happened up there? I didn't think a whole city would just suddenly attack a superhero out of the blue like that." Donnie asked.
"If you could me help into the living room; I can explain to everyone." Raphael and Donatello each helped her off the bed and into the living room. Leonardo, Michelangelo and Splinter turned around when they heard the whoosh of the lab doors open. Leo stood up making room on the couch for Phoenix to sit. Don and Raph gently eased Phoenix on the couch. "I'm sure all of you have several questions for me. But first I would like to know the rest of your names?"
Leo spoke up first, "My name is Leonardo, I am the leader of the group. Michelangelo is the one with the orange eye mask and next to me is Master Splinter. You've already met Raphael and Donatello. My first question is how did you end up in this situation?"
"As you know, I am known as Phoenix, one of the most powerful superheroes in the universe. I have been fighting villains since I was about 12. As to what happened up there, Angel somehow managed to convince the majority of the world to turn against me. She came onto the scene a couple of months ago. At first, we didn't consider her a real threat until that is she started attacking cities. We fought back. I had heard that she was spreading some sort of rumor that I am too powerful for own good. I didn't think too much of it until recently. The past few battles, I heard some people shouting that I am no longer needed. Then today, I was attacked by a large mob of people armed with guns, knives and everything else you could think. I didn't realize what was happening until I felt the searing pain of a gunshot wound to my shoulder. Knowing that if I stayed, I would be killed; I ran. I felt another round of searing pain in my thigh. As I pushed past the crowd, I felt the blades of knives score my skin and one puncture my stomach. Once I got past; I ducked into an alley, behind some dumpsters. I waited till the coast was clear and I slid down the manhole cover. I figured it was the safest way to get out of the city. When I went to rest against the wall, I heard footsteps. Fearing that I was discovered, I powered a ball of lightning and unsheathed my sword. When the figure was close enough, I threw my attack to distract them then put my sword at their throat; by the way, sorry about the Raphael. I'm sure you know the rest of the story from him. I tried being stubborn in not involving anyone else." Phoenix sat in silence while she waited for the turtles and Splinter in to digest the information she provided. "I hope that helps with your questions."
"It does Miss Phoenix." Replied Master Splinter.
"I have one more question, how were you able to heal so fast?" Don asked.
"Oh that, yeah, that relates to my heritage; I guess since all of you are now involved in this; you have the right to know my true identity. That and since obviously I can't use the name Phoenix for awhile, it wouldn't be safe for any of you call me that." She quietly explained.
"That would be most wise." Replied Splinter.
"My name is Ari Cyaire Wayne. I am the adopted daughter of Bruce Wayne. My parents were killed when I was little and he took me in. As far as my powers, I was born with them. I was trained by the Justice League but I am not officially part of the team. Initially, he didn't want me to fighting but I started sneaking out when I was 12. It took him three years to figure out that the new hero on the scene was me."
"Whoa, you're rich, like way beyond rich!" exclaimed Mikey.
"Michelangelo, do not interrupt," Splinter reprimanded him, "please continue."
"Thanks, to answer your question Donatello, technically I am not human. What I just told you are what people here in this current time think my past is unless they know the truth. And right now, I have yet to tell anybody this. You see; my real name is Sariana. I am known as the princess of the gods, daughter of Zeus and Hera. I was born just over a thousand years ago and was raised in the mortal realm of East Elysionia as their crown princess. While I was living in Elysionia, I took up the mantle of Phoenix to help protect my people from attacks. It was then Angel appeared with her army of titans. I fought against and sealed her body and power. Unfortunately, it was too late for Elysionia. Everything was destroyed in the war and I was the lone survivor. Not long after that, my uncle Chronos; god of time, said there was a need for me in the future. So here I am, fighting the same evil I fought over a thousand years ago. That's why I think she is doing this, to get back at me for what I did then." Ari finished her story and waited for them to take in all the information.
"That is quite a story Miss Ari. You have a very interesting background. I have to admit I have never met a goddess before, even for me this is a new experience. Do not worry Miss Ari, you are safe down here and can stay with us for as long as you need. My sons will keep you safe if have you have to venture topside for anything." Splinter said reassuringly.
"Thank you Master Splinter for the offer, I think I will take you up on it; if the rest of you do not mind." She said with her head down. Leonardo stood up and kneeled in front of Ari. "We will be honored to have you as our guest, Ari." Leo replied.
"Thank you." She stated but only to be interrupted by her rumbling stomach. "I guess I'm a little hungry."
"We have pizza." Raphael answered.
"Yum sounds good!" With that, Raphael went to the kitchen to reheat some leftover pizza. Just as Raphael was returning, the news broke in on the tv.
"We are reporting live from New York City where it believed that Phoenix has been killed; although no body has found. Police say they have found several spent shell casings in the area and rather large pools of blood. They do not believe she could have survived the assault. We will continue to keep you up to date on this recent and tragic turn of events." Leo shut off the tv. "Well I guess that means Angel won't look for you anymore."
"No, she will. She will want definite proof I'm dead. I guess I won't be returning topside for awhile. I hate to do this but I'm gonna have let others think I'm dead. I know they will search but I cannot risk them getting hurt. I feel bad enough now all of you are involved in this." She said lowering her head.
"We will help you in any way we can Ari." Said Raphael. She smiled back.
Back at Wayne Manor, Bruce desperately searched thru all surveillance videos on that day; trying to find any clues to where Phoenix might be. "She cannot be dead, I won't believe it." He said punching the keyboard. He had heard what happened and immediately called the rest of the Justice League. None of them could believe this just happened and all vowed to find Phoenix. "I will find you Ari, even if I have to turn the whole world upside down doing so." Bruce tried tracing any calls or signals from her communicator but found nothing. He wasn't even sure if she was in New York or not.
In Jump City, the Titans were also forming a plan on how to find their fallen friend. Robin sat at his computer while Cyborg at his; both searching every video, tracing every signal they could find but to no avail. Robin turned to Raven who was floating in meditation. "Raven, do sense anything from Phoenix, anything at all?"
"No Robin, I don't. It's like she no longer exists, like she is…dead"
"She is not dead Raven. We will find her, no matter what." Robin said with determination. Beastboy sat on the couch just staring at the t.v. He was still trying to understand what was happening. All he knew is that one of theirs is missing and possibly dead.
Red X stood on a rooftop, letting the light breeze flutter his cape. He was still in shock after hearing the news of Phoenix. He; too vowed that he would find her no matter what. Red X was glad of the mask for it hid the tears that still freely flowed down his face. He still remembers getting the call.
Red X jumped from rooftop to rooftop. For him, it wasn't the same with Phoenix chasing him. He wasn't worried about her whereabouts since he knew she was planning on returning the next day. He had no idea the news he was about to receive. Suddenly, his communicator went off. Flipping it open to reveal Robin's distraught face' "What's wrong Birdie boy?"
"It's Phoenix, she has gone missing in New York City. There are reports of gunfire and pools of blood were found in her last known location. From what I gathered, she was attacked. It does appear that she escaped but I can't locate a signal or even pinpoint her location. We will keep trying." With that, Robin closed the connection. Red X continued to stare at the screen. He couldn't believe what he heard. Phoenix, the love of his life, is missing. "I will find you Ari; I don't care how long it takes. I promise I will do whatever it takes." Red X starred out at the city.
Back in the sewer; Ari, Splinter and turtles all sat on the couch watching t.v while eating leftover pizza. Just then the door opened revealing April carrying several bags. Leonardo got up to help April carry the bags over. "Ah, I see you are awake, that's good. How are you feeling?"
"Good, thanks for saving me."
"No problem, my name is April. Here I brought you some things you will need. I figure you will probably be down here for awhile. If there is anything else you need; just let me know." April sat down next to Ari, grabbing a slice of the pizza.
"By the way, my real name is Ari. I won't be able to use the name of Phoenix for awhile until things settle down."
"So, Ari, what happened up there?" April asked in between bites
"I don't know if you have heard of Angel, she's a new villain in town. Well me and her go back a thousand years. I defeated her in the war and now she's back to finish what she started. She knew in order to do that; she would have to get rid of me. So, she turned the whole city on me and now I fear the planet. I was attacked by an angry mob. I managed to escape into the sewer and there I ran into Raphael."
"I see, so when you say a thousand years ago, you mean you lived thousand years ago."
"Yes, I was born a goddess a thousand years to Zeus and Hera but was raised as the crown princess of East Elysionia. Angel appeared with her army of titans and attacked. I fought as Phoenix against her. Although I won the battle; it came with a heavy price. I lost everything. I was transported to the present by my uncle Chronos." Ari quickly explained. "You're not surprised that I'm not human?" She asked April
"Actually, no considering my best friends are oversized turtles." She said light heartedly pointing to the turtles. Ari chuckled with April. "Well, I have to get going back to the shop. Like I said if you need anything just let me know."
"I will; thanks." With that April left. Ari reached for one the bags; rummaging for some spare clothes to change into. She found a pair of sweats and a t-shirt. "I'll be right back, I'm going to change. Don, can I use your lab to change real fast?"
"Sure, let me help you up." Don stood up and helped Ari. "We have a spare room I'll show you when you're done." Donatello exited the room to Ari some privacy. As Ari changed, she contemplated her next course of action. She knew going topside would be dangerous and since she didn't want the others to know she is alive, it would be difficult. Ari knew that she did have to at least retrieve some belongings from Wayne Manor but how she was going to do that; she didn't know. "It's not like I can easily sneak in, Bruce and Alfred practically always knew when I snuck out. I'm going to have to use my powers but shield them from detection. The sooner I do this the better. I'm sure Bruce will be out most of the day and Alfred helping him so I can get in easier. Now, I just have to convince Master Splinter and the others to let me do this alone." Ari returned to the living room and sat between Raph and Mikey. She thought of ways on how to bring up the sensitive subject. Clearing her throat; "Um Master Splinter?"
"Yes Miss Ari."
"I need to ask you to let me do something alone for a bit. I know it might be dangerous but I have to do this now." Splinter and the turtles turned their attention to Ari. "I need to go to topside back to mansion to retrieve some belongings I am going to need. It will be easier for me to go by myself since I can get in easily. Plus it's in Gotham and I don't want to take any of you away from here; in case you are needed." Ari had a feeling it was going to be fight but she was ready. Raphael was the first to speak up
"You are not going topside; not after what just happened to you! Are you crazy?" He shouted. "What if they find you, I'm coming!"
"No you are not; I can sneak in a lot easier alone than with someone with me. You don't know Gotham like I do. I know Bruce and Alfred are searching everywhere for me and that includes Gotham. I know how to get past the security cameras on the property!" She shouted back.
"The answer is still no!" This time Raph stood.
"Yes I am!" Ari stood up as well, getting in Raphael's face. Leo just sighed; he knew this was not going to end well. Someone else just as stubborn as his brother in the same house might end with collateral damage.
"No, I am going by myself and yes I am crazy, if you haven't figured that out already!" The two of them stood inches from each other, faces contorted in anger. Michelangelo started laughing, "This is gonna be fun, someone else to fight with Raphie!" Donatello just sighed. "Who do you think will win a fight between those two?" Mikey excitedly asked.
"I don't know Mikey; I'll wager…Ari will win."
"Put me down for Ari, what about you Leo?" Donnie asked him. Leonardo shook his head. Now, he was going to have to contend with two hotheads under the same roof. Thinking for a moment; "Put me down for Ari, Raph needs a good ass kicking. How about you Master Splinter?" Splinter thought for moment. He smiled a bit, torn between the idea of good spar between Raph and Ari or stopping the fight before it escalates. Meanwhile, Ari and Raph were still standing inches from each other. Raphael's hand twitched for his sai. He fought every urge to pull it out. Lightning crackled at Ari's fingertips. The rest of group realized that any moment, the fight would get physical but amused the thought of a fight. Leo was happy for once that he was not facing the brunt of Raph's temper.
"Move aside Raphael; before I move you for you." Ari said sternly. Raphael thought for moment. "Why am I doing this? If she wants to get herself killed then so be it. But, I don't know. She can handle herself." Raphael backed down. "Fine, but I expect a call when you get there." With that, Raph walked away. The others were surprised no punches were thrown.
'Is he always that damn stubborn?" She turned to the others.
"Yes he is so don't take it personally. I do; however, feel the same way. It would not be wise to go topside. As Raph said, please call us when you get there and when you are leaving. Also, uh how do you plan on getting there without being seen?" Leo stated.
"I have a car, I plan on driving. It's not that far; about an hour away. I see your next question, my car is not flashy, just a simple Hyundai Sonata." Donatello stood up. "When do you plan on leaving?"
"Asap"
"Then let me install a gps tracking device in your car real fast. That way we can get to you if something happens. Where is your car?" Donatello said rummaging thru several devices in a box.
"It's in a garage in the city. Let me grab my keys." Ari reached into her subspace pocket and pulled out a set of keys. Leo stood up next. "We'll take you there in the battle shell, you coming Raph?" Raph snorted; not happy with the plan but going along with it anyway. They all piled into the battle shell and tore down the road. "It's the garage on the right, there's an alley you can pull into right here." Don pulled the battle shell into the alley. "My car is dark silver Hyundai Sonata. I'll honk my horn when I pull out." Ari jumped out of the battle shell and carefully made her way into the garage. Glancing around to make sure the coast was clear, she jumped into her and started her engine. As she pulled out; she motioned over the Donatello. He pulled out of the alley and they made their way back to warehouse. Ari pulled up beside Don. Getting out, Don popped her hood and began installing the GPS in her car. Raphael jumped out and stood next to Ari.
"I still don't like idea of you going by yourself."
"I know but I won't be gone long and the longer I wait the harder it will to sneak in. Right now, I can guarantee Bruce and Alfred are too busy to search the mansion for me."
"Yeah whatever; just don't get yourself killed k." Raphael left with that statement and returned to the lair. Leo walked up, placing a hand on her shoulder. "That's Raph's way of saying 'please be careful and don't get hurt." Ari chuckled. "I figured that much, I can see he is very protective of others but just doesn't know how to show it." "Yep, that's Raph for ya."
"There, done. Here is the remote which has an emergency button on it; also here is a shell cell." Don handed the items over to Ari. She tossed them into her front seat. "Thanks Donatello. Alright, if I'm all set; I'm going to head out now. I should be back by tomorrow evening." With that; she started her car and pulled out onto the highway. The drive back to Gotham was a quiet one. She kept her eyes on the road, scanning for any possible threats. Her mind kept replaying the events from the past few days. Ari knew she was no longer safe out in the world. She realized that she would have to cut off all contact to her friends and let them think she is dead. Turning onto the road leading up the manor, she parked her car a bit down the street. Quietly, slipping out, she checked to see if anyone was around. Ari made her way to manor and slipped in. Entering her room; she grabbed her travel bags. Ari grabbed few weeks' worth of clothes, several personal items, laptop, scanner and holographic illusion rings. Once she was done, she made sure did not appear as she had been there. She grabbed her bags and quickly made her back to her car. As much as she wanted to take a quick nap and grab a shower, Ari knew Alfred would find out. Once in her car, she made sure that no one was around. She didn't see Bruce's car in the garage and figured Alfred would be with him. Driving off, she glanced back one last time; for she did not know if and when she could return home.
Stopping at a gas station, she caught sight of the headlines on the newspaper. "PHOENIX DEAD?" Grabbing the paper, she read article. "It sounds like the people no longer want me around and that maybe Angel is convinced I am dead."
"Did ya hear about that? Horrible isn't it, a whole city chasing down a girl. Don't care that she saves them and all. What a tragedy; a young life snuffed out. I heard there are pockets of resistance against Angel and Phoenix was their leader. Wonder what they gonna do now without her?" An old man said.
"Yeah it is horrible." Ari absentmindedly replied.
"Yeah, don't worry child, your secret is safe with me, now get going to safety." Ari turned surprised but didn't question. Heeding his command, she quickly pulled off. The old man transformed back to his original form, revealing Ares; god of war. "Please stay safe little sis." With that, he vanished.
Just outside the city, Ari pulled out her shell cell. Dialing Raph's number, she waited for him to pick up.
"Yeah." He answered.
"Hey Raph, it's me. I'm about 20 minutes away. If you could please meet me in the garage, I need some help thanks."
"K see ya in a few." He hung up. "Who was that Raph?" asked Leo. "That was Ari, she's on her way. I'm heading up to the warehouse to wait for her." Leo was glad to hear Ari was safe. He had been worried since she left. He also feared if she ran into any Foot ninjas or the Purple Dragons. Her cover could be blown; Leo knew she could handle herself but still what would happen if she did.
Raphael leaned up against the Battle Shell waiting to hear the gentle hum of the door opening. Ari pulled in, noticing Raph leaning the Battle Shell with his eyes closed. An evil smirk appeared across her face as she honked her horn. Raphael jumped into the air, landing with a thud. Ari busted out laughing in her driver seat. He glared at her. Ari continued to laugh as she stepped out. "That was not funny!"
"Oh yes it was, you should have seen your face!" He grumbled as he grabbed some of her bags. "Glad you made it back safely; I would hate to beat some poor fool into the ground." Raph said sarcastically. They headed back into the lair. "We got a room ready for you. Let me show you." As they entered, Master Splinter greeted them,
"Ah welcome back, glad you have returned safely. Your trip was uneventful, I take it."
"Yes it was although it was difficult not to let them know that I'm alive. " Ari replied with her head down. Splinter took pity on the young woman. He understood that this is going to be difficult for her to get accustomed. Here is a powerful superhero, forced underground by those she has sworn to protect. Also, having to let her family and friends believe that she is dead would be the hardest thing to do. Imagine, while the world searched for you, you had to remain in the shadows.
Raphael showed her new room which for now just had the basics in it. "You can put my bags right there for now, thanks Raph."
"Sure no problem, need a hand?" "No thanks." At that; Raphael left Ari to unpack. Ari sat on her new bed and looked around the room. She took note that the turtles tried to make the bedroom as personable and comfortable as possible. She noticed fresh sheets and pillows on the bed; small lamp on the nightstand and a dresser on the opposite wall with a mirror. Donatello had placed a computer in her room; Michelangelo put some comic books on the nightstand; Splinter placed a few books next to the comic books, Leonardo set of twin katana blades and Raphael his extra set of sai with green ribbon wrapped around the handles. She picked up the sai and twirled them in her hands. The weapons felt lighter than her sword and more easily maneuverable. She noticed the green ribbon tied over the red and figured that is represent her former name of Phoenix. "I could definitely see these in my arsenal. Much easier to use than my sword; I think I'll ask Raph to teach me how to use them." Setting the sais down beside the bed, she went over to her bags and started unpacking clothes into the dresser. She now realized that this sewer is now her home and she would make the best of it. Suddenly there was a knock on the door, "Who is it?"
"It's Raph, dinner is ready."
"Thanks, coming." She exited her room and followed Raphael into the dining room where a piping hot pizza sat on the table. Taking her seat, she grabbed a slice of pizza and gratefully munched on it. "Thanks for the stuff guys and all your help in this. I am truly grateful for all the help so far. I hope I am not being a burden."
"You are not being a burden, Ari. For all that you do, this is the least we can do. We will help you in any way that we can. If you have any questions, just ask." Leo responded. The rest of turtles and Splinter shook their heads in agreement.
"You are now a part of this family and have become a daughter to me. The only thing I ask is that you refrain from going topside as much as possible and if you have to, please take one my sons with you. And one more thing, your name; as stated before, it would not be wise to use your real name as your allies know who you are under the mask." Splinter smiled gently at Ari. "I do not see a problem in using your first name but your last name has to be changed. I suggest using Hamato; yes Ari Hamato will do nicely. Your first name can be considered Japanese as is the last name. Hamato is the last name of my family. Welcome to the family, Ari Hamato."
"Thank you Master Splinter, that is very kind of you." The new family sat together and talked about events of the day and new training techniques. Over the next two weeks, things settled down in the lair with a new routine. That is until when the turtles were topside and attacked by the Purple Dragons. Ari and Splinter were sitting watching some t.v. when the turtles returned. Leonardo and Michelangelo were both limping; Raphael barely conscious between them and Donatello using his bo-staff as a walking stick. "Oh my god, what happened?"
"We were patrolling from the roof tops when we noticed some Purple Dragons robbing a store. We jumped in and quickly took them out but right afterwards; we were attacked the Foot Ninjas. Help Raph first, his injuries are the worst." Ari quickly helped them into Don's lab; placing Raphael on the table. Leo and Mikey took a seat while Don started looking Raph over.
"Oh no you don't Donatello, I will handle this; you sit down too." She gently pushed Don into a chair. When he tried to get up; she kept a firm grasp on his shoulder. "All of you have saved me; now it is my turn to repay the favor. Now please don't argue with me." She then turned her attention to Raphael. Leo and Mikey had placed him on the table. He was laying on the table deathly still. The only indication he is still alive is slow rise and fall of his chest. She could hear his ragged breathing and knew immediately he suffered broken ribs. Among other injuries included several bruises and gashes. Ari indeed is no stranger to severe injuries and the ones that can be fatal. As she inspected his wounds, she grimaced at the severity of them and vowed revenge on those that caused them. "Achiemen mente invite ma." A soft glow surrounded Ari hands and spread over Raphael; healing every one of his injuries. The glow then spread over to Donatello, Michelangelo and Leonardo. They stood in shock as each of their wounds healed themselves.
"That's amazing Ari." Donnie said surprised. She let the power die, turning her attention back to Raphael. She looked over him to make sure all injuries were healed. Satisfied, she fell back in the chair. Don and Leo rushed over to make sure she is all right. "I'm fine, Raph should wake soon. Why don't the rest of you go get some sleep; I'll stay in here." The guys wanted to argue but realized it would be pointless against Ari. "I swear Raphael, I'm going to make those Purple Dragons and the Foot pay. No longer am I sitting around; not fighting. I have seen you guys come back injured one too many times. Tonight, I am returning topside to the shadows. I have watched your training and have adapted it as my own. Those sais you gave me; will be coming into use tonight." Ari continued her watch, contemplating on how she is going to sneak out when she heard a soft moan. Raphael put his hand on his head.