Shell Shocked

Disclaimer: I do not own TMNT

A/N: I know. It has been years. I did some editing on the previous chapter.

Chapter 7: Time Square

Galizia's POV

After many months I finally got the costume ready. It took some time and effort, but I finally got it ready. Master Splinter was hesitant about this mission. However, he understood that we need to find methods of money. The Turtles were growing, and people started to notice when large quantities disappear. Unless it has been paid for.

Master Splinter nodded in understanding. He tries to convince himself that even though the Ninja must stay in the shadows. Although, a ninja must be in the open as well. I understand his concern. I was afraid to go up to the surface, exposing myself under disguise. But we need to survive.

So, we kept to the plan. I will spend a few hours in Time Square. It will only be on the weekends. Donatello will watch the security cameras while the others are at precise locations. They'll be watching me through the drain. The Turtles will be watching through the drain. If any threats appeared, they would give the signal, and I would return.

"Be safe, and be guarded." Master Splinter warned.

I nodded as I grabbed my things. Making sure I had the documents that Donatello forged for me. Along with my tanto and shurikens. But most of all, the mock sword. I was dressed as the character from Doctor Who. Hopefully, enough Whovians out there want a picture of a Silurian. After going over the plan, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Raphael, and I made our way through the sewers.

My heart raced at the thought of returning to the surface in broad daylight. Since becoming a mutant and being found by a band of Ninja, I haven't gone up in the day, only at night to scavenge and steal necessary things. But as I looked at my boys, I knew they would need more natural resources. Over the last six months, they have grown more muscular along with an appetite. Just recently, Raphael and Michelangelo were fighting over the last serving of cereal. So, it had to be done.

We split up as Leonardo led me to a safe climb-up location.

"You okay, Zia?" Leonardo asked.

"Yeah," I assured him.

Leonardo nodded, though he gave this slight expression that he doubted it.

I sighed, "I'm nervous."

"How come?" he asked.

"I don't know," I answered. "That's the thing. You never know. The world is cruel, and you just have to find a way to make it work."

Leonardo paused as he took my words in. There was more to it. I was afraid a member of the Foot Clan would spot me. Even with the costume, I could do nothing with my tail. Being surrounded by performers will keep me covered.

"Well, wish me luck," I said.

"Good luck," Leonardo replied.

"Thanks," I said before climbing the ladder and moving the manhole cover. I lifted it slightly to make sure the alley was cleared. There was no one, though I looked down to see Leonardo on the walkie-talkie with Donatello.

"Donnie says the coast is clear," Leonardo confirmed.

I nodded before getting out and closing the lid. I stood up, correcting my attire, before heading to Time Square. It was summertime in New York City. As there were many people out, especially tourists. I made it to my destination, seeing it bustling with people who were here to see the matinees, the grand restaurants, and the themed stores. My heart was pacing as I set things down to set up for pictures. As I set up, I noticed a pair of eyes in the storm drains. I waved at the turtle, who waved back. The turtle smiled back, confirming it was Michelangelo with the small gap between his teeth.

It wasn't long before when curious passersby came over. I put on a smile, acting the character. Fans were in love with my costume, and they asked for a picture. Some were not pleased that there was a fee. Yet five dollars didn't seem too much. After handing the five-dollar bill, I secure it in my pocket before taking a picture with the people.

Soon more people were coming over to get a picture with me. Even a few of the police officers. Although a lot of the other characters were not pleased. As I got stingy looks from Elmo and knocked off Mickey Mouse. Yet I did have a good laugh when Naked Cowboy came over, singing a song about lizard people. Either way, I was enjoying myself. As it was nonstop taking pictures.

It would be five hours when spotting Leonardo gave the signal, indicating Donatello had spotted trouble coming. So, grabbing my things and apologizing to the tourists as I made my way out of Time Square. I walked back to the alley and looked around before moving the manhole cover and climbing down. There Raphael waited for me.

"How did it go?" Raphael asked.

"Good," I answered with a smile.

Raphael nodded as he took hold of the sign. We made our way back to the lair as Leonardo and Michelangelo joined us.

"So, what was the rush?" I asked.

"Not sure," Leonardo answered. "Donnie says Sensei wanted us back."

I nodded; no doubt Master Splinter was hesitant about us being close to the surface. It will take some time, and I hope to earn Splinter's trust. Therefore, we made our way back to the lair.

.o0o.

Throughout the Summer, it has been like this. I spend the weekend at Time Square as a character getting tips. People were excited, complimenting my costume and makeup. Especially with hardcore Whovians. Although, I attracted the LBGQ community. Since The character, I am dressed up as is a lesbian. As much as I enjoy the affection and support…I don't swing that way. But hey, love is love.

I merely smiled, allowing them to take the picture while they paid me.

The boys were ecstatic as the money came in. Of course, Master Splinter reminded them that this was not money to splurge. As Master Splinter and I worked on a grocery list of food we needed to buy. Donatello found a personal shopper for us. The shopper took only cash, so we took 'residence' at an abandoned house, leaving the money in the mailbox with the grocery list. Later in the day, the shopper would come back with our orders. Afterward, the boys and I would collect it and bring the groceries home.

The boys were in awe as I started cooking food that wasn't pizza. I enjoyed cooking, and even Michelangelo was curious and would help me in the kitchen. And when it was Pizza night, we now got two boxes of pizzas instead of one. The boys were in heaven. For me, I was just happy that I got some fresh food. As much as I enjoy pizza, my stomach can't handle all that grease.

Realizing the value of food, the turtles continue to scavenge the junkyard for cash. Occasionally dumpster diving at grocery stores to grab nonperishable food. Even if the box says it's expired, I recall pasta and rice expire less drastically than other ingredients. Either way, the boys were ecstatic. Especially when I put treats on the list. I bought a box of pop tarts. And let me tell you, the boys thought they had died and gone to heaven.

Master Splinter was very amused until he spotted a box of Sencha Tea. He mentioned it being an aroma his Master would make. It brought back memories for him, good memories from his past.

Seeing the progress, Master Splinter allowed me up on the surface longer. It was still the weekend, and I was fine with that. I continue my training and spend quality time with the Turtles. Even Donatello, realizing what he could get if he worked hard, started scrolling through the internet for online jobs.

"Donnie, you don't have a social security number or a bank account. How are you going to get the money?" I asked.

"I have my ways," Donatello assured.

"Are they legal?" I asked, raising a brow.

Donatello remained silent, rubbing his neck.

I sighed, "As long as it doesn't expose us and the dark web, go right ahead. Although you should ask Sensei."

"I have, and he already approves," he promised.

I nodded as Donatello showed me what he was considering doing. As he rambled on, going on about technology. Sometimes I wonder if the mutagen affected him differently than his brothers. Donatello was more intelligent than anyone I knew. At first, I thought of him as a tinker. But seeing everything he has done baffles me. Especially with technology, which he has gone into coding and hacking. How he hacks into the city security system and has not once been caught.

It also brings other traits to the turtles. How Leonardo has a strong memory. He seemed to remember the lessons far better than anyone else when training. Raphael has been his strength. He has already destroyed three punching bags in the last several months, and when he strikes a hard landing, there is a slight dent or crack on the ground. Michelangelo…. that's a hard one. I guess you could say it was empathy. As the youngest turtle shows more human emotions than anyone else.

However, even with our highs, there are lows.

.o0o.

It was Labor Day, and I was at Time Square, knowing there would be more people out. Master Splinter allowed me to break the routine for this opportunity. All of August has been bustling, and I've been on the top side for two hours during the weekday. Many people were walking around, heading towards the theaters or theme restaurants. I merely smile and pose with the tourists.

Everything was going well until I heard something in the distance. I glanced at the drain to see Leonardo gesturing to take cover. Donatello must have heard something. However, I was stuck with a family who was striking a pose while the mom took the picture.

Suddenly three black vans slammed into Time Square. The doors slid open as Foot Clan Soldiers barged out, guns at the ready. They started firing into the air. Fearing that I was exposed, I knew I had to get out of there. However, people were running, screaming as they tried to escape from the possible massacre. The sound of gunfire goes off, and something clenches my leg. I looked down to see the little girl, terrified. The dad grabbed the other child, knowing he didn't have time…. I grabbed the girl and rushed the family for cover.

The mother ran with us. I quickly guided them to a street, gesturing for them to keep running. After passing three blocks, I handed the girl over to the mom. The mom thanked me before running again. I kept watch as people continued to run.

When suddenly, I felt a sharp pain in my left arm. I hissed, grabbing it and realizing I had been shot. Turning around, I saw the Foot making their way down the street. Cursing under my breath, I ran to the nearest alley. The manhole cover lifted, showing Raphael. Quickly I ran over, diving in. Raphael caught me before dropping the cover and fell to the ground.

The landing wasn't great, as we fell onto our backs. We panted as I held onto my arm, trying to keep the pressure on the wound. Raphael's nostrils flared as he shot up and helped me. I groaned in pain; he examined my arm, seeing the blood staining the linen shirt.

"You're hurt," he said.

"No shit, Sherlock," I grumbled.

Raphael ripped the sleeve to expose the wound. It was a nasty graze, leaving an ugly gash as blood spilled. He took hold of his striped headband, wrapped it around my arm, and tightened it to form a tourniquet.

"That's gonna scar," he noted.

"As if I haven't been shot before," I grumbled.

Raphael snorted before his body tensed. He drew his sais as running footsteps could be heard. I grabbed my tanto until Leonardo and Michelangelo rushed in. Leonardo sighed in relief, then stopped smelling the blood and seeing my condition. Michelangelo's eyes widened as he came over to my side.

"You alright, Gali?" he asked.

"I'm fine," I answered.

"Let's get you back to Master Splinter," Leonardo ordered.

I nodded as Raphael helped me up. Leonardo used the walkie-talkie to let Donatello and Master Splinter know that we were okay and mentioned our condition. No one hardly said a word. Scratch that. Michelangelo tried to cheer me up. Yet I was lost in thought.

All I could hear was a high pitch ring, followed by the sounds of gunfire. A part of me felt like I failed. That I could have stopped it. Yet my instincts told me to run. I against the Foot Clan was a stupid thought. I wasn't ready. I barely have a year in training. But this had to stop.

We made it to the lair where Master Splinter waited. His ears twitched as he turned around to see us coming in. Aware of the situation, he scurried over to get a better look at my arm. He unravels the fabric to reveal the wound.

"Let's get you to the needle room," Master Splinter instructed.

I merely nodded as Raphael guided me to the needle room. Once there, I sat on the table while Master Splinter fetched the supplies. Leonardo and Michelangelo stood by the door while Donatello helped Master Splinter. When they came over, Master Splinter removed the bloody bandanna and examined the damage. There was a nasty gash. It was a graze, but there were no simple bullets. I was shot by a semi-automatic.

The moment Sensei touched it, I cried out that my body thrashed. My tail almost knocked Raphael over, but he caught himself.

"I'm sorry," Splinter murmured.

I took a deep breath, "How bad?"

Master Splinter examined the wound again, "It will need stitches." He answered. "No doubt it will scar, my dear."

"Better than amputation," I sighed.

Master Splinter nodded in agreement. Donnie came over with the supplies. He poured hydrogen peroxide onto a rag, then gave it to Master Splinter. Master Splinter nodded, giving an apologetic look before applying the chemical rag to the wound. Pain shot through my body that I screamed, yet it came out more as a roar, that my body tried to avoid it while my tail flew about. Master Splinter pulled the rag away while the inner beast inside glared and hissed at the rat.

The Turtles were bewilder by my reaction, while Master Splinter remained calm. I panted, baffled by my response. The last time I acted like that was during my escape. Moments of frustration led to growls, but never had I reacted that way.

"I'm sorry," I sobbed as my eyes watered.

"It's all right, Galizia," Splinter assured, resting a hand on my right shoulder. "But you must contain your inner beast."

I nodded, taking deep breaths. I allow myself into a meditative state. Master Splinter nodded in approval as he continued to clean the wound. I tensed at first, grinding my teeth while clenching my fists. Then all of a sudden, a hand grabbed my wrist softly. I blinked, staring at Raphael. He gave me a reassuring look, allowing me to hold his hand for support.

Once Master Splinter cleaned the wound, he started doing the stitches. I flinched but mustered my body to stay still. Squeezing Raphael's hand now and then. It took some time, but the wound was stitched up and bandaged.

"The Foot Clan is getting bold," Master Splinter announced. "Do you think it is because they recognized you?"

I paused thinking about it. Remembering how the Foot Soldiers barged out of the black vans, spreading out and shooting at the sky.

"No, I think it was a terrorist attack," I said.

Master Splinter nodded, "It is not safe for you to go back there."

A part of me wanted to protest, except I sighed, bowing my head in submission, "Yes, Sensei."

"But how are we gonna get money?" Michelangelo asked.

"We will find a way," Splinter assured.

"Why can't we go and stop 'em?" Raphael asked.

"You are not ready," Splinter reminded. "You are all teenagers."

"When will we be ready, Sensei?" Leonardo asked.

I stared at Master Splinter. There was no doubt that I was not ready. I barely have a year in training. However, the turtles have been training since they were kids. Now they are in their fourteenth year. Even with the years of experience, I felt like they needed to be more mature. This wasn't a simple gang war. This was terrorism.

The Foot Clan is an organization that can't be defeated with ease. The police were not able to stop them. So how can four fourteen-year-olds go against an army? Hell, these are the people who kidnapped me and turned me into a mutant.

"When the time comes," Master Splinter answered.

The boys groaned but obeyed their Master.

So… it's been a while. Okay, almost a decade. Just been sidetracked by other stories and life in general. I edited this story and made some small twitches. Shall I continue this story? Shall I time skip to the actual movie verse or more small moments? I honestly would like your perspective.

Thanks for reading and please leave a review!