A/N: I loved the great feedback! :) Hope you like the chapter. By the way I hope y'all like my cover art. It ain't all that great but its fair. I've updated several stories with cover art. FFnet is cutting off some of the pics so you can see them better on deviant art under my penname.

6 Hours since landfall

Leo helped Raph move the couch away from the window. The world outside seemed eerily quiet and very dark as night had fallen. The city that never sleeps was for once very much asleep. April adjusted the antenna on her portable TV. "Looks like it's finally passed us. They've downgraded it to a tropical storm."

"That's a relief. Maybe we can get back home soon." Leo glanced out the window at the slider, which was bobby in the water below.

"I doubt it, Leo. The water receding will take a lot longer than the storm surge took to come in." Donnie sat beside Splinter and Mikey, where they had been talking. "We could be stuck above ground for days."

Cat frowned. "Do you think the streets will stay flooded for that long?"

"No, but the sewers will."

Raph frowned as he looked down at the slider. "We'll have to do somethin' with the slider then. We can't just leave it out in the open."

Leo nodded. "Alright, let's get a few hours sleep and then we'll take it to the garage before dawn."

Donnie rose and went to check the water level out the window. It was hard to see but it already looked as though it had dropped a few feet. "Better go now guys. I think the water may be too low for the slider if you wait till morning."

Mikey hopped up, he'd been bored for hours. "I want to come."

Cat stood up. "Me, too. I need to check on the shop anyways."

"Okay." Leo turned to Master Splinter. "If it looks well enough for us to stay there, we'll come back for you before dawn, Master."

Splinter nodded. "Be careful, my sons."

Leo paused with his hand on the window seal to look back at his brother. "Coming, Donnie?"

Donnie looked down at the sleeping form of his daughter. He'd left them once with disastrous results. "No, I think I'll stay and keep an eye on Sarah and Mira." Mira's fever had broken after another dose of elderberry syrup and Sarah was passed out from the pain killers and would probably sleep the remainder of the night, still he could not imagine leaving them just yet.

Leo nodded. He couldn't blame his brother for not wanting to leave his mate's side after what had happened. It was probably best that he remain behind, his mind would only be distracted otherwise. He turned and led the way down the ladder to where the slider was anchored to the fire-escape. The errand wouldn't take long after all and would likely be uneventful.

He slipped into the driver's seat and turned on the slider's headlights. As they pulled away from the building, they could tell that some residence had decided to stay by the dim candle light flickering in a few windows. Leo switched the slider to stealth mode. No need in drawing unwanted attention.

They at last neared the garage and it was obvious the water was receding quickly. Outside the barricade of sandbags, the water was now only about two foot deep. Raph jumped out and tied off the skiff to a post in the yard. The rest followed taking out their flashlights and wading up to the entrance.

Cat frowned at the sight that met them. The wall which was supposed to keep the water out was now acting as a dam, preventing it from escaping. Leo took hold of a sandbag. "Come on guys. We have to release the water."

Mikey and Raph started moving the bags which now weighed at least twice as much due to them being waterlogged. Cat watched as the brothers eventually pulled down enough bags that the water inside began to pour out. She hopped over the opening and tried to pull the door up but it wouldn't budge. Raph stepped up beside her with a smirk. "Let me do it."

Cat chuckled when it still wouldn't move. "What's the matter, tough guy?"

He gave her a quick glare. "Mikey, give me a hand." The youngest brother waded over to help. Between the two of them they pried the door open. More water gushed past them.

It appeared that only three feet of water had gotten inside, which meant most of the things they'd stored there would be okay, as well as most of Cat's equipment. "Donnie is not going to be happy." Leo commented as he inspected the water mark along the walls. Donnie had done the majority of the wiring.

"Yeah, I'd just got the place the way I liked it too." Cat mourned the loss of yet another garage. But at least this one wasn't a complete loss.

"Alright, dudes, my comic books made it!" Mikey cheered as he hopped down from a rafter, where he'd stowed his belongings.

Leo laughed. "Well, at least we have that going for us."

Voices outside made everyone go quiet and turn off their lights. Raph grabbed Cat's hand and pulled her into the small hallway with him. Mikey jumped back into the rafters while Leo hid behind a work bench.

"Yeah man a lot of these places left money in the cash register. And I bet this place has plenty. I've seen a lot of nice bikes come out of here." A male voice said.

"It was a good idea to stay. We've made a killing so far. No security cameras and no cops! It's awesome!" A second male agreed.

Raph growled. "Looters." How dare these punks think they can break into Cat's shop!

A flashlight lit on the open doorway. "Hey, it looks like someone might have already hit this place."

"Let's check it out anyways. There might be some stuff we can sell." Two young men entered through the gap they'd made in the sandbags. Leo crouched a little further behind the workbench. He flashed Mikey and Raph a look and they understood. As the punks stopped just inside to swing their lights around, the three began their stealthy attack. Mikey leapt behind them, sweeping their feet and disappearing back into the shadows. The two punks gasped as they went face first into the murky water. They resurfaced with a sputter. The garage was now very dark, their flashlights lost in the water.

It was Leo's turn as he dumped the large toolbox that was atop the bench on them. They two men were now beginning to freak out since they couldn't see their attackers. "What the-" One cried as it barely missed their heads.

They scrambled back as the three turtles approached them in the darkness, their silhouettes looming menacingly over them. Raph growled again, this time much louder. "You punks better leave before I decide to rip you apart for just setting foot in here."

The men hurried to their feet and made a hasty exit. Shouting profanities as they went. Once they were gone the guys burst into laughter. Mikey gave Raph a high three. "Those dudes won't be doing any more looting."

Leo turned back on his light and looked around again. "Well guys, let's check out the rest of the damage."

It was about an hour before dawn when the guys returned to April's. Splinter had been resting though not really sleeping in the living room. While April was sleeping on the now up righted couch. Donnie was sleeping in the bedroom atop the box springs with one protective arm draped over Sarah and Mira was nestled in a blanket beside the bed. He'd finally gone to bed upon Splinter's insistence about an hour earlier.

Leo landed softly inside the window. "We're back, Father."

Splinter sat up. "I am glad you all made it back safely."

Cat climbed inside followed by Raph. And finally Mikey, who sat on the floor and rubbed the top of his injured foot absently. Donnie appeared in the hall. "How'd it go, guys?"

Raph folded his arms. "We ran into a little trouble, but nothing we couldn't handle."

"The water hadn't completely receded from the garage but it should be by the time we get back. The electricity is out there as well." Leo explained.

Donnie rubbed his tired eyes. "That's probably a good thing as most of the lower east side has been under water." He glanced over his shoulder towards the bedroom, then at April who'd woke when she'd heard voices. "I think it might be best if Sarah and Mira stay here until we get the garage into a bit better shape. I wouldn't want them getting sick from any of the contaminants in the water. Their immune systems are already compromised."

April frowned a little. "That's fine with me, Donnie, but I suggest you run that past Sarah first."

Donnie nodded and retreated to the bedroom. Splinter rose and began collecting their things. "I will come and help with the cleanup."

"We sure do need it the place is pretty trashed and today may be the only day you guys can really help in the daylight without being spotted." Cat leaned against Raph, who placed a kiss on top of her head.

In the bedroom, Donnie sat gently on the side of the box springs. He hesitated at waking his mate. Once Sarah had fallen into a deep sleep he had discovered the true level of pain she'd been in. She had apparently been hiding it from him somehow, which upset him. "Sarah?" He leaned over her brushing a hand through her hair.

She gave a slight groan before coming to awareness. She attempted a weak smile and he could feel a wave of love flow over him through their bond. He pressed a gentle kiss to her forehead. "I need to go with the guys to clean up the garage. I want you and Mira to stay here."

Unreasonable panic swamped her and Donnie gasped as it him. She clenched her eyes shut. "I'm sorry."

"No." His voice came out in a half growl. "Don't ever apologize for what you're feeling and," he locked his gaze with hers, "don't ever hide your pain from me again."

Sarah nodded as a tear trailed down her cheek. She could feel his heartache at the idea she would try to hide anything from him. "Never again. I promise." Guilt swelled in her heart and he smothered it with a loving kiss.

"Don't worry, you'll be safe here. I don't want Mira getting sick again or you catching an infection." Feeling her hesitation, he sighed. "Once I've got a place for you and Mira I'll come back for you."

Sarah let out a heavy sigh. "I understand." And she did. There were a lot of very good reasons for them to stay behind, first and foremost their daughter's safety. But she still could not suppress the desire to be near her husband after everything that had happened. His loving and protective presence relaxed her in both body and mind.

He lifted her hand and kissed her knuckles and smirked when there was a spike of arousal from her. "Now, my love, you're in no condition to do...that."

Sarah chucked lightly and then winced when it sent ripples of pain through her ribs. "Can I help it if my husband still turns me on."

Donnie chuckled softly and there was a knock at the door before it opened. "You ready to go, Don?" Raph smiled at Sarah as he stepped a little further into the room. "How you doin', kiddo?"

She returned the smile. "I've been better."

Raph grinned at her attempt at humor and his eyes lit on the mattress that now leaned against the window. "How about we put this mattress back on? I bet that box spring ain't too comfortable."

Donnie rubbed his shoulder as he stood. "I can attest to that." He gently lifted Sarah while Raph maneuvered the mattress back into place and avoided stepping on Mira in the process. Donnie carefully laid his mate down on the much softer surface. He brushed another kiss across her brow and whispered in her ear his love before following his brother out.

Everyone was ready to go except Mikey, who looked like he was dozing as he leaned against the couch. Donnie gave his younger brother a playful nudge with his foot. "You okay, Mikey?"

Mikey sat up and gave a tired nod. "Yeah, guess I'm just getting a bit tired. We've been up nearly twenty-four hours straight."

"Well, you guys have. Mira and Splinter forced me to take naps."

Mikey chuckled as he stood up to follow his brothers out the window again. "Boy, I could really use one of those right now." He gave a small yawn as they climbed to the rooftop.

Cat yawned as well. "Me too."

Raph smiled. "Well, climb on and close your eyes, darlin'. I'll do the drivin'." Cat smiled and climbed onto her spouse's back, resting her head contentedly on his shell. Raph held her legs securely to his side as he jumped to the next rooftop.

Mikey turned to Leo with pleading eyes. "Hey, Leo-"

"No." Leo snorted as he followed Raph. Don and Mikey followed as well, along with Splinter.

"Aw, come on." Mikey whined.

"I am not carrying you!"

"Please..."

"I said no."

"But I'm really tired, bro." Mikey pleaded a little harder.

Leo shot him a quick look and almost gave in. "We're all tired, Mikey."

"But-"

"That is enough, Michelangelo. Dawn is nearly upon us, speed is necessary now." Splinter reprimanded.

Mikey fell silent as they continued to leap from rooftop to rooftop, their pace was slower than normal. Leo had slowed a bit for Splinter's sake, of which Mikey was grateful. Each jump made his foot throb. He wondered how such a small cut could hurt so much. By the time they reached the last rooftop, he was stumbling a bit on his landings, drawing a raised eye ridge from Donnie.

They climbed down and began the long process of cleaning up.

Sarah sat up stiffly and swallowed the painkillers. The trip to the garage was going to be a tough one. Donnie took the glass of water from her. It was just past midday and he had returned as promised. "Are you ready?" He asked and she nodded firmly. So, he helped her up and they walked slowly into the living room. Mira was giggling while April tickled her where she was held in Leo's arms. The little turtle was doing well after several doses of elderberry syrup.

April turned to the couple. "You know, it's going to be really quiet here without you guys."

Sarah giggled. "Don't you mean peaceful."

April laughed. "I'm a news reporter. I don't do peaceful. Speaking of which I've got to go cover the cleanup efforts."

"Well, we should head back. We still have a lot to do." Leo headed for the window.

Sarah gave April a half hug. "Thanks for all your help."

April returned the hug carefully. "My pleasure. We're family after all."

The couple followed Leo out the window and slowly down the stairs to where the van was parked in the alley. They had stashed the van in a garage topside along with some of their other larger rides. Donnie helped Sarah into the long bench seat up front, while Leo took Mira into the back. Donnie drove slowly but each bump made Sarah grit her teeth in pain. Some parts of the streets still had standing water but for the most part it had receded into the sewers.

New York looked like a war zone. Store fronts were damaged and windows smashed from either the water or looters. The electricity had yet to be restored though it probably would be soon. The streets were still deserted as the national guard wasn't letting anyone back into the city yet. And they were littered with debris and abandoned cars, so it took some time before they finally reached the garage.

Inside, Cat set down her broom and came to help Sarah as they entered. But the couple froze as their eyes landed on Mikey. He was leaning on his mop with half closed eyes. "Mikey?" Donnie prompted.

The younger turtle looked up. "Oh, hey guys."

Sarah frowned. His color was off and even his normally cheerful voice was not right. They approached him and she touched his cheek. She gasped. "Mikey, your burning up!"

A/N: Ug, if it ain't one thing with them its something else! Poor Mikey, Leo should be ashamed of himself...