punkish furball – What up, dudes? ^.^
Words to Ponder:
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I hope I didn't keep you hanging for too long. I was a little stumped on how to proceed and ended up writing this chapter in nonlinear parts. Not my usual M.O., but I think it helped me I nail it.
Also, I plug with no shame my brand new non-crossover, InuYasha story called Pack Dynamics. Check it out and tell me what you think if you have the time! ^.^
Chapter 13
Kagome remained silent and thoughtful as the tall humanoid rat with brown fur and black and white markings entered the room she was resting in wearing a maroon colored kimono with a long, ropelike tail trailing behind him. His demeanor was stoic, but his aura was kind as he took a seat at her side opposite of Leonardo. True to his word, the turtle remained with her. Though she hadn't known him for very long, his continued presence was comforting.
"I see our guest has awakened," Master Splinter commented then asked her, "How are you feeling?"
Kagome smiled and answered, "I'm feeling much better. Thank you for taking care of me and letting me stay here. I hope I wasn't too much of a burden."
Splinter shook his head. "Not at all. You are more than welcome to stay with us as long as you need to."
"Thank you very much," she replied, "I promise I'll be out of hair as soon as possible."
Kagome quietly grunted as she tried to sit up and found it too difficult. She wasn't comfortable having such a serious conversation laying down.
"Hold on! I got it!" Leonardo announced before he stood and quickly left the room. He returned as fast as he departed carrying an armload of pillows. He kneeled down behind Kagome's head and arranged the pillows in a stable pile. Once he finished, Leo gently placed his hands on her shoulders and gripped them tightly.
"I'll push you so you can sit up. Are you ready?" he asked.
Kagome nodded, not trusting herself to speak. She wasn't used to such tender treatment from a male—turtle or otherwise. Leonardo was very attentive and readily touched her unlike Raphael who still had to be coaxed into picking her up. Kagome persistently fought the heat building up in her cheeks until Leonardo rested her back comfortably against the cushions, patting her shoulders before he pulled away.
"How's that?" he asked.
"It's fine. Thank you, Leo," she replied with a bashful grin.
During her shift in position, Kagome noticed her tattered school clothes were replaced with an oversized T-shirt and pajama bottoms, both of which belonged to her. She tried not to think about who changed her clothes despite how much she appreciated it.
Once the two teens were finished, the rodent sensei cleared his throat and began to speak.
"As I'm sure my sons have already told you, I am Master Splinter."
"Yes. My name is Kagome Higurashi. All things considered, it's nice to meet you."
"Likewise," Splinter said, his whiskers lifting as he grinned, "There are many important matters we need to discuss, Kagome. Are you prepared to do so now or would you like more time to rest?"
Kagome shook her head. "I'm as ready I'll ever be."
"Very well. Please explain how you ended up here," Splinter said, his tone understanding, "You need not worry about getting into any trouble. I only want to know what happened."
Kagome took a deep, calming breath and began to explain. There was a lot of information to sift through, and she had to be careful. There were things that occurred between now and when she was first taken by the Purple Dragons details that even Raphael didn't have prior knowledge of.
"I was walking to my Uncle Murakami's restaurant from the library with my friend, April O'Neil around 10," Kagome began, "When we got there, a group of ninja was waiting for us with members of the Purple Dragons gang. They captured us and threatened to hurt my uncle and April unless I went with them, so I did. I was tied up and blindfolded before I was brought to someone called the Shredder. He wanted to see me because he thought I knew where to find someone he is looking for in the city. When I refused to tell him anything, he locked me away, but I managed to escape on the rooftop."
"Did he harm you in any way?" Splinter asked. His voice remained calm, but there was a distinct hint of urgency in his question. Kagome was quick to soothe his worries.
"I got most of my injuries after I escaped. Shredder tossed me around a bit before I was locked up, but I'm sure he could have done a lot worse."
"Indeed. There are few who have faced the Shredder and lived to tell about it."
"I take it you know him pretty well," Kagome remarked without thinking. She flushed when Splinter nodded.
"I do. Could you tell me the person he wanted to find?" he asked.
"Hamato Yoshi," Kagome answered although she was sure Splinter already had an idea what her answer would be, "Shredder was under the impression that I was one of his martial arts students."
She quickly added, "I thought it would be in my best interest if I didn't correct him. I didn't mean to cause any trouble by lying."
"You are not to blame for what happened. In fact, you were very resourceful and clever. Allowing the Shredder to believe his assumption was crucial to your escape," Splinter stated and changed the subject, "Although I am called Master Splinter, I was also known as Hamato Yoshi, and, before you continue, there is one thing I'd like to know."
Kagome absently nodded as she considered what she was just told. Shredder was after Raphael and his family as she assumed. She remembered what he said about the shuriken marred with Hamato Yoshi's symbol and what it meant to him. She was the one foolish enough not to notice when the Purple Dragons took it after their encounter. Foolish enough not to realize that by sneaking away to see her and talking to her, Raphael risked his very way of life. Leonardo told her he brought her to a safe place, and he did. This was their home, their sanctuary, and she endangered it by simply wanting to be close to Raphael.
She frowned. Some friend I am.
"Do you know why the Shredder thought you were connected to me?" Splinter asked, gaining her attention again.
Kagome nervously bit her lip. She knew this question would come but still wasn't prepared to answer. Her train of thought was closely related to it.
"Well, it's kinda complicated," she began to explain.
"You don't have to worry about how I will react, Kagome," Splinter told her again, smiling reassuringly. Kagome relaxed. Though he was a rat, he reminded her of her mother who personified understanding and compassion. She still didn't understand how Splinter came to be the parent of four turtles, but he was a very good father.
"I already have an idea of how he came to his conclusion, but I would like to hear your thoughts as well," Splinter continued.
"Okay," Kagome said, "That night at the restaurant wasn't the first time I met the Purple Dragons. I confronted them in an alley a few months ago after I first moved to New York. Before they could attack me, someone appeared and attacked them first. That was your son, Raphael."
Kagome paused and watched Master Splinter thoughtfully stroke his beard, reacting to her admission just as she thought he would. On the other hand, the expression on Leonardo's face conveyed nothing short of amazement. She understood why. Raphael wasn't the type to willingly help a stranger or stick around to be seen let alone continue to contact her.
Kagome was quiet until the rodent sensei nodded for her to continue.
"It was a bit rocky at first," she said, her voice noticeably warmer than before, "but the two of us became friends and started meeting up whenever we could." She deliberately paused before she spoke again.
"I was the one who started it all. After I first saw Raphael, I went looking for him, and he eventually found me. He did tell me about all of you, but he was really careful. He didn't give me any specifics," Kagome clarified, "I'm not sure if anyone saw us together after that first time, but he's the only connection I can think of."
She refrained from mentioning their training sessions and the shuriken he let her use. She didn't want to get Raphael into any more trouble if she could help it.
With a crooked grin, Kagome said, "Raphael didn't tell you about me, did he?"
"Not before this latest development," Splinter answered, "He is very upset about what happened and very concerned for your wellbeing."
"I can imagine," Kagome replied. She wanted to ask more about Raphael, but she held herself back. She still had some questions to answer, so now wasn't the time no matter how much she wanted to.
"Anyway, after I escaped, I ran into Leonardo on the roof with those…things," she said, picking up where she left off as she recounted her escape, "I know I was being pursued by a girl named Karai, but I don't remember much else before I woke up."
"I see," Splinter said, "I sense there are some things you neglected to tell me."
Kagome stiffened. She purposely left out her display of spiritual power against the Kraang and how effective they were. She didn't want to implicate herself any more than Raphael, and this was a confession she wasn't ready to make. She looked at Leonardo from the corner of her eye. He seemed to be as tense as she was.
He clearly saw me, she thought, Didn't he already mention it? Based on his reaction, he didn't.
"However," Splinter interjected, "they are not important. What matters most to all of us is your complete recovery."
"Thank you, Master Splinter," Kagome said, relief flooding to her. That would still be her secret.
"I will leave you now to rest and recover your strength," Master Splinter said as he stood, "But, if you will allow it, I believe someone would like to see you."
Kagome hoped it was Raphael but doubted it. "It's fine with me."
As soon as she spoke, April entered the room and dove straight for Kagome's stomach like a yellow bullet. Splinter smiled as the two girls embraced before he quietly left the room.
"Kagome!" she exclaimed, "You're okay!"
"I'm glad to see you too, April, but that really hurts!" Kagome replied, grimacing.
The redhead gasped and sheepishly pulled away from her. "Didn't mean to hurt you. I'm just so relieved that you're awake."
"I didn't mean to make you worry," she replied. She couldn't stop herself from asking, "What are you doing here anyway?"
April shook her head. "That story will have to wait if that's okay with you. In the meantime, do you need anything? Donnie and Mikey should be done with your food by now."
"Well…"
Kagome blushed and motioned for April to come closer. Once she did, Kagome leaned forward and whispered in her ear.
"Oh! Of course!" she cried, "I'll help you up."
Before April could move, Leonardo already had his hands on Kagome's shoulders to move her.
"I'll help you up," he said, "What do you need?"
Kagome squeaked as her blush deepened.
"That's okay, Leo. I got this," April asserted.
"I know but just let me help," he countered, going on the defensive.
"But we don't need it," she bit.
"It's okay!" Kagome interrupted, cheeks blazing, "Thanks for the offer, Leonardo, but I really need someone to take me to the bathroom!" Her last few words came out in an embarrassed whisper. Leonardo quickly jumped away.
"Oh! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to—"
"It's okay!" Kagome insisted, "You were only trying to help."
April smirked and not-so-gently nudged Leonardo out of the way. "Told you I had it."
Nonetheless, Leonardo stuck around to help Kagome stand to her feet as April hooked her arm under her armpit. The two of them left the room, Kagome wincing with each step she took.
"Are you okay?" April asked, "I can call Leo if you need him to carry you."
"I can make it. Let's just hurry up before I bust a kidney!"
April giggled and picked up the pace with Kagome walking on the tips of her toes to avoid contact with the pavement and her injured soles. They stopped in front of a public restroom along the subway tunnel a short walk away from what Kagome assumed was the main living area just outside the room she was kept in. It was kept very clean and neat. Kagome slipped away from April and hopped to a stall.
"I'll take it from here," she said as she left to tend to her needs. When she emerged and washed her hands, her bladder was considerably lighter. April held her up, and they began walking back.
"So…you and Raph, huh?" she asked.
Kagome groaned. "Does everyone know about that?"
"Sort of. Raphael didn't take it well when Leonardo brought you here."
"Really?" Kagome replied, interested, "Did he say anything?"
"Not much," April answered, torn between telling her friend the truth and overlooking the altercation between Leonardo and Raphael altogether. She decided it would be best to tell her now.
"When I came to with Murakami-san, I rushed down here to get the guys for help," she explained, "By the time I got here, Raphael and Leonardo were seriously going at it. When Master Splinter stopped them, I realized you were already here and went to help Donnie. Raph and Leo didn't say anything to the rest of us about the fight, but I'm guessing that Raph saw Leo bring you in—"
"—and blamed him for what happened to me," Kagome finished. Not only was she responsible intruding on their privacy, she was driving a wedge between two brothers.
"I was also listening by the door when you were talking to Master Splinter," April admitted, "What you said made a lot of stuff make sense." Her intention was to change the subject, and it seemed to work.
"What do you mean?" Kagome inquired.
"Let's just say that between Raph and Leo, you always had a guardian turtle watching over you while you slept," April quipped, grinning.
Kagome smiled as her cheeks began to warm. So he didn't forget about me.
"Do you want me to bring you back to the dojo so you can lie down or do you think you can make it sitting up in the kitchen for a while?" April asked once they were closer to the Turtles' living area.
"I think it would be best if I lie back down. I don't want to risk reopening the wounds on my abdomen. I think I may have already done so with the ones on my feet," Kagome answered then asked, "So that room I was in is a dojo?"
"Yeah," she replied, "You were brought to Donnie's lab at first, but we thought you would be more comfortable in the dojo once we patched you up. Master Splinter's room is right next to it, so he could check on you too."
"How long was I out?"
"I tend to lose track of time the longer I'm down here, but, if I had to guess, I'd say a few hours short of two days. It's a good thing you woke up when you did. We were only able to feed you some plain chicken broth and water while you were still out of it. We would have had to take you to a hospital if you didn't wake up so you can get better care."
Kagome nodded, grateful it didn't have to come to that. It would have given her and everyone else involved a lot of unneeded attention. She also knew how hard it was to take care of an unconscious patient without the luxury of catheters or IVs. She quietly thanked every deity she could think of that she was able to wake up in time to relieve herself. She would have never been able to survive that humiliation!
"Are you okay, Kagome?" April questioned, "Your face is flushed. Do you have a fever?" Donatello told her Kagome was at risk for a nasty infection if they weren't careful and to pay attention for any symptoms such as a fever.
"No!" Kagome cried, "I'm just tired. I haven't moved for a while, and it hurts to walk."
April brought Kagome back as quickly as her injured feet would allow and placed her back on the futon, supporting her back to the dojo on the pillows Leonardo left. Kagome looked around the room when April looked at the bandages on her feet. This dojo was adorned in traditional Japanese décor with a large tree growing in the center.
April winced when she saw the blood stained gauze. "We should probably change these after you eat. Does it hurt?"
Kagome experimentally wiggled her toes and grimaced when they felt stiff.
"Just a little bit. I could really use those painkillers though."
April called for Donatello, and he entered the dojo holding a bottle of water with Michelangelo behind him carrying a piping hot bowl of miso on top of a tray. The pain tablets were beside the futon where Donnie left them.
"Soup's on!" Mikey said as he placed the tray over Kagome's lap and sat beside her. Donnie retrieved the painkillers and sat next to April as he placed the pill container and water next to the soup bowl.
"Here you go," he said, "Take two of these, and you'll feel better in no time."
Kagome nodded, popped the tablets in her mouth, and swallowed them with a large gulp of water. She didn't like taking pills, but they went down easy enough.
"Thank you," she said and took her first bite of the miso soup. It was as delicious as always and made her think of her uncle.
"Leonardo told me my uncle is doing fine," she stated, "Has anyone checked on him?"
"I spoke to him when I picked up a few things from your place once you were stable," April explained, "He's doing as well as can be expected after what happened." She smiled. "Luckily, I'll have good news to give me when go there again."
Kagome smiled and continued eating. She noticed Donatello sitting as close to April as he could without being noticed, and Michelangelo was doing the same to her only he was much more conspicuous. Of all the turtles she met, Mikey was by far the cutest.
"So what—" Mikey began to say, but Donatello elbowed him in the stomach before he could continue.
"Sorry about that, Kagome," Donnie said, "Mikey may have a few questions about you, but I'm sure you had enough of talking with Master Splinter and just want to eat then rest some more."
"Got it," Mikey muttered, still wheezing from the impact.
"It's okay. I really don't mind," Kagome said as she paused her eating.
"Even so, I think it would be best if you took it easy for a while," Donnie pressed, "The painkillers will make you sleepy, and I recommend you take a nap after you're finished."
Kagome pursed her lips together, preparing to protest. As miffed as she was about being ordered, she decided to relent. Her recovery was accelerated due to her innate spiritual powers, but she wasn't able to directly heal herself. And, even if she could, it'll be hard to explain her instant recovery. Donatello likely knew what he was talking about, and she would be off her feet for a considerable amount of time.
"I understand. It's gonna take a while for me to be at a hundred percent. Thanks again for all your help," she said, "If it's not too much trouble, I'd like to call my uncle. My cellphone was an unintended casualty of this whole predicament."
"No problem-o, girl!" Mikey answered, grinning, "Our casa is your casa!"
Donnie rolled his eyes as April snickered at the confused look Kagome wore.
"Kagome also needs to have her bandages changed," April added, "She was on her feet a little while ago and some blood seeped through."
"I know," Donatello quipped, "I saw some partial footprints leading to the bathroom and back."
"Sorry," Kagome mumbled with a blush.
"No problem. Just take it easy like I said. The injuries on your abdomen were the worst of it, but your feet were cut up pretty badly too."
Kagome resumed her meal while April and Michelangelo kept her entertained and Donatello went to retrieve her first aid kit. Mikey didn't make any more slip ups not that Kagome would have minded. She didn't like being handled with kid gloves but wouldn't make a big fuss about it. Donnie was only looking out for her like everyone else.
By the time Kagome finished her soup, she was beginning to feel drowsy. As soon as she was done, Donatello unwrapped the bandages on her feet and examined her soles.
"Looking good. Everything is healing nicely, and there's no sign of infection," he commented, "One of your deeper cuts opened when you walked on it, so I want you to stay off your feet if you can help it."
"How's she supposed to get around?" April asked, affronted.
"We can carry you!" Michelangelo suggested, "We can be your Turtle Carriers—no wait! Turtle Toters! Totally nailed it."
"Thanks I guess," Kagome groggily uttered, wearing a lazy smile. She wasn't sure why he was so proud, but it was a good name.
Donatello continued his care and washed Kagome's feet with warm water and peroxide before he wrapped them again. Throughout the treatment, Kagome kept fading in and out of wakefulness.
"That's done," Donnie announced, his tone slightly hesitant, "Now, I'm gonna change the bandages on your torso. I need to change your packing and check for infection."
Kagome's face colored at what the statement implied.
"Mikey," April said when she noticed her embarrassment, "why don't you go tell Murakami-san that Kagome woke up? I didn't have a chance to call him yet."
"I'm on it!" he said as he stood up, "Turtle Toter out!"
"Thanks for that," Kagome told April.
"No sweat. I like Mikey and all, but I thought you could use the privacy," she replied with a shrug of her shoulders.
Donatello nodded and said, "Alright, Kagome, I'm gonna turn around so you can undress, and April can help remove your bandages. Then when you lay back down, you could use a towel to cover…" He trailed off leaving no doubt concerning what he was referring to.
"Anyway!" he suddenly exclaimed, "I can do my thing then turn back around, and April can bandage you back up."
Kagome only nodded and lifted up her shirt once Donnie turned away from her. She kept drifting in and out when April began to remove her dressings. There were only small spots of dried blood visible on the bottom layers of bindings, a good sign for her recovery.
"Hey, where is Leonardo?" Kagome asked after she laid back down and arranged the towel over her breasts. She was still concerned about Raphael, but Leonardo was one of the first she saw when she woke up and very attentive so far. It seemed a little odd that he wasn't here, and she tried not to take his absence personally.
"Leo?" Donatello repeated as he turned back, his cheeks reddish-brown, "He was talking to Master Splinter when I last saw him. I know he'll stop by to check on you sooner or later."
"And Raphael? What about him?" she asked. The painkillers loosened her restraint on her words.
"I haven't seen him," Donnie answered, "He's been steering clear of everyone since…"
"I see," Kagome responded, knowing what he was alluding to.
"But I already told you he's been here to see you while you were resting! I'm sure he'll come by to see you too," April insisted.
"Sure," Kagome muttered, her voice slurred.
She didn't stir again as Donnie worked, only flinching when he removed the packing from her wound. He was satisfied that the drainage didn't appear infected, and the laceration and surrounding burns were healing well. He changed it and turned away for April to wrap Kagome's torso and replace her T-shirt. By the time she finished, Donatello's patient had fallen asleep.
"So what's your diagnosis?" April asked as she tucked Kagome in.
"Her injuries are looking much better than I expected at this stage, but she'll be out of commission for about a week. Maybe two," he assessed, "At any rate, it would be best if she doesn't move too much and isn't well enough to be brought to Murakami's yet if at all."
"What do you mean by that?"
"The Foot Clan had her in their custody and lost her. Shredder has got to be livid and have every available ninja scouring the city for Kagome and every one of us. We've been a keeping low profile, but Kagome will have a better chance of staying safe if she goes into hiding."
"It's still too early to tell, right? Is there anything we can do to help her get better faster?"
"All we can do is make sure she's comfortable and doesn't get an infection while her wounds are still closing. If you don't mind, could you go topside and restock my kit? I need gauze, butterfly stitches, hydrogen peroxide, rubbing alcohol, and maybe some antibiotic cream or gel."
"I'm on it. I'll probably stop by Murakami-san's to check on him too. Just to be sure."
Donnie nodded. "We should probably head out. I think Kagome will be fine for now. Leo will definitely check up on her."
"Or Raph," April added as the two stood and left.
"Are you sure?" Donnie asked, incredulous, "How did those two even meet?"
April told Donatello what she heard from eavesdropping on the conversation between Kagome and Splinter.
"You had to suspect something was up after Raphael attacked Leonardo as soon as he saw Kagome," she said. Donatello shook his head. He still wasn't fully convinced.
"I guess. It still doesn't make sense to me," he said, "The only one I saw sitting with her is Leonardo. Raphael just holed up in his room after Splinter broke up the fight."
"So what if you didn't notice him? That doesn't mean he didn't go see her or that he doesn't care," she objected.
"I didn't mean it like that. Like you said, he saw her after Leonardo brought her here and how serious her condition was. At the very least, Raph should have asked about Kagome if they genuinely are friends."
"Really? You really think Raph would do that?"
"Okay, I see your point," Donnie replied, "Regardless, we'll still have to speak to both Kagome and Raph to figure out more about what happened between them and what happened two nights ago. Even Splinter has his own theories but wants to wait until Kagome fully recovers to speak with her again. Until then, we gotta keep watching our shells. By now, the Foot has to know we have her. You should probably be careful too."
April nodded, still thinking about Kagome and Raphael. Over the months she knew Kagome, she did notice a few instances when her behavior changed or she acted as though she had something to hide. The most recent occurrence popped to the forefront of her mind.
"Can I ask you a question?" she asked.
"You mean another one?" Donatello chuckled when April gave him a dry look. "Go for it."
"Does the name 'Urashima Tarō' mean anything to you?" she asked.
"He's the main character of a Japanese legend," he answered, "Master Slinter told it to us when we were younger. Urashima was a fishermen that saved a small turtle who turned out to be Otohime, a princess and daughter of the dragon god of the sea Ryūjin."
Donatello stopped speaking when April broke into a fit of giggles, unable to stop her laughter.
-O0o0O-
Leonardo quietly shifted as he sat beside Kagome, watching her while she slept. Donatello told him she would likely be out of it until morning, but he still wanted to be close in case she woke up. Donnie and Splinter tried to persuade him to give up his vigil, but he couldn't. He was accountable for her broken condition, so the least he could do was watch over her until she was in good health again.
Before he returned to the dojo, April told him more about Kagome, and he couldn't help but like what he heard. Kagome was a very strong, kind, and accepting human girl, a rare find in this city. He could understand why she and April were friends. They were very similar.
There's also that weird power of hers, he thought.
Leonardo didn't mention to anyone how Kagome destroyed the entire Kraang fleet that attacked him and left no traces they even existed other than their inorganic remains. He replayed the even over and over in his head and didn't even fully understand how it happened. As quickly as she appeared, Kagome grabbed his katana and used it to channel her energy in a massive wave. It was like something he saw in his favorite sci-fi show, Space Heroes, and he still wasn't completely sure whether to tell the others before or after he asked Kagome about it.
Leo's thoughts halted when he heard Kagome moan and slowly blinked her eyes open.
"Leonardo," she said as she focused on him, her voice husky from sleep.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" he asked.
Kagome reached up and sluggishly wiped her eyelids. "I'm just a really drowsy from those pills I took."
"Do you need anything?"
She shook her head and answered, "I'm good." She paused before speaking again.
"Not that I mind, but what are you doing in here?"
"Oh!" Leonardo exclaimed, "I was just watching over you while you were sleeping." He cringed. "I did not mean for that to sound as creepy as it did."
Kagome giggled. "Believe me, I've heard much creepier, and at least you have good intentions."
"Well, if it weren't for me, you wouldn't be like this in the first place. I should have been able to fight the Kraang on my own. I'm sorry," Leonardo admitted, "It's not much, but I really am."
Kagome shook her head at the crestfallen turtle, suddenly understanding why Leonardo was so attentive and never far from her side. He felt guilty.
"It wasn't your fault," she told him, "The way I saw it, that wasn't a fair fight. There wasn't much you could do, and I always jump in without thinking. I'm just glad you're not hurt. That you're okay."
Leonardo smiled. "I'm glad you're okay."
Kagome returned it before she stopped to yawn. She shifted but didn't roll over.
"It's still late, isn't it? I'm going to try to get more sleep."
"Get all the rest you need," Leo responded, "I'll stay with you until you fall asleep."
"Thank you, Leo," she whispered and, within minutes, settled down and fell back asleep.
Leonardo grinned as Kagome drifted off, her gentle breathing the only sound he could hear as her chest slowly rose and fell. He looked away from her when he heard a noise close to the doorway, but the one who made it was just out of sight. He already knew who it was.
Leo snorted and turned his attention back to Kagome. He knew his brother exceedingly well, and Raphael was not one to sneak around like this. He never avoided any obstacle and burst straight through them with brute force, so his recent behavior understandably made no sense at all. Raph obviously wanted to check on Kagome but was holding back because he—or anyone else for that matter—happened to be with her too.
And Kagome certainly wants to see him.
She didn't ask for Raphael when she was speaking with Master Splinter, but Leonardo suspected she wanted to and overheard April and Donatello talking earlier. Based on what he heard and how Raphael initially reacted, he wondered how close Kagome and Raphael were. If they had a close relationship, it was likely Raphael felt just as guilty about Kagome's condition as Leonardo did if not more so. Then again, it also shouldn't matter if she had someone around or not if that were true.
Well, if that was also how Raphael wanted to act, too bad. Leonardo promised Kagome that he would help her, and he always kept this word.
After a few more contemplative moments, Leonardo sighed and reluctantly stood after smoothing over Kagome's covers. As he exited the dojo and walked to his bedroom, he saw another figure pass him silently in the darkness. As much as he didn't want to leave her, he knew Kagome wouldn't be alone for long.
-O0o0O-
punkish furball – The word of the day is definitely 'guilt'. I know this chapter was mostly filler, but it was completely necessary. I've already started the next chapter and can't wait to put it out. Until next time, TCB! ^.^
(edited 06.23.2014)