Chapter 7: Complications

The next two weeks went by just as if we had been a family from the start. Everything was perfect. Raph accepted me, Donny finally shared his feelings for me, and Leo and Mikey had no problem at all with me, well, not like they ever did in the first place. In the beginning, I had been so afraid of losing everything I had ever loved, but I was for sure now that I would never have to face that fear ever again.

Leo, Donny, and Mikey gathered around as Raph tried to challenge me to a sparring match, "Alright, you think you're so tough, eh? Let's put that big mouth to shame, here and now!"

I scoffed arrogantly at him, assuming position, "Raph, you know I don't think I'm tough, I know I'm tough! I've beaten you at sparring so many times I can't even count the number on my fingers!"

He chuckled, "As if! I probably just let you beat me cause you're a girl!"

"Oh, ho ho! You just crossed the line there bud! Come on, no more talk, let's fight!" I gave him a wicked smile, coming fast at him with a round heel kick. He blocked it with his arms, pushing me backwards. Catching my balance, I had enough time to dodge his fist as he threw a phoenix punch my way, letting me know he wasn't going easy on me. I jumped back, landing in a low stance as he ran at me. I quickly swooped my leg around, giving him a sweeping kick attack. He jumped to avoid it, losing concentration on his next move. I dashed after him, throwing a double punch at him, landing them on his chest. He quickly grabbed my arm as I tried to throw another at him, twisting me around. Before he could push me off with his foot, I grabbed his other arm with my free hand, forcing him around me so I could kick him to the ground. He fumbled, trying to catch me by the leg, but I dodged, unfortunately giving him enough time to get back on his feet. He growled at me, his fists clenched as his elbows tucked by his sides, ready to attack me. I stood in defense, my legs apart and hands in front of my, leading him on. He ran at me hard, a determined look on his face. Though, I stayed completely calm, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.

The thing about Raph was, he always got too cocky when he fought, and it messed up his concentration. He was sloppy, running around almost like he was dragging a bag of sand behind him. That's why I was always able to beat him at sparring. I kept a leveled head most times than not, and he just ran around like an arrogant ass.

I smiled as he got himself into a perfect position for me to take him down, running carelessly towards me. Just as he was close enough to strike, I brought my arm down in a fierce swoop, using my other arm as a balance, tucking it by my side. I struck his shoulder hard, sending him crashing to the ground.

He groaned, holding his shoulder as I stood tall, bowing honorably to the applause his brothers rang out for me, "No need to applaud, please, you're too kind." I chuckled a little. Raph had a scowl on his face as he stood, rolling his shoulder. I smiled at him, "Hey, at least you didn't lose to Mikey, right?"

It took a couple seconds for him to crack, but he finally let out a smile, "Yeah, guess it aint as bad as that."

Mikey pouted, "Heey.. Why's it always gotta be me you guys pick on?"

I let out a short sigh, "Because, Mikey, it's payback for all the times you've annoyed us in the past. I can't count how many times you bragged to me about the Battle Nexus when we first met, and you still won't shut up about it!." his brothers let out a simultaneous groan of agreement to that statement. I laughed to myself, realizing that this world was simply no different than my own. Everyone was exactly the same, the only thing missing was me and...and the rest of my family...

My face fell as I turned, grabbing my elbows with my palms. What was wrong with me..? All this time I had been so content with just accepting the fact I'd never see them again..I just 'got a new family'.. I almost felt ashamed of myself for my behavior.. I mean..there was no way things could just go back to how they were..If I didn't exist in this world, neither did Avolla or Zeema, or any of my other friends..

A daunting thought plagued my mind at that moment, making me feel sick to my stomach..Donny..my Donny..he was...alone. I thought to myself about how bad he had gotten when we were apart for four years after we first met..just after he fell in love with me. That night, when Avolla had reunited us, his eyes were so..sad, so painful..almost as if he thought he'd never see me again. I pictured him sitting all alone in his room, going over and over again in his mind to try and find a plausible explanation for my disappearance..It would probably drive him mad..

Donny noticed my change in expression, walking slowly over to me. He placed his hand on my shoulder and I flinched, almost uncomfortable with his touch after my previous thoughts, "Anocari..? Are you alright?"

I looked to the side, "I..I don't know right now."

He frowned at me, concerned, "Is there anything I can do..?"

I sighed heavily, "I'm just..thinking.."

"Thinking about what?" He was patient, his voice calm and collected.

I was silent for a long moment as Donny gestured for the others to leave us alone. I sat on the couch, gathering my thoughts, "Donny..I..I feel like I'm doing something wrong right now."

He cocked his head, "What do you mean..?"

I folded my arms, tucking them next to my stomach, "I..."

He looked at me with discern in his eyes, placing a hand on my arm, "It's alright, you can tell me.."

I closed my eyes, thinking hard. I was so afraid to tell him that I was thinking about my other world..I didn't want to hurt him..no..not after everything that had happened..but, then again, he might understand..knowing I was just scared and alone..Although..when I really thought about it..it was Donny..and he got his heart broken very easily..

Finally, I looked up to him, squeezing my palms over my elbows, "Donny..I can't stop thinking about my family.."

He stroked my arm, "But..we are your family..aren't we?"

I let out a stressful sigh, turning my head away, "No-I mean-yes-I mean..technically you are my family..and I love every single one of you..but.." I turned to look him in the eyes, "Donny, you're not my real family..and I don't think I should keep making myself believe you are.."

His expression froze, terrified at what I might say next, "Anocari..."

Tears welled in the corners of my eyes, "Donny, I'm so stupid! Don't you see that? I'm just some stupid girl who came in this world and played with hearts that she shouldn't have! Raph was right! He was right all along and I feel so awful knowing that I just brushed it all off, thinking I was doing the right thing! I was so selfish! I was only thinking about myself! I'm hurting you right now as I say these things, I can see the look in your eyes that I'm terrifying you! Donny I'm so sorry, so, so sorry!"

I burst into tears, shocked at how the words had just poured out of my mouth. What was wrong with me? Why was I being so blunt about my own actions? Why was I saying these things to him?

Suddenly, Donny threw his arms around me, embracing me in a warm hug. He held me for a long time as I trembled in his arms, rocking me back and forth. For a while, he said nothing, just held me, stroking my hair with his head leaned against my own. I didn't think he knew what to say, really..If anything, he was trying not to cry, himself..

Finally, he leaned back, placing a finger under my chin so I would look at him, something I wasn't too fond of doing at the moment, "..Anocari..please listen to me. It doesn't matter to me if you believe what you are doing is wrong..because this is the happiest I have been in a long time.."

I shook my head, tears rolling slowly down my cheeks, "Donny..stop.."

He shook his head back at me, "No, I'm not going to stop, because you need to know all the good you are doing for this family. Anocari, I am so, so happy. You understand me like no one ever has. You comfort me in a way no one ever could. You even make the rest of us happy. Mikey adores you because you play video games with him. Leo likes you because you are truthful and honest about everything. You even got Raph to warm up to you, even if he may be a little cranky that you beat him at sparring. Not only that, but you cook for us, which is way better than having pizza every single night." he smiled warmly at me, cupping my cheek in his hand, "Anocari, you are such a beautiful person, inside and out..I just wish you could see that right now..because you just make all of us so happy."

I bit my lip, looking down, "And what if I have to leave..?"

He was silent.

I looked up to him, pain flowing through my eyes, "Donny. What if I have to leave and you never see me again? What will all of this have been for? I'll be leaving a string of mangled hearts behind me, and the thought of it just makes me sick..What will you do then..? What would you think of me once I was gone..?"

Tenderly, he took my hands, holding them tightly. He stared into my eyes, gazing into them as if they were precious jewels, "Well..then I would be sad..because I never would have gotten the chance to tell you how much I lov-"

Out of nowhere, the alarms blared through the lair, red lights flashing on the walls in spinning motions. Donny looked between me and his computers, conflicted between finishing his sentence and checking the sensors.

He stuttered for a moment, "I-I."

Quickly, his brothers appeared in the main room, Leo the first to approach us, "Don, what are you doing? Check the alarms."

Donny nodded, pulling his hands away from mine to run over to his computers. His hands moved quickly, running over the keyboards to check into the digital map he had created for the lair and the pipelines around it, "It looks like there's something in the east wing of the sewer lines..It seems to be staying in one place, but I'm not sure how long.."

Leo grabbed on to his katanas, "Alright, then, we'd better get going then!"

Raph twirled one of his sais, a smug look on his face, "Yeah! I've been waitin' to kick some ass all day!"

Mikey shivered nervously, "I would normally be okay with this, but it's in the..the..east wing.."

I looked over to him, seeing him cringe at the thought, "What..what's so bad about the east wing?"

"Wait, you don't know about the east wing?!" He put his hands on his head, trying to be dramatic, as always.

I shook my head, "No. We never went over to the east wing in my world. Splinter always told us it was too dangerous."

Raph stuck his sai back in his belt, "Well, your Splinter was right. It's creep-o central over there. All dark and dingy, you can barely see your hand in front of your face."

I thought for a moment, "So..why do you guys go over there, then?"

Leo stepped forward, "Mainly for training purposes, but some people in this family feel they have to go over there to play games." he shot Raph a look.

Donny slid his chair back, typing a few things into the computer, "Guys, shouldn't we worry more about stopping whoever is about to find the lair?"

Leo nodded, "Yes, definitely. Come on guys, let's go."

Quickly, we all filed out of the lair, heading silently towards the, so called, dreaded east wing of the sewer lines. Donny looked over to me as we approached the large dividing tunnels which would take you to one side of the sewers or the other, "You know..the east wing is where I found you.." there was an uneasy look on his face as we walked through the tunnel that led to the east, "You were just..lying there on the floor. I almost thought you were dead.."

I looked up at him, somewhat of a sad look across my face, "So..you were the one who brought me to the lair?"

He nodded lightly, "That's why I was just a little uneasy when I saw there was something else had appeared on the scanners..almost in the same exact place."

I looked down for a moment, then back to him, "Wait, so..this person, or thing, or whatever, it's in the same place as I showed up?"

He let out a sigh, a discerning look on his face, "Apparently, so.."

Suddenly, everyone came to a halt, staring another split tunnel in the face. Mikey held his nun-chucks tightly against his chest, "Uh-oh..this isn't good guys..We all know what happens when there's a split tunnel."

Leo rolled his eyes at him, "Mikey, we don't have to split up, we have Don's tracker. Right Don?"

Donny pulled his tracking device out of his belt, staring at it for a moment, "That's weird.." he shook it, tapping it against his palm, "Guys, my sensors are all messed up..the screen is nothing but blurry lines." he hit it against his palm again, shaking it harder.

Mikey let out a groan, "Awww man..see?!"

Leo looked nervously around the group, "Well..I guess that's that. Mikey and Raph, you go with Anocari. Donny, you come with me. If your tracker starts working again I'll be able to get back to the rest of the group faster than anyone, so I need you with me."

Donny put a hand on my shoulder, "Be safe, okay?"

I smiled softly, nodding, "Don't worry about me. Take care of yourself okay?"

Raph let out a noise of disgust, "Oh come on, get a room you two." he spoke in a mocking voice, "'Be safe, okaay? Oh Donny, don't worry about me, take care of yourself.'" he rolled his eyes. I scowled at him, throwing a punch at his arm, "Hey! Why ya hittin' me?"

I folded my arms, "Cause you're being an ass again. Do I really need to kick your butt like I did earlier in sparring?"

He scoffed, "Nah, think I'm good."

Leo sighed impatiently, "Alright, if we're all done bickering here, let's get going."

We all nodded, then parted ways, walking deep into the darkness of the east sewers. Raph had been right about the thickness of the dark, it really was almost impossible to see anything. Just to make sure, I waved my hand in front of my face. I could see it, but barely. It just seemed like a fuzzy blurr from my point of view.

Mikey put his hands on my shoulders as we continued to walk, crouching behind me, "Anocari, I want you to know, if anything happens to us today, you were the best sister I ever had."

I sighed, smiling a bit, "Mikey, I'm the only sister you have." I stared at my hands for a moment, "Plus..I'm not really your sister. I'm not married to this Donny, you know."

"Well, you could be.."

I looked over, barely seeing him in the dark. I wasn't really sure what to say about that..I mean, yeah, I was happy that they were accepting me enough to want me to actually marry Donny..but..it just felt weird to think about.

"Oh, Mikey. All good things in time." It was the only thing I could think of to say..

Suddenly, I heard Raph stop, putting a hand up to halt us, "You guys hear that..?"

I stood still for a moment, listening hard. I closed my eyes, concentrating closely on any noises that might arise. Quickly, I looked up, hearing a slight plink in the sewer waters next to us. I crouched, ready to attack if anything might jump out at me in the darkness.

My eyes had started to adjust to the darkness, so I could see at least five feet in front of me, that is, if you were standing completely still. Anything other than that was just a blur. I hoped I would be able to spot the 'intruder' just before they could attack, but my hopes were pretty low. If anything, I would have to rely on my hearing, which was a dangerous task.

Raph turned towards me, sais in hand, "I can hear them walking..be ready."

I nodded, amazed at how easy it was for him to hear things. Although, Splinter was the one who trained him, so it only made sense he would be so good at it. I looked at Mikey, "Mikey, flank me okay? Watch behind me and help if I'm attacked."

He put his hand up to salute me, acting as a proud protector of his 'sister', "Aye aye cap-i-tan."

Suddenly, there was splashing in the water, and I felt someone run past me, headed in the direction we came from, "Hey!"

Raph and Mikey turned, realizing the intruder had ran past us. We all ran together, being mindful of the edge that dropped down into the waters. I could barely see a figure running in front of me, and I pushed my legs to their limits, feeling them burn as I reached my arm out to try and pull them down.

"We know you're here! Stop or we'll have to use force!" I yelled after the figure in the thick darkness.

Out of nowhere, the figure suddenly stopped, dead in it's tracks. I tried to slow myself down, but I was running too fast, and I crashed into the figure full force, knocking us both to the ground. I felt their hands on me as they turned, pinning me to the ground. I squirmed, kicking as their face was still just a muddy blur. I was panicking, and I couldn't focus.

"Let go of me! Aggh!"

Raph and Mikey came running around the corner, "Anocari!"

Suddenly, the figure stopped, loosening their grip on me as the leaned forward to stare at my face, "A-Anocari?"

I felt a wave of shock run through me as I stared the mystery intruder in the face, "D-Donny?!"

Raph ran forward, unable to hear us speaking, and he began to attack, "Hey you! Get off of-!"

I put my hand up, "No, stop!" Raph and Mikey stood, stunned at my sudden order, "It-it's...Donny.."