Chapter 3

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I opened the door to the lair, looking lazily around. I could see all the turtles in my quick scan of the room, moving over to the couch near me, dropping my bag and face planting into it.

"Jade?"

I didn't respond. I was exhausted after such a long day. It seemed like every teacher wanted to dump a pop quiz on us, and not to mention the worry over Serah... wondering what was going through her mind, and considering the possibilities...

"Is she dead?"

Mikey, of course.

"Don't be silly" Donnie's voice now, and I felt something gently touch my back, and a kiss on the back of my head. I still couldn't bring myself to move.

I heard him walking away, finding some peace in just laying there, my face mashed against the old material of the couch, feeling myself start to drift into a half sleep. This wasn't abnormal for me to do this.

I made a short grunt as something poked my shoulder, hearing the all familiar giggle. Then a poke in my side, which made me moan, trying to bat away at the person who had poked me.

"Don't do it bro" Came Leo's voice not far, feeling another poke in my side, repeating the motion of trying to bat him away with the arm that had been hanging off the couch.

"But duuuude, how can I noooot?"

"Your funeral Mikey" Raph responded, hearing him what I guessed was pass by on the other side of the couch.

I felt another poke, and I groaned, trying to form words to tell him to stop, but my mind was too muddled at that moment. I heard another giggle from him, starting to get a little annoyed. Why couldn't he just let me nap?

"Mess with the bull, you'll get the horns... again" Donnie warned, and I could hear him what I guessed over by his little computer setup. I hadn't heard Splinter yet.

Another poke, and I groaned unhappily, finally being able to get out "Mikey, stop"

"You heard her" Leo again, but all he got was a giggle as a response.

It stopped for a little, finally feeling my body relax again and starting to-

Another poke, and another giggle, and I had finally had enough.

"Mikey!" I snapped, pushing myself up and turning to him, seeing the look on his face turned from amused to scared. He went to turn and run, but I was on him, knocking him down mid turn and pinning him under my now heavy form.

Before he could say anything, I let out a blood curling roar, seeing him quiver in fear.

"Nononono! Don't kill me, please... don't kill me Jade!" He finally yelped, his hands above his face, protecting it from my glistening teeth.

It was the fastest I'd ever shifted into a tigress. So you could tell, I was pretty mad.

"You asked for it, little brother" Raph walked by again, something in his hands, and I let out another growl, causing Mikey to whimper, before shifting back and going back over to the couch. I was tempted to lay back down, but just opted for sitting, plopping heavily down and resting back against the tattered material.

"I'm so sorry Jade, I'll never do that again" He got up, coming over to me. He looked both genuinely sorry as well as a little scared.

I raised an eyebrow.

He backed up a little.

I heard Raph laugh a little "You were warned"

"Agreed" I saw Leo come over to me, sitting down next to me. I looked up at him, trying to put on my best pout.

"You okay?" He asked, his worry genuine.

"Mikey couldn't just leave me be, could he?" I turned to Mikey, glaring at him, earning another small whimper, putting his hands up defensively and shaking his head.

"Night off tonight, okay? I think we all need a break" Leo patted my shoulder, getting back up and heading into the room opposite from me, grabbing his brother by the side of the shell and dragging him off.

"Nooooo" He turned playful, pretending to be reaching for me, and I sighed, shaking my head.

I couldn't be mad at him for long.

"So, how was school?" Raph asked, and I realised he was doing something with weights, and push ups. I looked over, seeing Donnie was glued to his computer screens. I knew he'd be listening in as well.

"Tests, tests, and tests... and Serah" I sighed, finally deciding to get up and stretch my muscles.

"Is she okay?" Donnie didn't take his eyes off whatever he was doing.

I explained to the boys what had happened, and saw Raph's face grow concerned.

"Think...shes gonna...be okay?" He asked, grunting as he spoke, due to the workout he was doing.

I shook my head, deciding to slowly walk around the room. I was here often enough, and most nights when I'd come here, we would leave soon after. The boys would find the criminal hotspots... and I'd be the juicy bait.

But tonight, because Leo had decided to call it off, I felt slightly restless. I'd usually come in, sometimes faceplant for a bit, before we took off. Usually getting annoyed by Mikey in the process. It was all normal.

I wondered then if maybe it was because of Serah...

"Does she remember what happened?" Donnie asked from where he was, not looking around.

"Uh, duh, of course she remembers" I rolled my eyes "I tried to convince her it was all in her head, but I don't think she really believes me. The look on her face..." I trailed off, biting my lip and deciding on a course of action.

"Well is there anything more we can-hey" I spun Donnie around, and away from his computer, making him look at me as I sat in his lap, grabbing the edge of the table and turning us back, then taking his arms and placing them back on the keyboard.

"Huh" He muttered, then rested his chin on my head and continued on. I watched him, feeling a little better and being distracted by all the things flashing around on the screens.

"Well if we have to, we-"

"No Raph" I didn't move from Donnie's lap "I can't do that to her. If we held her for three days, she'd never be able to go back to her old life. And I can't-"

"Jade"

Donnie stopped what he was doing, turning us around as Splinter entered the room, one hand behind his back, the other stroking his whiskers.

"Perhaps you could call the Animorphs in to help with this problem, or Ithiell"

"Hmmm, you could be right. I might discuss it with Ithiell first though" I leaned back in Donnie's lap, putting a finger to my lips.

"Want me to contact him now?" Donnie's arms were now resting at my sides, half talking into my hair.

I shook my head "No, I might wait til Rachel is here"

I glanced over at Raph, seeing a slight smile on his face as I said her name. I knew he missed her.

"So, when will she arrive?" Splinter was now in front of me, and I knew he noticed Raphs change in mood.

"Tomorrow afternoon. We thought we might have the casual visit approach again, instead of sneaking around in the fighter. That way she and I can hang out, and talk...aaand..." I trailed off, smiling at Raph, who had now stopped his workout to look at me.

He was so cute! He pretended to be this big hardass, but as soon as Rachel was mentioned, he'd become this eager little puppy.

"Will she...come here?" He asked.

"Of course she will! Think she wouldn't come see her big strong Raph?" My last words became babying, and I'm sure if he was human he would have been blushing. But the silly smile he now had on was worth it. He really, truly loved her. And it was just so sweet to see.

Both of them were just so tightly wound, but as soon as one was mentioned to the other, it was like they went to mush. I couldn't think of a better couple.

He turned, going into another room, and I looked back over at Splinter.

He was smiling at me. And as long as I'd known him, it was rare for him to smile.

"I believe... we will all be happy to see her again"

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"Don't forget-"

"Mum, it's okay"

Silence, then-

"Oh, watch it watch it!"

I groaned, rolling my eyes at her.

"Don't roll your eyes at me young lady"

"Maaaa, really? Dad says I'm a great driver" I was really regretting bringing my mother along to the airport. I should have asked my dad...

"Jade, light!"

"Mum, I'm already slowing down!"

We slowed to a stop, and I looked at her, not understanding how she could have such little faith in me.

"Mum, I-"

"Oh, green light!"

I groaned, continuing on.

I had gotten my license a few months ago, but since I didn't have a car, I would occasionally ask to borrow my mums or dads cars. The only rule was... they had to be with me. Which I guess was understandable, but my mother was frustrating.

She continued to jump up and down about this and that, giving me, and I quote, 'Helpful tips' when driving, all the way to the airport.

I was almost relieved when I pulled into a carspot, getting out and handing the keys to my mum "You can drive us home"

She grinned happily, like I'd told her she'd won the lotto.

"Are you and Rachel going to be up all night, talking about" She put an arm around me as we walked "Booooys?"

I almost choked on my own saliva "Mum!"

"Oh come on, you know I'm just playing"

Yeah, playing on my nerves. I thought, continuing to walk through the airport, with mums arm draped casually around me.

I knew she loved me, and I was lucky to have her, but now I was getting older I think she was just afraid of loosing me. I'd be finishing school soon, and there was all that talk about where I'd go from there.

Honestly? I didn't know. My life was mostly wrapped up in criminals and brain stealing aliens.

I didn't really have much time to think about career choices.

I forgot about my troubles as we reached the terminal we were meant to pick her up from, moving out of the way of the bustling people.

We both waited, watching as the little screen, as then as a lady over the intercom announced that Rachel's flight had arrived, eagerly waiting to see her exit.

"There she is!" I pointed when I saw the familiar head of blonde hair, making my way through the crowd with my mum following, greeting Rachel with a bear hug.

"Hey, good to see you!" She laughed a little, then gave my mother a quick hug. We managed to squirm our way out of the crowds, finding our way to the baggage area.

"So, how long will you be staying with us this time Rachel"

"Well, if it's all right with you, I was thinking two or three weeks?" She asked my mum, a sounding a little unsure.

"Oh of course dear! Stay as long as you want! Jade really perks up when you're around" Mum grinned, giving her another big hug.

I almost...almost... rolled my eyes.

"Thanks Mrs H, I really appreciate it"

We made our way to the exit, and found my mums car again, all of us piling in. I turned in my seat a little as mum started the car, humming to herself.

"So, Rachel, hows Jake and all that?"

"Oh, Jake is just Jake, you know, got those boy problems and all" Rachel replied, which in our code it meant Yeerk problems.

"Well, boys will be boys" My mum laughed a little. We tried to laugh as well.

"Well, I guess that's nothing unusual. So-"

"Jade, turn around and sit up straight"

I groaned. My mother.

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After we'd gotten home, and Rachel had been fawned over by the rest of my family for a few hours, we had finally managed to get settled in my room.

"So, when are we going to go down to the lair?" Rachel asked, a big smile on her face as she relaxed back into the mattress we had pulled out for her.

"Well, I was going to say tomorrow, but..." I got up, peeking outside my door, shifting a little. With keen cat ears, I could hear that my parents, as well as my siblings, had all gone to bed. I could hear my dad snoring away.

I shut it, turning to her and seeing her face light up. She knew what we were going to do.

We both got out of bed, me getting dressed and her handing me some clothes, going to brush her hair.

"Rach, you look fine"

She gave me a look, and I shrugged, going to look out the window, checking outside.

"You ready?" I asked, turning back to her. She put a finger up, as if to say wait, then put on what I thought was lip gloss, smacking her lips together and nodding.

I closed my eyes, starting my shift into barn owl. I was careful to shift her clothes and shoes into my change, opening my eyes to see everything now as bright as day. In front of me, stood a small fly.

(Hop on) I said, watching as she buzzed up, and then found a spot on my back, under my feathers. I felt her nestle down as I opened my wings, gliding from my bed and onto the window sill.

(All aboaaard!) I called, and I heard her sigh.

(The Jade Owl express is now leaving, please keep your arms and legs inside the the-)

(Jade?)

(Yeah?)

(Just go... please?)

I opened my wings, taking off silently into the night.

(Excited much?) I asked her, floating silently over the rooftops, seeing everything around me clear as day.

(Uh... maaaybe?) She was trying to sound nonchalant, but I knew she missed him.

Raph and Rachel were much closer than Donnie and I. They had this amazing bond that I don't think I'd ever seen, no matter where I'd been.

And let me tell you, I'd been places you could only dream. Space is actually a very...very big place.

We continued to chat about general stuff, before I saw the manhole cover we needed to go down. As I predicted, it was open.

I angled myself, tucking my wings back and gliding in silently.

I flared my wings at the corner, pushing off the wall with my little owl feet, continuing to fly towards the lair.

Just before we reached the last turn however, I landed on the dry part of the sewer, starting to shift back, feeling my little passenger take off as I did.

When Rachel was demorphed I handed her the clothes I had brought for her. She put them on, then patted her hair down, looking at me.

"Do I look okay?" She now looked, and sounded, genuinely worried.

Once again, I realised how strange it was. The Warrior Princess, looking almost afraid. She bit her lip, and I couldn't help but smile, taking her hands in mine and pulling them away from her face.

"Rach, you look amazing"

"Do I?"

"You do remember he loves you no matter how big your butt is, yeah?"

She let out a soft laugh, her features softening. She knew I was right.

"Now...you ready?"

She nodded, determination now showing in her eyes.

We went to the door, opening it and finding all the turtles, and Splinter, waiting for us.

Just like I had planned.

"Surprise!" Mikey yelled, and we all looked at him.

"It's not a party" Raph shoved his younger brother a little, and he just giggled happily.

I stepped aside as one by one Splinter, then the turtles, all greeted Rachel.

Then finally...

"Hey" Came Raph's soft voice, looking at her with a gleam in his eyes.

"Hey" She replied.

Slowly, they came together, Raph pulling into a strong but still somehow gentle embrace, and I saw her smiling happily as she pressed her head against his chest.

Their heads turned, and they shared a sweet and gentle kiss.

"Aaaawww" I couldn't help it, I just loved how much they cared about each other. It was so sweet.

They seemed to pull apart, Raph clearing his throat and looking around at us.

"I...uh...um..."

"Well, we better-"

"Oh you two" I went to them, taking his hand and putting it into hers "Go, have some time together. Just be back before sunrise"

I winked at Rachel, and she smiled.

"So uh..." Raph started, pulling her towards the door. I watched them leave, tears brimming my eyelids.

"Oh no, Jade's crying again!" Mikey was suddenly there, staring at me. I couldn't help but laugh, pushing him back a little.

"I'm not upset! I'm happy you dork"

He scratched his head. Then he did something I didn't even see coming.

"No more tears!" He picked me up and threw me over his shoulder, making me yelp.

"Mikey!"

"Yeeeees my sweeet-"

"Mikey" Donnie sounded annoyed, and I could see him coming up to us, just before Mikey turned around to look at him.

"Whoa bro, we don't need to fight, I'm sure Jade-"

"Mikey, don't even!"

"Oh do you ever learn?" Leo muttered from somewhere.

"Obviously not" Donnie muttered, sighing.

"Oh come on Donnie, why can't you share?"

"What?!" I yelped, slapping his shell "Mikey I am not a toy!"

He suddenly giggled, and I felt myself slipping backwards, then put back on the ground.

He moved back, grinning at me as I glared at him.

"You know I didn't mean it Jade" He suddenly smiled, his hands up in the air again "Hey! No more tears!"

"Oh you silly boy" Was all I could get out, sighing and rubbing my temple "What am I gonna do with you?"

He smiled, and I knew what he was thinking, letting out a short laugh in spite of myself.

At least he tries...

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Thought I'd try and focus on the turtles a bit more in this chapter. Hope you enjoyed!

Please read and review! Yummy reviews! :D