(DisclaimerL I do not own TMNT; just my OC.)

(Authors Note: Hello dear readers and fellow writers! Thanks for sticking around so far :) Hopefully, you're enjoying the story, cause I've still got plenty of inspiration.)

"English/Speaking"

"YELLING"

'Mental thoughts/speech'

*TV/Media*

Notes

*:Phone Calls:*

Chapter 3

-Fourteen Hours Later-

With a slight groan, the young female slowly opened her eyes and immediately noticed that she was now lying in a bed as opposed to the floor of the subway car or her nest back at the lab. A quick look around the room suggested that it was some kind of medical ward; however, unlike her previous experiences with such rooms, this one wasn't a stereotypical off-white color and didn't smell of blood or chemicals, nor did it feel cold and artificial. Instead, it felt safe and warm. Of course, said warmth came from the multiple set of blankets that had been carefully draped over her body. As much as she was enjoying their cozy comfort, she really needed to pee.

'Damnit,' she mentally groaned in annoyance.

Carefully sitting herself up in the bed with a slight wince, she removed the covers and saw that her right ankle was now in a splint, while several fresh bandages had been placed along her body, indicating that whatever wounds she had were now properly treated. Glancing over at the small bedside table, she immediately noticed the crutches that were leaning against it before spotting a sticky note atop of what she assumed was an article of clothing. It read:

I thought you might like something comfortable to wear. Also, there's a towel and toiletries for you in the adjacent bathroom. -D

With a smile, the young female carefully stood up and hobbled into said bathroom, where she graciously took advantage of the amenities before stepping into the shower to rid herself of the grime and unpleasant smell that clung to her thin, scaly body.

Feeling a sense of relaxation as the hot water saturated her ebony tresses and rolled down her back, the young female made use of the toiletries that had been set aside for her. Massaging her hair with white grapefruit and mint scented shampoo, a small sigh escaped her lips as the fresh/rejuvenating smell filled the air and opened her sinuses. Once she had a nice lather in her midnight locks, she then took the body wash off the shower caddy and used it on her scales, relishing how nice it was to be ridding herself of the grime and filth she had acquired during her unfortunate swim through the East River.

Upon thoroughly cleaning her hair and body (without completely saturating her splint), the young female hobbled out of the shower and dried herself off before wrapping her thick, ebony locks up in the towel. Stepping over to the sink, she suspiciously eyed the fogged mirror before carefully placing the tip of her index nail/claw upon the reflective pane of glass and emitted a sigh of relief when said nail didn't touch her reflection. Making doubly sure, she then softly knocked on the glass and determined that the wall behind wasn't hollow. 'It's just a standard mirror,' she sighed in relief. Was she being a little paranoid? Maybe. However, back in the lab, she was under constant surveillance and knew someone was always watching her from behind the mirrored walls of her enclosure.

Shaking her head of such disturbing thoughts, the young female took a moment to glance upon her reflection: three butterfly bandages adorned her ivory cheek, while her upper right thigh had at least a dozen stitches, indicating that the bullet had been successfully removed from her flesh. With an inquisitive squeeze, she confirmed this theory as she could no longer feel the invasive piece of metal. 'At least that's something I no longer have to worry about,' she sighed before glancing down at the dark vein marks along the inside of her elbows and along her inner forearms. Feeling some unwanted memories beginning to surface, she swished her tail from side to side in nervous anxiousness before she closed her pale gray eyes and began reciting elements of the periodic table:

"Hydrogen, Helium, Lithium, Beryllium, Boron, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine, Neon, Sodium, Magnesium, Aluminium, Silicon, Phosphorus, Sulfur, Chlorine, Argon, Potassium, Calcium_" Breathing in and out in a slow, calming manner, she opened her eyes and turned away from her battered reflection before removing the towel from her head and hanging it up on the rack to dry.

Afterwards, she used her clawed fingers to comb through her long ebony tresses before weaving the silken strands together to form a thick braid that hung down the length of her back. Looking around the bathroom for something to tie her hair with, she emitted a slight huff as her search turned up empty handed. 'I guess it makes sense that no one would have need for hair ties in this place,' she mentally smirked before forgoing on tying off her braid, hoping that because her hair was damp, it would hold for a little while.

Hobbling back into the sick bay, she picked up the article of clothing Donatello had set aside for her to wear. Upon unfolding it, she saw that it was a large, purple NYC hoodie, to which she slipped it over her head and onto her body while noting a faint, male scent that was embedded into the fibers (despite the accompanying scent of detergent). It was like a soft/subtle musk mixed with coffee beans. Pleasant smells aside, she also noticed that said hoodie came down to her mid thighs, which made her grateful for the additional coverage. With her body now partially covered, she made use of the crutches that were provided and exited the room, eager to begin exploring her new surroundings.

Unlike her previous enclosure, there were neon lights, posters, metal signs, and graffiti all over the walls, which was a drastic change from the stark/sterile white she was (unfortunately) accustomed to. While the whole area had an expected sewer smell, there was also a distinct masculine aroma: Not in a funky/OMG take a goddamn shower you rank ass cum sock kind of way, but more like a subtle musk that was oddly comforting. As she hobbled along, she noticed the various amenities, decor, electronics and mismatched furniture, which she actually found rather cozy and homey-looking. Of course, it was all vastly different from what she was used to. There was just so much life, energy and color here that it was hard not to feel a bit overwhelmed (in a good way).

"Ah, I see you are awake." A strange/new voice suddenly spoke up, causing her to slightly jump in surprise. Glancing over to her right, she spotted a giant rat casually stepping into the vicinity, to which he held up his hand/paw and gave her a kind smile, "Forgive me for startling you. I should have made my presence known."

"No, no, it's fine," she waved it off with a slight shake of her head. "_I'm just not used to being in this sort of place, nor am I used to interacting much with others on a positive scale," she quietly added with a slight frown as a sympathetic/understanding look appeared across his face:

"I will not ask you to recall such unpleasant memories if they bring you discomfort; however, I would ask your name and if you'd like some tea."

At his response, the female smiled and gave him a nod, "Tea sounds wonderful. Also, my name is Diana."