A/N: Thank you everyone who is reading.

-Awareness Bringer- I am glad you like that I brought Touch & Go. Thank you for your feedback. I will be sure to double check spell check. I have been just trusting my word processor.


Donatello rubbed his temple for the fifth time in the last two hours. Blurry spots dotted his sight as he leaned back in his computer chair. His eyes adjusted away from the microscope as he blinked. Banging noises that long had become background noise drew his attention to his right. In a large containment unit, a large green blob slammed against the glass. It made incomprehensible noises as it twitched. "I know, I am working on it," he said to the ooze monster. The monster's brown eyes narrowed before he threw his body against the containment unit. Green ooze smeared against the edges of the glass. "You're not going to break it. Trust me I know personally," Don said softly as he turned back to the microscope in front of him.

"Knock, Knock, Donny," Mikey's all too familiar voice called out from the open doorway. Picking up his head just for a moment, Don could see Mikey standing there with Lita right behind him. Her pink eyes looked over the room nervously. Her blanket cape tightened around her.

"If you come in, stay away from this table," Don said, pointing to the one he was working at. His fingers hovered over the beakers full of various chemicals. "Last thing we need is for one of us to revert back to a normal turtle."

Mikey shrugged," I don't know Don. Sitting around all day just eating and swimming sounds like a great time." He stepped into the room and Lita followed on his heels. The blanket trailed behind her. A safety hazard, Don thought.

"Heh, you wouldn't be able to play video games or read comics," Don reminded, moving his beakers further from the edge. The last thing he needed was for the younger turtles to knock them over. The retromutagen wasn't working yet, but he wouldn't tempt 'turtle luck'.

"Hmm, but you can read to me and I can watch you play," Mikey argued back. He leaned against the table. The older brother gave him a warning look, but was only greeted with a cheeky grin.

"I'll be too busy trying to re-mutate you," Don said, leaning comfortably in his chair. Crossing his arms across his plastron, Don challenged.

"That's okay, Lita could just read to me," Mikey said. Remembering the third turtle, Don startled. There were lots of things in the lab that could be dangerous. He found her standing in front of the containment unit. The mutant within it slammed against the glass. She flinched at each strike.

"Lita?" Don called to the young mutant. She placed her pale white hand on the glass.

Pink eyes met Don's brown ones. They looked fearful. "A-a-are you h-h-hurting h-h-him?" she asked, voice small as she tried to hide in her blanket.

Frowning Donatello looked away," No, I am trying to turn him back to normal." Her suspicion hurt him. It was sharp like a knife. "He was mutated by one of the scientists in the lab," the smart turtle explained.

"Oh. I-I-I'm sorry s-sir," Lita said to the former human. His struggles slowed as his eyes lowered to reach Lita's level. Don could have sworn that the ooze monster's gaze grew almost fond.

"Anyways, we came to remind you that it's lunchtime," Mikey said as he straightened from his leaning position.

"Just give me five more minutes," Don responded, "I am waiting for this reaction to finish." He pointed to a bubbling liquid in a flask.

Mikey's blue eyes looked at the chemical warily. "Nuh-uh, You already missed breakfast. Leo said you aren't skipping lunch too." Don wilted slightly. His brother was right. A grumble from his stomach had his younger brother raise a brow ridge. Blue and brown eyes challenged each other to say something.

"D-d-did he e-e-eat?" Lita's soft voice asked by the containment unit interrupting the little staring match. A hum from Mikey told Don that the younger turtle was also wondering.

"I have been able to give him some meal bars, but he is very aggressive," Don explained, "I haven't fed him since this morning."

"He's probably grumpy because those meal bars are disgusting," Mikey said, sticking out his tongue. A hum of agreement from Lita drew a bright smile from the orange-masked turtle. "Though he seems calm now," Mike commented. Spinning in his computer chair, Don faced the mutants. Settling on the bottom of the glass cage, the mutant blinked at the albino turtle. Pale fingers were spread across the glass, stroking the edges of the ooze.

"Would you like to try and feed him, Lita?" Don asked. Picking up one of the wrapped bars, he got to his feet. Tim's brown eyes narrowed and darted to glare at the turtle.

"I-I-it's okay. D-d-don is good," Lita stuttered though her tone was unsure. The purple-masked turtle flinched a little. Ignoring the feeling, Don opened the bar and peeled the wrapper back. "I-I-I'll feed h-him," she said as she reached out for the open food bar. Her white beak wrinkled as she sniffed it. Pink eyes looked betrayed at the scientist.

"Yeah, disgusting. Come on Lita let's get Seymour Gutz here some real food," Mikey called waving the girl to him. "You too, bro. Lunch is getting cold." Lita kept the meal bar close and hurried to grab Mikey's hand. Don followed the pair out of the lab, careful not to step on the trailing blanket.


Karai shuffled the papers in front of her. After her father was taken from her, his business fell to her shoulders. It wasn't difficult; she was raised for this. This was the plan for months before her father's ill fated trip to space. Green eyes looked to the ceiling as if she could look to the stars beyond to where her father was. What would he think of her? She failed to destroy his enemies, failed to avenge him. She lost the Heart of Tengu; stolen from her by those same enemies. Her hands clenched, wrinkling an earnings report. She straightened it out.

Looking at the clock in her room, she got to her feet. Her heels clicked across the wooden floor to exit the office. She had a couple of minutes to check on the new recruits before preparing for her interview. Stepping into the elevator, Karai pressed the floor number. She schooled her face as the elevator lowered.

She straightened her outfit as a ding notified her that she reached her she stepped off the elevator, two Foot Elite bowed. "Report," she ordered as she took the lead walking down the hall to the dojos.

"Squad Kame is progressing quickly," one of the Elite began. "Even with the late admission, they will be ready for combat within a month."

Karai grinned. This was excellent news. She had put together this team specifically to hunt down the turtles that banished her father. "I shall see to it myself. Prepare team Kage for tonight's mission. I will not accept failure." Her green eyes narrowed at the taller men. With two bows, the Elite disappeared.

Entering the dojo, Karai padded quietly along the wall. Unseen by the trainees within, she observed. Men and women were lined in a grid formation in the center of the room. Each wore a sleeveless top to allow the instructors clear sight of arm positioning. The instructors walked down the lines and corrected as need be. Karai watched one full kata before searching for one particular recruit.

Finding her was easy, she stood out from the rest. Shamrock green arms stood out from the rest of human shades. A black J28 was printed on one such arm. The recruits finished their katas and bowed to their instructors. Karai stepped forward as the recruits began to file out of the room. Startled, everyone paused to bow. Karai gave a responding nod. "You are dismissed," she said.

The recruits walked quickly past, averting their gaze except one. Dark brown eyes in a green face met hers. The Foot leader had to school back a scowl from forming on her painted lips. This mutated turtle wasn't part of her enemies, but she looked enough like them. "Could you join me for tea?" Karai invited as the turtle stopped in front of her.

Raising from her bow, the turtle smiled. "I would be honored, Mistress," the turtle's alto voice responded. "Maybe I should clean up first? I am sweaty." With a three fingered hand, the mutant pried her top away from her plastron to wave it out.

Karai gave a false smile, "That is quite alright. A little sweat is natural after a training session." The Foot leader motioned for the turtle to follow. She was a head shorter than the black-clad woman, but kept an even pace. "How are you doing?" Karai asked as she led the way.

"I am doing good," the turtle replied.

"I think you are doing better than good. Your performance during training was exceptional," Karai replied, spitting out the compliment that tasted bitter on her tongue.

Kneeling at the short table, the turtle nodded as she tried not to smile. "Thank you, Mistress. It means a lot to hear that." Karai poured two cups of tea. The calming scent did wonders to ease the tension she felt. The turtle in front of her took a small sip. Silence grew between the two as they each drank their tea. "Mistress, I should thank you for giving me a place. After I escaped the labs, I thought my life was over," the turtle said, tightening her hold on the tea cup.

Karai nodded, "I understand. Did I ever tell you about my father, Oroku Saki?" The turtle shook her head. "He was a good man. He saw me, a poor orphan child, and raised me as his own daughter." Smiling fondly, Karai looked down at her nearly empty cup. "He taught me everything I know."

"He sounds like a good person," the turtle answered politely.

"He was. He created the Foot to give wayward youth and adults a place to call home," Karai continued.

"What happened to him?" the turtle asked, no longer interested in her cup of tea.

Karai frowned, her brow furrowed. "He was killed by four monsters. Mutant turtles and their rat master." The mutant looked down at the table. "They couldn't see the good that my father had done. They couldn't see the honorable and good man he was." Karai released her hold on her teacup before it broke.

"I am sorry for your loss," the turtle replied. Reaching over the table, she placed her scaly hand on Karai's soft one.

Gagging, Karai accepted the comforting gesture. "I appreciate the sentiment. I must prepare for my interview. It has been a pleasure speaking with you, Jennika."

Jennika got to her feet to give a bow. "The pleasure is all mine, Mistress." Karai nodded as she left the turtle and tea set. Unseen by the mutant turtle, the Foot leader grinned. The Hamato clan would never see one of their own kind as a threat until it is too late.


The television provided nice background noise as Donatello tinkered in the living room. He double checked all the wires before closing the top of the motion sensor. It settled with a click before being set on the coffee table. He picked up the next open sensor from the table. An orange paw reached for the dangling wires. Don lifted the equipment higher out of the way. "Mikey, get your cat," Don yelled, his voice echoing through the Lair.

"I w-w-was playing with h-him," Lita's stuttering soft voice whispered. She held a cat toy in one hand. "I d-d-didn't mean to b-bother you," she said, bundling the blanket she wore tighter around herself. She looked up past Don's shoulder as someone entered the room.

"You makin' little girls cry, Donnie?" Raph's gruff voice asked with amusement. He walked past the smaller turtle ruffling her blanketed head. He plopped down on the other end of the couch.

"Little girls are the only people scared of him," Mikey added as he appeared to pick up Klunk. Don rolled his eyes, ignoring his brother's attempts to get under his shell. Mikey set the cat down and held out a laser pointer. The orange cat darted away from the group, chasing the red light.

"I am trying to watch the news," Leo said evenly from his spot on the recliner.

"You mean your girlfriend," Raph teased as he elbowed Don in the jostled the sensor in his reflexes kept the machine in his three-fingered grasp. The purple-banded turtle moved closer to the armrest as he continued his work. He gave a quick glance to the screen to see Karai on the program.

"She is not my girlfriend," Leo said, his voice harsher than Don had heard in a while. Poison was dripping from each word. It wasn't the embarrassed anger that once followed the tired joke. Don couldn't blame his older brother; he had thought the woman had killed all of them. "I want to know what our enemy is up to," Leonardo explained. Rapheal muttered a quiet 'sure' as Michelangelo sat on the floor with Lita. Both youngest turtles were playing with the cat watching the orange blur speed across the floor.

Donatello kept a half interested ear on the television as Karai's voice filled the Lair. "I am quite grateful to have been able to collaborate with the museum to bring my culture to New York in this temporary exhibit." Don clicked the motion sensor closed, he tapped Mikey and handed the sensor to him. His younger brother took the sensor and placed it on the coffee table. Don got another sensor from Mikey. "Yes, the Yokai no Keimusho, an artifact, that is said to seal away many Yokai, or malevolent spirits. As a child I heard many stories of Yokai and of this artifact from my father. So I am very enthused to be able to see it in person," Karai's voice sounded again. Don looked up for a second to see what looked like a large pendant sitting on a museum pedestal.

"Yokai? I rather that thing stays in Japan," Mikey said with a shudder. Lita looked a little confused at the orange-masked turtle.

"Scared of a bedtime story?" Raph teased, poking his younger brother with his foot.

Without missing a beat, Mikey pushed the foot away. Mikey shrugged, "Aren't you?"

"Don, you are staying here. The rest of us will patrol the museum," Leo said as he got to his feet. He placed the remote on the coffee table.

"Ugh, can I stay home? I don't want to fight Yokai," Mikey complained, "Some are said to eat your face and I have a handsome face." A loud smack sounded as Rapheal bopped him on his head. The red-banded turtle shook out his bandaged hand. Don gave him a warning look.

"Come on, scaredy cat," the red-banded turtle said, "Leo wants to see his girlfriend."

"That's enough, Raph. It's not funny anymore," Leo said more firmly. "It hasn't been funny since I got back from Japan." Raph crossed his arms, but there was understanding in his amber eyes. Both of the older brothers looked down at the albino turtle who was making Klunck chase his tail.

Mikey cleared his throat, "Well, we better head off before the Foot go shopping. See you, Imouto. Aniki." Lita waved as Mikey got to his feet. Shaking the feeling back into his sea green feet, the orange-masked turtle followed Raph and Leo as they left the living room.

The technician closed the finished sensor and set it with the others. He would have to set them up later since he was stuck with baby-sitting duty. Splinter will be back the day after tomorrow, so it should be easier. Their father could watch the youngest turtle and the four brothers could patrol together.

"Wh-what are those?" Lita asked, pointing to the sensors. She didn't touch them unlike another younger sibling.

"Those are motion sensors for the perimeter of the Lair. If anyone moves in front of them, it triggers an alarm in the Lair. We won't get surprised," Donatello explained. He continued to explain how they worked before remembering who his audience was. The younger turtle wouldn't understand the mechanical complexity. He trailed off as he remembered. Lita looked at him intently, but obviously not understanding. "Don't worry it's complicated."

"S-s-sorry," she apologized, "I am n-n-not sm-smart." She looked down, curling up.

Don chuckled," My brothers don't understand either." She still looked disappointed. "I did want to test you on what you know," Don stated. The girl stiffened as her pink eyes widened with fear. He stood up, reaching out to her. She shuttered and backed away. Her breathing was coming out in quick huffs. The purple-banded turtle could hit himself as he realized what he had said. "Whoa, whoa. Nothing like that. Just letters and numbers," Don said. The turtle backed away, hiding away from him.

Don could feel his stomach twist with guilt. It was because of him that Bishop had the genetic material to even create mutants. It was because of him that all of those subjects were tortured, experimented on, and killed. How could he demand anything of her? Don sighed, lowering himself to his knees. "I didn't mean to scare you," he said softly, "I would never hurt you or do anything like those scientists did."

Lita seemed to come back into focus. She looked away from him, not meeting his brown eyes. "Y-y-you are a t-t-turtle like m-m-me," she said more to herself than him, "n-n-not human."

Don didn't know how to respond to that. Should he say that not all humans were like the scientists from the lab? It would be safer for her to avoid most humans. Only Casey and April have been their allies in years. When the brothers were young, Splinter had told them to avoid humans at all cost. Should he repeat what his father had taught him? Before he could think of what to say, she got to her feet. "I am r-r-ready for the t-t-t-t," she stumbled on the last word. Her white hands clenched.

Donnie shook his head, " No, we can do something else." He could put off his curiosity on what she knew for later. She got to her feet, keeping her head down.

"B-b-but you w-w-want to know," she stuttered, looking small. Don sighed again, wondering why he had brought it up. He shook his head.

"Not if it makes you uncomfortable. My curiosity is not worth your comfort," Don said, trying to think on how to distract her. "How about we read instead? I don't have any kid books anymore. We lost most of the books in our moves, but I do have The Hobbit. I used to read that as a kid."

"O-o-okay" Lita answered with a nod of her head.

"Wait here, I'll get the book and be right back," Don said as he hurried to his room. He entered his room. He went to his bookshelf. Scanning over manuals and textbooks, he finally found his worn copy of The Hobbit. Before he left his room, he caught sight of his 'closet'. It was just a curtain that portioned off a small section of the room. Hanging there was a pale pinkish purple hoodie. He grabbed it as well before he exited his room.

He went back to Lita who had returned to her game with Klunk. The orange cat chased the string that she dangled in front of him. She had a small smile as she watched him. Don cleared his throat before speaking; a habit he learned to not startle April. Pink eyes examined him, distracted from her game.

"April gave me this hoodie. I told her that it was pink and not purple, but she didn't listen. You can have it though," Don said, holding out the hoodie. The girl took the offered clothing. She looked it over before dropping her blanket. She pulled the hoodie over her head. Don laughed as he saw that she had put it on backwards. Her face was completely covered by the hood. She looked up at him confused as he tried to even out his breaths. "It's backwards," Don explained, still laughing. The girl pushed the hood off her face before righting it. The sleeves fell over her hands as the hem reached below her knees. "Looks good," Don said as he sat down and opened the book. Lita climbed onto the couch beside him. As he began to read, he felt a weight on his arm. He flinched slightly as it was the same arm that was grazed yesterday. He looked down to see Lita leaning against his arm to look at the printed words.

"S-s-sorry," the girl apologized as she removed herself. "I f-f-forgot you w-w-were hurt," she said, pointing to the bandage on his arm.

"It's not so bad," Don replied. He lifted his arm to pull her close to his side. "Now you can see the pages and it doesn't hurt my arm." The girl smiled and curled up closer to the purple-masked turtle.


Mikey hated this. He could practically feel his skin start to prinkle and it wasn't the warm summer breeze. He sat on the edge of the rooftop swinging his feet. His fingers drummed the roof nervously. "Why didn't we just stay home?" Mikey complained ,"Master Splinter told us to stay home while he was gone." His voice sounded whiny, but he didn't care. He didn't want to be here.

"Yeah, we already broke that rule," Raph said as he flipped his sais in his wrapped hands. Mikey could tell he was just itching for a fight. "Besides, it's nice to get fresh air." Raph took a deep breath to exaggerate it.

"We can get fresh air in the Lair," Mikey argued. "It's huge now." He started to twirl a nunchuck in his hand, nervously.

"We can bust some heads," Raph added, crossing his arms. "Can't do that in the Lair." Amber eyes challenged the youngest as the emerald turtle grinned.

"We can spar back at the Lair," Mikey retorted, leaning on his hand as he stopped his spinning nunchuck.

"Ya offering your skull?" Raph asked, putting away his weapon to crack his knuckles. He barely winced at the motion. Mikey scrambled to his feet, putting his hands up in surrender. "What are ya so scared 'bout? Some necklace?" Raph asked.

"I'm not scared of a necklace. I am scared of soul-eating Yokai. Yokai that can freeze you to the bone, eat your face," Mikey explained, voice getting higher. He could picture them, monsters with claws and fangs. He could feel his blood chilling, freezing into ice.

"You should be more concerned about the Foot," Leo said, eyes steadily staring at the museum. "If Karai went to all this trouble to bring this amulet to New York, we can't allow her to get her hands on it." The blue-banded turtle looked so serious, it made Michelangelo feel a little foolish for thinking about ghost stories. Just a little. He tried to remember the stories that Splinter told them when they were turtle tots. How to beat these Yokai at their game?

"Maybe she just wants to share Japanese culture with the people of New York?" Mikey asked with a shrug.

"Yeah and maybe we'll all be invited to 'er Thanksgiving party this year," Raph replied sarcastically. Mikey stuck his tongue out at his older brother. "Nah, I think she is tryin' ta replace that thing we stole for Bishop."

"Which makes it important that she doesn't get her hands on this artifact," Leo said, agreeing. The leaf green turtle was shifting his weight from one leg to another.

"But we've been waiting here forever," Mikey said, drooping even more. He could feel his brothers' disappointment, but he ignored it. He chose instead to look at the street below.

"Looks like our friends came after all," Rapheal said, breaking Mikey's whining. The youngest turtle straightened his posture. The orange-banded turtle narrowed his eyes to squint through the dark. Ten shadows walked along the facade of the museum, pressed against the wall. Two had wide hats, making Mikey groan silently. Foot Elite. That's the last thing he wanted to deal with.

"Let's go, quietly," Leo said, looking at his youngest brother with the last word. Mikey frowned at being singled out. He stuck his tongue out at his eldest brother's shell. The youngest waited as his oldest brother padded through the shadows. Mikey kept a close eye on the shadowy shape of his brother. Leo had jumped to the museum roof with barely a sound, the perfect ninja he was. Raph went next. The youngest couldn't hear him land. Mikey followed. He jumped flipping twice and added a twist. He landed a little heavy, but he clicked his heels like a gymnast. He bowed twice. Both brothers rolled their eyes, but clapped silently. Mikey grinned wider as he crouched beside his brothers. They were close enough to whisper as they crowded on the cooling roof.

They crab walked to the edge of the roof. They leaned over, hanging their heads over to watch the Foot ninja force open a window. The eight grunts slipped into the building and out of view. The two Elite looked behind them. As they looked up, the three brothers retreated into the shadows. Waiting for a couple of minutes they leaned over once again. "Looks like the Foot don't know that the museum is closed," Mikey said.

"Should we show 'em the door?" Raph asked grinning. Mikey lowered himself to the facade. His two-toed feet touch cold stone as his brothers lowered themselves in front of him. They followed the path their enemies took. Leo gave a quick glance to the long way down, freezing slightly.

"It's okay, Fearless,"Raph put a steadying hand on his shoulder. Leo loosened a little as he padded forward.

"Thank you, Raph," Leo muttered as he continued. The leader gave a quick nod before walking to the open window. "Hold on a minute," Leo whispered. He held up a hand to his younger brothers and Mikey stopped obediently. Raph did as well and lowered himself to a crouch. He watched as his eldest brother climbed through the window. A green hand reappeared waving the pair in. Both brothers slipped into the museum, Raph first and then Mikey. Mikey quickly ducked behind a podium. Raph huddled beside him. "Hey bro, I think that this is your color," he said pointing to the red dress that towered over them. Raph narrowed his eyes before his hand slammed into Mikey's head. The youngest chuckled silently as Leo shook his head from behind his podium that held a military uniform.

Leo motioned for the three to regroup. "We need to find the Japanese exhibit," he whispered.

"This is why we don't leave the tour group, bro," Mikey replied.

"Not now, Mikey," Raph reprimanded, raising his hand before thinking twice. "Maybe we can call Donnie and he can bring up the floor layout."

"That's a good idea, Raph," Leo complimented. Leo nodded, pulling out his shell cell.

"That's a first," the youngest joked with a grin. Raph growled a warning. Mikey let his older brothers handle the technical stuff. He stood to his full height to look around the room. He looked over the weapons in a display from whatever time period this exhibit was for. A couple of pistols and a saber. Mikey nodded in appreciation.

"Chucklehead, we are heading out. The tour guide is going to leave ya behind," Raph stage whispered. He was at the doorway to the room with his hands on his hips. Leo was too far for Mikey to see. The youngest turtle hurried as Rapheal turned away to follow their leader.

The trio walked toward the Egyptian exhibit. "Hey, let's go around this one," Mikey said, stopping before entering.

"What now?" Leo said from the front. He turned to face the youngest, looking displeased.

Mikey shifted his weight from foot to foot. "Haven't you heard of the mummy's curse?" He looked at said mummy in the center of the room. He shuddered at the thought. Both brothers looked unamused and continued through the room. Mikey followed after, keeping his eyes on the casket. He pulled out a nunchuck to twirl in his hand. He held his breath until he exited the room. He stopped spinning his weapon, holding both wooden handles.

Leo crouched quickly and Mikey followed suit without looking. The youngest followed the eldest's gaze to the side of the room. Huddled around a single platform were the Foot ninja they were following. Four of the grunts were facing outward, acting as lookouts. Mikey pulled his second nunchuck from his belt. "Looks like we found our tour group," Mikey said in a small whisper. He looked to Leo waiting for his leader's command.

It was a barely noticeable nod and the three ran to the enemy ninja. Mikey was a twirl of movement, striking one of the lookouts. He could hear grunts as Leo and Raph took out the other lookouts. "Hey, the museum's closed," Mikey called, twirling his weapons. The two Elite tilted their head up to look at the turtles, but kept their hands on the glass container. The other four ninja squared their stance.

Raph struck first as the other two turtles ran past the quick fight. The sounds of grunts and steel sounded behind the pair. Mikey hit the Elite's hands as they reached for the amulet that hung on its pedestal. "No touching, dude. The gift shop is downstairs," The jokester said with a smirk. The Elite narrowed his eyes, but didn't reply. Instead he pulled out his ax. It gleamed in the faint light.

Mikey gave an awkward chuckle, rubbing the back of his head. He ducked as the blade sailed over his head. It swished above close enough to cause his orange mask tails flap. The turtle tried to sweep the ninja's feet from under him. His foot just met air as the Elite jumped. The ninja's feet pushed the turtle's shell down. Mikey stumbled forward, bumping into the pedestal. The amulet rocked back and forth before tipping to the side.

The turtle reached to catch it. He rolled to the side instead as an ax nearly caught his shell. The amulet hit the ground before Mikey swept it into his hand. It felt warm, sending strange tingles up his fingers. That was definitely a bad sign. He looked around to warn his brothers. He watched Raph tackle the Elite before the hat-wearing ninja disappeared. The youngest brother looked at the amulet he now held. It was as large as his hand. It looked like a metal ring surrounding an amber-colored gem that now looked like it had a scratch on it. The metal had different symbols carved into it. A spider, a fox, a skull, and a snowflake…

"You can join any day now, Mikey," Raph's strained voice drew the youngest's attention before he could examine it further. He held the Elite's ax away from his shoulder with his crossed sais. Emerald arms strained and bulged under the strain.

"Keep your shell on," Mikey replied, but he was already swinging a single nunchuck at the Elite's head. His hat flew off his head as the weapon glanced off it as he ducked. The Elite kicked backwards, catching the orange-banded turtle in the plastron. Air left his lungs forcibly as he rolled on his shell. The ninja reached out for the amulet in the turtle's hand. Mikey threw it toward his brother. "Think fast, Raph," he called out, breathlessly. Mikey scrambled to his feet as the ax nicked his outer thigh.

The red-banded turtle missed the amulet, catching the chain it was on with a sai. It swung, hitting the ground with a metallic sound. "Nice throw, Mikey," the older brother said sarcastically.

"Hey, you're the one who can't catch," Mikey retorted as he swung at the hatless Elite. The man disappeared in a cloud of smoke. The youngest heard a grunt as Raph caught the ax aiming for his head.

"Hey Leo," the hot-head called to the eldest, "Monkey in the middle." He tossed the amulet to the blue-banded turtle who caught it in his right hand before giving his Elite a roundhouse kick to the head. The man stumbled at the hit. Mikey tackled the axe-wielding Elite to the ground before Raph slammed the pummel of his sai into his head.

The trio of turtles paused to catch their breath. An eerie silence filled the room to the broken by the sounds of police sirens. The blue and red lights nearing the museum. Leo gave his brothers a curt nod. Without any words being spoken, they ran to the window they entered.

"Uh, shouldn't we leave the cursed amulet here?" Mikey asked as he leapt out of the window to roll onto the roof.

"We can't risk Karai getting her hands on it," Leo said. He frowned in a disgusted manner. Mikey barely caught a glance of the look as Leo flipped onto the roof of the museum.

"I gotta agree with Leo," Raph said as he joined his older brother, "We don't need another mystic attack on our home without Master Splinter being there." The brothers leapt to a nearby roof.

"Yeah, we barely made it out the last time," Mikey said, remembering that awful nightmare. The brothers watched as the police gathered at the museum's entrance. Their dark silhouettes were stark against the flashing blue and red lights.

"We can have Don look over it when we get back," Leo added. He turned it over in his leaf green hands. Thick fingers ran over the scratches with a slight frown. He hopped down gracefully down the fire escape to land in the alley. Mikey pulled up the manhole cover, letting the elder turtles drop down first. He climbed down the ladder himself pulling the cover closed.

"As long as it stays in his lab and far away from me," Mikey stated firmly, his voice echoing. "Next to Seymour Gutz." Leo shook his head at his youngest brother's words but didn't reprimand him.


Babysitting wasn't too hard, Don decided. Lita had fallen asleep before Thorin entered Bilbo's house. Though the weight against his side was just enough to keep him pinned to the couch. He could risk waking her to continue working on the motion sensors. He looked down to see her white face squished against the edge of his plastron. It was so peaceful. Sighing, Don accepted his fate.

Instead he reached for the remote that was on the other side of Lita. He flipped through the channels mindlessly. Pausing for a moment at a nature documentary. "S-s-sorry I fell asleep," Lita's groggy voice said. Her pink eyes watched the television.

"It is probably for the best. You need your sleep," Don replied. He set the remote down, leaving the television on the documentary. "It is healthier to get a full eight hours of sleep."

"Y-y-you don't s-s-sleep that m-m-much," Lita said, her voice still sleepy.

Don looked shocked at being called out by the little turtle. "Did Leo tell you that?"

Shaking her head against his side, Lita looked up at him. "I-I-I see your l-l-light," she answered.

Don chuckled a little. "Okay, how about we make a deal. You don't tell Leo I am staying up and I won't tell him you're staying up as well."

Scrunching up her beak, the turtle thought about it. "I d-d-don't know. C-c-can you t-t-teach me to r-r-read?" she asked, not looking at the olive turtle.

"Of course, I can. Do you know your letters?" Don asked. Thinking back to the files he read, he knew the scientists wrote that she had no recollection of any letters or numbers. But they also said she couldn't speak.

"Y-y-yes. D-d-doctor B-b-baker showed me c-c-cards with th-them," Lita replied. "A is for apple."

Don nodded. The files did mention a Doctor Lindsey Baker. Her notes were far and few inbetween. Most tests performed appeared to be cognitive. "Was she nice?" Don asked, leaning away to watch the younger's face.

Shrugging her shoulders Lita answered, "Sh-she was okay. She g-g-gave us f-f-fruit sometimes." Don relaxed a little at the information.

"Why didn't you talk with her? If she was nice, maybe she could have helped you?" Don prodded.

A nasty scowl formed on the albino's beak and she stood up straight, "B-b-because talking g-g-gets more t-t-t-t." She released a hissing exhale. "Test. If y-y-you're quiet. They forget you."

"Oh," Don replied, growing quiet as Lita watched the television. "That sounds similar to being a ninja," he said. The younger mutant looked at him with a small smile. "How about we read more of the book before the guys get back?" Instead of answering, the albino turtle took her position nestled at Don's side.

It took moments before her breathing even out as sleep took her. A yawn passed Don's beak as his eyes grew heavy. He shut them for a moment.


Mikey was the first to enter the Lair. He looked around, seeing the lights from the television. Raph brushed past his younger brother as Leo followed after. Mikey walked to the living room, deciding to check there first. "Hey, Donnie. We got something from the museum for you," Mikey called out as they entered. Raph smacked the back of his head while Leo shushed him loudly. "Quiet Shell-for-Brains," Raph growled, slapping his emerald hand over the youngest's mouth.

The orange masked turtle mumbled behind the offending appendage. "Look Mikey," Leo whispered, pointing to the couch. Leaning against one another was Don and Lita. An open book was in Don's lap.

"Should we wake them?" Mikey asked, "We should take a picture first. It's such a Kodak moment." Raph smacked the back of his head.

"I say we let 'em sleep. Don don't sleep much anyway," Raph said. "And I doubt she does either."

Leo looked contemplative. "Maybe we wake up Don without waking Lita?" Leo suggested. Mikey tiptoed to the couch, holding his shell cell. A bright flash filled the room as the youngest looked sheepish.

"I forgot I had the flash on," Mikey explained.

The other brothers groaned out 'Mikey'. Don shifted in his sleep, causing Lita to lurch forward off her perch. Instantly Don was awake, steadying her as she blinked her pink eyes. Matching frowns were on both of their faces. Another flash came from Mikey's phone.

"Sorry, you two looked too funny," Mikey explained.

"Let me see," Raph said as he pushed his way to look at the phone.

Leo sighed, "Sorry for waking you, Donny, Lita." He walked around the couch. He sat on the coffee table in front of the pair. "We got the artifact," he explained. He held out the amulet between the group. Don looked tiredly at the artifact. With a little insistence,Leo handed Don the amulet. "Think you can look this over and see if it is a threat."

"I can see what I can do," Don replied, running a finger over the cracked surface of the amber stone. "I am not really the expert when it comes to artifacts or the supernatural,"

"Just keep that thing in your lab, so it doesn't curse the rest of us," Mikey said with shutter. "We don't want Yokai running around the Lair."

"Y-y-yokai?" Lita asked with a yawn. Mikey turned his attention to the sleepy turtle.

"Monsters. Soul eating monsters," Mikey explained as he sat to her right. He knew it was his duty as an older brother now to warn his little sister about the dangers of Yokai.

"Hey, Bozo. Don't scare her with fake monster stories," Raph growled. "Go back to sleep, Lita. Mikey is just crazy." The albino turtle looked at each older turtle with bleary eyes.

"H-h-how can I. You're on my b-b-bed," she said. Mikey hopped to his feet as Don got up much slower. Satisfied, the girl curled on her side.

"We should all be going to bed," Leo stated as he grabbed Lita's discarded blanket and draped it over her shoulders.

"Don't forget your nightlight, Scaredy Cat," Raph teased, elbowing his brother. The red-masked turtle turned to leave the room.

"It's going to be okay, Mikey. Yokai are just scary stories," Leo said, "And if not we can take them down as a team."

"Sure Leo. We are the mean green team," the orange-masked turtle said with a fake grin. With a nod, Leo also turned to go to sleep. Mikey wasn't crazy, that amulet was giving him bad vibes. Major bad vibes. He watched as Donatello walked to his lab, turning the amulet over as he left. Mikey shuttered, really bad vibes.


Karai was fuming. She kept her upper lip stiff and her tone even. "I told you that failure was not an option." Her green eyes shone with anger. The drumming of her fingers on her desk was the only sound as she let silence grow between her and the Elite.

They were kneeling low in respect. "We apologize, Mistress. We didn't expect the Turtles to intercept us."

Karai frowned. Those four once again interfered. She clenched her fist tightly. If she was her father, these men would be dead. It was a tempting thought, but with low Foot recruitment, she couldn't spare to lose such well trained personnel. "Very well, you are dismissed," she said with a clipped tone. "And call Jennika to me."

The men hobbled to their feet, minding their injuries. "It will be done, Mistress." They disappeared in a cloud of smoke. The Foot Leader rose to her feet to wait for her guest.

It took mere minutes before a knock sounded at her door. "Enter," Karai called door opened slowly to reveal the shamrock turtle. She bowed properly and entered. "Jennika, I have an important task for you."

"I will do anything for you Mistress. You are the one who has protected me since I left the lab," Jennika replied.

"My men were attacked as they were guarding the artifact I brought from Japan. It was stolen by those turtles," Karai explained. She stepped closer to the turtle.

"Did they kill Team Kage?" Jennika asked, her voice concerned.

"Thankfully, their wounds were not severe. This time," Karai said. "We can't allow more of our comrades to fall to their clan."

"What can I do?" Jennika said, "I can fight them."

Karai smirked at the response. The foolish turtle would get killed with that attitude. "You shall train personally with me. And when I find you ready, you will infiltrate their clan and eliminate them."