- Chapter 4 -

Broken Things

CONTENT WARNING: Attempted suicide near the end of the chapter. Viewer discretion is advised.

Kagome took one of the soup cans Kasumi brought and began heating it up in the microwave. She glanced back at Hisako, who was sitting on the mattress in the living room. She kept looking around with curiosity and nervousness.

Kasumi looked her over, then shook her head sympathetically.

"Poor child." she muttered softly. "I can't imagine what she's been through."

Hisako rubbed her arms nervously, looking at the bandages on them.

"I treated your wounds as best as I could," came the voice of Splinter.

Hisako turned to him with a start, not having heard him approach. He held up his hands in a pacifying gesture, trying to calm the frightened child.

"Forgive me," Splinter said. "I did not mean to startle you."

Hisako made a visible effort to calm down, giving a small nod.

"I startle easily. It's not your fault."

Splinter raised an eyebrow in confusion. Aside from the occasional gasp or whimper, Hisako had not spoken a word aloud.

"Can you…?" he began. "Can you speak?"

Hisako shook her head slowly, pulling her legs forward and hugging them. "I can like this, but I can't do it out loud... I'm not supposed to." She cringed slightly. "I shouldn't even be doing this..."

Hearing this, the entire Hamato Clan felt a wave of anger and sympathy wash over them, feeling sorry for everything she went through. There was also no small amount of anger and indignation felt on her behalf.

"Those rats..." Raph growled before realizing what he had said. "No offense, Dad."

Splinter shrugged. "None taken."

Kagome pulled the soup out of the microwave and went over to Hisako. "Are you hungry?"

She got a nod from Hisako, as well as a very audible stomach growl.

"I thought so," Kasumi said. "Careful, it's hot."

She slowly spoon-fed the girl. Hisako accepted it, sighing with relief at the hot liquid. It was clear to all of them that this was the first meal she had in a while. Soon, the bowl was empty, and Hisako lay back on the bed, patting her stomach in what appeared to be a content manner.

"How was it?" Kasumi asked.

"Filling. Thank you."

Kasumi smiled. "Good to hear."

"Y'know," said Donnie, "along with some obvious physical therapy, we can probably add speech therapy to the list of things she needs."

"Yeah," added Mikey. "Everyone should be able to talk."

As the turtles and company all discussed what to do with their latest guest, Hisako watched them all. Her eyes narrowed in nervous suspicion as she eyed them all individually. She almost appeared to be sizing them up, trying to figure out their motives for treating her the way they did. She was almost afraid to try anything, the threat of the other shoe dropping keeping her cooperative for now.

Leo happened to glance over in her direction, and he immediately noticed her obvious discomfort. He approached her, crouching down so he was at her eye-level. She gasped a bit, flinching back as he gently shushed her.

"I know you have no reason to trust us, Hisako," he told her softly, "but we want to help you."

Hisako said nothing as she curled up on the mattress. She didn't need to say anything to voice her distrust in Leo's words. Leo sighed, standing back up. "This... might be tougher than I thought."

-X-

That night, everyone was fast asleep, Kagome sleeping soundly in a sleeping bag in Vee's room. Unfortunately for one, her rest was anything but peaceful. Hisako was tossing and turning on the mattress she had been left on, caught in the midst of a horrifying nightmare. Various images flashed through her mind, sounds and screams pounding in her ears. It all came to a climax as she snapped awake.

She screamed in horror as she thrust her hands out defensively. A nearby table flipped over, spilling its contents with a loud crash. Everyone else in the lair woke up with a start, running out to see what happened. Hisako was panting, her arms still outstretched as a faint green glow disappeared from her eyes.

"What the shell?!" Raph shouted in surprise.

Hisako yelped at his shout, flinching and cowering behind her arms. Raph winced sympathetically.

"Sorry..." he murmured.

Mikey looked at the flipped table in wonder. "Dudes… I think she flipped this table with her mind.

"After that freaky mind-rape thing she hit me and mom with earlier, I can't say I'm surprised," Kagome commented.

Hisako just curled up into a little ball, sobbing with fear. For several moments, the turtles and Kagome looked on, uncertain what to do to comfort the girl. Eventually, Kagome looked down at the stuffed turtle tucked under her arm and got an idea. She slowly went over to Hisako, setting the toy down next to her. Hisako slowly peeked through her fingers, glancing down at the stuffed toy.

"Hisako," Kagome began, smiling gently, "this is one of my most precious possessions. I've had it since I was a baby."

Hisako slowly sat up, listening to Kagome's words.

"Whenever I felt lonely at night, I'd hug that turtle, and it made me feel safe," Kagome continued. "Try it for yourself."

Hisako looked at the toy, then at Kagome. Hesitantly, she reached for the stuffed turtle, looking it over skeptically. With no small amount of caution, she gave it a small hug. Holding the stuffed animal did indeed make her feel a little better. She laid back down, curling up around the turtle and letting out a soft sigh.

"...Thank you..."

Raph smiled at that. "Nice one, Kagome. Looks like it worked."

"But it doesn't look like you're gonna get it back anytime soon," said Mikey. "If at all."

"I know," Kagome said, "but she needs it more than I do right now."

Mikey let out a yawn. "C'mon, guys. Let's get back to bed."

"Good call," said Leo.

As they left, Hisako watched them go before looking down at the stuffed turtle again. She felt genuinely conflicted, wondering if it was just a ploy to earn their trust. Too tired to think anymore on it, she hugged the turtle closer, doing her best to return to sleep.

-X-

The next day, the Turtles were in the middle of their training. Kagome and Kasumi observed them while keeping an eye on Hisako.

"So," Kasumi said, watching Hisako snuggle Kagome's toy, "You gave her your turtle last night?"

"Yeah." Kagome replied. "I didn't know what else to do."

Hisako continued to clutch the turtle, unwilling to let it go.

"I know I might not get it back for a while," Kagome continued, "but she needs it more than me right now."

Meanwhile, Leo and Raph faced one another on the opposite sides of the training mat.

"Ready!" Splinter declared. "Hajime (1)!"

The two ran at one another, their weapons clashing. Hisako watched the fight wide-eyed, tightening her grip on the toy.

"You ain't winnin' this time, pal!" Raph exclaimed.

Leo rolled his eyes. "You say that every time, Raph. And every time, you end up flat on your shell."

Kagome rolled her eyes at the brothers' banter, then turned to see Hisako's shock at the fight. She clearly thought they were actually fighting to the death and feared for their lives, and no doubt her own.

"Don't worry, Hisako." she said quickly. "They're just training. Practicing."

Hisako cocked her head in confusion. "This is training? Why? What are they training for?"

"We are ninja," Kasumi explained. "Martial artists."

Hisako maintained her blank expression. "Martial... artists?"

"Oh-kay," Kagome said. "She has no clue what we're talking about."

"We're master fighters," Kasumi clarified. "And the turtles are just practicing. Making their skills better."

Hisako nodded in understanding, looking back at the fight. As they continued, Leo accidentally nicked Raph's arm with his katana.

"Ow!" Raph yelped, hissing in pain as he grabbed the wound. "That fucking hurt, Leo!"

"Raphael!" Splinter said sternly. "Watch your language!"

Raph winced, then grumbled, "Sorry, Sensei."

Donnie quickly ran over with the first aid kit, running over and examining the cut on Raph's arm.

"Not too bad," he said. "It's just a scratch."

Hisako watched the exchange, her eyes drifting to Leo's weapons.

"Those are katanas," Kasumi explained. "A type of sword."

"Leo keeps them in good condition, so they're as sharp as can be," Kagome added.

Hisako nodded in understanding. As this was going on, Donnie finished wrapping up Raph's arms.

"That should do it," he said. "Not too tight, is it?"

Raph moved his arm a few times, then shook his head. Leo rubbed the back of his head sheepishly.

"Sorry about that, Raph," he apologized. "Didn't mean to actually hurt you."

Raph shrugged. "No worries. It could've been worse."

Splinter looked over at Hisako, sensing something wrong with her. What really put him off was the way she seemed to be staring at Leo's swords...

-X-

That night, Hisako tossed and turned in yet another nightmare, before waking up with a gasp. After looking around for a few seconds, she hugged herself and began to sob. The non-stop nightmares, all the pain and suffering; she just couldn't take it anymore.

She looked down at the stuffed turtle, the thing Kagome had promised would make her feel better. She looked at it in disgust and threw it away with a grunt, where it hit Leo's swords. Apparently, he'd accidentally left them out after training. Hisako examined them for a while, remembering Raph's wound, and recalled what Kagome had said earlier:

"Leo keeps them in good condition, so they're as sharp as can be."

She looked down at herself, then came to a decision, crawling over to the swords. After knocking them over, she, with visible effort, managed to draw one of the swords out of its sheath. It was heavier then she'd imagined, and much too long for her short arms. She gripped the blade, wincing as the sharp edges dug into her palms.

She whimpered slightly, aiming the blade at her own belly. Despite the tears running down her face, Hisako smiled softly, knowing that soon, it would all be over, and her pain would finally end.

At that very moment, Splinter's door opened. The sounds of the swords hitting the floor had roused him from his slumber, and the following sounds of one being unsheathed spurred him out of bed. As he opened the door, he gasped in shock to see Hisako with Leo's katana, her intent with the weapon deadly clear.

"Hisako, NO!" he screamed.

Hearing his voice, Hisako gasped, turning towards him in a start. Her momentary distraction caused her to miss her intended target, and she ended up cutting her side non-fatally. She cried out in pain, finally losing her grip on the sword. It clattered to the ground as blood began to flow from both her side and her hands.

Despite the pain, Hisako reached for the sword to try again. Thankfully, Splinter was much faster than she was. He ran over to her side and kicked both of the katanas away, watching as they skittered across the floor and out of her reach.

"No!" Hisako managed, her voice weak and cracking badly.

After a brief moment of surprise to hear her speak, Splinter grabbed her, preventing her from going for the sword again. She struggled in his grip, her blood seeping into his rope from the wound on her side.

"No... no, please..." Hisako wheezed, trying to reach for the sword again. "Please..." She finally sagged in his grip, her arm still stretched toward the sword. "Make... it... stop!"

She coughed, her throat unused to speech. Hearing the commotion, the Turtles came out of their rooms, and were horrified at what they saw.

"Oh Jesus..." Raph said in shock, "she didn't!"

Leo saw his sword off to the side, stained with blood. He gasped in horror as he realized what happened. "She did..." Leo turned to Splinter, tearing up. "Dad, I'm sorry! I should've put my swords away! This is all my fault!"

Hisako looked up at Splinter, her eyes brimming with a lifetime of sorrow and fear. "Why...?"

Splinter sighed. "I know you're hurting, but this is not the way to go. Death solves nothing, child."

"I... I just... want..." Hisako hiccuped, then broke down into hysterical sobs, burying her face in Splinter's chest. "Want it... to... end..."

"Dad..." Mikey said sadly, "Those people... I think they broke her."

"I know..." Splinter said before turning to them. "All of you, gather your weapons. Donatello, you will install locks on all the cabinets and drawers."

"Right away," Donnie replied, all of them dispersing to do so.

Hisako watched them go, then turned to Splinter again.

"Why?" Her voice had finally given out and she was back to mental speech. "Why do you care?"

"I see a child in need of help. One who's never known love, comfort, or compassion," Splinter explained. "So you're going to get some."

Hisako just started crying again, hugging him tightly. As this was happening, Leo went to pick up his swords, still looking depressed.

"I'm sorry," he said. "If I hadn't left them out, this never would've happened."

Splinter shook his head. "This is not your fault, my son."

"Yeah," Raph said with discontent. "It's the sick freaks who did this to her."

At that moment, they noticed Hisako's blood seeping into Splinter's robe. Her wound needed to be treated, including the ones on her hands.

"Uh, she's still bleeding," Mikey pointed out.

"Get the first aid kit," Splinter said simply.

Raph ran and did so, handing it to Splinter. With Mikey's help, Splinter wrapped up Hisako's middle, as well as her hands. As he tied off the bandages, she looked down at her hands with a defeated expression.

"...Sorry..." Hisako managed aloud.

"You have nothing to be sorry about," Splinter replied. "We merely wish to help you, if you'll let us."

Hisako looked at him, then over at the stuffed turtle she had discarded. She reached out for it, and Mikey handed it to her. She hugged the toy close, leaning into Splinter again. He caressed her hair gently, leaning his head into hers in a loving gesture.

The next morning...

Splinter sat with Kasumi and Kagome at the dinner table, and explained everything that had happened the night before. Kasumi covered her mouth in shock.

"My God," she let out. "Yoshi..."

"Is that why everyone's sleeping out here?" Kagome asked, gesturing to the mattress.

All five Turtles were fast asleep on the mattress. Hisako was in the middle of them, still hugging Kagome's toy.

Splinter nodded. "None of them wanted to leave her alone after that. I also had Donatello install locks on all the cabinets and drawers so she wouldn't try this again."

"Yoshi," Kasumi said, "this child... she needs professional help."

"That will be easier said than done. She doesn't trust anybody."

Hisako began tossing in her sleep and Vee gently wrapped an arm around her. Ever so slowly, Hisako calmed down.

"It seems she's starting to trust you guys at least," Kagome said. "I guess that means she's staying here, then."

"It seems that way," Splinter replied.

Kasumi sighed. "This won't be easy, Yoshi. She's going to need a lot of attention and care."

"I know," Splinter said, looking over to the slumbering children. "I know..."

He thought back to the desperation in Hisako's face the previous night, her fear, and silently swore to himself one thing: He would never allow that poor girl to feel so helpless again.

The very next day, after double checking on Donnie's lock system, Splinter began Hisako's physical therapy. It took a lot of time and effort over several weeks, if not months, but eventually, their efforts bore fruit. Hisako's figure filled out, becoming taller and more muscular, and she could soon walk on her own unassisted.

Her demeanor also slowly improved, becoming more positive and less paranoid. She still had serious nightmares, as well as fits of depression, but the support of the Hamato Clan seemed to pull her from that road before it got too dark. Kagome's stuffed turtle was never returned to her, becoming a constant fixture under Hisako's arm at night.

After several speech lessons from Donnie and Kasumi, her lexicon also greatly expanded. Soon, she was able to speak full sentences without issue. Despite her new ability to talk, her past remained shrouded in mystery. She refused to talk about it, and none of the turtles, nor Master Splinter were willing to push her.

Over time, her perspective of the Hamato Clan changed. They transitioned from nursemaids to friends, and soon friends to family. The Turtles became her siblings, and Splinter her father.

A good year after her arrival in the lair, Hisako was in good physical condition. She looked at herself in a mirror, hardly recognizing herself. She took a deep breath, then walked towards Splinter's room. He was sitting on his mat, meditating. When he heard the door open, his ear twitched and he cracked an eye open.

"Hisako," he greeted. "Can I help you with something?"

She sat down in front of his more than a little nervous. He seemed to sense that and came out of his meditation.

"Is something wrong?" he questioned.

"No, father," she answered. "I just… I want to learn ninjutsu."

Splinter was slightly taken aback by her request. "You wish to become a ninja?"

"Yes," Hisako replied with a nod. "I want to be able to fight alongside my siblings. I want to be able to defend myself. Maybe then, I won't be so afraid anymore."

Splinter stroked his muzzle in thought. "The life of a ninja is a hard one, Hisako. Are you truly certain of this?"

Hisako nodded again. "Very. I don't ever wanna feel like that again."

Splinter nodded back in understanding. "Very well," he declared, rising to his feet. "I will teach you."

-X-

And thus, her training began. Splinter was careful with the girl, the memories of her suicide attempt still fresh in her mind. He watched her grow, forming attachments to her new siblings.

As the months passed, and turned into years, Hisako proved an eager student and fast learner, picking up on ten years of ninjutsu in a mere five. On the eve of her fifth full year with the Hamato Clan, Splinter decided it was time.

-X-

In the dojo, Leo and Hisako faced one another. Splinter and Kasumi sat side by side on the meditation mat, the other Turtles and Kagome sitting off to the side.

"You ready?" Leo asked.

Hisako smiled and cracked her knuckles. "Bring it, Leo."

Kasumi raised her hand, and brought it down in a chopping motion. "Hajime!"

Hisako struck first, lunging at Leo and throwing a punch. Leo ducked and went in for a sweep kick, which Hisako jumped over. In midair, she twisted, aiming a kick at his head, only for Leo to retract his head into his shell to avoid it. Hisako landed, turning and smirking.

"Nice one," she said. "Now try and block this!"

She charged at him again, aiming for a pressure point under his left arm. Before Leo could react, Hisako's fingers jabbed the pressure point hard, causing the arm to go limp. He looked at it, genuinely impressed.

"Not bad. Not bad at all."

Hisako grinned, fingers primed to go for another. Leo jumped back, avoiding her attempts. Hisako twisted on her heel, her foot connecting solidly with the back of Leo's shell. He stumbled forward and fell, landing on his plastron. Hisako planted her foot down on Leo's carapace, punching the air triumphantly.

"Yes!" she cheered.

"Yame (2)!" Splinter called.

Hisako promptly took her foot off Leo and offered him a hand up.

"You almost got me with that head trick," she said.

Leo smiled and took her hand, letting her pull him up. "Great job. You got me."

The two bowed to one another respectfully.

"I didn't hurt your arm too badly, did I?" Hisako asked.

Leo shook his head, moving his arm slightly. "Nah. It's coming back."

Hisako breathed a sigh of relief. "Good. Can't be our fearless leader with just one arm." She gave a playful smirk as she turned to Raph. "Right, Raph?"

Leo chuckled, while Raph just mumbled to himself indignantly.

"Hisako," Kasumi said, smiling, "you have proven yourself a capable warrior, a compassionate soul, and an honorable ninja." She turned to Splinter. "Yoshi, care to do the honors?"

Hisako blinked in confusion, turning to them. "Honors? Sensei, what's going on? I thought this was just a simple sparring match."

Splinter smiled before going over to the weapons cabinet. Unlocking it and opening it up, he withdrew twin tessen fans from it.

"Hamato Hisako," he said, "it is my great honor to announce your graduation, and declare you an official kunoichi of the Hamato Clan."

Hisako gasped, taking the tessen in surprise. "You're... giving me weapons?"

Splinter nodded, and Hisako teared up, throwing her arms around him. "Thank you, thank you, thank you!"

Splinter smiled, returning the hug, and Hisako looked up at him, a big smile on her face.

"I won't disappoint you, father!"

Author's Note:

(1): "Begin!"

(2): "Stop!"

Well, that happened.

Voice cast for this chapter:

* Hisako - Cherami Leigh (Asuna from Sword Art Online, Makoto Niijima from Persona 5, Ilia Amitola from RWBY, Road Kamelot from D. Gray-man, Sailor Venus in Sailor Moon's Viz Media dub, Lucy Heartfilia from Fairy Tail, Patty Thompson from Soul Eater, Kazari Uiharu from A Certain Magical Index/Scientific Railgun, Shana from Shakugan no Shana, Rottytops from Shantae, Rhea from Fire Emblem: Three Houses, Michiru Kagemori from BNA: Brand New Animal, Sarada Uchiha from Boruto)

Please R&R. Until next time!