CHAPTER NINE

The chilly winter wind's howled and the rain hit hard across the city of New York. Deep with in the foot head quarters, the shredder remained, angrily awaiting the news from Dr. Baxter Stockman of his plan and use's of the turtle's DNA.

The news of Hun had hit the shredder, clan of Foot ninja and the Purple dragons, hard, and there was surely many doctors and nurses that had lost their life's for such low security efforts after that one got out! They practically opened the door for the turtle to just murder Hun, and so, in the shredders eyes and grief, it was their life for failing him and Hun.

"STOCKMAN!"

Saki was growing impatient after many hours of waiting on that scientist of his, so he made his way to Stockman's lab, demanding his question.

"Have you finished yet?"

"Ahh, shredder, welcome. You're just in time to see my creation."

Graciously announced Stockman as Shredder and Karai made their way towards him. Throwing his arms up and opening them out in announcement, the scientist turned everyone's attention towards a big tank - covered with a sheet. Saki grunted, irritably.

"We do not follow?"

Informed Karai, narrowing her sienna brown eyes at the large tank the professor seemed so content in showing. Stockman smiled at her lack of observation.

"Allow me to show you!"

Grabbing the sheet that covered a very large tank, Stockman ripped it off with force -triumphantly, revelling a mutant Turtle.... Needless to say, this one was slightly different to the other four. This turtle had claws on both hands and razor spike's going right the way round its Carapace rim. Saki stood back in awe.

"STOCKMAN! What is the meaning of this creature!"

He asked in his powerful dark gruff voice while drinking in the lethal looking turtle with his intensely focused eyes. Stockman smirked,

"Allow me to explain, Master."

He said before setting about announcing and presenting the creatures strong points.

"I have developed this mutant creature, with one goal in mind.... To destroy those pesky little Turtle creatures once and for all!"

Karai stepped forward, regarding her father.

"My lord, we have all ready sent mutants after the turtles once before."

Reminded the young female Ninja, clearly not impressed with Stockman's efforts.

"Remember Tokka and Rahzar? They failed against them, miserably!"

The Shredder listened to Karai's warning, but his interest grew and he was actually intrigued to know of this particular turtle type.

"What makes this mutant any better than the last 2 we sent then, Stockman?"

Stockman's smile grew a fraction of an inch as he folded his arms and looked to the creature, in explaining more.

"My lord, the creature you see before you has the personality of the one they call Michelangelo, and the smarts of Donatello. Those claws you see are pumped full of a mutational virus; the same mutation liquid, I might add, that helped mutate our little annoying green friends.

That means, one scratch from this creature to the turtles and their body system will fail due to an over lode of mutational DNA. It is stronger than the turtles and much faster than them, however, it's only got the minimum use of fighting skills; but it has been programmed to strike the neck, arm's and leg area."

The Shredder stood there, looking at the turtle, while thinking about what Stockman said.

"How long till it can track them down?"

"It will be a while I'm afraid, I still have a few readjusting and reprogramming mistakes I need to fix, but other than that, the turtles won't know what hit them ... or, at least until its too late."

Sniggered the scientist. Saki turned to Stockman, giving him a nod of approval and felt pleased with the mans work.

"Well done Stockman, I believe you may have done it this time.... We shall have our revenge on those green freaks for what they did to Hun! And they will pay, just as he did, with their very lives!"

Stockman strained his face to stop his smile from coming through when hearing that. He never liked Hun anyway, so he was rather happy to hear of such 'Sad' news.

"Yes,"

He said, forcing his tone to sound as sincere as possible.

"and such a shame it is to have lost Hun, but I am sure that with this creature you shall have your revenge!"

Karai ended the discussion with a bow to the Shredder, having already had enough of such foolish talk from the professor and left the lab. It was time for her very own privet lesson of Kata anyway.

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Lair, Lab...

Night broke into day as the morning sun began to rise and Donatello just laid there - waiting for his right arm to wake up yet again, after another night of sleeping on it awkwardly, once more. He rubbed his head with the left hand, moaning to himself.

"Oooo... we have got to get Keya a bedroom of her own before the day is out! Man, my neck, arms and legs are killing me. I can't go one more night on this lump of rust metal.".

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Lair, Seating area...

Eventually, the purple clad turtle made his way out of the lab - still muttering to himself.

"No wonder every patient I have in there is fighting to get out...stupid bed's!"

"Hey Bro, sleep well?"

Came the gentle question and greeting of Leonardo - from his place on the couch. The blue clad turtle had just finished his morning routine of his self training exercise he would undergo ever day at the strike of six. The leader turtle would be up at six and in the Dojo room till eight, where he would then take in a shower, and relax the rest of the morning till the teams noon training session with Master Splinter; where he would then take in three more hours of training. It was his routine and way of staying in tip top shape!

Donatello looked over to him and gave out a small whine while stretching his arms.

"Ahh... Yeah, like a rock!"

Leo smirked, shifting himself a little on the couch so that his brother could sit down next to him.

"That bad huh?"

Taking a seat by Leonardo, Donatello turned to him, almost begging him in his tone of voice.

"Leo, I think its time Keya gets a room of her own!"

He suggested, only having Leo snort before he spoke words his brother really wanted to hear right now.

"I was thinking you were going to say that. Don't worry, I've been pondering that same thing too. So I got up an hour early this morning and tidied out the spare room next to the meditation room. I've put in there, a few tables, a bed frame and an old wardrobe. It's not much, but I think she'll like it."

The purple clad turtles mouth formed a soft smile of both thanks and praise.

"Aww Leo, that's awesome! All we need now is a bed mattress!"

His leader brother laughed, also knowing Donnie was going to say that.

"Already got that covered too, Bro."

He added, yet again, seeing a praise of thanks light up in Donatello's eyes.

"I called April up a few minutes ago and she said she's got a spare one and that Casey will bring it over later."

Donnie was amazed and utterly overjoyed! He jumped up on the seat in excitement and expressed his pure rejoice!

"We should spring it on her as a surprise!"

He suggested before pausing in thought a second, and muttered to himself while tapping his chin - portraying the look of thought.

"But we will have to get her out of the lair for five so we can get every thing sorted...hmmmm..."

Looking to the floor, the Bo wielding turtle questioned himself and Leo, tapping his finger to his mouth.

"But how?"

Leonardo, completely on the ball, gave Donatello a very cheesy smile.

"I've covered that to."

He claimed, getting Donnie's attention in utter amazement and was eager to hear the leader voice his explanation.

"You see, I've asked April if she could come over around ten-ish to take Keya out for the day and to do what ever she wants, such as shopping, getting her hair done... you know? girly things. I think Keya could do with a small treat and not only that, it would be nice if she maybe made friends with April. I know Aprils a little older than her but I think Keya would like a little friend right now, an I don't mean of the male mutant turtle variety. Girls talk more to other girls, right?"

Donatello shook his head slowly, stunned and was completely and utterly overwhelmed by what he just heard. Not only was he getting his bed back tonight, but Leo's practically organised an entire bedroom all together. The purple clad brother settled himself down and put an arm around Leonardo, pulling him in to a half hug.

"Leo,"

He said, with a grant smile of love.

"You do know you have always been my favourite turtle, right?"

Leo pushed him back playful.

"Aww, get out of town, Donnie."

He laughed. Standing up, Donatello chuckled as he stretched before heading to the kitchen.

"I'm going to go make breakfast, then I'll go check in on Raph."

He informed on his travels towards the kitchen.

"Oh,"

Leo continued reading his book and released another bit of information on what he's done that morning.

"I've looked in on Raph, he was sound asleep when I checked."

The place fell silent for a while as Leonardo read his book. A door closed up by the turtles' bedroom area and it was out of a helpless interested that Leo looked up - wondering if it was the little lady coming to join them for the day. Regrettably, he was slightly disappointed when he saw a very groggy looking Michelangelo wondering down the step.s

"Ahh... What time is it, dude?"

Mikey murmured sleepily while rubbing his left eye in a lazily motion. Leonardo snorted, looking back to his book.

"And a good morning to you to Mikey, its 8:57."

Mikey's eye jolted open.

"8:57!!!!! Eekkkk! Cartoons!"

Announced the plucky young turtle. Sleep was no longer an issue as he sprang over to the TV's and turned on the Toon channel, more exited than a five year old kid! Leonardo rolled his eyes at his baby brothers excitement over such minor things, though he couldn't help smiling happily at them as he continued reading.

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Lair, Raphael's Bedroom...

Rolling over to her side, a moan of satisfaction fell through her as she began to wake. Keya, buried her head deep into the soft pillow and hugged the blankets up tight, letting out a small groan of happiness and bliss.

"That, has got to have been, the best damn nights sleep I have had in ages!"

She throatily moaned to herself. Opening her eyes nice an slow, she took in a big breath of air through her nose. The thought of Raphael entered her head instantaneously as she laid there and began thinking about him and the others.

Then, thoughts of being back at her apartment all alone with no one to talk to, flooded her head. Keya rubbed her eyes and scanned the room to try and take her mind off what she was thinking. The young woman looked noticing there was a small lamp on the bedside table, so she turned it on - soon to realise, it was a touch lamp.

"Oh, cool."

She chuckled before looking around the room from her place nestled nicely in the double bed. She could see an old C.D player and about 100 C.D's stacked beside it, there were also dumb bells stacked on a stand in one of the corners and there was a book shelf with a rather lot of books filling it. The walls were colored with red on top and black on the bottom and a shadowed green boarder separating the two colors, much like the one she had seen in the other room - who she now knew, was Leonardo's bedroom.

Keya had already picked up that each turtle had their own color identity. So, their room must have been painted in the similar design. With Leo's, she saw blue on top and black on the bottom with a green shaded boarder. Raph's, red on top an black on bottom, with the same green boarder; where as Mikey's and Donnie's would have orange and purple on top and black on the bottom and both with the same green boarder.

She hadn't seen their bedroom, but it wasn't hard to imagine if Raph's and Leo's were in the similar design, then so were the other two.

Though this room didn't hold the same calm serenity Keya had felt when looking in Leo's, it held something else.... Something, she couldn't quite put her finger on, but she knew there was mystery and perhaps? a little danger to be discovered.

However, despite all of that, she continued her glancing at the walls - noticing a posters of sharp wicked looking engines. It seemed the red clad ninja liked his motors amongst other things. There were posters of Car's and motorbikes plastering one wall - while another had a few adult theme posters upon it of females. Human females.

One of the bikes she noticed, looked similar to her very own. Nonetheless, she quickly scoffed at a half dressed woman leaning on one of the motorbikes - striking a rather suggestive sexual pose with her body and with the title above her saying 'Take Me For A Ride'.

"Men!"

Keya sighed, shaking her head softly as she continued to look at other posters. After a few moments of gazing, her head sank low as thoughts of the burning bar incident shrouded her mind. Images of James and their first and last kiss flashed past her eyes.

"Well, no point thinking about him now,"

She muttered, softly shaking her head and stating a fact.

"He's dead, an I'm not."

Keya told herself and although it was harsh, she was not one to dwell on the past. To many people had disappeared from her life, so Keyanna worked on the principle 'out of sight, out of mind'. A small knock at the door attracted her attention while it opened, soon having Splinter peek his head round.

"Good morning, Keyanna."

He soothed in his gentle greeting, coming in. Keya gave a slight nod, and greeted nicely enough.

"Good morning, Sensei."

"My child, what is the matter?"

Questioned Splinter, instantly sensing a disturbance from the young woman. The elderly rat closed the door and walked over to the bed - seeing Keya take in a deep breath and sigh.

"Oh, nothing Master Splinter, it's stupid really."

Splinter placed his hand on Keya's before softly speaking.

"Keyanna, something's you must talk about to help clear your thoughts and to help put it behind you."

She eyed the old rat, a little suspiciously.

'Maybe he's right?'

Pondering on that notion, Keya could only give a little smile.

"Well...."

She began, hesitantly.

"I was thinking about the last time I saw James... alive, anyway."

Splinter raised his other hand and gently held it under Keya's chin - lifting her head up to look at him.

"Keyanna,"

Softly spoke the elderly rat.

"I know you have suffered a great loss, and up till now, you have hidden it well. It is okay to cry for the loss of a loved one, or someone you cared about, very much. It doesn't make you any less of the person you are. James is in a good place, my child, and he will always be looking out for you and protecting you, right till the end. Emotions, can be a tricky thing .... it's what shows people how we are feeling and what state of mind we are in, it also tells us how we feel about something, or someone."

He added with a slight emphasise. Keya's eyes opened slightly wider at the end of what Splinter said, and her throat felt suddenly tightened at the look he gave her.

'What? ... no way, he cant know that ..... Can he?'

Keya stressed in her head, but quickly nodded with thanks; not wanting to believe this old rat possibly knows of the feelings within her.

"Thank you, Master Splinter."

Splinter smiled and limped towards the door, making a gentle taping sounds with his cane tip.

"Your welcome, Keya."

He said looking over his shoulder.

"Breakfast is ready if you want to come down and have some with us, your company would be greatly welcomed."

"Thanks, I'll be right down."

Smiled the young female. She watched Splinter leave, then for some ultimately strange reason, she grabbed the red cover blankets and took a big sniff.

"Awwhhh..."

Her head filled with thoughts of Raphael again and her stomach filled with butterfly while she sighed ever so softly. Keya laid back down releasing her breath, in a whisper.

"Yep, I'm fuckin' crazy!".

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Lair, Kitchen...

After about five minuets, Keya made her way out of Raphael's room and went to the kitchen. Seeing April, Casey, Master Splinter, Michelangelo, Leonardo and Donatello there, had her stiff a second before she shuffled in slowly - feeling a little uncomfortable around the two humans that she didn't know.

"Oh, hey guy's."

Keya stammered, forcing a slight wave with her hand to be friendly with the company. Mikey jumped up and gave her a big morning hug, full of spirit as usual.

"GOOD MORNING! KEYA! Sleep well?"

He asked, cheery as normal. She had come to the conclusion that this turtle was never down to long, he was great to be around!. He was also so uplifting. Keya sat down, nodding her head while she smiled her beautiful experience.

"Oh yes, Mikey."

Her voice began to fill with excitement as she rambled on.

"Did you guys know Raph's bed is act--"

Stopping dead in her sentence, she regarded everyone who's eyes were on her - making her wish she'd think before she spoke, since the look she was getting from everyone had her feeling slightly foolish. Keya bit her bottom lip.

"Never mind."

She giggled quickly and began stirring her spoon in the cup of Tea Donnie had placed down for her. Everyone slowly turned back to what they were doing and it wasn't long before April moved in closer to Keya, for some small talk.

"Hey there,"

Greeted the red headed woman. Keya offered a kind smile, but shifted a little uncomfortably in the chair.

"I know we've seen each other before, but we never really got a chance to introduce our self's to you."

"Yeah, it was a bit chaotic the last time we saw each other."

Agreed the young black haired woman, offering her hand out to the kind stranger; knowing April was trying to make an effort.

"My names Keya Doral, nice to meet ya."

April shook Keya's hand, smiling pleasantly at the younger female.

"That's a pretty name, my names April O'Neil and the goofy looking man by there, is Casey Jones."

Casey leaned back in the chair, laughing, while scratching his chest through his red t-shirt.

"She loves me really."

Leonardo snorted at that, before finishing his cereal and setting about reading the newspaper once he had pushed the bowl aside.

"So, Keya,"

Meekly said Donnie.

"Got any plans for today?"

"Not really."

Keya shrugged but suddenly felt Mikey put his arm around her.

"Oh yes ya have Dudette! You're going to go shopping with April."

He informed, with a big happy-go-lucky smile.

"I... I am?"

Keya's eyes widened as she stuttered.

"Sure,"

Grinned Leonardo, while folding down the newspaper after finding nothing of interest to read and discarded it away from him on the table.

"You need to get a few bits and pieces don't ya? And you're going to want to get some new cloths, right? April's going shopping today and she wants you to go with, ain't that right April?"

The redheaded woman nodded, enthusiastically.

"Of course I do,"

She smiled, while turning herself in the chair and picking up a bag off the floor.

"I brought down some clean cloths for you, if you do wanna come?"

Keya looked at their eager faces and she could immediately feel something was up, but she played along - enjoying there mischievous antics.

"Sure, I'll go to town with ya."

She said, slyly regarded her secretive friends with a small smile.

"Thanks, April... let me just take a shower and I'll be right with ya."

April clapped her hands excitedly when Keya accepted the bag of fresh clean cloths.

"Great!"

The newest female took the clean cloths and headed for the showers, she trusted them enough to know they were not going to deliberately harm her and so, was feeling rather good about going shopping today. Donatello got up and set about warming up a bowl of soup, with lots of extra additive. Once the soup was warmed, the smell intrigued Mikey to look at it and then shiver in disgust.

"God, Donnie!, what'ch trying to do? poison him... Again?"

"Don't start Mikey, Raph need's this right now."

Stated Donatello as he placed the bowl of soup and a cup of herbal tea on a tray. However, even Leonardo stuck his tongue out and scrunched his face up - not only at the sight of the soup, but at the smell.

"Whoa, Donnie, you give that to Raph you better hope he's not up to his full strength because you won't leave that room alive."

Advised the eldest and expectable wiser of the four turtles. With and abrupt roll of his eyes, Donatello grunted.

"Well, he's not going to be up to his full strength, he hasn't eaten in three days and I don't want him having solids right away because he might chuck up."

Mikey took the tray from his purple clad sibling, and set it down on the table - totally understanding where Donnie was coming from - before turning back to give him some word's of advice.

"Listen Dude, if I had just gone through what Raph has just gone through and not eaten in three day's and someone came in with soup looking and smelling like that, I'd be plotting some cold revenge, Bro."

"Raph hates herbal tea too, Donnie."

Casey pointed out, making his statement clear while he continued to squeeze and release a stress ball for the fun of it. Fixing his eyes back to the soup, Donnie had to agree.

"It does look and smell pretty sick."

He begrudgingly admitted, after a few second of simply glaring at it.

"I suppose I better warm up another soup, and forget the additives."

Michelangelo tapped Donatello on the shoulder with an encouraging tone of voice.

"Good boy!"

Grabbing the tea off the tray, Donatello snapped, stressing his point.

"But he's got to have this!"

Leo shrugged.

"Yeah, I suppose he can put up with that, green tea doesn't hurt."

After the new soup was warmed up, Donatello, Michelangelo, Leonardo, Casey and April all went to Splinters bedroom to see Raphael. The elderly rat however, remained at the table reading the newspaper.

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Lair, Master Splinters Bedroom...

Raphael laid there and he had been staring at the same four walls for hours, but finally, the door grabbed his attention as it slid open. Donatello entered first, shortly followed by the rest.

"Hey Raph, your awake."

He said, offering a gentle smile but Raphael merely watched him slyly as his purple clad brother placed a tray on the bedside table. It had soup and cup of green herbal tea on it and that bed ridden turtle knew. Instantly Raph's face scrunched up as the smell of that disgusting tea made its way around the room. He turned his head away from it - shutting his eyes - with a groan... he knew what was coming.

"Hey, how ya feelin', buddy?"

Casey questioned, leaning on the frame at the foot of the bed; seeing Raph set his sights to Donnie with a forced enthusiastic answer.

"I feel much better!"

The recovering turtle swiftly removed and flicked the bed covers off of himself and tried to get up in a cheep attempt of skipping out on the tea; but immediately, Leo and Donnie pushed him back down, being high on their guard and knowing the routine.

"Whoa there Raph, you're not going any where until you've drunk your tea and soup!"

Ordered Leo. The red clad turtle snapped, not being able to take much more and hating having to be forced into doing thing he did not want to do!

"GRAHH!... Come on Leo, Do you know how many spots there are on that wall over there?"

He mentioned with a swift cock of his head in the direction of the dotted spots. Leonardo blinked several times at the sudden out of the blue question, as he look at the wall in regards to his brothers question.

"Err--"

"I DO!"

Admitted Raph, his tone hostile as he nearly screamed his answer.

"It has 4,789 spots, Leo! DID YOU HEAR ME!?!? 4,789!!!!!!!!!!"

"Whoa, Raph, cool it man, just try and drink ya tea."

Sounded Mikey, attempting to calm the situation. Raph scowled at him exceptionally sullenly.

"YOU DRINK IT!"

He barked.

"Well,"

Donatello sighed, folding his arms.

"He's definitely on the mend... he's entered, the stubborn stage!"

Raphael was quick to regret what he just done - only because he really needed to get out of this room, and being a bad patient with Donatello as your doctor, was never good.

He shut his eyes, forcing himself to repress the anger and attempted to calm down while taking in a deep breath. In the end he looked to Donnie and asked him as nicely as he could muster.

"Donnie, could I please go .... PLEASE!..."

He repeated and emphasized his plea, getting Donatello to look to the others - then to Leonardo. The leader only found himself shrugging and backing off of this one.

"Don't look at me, you're the Doctor."

Looking back to Raph, the recovering turtle gave Donnie the sweetest smile and puppy like eyes he only ever used when he needed doctor's permission to get up and out of bed.

The gentle pacifist rolled his eyes, hating it when Raph pulled that trick on him. It would normally work - if he had a cold or something minor like that, but this was nothing minor, so Raphael was just going to have to play by the rules this once. Donnie sighed, thinking of a compromise.

"Oooo... Raph! Okay, let's make a deal, if you drink that soup and drink the tea right now, I'll let you get up. Deal?"

Raph's sweet expression died in a flash and his eyes winced before narrowing them at his now number one hated brother of all time - for the moment. He glared at the soup and tea as though it was an enemy and a violent shudder played with his senses.

Suddenly, he quirked his attention to the door - catching the newest face of the clan entering. Keya gave a smile and wave to the bed ridden turtle, and greeted him warmly.

"Hey Raphael, how ya feelin'?"

He said nothing, but noticed her damp hair, before giving Donatello the look of death.

"Come on, Raph, I can't get any more reasonable than that, just drink the tea and soup, please?"

Donnie was practically begging him but only continued to see the rather annoyed state Raphael was in. If he had a long tail, it would be twitching and flicking out of sheer annoyance like a tigers would, right now. Keya had the sudden urge to do something, to help him out, and so she began thinking.

Raphael, grunted a few profanities under his breath as he picked up the bowl of soup and removed the spoon, abruptly, before he began to drink the warm soup. With each gulp, his two brothers, Casey and April's smile's grew. Donatello however, remained serious.

Raphael knew what he was waiting for. The temperamental turtle placed the empty bowl back on the tray - before regarding everyone and giving them a sarcastic smile. Donatello folded his arms as he allowed a sarcastic smile came to his face as well and nodded his head towards the tea, seeing Raphael, glare at him while mumbling under his breath.

"Ahh ya would find this funny ... yer little..!"

A throat being cleared, caught Raphael's attention and he looked seeing Keya give a sly wink as she backed up to leave the room.

'What the hell? did she just wink at me?'

He asked himself.

"Come on Raph, just one more thing, then you can go!"

April tried to encourage him, but just looking at the tea made Raph feel like putting the soup back. The turtle shuddered, again, as he reached for the tea and so very slowly pulled the cup towards his mouth; he was just about ready to knock it back when--

"HEY APRIL, I'M READY LET'S GO!"

Everyone's eyes looked to the door at that sudden scream, and within that split second, Raphael took his chance. He lifted his covers and threw the tea under them - but in his haste, he hadn't accounted for the temperature. It was a little hot, having him wince his eyes and mouth as he quickly got use to the heat.

Donnie looked swiftly back to the temperamental turtle - who was instant to shoved the cup to his mouth and pretended to knock back the tea.

'So that's what she was up to.... Oh, how sweet.'

Silently sniggered the temperamental turtle, having that little black haired minx play back in his mind. Pulling the cup away, Raphael made it look like he had the tea in his mouth and pretending to swallow. He gulped as he did to make it sound more convincing. Once the ordeal was over, the wicked smiling turtle placed the cup back on the tray and looked to Donnie - letting out a victorious sigh.

Donatello, pleased with the empty bowl and cup, smiled and picked up the tray. Raphael shouted to his purple clad brother as he headed for the door.

"So I can get up now right?"

"Yeah, I guess so."

Nodded and granted Donnie.

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Lair...

In the kitchen, Donatello put the tray in the sink and began washing the dishes while completely aware that Leonardo was coming up behind him. He soon felt a tap on the shoulder from that elder brother of his however.

"Hey, why'd you let him get up?"

Questioned his leader, and his tone was full of curiosity.

"You and I both know, Raph, didn't drink that tea."

Donatello smirked.

"Oh, I know."

He chuckled, finding it amusing as he thought about how devious Raphael was likely to be thinking himself to be right now.

"And I knew that if he was feeling better from past experiences, he was going to be a hand full. So I mixed some tea in his soup."

Leonardo stood there with his mouth open, shocked at his mild-brother's cunning slyness. A smile starting to form as he made his acceptance known.

"Donatello, you crafty Turtle!"

"Hey, what can I say? I'm a genius."

Donnie laughed, looking at his leader.

"O, but don't tell him, lets just let him think he's won, its what I always do when it comes to the health of you guys."

Donatello smiled as he dried his hands and headed into the seating area with Leo not two steps behind.

"OKAY GUY'S, WERE OFF, BE GOOD!"

Bellowed April, just stepping into the elevator that would take them to the topside warehouse. The guys all shouted back, as the doors started to close.

"BYE APRIL, BYE KEYA.. HAVE FUN...."

Casey had helped Raph into the seating area. Raphael was still feeling weak and giddy, but he didn't care, he was just happy to be out of that room!. Gently, the human lowered his turtle friend down on the couch with the utmost care.

"Thanks, Case!"

"Don't mention it buddy!"

"Ahh... Raphael, how are you feeling, my son?"

Splinter asked, as he limped towards the back of the couch and placed his hand on Raph's forehead. The red clad turtle had now put his mask back on as well as his bands and pads; he was feeling somewhat 'naked' with out them.

"I'm feeling much better now, Master Splinter."

Raph said, his voice slightly forced to sound his normal 100% healthy self but he was failing slightly. Splinter pulled his hand away and moved in front of his son to get a better look.

"Well you do seem to be much better, but you're not looking 100%. You will miss today's practice session!"

Raphael immediately moaned in protest.

"Master Splinter! Please I'm--"

"NO, RAPHAEL!"

Barked the elderly rat, also adding a firmness to his words when he tapped his cane to the stone floor.

"Tomorrow, you may rejoin your brothers, today, you will rest."

Raph growled quietly in his throat as he looked away from his father - hearing him speak in his stern tone.

"Now your brothers, Casey and I, have work to do, so if you need any thing, call us on the cell's. Am I making myself clear, Raphael?"

The tempered turtle bowed his head in an act of respect, though it was also partly to hide his rather unkind sullen expression.

"Yes, Father."

He whispered his understanding. The three turtles, Casey and Master Splinter, set off to finish Keya's bedroom. Raphael let out a long bored sigh when observing his surrounding from his place on the couch and seeing absolutely nothing to do - he turned on the TV's and set about channel surfing, hoping, something would catch his interest.

However,

"What the hell?!"

Nothing did...He groaned after 2 minuets of flicking.

"Over 200 channels and nothings on!...MAN, this SUCKS! I'm startin' ta miss the fuckin' 4,789 Dots. They were more interesting!"

Raphael continued flicking through the channels and still found nothing to him worth watching. So, rolling his eyes and folding his arms, he pouted, looking to the side of him. There were a few magazines and books that could perhaps be of some assistance in taking away his boredom. He sighed, knowing he truly was desperate now - if he was turning to reading for entertainment.

"Alright, lets see...what have here!"

Shuffling through the pile of books, comic books and women's magazines, he still found nothing of interest to him - thus having him growl in frustration.

"Man!! what do my brothers read? not one decent horror, car crash or even motor bike book here! Fuckin' fruits!"

Looking to the floor, then back to the books, Raphael simply pushed them of the couch - having the slump and smother the floor. The young turtle was still felling a little groggy and pretty irritable.

"When yer feelin' this bored, there's only one thing ter do."

He said to himself, turning the TV's off and looking to the clock - noting it was 10:47a.m. With a slight roll of his eyes, Raphael grabbed a cushion by him, fluffed it up and rested it on the arm of the couch before flopping his head on to the cushion with a resounding sigh of pure boredom.

He pulled the rest of himself up on the couch and then cradled himself in a discreet hug - that looked more like he had folded his arms - as he relaxed and slowly drifted to sleep.

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Lair, Keya's Bedroom...

"Come on guys, we have to get this finished before she come's back!"

Reminded Leonardo, quickly moving about and getting his mission done. Michelangelo jumped around the room, spinning in excitement.

"Oh ! I cant wait till she see's this !!! She's gonna be so happy, Dudes!"

"Yeah... Hey, Master Splinter, what time do we get ah brake?"

Asked Casey, although, he sounded as though he was whining and so received a few funny glances from his fellow workers.

"Oh... Come on Casey ... we don't take brakes in between missions! Things take twice as long that way."

Laughed Donatello. Casey dropped to the floor, panting, after helping Leo move the wardrobe. He had been the donkey of the day so far and he really needed a rest.

"What!?!? no brakes!.... Man, that's total slave labour!"

Whined the human. Splinter chuckled while moving forward to help Casey up, offering him a friendly smile.

"It is okay, Mr Jones, we are nearly finished."

He regarded two of his son's.

"Donatello. Michelangelo. Can you make the bed?"

"Yes, Master Splinter."

They bowed their heads promptly and done as he asked. Splinter set his attention to his eldest son, and human friend, giving them their last and final order.

"Leonardo, can you and Casey take that table out of here and bring a cable in through so that Keyanna can have a better light source?"

Casey groaned his response, as Leonardo Bowed.

"Yes, Master Splinter."

Watching the last finishing touches be made to the room, Splinter stood back to see if there was anything missing. The turtles and Casey all finished what they were told to do, and joined Master Splinter in observing a job well done.

"Anything missing, Master?"

Leo questioned softly, looking to the ld rat for any objections of more jobs. Splinter soon looked to the group and spoke with a pleased tone of voice.

"Well done, everyone!"

The group smiled proudly back, before they all made their way out of the room - leaving Donatello shut the door nice and quietly before catching up to the rest.

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Lair, Seating area...

"So err.. What time is it, dudes?"

Mikey questioned in his normal cheery sounding voice - which was normally loud - thus having Splinter abruptly hush him.

"Shh! My son."

They all paused, regarding the elderly rat and watched as he pointed towards the sleeping turtle on the couch. Donatello rolled his eyes, unable to hold back the smile of awe.

"I said he wasn't ready to leave your room, Sensei,"

Reasoned the purple clad turtle.

"But you know how stubborn he can be, especially if your trying to help him!"

Leonardo closed in on the couch and leaned on the back of it to gaze down as his carelessly sleeping little brother.

"Yes Donnie, we know."

He sighed, hindering relief in his breath while smiling ever so lovingly down at Raph.

"But at least he's alive!"

Looking back to the group, they were smiling in agreement. Mikey soon began to strut to the kitchen, but! something caught his eye.... He stopped abruptly, and shrilled quickly when taking in the full situation and made a fist while his face stressed in full look of shock - before he shoved his fist in his wide mouth - trying not to scream at the sight he was seeing at this very moment in time. Master Splinter, as did everyone else, noticed his strange behaviour and soon questioned with an eye ridged.

"What is it, my son?"

Michelangelo began making shrilling moans as his other hand pointed to his comic books splashed all over the floor.

"Uh-oh."

Winced Casey, quickly setting into being the voice of reason.

"Come on Mikey, its best not to look at it."

The human put both hands on Mikey's shoulders and turned him away from the scene of the crime - while trying to sooth him.

"Its okay Mike's, come on, lets go have some pizza, yeah?"

Mikey nodded and tried to hold back a tear.

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Lair, Kitchen...

As soon as they hit the kitchen, Michelangelo let out a big whine of anger.

"Oooooo !!!! There was a mint condition Silver Century comic book in amongst those! Grrrahh!!!"

The orange clad turtle shook his fist in the air, while Casey was preparing some pizza from the fridge.

"This time Raph has gone too far!"

Warned Mikey, looking as though he was planning some cold revenge on the poor ill turtle. Casey laughed and took a seat at the table as the rest of the guys came in.

"Hey come on Mikey, give the guy a brake, he did nearly die on 2 occasions from one night, no less."

Donatello and Leonardo, also thought to defend their hot headed brother.

"Yeah, let it go Mikey, or at least wait till he's up to fell strength and can be bothered to handle your ranting."

"Sure Mikey, then you can wait till he's least expecting it, and attack him."

Added Leo, laughing as he was just imagining the out come to that. Donatello scratched his head while he ridged his brow at his brother theory.

"Umm... that's not what I mean. Look.... I'm sure he didn't mean it, so just forget about it this time, yeah?"

Mikey rammed a slice of pizza in his mouth and chewed moodily as he rolled his eyes.

"Yeah, I suppose I could let it go, this one time!"

He spat. Leo laughed as he stood up and noggyed his baby brother.

"That's our little, Mikey!"

He cooed, in that rare big brother playful tone of voice. The orange clad turtle giggled, pushing Leo back in a gentle manner.

"Get off, Bro."

He snorted. The blue clad brother took a seat at the table and was just about reaching for a slice of pizza when--

"I'M BACK!"

Keya shouted, loud and proud!. Instantly, the guy's all jumped and ran out of the kitchen to greet Keya all with their fingers on their mouths - resounding an announcement of,

"SSSHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!"

Keya's face drew a big canvas blank as she jumped back and studied the strange males.

"What, why guy's?"

Mikey pointed over to the couch and grunted.

"Oh Master of destroying Comic books is sleeping!"

There was a swift slap to Mikey on the back of the head - given to him by non other than Donatello.

"OW!"

"I thought you said you were going to let that go!"

Mikey snapped back with a whisper.

"I did!"

"Then DO it!"

Shrugged Donnie, sneering his attitude but also with a lowered voice. Mikey agreed, moodily, within a split second.

"OKAY!"

Leonardo and Master Splinter rolled their eyes before heading back to the kitchen with Keya and Casey following pursuit, then, eventually Mikey and Donnie.

"So, how'd it go with April in town today, get anything nice?"

Questioned Leo, he was actually generally interested. Keya smiled brightly as she placed eight bags of shopping full of just cloths alone.... Then placed another bag full of make up and then one more bag full of shoes. The young woman smirked, seeing the males faces.

"What do you think?"

The guy's mouths had dropped open for several moments as they just stared at the crazy amount of shopping one does in 4 hours.

"Yep,"

Casey sighed a little wearily.

"She went shopping with April alright!"

The 3 turtles regarded their Male human friend with a look of pity for his credit card. Casey snorted after a while and simply shrugged it off.

"Well, I'm gonna hit the road. I have a special surprise for April lined up and I don't want us to be late. See ya round guys, an tell Raph I said bye!"

"See ya Casey, and thanks for your help dude!"

Going through one bag, Keya found what she was looking for as her new mutant friends bided their farewells to Casey. She looked up and smiled rather fondly at the old rat.

"Hey, Master Splinter, I have something for ya. I hope ya like it?"

She cooed pulling out a small metal bar about the length of an arm from the elbow to the wrist. Keya pushed a small button - close to the end - and two more metal bars - the same length, only got slightly smaller and narrower towards the end as the first one - shot out, effectively creating a walking cane. Splinters eyes lit up.

"Whoa!... That's awesome!"

Cheered the 3 turtle's. Keya held the simple gift out to Master Splinter, smiling as he accepted it with great thanks and a bow of his head.

"Thank you Very Much, Keyanna."

"Hey, your very Welcome, Master Splinter."

Respectfully responded the young woman. Looking to the bag again, she averted her eyes up and smiled just as she did to Splinter at the three turtles. Mikey jumped up and down, clapping in excitement.

"AHHH!!! Do we get a present!?!?"

He exclaimed, making Keya chuckle while looking back down in the bag. It was not before long she pulled out four new eye masks in the design they like to wear.

The young female held a 'RED, ORANGE, PURPLE and BLUE' in her hand and held out the 3-color masks of the three turtles standing there. The brothers faces all fell in awe as there hearts melted at the simple gift Keya had brought them.

"Keya, there..."

"There..."

"There ...."

Clearing his throat softly, Master Splinter translated what they were trying to say.

"I think, what my son's are trying to say, Keyanna, is thank you."

The turtles snapped out of there mindless staring and quickly lunged themselves at the woman and claiming her in a gentle thank you hug.

"Thank you, Keya!"

The young female giggled sweetly.

"Your Welcome, Dude's."

Placing Keya back down, all three turtles were quick to remove their old worn eye masks and tie their new ones on.

"Ahh... Man, that's comfy!"

Confirmed Michelangelo. Donatello and Leonardo were quick to agree with an enthusiastic nod.

"Soft too."

Added Donnie. Keya snorted while allowing an exceptionally pleased smile to shine through on her sweet lips.

"So I guess you like 'um?"

Master Splinter gently placed his paw upon the young woman's shoulder and answered her gentle inquiry.

"We are most grateful, Keya,"

He smiled thankfully as she regarded him.

"It was most kind of you to do this, thank you."

Keya smiled and gave a soft shrug of her shoulders.

"Hey, what are friends for?"

Leonardo regarded Master Splinter, as well as the other two, and they all shared a common smile before nodded in agreeing to the same thought. The young leader moved closer to Keya, placing his arm around her at her side.

"Keya, we have a little gift of our own to give you."

He said kindly. Keya's eyes lit up, full of anticipation at the awesome surprise she had a feeling they were planning from this mornings little show of mutual antics.

"Oooo... what is it!??!"

She gasped, sounding like a kid. Donatello came up behind her and gently covered her eyes with his hands, as Mikey took hold of her left hand and Leo took hold of the right. Slowly and carefully, they led Keya out of the kitchen and towards the meditations room.

"Where are we going, guys?"

She questioned, in her deliberate blindness, though all she heard was a hushing whisper.

"Quiet Dudette, it's ah surprise."

Keya took a deep breath, while hearing a door open slowly and the turtle's continued to carefully guide her forward. She heard the sound of a light switch being flicked on as they all came to a stop.

"Okay, my sons."

Splinter granted, with a soft nod of his head - indicating it was time to release the young woman and show her her new bedroom. Donatello lifted his hands away from Keya's face - just as Mikey and Leo both let go of her hands. Keya opened her eyes, quickly sounding a gasp, as her mouth slowly opened in shock. She walked in wonder into the centre of the room, while taking the sight of it all.

There were shelves filled with different and many angel ornaments; a lamp statue of a unicorn horse stood on the bedside table, there was a wardrobe, chest of draws and a dressing table neatly placed side by side along the back wall - and there was a small book shelf fixed in the corner of the room, with a chair to read in. Keya turned back to the turtles and Master Splinter, with a serious looking expression and tone of voice.

"Is this my room?"

She asked. Leonardo and Donatello looked to the floor with a gulp, that was not really the tone they were expecting. Mikey awkwardly lifted one hand over his eyes as he felt a rush of embarrassment boil in his blood.

"Aww Dude's! she hates it!"

He sighed glumly. It was literally moment in, and Leonardo began to apologize - lifting his head up slowly.

"Look Keys, were sorry--"

Keya stood there with folded arms as she interjected.

"Are you kidding me!?!?!"

She snorted having the turtles all set their attention to her and seeing she had a rather great big grin on her face. They began to smile, noticing she was merely messing with them when she was playing it serious. The tense atmosphere lifted as Keya ran screaming in excitement towards her new turtle friends and engulfed them in a big thank you embrace, while exclaiming her joy.

"I LOVE IT!!!!!!!!! THANKS, GUYS!!!!!!!!! THANK YOU, MASTER SPLINTER!!!!!!"

Giving them all a small kiss on the side of the face, two turtles blushed. Donnie awkwardly twisted his toe on the ground with a soft chuckle as Mikey put his hands together and held them to his heart.

"Aww, Guys, I think I'm in love!"

He sobbed playfully, hearing the small group sound a soft laugh.

"I know its not much Keya and--"

"No, Leo. Guys, its brilliant!"

Interjected Keya, gently bringing Leo and Donnie into a one arm hug - sandwiching her between the two of them

"Absolutely, BRILLIANT! Trust me, I could not have a better room! Aww you guys have been so kind to me!" "

She stressed merrily, rested her head on Leo's shoulder and sighed softly as she gazed at her room.

The two males she was hugging softly, giggled, they were not use to this kind of attention, especially from a female. Sure, a hug from their brothers and father was nice, but when they had a hug from April they felt a different flutter of emotion inside - just as they were having from Keya right now. There was something's, brothers, just couldn't fulfil, and deep down, they all longed for the love of a woman.

"It is our way of saying thank you and welcoming you into our home."

Bowed Splinter.

"We want you to feel as safe and as comfortable here as you would in your own apartment, Keyanna."

The young woman smiled, relinquishing her hold of the two turtles - to offer a respectful bow to Master Splinter.

"Thank you, Sensei."

The elderly rat smiled softly in response. Keya turned to the three turtles and bowed to them as humbly too, and they, immediately returned a respectful bow back.

"Hey, what time is it?"

Mikey questioned after straightening back up. Keya looked to her watch, proclaiming the time.

"It's 15:58, Mikey."

Donatello looked out the door to check up on Raphael. Seeing he was still asleep, he turned back with a soft chuckle to the rest of the clan.

"Well, he's still out. I think I'll go warm up some more soup, other wise, at this rate he's going to be so weak, Keya will be able to beat him."

"HEY!"

Keya grunted, giving a swift punch to Donnie's arm. The purple clad turtle giggled in a feeble effort of covering up the pain he was feeling from that hit.

"Ow..."

A small moan escaped him as he rubbed his arm of the discomfort that delicate little flower just invoked. she was not as weak as she looked, and the genius, just learnt that the hard way.