As I tried to free myself from the van I had been shoved into I paused for a moment. I no longer heard the sounds of fighting. Curious I peeked out the van window to see what was going on and to my surprise the elite ninjas were gone. Heading towards the van were four human sized turtles and  rat. I shrunk back into the van and tried to hide but to no avail.
Soon the van doors were open and I came face to face with these strange creatures.

"Hello, " said the strange turtle creature wearing an Orange mask.

I just stared not knowing how to reply.

"What's the matter can't you talk? The one in Orange asked.

"Maybe she's dumb."The turtle in the purple mask replied.

"I'm not dumb", I replied through clenched teeth.

"So you can talk said the turtle in red. Soon the turtle in red bombarded me with question after question.  Who are? How old are you? Who was that man who attacked you? Why were the purple dragons, foot clan and Bebop and Rocksteady after you? Don't you know the foot clan is dangerous? Especially, their leader the Shredder? Are you a member of the foot clan? Where are your parents? Where do you live?"

Leo grabbed Raphael's arm and pulled him away from me. "Raph leave the girl alone." Leo said his voice warning Raphael to back off.

Raphael frowned , he hated it when is brother bossed him around. Raphael didn't consider Leo worthy of the task of leader and often felt that their sensai has made the wrong choice in choosing Leo over him.

Sensing that Leo and Raphael were going to get  into another fight over who the true team leader was Splinter intervened. "Enough! Both of you return to the lair and meditate."

"But master..."Leo and Ralph said together.

Splinter furrowed his brow and pointed toward the lair with his walking stick. "Go. Now."

"Yes Master" Leo said with a bow.

Ralph growled but followed his brother back towards the lair. "Oh Man!"'He said stomping his feet as left.

"Teenagers"  Splinter said with a sigh and turned towards the other two turtles. "Mikey, Donnie I want you to also return to the lair."

Donnie and Mikey groaned. It never failed thier brothers fight and they have to take the punishment as well. Shaking their heads they headed back down the man hole and towards the lair.

After his sons had left Splinter turned his attention back to the young girl. "How can someone so young have so many burdens? If you wish you may share these burdens with me. I will listen and perhaps I can help you."

"I don't feel like talking and besides what can a rat like you know about what I am going through?"

Splinter sighed "perhaps if I share my story you might be more willing to tell me yours."

"Whatever" I replied rolling her eyes. "So what, your going to tell me your life's story? Where are you going to start? Oh I know, how about starting with how you can talk or better yet, how do you and those creatures know the Shredder?" I said sarcastically.

"I shall start where all stories start, at the beginning." Splinter replied with a smile. "A long time ago..."