Here is the first real chapter. It didn't take as long as I anticipated and I'm glad. Please enjoy and as always, reviews are appreciated.
A Troubled Reunion
Chapter One
A stocky well muscled figure landed softly and deftly on the rooftop. In front of him, a petite young woman sat alone on the edge, staring out over the darkened city. Her long golden dark brown hair was bound in a neat ponytail and she was wearing a light-weight black jumpsuit to help conceal her in the shadows. A scabbard holding a single katana was strapped to her back.
She heard him the moment he joined her. She did not move from her perch as the visitor began to approach her nor was she afraid. She knew exactly who he was.
Leonardo knelt to sit beside her and silence ruled over them for the first few moments. Then he felt her head touch his shoulder as she leaned in. He slid his arm around her waist and held her close to him. He brushed his lips on the soft skin of her forehead.
"Don said you'd be here," he said, quietly.
Alisa absently twirled her fingers in one of his bandana tails. She really wanted to tell him what was going on with her in the past week. There was the consistent nausea, the frequent vomiting in the mornings, and the fatigue that would assault her body at odd times of the day. She had hoped it was just the flu and would eventually run its course, but that didn't explain why she hadn't had a menstrual cycle in at least two months.
She knew he'd already figured out something was wrong. He wasn't at all stupid, but she didn't want to worry him if it did turn out to be only the flu. The missed periods she supposed she could blame on lingering complications due to her poor health in the past.
"I needed to clear my head," she finally replied, her voice so low he could barely make it out, "And there was something I had to talk to April about."
He nearly let out a frustrated sigh. He didn't understand. Why couldn't she come and talk to him, her husband, about her problem? He could see she'd not been well lately and while she wasn't exactly hiding it, she'd avoided discussing it with him. He learned not to press her when she wasn't ready, but he was a little hurt she'd go to April now and not him.
"Alisa…" he trailed off.
He turned to her then and cupped her face gently in his heads. She lifted her eyes to meet his dark blue ones. Her heart wrenched in guilt with the sadness and pain that lay behind them. Her vision began to blur slightly as her eyes filled with tears, but none yet fell.
"I'm sorry, Leo," she whispered, "I wanted to tell you, but I didn't want you to worry. I felt April would have better knowledge."
A single tear escaped and rolled down her cheek. He reached to tenderly wipe it away with his thumb.
"Please, don't cry," he soothed her, "I'm not angry. And I worry anyway, especially when you won't talk to me."
She sniffled once and dried her tears quickly on a sleeve of her suit. She then took his hand in hers and laced her fingers through his, giving them a gentle squeeze.
"I do want to talk to you," she said, still quiet, but her voice was stronger now.
A faint smile tugged at his mouth and he briefly pressed his lips to hers in a soft kiss. She proceeded to tell him everything. He was frowning deeply when she finished, making no attempt to mask his worry.
"What did April say?" he asked.
"She wants to take me to see a doctor in the morning," Alisa replied.
"She told me she knows someone who will keep their mouth shut," she added, before he could protest, "She wouldn't endanger us, Leo. You know that, but I've got to find out why I'm sick like this. It might really cause my body damage if I don't take care of it soon."
"I know," he sighed, hugging her tighter, "And you're right."
He nosed through her silky soft tresses, relishing the cherry blossom scent of her shampoo clinging to them. She was as sweet as any flower.
"I love you," he breathed against her ear, "I wouldn't know what I'd do if anything happened to you."
"I love you too," she murmured, "And I'm not going anywhere."
A contented silence soon settled over them and they continued to watch the city below. It was a quiet night. In fact, it was maybe a little too quiet. The cool, spring air was still and yet it crackled like electricity to Leonardo. His instincts were telling him something wasn't right.
He started suddenly as he heard a tiny whimper and felt his wife press more firmly against his body. He looked down to find she was curled in a half-way fetal position at best. She had her hands flattened to her stomach and her face appeared a little green around the edges.
He wished there was some way he could alleviate her suffering. He brushed a stray hair from her eyes and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"Come on, let's go home," he said, gently.
She complied without protest. She knew she was too sick to stay out any longer. She only wanted to lie down now.
He helped her to her feet slowly as not to aggravate her condition. They walked to the fire escape and he descended first so he could keep an eye on her as she followed him. He jumped to the ground and seconds later she landed beside him.
They would have to go down the sewers on the next alley over. There was utility work being done along the tunnel that connected directly to April's alley. Quickly as possible, they made their way to it.
They soon reached the alley in question. He scanned the perimeter once before giving a signal it was safe. However, he still couldn't shake that feeling of foreboding and he wanted to get underground as soon as possible. He went to the manhole and slid aside the heavy metal cover. He glanced to Alisa and was alarmed to see she looked greener than she had a few minutes ago.
Running had upset her stomach more, as did the stench of the sewer to her overly sensitive nose of late. She nearly gagged on the bile forcing its way up to her throat. The urge to throw up was strong.
"Leo, wait," she moaned, "I'm going to…"
She covered her mouth and hurried to a trash can at the end of the alley. He winced as he heard her vomit moments later. He hoped this doctor of April's she would see tomorrow would know what was wrong and could help her. It nearly broke his heart there was nothing he could do for her except to try to ease her discomfort.
He came up behind her and placed his hand on her back. He then started rubbing along it in gentle, soothing circles. Master Splinter would do this for him or one of his brothers when they were kids and got sick. The motions did help make them feel better.
After a minute, Alisa drew in a shuddery breath and her grip loosened on the trash can. The worst was over and only a slight queasiness remained, but that would fade before long too. She felt like she was going to throw up again anyway, but there was nothing left in her stomach.
She gave an involuntary shiver, suddenly cold. A pair of strong emerald green-skinned arms wrapped around her protectively and she snuggled in the warmth of her husband's embrace.
"Are you okay?" Leo asked, softly.
"I will be," she sighed, "The sooner we get home, the better."
"I can call Raph," he offered, "He'll come pick us up in the Battle Shell."
She hated being coddled, but at this point she didn't care. She was so tired now and her body ached all over. It had to be the flu. All of her symptoms suggested it.
"Okay," she conceded.
Time seemed to stand still when one was dying. He drifted in and out of consciousness, wondering how much longer it would be before he succumbed to its cold comfort. He didn't know where they'd dumped him, but that mattered little. His body screamed in agony. Every breath was a trial to pull in to his lungs to fill them; to sustain one more minute. One more second?
He began to hear voices around him. They were so close he could almost touch them and yet so far it felt like an illusion. He was desperate to call out to them. He didn't want to die.
Panic unlocked the last reserves of his strength and he clumsily pulled himself to his feet. Fresh blood began to flow and drip to the concrete as he reopened the deep lacerations in his shoulder, side, and leg in his efforts. He was unable to see clearly, his vision blurred in the haze of pain. He staggered a few steps, blindly making his way forward.
Leonardo had drawn his katana the instant a dark figure abruptly appeared in the alley with them, rising out of a midst of trash bags and cardboard boxes piled near a dumpster. He growled low, recognizing the blazing red symbol on his black
dogi. He watched warily as the Foot ninja stumbled along a short way and then suddenly collapse.
"Help… me…" the man spoke, weakly, before he laid still.
The blue-masked turtle was confused and suspicious. A Foot ninja asking
him for help? It had to be some kind of trick, he was sure. He quickly surveyed the area before he realized the ninja was alone and there was not an ambush lying in wait.
"He's injured," Alisa observed, "Do you think…?"
"Karai often terminates those she finds incompetent, if they don't die in battle first," he supplied, grimly, "No doubt he is one of them judging upon the situation."
"He did not die instantly it seems, but he will suffer greatly until he does," he added, "I do not show mercy to the Foot clan, but I will do this one a favor and relieve his misery."
She nodded somberly and glanced at the fallen ninja. It was perhaps better this way. He didn't have to struggle anymore. He would be free.
It all happened in an instant, but a familiar energy surging through her body electrified her like touching a live wire and her eyes widened. That aura… It couldn't be, could it?
She saw the light reflect off her husband's blade and with horror, remembered what he was about to do.
"Leo, stop!" she cried.
He pulled back sharply, startled to hear her protest. He turned to look at her with disbelief.
"
What?" he said, incredulously, "Alisa, what is wrong?"
"You can't kill him," she told him, her voice low now.
"And why not?" he demanded.
"He's my brother," she stated, flatly.
He stared at her as he digested this piece of information. He was used to her powers, but every now and then, she could still manage to astound him with them. However, siblings usually had a special bond, as he did with his own brothers, and could recognize that bond even through barriers.
She reached to the Foot ninja's head and gently pulled his hooded mask off. A shock of dark blonde shaggy hair spilled out, greasy and filthy. Bruises littered his face and Leo studied its features closely. Although obviously masculine, the high cheekbones and slightly heart-shaped face he recognized as similar to the face he loved and woke up to every morning.
There was no doubt this young man and his wife was related. The tears shining in her emerald eyes were proof, as if she were discovering a treasure long thought to be lost.
"It's David," she whispered.
The turtle placed a hand on her shoulder and gave it a gentle squeeze. He knew what she was going through. She had thought her brother to be dead, but here he was now alive; except barely. If he didn't receive medical attention soon, he would not be long for this world.
Leo couldn't help but feel the reunion was bittersweet. There was the matter the young man was still Foot. In his mind, it could all too easily be a trap.
"We still can't let him live," he spoke, quietly, "He is Foot. As long as he lives, he is a danger to us. We don't even know if this is a trap."
She was in shock. For a moment, she felt like she would burst into tears. He watched then as the surprise quickly faded and her features turned dark and furious. He realized too late he'd crossed a major line.
"Foot or not, he is my
brother, Leonardo," she snapped, "Think if it were one of your brothers instead. Would you so readily cut them down?"
Her eyes flashed green fire at him, her gaze piercing. It penetrated through his heart like one of his own katana and the resulting pain was felt on a physical level. He was never guiltier or more ashamed in his life. He bowed his head to her in contrite.
"No," he replied, softly, "I wouldn't. You're right, but we can't take him to the lair or April's. It's too risky."
"Then call Casey," she ordered, "But I'm not letting him die."
He complied with her wishes and retrieved his shell cell from his belt once again to call the vigilante. He explained the situation to their hockey-mask wearing friend. Casey Jones was not happy to learn his new role, but he agreed because it was for Alisa. He was fond of the pint-sized young lady that was the blue-masked turtle's wife like a kid sister.
A few minutes later, Leo hung up and replaced the phone in his belt. He sighed then. How could he have been so cold to her? He felt so horrible and he was angry with himself. He suddenly felt her hand touch his and gently tug on it to catch his attention.
He tentatively turned to face her and she stepped towards him, sliding her arms around his waist as far as she could reach. He held her close, feeling tears burning in his eyes.
"I'm sorry," he whispered into her hair.
"It's okay," she said, softly, "I know old habits die hard."
He was glad she forgave him, but wasn't so sure he could forgive himself as easily. He heard the sound of a familiar truck engine approaching then. A pair of headlights illuminated them as an armored vehicle painted in camouflage rolled into the alley. It came to a stop a few feet away, the engine idling.
Raphael was expecting a simple pick-up and drive home. Leo had said Alisa had gotten sick and couldn't make it on foot. His sister-in-law was a tough girl, but she'd been looking a little rundown as of late and she was sick a lot. He was starting to get worried about her.
Instead, his brother motioned for him to get out. With a grumble, he turned off the ignition. A moment later, the red-masked turtle climbed out of the driver's side and stalked towards the couple. He spied the man sprawled on the ground and irritation was quickly replaced with concern.
"Hey, are you guys okay?" he asked, "What happened to him?"
"We're fine, Raph," Leo assured, "This is Alisa's brother. He's badly injured and needs help."
Raph couldn't hide the surprise that passed over his features. Last time he'd heard of her brother, he was either missing or presumed dead. He peered closer for a better look and a deep growl, almost feral, rumbled in his chest. If he had hair, he was certain every single strand on his body would be standing straight now.
"Forget it," he retorted, "There ain't no way I'm helpin' a Foot goon."
"He's her brother, Raph, and we
are going to help him," Leo insisted, a tone of finality in his voice, "Casey's agreed to let him stay at his place."
"
Casey's in on this?" Raph exclaimed, in disbelief.
"He promised for Alisa's sake," Leo answered, quietly, "And I did too. We're doing it for her. Please, Raph."
Raphael regarded the small young woman standing before him. Maybe it was the dim light playing tricks on his eyes, but she looked so pale and listless. Not at all like the spirited strong girl that he enjoyed sparring with. She'd lost a little weight too, he was sure. He didn't have the heart anymore to say no and Leo would kick his ass if he did.
He let out a noisy sigh.
"Alright, ya little Pixie," he yielded, using the nickname he'd adopted for her, "Just for you, 'cause I wouldn't do it if it were anyone else."
The corners of her mouth lifted in a faint smile. She knew this was hard on both turtles and she was grateful to them to put aside their animosity of the Foot to help her. She could feel her husband's spirit was still awash in guilt and there was anguish in his heart; a doubt, a fear, of something. Her own heart contracted painfully in response. She wanted to speak with him now, but it would have to be until they were back home and alone.
"Thanks, Raph," she said, softly.
Leo allowed a smile to grace his own lips. He was relieved there hadn't been another blow-up.
"Come on, Raph," he told him then, "Help me move him to the Battle Shell."
Careful not to aggravate his injuries more, he lifted the young Foot ninja near his shoulders and Raph did the same for his legs. They proceeded to carry him to the back of the armored car and laid him down inside. Alisa followed and climbed in after, sitting in one of the chairs. Leo decided to stay with her rather than going up front with his brother.
A moment later, Raph started the car and headed to Casey's. Fortunately, it was a relatively short drive over there and they arrived within minutes. Casey was waiting to let them in when the two turtles hauled the soldier up the stairs to his apartment.
The vigilante was grim-faced as he watched them place the ninja on his battered couch. He did not like this one bit, hording a member of the Foot. It was just crazy, but Alisa was counting on him. He couldn't let her down like that.
The young woman found a blanket and covered her brother with it. She appeared to be exhausted.
"Don't worry, Alisa," Casey assured her, gently, "I'll take care of him. I ain't Donny, but I know how to stitch a wound or two. Comes from being your own medic."
"Thank you, Casey," she replied, quietly, "You have no idea how grateful I am; to all of you."
The vigilante wasn't the only one who noticed how tired she looked. Leo came up behind her and rested his hands on her shoulders. He gave them a soft squeeze.
"Let's get you home now," he said, his voice low near her ear, "You need to rest, sweetheart. April will be picking you up early for your appointment."
Once again, she complied with his wishes, although a little reluctantly this time. She wanted to stay at her brother's side, to make sure he didn't suddenly vanish again. It still felt surreal that was actually him on the couch.
They bid goodbye to the vigilante, making him promise to call if anything changed. The two turtles and young woman piled into the armored car and went home. When they reached the subterranean dwelling, Alisa immediately headed upstairs to her and Leo's room.
Leonardo watched her leave and then breathed out a deep sigh.
"I wish I knew what I could for her," he said, sadly, more to himself than his brother.
"You said Ape was taking her to the doc's tomorrow, right?" Raph spoke up, "Is that what she went to talk to her about tonight?"
"Yes," Leo confirmed, "She told April her symptoms and she wanted Alisa to go see a doctor."
"So the doctor then will find what's wrong and make her better," Raph replied.
"Yeah," was all Leo could answer.
He turned suddenly to walk to the stairs to follow his wife to bed.
"I'm going to bed," he told him, "Goodnight."
"Goodnight, Leo," Raph sighed.
The blue-masked turtle climbed the steps to the second floor and made his way to his room. He entered to find she'd changed into her nightgown and was in their bed. She appeared to be already asleep.
He closed the door behind him softly and walked over to his own side. He stripped of his padding, belt, mask and weapons before sliding in under the covers beside her. He reached to turn off the small lamp on the bedside table and the room was plunged in darkness.
"Leo?"
He jumped a bit, startled to hear her voice. He quickly relaxed as he felt her arms wrap around him. He wrapped his own arm around her, drawing her close.
"I thought you were asleep," he whispered.
"I had to talk to you first," she answered, softly, "About tonight."
She felt him stiffen under her. She could feel his heartbeat start to race. That fear, that doubt, was hitting him more strongly than before and it coursed through her.
"Alisa, I-I…" he stammered.
He began to tremble in her arms and she held him tighter. Something wet suddenly landed on her hand and she realized he was crying. She reached up to brush her fingertips on his cheeks to catch the tears.
"Shh," she soothed him, "Listen; you must let go of the guilt. Don't keep punishing yourself for it. You must forgive yourself."
"But what I did…" he choked, "It made me… It made me think I didn't love you enough if I could so easily overlook your feelings."
His breathing had grown heavier as if he were fighting back sobs. She could feel tears of her own prickling behind her eyes. Her fingers caressed his face, trailing along the smooth warm leathery skin.
"Oh, Leo," she murmured, softly, "You know that's not true."
"Old habits really are hard to die and I have them same as you do," she continued, "Because in case you haven't noticed, I gave in to my own tonight. I didn't mean to hurt you, but it doesn't mean I love you any less. It just means I need to work harder on curbing those impulses so I don't do it again and I know you will too."
She leaned forward and pressed her lips to his in a tender kiss.
"So we'll call it even," she said, with a faint smile.
He felt a weight lift off his chest then and his spirit was lighter now, as was his heart. He nearly crushed her to him as he cuddled her tightly in his arms. He buried his face in her hair.
"I love you," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.
"I love you too," she answered, softly.
She listened to his breathing slow and even out. It gradually deepened and she knew he was asleep now. She smiled to herself and closed her eyes. As sleep took its hold on her, her subconscious began to dream of him lovingly cradling a tiny newborn in his arms.
End Chapter One
