Insanity A-La-Cart

i'm writing i swear

2008-05-07T03:04:33Z

Which Goddess lurks in your soul?

Athena

You are a wise one, my dear! Athena is the Greek Goddess of wisdom, disciplined war, philosophy and knowledge. She is a selective Goddess, as she only inhabits those of your high intelligence and keenness to learn great things. You’re usually not seen without a book in your hand or your eyes glued to the internet (which is, after all, the great information highway!). This should not suggest that you don’t enjoy people, as your cleverness and sharp wit are usually in full force when in a social situation, to everyone’s delight.

Click Here to Take This Quiz

Quizzes and Personality Tests

KC did it

2008-04-03T22:46:53Z

Which Classic Story Role Do You Play?

- You Are The Key Character
"It's what I was meant to do."

You are the true enigma. No one knows much about you, you do not understand much of yourself, and your life seems to carry no purpose. Yet regardless of everything around you - everyone knows that you are here for some reason, even if no one yet knows what that is. Things seem to simply fall into place for you. Almost as though some force is working either through you, for you, or around you. No matter your troubles, you have been sent here to unlock something. This is your destiny.
Take this quiz!

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ganekd from KC

2008-03-22T09:03:14Z

I Am A: Neutral Good Human Ranger (4th Level)

Ability Scores:

Strength-13

Dexterity-14

Constitution-13

Intelligence-15

Wisdom-14

Charisma-14

Alignment:
Neutral Good A neutral good character does the best that a good person can do. He is devoted to helping others. He works with kings and magistrates but does not feel beholden to them. Neutral good is the best alignment you can be because it means doing what is good without bias for or against order. However, neutral good can be a dangerous alignment because it advances mediocrity by limiting the actions of the truly capable.

Race:
Humans are the most adaptable of the common races. Short generations and a penchant for migration and conquest have made them physically diverse as well. Humans are often unorthodox in their dress, sporting unusual hairstyles, fanciful clothes, tattoos, and the like.

Class:
Rangers are skilled stalkers and hunters who make their home in the woods. Their martial skill is nearly the equal of the fighter, but they lack the latter's dedication to the craft of fighting. Instead, the ranger focuses his skills and training on a specific enemy a type of creature he bears a vengeful grudge against and hunts above all others. Rangers often accept the role of protector, aiding those who live in or travel through the woods. His skills allow him to move quietly and stick to the shadows, especially in natural settings, and he also has special knowledge of certain types of creatures. Finally, an experienced ranger has such a tie to nature that he can actually draw on natural power to cast divine spells, much as a druid does, and like a druid he is often accompanied by animal companions. A ranger's Wisdom score should be high, as this determines the maximum spell level that he can cast.

Find out What Kind of Dungeons and Dragons Character Would You Be?, courtesy of Easydamus (e-mail)

Every time i've taken one of these I end up true neutral and half elf... darn being a goodie two shoes

ganked from kc_anathema

2008-03-20T20:02:11Z

You Should Be a Film Writer

You don't just create compelling stories, you see them as clearly as a movie in your mind.

You have a knack for details and dialogue. You can really make a character come to life.

Chances are, you enjoy creating all types of stories. The joy is in the storytelling.

And nothing would please you more than millions of people seeing your story on the big screen!

What Type of Writer Should You Be?

So shitting on you're head when I fly by

2008-03-18T21:14:33Z

ONE DAY CONTENT STRIKE

For one day, make no posts. Make no comments. Let there be NO new content added to LJ.

SUP obviously does not realize that Basic users have given something of value to them, that it is content that drives the site.

So, for one 24-hour period, from midnight GMT to midnight GMT, let's see how many people we can get to pledge to contribute NO CONTENT.

This will create a permanent downward spike in the daily-posts statistics, a permanent reminder of the power of the userbase.

Who's with me, and what date shall it be?

Friday, March 21, from midnight GMT to midnight GMT. No posts, no comments, in journals or communities, whether public, private or friends-locked. Spread the word!

http://community.livejournal.com/ljspeaks

the muses won't let me go!

2007-12-23T18:50:29Z

Title: Distracted…

Author: ~Nevermore~

Parings: none established, Leo/Raph, Mike/Don

Rating: PG-13 for safety’s sake

Summary: This holiday season Leo can’t seem to focus…

Warnings: nothing terribly serious. Mike is nutty, Raph is grumpy, Leo is thinky, mentions of bondage, holiday stuff and no beta.

Notes: I blame Dorkfish and her icon this time…

~*~*~*~*~*~

Leo couldn’t stop looking at Raphael. He wasn’t sure what it was… but it was… distracting.

He knew when Raph was in the room long before his brother made his presence known. He knew when he was awake and trudging for his morning shower. He knew when he wasn’t meditating with the group and either daydreaming or looking at *him*! Leo was just… hyperaware of Raph’s every move.

It started with the fight… when he confronted the Nightwatcher and found it to be Raph instead. Raphael had him at his utter mercy after breaking his swords. He could have killed his brother, so wound up in his rage that it was only one split second between recognition and the abyss. Leo hated the look that played across Raph’s face when he finally realized what he had done and was about to do. It made his chest hurt and his stomach flip and all he could think of was making it better. It hurt more when Raph ran, when he heard the choked sob from his brother’s throat as he ran away.

Raph always ran…

He was running now… well figuratively. Mike and April were digging out the Christmas decorations and had enlisted his help in setting up the lights. Usually they avoid letting him near the tangle that the lights become but this year he volunteered. He was zoned out trying to untangle the mess, checking each light to make sure it was in and that the strand worked. He groused at Mikey when ever he tried to bring up conversation, or tried to goad him into singing carols that played on the radio. Raph did however let Mike plant one of the larger Santa hats they had in their stuff on Raph’s head. It hung down over his eyes sometimes, which made Raph push it back up out of the way but never take off. Last year it had been the reindeer headband Mikey was sporting and Raph had nearly set it on fire.

Leo was supposedly working on a supply list for April to take back up for them, but he couldn’t help looking at Raph. It was like… some weird kind of bondage, being stuck amongst all those lights. The dark green wires matched his skin tone, making him look like a living tree. A few were plugged in, casting tiny spots of light across his body. Leo reached for his cup of tea, mouth suddenly dry.

“Hey Raph can I put the mistletoe above your room?” Mike was in his ‘let’s tease Raph’ mode today, which was always dangerous.

“No, dofus. Put it anywhere else… like far away from me.” He glared, which didn’t have its usual heat as the hat sunk over one eye.

“I know!” Mike bounded over to where Leo sat on the couch and climbed up on it to tack the little plastic plant above the most used area of the Lair. “We’ll put it by Leo… you don’t mind do ya bro?”

“How many candy canes have you had?” He asked earning a laugh as Mike bounced away and back to the box containing said candies. Leo looked over to Raph to see if he was looking.

Their eyes met, and Raph’s face did that weird little dance of expressions. Leo took a chance and gave him a smile, a genuine warm smile. To his surprise, and based on the fluttering of both heart and stomach, joy… he got a shy one in return.

“Whatcha smiling bout Raphie?” Mike teased. The moment was lost and Raph turned a glare at Mike.

“Thinkin about hanging you with all these lights when I get out of this mess. Maybe right by that mistletoe.” He tried to get up to spook Mikey away but he was so hopelessly tangled he couldn’t do it. Mike laughed, so did April and eventually they went back to what they were doing.

Looking back at his list Leo tried to burn the image of Raph smiling like that into his brain. He hadn’t seen that kind of smile since they were kids. He looked back at his brother as he went back to work and another image came unbidden to his brain…

Raph in that silly hat, falling over one eye, as he smiled like that from Leo’s bed. He was tied, not tangled, in red ribbon, rendering him unable to move, unable to run away unless Leo let him.

“Ain’tcha gunna open your present, Leo?”

He was broken from his weird thought by a big wet smacker of a kiss on his cheek and he flinched back, nearly falling over. Mike’s laugh rang through the lair as he dodged away.

“Gotcha bro!” Mike laughed and bounced happily towards the tree, starting to plan where to put everything. “Dude, usually I can’t get that close without you pullin your ninja dodging skills out of nowhere.”

Leo shrugged, glancing back at Mikey and April and eventually to Raph. The Santa-turtle was back to his task, running without going anywhere.

“Guess I’m a bit… distracted.”

“By what?”

“I’m trying to think of a better place for you to put that mistletoe.” He leveled one of his ‘I’m the big brother do as I say’, looks at Mike. His little brother grinned and took the little fake plant down.

“Oh I’ll put it over Don’s lab!” With glee Mike dashed off to do just that. “He’ll never know what hit him!”

Leo sighed and folded his list up, finished with what needed to go on it. Maybe some meditation away from the festivities would bring him back to his senses… even if he did want to do some more research on knots now… for some *unknown* reason.

You can’t run forever, Raphael…and when I catch you, you won’t be able to again.

END

Blargh this one wants to be a multi-part… nuuuu U_U

Fic: Hurt, Casey / Raph One Shot

2007-12-23T17:46:13Z

Hurt
By ~Nevermore~
Parings: Casey/Raph
Rating: Umm PG 13? Some language and mention of body parts…
Warnings: SAAAP because it wanted to have saaap, blood, bit o’ angst, slash, and un betaed… first time writing for these too ta boot.
Summary: Sometimes the words you want to say just don’t work, because you don’t know if they apply.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Casey didn’t move from where he stood on the side of the bed, just looked down at the kneeling turtle who had his face buried in his belly holding him tight, muttering apologies. Casey put his hands on Raph’s shoulders, slowly kneading the taut muscles there. Poor kid was scared, scared of what he was doing, where this was going but most of all scared to loose his best friend.

It had been a rough night. Raph and Casey had been on patrol no more than ten minutes when trouble first showed up. They found some punks holding up a late night dinner and followed them until they were a safe distance away before jumping them. They had been pretty pathetic but apparently smart; they called for back up. Back up showed up with lots of numbers and the brawl ended up scaling three streets, two buildings and a hand full of alley ways. Even when they tried to retreat they were hounded. They finally managed to get some distance when they ran into the Purple Dragons doing one of their initiation runs… it just sort of snowballed from there. They came back to his place full of ruckus and adrenalin then while patching each other up had tossed a beer or two on the fire. Casey had left his med kit in his room so they wandered their way back there, rather than dragging themselves back out into the living room like always. Casey worked on Raph first; the turtle had a few good sized cuts, a few scrapes and a new ding to add to his plastron. They joked about how Don and Leo were going to freak out when he got back.

The details were vague in Casey’s mind. But somewhere during Raph’s turn on Casey he spotted the injury. It was a long slash from a knife, that when asked told had been meant for the turtle, not him. The guy was coming from behind Raph, knife raised high to stab at him at the shoulder, where his shell didn’t protect. Casey had shoved Raph out of the way but the knife had gone down, cutting a dark line across his stomach to one side, ending at his hip. It wasn’t big enough to need stitches, but it was a near thing. The blow could have maimed, maybe killed Raph had it landed, could have gutted Casey had the guy not lost his footing. He was telling Raph not to worry about it, not to freak out but his best bud had stopped his work and just stared at it, frowning deeply. When he moved again he figured he was leaning closer to look at it, make sure it didn’t need stitches.

He had not expected Raph to *lick* the wound.

Casey hadn’t moved, shocked still at the action and just looking down at Raph, who was still kneeling on the bed next to him, bent over his stomach, gauze in one hand, disinfectant pad in the other. He must have taken the lack of movement as some kind of sign because he licked the length of the wound, down to where it disappeared below Casey’s belt line. It felt… weird… and nice, but the thing that kept Casey still was how damned erotic it was. He couldn’t look away as every wound on his exposed skin was treated the same way. Raph’s breath was hot like his tongue, but the wounds were left cold in his passing, the skin tightening when they hit cool air. Casey could hear muttered apologies as the turtle went, ‘I’m sorry’s puffed against his wet flesh as Raph moved up to the spot on his shoulder, then down his arm to where a big scrape and bruise stood out on his bicep. Casey lifted his arm, touching the side of Raph’s face as the turtle leaned back to a kneeling position. Casey watched his pink tongue flick out at the nick on the underside of his wrist, the man's pulse dancing on his tongue.

Casey tugged Raph’s face up, to look into the turtle’s eyes. They were full of some emotion that sent a shiver down the Casey's spine and went straight to his half hard cock. Worry, fear, and that heated look he used to get from April, once before they seemed to fall into friends rather than boyfriend and girlfriend. Casey had almost forgotten this side of his best bud, the side ruled by compassion rather than rage. He wasn’t stupid, he knew this was weird, possibly wrong as hell but he couldn’t stop himself from rubbing his thumb against Raph’s cheek. He was looking for something, something that scared Casey a little, but not enough to say no.

That’s when Casey got up, began to walk away from the bed.

He was going to get something from the bathroom, some ointment that he had taken out of the kit the last time he used it. He hadn’t made it to the foot of the bed before he heard this choked whine. He turned to see Raph still sitting there, looking down at the bed and his shoulders beginning to shudder. The human called out his name and was then stuck in the situation he was in now, with a scared teenager grasping at him, holding him in place, apologizing for doing something wrong. It dawned on the man, as he played with the tails of Raph’s mask, that walking away like that was not what Raph had been looking for. With a sigh Casey tugged at the mask, making Raph look up at him.

“Hey, what’s with the water works?” He smiled as warmly as he could, which came out more of a smirk really. He could see the beginnings of tear stains in the fabric that hid Raph’s face. “Quit apologizin’ ya goof. You ain’t done nothin’ wrong.” On a whim he pulled the mask off completely, leaving Raph oddly naked. The teen opened his mouth to speak, but stopped when Casey bapped him lightly on the noggin. “Stay where you’re at, ya here?” When he got a hesitant nod and was let go, he padded into the bathroom and got what he wanted before moving back into the bedroom. “Help me finish patchin’ my dumb ass up and we’ll talk ok?”

They worked in silence, putting disinfectant and bandages where it was needed. It didn’t take long, with both of them working. Casey kept some kind of contact with Raph the whole time, while Raph seemed to have sunk into one of his brooding moods. When they were done Casey moved to sit against the head board, leaning back onto it without making it hit against the wall. Raph still knelled where he was, watching Casey. When the older man opened his arms, beckoning him over, he scooted closer. As soon as he was in range he was snatched up, pulled down to rest stomach to stomach with Casey, his head against the man’s chest. His arms automatically wrapped around the human’s waist, holding him close.

“You ok?”

“I look ok to you?” Raph wasn’t looking at him, his usually expressive eyes shut. His voice had no heat to it at all, sounding more hurt.

“You wanna talk about it?” Casey ran a hand along Raph’s arm and shoulder, trying to help sooth his friend. Looking down at him as he was now he was struck with how much he actually cared for the creature. Raph wasn’t just a mutated turtle, more than just a guy he busted heads with. Raph was… well Raph. “Come on I know something is eatin at ya.” When the terrapin refused to say anything, mostly because the gears in his brain were working over time, Casey sighed and filled the silence.

“You know once there was this kid I knew, we all called him Dem cuz his name was too long ta call him anything else. Real tough guy like us. He got into fights at school, talked big and all that. He gave me a run for my money one day I tried ta prove I was tougher then he was. Well some time in high school I was walkin’ out back behind the gym when I spotted him ducking between the outdoor shed and the building. I followed him, ya know ta see what he was up to. Maybe he was gunna’ get in a scrap and I could join in for fun.” He looked down to see Raph looking back up at him, listening intently. “I peaked around the corner to see him pushing someone against the wall, kissin’ the daylights outa’ them. It was like something out of those TV shows where two kids cut class to make out in the dark. I was gunna go when I heard the person he was kissing call out his name. I still remember the shock I had when I realized it was the class vice prez he was making out with. Rowen was his name, real geek kid, kind of quiet and all goody-two-shoes. I knew enough about the birds and the bees to know that one guy on another was weird. I’d seen stuff on the news about gay guys being beat for just bein’ who they were. I booked before I got busted, deciding not to say anything cuz I was spyin and all. Apparently I wasn’t the only one. Later that week some of the class bullies were pushin’ Rowen around, trying to get some secret out of him about how to beat Dem. They were roughin’ him up really bad and I couldn’t just let them do that to the guy. So I walked in and decided to bust some heads.”

“Did you win?” Casey flinched when Raph spoke, his voice was quiet but it rumbled in his chest.

“Na, I got thrashed, but Rowen got out of there.” He chuckled at the expression on his friend’s face. “What I was still a kid… no older then you against a bunch a seniors twice my size. Anyway when I was in the nurses getting patched up after having to explain to the principal what happened, Dem came ta see me. He wanted ta thank me for watching out for Rowen. I told him I’d seen them together… and I couldn’t help but ask why.”

“I’m sure that went over good.”

“Better than expected. He told me that he’d never met someone who understood him as much as Rowen did. Sure they were different and all, Dem came from the projects and Rowen was bussed in from the boroughs. He couldn’t explain it more than… what did he say?” He screwed his face up thinking, and when it came to him looked back down at Raph, holding his eyes in his. “When you get ta know someone, who just knows you like they were you, you don’t eva wanna let it go. When you hurt, they hurt. When you’re happy, so are they. You don’t so much say it out loud as feel it in your gut; see it in their eyes, to know they are special. He told me he didn’t understand exactly what drew him to the other boy, just that he needed him like he needed air.”

“What happened to them?”

“Rowen got accepted to Harvard or something, but Dem’s grades didn’t get him in, and his folks couldn’t afford it or nothin’. Last I heard from the reunion we had a few years back they were livin up in Boston togetha’.”

“That’s good for them.” Casey watched Raph look away, digesting the story. Leaning down he placed a kiss on the top of Raph’s head.

“Hey ya ain’t heard the moral of the story.” He chided, and when he got Raph’s attention again he swallowed and just said his piece, like he always had. “I hurt when you hurt, Raphael. I ain’t neva met a guy like you… regardless of the whole species thing, or gender or any a that crap. I hurt for you, cuz I know you, right down to my soul.” He hugged the turtle tighter to him, regardless of how it stung his injuries. “So stop sayin you’re sorry for feelin what you do, cuz I understand. Don’t make sense, but that don’t matter none.”

Some emotions played across Raph’s features before he buried his head in the hollow of Casey’s throat, clutching the human tighter. Casey just held on, rubbing up and down his shell, heat not born of arousal or body contact threatening to burn his insides out. Neither spoke, just held on for a good long while. The clock ticked slowly, the sounds of cars in the street passing by in the late hour seemed so distant. Raph’s breathing, the little hitch that happened now and again, the thud of his heart against his chest… those were the things that mattered right then. Casey was almost afraid he’d gone to sleep when he finally spoke up, voice thick with emotion.

“I… I…” Casey could see he was trying to get the words out, knew which three he wanted to say but just couldn’t get them out. Casey beat him to the punch, putting a calloused finger to Raph’s lips.

“I know ya do, Raphie.” He smiled, and Raph finally saw what he was looking for in Casey and smiled a bit back. “I know.”

Outside it was getting brighter, even as it began to drizzle out. Soon Raph would either have to go home, or crash with him for the day. The evening’s activities were already taking their toll on both of them. Raph was heavy against his body, the tension he’d been holding since that first moment in the room finally leaving his shoulders. Casey was sore as hell and sleepy himself. He laughed at the huge yawn the turtle let loose before snuggling down, breathing in Casey’s scent. Casey Jones thought this was the craziest thing he had ever done in his life, and it would only get more complicated as time went on. But he knew the facts, the simple truth of the situation and that was enough for him.

“Get some sleep, knucklehead. It’s been a long night.”

“I should be… *yawn* goin though.” Raph glanced at the clock, watching the little numbers click over to some obscene time in the morning.

“If your bro’s call we’ll tell them you’re crashin’ out here for the day. I’m sure Splinter won’t mind you gettin’ some actual rest.” Casey fished Raph’s shell cell out from its hiding spot and put it on the night stand near the bruise ointment and the now warm beers.

“You sure?” Raph was giving him that confused, wounded look he had been earlier. Casey decided if he could do anything right in his life, he’d make Raph forget how to make that face.

“Dumb ass, course I don’t.” Casey reached over and snagged part of the blanket off his bed, pulling it over both of them. “Now shut up and get some shut eye.”

Raph gave him one of his usual, ‘Case is being stupid’, looks before closing his eyes, following orders for once. Casey knew his back would kill him later, but it didn’t matter. Having Raph right there, safe, warm, and more or less content, that’s what mattered. He said a silent prayer to whatever deity had reminded him of that story, giving him the words he wouldn’t have had on his own. Heaving a sigh and getting as comfortable as he could, Casey closed his eyes to sleep too. For a while all was quiet, then he felt Raph move, shifting to look at him as he feigned sleep. He felt cool lips against his neck before Raph settled down again.

“I hurt for you too, Casey Jones.”

END

And this all spawned from the idea of Raph licking Casey’s wounds… mmm bloody lovins.

iDork

2007-12-23T03:44:18Z

	I received 85 credits on The Sci Fi Sounds Quiz How much of a Sci-Fi geek are you?
Take the Sci-Fi Movie Quiz digital camera ratings

yeah I just wanted to use the Icon... can't believe I missed a few...damn

Distracto-Fic!

2007-12-22T15:41:52Z

I give you... pron! Seriously though this thing hijacked me from writing and it wouldn't leave me alone till I let it go down on 'paper'. X posted to turtlecest com. Enjoy the evil.

I totally blame Mikey.

Title: Idle Mind, Busy Hands (One shot)
Author: ~Nevermore~
Rating: NC 17 not safe for minors or work
Paring: Leo/Raph, Mikey
Warnings: POV, Mike’s imagination running a muck, adult themes, sex, masturbation, voyeurism, smut smut smut, no beta.
Summery: Mike thinks about his brother’s weird behavior one day and his mind runs away with him.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Just because I’m the baby of the family, doesn’t mean I know less then the others. I mean yeah sure they have some experiences I haven’t yet, or some junk like that but hey… I watch TV, use the internet, and listen to modern music. A dude can get plenty of ideas about the world by observing it. I think that’s something they take for granted, in regards to moi. I might be chattering all the time, and not sitting still and all… but I do watch my surroundings. I mean, hell, I’m a ninja!

I’ve been noticing lately the weird ways Raph and Leo have been acting. So they still fight and have their arguments, but sometimes they just stop to stare at each other, instead of getting physically or verbally violent. Like tonight! I’m sitting just outside my room, looking down at the practice floor where they are sparing. It’s less sparing though as much as getting their crazies out before Splinter comes back out from his meditations. April got me some sweet sketching stuff a while ago and tonight I decided to put it to use. I already had a few good sketches of my bros going, but I was waiting for one pose… one image that would be fun to draw but that might let me look at my bros differently. I don’t know exactly how to put it… but I think something is up with them.

Leo’s voice raises in a kiai as he tackles Raph, and both of them go down. Leo is thinner than Raph, who’s been bulking up a lot since Leo went on his little jungle tour. Raph’s all power, and Leo is speed. I’d never seen Leo move as fast as he does now, since he came back. Jungle life must have made him trade power for speed. Raph though has always used his bod to take out his mind’s frustrations. If he pushes hard enough, he just works it out of his system. Leo’s all mental though, he’ll work things through in his brain before acting… but sometimes he gets just as angry, which is when he pushes himself harder. He hates letting his emotions get the better of himself… Raph is in some weird limbo between acting on them and blatantly ignoring them.

I flip the page of my sketch pad and pick up one of my black pencils and begin to sketch fast. They’ve rolled around on the floor, and now Leo has Raph pinned to the mats, flat on his back. They’ve stopped moving, both breathing heavy as they just… look at each other. Leo has Raph’s arms pinned up above his head, his lower body trapped in a tangle of limbs. Raph could break free, sure, but not without potentially hurting Leo. And while I know Raph hasn’t had a problem doing so in the past… he doesn’t wanna do it now. The lighting from the TVs makes their eyes shine… I can’t see the expressions but I can almost hear them breathing. Shifting position a little further around the second floor, I get to a spot where I can see their faces better. Leo’s looking down, panting hard but his face doesn’t look angry. More like… he’s waiting. Raph’s face moves through a lot of expressions… and settles on… something between angry and scared.

Woah that’s weird…

His bandanna is all messed up, falling off his face from the tussle. I know I’ve stopped sketching as I watch, but I can’t help it… it is so… hot. I so didn’t just think that… but yeah I thought it… cuz it’s true. One of Leo’s hands moves from where it has Raph pinned and grabs at the mask, but instead of fixing it, he’s pulling it off. Raph’s body language goes from the usual angry tenses to… relaxed… submissive. Which so isn’t a word that I’d use for Raph if I hadn’t seen him just do what he did. I can’t see his eyes but he licks his lips, his tongue contrasts more against his skin without the red bandanna there. Leo has it wrapped tightly in his fist, holding it as tight as he holds Raph.

Did the temperature in here just rise, or is it me?

We all kind of jump when we hear Sensei clear his throat. I look up to see him leveling a weird look at Leo and Raph as they both separate. Raph growls angrily and takes his mask back, stalking towards the stairs, muttering something about a shower. Leo bows to Sensei and the two walk into the other room, probably for some meditation. I can hear Raph stomping up towards the bathroom, not too far from where I am so I grab my stuff and pull a fast ninja escape to my room, closing the door. I hear Raph stomp by none the wiser, so I decide to turn on my tunes and sit on my bed, pushing a few comics out of the way. Sitting with the pad in my lap I start fleshing out the rough sketches I’ve done.

As I work on rounding out the shapes, filling in the missing parts as my mind totally goes somewhere weird. Why did Raph just, let go like that? Looking at the sketches and thinking about what I did earlier… well it kind of hit me. Raph is a guy of opposites. Hot and cold, black and white, all or nothing. In a fight he’ll always push himself harder than any of us, especially when we’re in trouble. His scars (which I’ve sketched a lot lately) paint his skin in testament to everything he’s done over the years. He’s a turtle of action, but he’s driven by a lot of emotion. I remember once I caught him watching ‘story time’ with Sensei, when he had the flu. We were all supposed to be in the dojo training, but I did catch a glimpse as we went in, of the look on his face as someone got dumped on the tube. He’d totally blame the fever or the meds for the little tears dancing in his eyes. He’s a bit softie at heart, but hides it behind something you don’t wanna go near.

Looking at the sketch I’ve gotten Raph mostly done. The sprawl of his body on the floor, the relaxed way he’s trapped under Leo… I think I even managed to add the whole tongue thing…God it’s hot! I shake my head and set the whole thing aside to try and calm down. I know that humans don’t approve of siblings being together in that way, hell even thinking about it is taboo. I won’t even toss in the whole guy on guy thing. But we’re all we got really. Don told me once he wouldn’t be surprised if one day down the road we paired off… hell even April agreed! Science geeks, oi. When they told me I could only think of how weird it would be… but looking back at the whole thing I just saw… maybe I’m more messed up then I thought but hey go with the flow. If we are destined to jump one another, it’s cool with me I guess. I love my bros and I know they won’t do anything to hurt me.

Speaking of flow I can hear the shower running, Raph is taking a while. If I put my ear to the wall I can sometimes hear Don sing in the shower, which is kinda cute, but I’m not too sure I want to hear what ol’ Raphie is up to…do I?

Turning up my music I lie back in bed and try to relax and not go where my brain wants me to. All I can see is Leo over Raph, controlling our usually uncontrollable brother because Leo can do that. Raph may be all or nothing, but Leo is all about balance. He works hard to get his body and mind on the same level, constantly weighing one option against the other and choosing the best path for all of us. Was he waiting for Raph to make the choice, knowing how our bro thinks? Leo wouldn’t do such a thing without thinking about it hard first… maybe that’s what all the looks have been for. Since that night Raph came back telling us Leo got caught they’ve been dancing around each other. Raph’s been hostile as usual, maybe more so… but Leo’s been calculating the odds that maybe something was up.

Oh shell I’m turned on now… Leo’s been thinking about seducing Raph? And Raph just… gave in? Both of them are stubborn if not prideful but…mmm the possibilities. Introspective Mike, take a break… I know I gotta get this out of my head before it totally consumes me for like a week.

Closing my eyes, I see them in that position again, only this time there is no Sensei to stop them, no one else in the world around them. Just Leo and Raph. For some reason I can only think of candles… like the time the power went out and we had to train by candle light. Mmm yeah that’s way hot. As I think my hands move all on their own, doing what every good, perverted little teen is good at as their mind takes the express into the gutter.

Leo is still poised over Raph, waiting for the signal. His hand takes the askew bandanna off of his darker skinned brother, baring his face to the light. Raph hides behind that color a lot, uses it as a façade to keep others away. Leo just strips him of it, taking away the angry turtle we all know. Takes Raph’s power, his physical and mental power, and then waits. Raph doesn’t struggle as much as he was before, body relaxing under his leader who’s pressing into him; arms and legs and lower body pinning him down. Their eyes lock, sending a charge through the downed turtle and he gives in. His choice has been made and he licks his lips in anticipation, rolling his head to the side to bare his neck in total submission.

Leo makes this, purr sound, in the back of his throat and his head dips down, his teeth grazing across Raph’s exposed neck, sending a shudder through the stronger of the two. Leo’s free hand moves up to the others as he pulls back, looking amused as Raph tries to rise up with him. He releases Raph’s hands for a moment, and Raph just stays there as Leo unties his bandana and then ties his hands together. Raph growls, annoyed at the move but he doesn’t object. He made his decision, now he has to own it, like he always does. The growl becomes less angry and more animal as Leo presses his hips further down onto Raph, bends back down to run one hand along Raph’s side while the other loosely holds his arm down. Leo’s lips and teeth are back on Raph’s neck and shoulder, biting and sucking on the scared skin, leaving marks. He claims Raph and all his bro can do is groan. Raph’s eyes slide shut, breath coming out in pants but Leo’s eyes are open, watching how his actions affect the tied turtle.

Leo shifts his legs, moving between Raph’s, forcing them wider apart. His trailing hand moves to rub the inside of Raph’s thigh, his other hand moving to help hold him up, to watch what Raph does as he is pet. He’s rewarded with a shiver and Raph’s eyes snapping back open, as if now realizing what is going on. Leo’s head dips back down, wide tongue swiping across the hollow of his neck. His hands are all over Raph, moving over hardened muscle and scared plastron and all the places in between. Raph gasps as Leo’s hand pulls suggestively at his tail. Raph looks up, dark amber eyes wide in shock and his color darkening, turned on and embarrassed… maybe nervous. Leo has this… predatory look, feeling the deep rumble in Raph’s chest that starts up against his will. Leo smirks in that superior way as he continues to play with that oft forgotten part of his brother’s anatomy and his smirk becomes a grin as Raph’s head falls back with an impassioned moan. Raph is tugging at his arms but is reluctant to break his mask… like ripping it would be ripping him self and letting Leo totally win. Leo knows he has won already though as he coaxes Raph’s cock out of its hiding place, hand moving from his tail to the heated flesh that leaps at the touch.

Raph’s down to nothing but animal noises; moaning and grunting as Leo seems to lounge over him, teasing him with his hands and lips. His supportive hand slides to hold Raph’s belly down as he moves further down, taking a long lick of Raph’s cock. Raph’s toes curl and he flinches, Leo’s name slipping out. His voice continues to say Leo’s name, warbling as Leo takes his time getting to know his body. Leo’s own cock is out, weeping in anticipation and pressed against Raph’s calf. Raph tries to sit up, enough to see what Leo is doing. Leo lets him, enough to see his own cock disappear into Leo’s mouth as he tries to take him all in, sucking hard.

“Leo…oh God…”

Woah… I’m broken out of my little fantasy, my hand rubbing my cock to hear Raph’s voice on the other side of the wall. My own mental version of it was no where as sexy as that deep thrum. Putting my ear again against the wall, my hand slowing down I listen. I give it a minute and again I hear Raph groan, Leo’s name coming out in a hiss. Oh god… oh GOD Raph is… and I am… and…

Fuck me…

“Like that?” I flinch and stay very very still… like if I move I’ll get caught even though I’m in a different room. “You churr when I do this to you, you know. Who would have thought your tail was such a soft spot?”

“Shut… up… I” Oh god Leo is in there! Raph’s defiance is choked off by another stifled cry. I hear bodies bumping in the bathroom now, my mind filling in the blank spots.

“Quiet down… you want everyone to know what I’m doing to you.” Leo’s voice is… god I thought Raph had a deep voice but I can see Leo’s smirk, my cock leaping in my hand at the sound. I close my eyes, seeing Leo having Raph pinned against the wall, his legs spread as wide as he can to allow Leo to kneel between them.

“Shut it… Leo.” Raph’s voice squeaks, which is funny, as Leo massages his tail, tongue running along the side of his cock.

“I bet you do… want them to know how you go weak in the knees when I do this.” There’s a slipping sound, like someone loosing their grip on something, and Raph gasps and moans. There’s a thunk on the wall and I see in my mind Raph’s head has fallen back onto the wall as Leo takes him deep. On his knees Leo’s hands are in the right spot to hold Raph in place and play with his tail while he sucks at Raph. One of Raph’s hands is against the wall, gripping futilely at the tile while his other hand holds onto Leo’s head. The water from the shower sluices down Leo’s shell as he takes Raph deep, sucking hard, making him whimper. I know my hand is moving again as I press closer to the wall, not wanting to miss out.

There’s a muffled cry, Raph’s biting down on his free hand to keep the cry making too much noise, and Leo’s name comes out in this weak voice. In my head his chest is heaving and Leo is smirking up at him, licking what’s left of Raph’s spunk from his softening cock, one hand still playing with Raph’s tail.

“Relaxed now?” Leo purrs, but doesn’t get an actual reply. There is more moving and I see Leo getting to his feet, pinning Raph to the wall and kissing the daylights out of him, making him taste himself. The groan I hear only reinforces the act. I’m so damn close but… but I don’t want to come yet. “Turn around. You might be done but I’m not done with you.” Wholly cow, Leo’s voice nearly puts me over the edge. I grab my pillow and stuff a corner of it in my mouth. If I let them know I’m listening, they’ll stop… can’t have that now, can we?

There’s more shuffling as Leo positions Raph facing the shower wall, half bent over. Raph’s hands try to find a grip on the wall to keep himself up, his knees weak and body still shaking. He glances over his shoulder to see Leo fumbling with a bottle of lube.

“Boy scout.” I hear the heady chuckle and the laugh in return.

“We are in the bathroom.” Leo sounds matter of fact as he steps back in behind Raph. I didn’t know we had any of that stuff in there… he is so a boy scout. Wonder who got it for him?

“And the water is getting cold.” Raph complains half heartedly. “Better hurry before…” he gasps as Leo’s slick finger begins to push at his hole, just below the base of his tail. Leo turns the heat back up in the shower; we do get a lot of hot water down here, and smirks as Raph’s head hangs between his arms.

“You were saying?” They get quiet, Leo focusing on getting Raph ready for the next phase of his plan, and Raph trying just to stand. There’s this little gasp and a slightly pained wine that comes out of the back of Raph’s throat. I close my eyes, my mind supplying the visual. Leo’s finger’s just slipped into his ass up to the first knuckle, shocking the hell out of him. Leo moves carefully, slipping down to one knee to distract his tensing partner by playing with his tail as he works. The churr is back, and Raph relaxes enough for Leo to press onward.

Raph's cock is getting hard again as Leo presses deeper, moving his big finger in and out, stretching the tight space to let something more welcoming in. From his vantage point Leo is loving the show. He can look up from where he is kneeling to see Raph’s face twisted in what looks to be pain but knows is pleasure. He can look right up the length of his bro’s swelling cock to the gasping mouth as Raph just tries to re-master breathing. His free hand takes a minute to stroke his own cock which is burning with need while he takes Raph’s tail in his mouth again, pushing his finger all the way in. Raph croons and shudders as Leo hits his hot spot, and Raph goes weak in the knees. Leo abandons his prep work to help settle Raph down on the floor, moving to his knees.

There’s movement again in the bathroom. Raph’s turning around refusing to have his back to Leo and he straddles Leo’s lap, their cocks rubbing against one another. This time I hear Leo gasp as they grind together. Raph has his teeth clamped down on Leo’s shoulder, muted sounds bubbling up from his throat. As Leo’s hand goes back to what it was doing, his finger sinking back into Raph’s body, Raph reaches over to the bottle at the side of the tub. As Leo’s finger keeps fucking him slowly he takes the lube, hands shaking, and begins to slick up Leo. They are panting hard now, trying to keep quiet and finding the only way to avoid crying out is to stop or silence each other.

They kiss, hard and frantic, Leo fucking Raph in earnest with his hand now and growling possessively. The kiss breaks and Raph makes this petulant (as petulant as Raph gets anyway) noise as the finger leaves him. Our hands are big, so the idea of the space Leo just made in Raph… oh god IN Raph.

My hand is moving fast over my cock as I imagine Leo positioning himself at Raph’s open hole, and Raph sinking down slowly, hissing as Leo’s length is sheathed within him. My own hand snakes down to tug at my tail and I know exactly how Raph feels now. It feels so damn good! It’s like stroking my cock twice. I can hear them moving again now and I shut my eyes tight against the feeling of it all.

Raph has his big hands gripping Leo’s shoulders as he rides, tilting his hips to get Leo as deep as he can. Leo in turn has his hands on Raph’s hips, using his strength to help aid Raph’s ride. The water slides down their skin, washing the sweat away as their pace becomes less a dance and more like a flat out rut. The sound of wet skin slapping against wet skin is hypnotic as they move faster, Leo rising up to meet Raph as he comes down. In my head I see Leo put his hand to Raph’s face, forcing him to look into his eyes as they move. I don’t know how to explain what I see in my head but I bite on my pillow hard as I come, the image of that heated stare hotter than anything I’ve come up with yet. And that says something, ya’know.

I try to ride out my own orgasm as I hear a muffled sound. Leo has Raph’s mouth entangled with his as he holds in the cry Raph wants to make as he comes. He repositions the dazed turtle on the floor, on his shell and pounds into Raph’s willing body to reach is own release. Raph’s hand goes up to Leo’s face and Leo bites down, sucking on his fingers as he comes, Raph’s name a muffled growl.

I’m shaking from the whole thing; hand covered in my own mojo, thinking of the two of them sprawled on the floor in the bathroom with the shower raining down on them. There’s murmured conversation, but I don’t want to think about how tender it might be as I roll over and dig around for a towel. Looking at the clock it’s been half an hour since I came in. I clean myself up and toss it aside, lying back down.

Later today I’ll go down stairs and cook dinner. They’ll come down separately and pretend that nothing happened and I will try hard not to blush. Don will be none the wiser to any of it and Splinter… well he is a ninja master so he probably already knows.

I’ll worry about it all later. Right now… I need a nap. I’d take a cold shower… but I think that would only make things worse.

End

Fic: 1-2 The Raven Chapter 4/4

2007-12-21T18:51:35Z

Trials and Tribulations

Shells of a Feather Arc

The Raven

By ~Nevermore~

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: strong language, supernatural, violence, gore, Original Character, mention of torture, medical jargon, no Beta. (warning/marking post)

Characters: OC, Raph, Mike, Don, Leo, Splinter, Casey, April

Pairings: Casey x April, none others, hints though... very vagues ones too.

Chapter 1
Chapter 2
Chapter 3

The Raven Chapter 4

Splinter stood outside the infirmary portion of Donatello’s lab, looking over his sons. Mikey was warming some blankets by the heater, chewing on his lip, while Donatello was slowly stitching a gash on Leonardo’s head. Raphael was still out cold and shivering beneath the mass of blankets already on him. Both were safe, but he was still worried. He looked to Donatello as he sighed and covered up the newly stitched wound and stepped away to clean up. He turned a weary smile to his father.

“They’ll be ok. They are warming up, and no burns from the cold or the fire. The concussions have me worried though. We’ll need to wake them up every hour to make sure we still can, check their eyes.” He trailed off. They had all been concussed before, and were familiar with the checking up, as well as the annoyance that came with it when on the receiving end.

“Any news from Raven?” Mikey asked, looking nervous.

“None yet.” Don scowled at nothing in particular. “I don’t know if I trust her.”

“Raph does.” His voice was tinged with a petulant wine that made Don’s head hurt.

“Raph also trusts Casey…” he glanced at Splinter, watching his face work into a worried and angry expression. “Sorry Sense.”

“It is all right, my son. Tonight was a bad night, and I hope to talk to Mr. Jones when I get the chance.” His expression remained stern, “What do we know about this Raven character?”

All eyes went to Mikey as he piled up the hot blankets and moved to give them to Don. He sat down on one of the empty beds, feet swinging slowly. “Well, she said she and Raph met at the Maxwell Orphanage. I don’t know what their connection to the place is, besides Raph feelin’ bad bout not saving everyone and all, but that’s where it started.” His mind drifted back to the cemetery for a moment.

~Raphael leaning heavily against the stone cross, legs drawn up to his chest, his coat wrapped around him for the most part. He was looking up, his hat tipping backwards, his forehead just barely out of reach of the woman who hung upside-down above him, her arms disappearing into his coat. Mike knew his brother had a soft spot, had seen that vulnerable look in those amber eyes before, but never when looking at someone else. Not like this. Her features were warm and calm, sapphire bright eyes looking into his brother’s eyes with concern and some kind of unspoken understanding. He’d seen April and Casey do the whole ‘couple psychic talk’ thing but… seeing it happen with his brother…If they moved only a inch they would be close enough to…~

“He’s been going up there and talking to her… at least when I followed him topside that’s what he had been doing.” He said suddenly, shrugging. “Has been for some time.”

“Do you think they are involved?” Don asked, putting a hand on Mikey’s shoulder.

“I don’t know, man but… I’d be surprised if they weren’t.” he said with a shrug. “They looked pretty close to me.”

“Well be surprised, Mikey.” The croak from deeper in the room startled both turtles, making them look back at the half conscious Raph in unison. “We ain’t like that.”

“Then what, precisely, is the nature of the relationship, my son?” Splinter leveled a wizened glance at his more violent son, hands folding over his cane. Raph closed his eyes; wishing she was there to explain in, that his family wasn’t around and it were just him and Splinter.

“It’s kinda easy to talk to her… you know about stuff.” He said rather lamely, though realizing based on the glare from Splinter that was far too vague. “She had been living wit Father Maxwell in the church for a while, doin’ what she could ta’ help out. When I went back ta pay my respects and found her snoopin’ about. We both made a mistake, and it ended up in a nasty fight.” He closed his eyes, the dim light in the room too much for him. Behind his eyes he could see her leaning over him, the moment they realized they weren’t enemies. “I ended up head buttin her to try and get her off of me, but the skin contact did something weird. I… I dunno how to say it… I felt what she did.”

“What one hard head hitting another?” Mike quipped, but quieted down when he didn’t get a laugh.

“No… like for a minute I was her, feelin’ her emotions, and she knew exactly how I felt.” He remembered the way his throat choked tight, feeling the acute loss of someone dear to him. The endless anger and focus in finding the people responsible, and the shock of the contact and the switch it pulled. “She called it Empathy or something… says she’s been able to do it since she was a kid.”

“Some say psychic abilities like that are myths.” Don said, rubbing his chin with one had as he thought. “But that would explain how she ‘took your pain and made it hers’ earlier tonight. She used her empathy to take your pain away.”

“Wait so when she was touching you the other night…” Mikey began to say before Raph cut him off, dizzy eyes wide.

“You were there?” Splinter flinched at the hurt he heard in Raph’s voice, rather than anger. “So much for the secret.”

“I didn’t mean it Raph. I was worried when you stormed up top side after your fight with Leo.” He wanted to reach out and comfort Raph but Raph wasn’t the touchy feely type… so he thought.

“Sometimes, it’s easier to just… talk through feelings, then words.” Raph mumbled, not really caring if he was heard anymore. “She understands me best that way.”

The three looked between each other and to Raph, trying to understand yet another facet of their complicated family member. Splinter cleared his throat and motioned to Mike and Don.

“We shall let you and your brother rest, Raphael. Do not worry; we will wake you when your friend returns.” Crossing the room to his son, as Don and Mike passed; he placed a hand on Raph’s forehead.

“I’m sorry Sense I…” he began but was shushed.

“Your heart has always spoken for you, my son. I understand the difficulty to put its moods to words. Miss Raven sounds to have a big heart too.” He smiled at his son, who returned it weakly. Pulling the blanket up higher around Raph’s neck Splinter stepped away. “Rest. We will wake you in an hour’s time.”

Raph closed his eyes and was asleep in moments, the sound of his father’s feet moving slowly out of the infirmary. In the dark, Leonardo regarded his brother, his expression as difficult to read as the emotions going through him, before he too closed his eyes to sleep.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She had resorted to running over roof tops and leaping across streets. While she should be trying to stop her injuries from hurting like a son of a bitch, she had to know the turtles were ok. Her eyes were fully illuminated red, the whites gone as she followed the blazing trail Raphael’s spirit had left in the city streets. It came to rest in one spot, before seeming to fade with out actually getting any weaker. “Undground then… he did say he lived in the sewers.”

Climbing down a fire escape she crossed the street to an old garage that was boarded up. Tire marks in the snow showed the place had been used lately, and she began to prowl around slowly to find a way in. A back door proved to be the only viable entrance after taking some time to pick the lock with the various tiny tools she kept hidden in her hair, she was in. Closing the door behind her she looked around, the red and black fading to the soft glow of her usual eye color. She didn’t see any cameras, but bet, based on the weird ass equipment laying about the garage floor, that some kind of security system was in place. She looked around for a few minutes, not seeing any way down save manhole she didn’t want to try and get through at the moment, she sighed heavily. “Ninjas and their disappearing acts.” Walking over to the van she picked the back lock, hearing a quiet snap as the tumblers rolled over. No alarm sounded, which could mean it was silent. “Well they know I’m here now…” she climbed in and ran a hand along each of the seats, seeing what happened.

Pain and panic, the turtles driving fast to get back, heat blasting. She couldn’t hear words, it was like watching choppy video on mute, but she felt what they did. Raph and Leo’s pain, Mickey’s panic, Don’s skepticism and resolve. Sitting down on the edge of the truck she peeled her hoodie off, followed by her holsters, and sweatshirt, leaving a blooded and holey t-shirt. “Too bad all these layers didn’t save my skin.” She muttered pulling the shirt under her breasts and probing at the damage. “Nothing internal badly damaged, lots of grazes which was good but a handful actually went in.” Her left arm looked like it had plug in ports and her hip burned. How she had ran the whole way she wouldn’t be able to answer. Reaching back she grabbed the med kit and opened it, beginning to pull out tools and supplies. “Damn wounds will heal in time to nothing like usual,” she muttered to herself as she worked. “But bullets won’t get broken down. Gotta dig them out…” her vision was darkening, which was a bad sign. “Damn how much blood did I loose this time? Great I’m talking to myself again.” Taking a medicated pad and wiping it over her skin, trying to clean up the worst of the blood. “Damn hip’s gunna be a pain to do alone…”

Big green hands nimbly took the pad from her, as well as the sharp implement she was about to grab. She looked up into concerned brown eyes in shock, too slow to react any other way.

“Need a hand?” Donatello smiled at her and began to immediately bend over her to work. “You’re a mess, is Casey ok?”

“He got a nice warm ride in an ambulance to St. Lucy’s. I called April and told her where he was.” She hissed as he looked at her feet. They were red and sore, and her right hand burned like hell. “God grabbing a hot gun is a bad idea…”

“Oh really now?” he gave her a smaller smile, brow furrowing as he inspected her arm. “What hit you anyway?”

“MAC 10’s or something… had kits. Ow ow shit… nothing too fancy but odd enough to show they didn’t pick them up at Wal-mart.” She growled softly as he prodded at her left leg, thick fingers poking at the holes.

“You sure know your weapons. Can you walk?” She felt the change in his touch, what he was emoting. Now his worry was shifting to focus, thinking about the procedures ahead. Images of brothers with bullet wounds filled her mind and she shook her head to clear it. Empathy always worked when she least wanted it to.

“Far enough to get you in a place you rather work.” She grabbed her things and pulling her shirt back into place, she hopped gingerly to the ground. “Sorry for the mess.” She grinned a bit, accepting the shoulder offered her to lean on. She was only a little taller then the turtle, his shoulder just a bit high for a crutch.

“I’ll bill you later. Come on.” He looked up to the other person in the room, “Master can you open the doors for us?”

“Of course my son.” She jumped, nearly falling backwards if it weren’t for Don holding her up. “Do not be afraid, Miss. Raven. Donatello knows what he is doing.”

“Splinter-sama…?” she asked, watching the elder rat pause as the doors opened, a strange light illuminating him. He turned to face her with the expression of an upset father.

“Hai. Daijoubu desu ka?” Very formal, but with a nice accent, and well said. Now she understood why Raph looked to him for so much.

“Shiny.” She smiled warmly before limping forward. Her foot hit something sharp on the floor, probably some scrap metal, but with out the shadows it went right into her foot. She bent to get it out, hissing, and the room swam. “Kuso.” She muttered as the darkness came.

‘Hey God, it’s me again.’

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

There were people talking around her, which was weird she lived alone. Maybe the TV is on, or the neighbors were doing things again… maybe I’m dead.

Her foot twitched and pain ran up her leg, making her wince.

Nope death didn’t hurt so much. Forcing an eye open she was momentarily blinded. It was too bright and she lifted a hand to block it out, observing the bandages around her wrist. Funny I don’t remember hurting my wrist. Her eyes caught the little plastic tubing running up somewhere beyond her vision, felt the pull of a needle in her arm. Ok so either I am in a hospital too or Wrath was starting to pay off his tab. Finally adjusting to the bright light she looked around. She lay on a gurney, dressed in a borrowed t-shirt on, and bandages all over the place. Warm blankets covered her right up to her neck and she was inclined a bit, rather than laying flat. ‘Good’, she thought, ‘no ribs busted this time. God how much did I use this time around? I must be getting lazy’.

Moving her head slowly she observed the rest of the room. Curtains were drawn around her bed for the most part, cutting off two thirds of the view. She was too tired to use her second sight but her empathy told her Raph and Leo were there, and doing better. Well not in pain at least. The side that was open faced the rest of the lair. She could see Don and Mike sitting on a couch, the glow of a TV and hear them talking. Further off she saw some paper doors, and with a tentative reach felt the ninja master beyond. To her surprise he touched her back, though not in an empathic way. His chi brushed against hers, asking all the questions his words had not yet. All she could do was send a feeling of assurance, peace, and calm, hoping it would sooth him.

The doors opened and Splinter began to walk across the main room, crossing a bridge over some water. Both his sons stopped talking and looked to the old rat as he moved out of Raven’s sight into the kitchen pouring two mugs of hot water and letting some tea steep.

“Sense?” Mike ventured, watching Splinter move towards the infirmary.

“Our guest is awake.” He nodded towards the partially alert woman looking at him and the tea as he moved in. Offering a cup she bowed her head, taking it in shaking hands. “Dozo.”

“Aa, domo.” She said, pushing herself in a more upright position and taking a sip, enjoying the flavor. She said something else to splinter in Japanese, her voice sounding years younger than before, too young for her apparent age.

“Umm what?” Mike looked totally confused from his place just inside the door.

“I like coffee, but the tea is delicious. I haven’t had some in a while.” She smiled a bit at Mikey then back at Splinter. “Thank you.”

“Tea is better for a healing body. You had us worried.” He watched the woman take a sip again, feeling something in her poke around to see if he was telling the truth. He was indeed worried, and it was genuine. They must have talked while I was out. Man how long have I been out? She took another sip of her tea, giving the elder of the clan a small smile. “How do you feel?”

“Not as bad as I did. Thank’s again for the patch job.” She turned her focus from Splinter to Donatello. “How are the wounded?”

“Besides yourself?” Don asked, coming in to take a look at her. He gave the report as he poked and prodded her. “Raph and Leo are ok, the concussions faded a few hours ago and they are resting. They’ll be back up and about in a few days. The cold did slow their metabolisms down a lot though. We’ve had to keep them under wraps so to speak for now but we don’t have to heat the blankets. No illness as of yet.”

He took the tea from her hand when he saw it waver and set it aside. “April called two days ago, telling us about Casey. He was badly beaten, a few broken ribs, sprained ankle, fractured arm, minor internal bruising. His abs look like he was hit by a cement block and he as a hair line fracture in his shoulder. He developed a case of pneumonia yesterday and they are treating it aggressively. He’ll make it but it will be a while. Probably Christmas or New Years before he’s back to quasi normal.”

He pulled the blanket over her back and she gasped at the cold. Mike hadn’t gotten a good look at her before but he was drinking in the sight of a nearly nude female for the first time. Splinter had the decency to look away. “You on the other hand lost two pints of blood, were shot five times, grazed seven, have burns on your feet, from frost mind you not the heat, but your right hand was burned, though it is minor. You have several pulled muscles, in your shoulders mostly and a slight fever that is going down. You’ll be in bed for another two to three days and on lots of fluids. I had to put you on a saline IV to replace your fluids since, obviously, we can’t donate. You have also been asleep for three days, in case you were wondering.”

“Thank’s Doc, but I think I’ll only be in your hair for another day, then head home. Wouldn’t want to take up space.” She said, grateful for the blanket being put back into place. Don handed her the tea back and she gladly drank.

“I’d like to keep you here. It got cold again outside and going through the sewers or even just outside won’t do you any good.” He admonished, shaking a finger at her. “I want you well rested before you go out and play hero again. Besides Raph will get sick with worry if another of his friends ends up in the hospital.”

“Yes Doc.” She took a long sip, enjoying the taste and the heat down her throat. She looked at the gathered clan and sighed, steeling herself for the conversation to come. “Well go on ask already. I know you are dieing for a chance to interrogate me or something.”

Don opened his mouth to begin asking questions, and even Mike looked like he was about to begin the barrage, but Splinter raised his hand for silence before returning his attention to their guest.

“All in due time, Raven-san. For now drink your tea and rest. You are among friends. You saved my sons and a dear friend. You have my word no ill will befall you while you remain with us.” He felt her presence again, allowed it to look where it wanted to and felt more than saw the gratitude she had for the gesture. She did let down her guard, relaxing back into the bed and drinking the last of the tea. As her eyes grew heavy she shot him a look.

“What kind of tea is this?” she asked, looking skeptically at Splinter. Her eyes were feeling very heavy and the tea had this taste she remembered she avoided even though it tasted good.

“Sleepy time.” He smiled holding up the paper packaging for the one bag he had put in. The other bag was some kind of herbal tea he was drinking. She glared weakly as the tea took fast effect. “You must rest.”

“Snaky ninja master…chamomile makes me … *yawn* sleepy fast.” she muttered, already loosing the fight to stay awake. “And the name is Shin… Raven’s my nick *yawn* name…” her blue eyes closed, breathing evened out and she was out again. Splinter caught the cup before it rolled out of her hand and broke on the floor.

His old hand touched hers and the jolt nearly made him drop the cup anyway. Her chi was strong, even asleep, but something tinged it. He could feel her gratitude, even with just the slightest touch, and her worry. But there was something… else there besides the Empathy Raphael had spoken of. He was careful to avoid touching bare skin as he pulled the blankets up over her. Turning to the others he shooed them out of the room, letting the injured rest. He paused in the door way however, looking over once more at the mysterious woman.

“Thank you.” He said simply, before joining his sons on the couch, and rescuing the remote from Mikey. It was time for his stories, after all.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

END

Notes:

Aibo- best friend, best buddy. In reference to Raph.

Desu ka, format for a question.

Daijobu- formal are you all right?

Kuso- curse

1-2 The Raven Chapter 3 / 4

2007-12-21T18:48:28Z

The Raven Chapter 3

It was thanks to her brief touch of the mask, and the turtles that she locked in on Casey’s chi. His life was still there, but diminished. He was in pain and she knew it, even without her empathy. Soaring in the snow was no fun either but the wind was with her, and the fire had made a few local updrafts that saved on some unneeded flapping. Dark bird-like wings kept her aloft over the run down theater the Chosen were using. Folding her wings she drifted down to the roof, barely making a sound. Her toes were frozen when they touched the tar, and the little rocks up there didn’t feel good either. Her wings folded back into her coat and the darkness wrapped around her feet again, giving some semblance of warmth. “I’m gunna need some Excedrin and Epsom salt after this. I’m adding it all to you tab, aibo. Maybe some new socks and shoes too.” She muttered, feeling the holes in the bottoms of what remained of her socks.

The doors were all guarded, even the side entrances. Her second sight showed a few dozen people inside, but only one matching the signature she was looking for. Creeping to the edge of the building she looked down at the two armed guards. Both were brandishing weapons and a video camera was scanning the area. There weren’t any on the roof, thank the maker, but it wasn’t going to make this any easier. Positioning herself above them she jumped down, feet landing hard on the man on the right as the camera pointed left. He crumpled like a soda can with a sharp cry. The second guard spun quickly and was met by a hard foot to the nose, falling off the stair well into the shadows. Snatching up the gun in black covered hands she shot the camera lens with one bullet, before getting up. She dragged the bodies further into the alley way and fired a few more rounds into a dumpster before searching them. Removing a few gas grenades, their wallets and a cell phone she flicked open the phone with one hand while pocketing the grenades.

[“911 state the emergency please.”]

“Hello? I live on Willard Street and I think I heard gun shots… near… near the old theater. Please I think someone might be hurt.”

[“Ok ma’am can you tell me your name?”]

“I’m sorry… I can’t hear you… I think my phone is...” she hit the disconnect button before tossing the phone into the trash. It was enough for them to go on. Jumping for the wall she positioned herself again above the door.

A moment later it opened and guns came out first, confirming her belief that some of these guys were ex-mil. Few people carried their armaments and such in the city, let alone had the training to sweep first. Two more people came out of the door, one looking up and inspecting the camera while the other moved out, spotting two bodies by the dumpster just out of the light’s reach.

“Hey over here.” The lead called, waving his friend forward. As soon as he moved she slid in behind him, landing silently and going inside as the door closed, muffling their noises. On cat like feet she moved, holding the gun close. She hated using them but sometimes they worked out fine. Besides the louder this joint got the more attention would be drawn to it. And she wanted attention, because these fuckers were going down for what they did.

She moved back stage, hiding behind some of the rigging and abandoned sets. He could hear voices, and cheering. Something’s going on, and I doubt it’s Hamlet. Slinging the gun on her shoulder she grabbed onto the rigging and climbed up into the cat walks. There were guards up here too, but they were paying attention to the person talking below, rather than the person lurking behind them. Pushing up one of the roof tiles she slid into the ceiling and crawled along the wooden planks between the lighting. No cameras were up here, or at least she hoped so. The darkness she used so well was completely covering her skin; obscuring her face behind an expressionless mask, save for her eyes. Pausing at one of the main lights above center stage, she moved the covering as carefully as she could to not disturb the dust and looked down.

All the people she had seen, minus the guards around the perimeter, were sitting in the front rows, watching and listening to a man in white clothing talk. Seated beside him, tied to a chair and looking like hell, was Casey. Her second sight could see his injuries if she focused on him and she longed to touch him and release him from the pain but that wouldn’t be a while from now. She could make out what he was saying, something about cleansing the city of the corrupt and the weak, but she didn’t care. Ex-military and fanatics, fucking wonderful. She’d have to work fast, not knowing how long Casey had before he was moved or something else terrible. Moving back down to the cat walks behind the main stage she could hear people moving around, looking inside for an intruder. Damn maybe I got caught on a camera. Moving back into the ceiling she walked as quietly as she could towards the light booth. Most of the main power for the room and stage lights is held back there, so causing a little commotion wouldn’t be noticed until it all goes dark. She spotted the ladder coming from the booth about the time the goon crawling up it spotted her.

“Freeze!” he shouted, leveling the weapon at her.

“I’ll pass.” She dashed forward, crashing into the man as his gun went off, the bullet whizzing by her ear. She could smell a bit of burnt hair. “Oh HELL no!” Her fist cocked back and slammed into the man, sending him falling down onto the next guy coming up. Leaping down she landed on them both before lashing out at the guy at the light controls.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

From his place on stage, Casey was barely aware of what was going on. They had worked him over very well on the way there, and even on stage. The lights were too bright and the Preacher too loud. This church sucks, he decided as he tried in vain to get free. At one point he thought he saw something in the ceiling, when his hair was pulled back so they could all see his bruised face, but it must have been a figment. Maybe the guys were there to play hero? Flashing lights and muffled noises caught his attention as he looked back to the light booth. A light show… or muzzle flashes…

Suddenly the lights all went out and everyone started shouting. The preacher was ordering people about and flashlights came on. Hands were suddenly on him, untying him. He felt the presence of someone near him as he was let free and sagged forward into someone warm.

“Say nothing, just hold on.” He was lifted into someone’s arms, cradled close to a body as his feet left the floor. I don’t think this is April… sure ain’t Raph. He kept his mouth shut as the pain seemed to ebb and he was lifted up and up. He felt wood on his back, and something soft lay over him. The smell of blood, smoke, and cinnamon filled his nose as he tried to look at the person saving him. Two rings of blue glowed at him, looking concerned. “Show’s almost over, hang on Casey. Raph sends his best.” Warm hands moved over his face and neck, checking for a pulse and temperature and finding both. “Get some sleep, when you wake up loved ones will be near.”

The presence was gone, but the heat of the coat over him was still there, and it didn’t hurt so badly. Maybe a little sleep would be good for him…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The main floor of the theater was a small sea of panic. As flashlights were turned on and guards began to sweep the rows, Preacher Montgomery pulled his own side arm. His men had reported facing off with some freaks at the latest target, but they dealt with them. They brought with them a non-believer, a sinner who wanted to aid the weak people of the city who needed to be cleansed. Several initiates had proved their worth by bringing the man down low. He had plans for the masked man and his friends should they show up. He was working with one of his men, Stark; to set a welcoming party out for the little do-gooders. Soon he would move on with is plans, and their other chapters would come into the city to burn it clean.

This however was a slight set back. Turning his own light towards the chair he began to speak to his captive.

“I hope you don’t fear the dark, Mr. Vigilante, I’m sure the lights will be back up in…” his eyes widened when he saw the chair empty, the ropes cut and laying useless on the floor. “Find him! I know you’re in here, Mr. Vigilante.”

“There are worse things in the dark, Preacher man, than half dead good guys.” The voice came from the center of the area; the guards nearest it zoned their flashlights mounted on their rifles in on the target, just as the house lights were brought back up. Montgomery got a glimpse of the slender woman clad in black as she tossed something into the air, the glint of pins on her fingers. The theater immediately began to fill with smoke as the grenades rained down. Montgomery had to cover his mouth as he began to cough, loosing sight of his target. His initiates ducked, trying to get out of the way as his guards began to open fire. Guards moved in front of their leader, guns raised at their onrushing opponent. None waited for the order to fire and just began shooting. Shouts were heard, men falling and the sounds of fights. He began to move away from the stage when he heard something thud behind him.

He saw the dark shape before it was too late to do more they cry out. Sharp pain radiated from his lower legs as something bit into them tearing his calves and heals apart. He went down with a crash onto the stage. Weight came suddenly upon his chest as his attacker straddled his chest, legs pinning his arms in place, gloved hands holding two large knives to his throat. The blades were already warm with blood, the back of the curving blade serrated, the front smooth and sharp ending in a curved tip, like a fang. Irrational fear filled him, looking into those glowing red irises in solid black eyes. Some kind of mask covered most of her face but those eyes…

“You’re going to sing like a bird when the cops show up. You’re going to tell them every sin you have little man, and put an end to this.” She hissed, pressing the biting points of the knives into his throat. “Innocents need not die because of you.”

“You … you… won’t break us! We are the Chosen!” he shouted at her and immediately regretted it. Her right hand flashed out and searing pain tore across the right side of his head, blood pouring into his ear canal. The soft thump of the removed appendage went unheard over his scream.

“Wrong answer; think harder if you want to keep the other one.” The pressure was gone suddenly, he felt more than heard her feet running towards the hard stomps of his guards as they came on stage to try and save him. He clutched his missing ear tight, trying to focus. Through the floor he could feel people fall to the ground, their half muffled cries giving him only a partial clue. The smoke was beginning to thin some, where he was, and he could see her dance between his men, knives the length of his forearm biting and ripping their Kevlar apart. They were loosing, badly.

It had been going so well too…

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

The cops were on the scene as soon as the 911 operator could figure out what was going on and get a location. Dozens of following calls came in about shots fired and several squad cars pulled up the entrance and one swat team from behind. Smoke billowed out of the door way, but not from fire, from grenades set off inside. The ambulances showed up and stayed back, the drivers watching as the police and swat moved in slowly. The radio was alive with chatter as places were called clear and people moved in. One of the ambulances parked near a street lamp was still idling, the people inside still chill from their last call.

“Think we’ll have survivors?” the driver asked, looking over to their navigator. Before they got an answer the ambulance bounced, like something hard hit the top. With a curse the passenger got out to look, and the driver looked into the mirrors, catching a bit of black against the light. “Check in back” he got out too as the third EMT went to open the back doors. All three arrived at the back at the same time, and the driver whistled. “I’ll be damned.”

Lying on the concrete was a man, in his mid twenties, who looked like he had been hit by their car and worse. He was wrapped up in a black trench coat that was cut wrongly for a man his size. Written in what looked like dust on the back over his chest were the words. “Hi, I’m Casey, help me.” When they picked him up the coat fell, pavement clear through bullet holes in the coat, yet they didn’t match any wounds their patient had when they loaded him up. “Easy boys, call Lucy’s and get ops ready for him.” The driver picked up the coat and tucked it around Casey again as the doors closed. “Inform the battalion chief to look for more wounded on the street.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Watching from down the street, wiping the gore from her blades before putting them into the back sheaths under her hoodie, Raven watched the ambulance drive away with its precious cargo. Turtles couldn’t go to the hospital, but a human could. The bad guys wouldn’t talk, but Preacher man would say just the right things. She knew it. Flicking open her cell phone and dialing a number she began to walk away slowly form the scene, dark clothing masking her own injuries and the blood spattered on her. She could have stuck around, maybe gotten picked up too but she didn’t want to risk it. Coughing to clear her lungs of the smoke she turned down a dark street, waiting for the phone to connect.

[“411 how may I direct your call?”]

“Yeah I’m looking for a business in the Manhattan area.” She looked down at a picture she had swiped from Casey’s wallet. Him and some pretty little red head, their names scrawled on the back. First names didn’t help but the name of the store they stood proudly in front of did. “Second time around?”

[“One moment please.”] She picked at the blood on her face as she continued walking, tucking her hair behind her ear only to find it bloody too. “Damn he must have nicked me. Hope I broke his jaw.” [“On Eleventh and Blinker?”]

“Yes ma’am.”

[“I’ll connect you, one moment please.”] Waiting for the moment, and the ad in between, she continued down the street and began to cut across a park. She barely knew where she was but she needed a quiet place to take off. The dull ache in her body told her that maybe the air was a bad place to be. She could feel heat running down her leg and it wasn’t a hot flash. The phone picked up and a sleepy voice answered.

[“Hello? I’m sorry we’re closed.”]

“April, friend of Casey?” she coughed as she tried to sound friendly and kind. Damn smoke screen was a bad idea. Adding halls to the tab, aibo.

[“Yes? Who is this?”] Confusion filled the soft voice on the other end, making what had to come next harder to say. With a sigh Raven began.

“I’m a friend of Raph. Look they all got a bit dinged up tonight and are on their way, if not already, home. Casey didn’t fair so well. He’s on his way to St. Lucy’s. Give them a call in like twenty minutes and you should be able to get through.”

[“What happened?”] There was the panic she was looking for. It almost made her grin, almost.

“Just boys having a little fun and getting over their heads. Don’t worry they will be ok. I’m heading to the boys to check on them. I’ll meet you in the morning.”

[“Who are you?”] And there was the skepticism tinted with curiosity Raph had mentioned filled the woman’s voice from time to time.

“Just a little bird.” She hung up before she talked too long, hoping it would be enough. Based on the emotions from the picture though… she’d be worried sick. With a sigh she fumbled with the buttons on her phone, looking for recent calls and finding the unlisted one. Hoping that it would work she hit recall and waited. She nearly broke the thing when it refused to connect her. Sighing and drawing on what strength remained she closed her eyes and felt outward. Her consciousness streamed through the park, through the animals and people beyond it, across the blocks until she saw it, the line, a faint trail that belonged to one red banded turtle.

“You better thank me for this, aibo; your tab is getting mighty long.” She groaned as she put a hand to her side, the wounds protesting against further movement. “God if you are up there… cut me some slack?”

Her response was a colder wind and heavier snow.

“Yeah I ain’t a fan of you either.”

She began to jog, leaving bloody foot prints in the snow.

TBC…

Shin’s weapon is a variation off of this weapon. The original one in the image is only 7” long. I wanted to have her use weapons somewhere between the length of the Sai and the Katana, and the weapon I picked I think works well. I just imagine her standing with the weapons held backwards, the tips of the blades curling a bit beyond her bent elbows. They are about as big as the longer portion of a Tonfa.

Aibo - best friend, buddy - in reference to raph

Fic: 1-2 The Raven Chapter 2/4

2007-12-21T18:41:22Z

The Raven Chapter 2

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

She arrived on foot, having landed in an alley and run the rest of the way. Her black coat wiped in the wind caused by the blaze as she approached. Fire trucks roared in the distance and people were running from their houses. Several people were in the street, clutching to one another and in shock. Pulling up the hood of the sweater she had put on under her coat she pulled the strings tight to protect her hair and as much of her face as she could. Without much more deliberation she ran into the flames, leaping over them as high as she could, the sounds of people’s screams sounding behind her.

The flames were devouring the front of the store, burning up the paper work and the office. The acrid smell of burnt plastic, food, and cigarettes filled the air making her cough. She couldn’t do this as her self, the mortal in her would never survive. With a sigh and as deep a breath as she would risk, she focused on something deep inside, feeling the cool lettering on the tattoos on her back, her eyes going from their normal sapphire to a glowing red, a blackness moving down her shelves and over her hands like clawed gloves. She began to search the aisles, staying low. The sprinklers were going and trying in vain to douse the flames. What was ever in the thing had a lot of propellant that burned hot. Already her shoes were melting to the floor. Her sight looked past the flames and the smoke, showing a different view of the world. Everything looked grey, spots with blood looking brighter. She spotted a hand truck with spots of red on the end, taking only a moment to pause by it before moving on. Her foot crunched on something and she looked down, finding a broken white mask under her foot. Despite it being inanimate, the residual glow of someone’s emotional imprint made it shine like a star. Grabbing it she looked at it momentarily. Images of the man behind it fighting, the rush of the battle, flying into the store, watching a large man put his friends in the back. Being knocked out, as well as the subsequent emotions and feelings behind it nearly threw her to the floor in sympathy pains.

“So they took you… meaning one less body here.” She muttered before coughing. She ran towards the back moving through the double doors that were already melting despite the flames being only half way in the store. It was hot in here and her shoes were now a hindrance. Kicking them off her feet slapped against the cement of the back room, the same darkness enrobing her hands moving to protect her soles. Her sight caught something behind thick doors, but it was the sense of Wrath, his chi, that drew her to the freezer. It was relatively smoky here but she let her sight slip back to normal, the red fading to a glowing blue.

“Wrath!” she pounded at the freezer door. Someone had smashed the hinges so they wouldn’t open and jammed the handle with a crow bar. The door was not going to cooperate nicely. “Wrath answer me!” she pounded again and was rewarded with a weak knocking from within. “Get clear of the door!” She backed up, the blackness extending on her hands and forming into longer claws, which she used to slash at the door. “Wolverine eat your heart out.” The metal screamed in protest as it was ripped apart, before she bent it back enough to leave a gaping hole. Her second sight was immediately back up, spotting the dully glowing life force of the two turtles inside. “Says the Raven, never more.”

“Yer’ funny…” his sarcasm was weak, as was his voice. She knelt down, checking Wrath’s pulse then Pride’s. “What took ya?”

“I was watching Buffy.” She said rolling Pride over and scooping him up. “Can you stand?”

“Not really.” He admitted, barely making it to all fours. “Get him out… he’ll never make it…” he began to cough now that the smoke was filling the freezer. “Hurry.”

“No way sinner boy. You had Puck call me in the middle of the God damned night to save your sorry carcass and you’d better be saved or I’ll have hell to pay.” She knelt down with her back to Wrath. “Grab on tight, I got you both.”

She felt his weight settle on her back; his hands wrap around her neck and gripping at her coat. He probably was too out of it to notice the dark shadows clutching right back at him from below, or the way he nuzzled into her neck as she stood. “Hope Puck listens to orders from women better than you two.” She grunted as she began to move into the loading dock, spotting the small garage door and the smaller side door. It opened outwards, thankfully. With a kick the door went flying wide open and she ran out, leaping down off of the dock onto the ground and taking off, breathing hard the whole way. They cleared the alley way just as the flames began to eat at the back windows of the second floor, and the sounds of sirens grew loud enough to give them only a few seconds more. Running down the side walk she spotted a moving van peeking out of a side street, her second sight telling her exactly who was waiting there in. “Good boys.”

She ran into the side street, and turned to the back of the truck as the door opened. Wrath had mentioned they had a sweet ride…

“Hey boys, late night delivery.” She said with a wide grin, turning her back to the back of the truck and setting Wrath down. “Take him first he’s heavy.” Hands grabbed at Wrath pulling him back. When he was clear she turned and jumped into the back, still cradling Pride like a bride across a thresh hold. “Sirens closing in let’s get moving.”

“What about Casey?” Puck asked, pleading with wide eyes. She shook her head as she laid Pride down, being mindful of his head.

“They took him. He wasn’t in there.” She said with a shake of her head, frowning slightly.

“How do you know?!” Puck sounded desperate and her eyes flashed into his, earning a meep.

“Call it women’s intuition. Drive.” Arch was behind the wheel and pulled out as she reached back and closed the doors. They pulled out and down the street in time to see the calvary move in. “Do you have a medical kit or something back here?”

“Yes, right side, down low.” She looked and spotted the large box, pulling it out. “The side panel beside it has blankets.” She grinned and pulled them out too. Putting both turtles in the seats and tipping them back she wrapped Wrath up first before attending to Pride. He looked terrible but concussions did that to people. She’d had enough to know. “Pride here looks no worse for ware. Bad concussion by his temple, his balance will be shot for a few days and it might need stitches. That and a little freezer burn.” The crack got a little giggle from Puck as she worked on cleaning up the injury and bandaging it, feeling Puck’s intent stare on her back the whole time.

“Leo?” Wrath’s voice was soft, probably to keep his own headache down. “He ok?”

“Leo’s fine, knucklehead. You’re ok too.” She turned her attention to him, checking his pupils and putting a bandage on his head as he groaned and tried to swat her away. “Suck it up, sinner boy, this is gunna hurt for a while.”

“Casey?” he was trying to get up and look around. Normally emerald skin had a bad tone to it, frost formed around his lips and eyes. “Where’s Casey?”

“MIA. I’ll get him though.” She smiled and gently pushed him back

“No we gotta… it’s our fault an… an…” he trailed off, shutting his eyes tightly as he tried to regain control and stay awake. She pulled the seat belt tighter around him and gave him a light tap on the shoulder.

“Shut up dumb ass. You called me from my nice warm apartment to come save your shell. I got one more on the line and you’re going home to get mother hened over and lectured and you’re gunna deal with it.” The two glared at each other for a moment, her hand still on his bare shoulder. Mike could see something going on between the two before Raph sagged and settled down, letting her pull the blanket up higher.

“You suck.” He grumped as she turned her attentions back to Leo. It earned a little laugh from her.

“Not that you’d know.” She leered at him, smiling some.

“Heh.” He made a move to roll his eyes and she saw him think better of it.

“Go to sleep Wrath.” She shot him one last look before he closed his eyes and did as he was told. Checking over Leo, Pride, whatever, one more time she sighed and pulled her hoodie down. “God is he always like that?”

“Nah usually he’s more chipper.” Puck said, giving her a weak smile as she put away the med kit. “You used to patching people up?”

“Normally I’m doing the patching on little ol’ me, it’s nice to see what I’m doing for once in regards to head trauma.” She shrugged before moving up closer, spotting the space heater mounted to the floor. She gave it a tenuous touch and was glad to see it rotate. Turning it behind her so it was warming the back of the truck she leaned over the front bench. “What now?”

“How about who and what you are, and how you know Raph?” Arch’s voice was cold and clinical, but rather than be intimidated by the turtle she shrugged.

“Raph is Wrath… heh close enough.” She tucked a stray strand of hair behind her ear, Mike watching the blackness move off her hands and back into her coat. “Raph and I met a few months back, after the Maxwell fire. I thought he was one of the guys who had done the job come back to admire his work. We fought, I kicked his ass, and we talked.”

“You beat Raph?” Puck gave her a wide eye look. “hehe he got his ass kicked by a girl.”

“Hey give the guy some credit. It took three hours.” She rubbed at her shoulder where said turtle had been hanging from. “Guy’s a beast when he wants to be. Anyway we’ve seen each other on and off. I won’t mention doing what because it isn’t my place to say.” She shot Mike a poignant look. “Glad you heeded my warning, little Puck.”

“Hey since we can know you now, it’s Mikey.” He grinned at her then looked to Don, who didn’t look pleased. “And that’s Donatello, or just Don or Donnie or…”

“Yeah, I get the picture shorty.” She patted him on the head, hoping it would still his mouth. She turned her attention to Don. “I want you to get them home and warmed up. I’m guessing since you’ve patched them up before I don’t need to bother with medical jargon and what not.”

“No I know how to handle concussions and near hypothermia. They just won’t enjoy it.” Don replied, his voice tense and expression tight. She didn’t bother trying to touch him, not wanting the emotional back lash he’d give her.

“What are you gunna do?” Mikey looked at her with a very worried expression. “You aren’t going after Casey alone.”

“No choice. Your brothers need you, and you’ll freeze out here.” She turned and moved towards the back again, brushing a hand against Leo and Raph. Mikey watched their faces soften from grimaces of pain to much more placed expressions. And you’ll just get in my way.

“Neat trick, what did you do?” his voice sounded in awe but she didn’t turn, their grimace had become her own. God she’d need some Excedrin after this night.

“Took the pain, made it mine. I’ll explain when I save Casey.” She took something from her coat and settled it on Raph’s chest. “Just get them home safe. I’ll call you later.”

“But you don’t…” he had a million questions and by the looks of it only seconds to ask them. He looked at the mask on Raph’s chest and gulped.

“You called me remember? It’s in my phone.” She waved the little black thing in the air before putting it away and opening the back doors when Don stopped at a sign. “Don’t wait up.” She hopped down and shut the doors behind her. In the rear view, Don could see her run then leap into the air, coat fluttering as she lifted off the ground into the night.

“Mikey?”

“Yeah.” Mike turned his attention from the broken mask on his injured brother to Don, not liking the look he was getting.

“Start talking…”

TBC…

Fic: 1-2 The Raven Chapter 1/4

2007-12-21T18:36:17Z

The Raven - Chapter 1

Things seemed quiet in the lair as of late. The winter weather was taking a little break and things weren’t so cold, making all the turtles a little less irritable.

“Gimme that remote, Mikey, or I’ll knock your block off!” Raphael shouted, only earning a laugh from Michelangelo in reply.

Well… almost.

Leo looked up from the training floor to see the epic battle for the remote escalate. The evening news was coming on soon, but a Buffy marathon threatened the chance to see what was going on topside. Mikey was doing an excellent job at keeping Raph at bay but was loosing ground quick. As he jumped over the back of the couch, Raph snagged his foot and yanked. The brothers, and the couch, came down with a clatter. Klunk yowled and ran for Mikey’s room, running from the exposed underside of the couch.

“Boys!” Splinter’s voice carried from his meditation room as he exited, looking crossly at his sons.

“Sorry master.” They said in unison. Mikey flicked on the news and Raph set the couch straight. With a sigh Leo set down his weapons and joined his family on. The dozen or so TVs came up with the same image of the channel five news showing a burning building being put out and the image of a gang symbol hanging behind the anchor’s head. The family quieted down to watch.

[“Our top story for today, gang violence struck again in the lower east side, setting a business and several homes ablaze. Authorities continue to track down the ones responsible but evidence is inconclusive…”] The news anchor continued to talk about the various businesses that had been hit by fires lately, then turned to a police expert for an interview.

“Couldn’t they come up with a betta’ idea then burnin’ buildin’s this time a year?” Raph commented from his place at the end of the couch. “Hard enough puttin’ tha’ thing out in tha summa’.”

“It sends a powerful message. I mean it happened to Casey.” Leo added, crossing his arms over his chest. “They are getting bolder.” He muttered, watching scenes of more burnt out buildings flash on the screens.

“Maybe it’s the same ones who did that orphanage a while back?” Don muttered, pulling his pot of coffee from the maker and pouring a cup.

“I hope so… as soon as I find out who those whack-bags are…” Raph’s grin turned murderous as he cracked his knuckles. It faded when Splinter put his hand on his son’s shoulder and glared.

“This is a job for the police, my son.” Raph’s expression didn’t diminish as he turned back to the TV and watched. “It is not our concern.”

“But Master…”

“This time of year is dangerous for you four. Were you caught in that kind of cold you would be in hibernation or worse in minutes. It is why I forbid much top side activities.” With his son silenced, Splinter turned his full attention to the TV.

Raph growled and got up, going for the fridge. He was about there when his shell cell rang. Digging it from its spot on his belt he flicked it open a bit harshly.

“’Lo?” he grumbled.“What’s up Case?” At the mention of their friend, Mikey turned his attention to Raph. “Yeah…” Mikey winced Raph’s expression grow dangerous for a moment as he listened, pacing the kitchen a bit. “Oh really?” Mike watched Raph’s expression turn into dangerous glee. Whatever he had heard he liked, in a bad way. “I’ll be ova’ in a bit.” Raph said, crooked grin on his face. He was about to hang up when Casey called his name again. Raph sighed fidgeted as Casey continued to talk. “Ok so me and tha’ guys will be ova’ in a bit.” ‘Uh oh’ Mikey thought as Raph’s glance went over to his brothers. Raph closed his shell cell and looked back to his family, noticing Mike was the only one looking at him. “Case says he wants some company. Anyone game?”

“What kind of company is Mr. Jones asking for, my son?” Splinter raised an eyebrow at Raph who grinned nervously.

“Nothin’ dangerous, Master. He’s just as bored as we are cooped up at home.” He finally said with a shrug.

“Maybe he’ll let me watch the Buffy-thon! Oh or we can play Apples to Apples or…” Mikey dodged a bap from Leo as he began to ramble on about the ‘fun’ they could have that wasn’t dangerous.

“Yeah ok so Mikey’s in…” Raph rubbed his head, feeling the headache already. “Anyone else?”

“I guess I can come. Nothing in the lab needs watching over and maybe I can help Casey with that sink problem he mentioned.” Don got up from his seat at the table and went to get his tools. “We can take the Battle Shell over.”

“Shot gun!” both Raph and Mikey shouted, before they both laughed and another tussle seemed to be under way.

“I guess I’ll keep you all out of trouble.” Leo said with a resigned sigh. He looked to Splinter for permission first though, before he got up.

“Well there goes all the fun.” Raph muttered, earning a dark glare from Leo as Mike ran for the elevator to claim his seat.

“Be safe my sons. And mind you stay out of the cold!” Splinter waved his hand, watching his boys go. He watched the screen for another moment, until the presence of his sons was gone. He flipped the channel back to the Buffy Marathon. “I hope I haven’t missed the musical.”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

“Ok so what kind of trouble are we getting into this time Casey?” Leo asked as they sat in an alley across from the grocery store near Casey’s apartment. They were squashed up near the front; the heater Don installed ran independent of the engine blasting away.

“Didn’t Raph fill ya in?” the human quirked a brow and looked at his friend.

“No, ya goof. Splinter was right there and he said no trouble.” Raph bapped Casey in the shoulder.

“I could be watching Buffy right now…” Mike grumbled images of the Musical dancing in his head. “And Leo totally took shotgun. I get dibs next time.”

“Can it Mikey.” Raph snapped, looking over at his moping brother. Casey sighed and while still looking out the window began to catch them all up to speed.

“So this group, tha’ Chosen or whateva’, they’ve been trying to force protection money out of tha’ local businesses for weeks. Say they are usin’ it for some great cause or somethin’. Yesterday I was in there getting some stuff when they came in and gave Sol an ultimatum. So far everyone who’s place has been burnt out only got one warning. I think they will hit tonight.”

“What else do you know Casey?” Leo prompted. He didn’t want to go into a fight blind, even if his brother and their human friend loved it.

“They prefer fire. Somethin’ about it clensin’ the unworthy or somethin’ like that. Some guy on tha’ team is rumored ta’ be an ex- military guy, big on explosives.” Casey shrugged. “Dat’s about all I know.”

“Great, so not only are they whacked, but the guy with the lighter is some frigin pyro!” Raph punched his own fist, scowling. “That’s just peachy.”

“And it seems your intuition was right Casey.” Don leaned over and pointed out of the windshield to the store. “Look!”

All attention was brought to the store. A dozen or so figures, dressed in black, were gathering. One was kneeling by the steel door to the front of the shop, while two others went to the sides of the building. One big man stood in the middle of the street, directing everything. All were armed with various weapons, but only a few guns. A very large crate sat on a cart near the door.

“These guys are serious. It looks like a military operation or something.” Leo said quietly, watching it all. “I think they are breaking the lock on the door and dismantling the security system.”

“I think its time we started a little dismantalin’ of our own.” Raph slid from his seat and moved to the back of the van, the same time Casey slipped the driver’s door open quietly.

“Raph, Casey wait!” Leo reached for the human but he was already out the door, shutting it softly. With a frustrated sigh he turned to his remaining brothers. “Mikey, Don see if you can get below and shut off the gas main for the block. If we can’t get the bomb or whatever dismantled in time we don’t need the whole place going up. Raph, Casey and I will try to do what we can to clear the guys away from the bomb so you can get to it.”

“Got cha!” Mikey grinned and got out the way Raph had left open, finding a manhole only a few feet behind them and prying it loose.

“Be careful Leo.” Don put a hand on his brother’s shoulder and followed Mikey.

“Tell that to them.” Leo said with a sigh to no one in particular as he slid out of the van and into the shadows after Raph and Casey.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Raph and Casey had started in the back, taking out the three guys who were trying to get into the store from the small loading dock. The police alarm was already been taken apart and the power to the store cut. Leo arrived in time to join them in moving to the front. Now they were caught in a grand melee with the Chosen, fighting near the opened store gait. They had yet to use their guns they were brandishing, probably to try and keep things quiet, but the goons were hitting hard and weren’t new to the whole idea of fighting.

They weren’t used to; however, fighting a hockey masked vigilante and his costumed friends.

Leo watched a guy go flying into a pile of trash cans on the end of the street corner from one of Raph’s powerful snap kicks. The Chosen were almost as buff as Raph, making every blow hit hard, but they weren’t as fast as the ninjas. Leo was being careful to only disable his opponents, if he was lucky knock them out. Raph and Casey were doing well on the disable part, but he wasn’t sure some of the guys they have hit so far were going to make it. Another came running for Leo as he struggled with an opponent, hoping to overwhelm the turtle. With expert ease Leo disengaged one blade to block the onrush of the new enemy, parrying the blow with the metal pipe that was coming from the original one. A flash of steel and both were staggering back right into a split kick’s range, sending them both flying away. A blur of movement caught his eye and he looked over just in time to see the apparent leader punch Casey hard in the gut, sending him flying into the store. The guy could give Hun a run for his money on brute strength.

“Oh no you don’t Jumbo!” Raph went running for the guy, leaping into the air for a kick. Jumbo snagged his foot, twirling him with his own momentum into a wooden post in the store front before tossing him deeper in. Leo dispatched of another enemy before following them in.

The scene wasn’t looking good. There were enough goons still able to set off the explosive, though probably not in the spot they wanted to, and now he, his brother and Casey were inside a restricted space with a human wall. With a yell Leo ran and leapt off of one of the counters nailing Jumbo in the side with a sharp kick, sending him sideways. The following sweep down low, knocking Jumbo’s legs out from under him, sent him down. Leo ran to his brother’s side, helping him up.

“You ok bro?”

“Clean up in aisle three.” Raph grumbled back. With a shake of his head he was about to get up when he looked over his brother’s shoulder. “Leo behind you!”

Leo turned in time to see something metallic come screaming for him, but not fast enough to dodge. Jumbo hit him upside the head with one of the hand trucks, sending Leo bouncing down an aisle and into a wall of cans. In the bare illumination Raph could already see blood coming down Fearless’ head. With a guttural growl he leapt at Jumbo, sais out, ready to kill.

The back swing looked as painful up close as the front swing did.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Don and Mikey had to walk a bit away from the corner where all the action was happening to find the valves for the Gas and power. Holding up the light, Mikey watched Don pry the panel off of one of the new electronic grids and plug his palm tab into it.

“Here we are.” He began to monologue as Mikey danced nervously. “ Tap into the main grid, lets see there are two main’s here, one for the store and one connecter for the restaurants down the road and heating. Just have to shut them off and purge the gas.”

“Won’t that like, be bad for us down here?” Mike asked.

“No. The gas lines have pumps in them to keep the fuel flowing. If we let them on for a few seconds after we close off one end of the main, they should purge the pipes before we shut the other end. Damage will be minimal. I hope.” Don tapped a few commands into his palm tab and watched the display show exactly what he wanted. The sound of the valve down the line was loud in the darkness and the pumps could be heard. “People will be calling the company in about twenty minutes, as the temperature drops in their homes. With any luck the fight will be well over before that.”

“Good, awesome, great!” Mike said looking around. “Let’s get the shell out of here and go deal with that box of fun.”

“Right.” Don disconnected and stowed his palm tab and turned, ready to go back when the tunnels shook violently. “What the…” The sound was deafening and happened almost instantly after he spoke, making both turtles cover their ears. Mikey started to ask something when the heat came roaring down the tunnel, followed by a bright light.

“Side tunnel NOW!” Don grabbed Mike and they both ran down the tunnel, a fire ball hot on their heals. Diving into a side tunnel, deep with water they covered their heads as the flames roared past, licking the edges of the tunnel and its roof. Neither of them moved for a good moment, until the heat passed. Sitting up Don was suddenly glad he had taken the time to clear both gas mains.

“Talk about a flash tan.” Mikey coughed cold water up and rubbed the back of his shell. “Come on we gotta get back. That couldn’t have been good.”

The two took the nearest exit, Don having to use his bo to push open the heated metal. They came out to a slight snow shower, and billowing smoke behind them.

“Oh God.” Don ran as fast as he could, hearing Mikey’s whispered awe. They had to stop half way in the street, the heat of the fire too intense to get near.

“Where are the others?” He asked, looking frantically around. No sign of the Chosen anywhere save a few blood stains and weapons left behind. The bomb sat in the entrance of the building and had blown the store front right off. Lights from neighbors were coming on. “We gotta find them!”

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

RING RING RING RING BANANA PHONE…

“Ugh Leo change ya’ damn ring tone or somethin’…” Raph groaned coming to. He was really lethargic, even more so than he would have though with the way his head was killing him. “Concussion… I hate those.” He tried to blink the colors from his eyes but couldn’t manage to. It was… dark? Cold and dark, too cold in fact, he was already shivering badly. Leo’s shell cell went off again and he stumbled to his feet, trying to find Leo in the dark by the noise alone. He couldn’t exactly stand; he wasn’t stable enough to do that, so settled for his hands and knees. The floor stuck to his damp hands, the way a damp glove stuck to the outside of a car. “Fuckin’ wonderful we’re in the freezer.” He muttered, his hands finally coming in contact with Leo’s arm. Pulling the cell from Leo’s belt he flicked it open, the slight illumination giving Raph a brief glimpse at the damage. Leo’s head was bleeding, a cut across the side of the dome behind his temple. The bruise was already forming and wouldn’t be pretty.

[“Leo… Leo, bro, answer me!”] Mikey’s little voice came from the phone and it took Raph a minute to actually remember he had answered it.

“Mikey?” he said tentatively, putting the phone to his ear.

[“Raph!”] The named turtle winced at the sound. [“Where are you guys? Why are you answering Leo’s phone? What happened?”]

“Woah woah slow down.” Raph’s head was already spinning. “I… I think we’re in the freezer in the store. We got whacked like a few home runs. Leo’s out cold and I’m seein’ three a him.”

[“So not good. The bomb went off in the front. We can’t get to you. We can’t get down the side alley ways either and there are people coming out and…”] Mike was beginning to do his little panic dance, Raph knew it.

“Mikey… give me Don.” He asked, trying not to let his teeth chatter. Too cold. He was too cold and he could feel his body shutting down. There was a brief fumbling sound before he heard Don’s voice.

[“Raph, what’s the situation?”] Raph sighed in relief, hearing Don’s take charge voice.

“Leo’s down, I can’t see Casey. We’re stuck in the freezer and… and I can’t think straight. I think… God so cold.” Despite needing to stay up, having to stay conscious, his body wasn’t going to let him. His brothers might not be able to get to them. He didn’t know where Casey was and if Jumbo and his goons knew what they were doing had probably barricaded the door. If it weren’t for the metal freezer they would be dead in the blast. But thanks’ to the freezer they would freeze and defrost in unpleasant ways.

[“Raph we’re coming… we’ll try to get you out but it will be hard… too many people coming out and I think someone’s called the authorities by now.”]

He had to make a decision. He didn’t want to die. His brother, his friend… his family needed him to make a decision! The light from the fire was beginning to glow around the door, or maybe it was the halo starting to form in his vision…

Halo…angels had them… angels worked for God… God lived in a church but it burned…

“Raven…”

[“What?”] Don called him from his musings, not really realizing he had spoken until it was too late.

“Don, listen good. I… I don’t think I can stay up much longer. I’m gunna tell ya a number, and yer gunna call it, and tell the person exactly where we are and what is going on. Tell them Wrath is calling in a favor.”

[“What? Raph what do you…”]

“Listen the fuck up Donnie!” He shouted and immediately regretted it. “It’s the only hope we got ok?”

[“Ok Raph…. What’s the number?”]

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Her phone was ringing again. God, if you love me, it’s just a telemarketer. When it went to her answering machine it hung up. With a breath of relief she buried her head back into her fluffy pillows and curled up tighter. When it rang again she was out of bed like a shot, glaring at the time on her clock and pulling her falling jeans up. It sucks falling asleep in your clothing.

“Hello?” she growled, glaring sleepily at the phone’s charger.

[“Umm… hi.”] The voice on the other end seemed nervous, but it was hard to hear over whatever it was in the background.

“Look if this is a prank call this already sucks now hurry up and piss off so I can go back to sleep…” rubbing the grit from her eyes she wondered if maybe she should sound less murderous at three in the morning.

[“I’m on the corner of seventeenth and maple, at Soloman’s Grocers. Some guys called the Chosen blew the place up and my friends are stuck inside. The police aren’t here yet but should be soon. Wrath said to call you and…”]

“Wrath?” there was a poignant pause as her brain finally woke up. “Wait is this Puck?” The image of the little frightened turtle immediately came to mind, as well as everything else she had ever picked up from Wrath.

[“Yeah umm don’t kill me it was his idea and…”] he was beginning to babble but the fear was clear in his voice. Damn so much for a nice night to myself.

“Listen. Take a car or something to the back entrance of the store, park half a block away. You have three minutes to move before someone notices you, the cops will be there in five.” She rubbed the bridge of her nose with one hand, balancing the phone on a bare shoulder, as she began to fish out her ‘working’ clothing.

[“When will you get there?”]

“Two, as the crow flies. Body count?” She winced as she said it, not meaning to sound so morbid. Where are my damn boots? She wondered as she slid a partial vest on, the familiar and soothing weight of her weapons on her back.

[“Three, Wrath and Le… Pride are inside a freezer in the back. A human too…Tall, black hair, hockey mask. His name is Casey.”]

“Understood. Get moving.” She snapped phone shut and shoved it into a pocket, rummaging around for her coat. “And people say girls take for ever to get ready. Good thing I barely got undressed.” Putting her coat on and snagging her keys Raven left her apartment and made for the roof.

TBC…

Fic: 1-1 Black Bird

2007-12-21T11:39:05Z

Trials and Tribulations

Shells of a Feather Arc

Black Bird

By ~Nevermore~

Rating: PG-13

Warnings: some language, supernatural, bits of angst and introspection, Original Character, smoking, quazi-pov, no Beta. (warning/marking post)

Characters: OC, Raph, Mike

Pairings: none

Black Bird

~*~*~*~*~*~

The city looked so weird at night, under the full moon, in the full grip of winter. Open spaces without street lights glowed of their own light, everything in muted shades of blue and black. The only light, besides the moon, came from the end of his cigarette. He didn’t smoke often, hell if his brothers knew they’d skin him alive. Let alone what Splinter would do to him… but it helped on these nights, when the rage in him was too much. Like a little punishment just for being alive.

He and Leo had gotten into another fight. Hell they were fighting a lot lately. This time of year it was hard to go outside, and with all of them cooped up in the Lair it was no surprise that they had snapped.

The snow crunched under his feet, the wind tugging at his coat and hat as he made his way into the cemetery. He was sure no one was following him, had been checking for some time now. The gate was already open, as if anticipating a visitor and he shrugged off the weird feeling of the place as he made his way to his favorite spot.

A dozen yards behind him, bundled up just as tight, Mike watched his brother creep onto the hallowed ground.

He found his spot, a towering stone topped with a Celtic cross that reached as high as the mausoleum roofs. In its shadow, and that of the surrounding graves, no one would notice him save the glowing red of his smoke. He took a drag and exhaled; the smoke and his breath curling into the air. With his lighter he lit a single candle, one of many that sat at the base, and set it up high. Hunkered down in his spot, he waited.

The clouds moved over the moon, darkening everything significantly, and for a moment the color returned to his vision, bringing him back to the angry reality of his words to Leo. He had been so angry these last few days, being cooped up in the lair endless training and endless nothing sending his mind into frenzy. He was a turtle of action, not couch surfing.

A breeze always preceded the visit, the soft sound of bird’s wings and the wind blowing the snow around. The clouds moved, bringing the strange monotone colors back. A shadow now perched above Raph on the cross, peering down at him. She made no noise, only her chi and the wind blowing out the candle let him know she was there.

“Another rough night Wrath?” her voice was cool and smooth, oddly warming in the chill night. He could see her silhouette in the snow, slender body wrapped around the stone to stay atop it, perched like a raven above him. Her braid trialed out of her long coat, swaying slightly in the breeze. He didn’t need to look up to see her glowing blue eyes, just knew they were there. Blue like the darkest shadows the moon cast, just before going black.

“You could say that, Raven.” They didn’t know each other’s real names, just the nicknames each gave the other. She named him for his sin; he named her for the bird she reminded him of.

“I thought we agreed no more smoking?” her tone was teasing; he could imagine her smile, like Mike’s.

“What you my mother now?” he snapped and immediately regretted it. “Sorry…”

She made a noise in the back of her throat, suspiciously like a little laugh. “Yeah I guess it was a bad night.” She pitched her head to the side, regarding him. “So I take it you had issues with Pride?”

“Yeah… ain’t it always?” Pride was the name she’d given Leo, after he told her about him the first time. “Just so tired of him telling me what to do. Stay inside, don’t cause trouble, train even if we don’t got nothing ta fight, eat yer vegetables…”

Her laugh was like a chime on the wind, warm like spring time. He couldn’t help but smile a bit at the sound.

“Maybe I should call him Mom.” The amusement was out of her voice quickly though, back to the teasing, inquisitive one. “Don’t you think he means well by it?”

“Maybe… but it ain’t the first time he told me none of this, and I don’t need ta be babied or nothing! Just wish he would get off my case!” he growled, slamming his fist into the snow. He rubbed the ground apologetically. “Sorry fatha’.”

“Well what is there for him to do down there? Your brother’s Puck and Archimedes don’t seem to need as much fussing over… they don’t react the same way you do.” She said with a shake of her head, observing him.

“Puck just wants to have fun, even if it drives us nutz. Arch we just gotta remind to eat and junk.” He shrugged, taking another drag.

“Each of you is so different. You ever think he does it out of worry?”

“He don’t gotta do it all the time.” He said, the words coming out a half exasperated snarl.

They were quiet for a bit, their breath and the breeze the only sound. Mike had moved closer to them, hidden in the shadows of one of the mausoleums watching. He wondered who she was, and why Raph would talk to her, and not any of them. He watched the slender Raven reposition herself on the cross, hooking a foot in the curve of one of the holes in the Celtic cross and hanging down by one foot, bracing the other against the stone. She was just tall enough for her head to rest lightly atop Raph’s hat, long dark braid snaking down over his shoulder. The position reminded him of a tarot card he had seen once, The Hanged Man.

“Pride has much on his shoulders, dear Wrath. He is the Leader, the Eldest, the Successor. He is the one your Father chose above the others to learn everything he has to pass down. He has watched over you all, tried to keep you safe, even when you didn’t want it. He is a mother hen because he has to be.” Her tone was soft, comforting, like the gaze she held looking down at his feet.

“I can take care of myself…” his voice sounded slightly petulant which earned a giggle.

“Like the first time we met? You took good care of yourself sprawled on your back several times.” Her giggle was stifled when his thick hand got a hold of her braid and gave it a light yank. Mike was used to more violent reactions when he was teased like that. “What do you do for fun, Wrath? Besides come out here to keep a little raven company?”

“Ride my bike… play with Puck sometimes… fighting… you know what I like to do.” He said dismissively, shrugging his heavy shoulders.

“And what does Pride do for fun?” Mike could see she was observing his brother intently, watching his body more than listening to his words.

“Studies, and practices, and meditates and…” he trailed off, trying to think.

“Sounds like work to me.” She said rather finally, shrugging upside-down.

They were quiet again, as he played with the end of her braid and she reached down, taking what was left of the cigarette from his lips and taking a drag.

“Maybe… maybe I could cut him some slack.” The words were quiet, and took time to say. Raven’s smile was wide, realizing yet another victory against the stubborn turtle.

“What makes you say that?” she tilted her head to the side, eyes cast down to look at the brim of his hat, cigarette dangling from smiling lips.

“So sometimes I ain’t his biggest fan and all. But I had a taste of what it was to be in his shoes, even if it was only a few times. His job is rough, and all consuming. His things he does for fun… are more like adding more work. Like…he never gives himself a break.”

“He doesn’t think he can. There is a reason I called him Pride, after all.”

“Heh yeah. He’s so worried about us, like when Puck took that dive the other day off the railing when he was trying to skate inside. Or when Arch blew up his lab because he fell asleep during an experiment. Or when I…” Raph paused, his shoulders slumping. “Or when I tried to go against his orders to stay inside.”

Moon white arms reached down, slender hands cupping the sides of Raph’s face in a comforting gesture. Despite how warm they must have been they looked cold from Mike’s vantage point.

“Maybe, you should alleviate Pride’s worries. Maybe lessen the burden.” Her voice was soft and quiet, almost hard for Mike to hear. He could only see Raph nod; see the cloud of mist rise when he exhaled deeply. “Remember you are a family. A family cannot be carried on one person’s shoulders alone. Your scars remind you of the times you have tried.”

They did not move from their position, that small bit of contact seeming oddly intimate from Mike’s perspective. The moon began to sink in the sky, the wind growing bitter and he shivered. How can Raph stand to sit in the snow like that, he wondered. What does she mean to him, to risk cooling down too much? He watched her hands run down into his coat, along his shoulders. He could hear his brother sigh as she rubbed at one of them, filching the pack of smokes from a front pocket at the same time. They remained like that for several minutes, neither one breaking some kind of physical contact. As his eyes adjusted he could see the ambient glow of Raven’s eyes, the reflection of the light he assumed. All too soon the moment passed, and Raph tugged his coat tighter as Raven’s hands slid from the inside to fold over her chest.

“You’re cold as ice, Wrath. Go home, warm up, and help shoulder the weight.” She dragged the last of the smoke from the little cancer stick, the light flaring up for a moment. Raph reached up and plucked it from her lips, stubbing it out in the snow before putting it a pocket.

“Why does talking to you help so damn much… when I know I’ll get the same damn lecture at home?” He looked up at her, hat tipping back to reveal his eyes. Mike felt himself blush, seeing how close their faces were to one another.

“Because I make you think about it. After all… I’m just here to listen.” She said with a smile, levering herself back into and upright position, her braid snaking from Raph’s grasp. “You always seem to come up with the right answer after you’ve calmed down, thought it out. It’s good you talk to someone. I still feel how hard you threw me that one time.” She looked back down with a smile, a joking attitude back but he wasn’t there yet, still looking up at her a little lost.

“I should be able to talk to them… if they found out about you…” He was worried about what they might say, that he might loose the one person he could talk to. From his spot Mike came up with his own theories.

“You’re just talking to a raven, in a cemetery, in the middle of a night. Just as I sit and talk to stones and sins to pass the time.” She shifted positions again, swinging her feet from the cross where she sat. “And stop smoking… its bad for you Wrath.”

“Yes Mom.” His smile lit up, white in the shadows. He felt light her now, his head back in the right place. He hadn’t needed to go bust skulls, or endanger himself. Just being himself felt good. “And I’ll try not to be such a burden.”

“You aren’t a burden, Wrath. Just recognize why Pride does what he does, and you will be stepping in the right direction.” She seemed to nod to herself before continuing, “And the padre agrees with me.” She nodded towards the stone, eyes looking at the cold ground.

They didn’t say their good byes, simply now stood backs to each other. Mike watched the girl’s coat unfurl around her, becoming less fabric, and more… like wings.

Big black wings held aloft over a slender body, like shadows over the moon, keeping some of the first snows off his brother’s head. He could see her clothing now, dark jeans and boots, black halter top barely covering snow white skin. Dozens of silver necklaces shone in the light, the moon reflecting off a belt buckle and shoe studs. Across her back and shoulders, dark markings like tattoos mirrored the pitch black of the wings above them both. He thought of a movie, the scene painted in the mono tones of Sin City. Raph looked like some sleuth asking some weird person for clues to a crime, his brother’s hand reaching up to pull down on his hat as he prepared to leave. One strong beat and she was in the air, a wind kicking up and throwing snow all around as Raph began to walk back the way he had come. Mike hid deeper in the shadows as his brother passed, unaware of his presence. Mike waited a few moments before moving to follow. A clump of snow fell from the mausoleums roof and he moved to brush it off, when he saw the shadow above him.

Wide eyes looked up into glowing red eyes, her face lit by the moon was pale and pretty, a blend of Asian traits and classically American ones. Her smile he had seen at a distance was on, but it seemed… cold… dangerous, rather than warm.

“Say not a word, little Puck, of the things you have seen, or the words you have heard. Dear Wrath would be heart broken to know his only place of confidence is broken.”

“Why can’t he just talk to us!” He nearly shouted and winced, looking around immediately for Raph.

“I don’t know… Why don’t you ask him?” the wind kicked up again, and he looked up to see her fly off, a dark angel… a raven… against the city night.

Mikey was torn, watching Raph wander back. He moved over to where he had been sitting. Dusting the snow off of the grave, he saw the name, MAXWELL inscribed on the stone, with a date. Several candles were buried in the snow, signaling the frequent visits. Something about it was familiar. Looking around he caught sight of a small chapel that was covered in scaffolding and plastic.

“Woah… I remember now.” He said to no one in particular. “The Maxwell Orphanage fire!”

Six months ago some gang had been trying to put a lean on an orphanage. Someone who worked there owed them money. The church paid for their member’s mistake, but the gang wanted more. When the Father refused to pay up, they burned the place. Raph had been there, gotten some of the kids out, but hadn’t gotten to the old priest. The event had disturbed his brawny brother a lot, and he had come back often. Was that when he met Raven? Had they fought when he came back to apologize for not being able to save the old man?

The wind picked up, the hour later than he would have liked and he began the trek home, mind buzzing with theories and the image of the two of them together.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Once back in the lair he set about warming up some leftovers and coco to reheat his own core. He could hear everyone asleep, from Don’s snoring in his work room, the soft whistle of Splinter in deep sleep, and the murmurs Leo made sometimes. The bathroom door upstairs opened, steam rushing out. Mike caught Raph’s silhouette on the floor as he went for his door. It paused though, just before going in.

“Mikey?” Raph whispered loudly, hoping he wouldn’t wake the others.

“Yeah dude?” Mike answered back, going out to catch a view of his brother. Clutching a towel to his hips, the usually red clad turtle shook his head.

“Go to bed Mikey.” Raph rolled his eyes when Mikey saluted him before getting back to the kitchen before the microwave went off.

After his snack, with a warm and full belly, Mike went upstairs. He paused at Raph’s door, listening to the rhythmic sounds of his breathing. With a sigh he moved into his own room, moving Klunk off of his pillow so he could flop down. The little cat chirped and curled up around his master’s neck, purring contently. Mikey closed his eyes and tried to sleep, images of ravens and piercing eyes invading his dreams.

~*~*~*~*~*~

Notes:

God if I ever get fan art for this, I owe someone a soul. Part one done, just an intro of the OC and a bit on the situation. It’s my first TMNT fic ever so give me a wee bit o slack. Kudos to anyone who gets the reference to an anime. C&C welcome and appreciated.

Next up, The Raven: the Turtles and Casey are in a jam and need serious back up. They aren’t sure who to call but Raph knows someone… but will he risk it?

Progression

2007-12-21T11:09:04Z

This post, also memoried and stickied, containes information regarding each story as it goes along in the arc. Things like what's done, what's in progress, has it been posted or not... you know so you can come here, click the link, and zip right to the story!

Ain't I nice?

Trails and Tribulations Progress
Arc 1 - Shells of a Feather

1) Black Bird
Summary- Mikey Follows Raph to the surface after his elder brothers fight, and finds out about a secret in a cemetery. Will he confront his sibling and ask questions, or trust the little bird he talks to?
Status Finished, no beta, no chapters.
Go read! Fic

2) The Raven
Summary-Desperate times call for desperate measures and Raph must call on his confidant to help his family in a fight, or risk loosing one of his closest friends and allies. Will his family trust Raph's decision, or has a danger wandered into the family?
Status Finished, no beta, 4 chapters
Go Read! Chapter 1 Chapter 2 Chapter 3 Chapter 4

Orginization

2007-12-21T11:03:37Z

Ok so Intro over... time for the general junk that everyone smacks attop thier fiction in one spot, so all I have to do is link this post and never have to do this again. So without further adue.

Notes on mark up

"Speech" goes in there
"Thoughts" Go in there but with a slant
["Electronic"] stuff such as phone calls, txt messages and tv junk go in there.
/I see you/ mental speech or emotional communication occurs like this.
*action* such as action in the middle of conversations looks like that
~*~*~*~*~ separates scenes
~Didily do didily do didily do~ denotes flash backs

Notes on labels

All the parts belong to TnT in general, but also belong in different arcs.
Arc #, Story #, Title Chap# /of # (if it comes to that)
Ex: 1-1 Black Bird or 3-6 Broken Blade 2/5

its so you don't get lost trying to figure out where you are... and I know what the hell I am doing too.

Note on ratings and warnings

This arcs sits comfortably between PG-13 and NC-17, depending on where you are in the whole mess. Everything will have a label before hand because it is required and a damn good idea.

Warnings are also more or less posted at the top of every fiction unless it is no different than the previous part. The intro post had most of the warnings, and so does my profile... but if you insist I will post the whole list again and leave you wondering just what I am going to throw at you when.

And that's it! I'll post all the warnings as we go along

Warnings used so far:
some language, supernatural, bits of angst and introspection, Original Character, smoking, quazi-pov, no Beta, strong language, supernatural, violence, gore, mention of torture, medical jargon

Introductions ought to be in order

2007-12-21T10:37:15Z

*waves* Hi all,

I go by a lot of names here on the internet, but this is a new / old one. Any variant of Nevermore short of haxor speak was taken and I hate haxor speak it bothers me. Anywho the pen name is ~Nevermore~, journal is Lil_black_bird... and all of it is one big joke revolving around what is probably my first Original Character ever.

I don't know what possessed me to do this honestly... I guess my brain just started working and BAM here I have my 4th LJ dedicated to what I can only call crack fiction. You see it all started with my knee.

I worked a 3rd shift job, very boring and what not but physically demanding. I tore up my knee rather bad and have been stuck at home doing well nothing for over a month. I've been involved in dozens of fandoms over the years but every time I am stuck at home for long enough periods of time I end up back where it all started... somewhere between Star Wars and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. Well this time around TMNT won out, and I started wandering into the areas of the fandom I thought few had ever ventured.

No stranger to slash and some WEIRD ass stuff in fandom I deiced to walk head long into the turtlecest & slash & adult with an open mind and praying that it wasn't just some hormonal fiction / art to get someone's fury ya-ya's out.

Needless to say I have been bitten by the muses. Hard... I mean this one is leaving a permanent mark, thanks guys. Some folk in my usual circles wouldn't appreciate this stuff at all, and I'm enough of a hermit to know when to call my own bluff and just make a nice little spot for the insanity to live.

And I do mean insanity.

This journal hopes to house a fiction unlike any other I have ever embarked upon before. It hearkens back to my roots of fandom, as well as all the stuff I have picked up along the way since I was 12. The story arc is called- Trials and Tribulations - because it was the only thing that described the whole damn thing well enough.

TNT (we know drama lol couldn't help it) has 4 major arcs in it, each sitting somewhere in the lives of the teen - adult turtles. Each arc has between 6-9 stories in it, assuming I don't get side tracked like I always seem to with little ficlets and drabbels. I mean hell I've only finished two parts of the thing and already 2/3rds of the way down little baby ficlits and smutfests are appearing. God what did I do to deserve this?

Anyway... welcome to the insanity, I love feed back and comments even if it's just XDZOMG because it means someone actually gives a damn. I am not doing this totally for recognition, but hey it doesn't hurt does it?

Anyway look forword to, and not excluding much outside of the following:

Magic and supernatural themes, butchering of Raph's accent, my inability to navigate NYC, violence, gore, torture, pain, hurt, comfort, smut (one day), sap, maybe fluff, angst (lots), brotherly love, brotherly luv, introspection, tech babble, medical jargon, typographical errors, edits, Original characters, slash/yaoi however you wanna coin it, adult themes, explicit adult content, tags, rants, break downs, fun, humor, geek references, death, and everyone's favorite *insert whatever I forgot here*

So that's it.. I'm ~Nevermore~ and this is my insanity.

Please check your coats at the door.