Raphael hurried across the busy street, avoiding being hit by the yellow cab's and busy cars. The hot air that had come down over New York was an early one, and he could see people walk up and down the streets in their light spring clothes. He was stuck in an old coat and well-worn hat. Raphael sighed, looking down at the old sneakers and the jeans. At moments like this he wished he could walk down the streets as well, seeing the shops when they were open, spending time in a cafe. Or just sit on the brim of Sheep's Meadow and enjoy the sight of others having just as fun as he. But no, he was a mutated turtle. A turtle doomed to be stuck here in this old coat and hat. He sighed and entered the big park.  

He stopped out of her sight, looking down at her lone figure under the streetlight. She looked so innocent there, dressed in a short jacket and red and white skirt. He r thick hair was braided and set like Princess Leia in the Star Wars movies. And in the middle of the funny looking hair-buns, she had some kind of flowers placed. It made her look very exotic and like a rare bright flower, blossoming in the late May night. Raph sighed, feeling like his chest was going to burst. Ever time he saw her, he felt his heart pound like crazy and his head reel with the bare scent of her. He walked down towards her, stopping just a couple of meters from her. Candace had seen him coming, but had turned slightly away from him.

"Goodevening, miss. Howcome such a lovely lady is out at this hour?"

"I am waiting for someone to pick me up."

"Oh. Is that person late, or?"

"No. I think he's just around the corner." she said and had to smile.

"Ah." Raph commented and shoved his hands deep into his pockets, glancing at her. "Is he worth waiting for then?"

"Yes. And he's told me never to talk to strangers either."

"I see. Some strangers are pretty nice you know." Said Raph and stepped up to her. Now she was having a hard time not laughing as he looked down at her.

"Why, Mister! Are you hitting on me?"

"Yes. Is it that obvious?"

Candace couldn't help it, but started to giggle and shook her head, "Alright, I give up! Let's go to that party."

Raphael offered her his arm and she tucked hers under his as they walked on. This was a little game they played now and then. It amused them both and it offered some wonderful opportunities to silly cracks and comments.

As they climbed down onto the lair, the tones from "Kung Fu Fighting" was blaring out from the loudspeaker set up by Don the earlier morning. Casey and Venus was making some kind of strange dance and Mike was having a good time learning to dance some kind of Salsa by April. They all howled a loud Hello to Candace and Raph as they came. Candace wore a red and white bikinitop with the long slitted skirt in the same fabric. Around her neck she wore a big flowerstring. She's brought more with her and now she handed them out, followed by a kiss on the cheek. It didn't take long to get in the mood; old Splinter had a good time, even if he complained about the music now and then. But he soon retired to his room. He couldn't really avoid the music, but had other things to attend.

"Come on!" said Raph and pulled up Candace as the thumping beat of the Lambada came out of the speakers.

Candace shook her head "I can't dance this!"

"Have you tried?!" said Raph over the music. Candace looked back at the others, but they just raised their glasses and shouted for her to get out on the floor. Raph took a firm grip on her waist and grinned "Now, then. Listen to the music, babe. It's gonna be great!"  

The whole group, sans Mike, howled as he bowed. He was a born stand-up-comedian and his rantings about the new mayor and a cow made them all howl. The fact that the mayor was a former cattlebreeder didn't actually make things better. Mike sniffed in the air. "Food's ready!"

"More food?" complained Don and patted his stomach. "I am bursting!"

"It's taco's." whispered Venus to him. Don's eyes went big and he sat up straight as his Bo staff.

"Hehe. Knew it would work!" she mused and chuckled. Candace and Raph occupied the big old sofa. She leaned herself back at his chest and used his thighs to rest her arms on. Now and then she could feel him blowing at her neck, which made her get goosebumps on her arms and legs. At this moment, Candace felt so lazy and so satisfied with the way she had it; she didn't notice it until she saw it by accident. She was watching Leo. He was sitting on the couch armrest, right next to her feet. He was looking at Venus. Straight at her all the time, never taking his eyes off her. And

Leonardo actually looked sad. Over the past weeks, Candace had seen Leo looking determined and angry. She'd seen him laugh and smile. But sad? No. As Raph leaned his chin on her bare shoulder, she whispered, "What's with Leo?"

"Huh? Leo?" asked Raph, "He's been thru a tough time, Candy. "

"What has happened then?" she said, pretending to give him a kiss, but instead whispering to him.

"Venus broke up with him about three weeks ago." He said and hugged her closer, as if he feared she's go as well.

"I had no idea," she said.

"Me neither, not until I saw Leo sleeping in his own room again at night."

Candace snuggled closer to him, feeling that she didn't want to go thru the same thing. Leo sighed, and looked away from Venus. He reached out and took a handful of the nacho chips that Mike was placing around the table. No idea. She was gone. Adios, Hasta la vista. But he didn't really think he could convince himself of it. He reached out and grabbed another bottle of Bud. Wine? Whiskey? No. That didn't help much. He popped the cap and took a mouthful. Then chewed on some nachos.  

As the night went on, it was close to twelve and the old stereo played some lousy music from the seventies. Mike sat in one of the old beanbags he had, and they chatted and laughed. But then he noticed Leo, sitting in the corner with what had to be his eight Bud this evening. Leo and beer was not a good combination. His dark eyes scanned the room all the time, having a hostile glint in them.

Mike got up, still chatting with Casey about the last nights movie on Sci-Fi. An old film called "Them!" and about some giant insects. He was relived when Casey got a popcorn in the long brown hair by Don and they started to toss popcorn on eachother.

"Hey...Leo? You OK?" he asked. Leo looked up at him and a faint growl was heard as an answer "Alright. But I really think you ought to cut down on the buds, bro."

"So what?" mumbled Leo and discovered that he had nothing left in the bottle. He got to his feet, almost loosing his balance. The rest of them had those silly Hawaii shirts, but Leo had refused to wear any of it. He wasn't really in the party mood he'd explained. Mike reached out to help Leo, but the bigger turtle just shoved him aside, and lost his balance anyway.

"This is just too much, Leo. Come on. Let's get you to bed!" said Mike, about to help him get up. But all he got was a fist straight to his stomach and he lost his breath. The others saw the commotion and looked at them. The song "Ballroom Blitz" was suddenly very fitting as Leo jumped on Mike and the fight was on. Raph and Don ran over and before they were able to restrain Leo, they had some scrapes and bumps as well. Raph held a firm grasp on Leo's neck and left arm. Don held his legs, as they pinned him to the floor. Leo howled in rage, trying to get free. Raph looked around, and saw Venus where she stood in the back with Candace. He knew why Leo had begun this drunkenness behaviour. He still loved her; so much he didn't know what to do. And all she did was refuse him. As Leo fought, he suddenly grew tired and Raph felt the leader slump down and fall asleep. They helped eachother to carry him to his bunk and dropped him there, with a bucket beside him in case he woke up and felt queasy.

"Umm... I think" started Casey.

"Yeah. I think this party is over too" said Mike and looked around. They had food thrown all over the floor from the short struggle. Casey and April got dressed.

"I am so sorry for this. Leo usually don't behave like this you know," said Mike as he helped April on with the coat.

"I know. Make sure he's OK tomorrow."

Mike nodded and unlocked the hatch.  

Left on the scene was the remaining turtles and Candace. Master Splinter was most likely already asleep, since he usually woke up early and went to sleep early in the evenings. Old man's privileges.

"Candace?" said Raph and she looked at him "Do you want to leave as well? We're just gonna clean up and drop off to bed"

"No. I'll stay and help clean this mess up." she said and took his hand as they walked down to the mess and surveyed the damage. One glassbowl was smashed and a canister of the remaining welcome drink was slowly flowing down onto the old railroad tracks.

"Messy" mumbled Mike and took off the partyclothes. The others followed and soon they worked on in silence, cleaning up the food and spilled drinks. It took nearly two hours to clean it all up and get the broken table away tot he entrance. Don would repair it when he found time to.  

A deep silence struck them as they cleaned up, swishing brooms and cloths to clean up. Candace had an old sweatshirt and a pair of old tights on. Venus had been more then willing to share out of a wardrobe she seldom used. As they finally saw an end to smashed glass, old popcorn and the plastic mugs that had been all over the place, some of them dropped off. Mike stayed down and Don as well. Don mostly to keep an eye on Leo. He curled up on his old bed. Mike dug out an old hammock and silently trodded to the traininghall. He didn't want to be in the way for Raph and Candace. Venus sat with her legs tucked under her chin and looked over at the tram where Leo and Don shared rooms.

"Aren't you going to bed?" asked Candace, as she undid the long curled up braids. Venus shook her head, but smiled as well.

"I'll just... Yeah, soon. I just need to think for a while."

Raph yawned and stumbled off towards the bathroom, while trying to get some of the popcorn flakes out of his teeth.

"I'm gonna have supplies for days," he groaned and disappeared up the few steps to the bathroom. Candace sighed and let her long golden hair fall freely over her back. She looked at the parrot-flowers she held in her hands. The orange and yellow colours were still bright, but somehow they'd lost some of that magic.

"I am sitting up and sleeping." she sighed and got up. Venus glanced over at the Hawaii styled strawskirt and the bikinitop beside her. The hat was lying on the floor, crumpled.

"I might actually go straight to bed as well." Venus mumbled and got up. Candace and Venus were the same height, so she had no problem looking straight into the eyes of the mutant woman.

"Raph told me about Leo. "

Venus nodded, "It's over for me. Leo... He's still stuck in it. But he'll get over it in time."

"Do you really think so? The first love is always the hardest to loose." All Candace got, as an answer was a small shake of the head and a deep sigh before Venus wandered off to the far end of the platform and thru the old beaten up door there. Soon, it would be necessary to move the door about half a meter to the left, since the big old iron stair was going to be permanently attached the coming week. Two of the rooms above were done, and they so far were just as storage space.

"Haven't changed your mind about an escort up to your place?" said a voice behind her.

"Huh? Yeah. I don't think I can walk out of here." she said and held up one of her shoes. It had a broken heel. Raph raised his eyebrows and grinned.

"My Oh my." he mused, but got a sudden poke in the side from her. She chuckled and poked him again. Raph grabbed her and held her close to his chest, one hand on her neck so she looked up at him. She just grinned wide; knowing that he'd never hurt her on purpose.

"I am just gonna turn out the lights, and you'll be sorry you poked me" he mumbled and kissed her lightly. Candace stood outside the alidingdoor to the tram, waiting for him to return. She noticed that only a small old tiffanylamp burned in the room behind her. As Raphael returned, he carefully guided her into the tram's compartment, and she once again had the chance to see the room. It was stuffed with shelves, old trunks and knickknack. Raph plopped down on his old futon and looked up at her in the soft light from the old lamp. She looked a bit lost, as if she didn't knew here to go. He smiled and started to take off the kneepads. Then the old shirt. He was muttering a curse at the elbow pads, and found a popcorn tucked away inside one of them. He was trying to get one of them off, when he saw Candace hand carefully remove his hand from it. With a simple push she carefully slid it off his arm. He didn't dare to move, just sat still, watching her hands travel up his arm and to his face. With a careful tug, she took off the bandana. With a careful tug Candace untied the knot and hung over an old teddy that sat on an trunk beside the headend of the Futon. Then she gently unbuttoned the awfully coloured Hawaii shirt he wore and pulled it off him.

"G-g-good thing Mike choose to sleep elsewhere" he mumbled. Candace tilted her head to the side before she reached out to turn out the light from the tiffany. But Raphael stopped her, "No. Leave the light on. I want to se how you look."

A mumble was heard from the kitchen and a low growl as well when the light of the refrigerator shone in Leo's eyes. He had a thundering headache. And he barely had dared to get up. Could he ever see them straight in the eyes again? And Mike... Poor Mike. He'd been pretty beat up.

"Never any Bud's again." mumbled Leo and held the can with orange-juice in one hand and the aspirin bottle in the other. He had his blanket wrapped around himself and still felt like he was on the Northpole. He glanced at the old catshaped clock on the kitchen wall. It was half past six, and he was awake. The internal clock could not stop him, even with a hangover like never before.

As he walked down the steps, he could hear Raph's dark voice from the other tram. He stopped; peeking in thru a small opening in the windows cluttered space. In the light of the small Tiffanylamp, he could see Raph sit in the corner at the head-end of his Futon, with Candace leaning back at his chest. It seemed they were talking about something, but all he could hear was Raph's dark humming tones as he spoke. Raph's held the tan and golden woman in a firm grasp, with his arms covering most of her upper body.

The rest of them were hidden under a blanket. Leonardo turned away, making a grim face as he remembered himself in that situation just a few weeks ago. He curled up on the futon, deciding to for once in his life, to stay miserable for a day. Tomorrow was another day, but this day, he would try to mend his broken heart with the help of old trusty Mr Aspirin.

Monday morning. She hated Monday mornings, and to run across the street to work was even worse. She shouted a rude comment at an equally angry cabdriver. And when she stepped onto the pavement in front of her shop, she had to take a leap when a loose dog came running. She practically steamed of anger when she walked up to the office. Candace stumbled in on her office with a fuming and growling about the city traffic. Her secretary looked after her as she threw up the doors, and then slammed them so hard they almost fell of the hinges.

"Why can't people take the darn bus!?" she howled and threw her briefcase and handbag on the desk. The thump spread the mail and her messages all over the place. "Darn papers" she mumbled and sat down, starting to sort out the mail. But then she spotted a letter, sent from somewhere out in the hillbillies.

"Johnstown?" she mumbled and opened it. But then she howled out loud in surprise and smiled, "Susan!" Candace hadn't heard from Susan Monroe in years, and tosuddenly get this letter was wonderful. She had several photos tucked into the letters, showing a wonderful ranch, located near the Catskill Mountains. Right out in the middle of nowhere. Candace read it all twice, taking in the news. Susan had inherited her father's big ranch. Out there she now had a handful of Saddlebred horses, along with some other ones she'd taken care of since their owners had been totally incompetent when it came to handle horses. Susan had big plans for the ranch, but was short of people to help her. Candace leaned back, but felt something in the pocket of her jacket. She reached own and felt a paper. She unfolded it, and read her own writing, "Fix safehouse for Mike's friend." Then she looked at the etter and the many photos. With a quick flip, Candace turned the letter and found the phone number. If Susan had horses, she was most likely up early and working.

Candace grabbed the receiver and dialled the number. Childhood friends sometimes had this sixth sense for what was going on, and Candace hope it'd work this time. And for the next two hours, she was caught up in a conversation about everything from horses, to climbing trees.  

Don peeked over the rim of the manhole and made sure no one could see him. He pushed it aside with little effort and climbed up and then carefully replaced it. He made sure the retractive staff he'd made was securely tucked into his belt. The wooden bo was still his most cherished belonging, but now and then, it proved very unuseful. He hurried down the alley, making sure the old coat protected him from the sight of others. He was going to an old car-dump to retrieve some parts for the hotwater machinery at home. They were getting tired of never having enough hot water. Don crouched down at the wirefence surrounding the car-dump, and tugged at it. The groundline gave up and made an opening large enough for him to slip thru, with shell and all.  

Donatello knew they kept watchdogs in here, but he seldom had to trouble himself with it. But he smelled different, yes, but not human enough to be dangerous to them. He crouched in the shadows long enough to see where they were. One of them, a big male black and white Great Dane cross, trotted over to him and greeted him like an old friend. A darkbrown and black bitch-dog followed him and met up with the other. Don scratched their broad necks and told them to go. He didn't bring any treats for them tonight. They hesitated, but then loped away from him. Don took up his backpacker from the ground and started to scrounge the piles of junk.  

He soon found some distributors, some old useful pipes, some cables and isolated wires. If one knew what to look for, it was no game. Now, he deemed himself having enough stuff and returned the same way as he had entered. But as Donatello slowly walked back towards the sewer, he looked around, trying to figure out where the artist from the Internet could be. Where, in all those windows, sat that Maria Vasquez and sketched on a picture of him? He stopped, looking around.

The cars of the late evening out here in Bayonne beeped and tires screeched as they took the turns to narrow. He heard a distant police siren howl in pursuit. People strolled down the street just outside the alley, some with dogs straining the leashes or kids in wagons. He dug a hand in his pocket, and found a dollar. So after buying himself a can of cola, he strolled on down the streets instead enjoying the warm evening. It was late May, and soon the summerheat would wrap the town in its own private hell. The heat always made someone go nuts, he pondered, I wonder who it's gonna

Don stopped, doubled back and looked into the open door. A sign had caught his attention. A small sign. He walked closer. It stated that someone had a studio on the second floor. He almost choked on his cola, it said "Maria Vasquez, Artist" with simple letters. He looked upwards and then to the right. It seemed the apartment above him stretched all around the corner. Down the alley, all the way to his exit. The exit to the car-dump. He suddenly felt his heart froze. Sometimes he didn't take on his old baseball cap until he had to. Could she have seen it from up there? Don stopped and walked back to the alley, just next to the manhole. Yes, from that window, she'd have an excellent view actually. It was dark there now, but he knew where she lived now.  

Mike sniffed. The smell of food was heavenly, and he smacked his lips. This would, without any doubt, be the best Chili Con Carne he'd done so far. Ever? Nah, he shook his head and pulled it off the stove. One of many super dishes.

"DINNER!" he howled from the kitchen. He saw Leo emerge from the traininghall, obviously unaffected by the past weekends fight. He smiled as he sniffed at the aroma filled air.

"I hope you made a lot of rice, cuz I'm starved."

Mike took a deep breath. Leo still was himself. But somehow... different. He didn't really know how to pinpoint the problem. He shrugged his shoulders, then took the big pot and placed it on the table. As he worked, the remaining gang came. Don was in some kind of argument with Venus.

"..would fit there!"

"No way. I do not want it on the Internet. They'd ask questions!" she stated and took her seat. Splinter came last; making sure all of them was there. The rat looked at the food, sniffing at it as well.

"Another good meal, Michaelangelo?" he asked. Mike grinned and nodded.

"Well, then we shall eat it." said the rat and took up his eatingsticks. Mike carefully placed a fork next to his dish, pointing out that he'd better use that one.

"But think of how much publicity it would give! And you'd still be anonymous!" said Don and pulled out a chair for Venus. She sat down, shaking her head. "No. I can make a few you can have on your own page, but that's it. No gallery nothing like that!"

Don grinned, realising he'd actually won over her anyway. "Neat!"

Venus ate quickly, she wanted to go on top and see if she could make contact with Charles TwoFeather. It was time she tried to make herself seen. After all, he seemed to be a nice guy. Most likely one of the few left

"Raph called." Leo said with a muffled voice and dug into his steaming rice again "He's dining with Candace tonight. Apparently, she had some tacostuff left over."

"He spends lots of time up there" mumbled Mike and took off his apron before taking his place next to Don.

"Yeah. I just hope he behaves." Don mused and poured some orange juice into his glass. Mike glanced at him with a cheesy grin. Then they both howled loudly and laughed so hard they couldn't get their acts together for several minutes. Venus smiled as well, chuckling to her self. Leo just shook his head and flicked a couple of baked beans at Don and Mike. They stopped laughing and glared at him, aiming with forks filled with food.

"Stop itNow, or you'll be without food!" said Splinter, not taking his eyes off the delicate little ball of Jasmine rice he was making. Mike stuffed the fork in his mouth, biting down on it and made an ugly face at Leo. They continued eating in the same good mood as always.  

The rain poured down this evening as well. Venus made sure she was atleast a bit covered as she stopped in the alley. From here, she could see him walk thru the store, carefully turning out the lights here and there. He stopped by an old painting, admiring it and touching the thick frame. Venus had seen him close once, and had never forgotten his face. He was most likely not full blood Indian, because he had a skin that was much darker.

Charles TwoFeather was actually half-American Native, the rest was an enchanting mixture of Hawaiian and African looks, coupled with some faint Asian qualities as well. His looks were those of a perfect blend of various ethnical groups. As she watched, he walked up a stair to the rooms above the gallery. That was his quarters and home. Venus knew how it looked inside, since he had a roofwindow right above his bed. She'd been sitting there at night, watching him sleep right under it. And at moonlit nights, when a heavy full moon hung over New York's Greenwich Village, she had an excellent view of him. With a sigh she prepared herself to cross the street and ring his bell. She was halfway over the street, when two cars came thundering down the road, making her take a jump back to the sidewalk. The cares screeched to halt infront of the gallery and six men ran out, all dressed in trenchcoats and dark suits. She saw them rush for the door and almost took it off its hinges in order to open it.  

"What the do they want!?" she mumbled and hurried across the street, crouching down next to one of the cars. She could hear angry voices; sounds of a struggle and a loud bang as a gun went off. More angry voicesVenus hurried to the door and stopped. She could feel the scent of gunpowder and agitated humans. Running feet and a few words could be heard.

"Nothingeaglegone!"

Not a sound could be heard as she stealthily ran up the stair, ducking into a room that most likely was the kitchen. She stopped at a doorpost, hearing that the strangers were moving in the next room. Her keen hearing picked out Charles voice, as well as others  

"I don't know what you are talking about! I haven't seen anything like that! What is this about!?" Charles TwoFeather shouted as the three men held him down. He had just closed for the day, and was about to make sure the bills could be paid, and that his accounts were in order. And without any warning, these strangers came tearing down his home. A brief struggle had led to the firing of a sidearm and Charles now had a aching and bleeding gunshot wound in his left upper arm.

"I am sure you knowTwoFeather." said the tall black-haired man and crouched down next to him. He was pinned to the floor, unable to move. The man, a Native American half-breed, was dressed in an expensive tailor-made suit and a black trenchcoat. His long hair was pulled back in a ponytail. The hawklike face had a hard expression, made even more hostile by blue eyes so pale they seemed transparent.

"Your sister, Amanda, sent you a parcel. It contained a white eagle sculpture. Handmade, many hundreds of years old. Now... I will ask one more time, politely, where is it?"

Charlie just stared up at him, wishing that all of this could be a dream. But when he didn't answer, the pale-eyed half-breed slapped his face and grabbed his long darkbrown hair. "I have had it with you. Cornelius Blackwood wants to know. He has paid me a lot of money to get it, and believe me, Mr TwoFeather, he do not like disappointmentsand neither do I."

The pale eyed was about to hit Charles again, when a sudden thump was heard. And before he even had time to think, someone or something, was beating away on his men, finishing them off as if they'd been helplessly crippled. He grabbed his gun, trying to focus on whatever this strange whirlwind was. But he had no luck. A swift roundkick, and a fist planted in his face, made him stagger backwards and into the wall.  

Venus stood panting in the room and looked around. The men were out, but not the leader. She had given him a really tough blow, making him unconscious. She couldn't risk using her magic here; it would be too bright and attract people from the outside. So for a few minutes, they'd be safe. She hurried over to Charles, crouching down next to him to see how he was doing. He was sitting up, grasping his wounded arm so hard that the blood was seeping out between his fingers. During the fight, Venus had lost her stylish 20's hats. And TwoFeather just stared at her, brown eyes big as plates.

"Who... are you?!" he whispred, going paler by the minute as the bloodloss was getting more and more evident.

"A friend. You have sold many of my paintings, and I came by to say hello. But what is this all about?" she asked, carefully removing his hand from the wound. TwoFeather was still unable to speak, staring at her.

"The polarbear. It was you who made it" he whispered. Venus nodded and looked down at the wound. The bullet had gone straight thru and was causing a lot of blood.

"Yes, come on now. Get out in the kitchen, we need to get that cleaned." she said, then looked back at the others, they'd be out cold for a long time.  

After finishing cleaning the wound temporarily, she proceeded to one by one, dragging the men downstairs and tossing them on the street. The last one, the leader, was heavy and well trained. She guessed, that one day she'd be face to face with him again. Once they were out, she ran back upstairs and called the cops. Charles TwoFeather sat at the old wooden kitchen table and looked up at her.

"What's your name? I've only seen your paintings, and some notes. I don't know your name."

"Most people call me Venus De Milo. But that's just my nickname. Youcan call me Mei Pieh Chi, if you like."

"Mei... I like that. Thank you, for saving my life, Mei." he said and reached out his hand. Venus smiled as she shook it as well.

"No problems. By the way. What is the white eagle?" she asked.

TwoFeather looked puzzled, and shook his head "I don't know. I'll have to call my sister in Colorado. She has sent something, according to these punks."

Venus nodded, about to ask something again, but a the sirens from a policecar was heard, and she straightened up, "I have to go. They can't see me. I will come again"

"Wait! How do I contact you? I..." he watched her run out of the room. The creaking from his ceiling window was heard and the gush of air told him she was gone. He just shook his head. She was without any doubt, the most fascinating creature ever. He still sat at the table, when two armed policemen came up the stair.  

Up on the opposite roof, Venus sat still in the pouring rain, watching the ambulance pick up Charles. But down the street, she could also see two men in trenchcoats getting into the car to follow. Something was on route to Charles, which they wanted so badly that they'd kill for it