When she woke in the morning, getting ready to do her early morning exercise, she could hear Raph and Leo in an argument. It had been a while since they'd done that.

"She is NOT an danger to us!" growled Raph and pointed a finger in Leo's chest.

"Oh yeah?! She just waltz in here, with all her money and upworld manners." Raph growled like a dog, teeth clenched. Leo apparently didn't listen to his warnings.

"She's the best thing that have ever happened to me! She saved my life! She "

"She's a threat!"

Leo suddenly found himself flat on the floor, with an aching jaw. Raph stood over him, fists all balled up and steaming with anger. "Never ever say that again! She loves me, and I love here. She's meant to be with me and I with her! Don't you dare go between just because she's a rich human!"

Leo looked up at him and touched his bruised jaw. With a grunt he hooked his brothers leg and Raph fell to the floor as well, banging his shoulder in the old tram. Within moments, there was no telling where Raph began, and where Leo ended. They hadn't fought like this for weeks or even months, but now something made them both blow off steam. Venus ran over to make them stop, but found she was pushed away from the two. Don and Mike was not here, just her and Splinter. The old rat came out from his room, eyes growing big as he saw the two almost trying to rip eachother guts out.

"Leonardo! Raphael! Stop, now!" shouted the rat. His hoarse voice somehow got thru and Raph stopped trying to dunk Leo's head against the concrete floor. Leo got in a good punch as well as a steady push with a knee. Raph rolled away, and go up, with a scraped and bruised arm, bandana on the floor and a burning look in his eyes. Leo sat on the floor, rubbing a sore head and leg. His badana was still on.

"Have you two not learned anything? And you, Leo. I am disappointed! Raphael, this is very bad! A fist seldom is the solution to a problem, " Sensei Splinter huffed and Raph got a quick bap on the head from the old bo, and Leo didn't get away either. And to him hearing that his Sensei was disappointed was even worse then getting the stick on the head.

"He started it! Candace is not a danger. She'd risk her life for us!" Raphael declared and looked at Leo with a poison glint in his eyes.

Leo got up, a bit wobbly on his feet, "Yeah, right! Just wait until she says something by mistake, and we'll be exposed!" Leo added dryly.

"Why you ! She'd never do that! " Raph howled an ran for him again. Leo was prepared and fended him off. Splinter made a hard thwack with his bo, and Raph fell to floor as his knees gave away. Venus pulled Leo aside and made sure he didn't say anything more insulting. Raph sat on the floor, glaring at the others and fuming.

"Enough! " huffed Splinter and took a deep breath. This tension was way too much for those two to hold like this. The energy had to be put to work. And Raph had not paid enough attention to training lately, decided Splinter. With a flick of his old bo, he motioned the two into the training-room and put them to work with 150 flips and 150 pushups alongside eachother. Followed by a long series off repeated kata and more pushups. Splinter stayed with them, watching all the time.  

Three days later.

Mike leaned closer, watching the picture load on the screen. He shook his head slowly and then looked at his brother. Donatello looked rather shaken and he bit his lower lip while watching the screen.

"Someone has seen you! " said Mike and stepped back. He walked back and forth a couple of times. "Do you know who it is?"

Don nodded, still silent. He looked at the picture of the turtle samurai.

"Who is it then?"

Don clicked on a couple of links and came to a page featuring the artist biography. Mike whistled and grinned wide when he saw her, "She's a babe! What's her name ? Maria Vasquez. She doesn't look very Spanish. More like Asiatic."

"Yeah, she's like a little geisha."

"How do you know? Have you met her or what?" said Mike and slapped Don's back. His brother smiled shyly and shrugged his shoulders, "Met and met. I know where she lives. I just haven't said hello yet."

Mike nodded. "Alright. Better don your gear, Don! We have a social visit to pay her!" Donatello looked up as the old coat came flying at him. He grabbed it in mid air and looked over at Mike, who was getting ready to go out. It was late afternoon by now and they could blend in with the busy Manhattan people to get out to Bayonne. As they locked the backdoor, they saw April, Casey and Shadow coming home. Shadow was chatting about the past day's school and what she'd done. But when she saw the two turtles, she ran over to them, hugging them like she'd never seen them before.

"Hello, Shadow! Wooohh... Easy! You are gonna crunch my neck!" said Mike and affectionately ruffled her hair. April joined them while Casey unloaded the car with the week's groceries.

"You guys off to something?" she asked. Don nodded and made sure the retroactive bo was securely in place. He still liked his old one best, but when trotting down the streets of New York, he judged it better to have this one instead. Mike handed her Shadow and made sure his old baseball jacket was alright and the old baggy hip hop jeans was Ok.

"Yeah. Don...has a social visit, and he's to scared to make it himself!" proclaimed Mike and grinned wide. April noticed that Don actually looked more sad then upset over his brother's comment. Mike never intended to hurt anyone, but now and then he said things a bit too fast. Think first, speak later just didn't apply to him from time to time.

"I see. Well, then we shall not keep you guys from doing the town! Be careful.," she said as she and Shadow returned inside.

Mike and Don got off the bus and looked around. They were in the same neighbourhood as before, and Don knew the way exactly.

"Hmmm... She's not at home " said Don and looked up at the blinds that was down. Mike hummed and looked around. "Can we take the windows maybe?"

"Forget it. If she's not at home, I am not gonna bother her. Wanna be charged with breakin, Mikeyman?"

Mike shrugged his shoulders and grinned. "Look. There's a cab coming "

They hurried aside and stood in the opening to the alley beside the house, watching Maria as she came out of the cab. She wore a washed out pair of jeans, matched by an old patched jeansjacket and old western styled boots. She looked very pale, and stopped next to the door, panting heavily. Then she closed her eyes for a moment, touching her chest before opening the door. Don stepped out, making himself visible in the late day light. Maria noticed a movement to her left and looked up. She saw them both, but just as bulky tall guys.

"Who are you?" she said, and they could see her hand slowly moving towards her pocket. She had something there, that was used to defend herself with.

"Don't be afraid. I think you have seen me a couple of times, Maria." She was the perfect image of someone confused. Don carefully tilted the hat slightly backwards, letting the light shine on his face and eyes. Maria made a nice drop of her jaw and almsot lost the grip she had on her handbag.

"I no, is it really you?" she said with a almost whispering voice. Don raised his eyebrows, making a short nod. Mike peeked out behind him, "Hi!" he said and grinned wide.

"Huh?" was the only sound Maria could make, because if she from time to time felt weak because of her heartfailure, this was like sweeping her off the ground.  

Seated in the big sofa, she looked at them with intense eyes, trying to take in as much as possible of what they were, and how they looked. She was very fascinated by most creatures that were half-human or even remotely human. Most of her childhood, she'd spent either way off to the various libraries, trying to find new books or nose deep in watercolours and pencils. When other children ran around and played, she'd always been forced to stay indoors, taking it easy because of the holes in her heartchamber's walls. And until she was fully grown, she could only take it easy. But her artistic skills had made sure she could pay the rent and live a decent life anyway. Obviously Maria was one of the few who actually could survive on her art. The painting of the mysterious guy, who climbed up in the alley under her bedroom window, was now framed and hung over the sofa behind her. She could see Donatello now and then looking at it, as if he was trying not to feel too uncomfortable about the whole thing.

"Do you like it?" she asked and looked over her shoulder. Don got to his feet in a smooth graceful move. He stopped by the sofa, admiring the picture. It was almost one meter high and half as wide. It must have taken her many hours to do it. He tilted his head a couple of times, before nodding,

"Yes, I do like it. It's...beautiful. You are very good at this."

Mike sat on the floor, leafing thru an old folder with older art samples. Now and then he made a comment, either a big "Whew! Massive!" or a loud! "Whoha! Grim dude!". Maria couldn't help but chuckling at his reactions. Don just seemed used to it.

"I haven't got much to offer, because I didn't count on any visitors, not that I have many at all " she said and carefully got to her feet. She stood still with closed eyes for a brief moment, as if trying to regain her balance. Don saw it and offered a helping hand, She took it, and squeezed it gently. "I am alright. I just have to be careful."

Don nodded and moved aside as she passed by. He trailed after her into the kitchen, leaving Mike to grin over a lovely female clad in some minimal metal bikini. "Conan, you'd die to see this!" he snickered and turned to see them leave. But he was much too absorbed to follow.  

"I noticed you were a bit taken back by the taxitrip." said Don, careful not to get too close or make any sudden moves. Even if she'd accepted them fairly easy, he didn't really know if she trusted them. Trust had to be gained, and that didn't happen over a short conversation.

"Well, I have this heart failure you see."

She moved over to the bench where she filled a teakettle and dug out some mugs and teabags. "And I had to wait to get a heart surgery until they deemed me big enough, or old enough. "

"And how old are you then?" said Don and grabbed the chair by the table. He turned it and sat down, leaning his arms on the back of it. He somehow just found her voice very interesting. And he seldom found people very interesting, unless they had something common with him. She did. She actually had a lot of things in common with him.

"I have always been a bit small for my age, but I turn 18 in two weeks!" she said and grinned. "Doctors didn't expect me to live until I was 12."

Even of she did things slowly, and didn't exhaust herself, she prepared some wonderful snacks and for a long time, they just sat in the kitchen talking. She spoke mostly about her art and online friends. Don, he told her some about his past, what he was and why he came climbing up from the sewers now and then. Maria was stunned by all the stories he had to tell her. About various ugly creatures they'd fought. About Shredder, about the time trip to Japan and many other odd occurrences in their life. About the Dragon lord, who'd nearly destroyed them.

"This is just so "

" Unbelivable? Yeah, I know. When my email pals and chatbuddies ask how I look, I usually try not to talk about it. Looks doesn't matter, I hope."

Maria nodded and plopped a creamfilled biscuit in her mouth. "Exactly!" she said, "I haven't yet met anyone who actually goes for that though."

"You do." Don said and winked at her and smiled.

Maria chuckled and shook her head, "Well, maybe I do! Meeting you, and your brother, sure is a surprise. And your looks are fascinating."

Don hummed and shrugged his shoulders. Mike came into the kitchen, peeking at the table to see if there was any thing more eatable. "Don? I have to go. I have to call Candace and she had some address and someone to call "

"Call Candace? Watch it then, Raph might get jealous!"

"What?! Naaahhh " grinned Mike and made a playful swat with his hand on Don's head. But turtle, as he was, Don just tucked his head and made an ugly face at his brother. The look on Maria's face when she saw it, made Don chuckle. She had a lot to learn about them

"Alright. You go. Maria still has much to tell me."

Mike grabbed his jacket and baseballcap and walked out. He looked back at the apartment. "Go easy Don "

But even if he tried to play cheerful and happy most of the time, he too wanted someone. Someone to love, someone to care for and just be his. He sighed, aimed for the subway and headed towards his apartment.

"They always get the good looking' babes. I'm gonna end up with a real troll."

Later on, after the dark had settled over the area.

Candace sighed as she turned off the computer. The office was almost empty of people. A total opposite from earlier on when she'd had all the decorators in along with the marketing staff, and the advertising group. She rubbed her eyes. And she'd only owned this for the past two years.

"Arghhhh " she mumbled as she stretched her arms high to get all the stiffness out of it. Something grabbed her hands and she suddenly couldn't move.

"Hellloooo sweetness " someone said and her eyes met with a big brown pair.

"Raphael... Don't do that!" she said, but the edge in her voice wasn't there.

Raph smiled a wicked grin and shook his head "I hardly think you'd be the one to stop me " As he moved aside, releasing her arms, she saw that he wasn't alone. Michaelangelo was with him, waiting in the shadows by the open window of her office.

"Mike Oh, good. Come in. "

"I haven't spoken to Kelly yet, but I am going there tonight "

"You haven't? Then why on Earth did you want me to find a safe house if she doesn't even know about this?" said Candace, her brows knotting slowly. She looked quite angry, glaring at Mike.

"I wanted to have it all fixed, then tell her. I am sure she'll remember. "

"Yes, I do hope she does, otherwise, my efforts is wasted." said Candace and handed him a note. "This is the phone to a childhood friend of mine. She's named Susan Monroe and has a ranch outside the state. "

Mike looked at the number, and stuffed the note in his jacket. "Thankyou "

"Make sure you find good use for it." she mumbled, giving him finally that smile he hoped for. He didn't particularly like having people with a grunge against him. Mike climbed out thru the window and down the fireescape. Candace office was on the back of the house, giving him a good safe route down to the ground. He saw Raph pull the window closed, but a short piece of the conversation slipped out, "...movies? Then your place?"  

As far as he'd seen, Kelly was back in her own house. He'd stayed outside her window sometimes, listening to her moving around. "Better remember me "

He pushed the button and a tingling sound was head. Michaelangelo waited under the pale lamp as her steps came closer to the door. When it was opened, he saw her again, for the first time close up and healed. She was beautiful, with soft peach skin and thick curly brown hair falling over her shoulders. She was dressed in an old cardigan and tights. In the light from the lamp, she couldn't really see him.

"Yes? Who are you?"

"Remember me?" he said and lifted his head, letting the light fall over his face. Kelly stared at him, mouth falling open.

"You? You're that guy from DeMarco's house!"

"The very same!"  

She did remember him. Kelly just didn't expect to see him again. She rarely dared go outside nowadays. She'd had been forced to quit her secretary job, had 24 hours a day police alarm ready to use and lived like a nun, trapped in her own home. And all of this had happened just because she walked a different way home that night. And three days of pure hell had ended in a rescue like no other. When she'd been at the hospital, she'd started to believe that it had all been a dream. That the strange rescuer had just been a drugdream and that it had all been an illusion. But one of the nurses at the hospital had mentioned a man calling repeated times, claiming to be called Michael Angel. At first she didn't believe it, but she had a faint memory of someone saying a similar name, someone with a softer male voice. Now, she was one of the leading witnesses against DeMarco's gang. The accusations against DeMarco had been so strong, that if he ever set his foot on USA ground again, he would be on death row.

"Come in! I have so much to ask "

Mike followed, looking around as they walked thru the hall and into the big livingroom. It was decorated with heavy oak furniture, shelves upon shelves with books and old English paintings and carpets.

"Where did you steal this room? From Sherlock Holmes?"

Kelly smiled and shook her head, "No My father came from England, and he brought most of his grandfathers furniture and stuff with him. I grew up here. "

Mike looked at a painting of a red-haired proud man in an old styled, maybe mid 1800's costume. He looked at the small brassplate with an inscription. "What does it say?"

Kelly joined him, looking at the painting. "That is Lord Fabian Jersey. He was a rather unknown lord, didn't make much noise in England. He is my great grandfather."

Mike looked at her, eyes going big. "You're an "

"Yes, lady. Royal blue blood. " she added and smiled. Mike whistled and touched the painting. It was smooth and even. And original work as well. He estimated that it would be very expensive to sell on the market. And the rest of the interior was just as breathtaking.

"Come. I want to show you the house. It's... big!"

Kelly, whose last name was Jersey as well, took him up to the top floor. Up there, she had the study, along with some old antique lamps and clothes. "I wish I could show you the dresses I have here, but they are going to be sold to a museum in Washington. I need the money." she said, trying not to sound to disappointed at the fact. Mike nodded and looked around. In the faint light, he spotted and old case, and pulled it down from its shelf. "May I open it?"

"Sure. It's an old doctor's bag. Lots of old instruments and dried up medicines." Mike sat down on his knees and gently pried the old rusty hinges apart. It opened up with a gush of odours and strange smells. And even if Kelly maybe didn't scent it, Mike did and made an awful face.

"This is neat! What more do you have here?" he asked as he held up an old stethoscope. It was still functional. Kelly sat down as well, digging into the old crate she had beside her. And before they even noticed it, hours passed by and late evening turned to night.