CHAPTER 22: JULIA

Down the road behind her, where her bar is, a loud explosion was heard.   Looking back slightly she saw smoke come out.  She sighed.  It’d happen eventually she knew, that a place like that would go up in flames.  So much went wrong in the last couple years.. and now she wanted it to end.  Maybe it was a sign of God to quit being an hooker and stripper.  She then thought to herself.. this was it. This was the last one.  Opening the paper up, she read the address of the hotel, the room number, what floor and then the name.  Jimmy Puzorelli.

The crime boss.  Walking down the street, covering her neck more with her fur coat, she was getting cold.  And she felt weirded out.  She thought the creature that saved her was ugly and frightened her to death.  But it seemed human almost.  Living. Real. Like her.  And it did save her life.  It was probably dead now. 

Ahead of her, in the distance, one of her clients three choices of a hotel, was the Ramada Inn.  She began walking down the cross walk, the light turning at the right time.  She had luck, she had to admit.  Today, was an odd day.  But she was alive. And that was all that mattered.  And now... she was going to get her brains fucked out, and get paid for it.  And she was going to get her life back together.

Julia began walking up the drive way of the Ramada, slipping the note into her pocket.

THIRD ITERATION OF THE CLAN OF THE TURTLE

The Changes in Us all Grow rapidly. As our Sensei teaches us, for one to realize the change, one must stop the struggle within, and create a nexus of tranquility. Only then one can send a message out across the seas of one’s sub-consciousness -- a message to those who listen;  both near... and far.”

LEONARDO

CHAPTER 23: PUZORELLI

Hey there beautiful.”  Jimmy Puzorelli opened the door and smiled. He was in a robe, white and fluffy; right out of the closet, and smoking a freshly lit cigar.  The image of the hooker in the doorway pleased him, like all others who knocked on his door at this hotel room, on this particular day of the week, in every third week of the month.  But either way, he was full of lust, and his eyes showed it.  Julia too, saw this, and hated that look. 

Julia had done guys like these for a great deal of time.  These are the kind you try to stay away from. Not just because of the whole crime syndicate thing.  The mob thing doesn’t worry her the most.  Usually, when they have that robust-like look in their eyes,  it means abusive.  She had seen many friends in her lifetime leave her life, and she didn’t want to lose her own.  She had come to value life as of late, especially since wanting to break the mold she had gotten herself into it.  Her season of discontent was soon to end, for this, she kept telling herself, would be the last time. 

Entering the room, she paused. 

This guy, was a professional.

Sitting in the table which all hotels offer, was the money, laid out, crisp bills. Fresh, right out of the bank.  And next to it, was wash clothes, and a bowl of water.  Usually, this was what one such as Julia searched for when you came into a client’s room.  And despite that look, that eerie feeling she felt from him, like all clients she seemed to like for being polite and kind, she wanted to talk first, sex later.  And this case was no exception.  Of course, this would be a problem, if her client had other things in mind.

Ready to get filled in more ways in one, and I do mean more than spiritually?” the snide comment came.

She ignored it.  Let’s sit down and talk first.”

Dirty talk?”

No. Talk. Human conversation. You do... do that... don’t you?” she replied back.  His face was that of surprise. 

You know who I am?”

Yes, I have a round about idea of who you are.”

Well-”

But that doesn’t matter.  I’d like to get to know you alittle bit first.” and she sat down on the edge of the bed.  He walked over, standing next to her, he began to lean back, when she held his arm.  She ushered with her free hand to the couch in the room.  He didn’t like it, she could tell, but she was going to make her last time, in some way, human and almost... like a real relationship.  Maybe that was why she did it.  For the love and joy she got.  She was somebody. Here, people wanted her. Needed her.  With out it, she is just another face in the crowd.  A nobody.  And as Tomas Ripley once said, It is better to be a somebody, than a nobody...”

****

He gasped, as he continued to run.  Onlookers did the same at his appearance, and judgment was to get out of sight. It was a good call. 

In the alley, Donatello tried to catch his breath.  The move was daring. It was also very foolish.  He sat there, and tried to control his mind.  The sense of logic was seemingly disappearing from his collective consciousness, and he was getting tired.  His shell resting upon the back of the wall, he slowly let his legs slide further away from his body, which slowly sunk, until his hind was on the ground.   Rubbing his head, wiping the glistening sweat away from his flesh, he then stopped, and looked around. 

Julia.

He knew that they would follow.  And she had left.  The door was near where he created his exit.  Now... by all accounts, they could find her. They’d rape her. And they’d kill her, for sticking up for him.  A mutant murdering freak.  Donatello realized he had no reason to stand up for that girl.  She now, has caused nothing but trouble.  But... who really... was causing the trouble at this juncture in time? Who was it, decided it was wise to flaunt in a public place, a very public place.  There was no thought in his actions anymore.  No cause and effect answers that was hitting his mind.  Specially as of late.

It was his brother’s fault. All of them.  Raphael’s included. 

No... it was his own.  And deep down, he knew it.  Donatello held his head in hands, as he sulked.  He had been sulking for the last... god knows how long.  Hiding in a church. Why? Because big brother hurt his feelings.  They weren’t treating him like an outcast. He was becoming an outcast.  Many times, Donatello read in Time and Newsweek of Physiological problems consisting of such matters, and he found them trite and inconceivable.  But now, he was living the article.  And he hated it.  And that is why, he was hiding in the church.  But no, it couldn’t be it.

The thoughts of such self-brought pain and misery vanished, as he got back up, wiping the tears from his eye.  The red eye began to activate itself, making anyone near, that it was on, the bright light, red like blood, illuminating the walls of the alley.

He found her steps.  He thinks.  And he does remember that it was a hotel.  If his calculations would be right, and they usually are, he would be heading straight... for one of the five hotels down the way.  Donatello looked around. He needed to travel by shadows.  It had been too long. Yet, he’d enjoy it.  You know. Doing the ninja thing.  He hadn’t done it in such a drawn out period.  And so, Donatello turned towards the dumpster, which above it, circling like a funhouse staircase, was a fire escape. 

****

Donatello sighed.  AS he hid at the corner, he looked up.  there were many lights on.  And one of them, was-- wait.  He’d use.. well yeah. His suit can do anything else, right?  It’d HAVE to have a sound bug control device of some sort.  A satallite dish of some sort.  As the thought of such entered and exited his thoughts, a small dial spat up, creating a dish. And inside, an antenna shot up.  Thru the bottom floor, it paned down.  Slowly it panned up, and thru Donatello’s mind, he heard thousands of different conversations and sounds. Some were rude. Some were joyful. Some were groans, some were snores.  Sometimes there was silence.  And then, he paused.  Moaning.  Looking up, he zoomed in his readings and located a certain spot.  Seeing three rooms with their lights on, he then looked above him.  There, was a tower next to it.  And of course, a fire escape.  Donatello ran for the ladder.

As his fingers grabbed hold, the figure with the sweatshirt behind him just watched him climb up, ignorant of his surroundings. 

The first level.  The second level.  The building was old, and seemed condemned.  Funny.  But as the higher he climbed, the more and more he saw signs of life living in the building.  And across the way, the floors of the hotel deminished with each new floor. Finally he reached one light.  He paused. 

They all must be asleep now, except that room.  Channeling the dish towards the room, he backed away and paused.  He could see inside, and yes, he had found the right room, tho the sound waves were some indication.  The dish disappearing in the metal which encased the latter half of his head, he continued his climb until he reached a part where statues were posted high, looking down at the streets below, as if some sort of guardian of the building.   Their architecture was slightly askew from most other buildings in the area, specially of such fine works of art, but the building definitely had some weird type feel to it. 

As he continued to watch, his cybernetic sensors were reading off the hook.  It was odd. And if he is reading it correctly, it’s as if the major power blast was heading straight... for...

- Him.

The blast shot upward, and like a grenade, the debris like shrapnel, went flying upwards, impaling him.  Landing backwards on his shell, he felt pain enter his body.  And smoke was everywhere. He couldn’t see a damn thing.  Someone had attacked him.  But who, and why?  Did this gangster see him?  Who was the gangster anyway? She overheard her say a gangster of mobster of sorts, but... exactly who?  If it was Puzorelli, then he was in deep shit.  And he shouldn’t be here.  As the smoke started to fade like the starts in the morning sky, he slowly crawled backwards to get support on the ledge bricks, and he gripped the gargoyle.  His head cocked up, as another blue red fireball hit the gargoyle. 

The debris flew everywhere and there were flames still lingering on the rocks and stones, and thru it all, a hand made it’s way out of the rubble.  As it searched for a way out, the tunnel was looking dim.  The light had expired on this fellow, and he was trapped.  The hand stopped moving, as the smoke filled the sky once more like a veil.

****

Looking up from under his sweaty shoulder, Julia looked behind him.  Nothing could be see, except Jimmy’s butt under the covers.  She heard a loud noise.  Jimmy too, was startled, and was looking out the window.  As he rolled off her, and reached for his boxers, Julia scurried back to the bead board, and held the covers up to her torso.  What the hell was that? Sounded like... a train.. or...

That wasn’t a fucking train.” Jimmy exhaled, as he reached for his jacket.  Inside, he pulled out a revolver.  Julia’s eyes grew wide, like a child on Christmas Day. 

Looking out the window, opening the curtains all the way, he saw in the distance, smoke.  Nothing else.   Jesus. Looks like a fire or something.”

Then the knock came. 

Jimmy turned his head back.  Julia didn’t like that look.  It was a look of desperation. Desperation of killing someone. But also, the desperation of being the hunter, not the hunted.  He looked up at the peephole, and saw  hooded sweatshirt.  The figure had his hands in his pockets, back to the door.

Who the fuck is it.”

Turning around, a large blast hit the door, sending Jimmy backwards a few inched.  The door now ajar, the figure looked down at Jimmy.  Taking his hood off, revealed a man seemingly made of pure metal.  I... am Canyon, my dear boy.” he spoke in an British accent.  And put that gun down. You might hurt someone.  Since... guns? Civilized? Can’t we talk this out?” the wry crack came.  The figure went backwards, as a green gray oozed out of where the bullet entered his stomach.  Jimmy, leaning back on one hand, slowly stood up.  Julia was taken back.  Frozen like in a wax museum. 

 Oh dear god...” Jimmy turned to her.

 You shut up, and I won’t kill you.” he sneered.  The gun was thrust in her face.  Got it, bitch?”

 Yes! I got it, I got it!!” 

 Get fucking dressed.  Get your fucking five grand and get the fuck out of here.  Shit. I gotta get the fucking clean up squad, man...” He cursed more and more, as Julia went for her bikini top, and g-string.  As she slipped her left foot and then her right, pulling up, thru the smoke out the window, something caught her eye.  A peeping tom? Maybe?  No... it was metal.  Glimmering.  Or was it a hand?  It seemed like both.  And it was moving.  As she slipped her top on, she saw it move again.  And again.

Jimmy was sitting on the bed, holding the phone in his lab, the curly wire connecting the base and the receiver dangling.  In his hand, he talked into the crescent like receiver.  Yes!!!” he cursed.  No, This guy, I have no clue who he is.  No.”  he must be talking to one of his superiors.  That must be it.  It had to be it.  But the money was good.  And she was in.  Discarding the towel wiping the fluids off her legs, she took the money on the table and entered it into the contents of her pocket.  She froze.  She pointed at the floor snapping her fingers at Jimmy.  Jimmy in response held the gun up at her.

Now, now, now.” the English voice implied.  Still using a gun?”  Jimmy stood up, turning around, as Canyon’s arm was outstretched at him, aimed at his torso. 

His finger was becoming edgy.  He didn‘t need more blood.  Maybe he could beat him to death with something.  Do I have to fucking shoot you again, you sick fuck?” The finger rested on the trigger, as he cocked the gun.   Upon doing so, a deep warmth surged thru Jimmy’s stomach, as if some one was rubbing Icy Hot all over his stomach and chest.  And then, the pain started to set in. As if he ate something that didn’t agree with him. White spots seemed to block his visual, and the gun was beginning to shake in his hand. And that is when he felt his intestines in his other hand.  As Jimmy falls to his knees, he felt a tight grasp around his neck, so tight that his hold on his own intestines was no more, and they dangled from the oraphace which used to be his stomach.  Canyon holding him high in the air smiled wickedly at him. 

Julia watched, so tense a cramp in her right calf began to grow sore, as Canyon began to glow and turn aflame.  The flames looked like a pretty version of green and blue fireworks, as a large blast of green and blue shot Jimmy Puzorelli out the window in a ball of flames to his flesh rotting death below.  The screams of the mobster echoed thru her mind, as she held her head, trying to understand why this was happening to her.   It was supposed to be her last time.  Looking up, she saw Canyon looking at her, almost... passionately.

The man leaned towards her face, his hand feeling her breasts, pouting his lips, as if for a kiss, when he shifted his head upward, bobbing up and down, like a bird or an animal sensing danger.  Canyon smiled and ran his finger down Julia’s face.  Till another day, no?” the British accent came, and the tears gushed from her eyes, so much, she couldn’t see anything; her vision was blurred. All she saw was shadows. She was too scared to even raise her hand and wipe her tears from her eyes away. As the shadow seemingly disappeared, she sat there, feeling the snot run from her nose.  And that is when it got dark again.  The shadow was back.  Wiping her face, she looked up and saw Donatello looking at her. Screaming at the top of her lungs, her head went back.

The turtle grabbed her before she hit her head, and picked her up in his arms.  She was in shock.  The cops would be here soon, and want answers.  And he had to go somewhere... where they wouldn’t look for Julia.  He needed Sanctuary.

CHAPTER 24: SANCTUARY

As the doves flapped away in the dark night,  the roundish figure came into view.  Donatello jumped from the ledge to the ground of the belltower, and carried the woman to the small bed” of dirty rags which graced the bums of the New York City Streets.  Covering her up, he saw her face.  A flush of emotions overcame him and he smiled slightly, pushing back a strand of curly hair from her face.  Pushing it to the side, he then stood. 

The sun would be out soon.  And then... she would wake up.  Hopefully.  And if she did... she would be hungry..?

The door opened, it creaked.  Michaelangelo awoke from his slumber and peered at the shadowed figure in the doorway.  His heart strings pulled.  Donatello?” Mike exclaimed, jumping up from the cover and pillow on the couch with him.  He ran up as the lights flickered on, revealing Leonardo.  Leo!!” he sighed, as he hugged his brother.  Where have you been? You’ve been gone for a couple days!!!!”

I know, but.. I had to think a bit.  I’m fine now.  Any word from Raphael?”

Not really.”

You know, you should apologize to him, Leo.”

The turtle looked past his brother, gazing upon his sensei’s place of meditation.  And the rat was still there, in a deep trance. How’s Splinter?”

He has been like that since we came up here.”

What?” the turtle was curious.  Was he angry with him?  In Despair?  What could of casued it? Was he trying to find Donatello, maybe?  So many possibilities.  What happened, exactly?”

I don’t know, Leonardo.” Mike said as he walked back over the couch.  He is either meditating or looking out the window.  Frankly it worries me, Leo.”

It’s worrying me too.  I wish I never left.”

I wish Donnie never left.  I miss him.  I think the situation finally hit Splinter.” the tone in Mike’s voice grew serious.  No more laughable and loveable playful tone.  How odd for Mike to be acting like such.

Leonardo responded; The situation?”

The events that have been transpiring.  Don is still missing, you and Raph which by the way, you need to apologize to him.”

Come on, Mike-”

No! You need to do this.  I am not going to allow you two to fight and make this entire situation worse between us right now.  You know for damn well that as one, we are family and we get thru anything thick and thing.  Not by getting mad at each other and stomping off.  We haven’t been like this for a long time now.  It’s been the survival of the fittest between us since before the whole incident with D.A.R.P.A.” Mike looked forward into the glowing dim of the TV monitor.

Leonardo looked at his brother with a newfound respect.  Mike was somewhat older, more mature was what it was actually.  He had matured.  Maybe with Sara’s break-up which left Mikey silent for a long time.  Funny-- one minute they can’t keep their hands off each other, next thing you know, Michaelangelo and Sara are not an item anymore, and Mike won’t say why.  True, some things are not always meant to be, but... as a brother, it would of been nice to know what happened. That’s it.  Maybe that is what did it.  Sara and Mike’s break up.  Or what about Don’s leaving, or... maybe it was him and Raph fighting. And himself making the almost fatal blow, not Raphael. 

That is what you’re going to do, Leo, like it or not.  We need to be strong, and furthermore, together on this.” Leonardo’s face controted to show his emotions.  Mike using the corner of his eyes, saw them, and was displeased.  The hesitant Leonardo looked around as if clueless on...  sheets and pillows are in the closet. You know where that is at, but you’re sleeping on the floor over there near the heather. And don’t sleep over the vent. You’ll be super hot and I also figure starting a fire right now isn’t a good idea.”  and Leo nodded, grumbling.

And Michaelangelo smirked as his eye lids rested heavily.

The dank crisp air around her woke her up, and as if she was getting a thousand of needles pushed into her and jotted around, she looked around.  The abrupt shock of where she was at last and what she saw of what happened sent shocks of pain through out her body.  She looked as the warm blue blanket which seemed to be a large dirty rag covered her.  it was somewhat cold and she peered around the room. 

The room wasn’t a room at all it seemed, but in the center, was a large and copper-ish mold like bell.  Where was she?  A church? It had to be it.  But what church and why?  As the daze which surrounded her eyes like flames escaping the window which is that her eyes, she squinted down as she tried to stand up by leaning her hands back to give her support to her feet.  As her hand reached back, she felt a round cube-like cylinder.  And it was cold.  Looking at it, now clear as day, it was a McDonald's medium soft drink.  The straw was already in it.  Taking it in her soft hands, she began to sip.  The smooth and tangy orange juice flowed to her stomach, quenching her thirst but also small form of hunger.  And that is when the smell hit her.  It was a hashbrown.  As she rumaged thru the back there next to her, she pulled out a hashbrown and a McSuasage McMuffin with Egg.  Unwrapping the McMuffin, she began to devour the breakfast sandwich and chewed hastily.  Glancing down, smiling as she ate, on her fortune after what happened the night before, she then stopped as a shadow ran by her.  Darting her head upwards, she peered for the source.  No source.  Just a bird on the window seal. 

You’re awake.”

And there was the thing from the bar.  Looking right at her, in the distance, leaning against the back of the wall.  It was leaning against the wall, but leaning forward as well, allowing the light to hit it’s metallic chrome flesh.  Yes. I’m... awake...” she was able to get out. Her gaze moved down the outline of his body, trying to pick out the small details which filled her mind; the stubby-three fingers, the color of the skin mixed with metal.  I’m safe... aren’t I?” was the only thing that came to her mind.  The figure moved, and only readjusted himself, most likely into a more comfortable position.  She continued to eat as the turtle answered.

Yes.  You are safe here.”

Where is here exactly?”

New York Church of God.  Down a bit from where I rescued you-- pretty grusome scene.”

Yeah-”

I got your money though, so it’s okay.”

You did?” she was in shock.  She didn’t know how to respond or to ask why. 

Sure did,”  he quirked his head slightly, and tho his eye was closed, before she could speak, he continued. I put it in your fur coat’s pocket. It’s hanging up.” and as his arm extended, she saw in the corner neatly folded, was her fur coat.   She gulped the last part of her sandwich as she began to scarf down her hashbrown. 

So how did you... get breakfast? I mean you can’t just walk right in and get this.” she stopped as she got a sip of her drink.

No.  I can’, can I.” he sarcastically replied.  The shift in his movement startled Julia, for he was now facing her again, his head resting on his knee caps, his arms wrapping around his legs.  A freak like me can’t do that.”

Julia’s heart sank a notch.  No, that’s not what I meant.”

Surely it is.” the turtle snapped, his stance in his shoulders sinking.  He looked like a green and metal ball.  Either way, it’s a good question, but alas, it is a long story.”

I’m sure I have enough time.” Julia said, as she battered her eyes.  The turtle’s response was mixed, for Julia couldn’t tell.  I mean please, do tell.”

Well do you know what a ninja is?”

Sorta. Yeah. They where those black outfits and have those swords and surprise people.”

You almost have the correct answer, but actually, Ninjas study the art of invisibility, the art of ninjitsu.” the Turtle stood up and walked over to the ledge of the balcony, and sought downwards. 

Oh yea! I know what it is. You do all those kicks and punches and stuff.”

Somewhat.  Ninjitsu is actually the art of being invisible to all of his opponents around him and others of the like.” The turtle looked back at her.  She seemed confused.  It’s the ability of sneaking up on people.”

Ohhhhhh.”

Donatello didn’t know whether to laugh or groan.  He didn’t hear himself as he did a slight of both, as he looked back at the sun and the city below him.  Most people get it confused with many sublevels which use to equal up to ninjitsu. At least that is what our master taught us.”

Our?”

Yes.  I used to have brothers.  Three of them.  Michaelangelo, Leonardo and Raphael.  I am Donatello.”

Hi, Donatello.”

Hello--?”

Julia?”

The turtle chucked.  You don’t know who you are?” The girl came off quizzical. Your tone of voice raised at the end of your name, thus indicating that you are stating a question.  The girl nodded back and forth.  Okay, Julia. Well my master Splinter, he taught us ninjitsu.  I mastered the art of the bo, which is a wooden staff. My brothers, katana blade, nunchucku, and sais.” the girl was losing him, and he tossed his head back and forth with on how to continue on.  We were trained ever since we were mutating to avenge the death of my master. It was something I wish we had more control of then.  Now we live in constant fear of this enemy.  We fought off a man named Oruku Saki, alias the Shredder.  We defeated him, but his ninja clan was still after us.”  the girl seemed lost again.  The guys in black jumpsuits.” she replied with an ‘Oh’ and he continued.  After that, we have been bothered by these ninjas and many others ever since.” he stopped.  He walked towards her, and he saw the fear in her eyes, but yet she did not move.    Mind if I sit?” she nodded.  Thanks.”  the turtle sat down and then sat there indian style and peered at her. 

You sure you want me to continue?”

Julia nodded.  Yes, please.  A tad confused, but I think I can follow.”

She sat there in awe and in fear, for the turtle still was glancing at her, giving no emotion, just a blank.  Finally he rocked back and then his stance regained composure as he smiled.  You’re time, you’re dime.” he smugged.  I’m going to start at the beginning.  It all began with a man named Homato Yoshi and Oruku Nagi...”

****

Jesus, look at this place.” Mazzello said as she walked past the arm.  It took them how long to realize there was a body in the middle of the fucking pavement?” Tommy Horner’s crew were looking over the table and the bed, searching for fingerprints and the like as the scene photographer took a snapshot.  What the hell kind of hotel do they even have running here?  There are god damn people on both sides of the room, guests, and the smoke, fire and loud screams of pain mean nothing to these damned people? If I had the power I’d arrest every fucking one of them!!!” the yells echoed thruout the room and into the city, as Tommy Horner himself walked into the room.  Tommy, thank god you’re here. I have been freaking out.  Any word on our... john doe?”

The rigomoris already set in, and no we don‘t. We‘re having my guys at the lab trying to get an identification.  It‘s like that case before we were on.  Dental records may be the only I.D.” he replied as he walked towards Margaret.  And why are you pissed? You shouldn’t want to arrest anyone.  Get your head on straight.”

It is straight. I just can’t believe these fucking people around here. Four.” she turned and punched the wall, --four fucking hours before anyone found the body.”

Marge, come on, you’ve been working the FBI beat here for how many years?”

You’d be surprised. Since, it usually is a knock-off some stupid Hollywood film has.  New Yorkers never help anyone.  What a load of shit.  Out of all the people around a person, there is someone who helps.  Someone.”

Statistically not, specially in large cities, but that’s just what I know.” he grinned at her as she grew more outraged in her silence of just thinking about the situation.  He stopped looking over evidence which was in his team’s hand.  Hey Marge, we got something here.” he looked at his team-mate, Get everything you can on her and go to her house, where ever and question her.”  he handed her a pack of matches.

Opening up the matches, a name Julia Kamen was written in cursive writing and a large number.  She smiled for it was the best damn news she had all day.

****

So is your brother still running that clan?”

So many hours had passed, and Donatello and Julia still sat there, lying back, talking about Donatello’s orgins into the world he now knows; the Triceratons, Splinter, Utroms, Shredder, Carnage and Radical, Pimiko, DARPA, everything.  The more he talked, the more she seemed entranced by him. The more real and human he seemed. 

Human.  Funny.  When we say that, what does it really mean? Maybe that they have the ability to rationalize between right and wrong?  The movement of the arms and ability to walk bipedal? Either way, he seemed whatever human” meant, and he looked over at her, as she peered into his brown eye, gazing away. 

Yes.”

Long silence.  There hadn’t been that for a long time.  She assumed that it was so due to the fact they had been talking non-stop since he sat down next to her.  It was around seven at night now.  She ran her hand thru her hair as she tried to think of something to say.

So... what made you leave?”

The turtle’s eye shifted up at the scaffolding of the church.  He didn’t answer.  He just didn’t answer. 

Okay, well what is your favorite music?”

Mozart.”

Mozart? Mine is Bon Jovi, Sugar Ray.”

Bon Jovi, what year?”

Oh, I love all of their stuff.”

I don’t recall a Bon Jovi.  Did he perform in an orchestra or as a composer?”

She had to giggle at his child-like response.  No, silly! Bon Jovi is a rock band!”

Oh.” he sorta grinned.  I’m not a big fan of rock and roll.”

You should listen to it sometimes.”

I don’t know.  I have heard some of it thanks to Raphael, all that yelling of, ‘fuck this, fuck that, do drugs, scream scream ahhhhhhh’ stuff, just doesn’t get me into the groove. I want something with emotion and feeling. Something that moves me.”

Aw come on. Music like rock and roll can do that too!”

Naw.”

Yes it can.  Like Aimee Mann for example.  Duncan Sheik. And Even Bon Jovi.  All bands, even bands like Limp Bizkit and Kid Rock have their ‘ballad’ Donatello.” she couldn’t stop giggling.  All this time he had listened to classical music.

Limp Bizkit?” Donatello questioned, looking at her confused.  What’s a Limp Bizkit?”

All she could do, was laugh obnoxiously loud.  She tried not to blurt out Not much of TRL fan are we?” but instead her laughing persisted. 

Um I watch movies.” he said, almost as a small child, trying to outwit his opponent.

What's your favorite movie?”

2001, ET, Jaws, Gladiator was pretty neat.”

Mine was Magnolia.  I even had the DVD of it at home.”

Oh really? I didn’t hear much on that.”

It wasn’t a big success like Boogie Nights.”

Yeesh. Whatta flick. All them nights. And the boogiean, wow, there was alot of Boogiean in that.”

You never seen that have you.”

Okay, okay. I haven’t.” Donatello pouted.

Julia looked at him, rubbing her hand on his dome head.  It’s about porn.”

Donatello paused, and looked at her.  He looked away, trying to process it.  He looked at her again and she was being serious.  Boogie Nights??”

Donatello was making her laugh uncontrollably and she didn’t know why.  Julia knew she hadn’t laughed this hard in a long time. And it wasn’t a mockful laugh, but a giddiness she hadn’t knew she could possess for a long time.  But she was afraid she would be losing him. 

I love books too.  Dean Koontz and James Patterson.  Annie Rice.”

Oh wow, I do too!” 

What were your thoughts on Interview with the Vampire?”

It was good considering.”

My thoughts exactly!” she said as a yawn approached her mouth.  Gosh, I never felt so tired.” she said as she looked at him. Her smile began to sink, as her train of thought became ‘what to say’ again.  It’s... too early to go to sleep.” she sighed, as she looked at him.  He adjusted himself to look at her, laying on his side, his head resting in his hand.  Will you ever go back home?”

I have no reason to.  My home is here.”

Your brothers may miss you--”

They don’t miss me.  To them, I am just a freak.  Someone who slows them down.”

He was stubborn and angry.  The situation which did transpire he didn’t talk much about and she felt the weight of her eyelids beckoning.  She wasn’t going to talk to him about such touche’ subjects. Not now anyways. Well you’re not a freak to me.” she blurted out, as she slowly closed her eyes.  Before she could think about how she didn’t mean to say that, her mind rested, and her body relaxed.  She was asleep.

Donatello sat up, and looked at her.  She was asleep.  And Donatello was baffled.  Wow. She was tired.” he sighed as he walked over to the now night-filled sky.  The stars were blocked by the ambient light and only the mood in it’s second quarter lit the sky.  Looking back at the woman, he smiled slightly and covered her up.  As he blew out the candle he walked back to the ledge and leaned on it, and looked at the lights.  He shooed a pigeon away as he leaned there. 

Her one eye peering open, she saw the humanity in him.  The yearn to regain what was once lost to him.  To gain the love of his family.  The wind continued to blow, and she grasped the blanket tight, and saw his shadow peering at her, checking to see if she was not losing the cover.  He came back over, and in doing so, readjusted so it was nice and comfortable.  She felt like a spoiled child during a scary thunderstorm.  She felt.... loved. 

And as Donatello leaned back against the wall at the other side of the room, he smiled to himself and he felt the toll of the day of talking and thinking aloud get the best of him as he fell asleep. 

Donatello awoke, and his eye fluttered.  He felt woozy, tired.  As if he had had too much sleep.  Or maybe it was too little.  Either way, he sees that Julia is gone.  Crawling over, the so-called knee-guard of metal, a part of his kneecap, clinged on the murky brick floor, he grabbed the blanket rags where she used to be.  Feeling the ground, it was warm.  She had left recently.  Minutes ago.  Feeling the pain and tiresome muscles in his body weaken more, he collapsed to the ground, as two shoes approached him.

Oh god!” he mumbled aloud, as he rolled onto his shell and looked at the figure above him.  Wearing the collar of a priest, the man of an elder age, Father Wilson, kneeled down and tried to comfort the now panicking creature before him.  Don’t hurt me, study of science i am not...” was the words mumbling from the turtle’s beak. 

The gray hair from Wilson’s head began to float in the air almost as the cool yet calm breeze caught wind.  Sh-h-h.  I am only here to help.  You are a child of god, and I shall help you.  You seem tired.  Rest.” the turtle’s eye blinked and then closed, as if the weight of the eyelid could handle no more.  Bending down, he smiled, and covered the turtle up. 

Donatello felt warmth come over him, as the world became dark, and he felt alone.

The beads dripped down on his plastron as he jumped from his slumber.  The sun was out now, full blast, it was around... ten, maybe?  It had to be: the position of the sun proclaimed such.  But... it was a dream.  Wasn’t it?  It couldn’t of been true--

but as the turtle raised his head around the bell tower, Julia was gone, and he was where he dreamt he crawled to.  And next to him, was a paper plate full of McDonalds Food.  Peering, he began to eat the food, his teeth grinding upon the bread, egg and sausage.

And that is when the voice came from behind. 

Donatello dropping the food in his hand onto the brick-laid-out flooring, turned towards the door.  Father Wilson smiled as he looked at him, with loving and gentle eyes.  How is things?”

So it wasn’t a dream....

That young lady told me you were up here.  Quite frankly my dear boy, I wish your prescense was known here much sooner.”

Aren’t you scared of me? Terrified?”

Heavens no, boy.”

But I’m a freak of nature! I should scare you to death!”

Only the good Lord above could do such a deed.”

Oh.” the turtle nodded and began to eat the rest of the food on his plate. 

Your friend told me that you took her here after she was mugged.”

She said ‘mugged‘?”

Yes.”

Donatello wrestled the idea calmly.  Was she mugged?  She was somewhat in shock with what occurred in the hotel room...

She also discussed with me that you’ve been here for a long time.”

Yes.”

Why is it you sought out the church as your refuge?”

I... I don’t know. Peaceful. Quiet.”

I think you were looking for more than a physical and maybe mental form of peace from the world, son.” Wilson applied as he walked to the balcony and peered beyond into the city. 

I don’t believe in God.”

You don’t?”

Well, not technically.  I am more of a scientific guy.  Big Bang Theory.  You know, scientific discovery.” the turtle implied as he looked at Father Wilson. Wilson nodded as if thinking, taking his time to say what he is going to say.  I think that science has a plan for us all.  It has baffled me since my ability to think and reason beyond the form of my family.”

Maybe that is God’s plan.  and I think you do believe in God, just not whole heartily”

True.  I believe logically, there is a being of high magnatude that created the scientific ability behind it all.  I just don’t think, ‘oops, there is a planet, and there are some animals and then there is some man named Adam and a girl named Eve’.  I just don’t agree with that.”

You have faith, though, don’t you?”

Faith is something different.”

Not entirely my dear boy. Not entirely.” Wilson said as he walked over to him.

I just don’t have faith for some being, and can’t support it whole heartily, when it allows suffering and pain to all of his creations.” the turtle sneered, I have hid in the shadows all my life.  My life is at risk all the time.”

Maybe that is all apart of God’s plan, Donatello.” Wilson smiled quietly as he placed his hand on the hesitant Donatello.  Eventually in time, his plan is revealed.  Maybe you will serve a better purpose in the end, and that the shadows for now is where you belong.”

Donatello’s gears turned, Wilson noticed by watching his lone eye.  The turtle’s head turned up, and he looked him in the eyes.  How did you know my name?”

Your lady friend, Julia Kamen.  She came to me early this morning. Said I should take care of you and not to tell anyone about you.”

Do you know where she went?”

Worry not, Donatello.  Julia promised she’d be back around eight.  Nine would be the latest she would return.”

:: Chapters 19-21
:: Chapters 25-27

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