New Beginnings *Six years later* (December) *Hamato Clan*

Raph was a little more confident now with Erica's reassurances. Cradling his little one, he headed to the bed and took a seat just as Leo's announcement broadcast, alerting that they had visitors...a community that had been close to them...

..something terrible had happened, and seeing little Judith on screen, the child wise beyond her years holding back her emotions, that was enough indication of how extreme the situation was.

Raph knew how close Erica was to that community, having made several trips, a d how much she adored Judith.

"Go..I think yer needed out there.." He told his sister in law, softly nuzzling his now sleeping little one. Already wishing he could protect her from life's cruelties. "We're okay... they're not..."

Noah was sad that Sandy couldn't stay. He wanted to protest, to ask his parents if he could go stay with her, to protect her, but he was scooped up by his dad and placed into bed next to his already sleeping brother. With a pout, he pushed himself up just as the announcement began, but he had no idea what was being said.. but there were images on the screens!

******************************


Judith had been struggling to hold her composure. She remained quiet through the instructions and rules, taking everything in despite the overwhelming ache in her heart. Sparing a glance beside her, wishing that the void would be filled by the presence of her brother, but there was only the cold, heartbreaking reality that he was truly gone....

A lone tear escaped her best efforts, but she was quick to wipe it away. Even being surrounded by so many people, for the first time in her life, she felt...alone.

*****************************


Ally wasn't sure what to make of everything. When someone spoke, she hesitated to answer. Announcement and rules, and she eyed the man that called himself the Joker, still unsure about him.. and the one leading them to wherever they were going....

This place was unlike anything she had ever seen before ...so many people and other beings...it was intimidating....part of her wanted to run, but...there was food here...

Leo wrote:

Leo hesitates on going, turning back. " Judith, would you like a little time in the mess hall with me? though better tell Daryl or Michonne first so they don't worry... I feel Erica will be hear soon and she'll need you to take the news." offering a hand to the young warrior, and Judith could probably use Erica's comfort and closeness too. He saw she had the gift Erica had said she so wanted. And also the child had a heavy weight and sadness and well he couldn't take it away from her but maybe he could help her find rest tonight.

Elena smiles she'd stood in the makeshift infirmary door and could instantly tell when Dieair moved her way, " some night huh?" she asks her new cell mate smiling.


~~


Lilo in passing with a trolley to be cleared spied Joker and Jumba and Ally and called out gently, " Ally... hey glad to see you here, come on want to give me a hand with this stuff? and Jumba that's the Joker, he'll need a rat to watch him." oooh yes he was not going to go about to do as he pleased and caused mayhem here as he had helped be a part of in the Mall. She sends a sms to alert Leonardo he was here.


Jumba ooohs and eyes the male human with some wonder, but shrugs and lightly encourages Ally after Lilo with a gentle push.


~~


Erica blinks, her shimmering skin and bright eyes turn to Raph, she manages a smile and nods moving closer briefly to kiss their cheeks. " we already all love you jade - sooo much - and you Raph, you got this I wont ever be far and Splinter is in his room up here so if you have worries just sing out.' she pats the massive shoulder.


Then just like her husband she is light and fast and gone.


To the door way and puling her turtle armour suit back on, the light dress off - hurrying away


To Splinters room first, yes there her once excitable babies resting with their Ratpa, he was telling a story, Edna in there with them. She smiles and hurries away rushing back down the stairs.


Feeling about her belt and yep there it was one of the alien experiment pods Lilo had given her. One had gone to Elena the blind teen. Maybe it was time for Leroy to be rehabilitated, given a new purpose too as Judiths companion?


Ooooh she wished she could get there quicker! But she was on her way, below the ground through the sewer, storm drainage, tunnelling between the Tower and surrounds to the Pigsty.

Dieair pulled her blanket from her bed and laid it out on the floor next to her bed. She then knelt down in the middle of the blanket and was going to start her nightly prayers when Elena spoke. It seemed the young woman was actually her roommate. That was a little annoying. She would have liked to have a room to herself. But maybe there wasn't enough rooms for that luxury.

Yeah It's busy. She answered.

I think everyone is settling down for the night now though. But I'm sure tomorrow will be busy as well.

" Very, our king will probably want to thank all volunteers in the morning. See you then sometime." she winks her blank sightless eyes and backs away slowly, no Dieair had this space to herself for now, no one was forced to house a teenager or child or indeed share a space.


They were asked to volunteer and then compatibility was tested. After all the less conflicts the community had the better they were all off.


Eville followed at her feet waving a goodnight at the huge troll.


Elena had one of those exceptions she could move about as she pleased all times of the night. Wellbecause she was blind she had no secrets any one nefarious could hope to get out of her and well no one try more than once thanks to the little alien by her feet.

I look forward to speaking to him. and yes I will see you tomorrow.

Dieair waved back and once they were gone she made herself comfortable on the blanket again. Usually when worshiping the loas she would have a gift, incense, prayer beads. But all of that was at her home back in her world. She did plan on making new beads tho.

So she did what she could. Even though she didn't feel the presence of her loa. He was nowhere on this world. But still she was loyal to her god.

After she worshiped she picked up her blanket and headed to bed. She looked forward to what tomorrow was going to bring.

There were no hard feelings on his part, and Dwight hope they knew that, but he was exhausted and still trying to get his bearings after everything that had happened, and not yet knowing the full extent of it.

Healed, but still extremely sore and fatigued, the 'mutation' obviously becoming weaker with each host, he wouldn't possess any of tbe benefits that Mikko had adapted, and the full effects yet to be seen. What he had taken from Mikko quenching his thirst and craving for now. The thought of blood far from his mind for now...

Making it to his feet, he took Sherry's hand and went without protest into the containment quarters, destined for the cot. His blood soaked clothes adding to his discomfort and chilled state.. those would have to cone off.

Sherry thanked everyone and went with Dwight. It had been a long draining night and both of them needed sleep. But first Dwight needed to change. So, as soon as he sat down on the cot she took off his shirt and replaced it with a clean one.

She tossed the dirty shirt in the corner and laid Dwight down. She then took off his shoes and placed them beside the bed.

She peeled off her own shoes and crawled into the cot next to Dwight pulling the fresh blankets over them both.

Get some rest. She told him and kissed his cheek.

Now that that drama was over Michonne left the others to go back to Daryl and Sandy.

Finding them she scooped up Sandy and gave Daryl a hug.

Lets get to bed. Tomorrow is going to be busy.

A softer sound in the back of his throat and he drops the lord... the lion king...

kneeling to Judith's level and offering not his hand but his open arms to her instead. " I know it feels like it now... and everything has changed. but you are not alone in the world." tone very light and welcoming a slight comforting churr under his words.

April pauses by Judith and Leo smiling, " Donatello, Casey and I will stay near the floor to keep an eye on the TreeToppers." a gentle hand on the girls shoulder and light push forward into those massive powerful arms for a hug, nothing felt as secure as a hug from one of the mutant turtles, they were big and strong and honestly were good people and they all treated Judith like a niece, Leonardo especially given how close the little ass kicker was with Erica.


" thanks April and tell Casey and Donatello thanks too if I don't see them again tonight.'


She grins and nods, but stays until there is a hug.


~


Donatello had lightly squeezed Dwight's shoulder, he knew the man would understand. A nod at Sherry. The containment had held up getting the pair new clothing. but as Casey makes sure a smallish black coated rat was on guard of the room for the night so he could alert to trouble Donatello touches Sherry's hand briefly. " Dwight will be monitored through the night if there is anything at all - anything just alert the rat there or who ever is checking on yous. New cloths will be by the door for yous to change into when ready and towels and toiletries, that ratbeast Ron will be with yous until containment is up.' all in whispers because the pair were getting ready for bed and now that tubing and needles and restrains were all gone, the chair removed it was time for him and Casey to leave. They do so far more silently than men of their size to.

Mikey first before wheeling out after Lilo made sure the group's members had water and cups and fruit to munch through the night.
Mulberries.
Peaches.
Nectarines.
Lemons.
Limes.
Mandarins.
Figs.
Papayas.


The kinds of things that grew quick and and yeilded large crops if treated right. And well Mikey had a green thumb. Literally!


He stops behind the Jumba, Joker, Ally and Lilo procession waiting for a clear path and to try not spooking the unsure looking youth any further. Smiling oh yeah he recalled the Joker too. they were not going to lock him up here without due cause but a watch detail of a loyal to the turtles only rats would make getting up to mischief a lot harder.

It was such a relief, feeling the sticky, blood soaked hoodie being removed, replaced with something much cleaner, much warmer. Still, the scent of his own blood was overpowering, and he could still feel the stickiness on his skin. A bath would have been welcomed, but being isolated probably meant that wouldn't happen.


Curling up on the large cot, he tugged Sherry down with him, snuggling against her. He was still disoriented and confused but for the moment, content. Sherry's heartbeat, though quiet seemed to reverberate in his head, but it was soothing.


Finally allowing his eyes to close, he nuzzled against her, comforted by her scent and warmth. He knew just how close he had come to leaving this world.

"Love you, Sher."

Those open arms would not have to wait long. Judith closed the distance, wrapping her little arms around Leo's neck, feeling the heaviness in her heart finally becoming too much. The hug that gave her unspoken permission to feel it, let it have it's moment.

Burying her face against Leo's shoulder, she finally allowed the quiet tears to fall....

"I dunno...guess after bein' on my own for so long, when Aaron took me in, forgotten how good it felt to have someone care, you know? And Gracie..." It was obvious that Aaron's adoptive daughter had him wrapped around his little finger..

He yawned firefly, eyes flickering beneath the rug of sleep. "Yer right tho. Gotta talk to 'im."

He was slightly taken aback by her comment about Aaron potentially 'stealing' him. Was she...claiming him? Surely she had not moved past her dead husband yet...

He managed to stay awake through Leo's speech, but soon after was pulled into blissful rest.

.~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•~•

Scared and confused, Ally wanted to run. But then she was asked to help. She soared a long look at Joker, still unsure of the guy...then a glance at the unique being that had addressed her. Finally, a slow and unsure nod...why would anyone want her help?


She was still in awe of the Turtles. Seeing Mikey, she spared a small grin in his direction, despite feeling out of place. And then, another glance in Joker's direction, unsure of his plans. Was he staying? If he left, would she be going with him?

Sherry happily laid down next to Dwight and pulled the covers over them. HEr body relaxed under the covers and her husbands hold. She wasn't worried about what Dwight would do if anything. She trusted him, trusted that even if he did get hungry he wouldn't harm her. Soon her eyes closed and she started to drift off to sleep.

Love you too. She told him before being pulled to sleep.

Mikko's eyes closed but only for a moment. Soon she felt the bed move and looked up seeing little Evelyn get between her and Gabe. She held the covers up for her daughter to get under and once she was comfortable between them, Mikko wrapped her arm around both of them and went to sleep.

That was a lot of rules Joker thought to himself after Leo was done talking. He figured he wouldn't last long there, but would at lest get a good nights rest. It was obvious that no one trusted him there, even Ally didn't seem to trust him fully. He needed to change that. Not that he needed Ally for anything right now. But you never knew when she could come in handy.

The others were taking Ally somewhere and the girl seemed confused.

Joker gave Ally a smile and put an arm around her shoulder.

Give my girl a break. Let her rest for the night. Come on Ally, I think I saw a chocolate bar in the junk they gave us.

Erica wrote:

She couldn't stop when she passed the group crowding about in the hall. Wending her way through them and between joker and Ally. A breeze past Mikey and over to Judith and Leo. Into his arms just as he is closing them around - now both her and Judith, tears already down her cheeks. [color=#1E90FF]" judith.... oh Judy I am so sorry!"

Dawwwwww a deep churr vibrates Leo's entire being, he lifts Judith gently and just as he is embracing her with one arm and nuzzling her little shoulder.


She is there, and with them, he turns in time to meet the beautiful blond young woman, his wife, the queen, gathering her in his other arm and pulling her tight against Judith.


And he is strong enough to simply lift both females and carry them off to the more, at the moment given it is not meal times, fairly empty mess hall for a little privacy for Judith and Erica in these moments of,

Lilo rolled her eyes at the Joker. " what you saw was chocolate fudge, come on Ally your not his girl and you don't need his permission and or follow his orders... but your help with me would be appreciated." lightly guiding the girl away from a potentially abusive situation. A gentle but firmness to her tone for the unsure looking girl, adding with a grin, " and meet Mikey here properly he is a hoot and a half." bit of a grin over her shoulder at him.


She could hear the Mikey start after them.



And encase the guy thought of arguing more Stitch clatters into the space to follow along too adding a dangerous hiss to remind the guy how had dragged his butt about before. This time at the very least he is not being imprisoned but he'd be wise to let go of this silly 'my girl' thing he has no right to.


Jumba shrugs, the rat waiting with them on guard detail listening. The alien give Joker a push the other way. " come on you will have a open empty cell. it will have some snack foods, maybe some fudge too there." maybe a lower floor one away from the mid floor ones that were larger once drunk and holding cells and housed mostly the couple of families that didn't want to transition into the community or were waiting to. And away from the top floors where Elena and Dieair had spaces to themselves and possibly Ally soon.

Mikey grumps as he passes, all in play, " chocolate bar - man I am a chocolate god - that is the best damned fudge anywhere!" well according to Mikey that is. And he is following the girls ahead - amused by Stitch's warning hiss, little alien looked cute and cuddly and so soft and fluffy but could be anything but!


" And thanks by the way - we'll put the spare unused stuff away, pile a trolley with some more cloths for the TreeToppers and a laundry bucket and lock up the storage." well not the main storage but storage of the supplies. Nothing matched. The trolleys they had were a mix of lunch, mail and janitorial trollies. The toiletry bags left for all would contain a large hair, hair towel, face cloth and mis matched soap/ shampoo/ condition bars with toothpaste and sanitary stuff for the ladies. mostly gathered over the years from the surrounding city. Some grown. So all the newbies could have a wash tomorrow either before or after joining in chores and or activities.


And to Ally, " heeey cutie, you okay? New to the TreeToppers? and hereI guess."

As Lilo, Stitch and Mikey are gently encouraging Ally along with them, mostly through happy distraction and urging she'd be helpful which she would, any extra hands was helpful Don and Casey finally leave the containment area and the pass the once upon a time briefing room held the TreeToppers they hear Jumba and head towards him. Casey stretching and eyeing Joker, he looked familiar....

they were out and oooh man it had been a long day. He wanted to check in on Raph but no they had to stay close tonight. He raised an eyeridge at Lilo but chuckles a little and joins Jumba and joke with Casey. " we'll stay down here too Jumba gotta be close tonight to these people encase something goes wrong."


A gentle smile at Leo and Judith - and it's sort of sad too, the poor child had lost so much, still she had Leo and Erica right now and that was something as far as comfort went.

She was last out aside from the older community members keeping an eye on the TreeToppers. She turns off most the lights so they could get a good sleep smiling, she would catch up with Glenn tomorrow properly.


Spotting her lovers and grinning moving closer to hug one on either side of her for a moment, " I will take the first watch if you two get some rest my loves." glance over as Erica passed by quiet and quick as a shadow, right into Leo's arms with the little warrior they both adored.

Judith hugged them both, trying hard to control the tears, but hearing Erica's voice broke what little resolve sbe had left. The quiet, but no less emotional tears finally fell, her small form shaking in their arms...

.. she had lost her Family. Beth, and then her brother....


"I...I didn't get to say goodbye..." Her voice trembled beneath the weight of her emotions. And she knew, this was life. Goodbyes could rarely be spoken, she had never had that opportunity with any of her loved ones, but knowing their bodies were still back at treetop, perhaps too far gone to even get a proper burial.. and the regret...


"If I had been with my brother, maybe I could have saved him..." She clung to Erica, now burying her face against her shoulder.