In the Arms of the Enemy (Raph x OC)

Chapter 2

Esme's POV

Laughing. That's what I was hearing. I looked up, seeing the silhouettes of the turtles. Their backs were turned to me, and they seemed to be joking with each other. I could feel my heartbeat speed up.

I wanted to call out. I wanted to call out so badly, but I knew that what I was looking at wasn't for me. Even if they did turn and accept me with open arms it wouldn't be the same.

I stared down at the ground. Even when I felt a presence settle next to me, I stared at the ground. Even though I knew it was Karai, I kept staring. And I could feel her staring, too.

I blinked my eyes open, the harsh light making me blink rapidly and wince as I tried to adjust to it. Once I was able to see clearly I looked around and took in my surroundings. I was in Stockman's lab laying on a table. To my side stood my father and Karai, who spoke in hushed voices before Karai noticed that I was awake and motioned towards me with her head.

"Finally, you're up," Shredder said as he turned towards me. I sat up, wincing slightly at the throbbing headache I had.

"What happened?" I questioned.

"You were able to get a good hit on one of the turtles, but Raph knocked you out while you had your back turned," Karai told me. As soon as she said that, the memories came flooding back. Along with a wave of guilt.

"Stockman gave me this medicine to give to you." He handed me a small bottle of pills."They should help with the pain. You got a concussion. You'll need to be careful these next couple of weeks."

"Thanks," I murmured, taking the bottle from him. Tiger Claw suddenly entered the room, all of us turning to him expectantly.

"We've gotten a response Master Shredder." Shredder seemed to immediately know what he was talking about and nodded his head.

"I have to go. Karai, be sure that nothing happens to your sister while she's recovering. She'll still be able to join you on patrols, but keep her on observation," he told her before following Tiger Claw out of the room.

"Yes, Master," she responded with a slight bow as he left. As soon as he was gone she straightened up and began to head towards the door herself.

"I'm assuming you're well enough to get to your room on your own, right?" she questioned, however the look on her face said she didn't really care otherwise and wasn't planning on helping.

"Yeah, I'm fine."

"Good." And with that she left.

I groaned, sliding off the table and made my way to my room as well. I opened the bottle, pulling out a pill and popping it in my mouth, hoping the effects would kick in quickly. My eyes closed, the splattering of blood on pavement flashing through my mind, a cry of anger from his brother, Raph, echoing in my ears.

"No Esme, keep it together. You did what you were supposed to," I pressed my fists against my head, conjuring up past memories to try and quell my guilt.

"You follow my orders, or you pay the price."

My father's growling voice wasn't enough to stamp out my traitorous feelings.

I flopped down on the bed, beginning to feel tired again. I knew I had already been asleep for who knows how long, but I still couldn't help the exhaustion that took over me. Maybe after this nap I'd start to feel better about everything.

. . .

"Stupid, you're so stupid," I muttered to myself, sprinting from rooftop to rooftop. Unfortunately my nap did nothing to stop the guilt I felt and before I knew it I was running around looking for those damn turtles.