"I Remember You" -- full fanfic ft. Splinter & Michelangelo

[Mindy]

As I've posted everywhere it seems, this is my first full-length writing project in years. I've been thinking on the story for over a year now, and last weekend it suddenly hit me to start writing it. Now it's like I can't stop!

I have two OCs guiding the story along (a female turtle + her half-breed daughter) that will go on to serve a purpose in my original works so this is my writing practice with my favorite fandom. I promise to handle them with care! It's hard for me to swallow the idea of a female mutant/turtle in fanfiction, too, but this is a personal writing challenge.

I'm shaky in my writing (been a while) but it's so therapeutic. I'm enjoying the story, the flow, and the characters. Hope you will, too!

"I Remember You" fanfiction.net link: http://www.fanfiction.net/s/6154479/1/I_Remember_You
My fanfiction.net account (for all of my one-shot TMNT fics and more) : http://www.fanfiction.net/u/1013080/


"I Remember You" summary: Splinter and his family are visited by two guests. Set up in a segregated world with very real life problems- financially and emotionally. Subtle action & magic; lots of character development and interaction. Updated canon characters.
Rated T+ (language)
1/17:  Chapter 44


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Chapter 1 :: Hello, My Name is ____.


The winds of the worlds had changed. The four Hamato brothers and their father rat could join society as legislation and laws were passed for the Non-Humans to merge with the majority. Blood and tears had been shed for a few signatures and votes, and the end result called for celebration that reflected through the stars. The Non-Humans felt proud, confident in their sacrifices and triumphs, and the ambition of a radiant future was as close as the hearts beating in their chests. There were still many roads to travel and laws to sharpen, but the minority held fast and clung to their solid expectations.

It was a slow progression and not all of the"Nons" had decided to join society. Some felt the comfort of their familiar surroundings was good enough and there wasn't a need to bleed into society, or just yet.

Nons came from around the globe, greeting countries' landmarks that had welcomed new settlers in past generations. This was a glorious age for the minority but not all of society opened their minds and hearts to such a physically, abnormally challenged race.

This is a story of that Age, one of the countless sagas of how families are intertwined and will find similarities in other groups..Battle changes feelings; war changes everything.



"Flight 3219 seems to be late," Leonardo Hamato mumbled, staring up at the screen and sipping on his fourth cup of water. "I hope it arrives soon."

"Airports make me nervous," a tense voice belonging to Donatello seeped from an opposite seat. "Just the whole idea of walking around in public hasn't sunk in for me yet." He wiped his wet palms on his trousers. "And clothes. They're itchy."

An announcement blared over the airport but nobody could understand it. Raphael rammed a toothpick between his back teeth and slurred, "Donny, we've been out in public for years now. You're actin' like we crawled out of the sewers yesterday. Go get you some water and stop wiggling."

Donatello left his seat without a retort, and Leo glanced over at the last brother, Michelangelo, who had remained quiet the entire time. He looked up once he felt Leo's eyes on him and smiled in response; Leo nodded and hoped Michelangelo would join in the conversation, like old times. When nothing was exchanged, Leo turned back to the flight screen.

"It's Splinter's guests arrivin'. Why can't he come in here?" Raph asked, tossing the toothpick into a nearby bin. "I don't know nothin' about Germans. Just that they talk funny and wear funny clothes."

Leo sighed, wanting to ignore Raph's constant protests. "Splinter doesn't like to walk around in public, dummy. This is the least you could do for him. Now YOU go get some water and be quiet."

As Raph rose from his seat he spewed, "And just because they're turtles like us doesn't mean I'm going to drop what I'm doing. It's no big deal anymore."

Another announcement bellowed around the airport's bustle. Raphael bumped into a fidgety Don, causing Don to spill a little water on himself.

"Good. Thirty more minutes," Leo breathed out, joining the silent Michelangelo on the seats.

The four brothers stood at the gate, peering back and forth for the new guests. They had a couple of pictures to go by and an idea of who they were looking for in the crowd. Don and Raph continued their bickering.

"Thanks for spilling water on me, Raph. This shirt cost me a good penny."

"You just complained that clothes make you itchy. Shop at the Goodwill, like me. Or get 'im out of the dumpster. You've done it before."

"My dumpster diving days are over. I have an income and I'm going to use it. I'm tired of smelling like a landfill."

Raph huffed, "I don't think I smell that bad, Donny. You just ain't no fun anymore. There's an art to dumpster diving."

Leo shushed them, and at the right moment Michelangelo pointed out their two guests.

"Look at that," Raph mumbled, elbowing Don, "The older one's got a wet spot on her shirt. Like you, Donny."

"Hallo!" rung a baritone, vivid voice from the crowd and a cream-colored hand signaled their arrival. An average height, stocky female turtle appeared in front of the Hamatos, bowing and grinning a mile wide. "I am Emyrs Becker from Bergedorf, Germany, and this is -" She stopped once she realized her traveling partner wasn't beside her. "Abigail? Where's my daughter?"

"Pretty accent," Don whispered; he had to throw in: "Think you can understand it, Raph?"

There was a groan rumbling deep in Raph's throat.

"ABIGAIL!" Emyrs screamed above the crowd, peering down in time to find her unamused daughter standing beside her. "Oh, didn't mean to scream in your ear. Sorry!"

Leo bowed and put on his best face. "It is nice to meet the both of you. I know that our father has been corresponding with you for a majority of the year. We hope that your flight over here was comfortable."

Emyrs' hazel eyes widened. "For the most part; I spilled some drink on me. Actually, Abby did when she didn't put her drink away before the plane descended."

"These are my brothers. On the far end is Donatello, this is Raphael, I'm Leonardo, and he's Michelangelo." Don and Mike nodded; Raph did a small salute.

"This is my twelve-year-old daughter, Abigail Becker." Abby greeted the brothers with a bow, her frizzy red hair bouncing with the rhythm. Emyrs clapped her hands together. "It's nice to meet you all as well. I am eager to meet with Splinter Hamato, but first let me wipe my shirt dry and use the ladies' room. My eyeballs are floating."

Leonardo and Michelangelo waited patiently for the Beckers to do their bathroom business; a hasty Raphael and Donatello had already left the building, trolling back to the van still nagging at one another.

Emyrs emerged from the restroom first, straightening her outfit and thanking Michelangelo for guarding her luggage. Leo studied the elder Becker: she was slightly shorter than the Hamato brothers, had cream-colored skin, and her shell was much smaller than theirs. She had some years on her face but her eyes and smile were very youthful.

"Do I have something on my face?" she blinked. He caught hold of himself staring at her before he chuckled in response.

"My apologies."

"ABBY!" Emyrs roared into the bathroom. "Did you fall in?"

The tween breezed around the corner and shook her head. "I held it in, too, Mother."

Leo thought he heard a giggle coming from Michelangelo, but he didn't want to bank on it. The Beckers carried their luggage through the airport, insisting that they were not helpless and didn't want to intrude. It was part of Leo's nature to study his surroundings, and he made sure not to stare into Abigail's face. Abby's appearance was very different from her mother's: light green skin, reminiscent of the Hamatos', frizzy red hair, and a tail that met midway down her legs. Her hazel eyes weren't as youthful as Emyrs; they held an almost mature look to them. However, their facial structures were similar: well-rounded beaks with Emyrs' slightly bonier due to her age.

"We're back, Sensei. Sorry for making you wait so long," Leo apologized as he stuffed the luggage into the van.

"I already told him, Leo. He was asleep when I got here anyways," Raph grumbled and made space for the Beckers. He was quickly getting uncomfortable once they shuffled inside. "Don, let me ride up front. You ain't got as much meat on your bones."

"Ouch!" Emyrs cried. "What's that jabbing me?"

"Oh, my bad." Raph unhooked his weapon and threw it on the floor. "Don! Did you hear me, deaf boy?"

Don had on his headphones and his music increased in volume.

"Hi, Splinter!" Emyrs reached over and tugged Splinter in the front seat. "It's nice to see you, 'MasterRobotRat'."

"Who?" Raph cawed and threw his seat mate a suspicious look.

"His internet handle, Raph," Leo grunted as he shuffled in the driver's seat and buckled his belt. "That's how they met. And stop kicking my seat."

Raphael turned to look out the window. "I don't study no internet."

"And it is a pleasure to meet you face to face, Porcupine-Cupcake," the elder rat's voice cracked from his grogginess and realization of their internet aliases.

Emyrs richly laughed and patted Splinter's shoulder, "You didn't send me an updated photo of your sons! I was expecting them to be naked, wearing bandannas, and surrounding you like bodyguards."

"Yes, sorry. I am not terribly wise with the computer and the internet." Splinter elbowed Donatello beside him. "My son here is the smart one with the computer."

"Thank you, Sensei."

Raph reached over and smacked Don on the back of the head. "I knew you could hear me! Ya damn static head!"

"Raphael! We have guests!" Leo chastised but kept his eyes on the road. "Act like your age and not your shoe size!"

The grumpy one snickered. "Hey, my shoe's almost old enough to vote! Besides, Donny needs a good slap on the back of the head sometimes. I'm going to sleep. Mike, hand me a pillow or somethin' from back there."

"My sons are never boring," Splinter warmly chuckled. "Your daughter's name is Abigail, and she is a half breed?"

Emyrs dodged the pillow being transferred between the brothers. "Yes, she is. Half turtle, half dragonoid. At the moment, she retains more of her turtle blood and features. She's not such a problem YET."

While her mother rubbed the top of Abby's fluffy head, Abby responded by looking out her window.

"She's a good kid. Strong and spirited. She's never traveled abroad before and I thought it would be a dynamic experience for her."

"New York ain't nothin'," grumbled Raph from the corner, trying to tuck himself in a comfortable position. "It's got a few cool little spots but it's mostly loud and smelly."

"Just like Raphael in the corner there," Don spoke and turned up his music.

"He doesn't smell too bad. You should smell some of the drunks in my bar," the elder turtle laughed. Her chuckles trailed off once she felt the fire from Raphael's eyes. "Well, when we reach our destination, I would like to discuss some business with you.. Do you all like sausages?"

The introductions happened two weeks ago. Since then, the two guests arranged to rent the basement of April O'Neil, a human companion to Splinter and his sons; Miss O'Neil was more than happy to take care of friends of the family and the extra payment helped too, giving the current shaky economy.

Emyrs arranged to have Abigail continue her martial arts training under Splinter's team while Emyrs enjoyed the scenery and the new-found people and land.

Other than a few hiccups in the daily activities, life was quiet for all, but the placid surface masked cracks of struggle slowly growing deep and wide, not affected by time or environment.

Beta Reader: TheMutantRebel

[Mindy]

Chapter 2 :: Laughter and Silence


"You're from Germany, right?" April inquired. She leaned against the entrance to the basement with an inquisitive expression on her face, "I've been teaching myself the German language. It's a fascinating language."

"Yep, and I don't mind quizzing you sometime!" joked Emyrs as she folded clothes and placed them on the dresser.

April took a quick minute to get a good look at the turtle, a female, although other than a smaller frame and slightly bigger eyes, one couldn't tell she was actually female. Emyrs was very light-skinned, a peach tone and had the most beautiful hazel eyes April had ever seen on... well, anything. For Emyrs' age (apparently "ancient" as April remembered Emyrs saying), she was a rather attractive lady; she held a straight posture, walking with confidence but shifted her eyes around a lot like she was taking in everything she could for a later time.

"Would you like for me to cook dinner tonight?"

Emyrs' medium-toned, kind voice chimed in April's thoughts, bringing the brunette back to the conversation.

"Oh! Uhm, if you'd like. What did you have in mind? We might have to go to the store to pick up some things since it's been over a week now."

Emyrs scratched her head and stared off in the distance. "Some sort of meat, maybe a pot roast? With veggies on the side? You lot like that?"

April's curls bounced as she chuckled. "Yeah, that's acceptable. We enjoy potatoes on the side, too!"

"Are potatoes considered part of your vegetable side? We normally don't use them as such but I will oblige for the sake of my hostess!" Emyrs joined in the laughter and headed upstairs.

With April following behind her, Emyrs continued, "As soon as we leave, you all will think we're the nuttiest creatures you've ever seen! It's so fascinating to meet different cultures. I quite like visiting here so far."

Dishes clattering and spoons tinkering, the kitchen saw its quiet state disturbed for the sake of dinner. April merely reminded Emyrs where the cutlery and pots were located and they even found some misplaced dishware with Emyrs apologizing for her daughter, Abigail, who was probably in a hurry and placed them in the wrong area.

"No big deal, girl. I've found dishes everywhere in this apartment. Remember that I live with a man, and a man named Casey Jones at that."

"Men can be a hassle but they're good for something every once in a while, right?"

The two ladies exchanged sneering glances and knew what the other was thinking:

"Plumbing!"

"Lawnmowing!"

"I don't do plumbing!" April declared and moving out of the kitchen so Emyrs could begin dinner.

"Lawnmowing is a losing battle for me. I fight with the lawnmower like I'm married to it. Hell, I've already divorced it several times!" Emyrs joked. "May I look in your fridge for the materials I need?"

"Oh, sure!" April waved. "Casey enjoys the plumbing and besides his good looks, that's the only reason I'm with him!"

The ladies shared another round of laughter and continued chattering on about life, love, and the pursuit of Takeout after the hours waned on and Emyrs still had nothing to show for it.

"I really did want to cook dinner!" Emyrs looked at the counter full of pots, pans, and dishes.

"There's always tomorrow! You can cook breakfast? I suck at it," said April, grabbing up dishes and putting them away. "Casey goes to work real early, though, so what time did you want to start?"

Emyrs didn't respond for a good minute, prompting April to turn around. "You okay?"

"Oh, um..." the elder turtle began, "Yeah! Um, what time does he have to be at work then?"

April stared at her, wondering what had just happened but answered quickly as soon as she realized Emyrs was looking back at her, "Six! Six am, he stumbles around."

"I'll get started twenty til then," Emyrs finished her sentence slowly, trailing off her train of thought. "Right! Sorry for the awkwardness just now. I, um... had a brain freeze as you could probably tell." She tried to laugh it off and helped with clearing away the kitchen.

"Oh, I do it all the time. Just go rest up. I'll keep some dishes out for you so you can get started when you come up in the morning."

"Thanks. Good night."

"Yeah, night!"

Emyrs slowly walked to the basement door and disappeared with a concerned look from her landlord gazing behind her.

[Mindy]

Chapter 3 :: Practice


He watched the young female half-breed struggle to keep up with an even-tempered Raphael. Raphael, steady and confident, was always at his best, Leonardo reflected, and not when his brother was tempermental and on fire. Raphael was, he thought, the best teacher for an eager student; he was always good with children, anyhow.

As Raphael dodged all of her moves, Leonardo stood firm, arms crossed, eyeing every motion and ready to compliment or criticise. Soon he fell deep into thought, casting memories of his family in a blaze of the evening's routine. They were all getting older, his brothers and he, reaching a critical age of independence and adventure, for some.

Raphael, the one that kept the family concerned over his erractic behavior and thirst for acceptance, was slowly becoming the warrior that Leonardo and Splinter always wanted him to be. He smiled more often now, engaged in more family activities, disappeared less often, and pondered the idea of traveling with Leonardo to the far reaches of Asia. Leonardo couldn't put his finger on exactly what changed his brother but he wasn't going to question it and hoped it would always stay that way.

"Pick up the pace on her, Raph," Leonardo quipped. "More speed, less strength right now. She can handle it."

"Hey!" Raphael's quick breaths interrupted, "We're getting there, Leo! How about -" He dodged a skinny leg aiming for his head. "-how about asking Mikey or Don to pitch in a bit? We do all the work!"

"I'm here, I'm here, O Great One," trotted in Donatello, wearing practice gear. "I had a few more things to finish up. Hand the girl over." He smiled down at the sweaty teen who wiped her brow a few times and bent over to catch her breath.

Donatello had also progressed, too; he was still a whiz at mechanics, electronics, and general study and not quite as reclusive anymore. For the past two years, he had his heart set on joining a team of co-species scientists that were traveling the world in their on-going research. It was his dream but the odds were against him. As smart as he was, he never had a formal college education and the credentials needed. His family encouraged him to keep trying and networking as much as possible. Some days, Don was a dormant landmine ready for the right opportunity to set him free.

"You guys are unreal," she gasped. "I thought I knew everything at 12 years old!"

"Not quite, Abby! We were the same way," Don chuckled and tossed a staff at Abigail, who almost didn't catch it. "It's a continuing education."

"Like figuring out my mother?" She joked.

Leo stepped in. "I bet she thinks the same way about you. All parents and children do."

"Hey, before we get started, do you mind if I ask you three something?"

"As long as it's not about the bees and birds. That's better suited for your mama," Raphael sallied, his words muffling in and out as he rubbed a towel on his face.

"Mother's advice for that is," she stiffended up, holding a finger in the air and mockingly quoted, "'Birds bite and bees sting; boys make babies so stay away from them!"

Leo and Raphael half-heartedly chuckled with Don agreed, "Smart lady. Keep listening to her."

"What's your question, kid? I gotta meet up with Case here in a minute," stated Raphael, pitching the towel in a corner.

"Is your brother Michelangelo usually so moody and distant? Did I do anything to him? He seems to talk to everyone but me."

Yeah, Michelangelo. If anyone wanted to talk about change, it was him. It was like they traded an angry Raphael for a reclusive Mikey. He didn't even want to be called Mikey anymore, just "Mike" or his full name. The family really didn't understand the change, or what brought about the change in him, or how it was a long-time coming or something that suddenly happened.

Leonardo treaded carefully. "Mike never used to be that way. We don't know what happened to him."

"It was like he woke up one day and decided to be an shell," Raph scoffed.

"Not quite like Raphael just described," Don disagreed. "More like a subtle change. There were signs we could see now that we didn't see then. I believe he's just going through a young adult crisis. People deal with it differently. He just wants to be left alone with his Klunk version 2 and pen and paper."

Leonardo finished, "So don't think it's you. He hardly knows you so why would he not like you?"

Abigail tightened her hair band to keep her thick, red hair out of her face and shook her head. "I guess so. I just feel weird around him, that's all."

Raphael jingled his keys. "Nothing new to us, kid! Keep your chin up. I'm outta here. Night!"

"One more round, this time defending from Don's attacks and we'll take a good long run," Leo instructed. "We'll go visit Mike in the morning and see how he's doing."

[Mindy]

Chapter 4 :: The Stars


Autumn in a foreign country had an almost magical impression and the amendment to a new season illuminated fresh ideas and moods. Her Mountain home made a subtle change in season, almost too slow for her liking, but here, she could taste the approaching winter. The wind remained steady and crisp. Mornings were still her favorite time: waking up before anyone else, daydreaming, and beginning her daily chores.

For a moment, Emyrs smiled to herself but it quickly faded as she remembered the awkward moment with Miss O'Neil. It was like her mind had suddenly grown cold and empty. She felt uneasy about the events afterward and retreated to the basement. Nothing could hold her attention long enough so she stepped outside to the small alleyway, looking up at the stars and finally losing her thoughts.

An approaching vehicle roar disturbed the quiet moment and it dawned on her that she might need to duck for cover (something she wasn't used to) but instead she immobilized with her blanket wrapped around her, pajamas, and bed shoes. The headlights blinded her for half a second before a deep, New York accent tore through the alleyway.

"Nice pajamas," Raphael snickered, shutting off the lights and engine. He stepped off the bike and pushed it deeper into the alleyway.

"They were on sale, couldn't complain about them," Emyrs commented but stopped short. "Okay, you got me. They were Abigail's and I stole them, but just for the night."

Raphael took off his helmet and stood beside her. "Whatcha looking at up there?" He glanced at the sky. "Saw you staring pretty hard."

"I like the stars and the night. Plus, the air helps, too."

The two watched the sky, soaking in the New York City nighttime and what seemed like for ages until Raphael spoke up, "Your daughter is with Leo and Don. She put in a good session tonight. And she's pretty cool for a 12 year old."

"Abby's a good kid. I've tried to keep her level-headed." Wrapping herself tighter with the blanket, Emyrs lowered her head back to the alleyway, peering at her friend.

"Late night cruise?"

"Yeah, Casey wants to blow off some steam; the normal life is getting to him, I guess," he mocked and glanced at her. "And it gets me out of the sewer."

She nodded. "I imagine it would get pretty cramped down there but then it gets cramped in our little cottage, too. That's why some friends, Abby, and I built a smaller cottage for her because she was getting on my nerves."

They shared some chuckles.

"If I could build something here, I would!" Raphael thought, tinkering with his helmet.

"Your brothers would miss you too much and visit you all the time. And you would let them," she quipped, turning to go back into her temporary home. " Which isn't a bad thing. Family is very important, right?"

"No doubt about it."

"It's bedtime. Think I've been scared enough for one night. It was nice talking to you; seems like we haven't exchanged many words since we arrived."

"Been keepin' busy," he grinned, jingling his keys.

"Thanks for being Abby's teacher. She needs a few more role models in her life." Emyrs opened the door and turned back to him before she closed it, finishing, "And nice bike."

[Mindy]

Chapter 5 :: Good Morning


Morning sounds rarely included dishes clinking and the smell of fresh food in the household. April hated preparing breakfast, he recalled, and her breakfasts never smelled this good (no offense to her). The noise and smell prompted him to investigate. It's not like he slept at night anyways and maybe the bathroom was free. He could use that excuse if anyone asked.

Opening his bedroom door really caused the smell to become more powerful, and it had been a long time since he had some decent breakfast (because he couldn't cook breakfast worth a damn either). He groggily looked at the bathroom's direction, wanting to head that way and avoid conversation with the cook. After watching Emyrs whipping around the small kitchen like a pro, he entertained the idea of actually speaking with her. They had crossed paths a few times and he was intrigued by her family and their journey, but he could never bring himself to say very much.

"Oh, morning! I didn't see you standing there," she smiled, briskly returning to her work. "Would you like coffee? Wait, do you even drink coffee?"

He stumbled on his words slightly. "Oh. Yeah, it does help keep me up at night to work."

"By the looks of it, you could use some to wake you up," she joked, scrambling eggs at the stove.

He toddled towards the coffee machine. "Actually, I never went to sleep. Insomnia hits me every now and then. I can't even work when I have it." While his footsteps were shaky, pouring the coffee was an easy task.

"I get that less frequently now. Had it bad when I was your age."

"How did you make it happen less frequently?"

"Aged, I suppose," she lightly joked, turning to slide the finished eggs onto a plate. "Since you have coffee, it's only right if you enjoy breakfast, too, Michelangelo."

"Yeah, you have it smelling pretty good in here. I like to try it out."

He sipped on his coffee and walked to the livingroom to relax on the armchair. Mike spent so much time in his room that he almost forgot what the rest of the apartment looked like. It had been earlier in the year that he moved out of the sewer and was now staying at April's. The situation worked out perfectly: he could have his peace to write and April and Casey had a babysitter for infant Shadow. In the back of his mind, he knew that his family resented him moving out and then barely speaking with them, but the current year brought mixed emotions about everything. The years of repression emerged in over a week and changed everything he and his family knew. The way he saw it, the time was coming for them all to leave the nest and fly elsewhere. Mike felt like he was in limbo, waiting for the next train to come along to take him away.

The basement door cracked open and out stumbled a frizzy-haired, sleepy tween. Rubbing her eyes and resembling a zombie, Abigail (was that her name?, he asked himself) didn't blurt a word as she flopped on the couch. The couch suddenly exclaimed, moaned, and finally cursed at her, and she almost zoomed out the window in the style of a 1930s cartoon character.

Wow, Mike hadn't even noticed that Raphael was snoozing on the couch!

"Watch it, toots," Raph mumbled and folded back into the couch, spewing out more incomprehensible angry words.

"Abby, go wash up." Emyrs grinned at her and pointed to the bathroom. Abigail hastily scooted away.

Mike leaned over and tickled Raph's coarse foot. Maybe a night of insomnia compelled his sense of humor to surface again.

After a few moments, Raphael still wasn't moving at all so Mike gave up, sat back on the armchair, and savored his coffee.

"You know damn well I ain't ticklish on my feet, MIKE," came the muffled voice from the couch. Slowly emerging, Raph peered at Mike with blood-shot eyes and an equally dry look.

"My memory's bad then."

"Maybe if you were around a little more, sport," jeered Raph, rubbing his face and sitting up.

"You got me there," Mike grinned. "Work on your humor and I might come around more."

Raphael's morning voice boomed. "And wouldn't that be peachy, bro? It can all go back to normal with you acting like a clown and all of us clobbering your brains out!"

"You can drop that voice, you know. There are sleeping people here," Mike hissed.

"So now you act like you have some manners," his brother scoffed.

"Mother, I don't have my toothpaste up here," Abigail's tiny voice crawled from the bathroom.

"Brush your teeth after breakfast. Just comb that rat's nest on your head!" Emyrs snapped, closing the microwave door. They exchanged a couple of words in their native tongue, which sounded like Emyrs wasn't happy with her daughter but then all of the German language sounded like that to him.

Mike rose from his chair and placed the half-full cup of coffee on the counter. "Emyrs, sorry to skip your wonderful breakfast but I'll catch it another time before you leave."

He hated to do it, but being around Raphael brought out the worst in him. Leo was finally right about something. As soon as Abigail left the bathroom, Mike made his way there.

[Mindy]

Chapter 6 :: Join Us


The tranquility his room provided was his comfort zone. No arguing, no violence, no loudmouths, but no breakfast, either, he groaned and his stomach agreed. Most of his meals consisted of whatever perishables he could stuff into this little space, and he had to leave room for Rosie, the Tiny Kitty that Could. She possessed the wittiest behavior and made up for attitude that she lacked in size. He saw a lot of Klunk in Rosie, especially since they were almost the same color, and most days, he still missed his old cat. Rosie was especially affectionate, almost too much, as she interrupted his work often for hours of petting and loving. Typical cat behavior, he agreed but one that he wouldn't trade for the world. After the loss of Klunk and before Rosie came along, the days were too lonely and too boring. Work had to be interrupted for a cuddle with soft fur.

Rosie mewed from the floor, caressing Mike's leg repeatedly, and a smile broke into his morning face as he picked her up to join him on the bed. He held the small cat in front of him.

"Can I tickle your feet and you won't get grumpy on me, will you?" he teased, tickling her belly instead. Rosie used one of her paws to gently bap Mike's hand.

"I've never been a morning person, I guess." Rosie was brought closer to his body with her belly up and Mike continuing to rub it.

"It's just too hard right now, Rosie. Too hard to let go."

Rosie gave a sympathetic mew.


---------------------------------------------------------

An unhappy Raphael was jolted from his slumber once again but this time by a steamy April and her right hand.

"Next time, take your arguing outside!" she shrilled, scampering to the kitchen and pouring some coffee.

"If you would have woken up Shadow, I'd beat you with this coffee cup!"

"Okay, okay, sorry," Raph groaned. "Can't do *insert swear here* right this morning." He threw the blanket over his head.

"Wow, this breakfast looks great..." she muttered and taking a sip of her coffee. "I might need to start paying her to cook breakfast, too. What do you think?"

When there wasn't an answer from the couch, April walked to Mike's room and gently knocked. "Mike, breakfast. You really need to eat this."

"Sorry, pretty lady. I'm not hungry," came a muffled reply behind the door.

"If I need to kick Raph out so that you can enjoy a little decent breakfast I will. Can we please try to eat together? You don't have to talk."

"I dunno..."

April pouted. "Oh, come on, for me?"

For a few seconds, there was no reply and April almost gave up until the door creaked open and Mike appeared with a sad smile. "Anything for you."

The rest of the crew joined in for breakfast thirty minutes later. Shadow whined from her crib in the bedroom, Casey looked like a stuffed dinosaur (and acted like a beast too), Mike and Rosie sat on the armchair, and Raph remained in a grumpy slumber. April poured beverages into glasses and handed plates to everyone. Since the apartment was small, the dinner table was folded up in the corner and was only ever used for special occasions. Food was served normally wherever.

Casey inhaled his food and suddenly realized, "Are the girls going to join us?"

"There are a couple of plates freshly washed so looks like they've already eaten," April peered behind her. "They left a pile of food, don't worry."

"They can stay as long as they want," he slurred through his food, spitting fragments into the air. "This is the best damn food ever."

"I'll certainly pay them if you want! Just make more money and it shall be done, Master," she flashed, obviously taking offense to his remark. She leaned on the counter facing the livingroom and savored her food.

"Think I'm in for a raise soon," he nonchalantly stated and turned to the couch, "Raph, get your ugly self up and eat. I won't leave any for you later."

Something came from the couch that rhymed with "pluck doo" and Raph never moved an inch.

Mike allowed Rosie to nibble on a piece of bacon from the floor and his face expressing tenderness. The breakfast was delicious and it made him feel totally opposite from the Lump on the Couch. As he peered around the room, it was nice to see everyone enjoying something together. Shadow's giggles leaked from the bedroom and that always brightened his day. She knew how to cheer her Uncle Mike up.

Maybe this day won't be so hard after all, even with his brothers silently approaching the window.

[Mindy]

Chapter 7 :: Brothers


Now the two-bedroom apartment felt even more cramped as Donatello and Leonardo slithered into the livingroom. Mike's good mood dropped slightly as his brothers tend to gang up on him when they're all together. Rosie leapt onto Mike's lap, assuring Mike that she was there to comfort him.

Deep breaths, Mike, deep breaths. Good thoughts. They're my brothers, not my enemies, he concluded.

Leo and Don only smiled and nodded at Mike with Don staring at him a bit longer than Leo, who turned to a drooling Raph on the couch. Casey motioned for the both of them to eat the Food that Could Make You Orgasm, Mike chuckled to himself, and April began clearing dishes. Petting a purring Rosie kept him too busy to really say or comment on anything happening.

"I'm good, Casey, really," Don politely refused, turned away, and rolled his eyes. Mike smiled and shook his head.

"Raph, are you dead?" Leo snickered, leaning over the Green Lump on the couch. "Watch this, guys..."

Leo leaned a little further near Raph's ear and gently blew into it. Mike assessed that it was very un-Leo-like to pull a prank but he was only trying to lighten the mood. A leader through and through, he was.

Raph shuffled slightly but never responded. This didn't satisfy Leo so he leaned over once again and whispered in an acute voice, "Oh, you bad boy, do it again."

If April's shrieks, Casey's jeers, and Emyrs' food didn't wake Raph up, that little trick sure did. The entire room shook in laughter with Casey almost choking on a piece of bacon and Rosie leaping out of Mike's lap and back into his bedroom out of sheer fright from the noise.

"God, I'll have nightmares for a week now!" Raph carped, throwing the blanket off himself and sitting up on the couch. "Holy mother of f..."

"Oh man, I needed some therapy like that before going off to work!" Casey guffawed, coughing up bits of bacon between words.

"Mike," Leo started with the room's amusement slowly fading, "how have you been, bro? We've been missing you at practice sessions with our new student."

Mike nodded. "Yeah. Work keeps me a little busy. I've missed it, too."

"Do you have time to join us this morning? We won't keep you long. It'll be nice to have you around."

Don pitched in at this point. "And since we're already on a roll with punch-bagging Raph, I'm sure you could add to the fun!"

"Imma start charging you clowns for Punch-Baggin' Raph Sessions," the peevish one piped up and quickly looked towards the bathroom. Once he saw it was free, Raph darted to salvation.

April appeared in the room with a smiling Shadow. "I don't mind if you take off for a few hours, Mike. I don't have any errands and I'm off work today."

It's not that he didn't want to be around his brothers but that going back to the Sewer Home made him feel incredibly uneasy. The bad memories outweighed the good and Mike could never push away the pain. He would never want his family to hate him but if he couldn't understand what was happening, how could he explain it to them?

...Maybe today would be different, he smiled inside.

"Ok. Sure. Do you mind if I get washed up, though?"

Leo and Don seemed like they almost sighed together. Were they both holding their breaths in anticipation waiting for his answer?

"Yeah, yeah! Go right ahead!" Leo swiftly returned.

Casey popped, "Scare the crap out of Raph, would ya?"

"We'll save it for later," Don promised. He and Leo chuckled and stopped short when the basement door opened, Emyrs and Abigail appearing behind it.

"She's all yours, gentlemen!" Emyrs stepped passed her daughter and reached immediately for Shadow.

Abigail moved closer to the couch, inspecting it for any more sleeping lumps. "I feel so loved, Mother, thanks."

"Just be ready when you come home, okay?" Emyrs never looked away from Shadow, cooing at the infant and then using Shadow's hand to wave towards Abigail. "You have babysitting practice tonight."

"Yes, don't remind me."

"Come again?" This time Emyrs looked up at her daughter. Abigail had already settled on the couch and turned to glance at the sharp voice and withering stare.

"Yes, I will remember," came a better reply from the tween. Her mother's harsh stare disappeared.

"If you all don't mind me following you down to the sewer, I would like to visit your father today." Emyrs handed the infant back to April. "Do you think he will be available to speak with me?"

"I don't see why not," Leo shrugged. "He was meditating when we left."

"I'm ready when you're ready then. Oh, April, do you need me to wash the dishes?"

"No, no!" April rejected, "I have plenty of time to do them. The breakfast was delicious. Just ask Mr. Baconator over there."

Casey ravaged another bacon. "Bitchin'. Should I give Em a kiss before going to work than you, April?"

"I wouldn't kiss you for nothing right now with all of that grease and food on your chin," April ragged, shifting Shadow to her left side.

"Well, I need a kiss from someone! I never go to work without a kiss!"

The bathroom door jarred open. "What about me, baby?" Raphael's deep voice rumbled.

"I rather kiss the backside of that cat."

Don picked up a frantic Rosie who returned from the bedroom. "That can be arranged, you know."

Casey wiped his mouth with the tie he was wearing and blazed out the door. "You boys are crazy," was all one could make out as Casey disappeared.

Rosie was getting antsy with Don holding her so she was returned to the safety of the floor. A quick rub was granted to her from Mike as he headed to the bathroom, not looking in Raph's direction, despite not feeling entirely too fussed with him. Baby Shadow was moved back to her crib while her mother continued cleaning the kitchen area. Emyrs entertained the boys with colorful stories of Abigail's childhood, especially the one where Abby's first word was "beer" (because her mother worked in a bar). All poor Abigail could do was sit and take it.

[Mindy]

Chapter 8 :: Tea Time



Stealth has never been her strong suit. In following these "ninja turtles" beneath the city and away from light, she had a touch of claustrophobia that nipped at her occasionally. Abigail had no trouble and enjoyed this sort of adventure. In her older age, Emyrs was careful to make one trip do everything she needed. With Abby in martial arts training, Emyrs didn't feel her own age too much and was interested in physical fitness but her bones were steadily grasping senior years. With any luck, she could keep pushing it for another ten, twenty years.

But certainly not if she was constantly going in and out of manholes and crawling through cesspools.

Still, Splinter was a dear friend, or she felt like he was a dear friend. He meant something to her, which puzzled her as they had never met.

"Watch yer step, young lady," Raph called behind her and she thought he was trying to be very polite with that "young lady" gibberish.

She almost let her tongue slip and quip a snarky reply but put on the brakes instead. "You have to stay fit going and coming out of here, right?"

"It'll come as second nature to ya after a few hundred times. Another step there."

"I can see why he doesn't get out often. I wouldn't care too much for this either."

"We find shortcuts. That's the key," Leonardo jumped in. "And our father can navigate these sewers better than any of us."

"Then how about he come see me next time, huh?" she joked and continued watching her steps as Raphael and Donatello barked warnings behind her. Michelangelo, in front of her, had almost become a safety net quite a few times.

"Almost there, Mother. And consider this payback for putting me through those humiliating stories earlier," Abigail taunted.

"Fair enough," Emyrs agreed and took one last big step onto the platform. The entrance to the Sewer Home was very camouflaged with the structure, and you had to perform cartwheels, tuck your head in and out of your shell, and fluttered your fingers, she reckoned, to open the doorway. It really wasn't at all like that but it might as well been. She could never tell what they did to spread the threshold.

As they spilled into the home, one couldn't tell it was a sewer they just waded through and it was nicely decorated. She was sure Splinter kept his boys on top of their chores and maintaining cleanliness. This made her feel a little embarrassed that her tiny cottage was usually in a mess. Good thing they weren't visiting her. She would have nowhere to keep them!

It didn't take long for everyone to go their separate ways: Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo (rather pale actually; she hoped he would be alright) with Abigail into the training area, and Leonardo with a soggy Emyrs into Splinter's chamber. Leonardo stood outside the sliding doors and called for his father in a hushed tone. Along with her bones, Emyrs' hearing wasn't the best either so she thought she heard a muffled reply. When Leo slid the door open, she had confidence in her hearing again.

"Good morning, Emyrs. Nice to see you again after an extended leave. I missed your company," the elder rat beamed. He sat on his floor in traditional Japanese style and offered her some tea. Leonardo closed the door behind them and poised beside it.

The room smelled faintly of incense and she was enjoying the small oriental-style lamps. She had to ask where he got those because Abby might like them in her cottage. It was just the right shade of color, too.

Emyrs almost forgot to reply to Splinter's request. "No tea for me, thanks. I was admiring your lamps."

"They were a gift from Miss O'Neil a couple of years ago."

"Abigail would have a fit over them. I'll have to ask April where she found them."

Splinter poured and sipped his tea with such gracefulness that she was very glad she didn't ask for any. Truth be known, she was a bumbling idiot this morning because this conversation was going to hit the heart of their complicated situation.

"Would you like for us to be alone?" Splinter's ears repositioned, showing concern.

"No, no, he can stay. He will find out eventually and I have nothing to hide, but...," she hesitated and glanced at one of the lamps. "Do you remember me at all? Did my name slip off your tongue as soon as you saw me although you've never seen me before?" She looked back at him.

He remained regal. "It did not."

"I remember waking up one morning a year ago," she started, "and it was raining like crazy outside. Each drop that fell brought back memories, it seemed, and I was overwhelmed from it all. I don't consider myself the spiritual type but it was all too strange to just happen like a natural occurrence."

"What I'm trying to say, Splinter, is that I remembered your name and I remembered our friendship. Have you always wondered why you were just a normal rat with the ability to learn martial arts? You had already been somewhere else, in another time, maybe another universe?"

The incense suddenly felt stifling and the room now exhibited heat. Or it was just her because Splinter and Leonardo remained calm, unmoved and she was almost a puddle on the floor.

"That may be so, dear guest, but does it matter now? I am content with my life and my sons. This home, we created from our own blood and sweat and defend it with the very same passion. You came seeking for me and seeking for answers to your questions. I have none to give to you, I'm afraid."

She nodded, gnawing at her embarrassment and disappointment. No, she didn't wish for direct answers but for someone to understand the mystery with her. It compelled her to search harder and beyond just visiting an "old friend".

"However," Splinter's voice broke into her thoughts, "I will admit that you feel like an ally, that we did know each other in a past life. We don't allow too many strangers into our home, as you can deduce."

"And I don't climb down a mountain and across the ocean for a funny feeling in the pit of my stomach."

Just for a quick second, she doubted him and doubted that he could help her at all, or even wanted to help her. Four lads and intensive spiritual training clogged up his time so it was foolish of her to press the issue further.

He smiled gently. "I am glad to have met you, though. If you are interested, my son and I can guide you through a metaphysical course. I believe it might benefit you."

She bowed her head. "If we stay any longer, I will consider it. Thanks for your time and input, Splinter. I'm sorry to trouble you."

The next few seconds as she exit the space, breath whistled out of her mouth and once she could find a silent area, Emyrs exhaled the most she ever held in her chest. Going to see him served no purpose, just embarrassed herself and put him in an awkward situation. Come off the fairytales and high expectations, she scolded, and get back to real life.

Leonardo and Splinter watched her from the room, still in their same positions. Leo had his back towards Splinter, leaning in the entrance-way.

"A year ago, I found you lost and in the rain. You had been sobbing and clawing at yourself for hours. The signs of a mental breakdown, Father."

A few moments passed.

"Yes."

"Isn't that where your answer is?" Leo nodded towards Emyrs, who was still visibly shaken.

"I'm not looking for an answer. She is."

[Mindy]

Chapter 9 :: Versus


Uneasy wasn't the word Mike was feeling, standing there watching Donatello blocking the student's attacks. The entire place made him shiver. His only saving grace was that Raphael had wanted to return to his room; Mike could handle Don's personality a lot better than Raph's.

When they all walked through the familiar entrance-way, his body steered away from his father's room. He didn't want to see Splinter's seasoned, weary face and those dark mournful eyes. Both he and his father knew that Mike could see passed the optimism, the spiritual advice, and paternal instinct of protecting one's child. The contrition punctured his good mood even more.

"Hey," Donatello expressed, not breathing half as much as Abigail, "Why don't you exercise for a bit, Mike?"

He walked towards Mike and handed the equipment to him. "It can't be good for you to be all holed in that room. You used to rag me for living in my shop."

Mike stood with hands in his pockets, looking down at the ground. "I remember."

"Then here. Release that frustration."

Mike hesitated. "I'm not really sure, Don. I -"

"Don't worry, I'll go easy on you," Abigail lightly cracked, joining the party.

"Are you going to let her tease you like that?" Don's right eyebrow cocked. "Show her what the Turtle Titan is made of."

A snicker left Mike's lips and he took the training equipment, only to satisfy them if he needed. "I'm not responsible for any bruises or cuts. Don't go telling your mother on me now," as he stepped onto the middle of the mat.

Don leaned down, whispering, "He's going to clean the floor with you, you know that, right?"

"I know," she mouthed back and appeared a little nervous. Her palms perspired already, heart thumping hard in her chest, and she was only walking to greet him on the practice floor. This just might be the Practice to end all Practices, she gulped. That young man might be a little unstable with his emotions but his body told another tale.

Don signaled the green light to begin, and while her confidence was trembling, she remained defiant and gave it her best shot. Mike was quick as lightning; not bulky like Raphael or strategic like Don, and certainly not as intimidating as Leonardo, but he was magnificent in his moves and almost danced to a certain beat. In her eyes, if he had not been practicing for a while, she couldn't tell it. Mike worked the floor like he owned it.

It was certainly the best and the most bizarre workout she ever encountered and was incredibly thankful to him for the insight into a new form. She bowed graciously and grabbed a water break. Donatello accompanied a smiling Mike.

"Feel better?" Don chirped.

Mike wiped his forehead. "It was like old times."

"Yep, you still showed out," erupted a familiar, irritating voice from the shadows. Mike swallowed back that good mood.

"Wouldn't be Mike if he wasn't showing off," Don joked, trying to save the situation before it couldn't be helped anymore.

Raphael mounted near the mat, arms crossed, peering hard at Mike. "You want to stop being a hardhat now and act like you might be a part of this family again?"

"Raph, that's really not fair -" Don jumped, but Mike held up his hand to stop him.

"Actually a little training like that put a lot of things into perspective for me."

"Yeah? Like what?"

"That I still don't care to be around you."

Donatello sighed and walked off the mat. It was best to get out of dodge and let the two siblings duke it out in an ACTUAL battle room.

"That's a bit harsh, little brother!" Raph belittled, uncrossing his arms and extending them. "You know, I haven't done a damn thing to you! I've always defended you, took care of you, and hell, if we were like humans, I'd probably wipe your shell as a kid, too."

"But you're demeaning in everything you say!" Mike felt the heat rise in his face. "I've grown up, I've changed, and you can't accept it."

"I can accept change," retorted Raph, "but you're not the brother I knew. You did more than change. You broke apart this family and act like it's not suppose to hurt us."

He remained motionless in his position, not even blinking. At this point, Mike didn't even want to argue anymore. What would be the point? For an author who constantly searched for the right words, he was coming up empty in this situation. The best he could do was twiddle with the staff in his hands; it curbed his dying attention.

"Knucklehead," Raph muttered after no response from his brother and walked back into the shadows.

When the staff no longer held his concentration, Mike cast it aside and ambled to the living room, his old stomping grounds. There, he found an equally distressed turtle who didn't make him want to scratch at the air for something to say.

[Mindy]

Chapter 10 :: Break



For a few moments, she didn't realize there was another person sitting next to her. She could have been mumbling to herself and Michelangelo probably thought she was losing her mind. It wouldn't be the first time that has happened, really.

She rested on the torn couch, leaning over the edge and smiled over at him so he didn't think she was completely ignoring him (or being a complete loon). Some music began thumping from one of the upstairs' bedrooms; rock and roll or heavy metal tunes, she figured. If she was in a better mood, she would be humming along to it.

"He does that when he's angry," remarked Mike who was positioned on the sofa arm. "Although he's gotten a new album since the last time I was here."

Emyrs took the opportunity to make light of the situation. "So no longer AC/DC but those Korn or Limp Bizkit new type kind of bands?"

Mike lifted his head up to listen in on the music. "I don't think Raph liked the Limp Bizkit music too much. I'm not sure what he's thumping up there."

"That doesn't sound like AC/DC to me. He might have changed since you moved out."

Mike shrugged and returned to silence.

Emyrs looked around the lair and piped up, "Either way, whatever he's listening to sounds like *insert swear here*."

"Don't tell him that. He gets defensive over his music."

She scooted her feet across the floor. "Yeah, I'll be sure to tell him to go back to the good stuff when I see him."

"Metal's just not for me. That kind of music puts me on edge."

Emyrs settled back on the couch in a more relaxed position. "I grew up with the rock and roll music and enjoyed the hair bands a lot. I'm not really fussed with it too much now. Abby listens to classical music mostly. Talk about boring after a while..."

"A teenager that listens to classical music?" Mike turned slightly to look at her, bewildered. "What did you do to her?"

"She listens to many other music types, but classical helps her meditate. I prefer jazz."

"I used to listen to alternative and new rock but I guess I prefer silence now that I'm an author. Rosie gets jittery when I snap on some tunes."

Emyrs chuckled, "That cat of yours. What did you do to her, yeah? She's a bit odd for a kitty."

"We oddballs stick together," he amused and grinned at the thought of Rosie peering up at him with those beady, innocent eyes.

Emyrs grinned along with him and the both enjoyed a moment's peace, even with the mystery music pounding upstairs. She decided it was the perfect time to tell a story.

"I got Abigail a cat when she was a young one. The cat was a stray around my workplace, a bar if you remembered, and it had the strangest pattern of colors on its little fur. It took some time for me to calm it down and approach me."

Mike listened intently and kept his own cat in mind as Emyrs relayed the tale. She told the biography with such passion and humor; it was a moment that he needed to remember when he returned to his writing. He chuckled at her misadventures with the cat, Otto, from digging up her flowers and climbing up walls to relieving itself (numerous times) in her kitchen sink. Mike could tell she despised the cat but grew to love it after some time.

She paused after some time. "When..," Emyrs halted and her smile faded, "..when Abby's best friend died a couple of years ago, Otto was there for her more than I could be. I was a single mother and had to continue working. Otto was that child's best friend."

Recollecting that Abigail was still only a child, Mike looked sullen. He and his brothers could relate to losing a childhood.

Emyrs continued, "If you ever want to talk about pets and how much they mean to you, Abby can understand. Otto was her right-hand man and almost like her shadow."

"Klunk was never my shadow; he was always off doing his own thing but Rosie is latched onto me. She can sympathize and never screams at me."

Emyrs sighed and quickly peered in the distance, admitting, "I can scream a lot. I'm guilty of being a bit loud when I shouldn't be."

"You're a mother, though."

"But every family screams at each other," she finished and leisurely stood. The muted tune lingered throughout the home and she glanced around the front room area.

"May I turn on the television or do something to pass the time?"

Mike searched around for the remote and eventually found it under a stack of motorcycle magazines. It was still covered in sticky, ooey, gooey.... something. Probably syrup but he really didn't want to keep guessing. All he had to do was remember the times he ate junk in front of the tv.

"I see a video game console down there. Want to play a game or two?" she asked, fumbling around the cords.

After accepting the request, the two spent an afternoon dodging bananas, saving a princess, and spinning the wheel for cash prizes. They made so much noise that many of the lair's tenants had to see what was happening and, curiously, join the Game Party.

[Mindy]

Chapter 10.5 :: Your Friend

The trek from the sewer back to April's home seemed as long as the journey to the lair. The Hamato-sons promised to take a shortcut back that didn't include murky water or throat-imploding smells. She knew it was something they couldn't help, living and hiding under the city, and she kept most comments to herself on the way back home.

"Mother, pick up your step some," Abigail mumbled behind her and that caused Emyrs to slow down even more.

"That better?"

Emyrs was sure her daughter wore a snide smile, what she usually did, but instead, she felt a shove on her back and this made her as clumsy as a tarred goose.

"Mother!" was all Emyrs heard as her body lost gravity control and plopped right into the water. The murky, nasty, yucky water that she had been trying to avoid all day.

Eight sets of hands reached for her, and after she was saved from the ankle-deep water, five sets of voices erupted in snickers.

"Sorry, Mom," she apologetically laughed, "I don't realize that I have such strong hands!"

"Forcing your poor Mother to walk the plank, I see!" Emyrs playfully snapped and whisked away some of the filth.

"And what are you all laughing at?!" she continued cheerfully at Splinter's sons. The laughter was still echoing in the sewer and she had to soon join the poke at her mis-step.

"I knew it was a good idea she didn't hold the game system on the way back," Don quipped with Leonardo nodding in agreement.

Emyrs shook herself like a wet dog and turned to Abigail. "Since you lovingly pushed me into my death, it's only fair that you---"

Abigail squealed as her own clothes were forcefully used to dry her soaked mother's body. This caused a wave of commotion through the sewer with Raphael and Mike stepping out of the galloping ladies' way. They were almost completely out of sight when the young men decided to play their own pranks.

"We're leaving!" Raphael hollered followed by Don and Mike's shouts of goodbyes.

Leonardo whispered, "Ninjas, vanish!" and the brothers disappeared, leaving their poor guests scrambling to find their way out of the sewer.


-------------------------------------------------

Emyrs flicked on her bedroom lamp and used her nightstand to prepare a letter. Abigail was snoozing away, very tired from her adventures and late-night gaming with her teachers. Emyrs could still hear noises upstairs, mostly Raphael and Donatello complaining that Mike was cheating on a video game. It looked like those boys needed some family time, and she was more than happy to oblige. Not enough showers could take the smell of the sewer off her skin. There were many times in her life that she did what she had to do but writing a letter to Splinter was a hell of a much better idea than tromping through New York's gutters. She wished their elevator had worked but Don had been hammering on it for days and couldn't repair it. Just her luck, she chuckled.

Chewing on the end of her pencil for a short minute, she peered at a picture of herself and Abigail on the nightstand. That picture was taken one spring day, six months ago in fact, and Abby, in the picture, was delighted to know they would be taking an extended vacation to America soon. Her curly red hair was a complete mess, and if memory served correct, Abby had just achieved her Purple Belt. On that particular day, nothing could break the child's happy mood. It was all the reason why Emyrs was smiling in the photo, too. They stood in front of the cottage with Otto digging up her flowers in the background. That damn cat.

And next to the photo were two bottles of her medicine. Ironic, she remembered, that a few months prior to the photo, she was prescribed that medication. It helped her function. Without it, there were too many noises.

Anyways, it was getting late and she needed to write the letter while she could still see straight.


Dear Splinter,

   Forgive me for only saying good bye after a bizarre second encounter together. I wish to see you again but I really can't tolerate the trek through the sewers. I'm in no way dishonoring your way of life but I hope you can understand that I'm not up to speed or stamina as you and your family are. Still, if you can't come see me, I will cross the sewers for you. Just like I crossed the ocean for you.

Wow, that sounded a bit romantic, didn't it?, she muttered. He would get the point; he's a smart cookie. The pencil scribbled onwards.

   I would like to get to know you more, aside from someone who needs to be placed in a straight jacket, but you're very interesting. And I remember you telling me the story of you and your sons' mutations. It fascinated me. Your stories sound like something in a comic book but then we have a few crazy ones of our own! Let's share them sometime.

   Abigail and I will extend our stay for another couple of months. During that time, may we please see one another again? Your sons are delightful and each one has been so nice to my Abby, who needs a mentor and friend more than ever. You all have been very kind to two mysterious guests. I notice that you Americans will be celebrating your Thanksgiving soon and it will be our first. I really hope your family will continue to accept us as you all have been doing. We appreciate it and you are welcome to our home at any time. Undoubtedly.

            Your friend,    Emyrs Becker


Not too shabby, she cooed, although the "crossing the ocean for you" part did seem a touch too dramatic. Ok, erasetime.

Still, if you can't come see me, I will cross the sewers for you. The ocean was difficult enough so I can tough it out!

Abigail's snores were gaining volume, and her own eyesight was going blurry. With the medicine kicking in and lamplight shutting off, it didn't take long for the elder turtle to conquer dreamland.

Author's Note: And this chapter concludes the first half of the saga! The coming chapters will have more action than daily, humdrum-type stuff. Brace yourselves for familiar characters (male & female) making their appearances. I'm excited to give some of them a makeover! Until then!

[Mindy]

Chapter 11 :: Kuma


How in the world could those boys train in this bitter cold? New York City had this angry winter, not like the carefree season from her homeland. It was just different and she wasn't used to it at all. Training was just that much more difficult. Her teachers were impressive to her and improved her own style each day, but they were males, and older males, who didn't quite seem to know what the word "break" meant.

She shouldn't whine, a thought whistled. These boys were tough as nails and the best in their field; keep your lips shut and comply.

As she struggled to keep up with the Bouncing Rooftop Brothers in the freezing weather, the one thing that made Abigail warm inside was the thought of tasting her mother's meat pie waiting for her back at the rental home. The flushed, hearty meal that has been a family tradition for years around winter could beat down any jog in the cold or difficult exam in school. A smile usually crossed her face all the way to her home and its presence was here under this foreign night sky.

The Hamato sons' leaping halted and Leonardo's voice cut quickly through the air. She thought she heard her own name but was a little too far behind to really understand what was happening ahead of her. Quite suddenly, a shadow recoiled towards her and a pair of warm hands captured her. Donatello's voice mumbled in her right ear.

"We're hiding. Move."

In a state of shock, she clumsily shuffled with Donatello to what he considered was a safe place for the both of them. Raphael and Leonardo's voices were extremely muffled but she could certainly hear a fight commencing.

"What -" she started but Donatello placed a finger over her mouth.

"Not now. Shush."

Waiting was the toughest part. The shock wore off slightly and the noises came closer and closer. Donatello whispered for her to once again move it and this time, they crawled off the rooftop and into the streets below. Amazing how stealthy she had become in a short time. Dipping into the darkness was like putting on an old pair of shoes.

Abigail couldn't see Donatello in the alleyway but his hand remained secured around her elbow. The battle noises became a distant echo, and as time inched along, her rapid heartbeat curtailed, eyes back in her skull, and Donatello's grip lessened. How could it all be very exciting and terrifying at one time?

"A few more minutes." Don's edgy voice instructed through the backstreet. She knew all too well not to relax even though the war on the topside began dissipating. The previous two months had been a wild ride for her, in both training and understanding a different culture. Mother wanted her to be worldly and disciplined, and each day Abigail, despite her tender age, reached closer to her goals. Her new teachers have taught her so much and she swallowed hard, thinking what would become of them if the enemy succeeded. Would Mike and Master Splinter drown in sorrow in their small rooms? How could they all blissfully move one day to the next knowing one of their own could disappear? They all cared for one another but did they all just fall apart? What about all of their previous battles and sacrifices?

"Stop thinking about death."

"Yes," she felt herself whispered back to him without a moment's hesitance. He must have been in this scenario a hundred times and the same thoughts raced through his mind twice that many. Her cheeks flushed from the adrenaline and embarrassment. He was right; stay calm and comply.





"Checkmate," Splinter proudly announced with a curved smile. His elongated fingers reached over the board and settled back into his lap.

"Cheater!" Emyrs chirped, smile curving and studying how her opponent just won the game. From the kitchen, April chuckled silently while tossing lettuce.

Splinter nodded his head, his wiry fur a few shakes behind the momentum. "Sore loser."

"Those are fighting words, young one!"

"You don't pay attention, Lady Emyrs. It is a strategic game."

"I bet you couldn't beat me in tennis or gardening."

"Do not tempt me."

"I'm tempting."

"Bad idea."

Emyrs glanced at April, whose shoulders were bouncing up and down. "You look more like a rat than a chicken to me, Kuma."

"Kuma?" April blinked. "Doesn't that mean bear?"

"Yep. He's more of a bear than a rat, but right now, he's a chicken."

"In just that one sentence, you named him a barnyard!" April laughed and dug out the cutting board, uttering, "I hate tomatoes but Casey bends over backwards for them. He gets a bowl of his own."

Emyrs began clucking like a fowl, eventually laughing at Splinter's static expression.

"That is quite a good impression. I am entertained."

"Kuma, you're a trip," her laughter slowed and she wiped her eye, "Clear the board and I'll wipe it with you in this next round."

Splinter diligently removed the chess pieces. "Don't be deceived by appearances. You of all people should know that, Dame."

"Lady!" the brunette cried from the kitchen, still pounding on the cutting board. She rather enjoyed the learning experience.

Emyrs lifted her pieces off the game board. "Now I know where your sons get their spunk. Color me a fool. I thought you were a sweet old man. The light bulb should have switched on when I caught you watching daytime tv the other day."

"I enjoy my soaps. Robbie is going to confess to Maria tomorrow."

"On which one? You watch a billion of them."

His side of the board was clear now. "You do not pay close attention, certainly."

Her side of the board was only halfway vacant. "I don't watch your soaps! They're all cheesy, no matter which country you live in."

"Palace Dreams."

"Pardon?" Emyrs stopped.

"Palace Dreams. Robbie. Maria."

"He isn't going to confess to her, Splinter!" April declared. "Maria cheated on HIM one time before. He's paying her back!"

"Maria has a delightful soul," Splinter coolly protested, never turning his back towards the kitchen area. His ears flicked a quick second as Mike's bedroom door unhinged.

Groggily, Mike looked up and locked eyes with his father. April stopped her dicing and Emyrs cleared the rest of the board. Tense air filled the room with April and Emyrs exchanging quick glances and wondering what was going to happen next. Splinter had been visiting for a couple of days but as usual, Mike never came out of his room for much. Even with a slight breakthrough a couple of months back, his reclusive nature persisted and he only joined in a handful of family time. Nobody wanted to force him to do anything.

Rosie pranced out of the room, mewing and rubbing Mike's leg. Splinter broke the stare and grinned towards the cat.

"Mike," April cleared her throat, "What do you like in your salad?"

"The usual. I'll even take tomatoes if you have some."

"You like salad now, my son?" Splinter glistened. "I am happy to know this. I could never get you to eat salad."

Mike looked down at the floor and cocked a smile. "Goes good with pizza."

The two shared a peaceful moment. Emyrs and April returned to their duties but everything was aborted once there was a rushed knock from the living room window. Mike gently pushed a purring Rosie aside and strolled to the window. As soon as he opened it, he could smell the trouble brewing.

[Mindy]

Chapter 12 :: Bandages


"Mike, get the hell out of the way! You lookin' like we ain't ever come through here before!" Raphael brushed passed his groggy brother. When Raphael realized the living room had more guests, he broke off his temperament and did the only thing he could make his hand do: wave.

April, Splinter, and Emyrs gaped at the spectacle with Emyrs waving back a few moments later.

Donatello and Abigail arrived in the room with Leonardo bringing up the rear, taking one last look into the night, and peacefully shutting the window. Everyone stopped behind Raphael.

"Evening, my students. Dinner will be ready soon." Splinter's voice was caring and polite but held a distinctive sense of order. Nobody could really argue with him.

Mike gave his brothers a confused look, especially since Leonardo and Raphael had a good few cuts and scrapes on themselves. He really didn't want to deal with the drama and proceeded to the bathroom, where he wanted to go in the first place. Rosie sat on the living room floor, grooming herself and oblivious to the events.

"Uh, what are we having?" blurted Raph, looking towards April in the kitchen.

"First, you all shall get cleaned up. April is preparing a nice salad dinner. I expect you all to be back in twenty minutes."

The Window Guests disappeared as quickly as they entered the room. Emyrs couldn't believe how graceful Splinter handled something that looked like a disaster. Abigail looked petrified, Leonardo and Raphael bleeding, and Donatello as serious as she had ever seen him.

"I'll come back in a minute. Excuse me," she said and followed the group down the basement.

Once she entered the dwelling, Emyrs softly pushed the door closed and overlooked the crowd. Donatello was applying first aid to Leonardo on Abigail's bed.

"Excuse us while we use your room for a bit, please. We won't be here long," Don assured and dotted Leo's hand with ointment.

"Take your time. Well, just twenty minutes as your father said. I think he might get all of us then," Emyrs playfully stammered. No one really replied to her comment.

Abigail poised by her mother's nightstand, leaning against the wall and darting her eyes from her mother then back to the ground. While Emyrs wanted to investigate (so badly), instead she pushed aside the idea and walked towards Don.

"May I help then? I'm here."

Don handed her the faded medical bag, and passing a nod to Leonardo, she walked to meet Raphael and Abigail on the other side. Raphael sat on the floor, looking as disgruntled as ever but it was probably from the workout and wounds than anything else. Emyrs pulled her sheets off the bed and patted it.

"Here, please."

Abigail and Raphael looked at each other, slightly puzzled, so he nodded for her to go ahead. As Abby pushed herself off the wall, Emyrs nodded.

"You're not bleeding, Abby. Will you be okay until I treat him?"

"Yes."

"I'm fine! Treat the girl -"

"Raph!" Leonardo and Donatello roared across the room: Leo's voice more commanding, Don's response was more annoyed.

He begrudgingly got onto his feet and stomped to the bed. Almost taking his shirt off, he froze and huffed to his brothers. "Switch with me, Leo."

Don sighed and continued medicating Leo's hand. "He doesn't want to undress in front of you ladies, Em."

"Where are your injuries then?" Emyrs asked and opened the bag.

Raphael didn't look at her, his huffing not quite as severe. "Some on my chest and shoulder. And one where you ain't touching at all. I'll do that one myself."

Emyrs poked inside the bag and brought out supplies. "Roll your shirt up and I"ll take care of the shoulder injury. You and Don handle the rest."

Raphael complied but instead of rolling up his shirt, he ripped it off and discarded on the floor. Emyrs shrugged and began medicating his shoulder wounds. Abigail turned away from the injuries. They looked quite painful but Raphael never muttered, winced, or whined, like she would have.

"You feel better over there, baby?" Raph teased at Leo. "That's what you get for messin' with the better fighter."

Leo caught onto the act. "My hands were the only ones injured. You have them everywhere, including privately."

Raph growled. "You pull that *insert swear here* again and I'll cut yours off completely! You don't use it anyways."

"Ladies in the room, fellas," moaned Don.

Raph winced at his wounds finally. "Sorry, sorry. I'm dumb sometimes."

"Sometimes?" Leo shot back.

"In addition to my sai weapons," Raph began slowly, adding venom, "I have a pocketknife that will take care of the job, too. Remember that horror movie we watched? The one with the guy losing his pride?"

"And you and Mike screamed like little girls, too," Don joined in. "I almost had to hold the both of you tight."

"That was Mikey! He was the wuss! I don't hide under skirts. Ow!" he hissed, and Emyrs continued cleaning the wound. "Kick it down a notch, will ya, "love"?"

"I wouldn't want to break you," Emyrs joked. "And "love" is that British crap."

Nearly discharging another comeback, Raphael closed his mouth and allowed his brothers to laugh at his expense. She was a guest, a lady, an older lady at that, and medicating his wounds. All she needed to do was jab a nearby object in his shoulder and he would be the Wuss of the Evening.

"British, Irish, Germans... same difference, right?" His tongue always got the best of him. That will never change.

"Almost like Canadians, Mexicans, and Americans. Same difference, right?" she jeered, and Don's laughter nearly blew them out of the room.

"Pick on Raph Night. I'm touched," he scoffed and glared in Don's direction. "Get back to bandaging Leo. Don't forget his mouth this time."

"There you go," Emyrs concluded and gave him a polite shove. "Off my bed and go clean up your other wounds."

"Yes, Mother," he groaned and stumbled off the bed. Abigail reclaimed his spot.

Before Raphael opened the door, he had to give his brothers one last glare. "Don't blow it," he mouthed to them and slithered out the room.

[Mindy]

Chapter 13 :: Rosie


After a delicious (and silent) salad dinner, Raphael, Leonardo, and Donatello met in the deepest part of the alleyway. Hunched over his motorcycle, Raphael rubbed his shoulder injury and popped his neck; Donatello and Leonardo positioned in front of the bike, and all of the brothers wore intense looks.

"It's been a while since we've had to use our weapons against anyone. Got any guesses who that attacker could have been?" Leo broke the silence.

Don studied the surroundings. "Purple Dragons? They're still kicking around every now and then."

"But that fighter was too good to be one of those punks," Raph stated and eased onto the bike.

Leo nodded. "Raph's right. And the Foot have all but disappeared these days."

"Then we might be dealing with a random attacker?" Don switched his footing. "We might have hit someone's turf."

"No, Donny, that turf belongs to us. We crawl those rooftops almost nightly. I've never encountered that person before," Raph protested.

"Have you made someone mad lately, Raph?" came a cool voice from Leonardo. "I mean, seriously."

"Some street punks poking their noses where they don't belong. One almost scratched up my bike and I had to decorate the streets with 'im."

The gears were churning in Don's eyes. "Pardon me for inciting this idea, but I know it's been two months since the guests arrive, but we should know that every time someone new comes along..."

"...a new enemy appears," Leo finished. "But why were they waiting two months to do anything?"

"And the chicks come from a mountain in "Doisland". Who the heck wants to hurt them?" Raph countered and bundled up his suit even more.

"Deutschland, Raphael," chided Don, giving a half -hearted chuckle. Raphael opened his mouth to say something but stopped and waved his hand to dismiss it.

"Patrol watch then. Who is first?" Leonardo asked. Both he and Donatello looked at Raphael instantly.

"You know what? I actually want one of you goons to go first for once. I never get to see Boneheaded Casey much anymore and ..." his words trailed off and huffed.

"And what?" Donatello probed.

Raphael miffed, "And that's it!"

Leonardo angled towards Raphael. "You don't want to go on patrol?! Do you have plans or something?"

"Yeah, I got plans!" Raph retorted and hurridely got his bike ready to go. "That don't involve getting my thighs cut by some maniac!"

"Take a picture or video of this, Don. I'm highly shocked."

Raphael revved up his engine, smirked before donning his helmet. "Have a nice night. Bundle up!"

The motorbike howled in the darkness and careened towards the street.

"What about tomorrow night?!" screamed Leo over the roar.

"I'll let you know!" was his brother's reply as he vanished into the city's flow. The two brothers in the alleyway were left standing puzzled by Raphael's abnormal decision. They only gazed at each other before passing on to the night's responsibilities.

---------------------------------------------------------

The dishes had never been this ...sparkly before, she gaped, even when the dishwasher was working. April stood amazed and even inspected each dish before placing it back in the drain.

"Are they not to your satisfaction, Miss O'Neil?" Splinter's kind voice rattled. He had been working on the dishes for almost half an hour and had insisted on cleaning them, too.

April promptly nodded. "No way! That's the cleanest I've ever seen them! I can't even get them that bright!"

"I've had much practice," he grinned and slowly brushed the debris out of a bowl.

"With four boys in the house, I would make sure NOT to do them," she laughed, dashing back and forth between the living room and kitchen to entertain a squealing Shadow in a highchair.

"I love a child's laugh," he commented, and something from the sound of his voice said that he missed it. April knew that with his family growing and changing, Splinter felt detached; she looked down at blissful baby Shadow and cursed at time in her mind.

Shadow reached for her mother. "Shadow laughs a lot so you're taken care of there!" April wiggled one of Shadow's toys in front of her so the baby's attention would be diverted. Mike really spoils the child, April groaned.

A bitsy cry sounded from the kitchen floor and Splinter found Rosie by his leg, rubbing and purring against it. "Hello there, neko," he greeted.

"Rosie's out? And Mike's not out here?" pondered April with Shadow gaining momentum in her chair, gnawing on the toy.

"Neko Rosie," Splinter quietly teased and wiped his hands dry. He groaned slightly as he bent down to retrieve the sweet kitty. "You are much more affectionate than Klunk."

The two rubbed their furry faces against one another, and Rosie's hums increased until they completely filled the room. Shadow outstretched her hands, babbling and lunging the toy in Splinter's direction. The view was certainly very endearing and April wanted it to last as long as it could, which was the reason for her shushing Shadow. Splinter massaged Rosie's ears and the cat was practically smiling.

April became lost in the moment and didn't see Mike standing in the doorway to his room until her eyes darted in that direction when Shadow threw the toy again. She almost squeaked his name but ceased when she saw that he was smiling at his father and Rosie bonding. Instead of commenting on anything, she giggled at Shadow and rattled the toy in front of the baby's face.

"Rosie is a good pet," Splinter chimed and released Rosie onto the floor. He glanced at Mike. "That means you are a good owner."

"I was trained by the best," Mike agreed. "Would you like to play a game of chess?"

"Only if you do not cry about me cheating, like my previous opponent."

Rosie leaped onto the sofa's arm, purring and cleaning herself. Shadow was desperately trying to reach the cat and threw another toy, only to miss and Rosie not even notice.

Mike chuckled. "I promise. Kuma."

Splinter affectionately shrugged.

[Mindy]

I realize my grasp on the German language is almost zilch so if I mucked up badly, please let me know!!!


Chapter 14 :: Blindness


The Thanksgiving holiday glided in quietly. For the longest time, it was debated if Casey could get that particular day off from his job but all he had to do was squeeze in a little lie and the time off was granted to him. If Casey had not been able to take off, April was going to have a brunch and set everything up in the more spacious basement area (and it was warmer down there, too). Nobody fussed about the situation and continued on with their daily (and nightly) activities.

Leonardo and Donatello swapped patrol nights for a solid month, with Mike, Casey, and Raphael filling in a few days. Mike needed a break from the writing (and Rosie was smothering him), adrenaline-rushed Casey couldn't sleep, and Raphael, odd as it was, snatched up the fewest days. His brothers had no idea what was going on with him, and Casey was playing dumb, or as dumb as usual but hiding something, the brothers realized. Poking in Raphael's business brew terrible consequences so all odds were out on asking or investigating. Rather, the brothers wanted to keep a steady eye around them. It had been exactly a month since the rooftop attacker, and Casey was hoping the attacker would celebrate its anniversary.

On this Thanksgiving evening, the families gathered in the sparsely decorated Lair. Emyrs could battle another round with the sewer water if it meant enjoying time with everyone, but her only stipulation was walking _behind_ Abigail there and back to the apartment. Abigail complied but was generally concerned about her mother's peculiar cough. It was sporadic but getting worse. As always, her mother brushed it off and promised to take care of herself.

As the families seated at the enormous table (perfect for these occasions and a treasure that Mike manage to network), Casey was the first to complain over a lack of appetizers.

"You're getting a huge turkey, bonehead!" Raph growled, smacking Casey with his paper plate.

"I need my eats NOW. Do you know what I had to go through to skip work today?"

Don poured himself a glass of water. "We know all about you having to fight a turkey and that it chased you into a barbwire fence. How are you going to explain the lack of injuries?"

"I heal quickly," Casey shrugged. "That really did happen to me when I was a kid so it's not a total lie."

"Yo, Mike!" Raph crooned across the table to his brother. "Hit it big with your work yet?"

"Small paychecks here and there," responded Mike, dryly. Raphael always had to play him up at every holiday dinner. He was thinking about skipping Christmas at this point.

"Quit writing that mush and write something about us kicking the Foot's tails across New York!"

"Oooh, put me in there!" Casey barged in. "Raph can be my sidekick!"

"A side kick in your ugly face!" was the heated response.

Mike only simpered, shaking his head and keeping his mouth full of beverage. Raphael and Casey continued arguing until a strange set of noises and lights erupted in the Lair. Emyrs was on the far end of the table, closest to the phenomenon and was temporarily blinded as two figures stepped out of the light and sound.

"More guests!" Leonardo cheered and walked towards the light. All of the Hamatos rose from the table and greeted the two figures as the portal disappeared. An anthropomorphic rabbit and rhinoceros stood to attention; their smiles were huge and eyes glowing with happiness. The reunion was loud and hearty and it was only a few minutes later that the guests were prefaced to the only ones remaining at the table: Emyrs (caressing her face) and Abigail. Casey had gotten up earlier and retreated elsewhere, murmuring something about being called an "ape" and didn't seem pleased about it.

"Allow me to introduce our other guests," Splinter announced as he extended his hand towards the table, "They traveled from Germany: Emyrs and her daughter, Abigail. They have been renting from Miss O'Neil's basement for two months now. Abigail is currently in training. Ladies, these are our dear friends: Miyamoto Usagi and Murakami Gennosuke."

The rabbit, Usagi, dressed in graceful samurai gear bowed. Abigail returned the gesture as she pushed her body from the table, and stumbled slightly. She studied her mother, who was blinking rapidly and seemed to be getting herself together. Abigail didn't want to draw attention to Emyrs.

"This is our first Thanksgiving, and it's nice to spend it with good company," she articulated.

Usagi smiled. "The accent suits you, young lady. We are happy to meet you and your mother."

"Hello, Mother!" Gennosuke barked and threw his hand heavily onto Emyrs' shoulder, causing Abigail to flinch.

"Don't scare her to death, Gen!" Raphael blurted.

Her eyesight reestablished, Emyrs quickly shuffled around to Gennosuke. She was taken back by his intimidating appearance.

"Hello to you... er, son?" she awkwardly teased and stood with Abigail. She lost a part of her footing for a second but regained her posture without too many comprising stares.

"My, my... she's a pretty one." Gennosuke whistled over to the Turtles, each one reacting from a shrug to plain exasperation.

"Yeah, Abigail is quite pretty with her poofy hair and cute nose," Emyrs cooed. "And she still has so many years ahead of her!"

It was a mother's sneaky attempt way of saying 'off-limits'.

Gennosuke walked passed Emyrs, on his way to the kitchen area. "I didn't mean the daughter," his voice whispered sharply.



The turkey dinner was served hot and fresh an hour later, and the scene resembled something from a barnyard brawl. Gennosuke and Casey stabbed their utensils in the same spot and neither one would let the other pass. April finally had to use a dishtowel and slap both of them apart. The holiday was about being generous, she snarled, and how Casey and Gennosuke were failing miserably at the idea. Gen's snappy reply of "not being from this world" didn't hold any kind of meaning to April, and she threatened to serve him with the turkey if he didn't show a little respect.

The meal was very silent for ten long, agonizing, uncomfortable minutes.

"So, Elder Becker-san!" Gennosuke hollered from his end of the table to Emyrs' side. "What sites have you seen here in this city? Have you eaten a New York city hot dog?"

"One of the first things I had to do, I was told," she said, swallowing bits of food that she was in the middle of chewing. "A christening sort of ceremony."

"Usagi-san and I are here for the evening. Would you care to join me later in this fine city?"

There was an exasperated groan from Raphael's seat.

"I'm not really up to going into the city today, if you don't mind. Could we hang around here?"

Abigail smiled as she chewed her food.

"Your accent is so pretty," Gennosuke commented. "Would you mind speaking in your native tongue to me?"

"Yeah, he wants her tongue alright," Raphael grumbled and Casey choked a couple of times.

Leonardo came to save the impending disaster. "Usagi-san, what brings you here today? Usually you all visit around our Christmastime."

Usagi gently wiped his face with a napkin. "We will be unavailable to come around Christmas this year so we remembered this holiday. Tomoe Ame and her Lord sends their regards and hope all is well with you and your family."

"Come on, speeaaaaaak," babbled Gen, waving his mammoth hands.

"Gennosuke. Your table manners." Gen received a very distasteful look from his traveling companion.

Her vision was going blurry again; Emyrs turned to her daughter, slurring words, "Wie viele Personen sind hier, Abigail?"

Abigail glanced around the table, counting silently. "Zehn, nicht zählen uns, der Mutter."

Gennosuke grinned widely. "Fascinating! I love hearing other languages! I wonder what they are saying?"

"That you're a big dumb oaf and to leave them alone," Raph retorted, and it even got a chuckle from Donatello (and Casey's usual outbursts).

April studied the two ladies silently, chewing small bites and feeding Shadow, who was unusually quiet. April noticed that her infant would turn and look behind herself many times. It was the same look that Emyrs had.

Beginning to look fatigued, Emyrs exasperated as she stood from the table, "Ich bin nicht gut. Bitte berücksichtigen kann," and staggered towards the bathroom.

When Abigail's eyes unglued from her mother's odd exit, she had many eyes pinned to her once she looked back at the table. She cleared her throat, opened her mouth once, closed it, and reopened again, jabbering, "I don't think the turkey agreed with her. I apologize on her behalf."

"But she never touched her turkey," Leonardo observed. "Should one of us go check on her?"

April quickly stood. "I'll do it. Casey, watch-"

"No!" Abby snapped and then realized how harsh she sounded, finishing, "No. Please. She will be okay."

April soundlessly reclaimed her seat and resumed feeding Shadow. Gennsouke dispersed his arms.

"Well, what did you two say?"

"That New York was very pretty and how ...colorful you are," Abigail paused and caught glances from the family. "Colorful is a good word in her terms."

"She's very colorful herself!" he guffawed and stuffing his mouth, "I want to get to know her more. Do you think she would allow me to take her out? Money is no object!"

"Nein, aber nein danke," blurted Abigail, throwing a teasing look towards April. April returned the look.

"Then it's a date!"

"A date?" Raphael snapped. "You gotta get HER permission, rhinoface!"

"When she returns, then, Kame. Do I sense a little rivalry?"

"No! She's old enough to be my mother!" Raphael yipped. "I don't have much experience with the opposite sex but I'm pretty sure what you're doing doesn't exactly turn them on. And you're pissing me off."

The entire table erupted in chuckles, giggles, and snorts in between chomps of turkey and mashed potatoes. Usagi ordered his friend to be silent for the rest of the meal and that no date was going to happen since they were needed back in their World on that same day.

Baby Shadow continued looking in the other direction, cooing at nothing.