A scream cut through the air like a katana blade, its edge sharpened with agony and tears and shattering hope…
Once it faded on the air, the cry left its host panting for breath, lungs burning, as the pain began to numb the nerves…
Clouding blue eyes looked up at their tormentor…
"Why are you doing this?"
A cold, detached look, like he didn't realize he'd taken the young soul's innocence…
"Why?"
It amused him that the young turtle could still be so curious…
As if he hadn't already shown her the answer…
"Because you're mine now."
He took hold of her chin, forcing her to look him in the eyes as he ground into her soul what she was now…
"You're mine, and no one can save you now."
He watched her heart shatter in his hands…
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"Lily?"
The violet-masked turtle looked up from her book, seeing her Uncle Leo.
"Is there something you need?"
Deep down, she hoped he'd say no.
She was in the middle of her favorite book, snuggled in Mitsukai's warm fur.
"Could you go out and get some groceries? I'd ask Angela, but…"
"She's over at Keishi's."
Since the whole Foot predicament, Keishi had moved into his own apartment near Casey and April's place.
Even a year later, it was like a second home to the sky-masked turtle.
"How about Izzy?"
"She went with Gabriel and Rose to April and Casey's."
"Z?"
"Out playing vigilante."
That only left E and Ari, the two youngest.
Lily sighed in defeat, already mourning the loss of her only free time in weeks…
"Where's the list?"
"Here. Cover up and go quickly. I expect you back in half an hour."
"Right…"
Pulling on a long white cloak and hood, she grabbed the money and headed out.
It was dark out, but the moon was only a pale sliver in the night sky.
Lily took note to avoid danger tonight, until the moon began waxing again.
Unlike her eldest cousin, who could control water relatively easily no matter what time or day, Lily had to be careful.
One bad move could cost her dearly, so the blue-eyed turtle had to think a few steps ahead of her opponent.
Stepping into the store, she headed straight for the cereal aisle.
At least ten boxes went into her cart of all different kinds.
Raisin Bran, Lucky Charms, Cheerios, Fruity Pebbles, Cornflakes, Trix…
This is what happened when you had eight children and at least three cereal-loving adults…
It would all be gone in a week…
She grabbed bread and ham and cheese and yogurt and…
She felt someone watching her…
Straightening from grabbing some Cheetohs, Lily turned to go pay.
The bags weren't that heavy, but a boy a bit older than her kept insisting…
"I wouldn't want to burden you. I'm sure I can make it home on my own. Thanks for offering."
He followed her out onto the sidewalk, seeming to lose his temper with her verbal dodging, and grabbed her arm.
She yelped as he dragged her into an alley, groping her ass and scratching her tail.
Her groceries threatened to fall over onto the damp ground, and that wouldn't do at all.
A snap, and her foot hit him under the chin.
He stumbled back, startled, as she shifted the boxes and bags in her arms.
"You little BITCH!"
A whip of water caught him in the temple as he tried to rush her, and he crumbled to the floor, unconscious.
Not wanting to just leave him there to be robbed, the violet-masked turtle moved him to the sidewalk.
Trying to slow her heartbeat after that shot of adrenaline, Lily turned to head back to the manhole.
Shrugging off her past paranoia, feeling the danger had passed, she didn't realize someone was watching her…
'Perfect…'