It's been a while, huh. I'm working on a few things and I found that writing drabbles is really fun and interesting to do. It's also useful when I have writer's block or can't find inspiration.

Also, I haven't uploaded anything this year TMNT-wise. :p

Acrid
Angel remembers.

Ryan took her to the park that day. Pushed her on the swings. Taught her how to spit like a boy. Even bought her ice-cream. But it couldn't fill the emptiness her parents' departure left. Grandma's hugs felt alien. Pain, anger, betrayal, a sense of uselessness stirred. Grew.

Their apartment building went up in flames that night. Angel remembers Ryan carrying her over his shoulder. Remembers her skin prickling in the night's coldness. The acrid smell. Hearing adults whisper about Purple Dragons. Everyone relocated. Moved on. No one complained.

Angel remembers and wishes she had power like that.

Shame
The missing part of his shell was a constant reminder. A reminder of failure. Weakness. Shame.

There had been moments. Many moments that could have prevented this. But they built up unchecked, stacked clumsily on top of each other. Then they fell.

A stumble. His own katana. Mutual realisation. Horror.

Their eyes met. Then he slumped. Fell, with her standing over him. She failed then, and later. Her father's touch still lingers. Burns.

Would his shell heal? Maybe it was like the scars inside him. Would they ever heal?

Karai knew hers wouldn't. His shell would make sure of it.

Master
Splinter struggled to accept being called 'Master'. It belonged to another. Rats didn't own much- some never owned anything, but he was lucky. Humans assumed he was a pet, a possession, but it was two-way. Hamato Yoshi belonged to him.

Yoshi taught him to fight. Splinter didn't realise at the time, but he taught Yoshi. Reminded him of love. Loyalty. Offered him companionship.

All past tense now.

Showing equal kindness, Splinter took in the turtles. Trained them to fight. Protect themselves. Each other. Do what he had failed to do.

They taught him to accept not only Master... but Father.

Cold
"Do you brumate?"

Mikey looked up from the television. April peered down at him, waiting.

"Do I what?" he said, forehead wrinkling.

"It's like hibernation," she explained, "only you become less active. You drink and sleep. Sometimes eat."

"Oh." This sounded like Don territory. But he was out. He'd kick himself for missing one of April's visits. "I wish."

"Then how did you keep warm... before?"

"Blankets. Lots of blankets. Sensei heated water for us too. Over a fire."

"Sounds very... human."

Mikey laughed and bit into a slice of pizza.

She returned the turtle guide book the next day.

Different
Raph wondered why Casey didn't react badly when they first met. Yes, Casey had called him 'freak', but he never showed any fear or hate. Just annoyance when Raph got in his way.

Casey took it all in his stride. Angel did too. And Karai, but her father wasn't much of a looker.

An opportunity arose during a football game on television, beer and peanuts at hand.

"Hey, Case, how come you didn't freak out when we met? I'm a large, talkin', turtle ninja."

Casey gulped. Waved his hand. "I already knew bein' human doesn't make you a good guy."