Disclaimer: I don't own the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
Author's Note: I swore I wouldn't… but I had to. It's been building up inside me and has been for so long, I just couldn't contain it. Anyway this will sort of be a test run chapter, if it gets enough feedback and I'm motivated enough I'll continue it. If not, oh well I suppose. Anyway, please, please, please let me know what you think. I hope you enjoy and thanks so much for reading!
Chapter one: Settling Memory
Stepping through the bright halls, the stink of "clean" assaulting my nostrils as I pass room after room, the sound of people bustling by, seems so distant from myself, even as I brush shoulders with a few passing by. The door to the train opened with a ding, stepping on board I made my way over to a seat, how long has it been since I had first arrived here? Keeping my dark purple hood pulled over my head I watched more and more people pushing past each other to get on or off, a strange network resembling bustling ants. Leaning back I took a breath, this place sure is strange, one could easily get lost in the tall tales passed around the streets, it had taken quite a bit of grease on a few dirty palms to get believable details, even after it seemed it'd be easier to listen to the gossip of the tabloids, a lot cheaper too. The ride is quiet, well aside from the sound of the wheels passing over the tracks and the whispered gossip of the other passengers, but something seems... off. Pulling a bud from my ear I listened closely, the rattle of the worn tracks nearly drowned out by the few groups of people in the same car.
With the way this city is a lone rider isn't uncommon, most seem to keep to themselves, but that doesn't make the strange figure sitting by their lonesome any less suspicious. There is something unsettling about the way he sat, like he was trying not to draw attention to himself, or at least not the attention of the regular riders. Eyeing him I wrapped my hand around one of the small pellets I carry with myself, something here spells trouble. Thankfully the next stop is mine, glancing around the car I waited, if this person is following me they won't leave until I do. Reaching the stop I waited a little while longer, watching the fellow get up from his seat and leave. I relaxed a little, jumping from my seat as to not be stuck for an even longer ride, exiting the subway I made my way to the surface. This city wouldn't be so bad if not for all the weird stuff that goes on here, ninja roaming the streets at night, alien invasions... and mutants. As if the gangs of this place wasn't bad enough, still there are worse things to fear.
Walking down the street and turning a corner I was less than pleased to have been grabbed then pulled down a dark alley. Grunting as I was forced back against the brick wall I grit my teeth and glared at the idiot who decided it wise to mess with me. "Thought you could escape the boss? Heh, spent along time looking for you. Little did we know you'd come right to us," a raspy male voice spoke, the other lone passenger from the train gave a cigarette stained smile to me. Adding more force he leaned on me, "You think you've got me licked, is that it?" I asked wriggling one of my arms to rip his from pressing against my chest. "Yeah, and when the commander hears that we've got you... oh ho, it'll be real swell down the road." He answered growing more excited at the thought. "It would be, wouldn't it? Pity, because that ain't happening." I said calmly, reaching into my pocket I grabbed the pellet from before. Crushing it in my hand and throwing it into his face.
Crying out he stepped back trying to wipe the powder away, grabbing another and tearing it I let the contents pour into my hand, pouring half into my other. "Over here, you little shit." I said walking up to him, angrily I forced my hands to his face and ground the powder into his eyes. Growling he swung at me but I blocked and threw a punch right into his ribs. "You'll pay fer that." He said swinging blindly at me, stepping back I couldn't help but smile at the way he stumbled about desperately trying to land a single blow. Stepping behind him I kicked the back of his knee, forcing him down I held of his wrists, firmly planting a foot between his shoulders I applied a bit of pressure, "Where are they stationed?" I demanded but he only laughed, "Like hell I'll tell you." Narrowing my eyes I growled, "I'm not in the mood for games, tell me or else." "Fuck you." He said shaking his head. Frowning I shook my head, "Have it your way then." I said breaking his wrist then knocking him out. "Wonder where I can leave you, to keep you quiet." I wondered looking over the unconscious man.
Throwing the door to my apartment open I sighed, "I'm running out of time." Closing the door and locking it I looked around the nearly bare space, "Just moved in and might have to bail. Great." I said unzipping my purple hoodie and shedding it. Leaving it hanging on a still unpacked box I stretched, casting a gray glance over the dark room, walking up to a small cabinet I ran a hand over the face of the double doors, tracing my fingertips over the smooth surface I closed my eyes. Opening the cabinet I looked over the shrines contents, setting in a new incense and lighting it I spoke a soft prayer. "I can't keep running..." I muttered to the framed photo. Not like I expected an answer but the silence wasn't very welcomed, "I wish that you were still here to guide me... I-... need you." I added. Taking a deep breath the smell of jasmine filled my nostrils, the smell once provided comfort and fond memories, but now only offer the pain of loss. Heading into the bedroom I plopped onto the soft mattress, only adorned by a thin sheet and a pillow, crawling under the covers I sighed as I laid waiting to be swept away with sleep.
Pacing the bright waiting room I ran a hand though my long, dark, brown hair. The evening's events playing on repeat over and over in my mind as the seconds ticked by. How long has it been? My heart pounded in my chest as I nervously glanced around the room, "What's going on?" I asked my own thoughts, racking my brain for answers as to why this was happening. Shaking my head I tried to force myself to calm down, "You were trained your whole life in-case something like this happened. Relax, she'll be fine." I reprimanded myself. After hours of waiting I grew more and more impatient, just how long did I have to wait? Glancing up I watched a doctor enter the room, holding a clipboard in one hand as he slowly made his way over to me. He seemed rather shocked to see only me here, he glanced around a moment then asked, "Are you here by yourself?" I nodded. He looked over the papers on his clipboard and ran a hand over his mouth, contemplating on what he should do or say. "You-... you can come on back now." He said adjusting his glasses and leading me from the waiting room.
We walked through the white halls in silence, not like I would care for anything he had to say. With each step my pulse sped up, my heart now thundering in my chest as we stopped in front of one room. Swallowing hard the doctor opened the door allowing me to pass, my palms grew sweaty as I approached the mint curtain and a lump formed in my throat as i pulled it back. The sound of the machines that she was hooked up to filled the air, drowning out her weak breathing, my heart twisted at the sight and tears welled in my gray eyes. Biting my lip I tried to suppress the sobs from rising and escaping, reaching out a small pale hand I took her's. I jumped at how cold it felt and how weak her grip is. My lips became dry and as I tried to speak I choked on my own words. I don't know how long I had stood there, frozen, looking at her pale, bruised face. The beeping of one machine crashing into one long sound filled me with dread, suddenly the small room was filled with people wearing scrubs. Tightening my grip on the limp hand I fought to stay at her side, "Okaasan. Okaasan! Iie! OKAASAN!" I screamed fighting against the hospital personnel.
Waking with a start I shot up into a sitting position, breathing heavily I held the soft sheet against my chest and looked around the room. Turning my gaze onto the clock I ran a hand through my messy long hair, "Since I'm up." I muttered throwing the covers off of myself and slumping out of bed. Heading into the kitchen and grabbing a glass of water, I chugged it down before setting the empty cup on the counter. Leaning over the counter I let my head hang, taking a deep breath I pushed my hair from my face. "I should get ready, it'll be a long day." I said to myself. Drinking another glass and setting the cup in the sink I returned to the bedroom. Picking out something suitable to wear I headed for the bathroom, pulling out a towel I turned on the water and began to undress. Looking in the mirror I sighed, wiping away the tears desperately trying to form away, "I miss you... mother." I said to my own reflection and pushed my fingertips to meet the glass. "Okaa...san," I muttered hanging my head and biting my quivering lip, the sound of the running water drowning out my quiet cry.
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