Author's Note: I do not own TMNT, (sadly), but I do own any OC's used. So, I've had this idea on my mind for awhile now. And here I am. :D Yep. Honestly have no further ideas for this story, but I'm sure something will come up sooner... Anyway, it's late. And if I'm not too drowsy in the morning I might update! Or some time after. Heh ^^"

Please read and review! I love getting reviews so feedback is always appreciated! Thanks for reading!

Since the day our Mother gave me life, I had always been close to my sister. She was about 15 or so at the time. Whenever Mama and Papa were busy, she was always the one looking after me. Her kind smile as we played is forever etched in my memory. So kind, gentle and loving…

It was no surprise that as I became a toddler, I noticed a young man always with her. Eventually I would realize they were a young couple in love. He was also very kind with me. Whenever he visited us he would scoop me up in his long arms and lift me to the ceiling. I would laugh, following him and my sister.

A few short years later, growing up to the age of 6 I wasn't surprised when Papa gave him permission to marry his oldest daughter. Looking back on it, I don't remember much of what happened after that. The engaged couple moved far away and I had my studies. We still kept in contact though.

Life was coming and that meant we couldn't always be together like when younger. While I knew little of how my sister was doing at times, Mama and Papa made sure I was always at the top of my class. At the age of 8 I was almost fluent in English. Save for numbers and the dreadful 'they're, there, their' and 'too and to'. That was what made me dread that class for a long time.

One day in the Summer I remember Papa had a problem with his back. Now I don't remember exactly what happened or what it was, but he could no longer work. Being slightly stubborn and prideful Papa tended to lash out when Mama wanted to help him. He never hurt us though. Papa loved us but it was hard for him to sit back and watch his wife and daughter work in his place.

That year was rough…

Joy soon found its way in our lives once more when I heard from my sister. As usual I scrambled to my feet from homework and nearly tripped my way into the living room. Papa and Mama were smiling largely.

"Mai," she had said softly, "you're going to be an Aunt."

Just like that I nearly touched the clouds. My sister loved watching myself when I was younger so no doubt she would adore her own child even more. The thought of a wriggly chubby baby with bright eyes made me jump in anticipation. Even when I was told I had to wait for almost a year. So, for what felt like a year I simply did my best and waited happily. It was hard to study back then. And when I finally was came the word that my dear sister was drawing close to delivery. As usual, with little control again I tripped myself standing up before darting from the house. It was a few miles. But as a child with endless energy and something on my mind- nothing could stop me.

Against the odds… I was stopped..

Nothing but fire greeted my line of vision. Those horrible red flames burning away everything in sight. The inky blackness that rose from it stole my breath and made my eyes water and burn.

Just like that, everything dear to me burned away.