Hey, guys. As most of you know, 12 years ago today, Islamic terrorists crashed four planes into the North and South Towers of the World Trade Center complex in New York City, the Pentagon, and they would've hit Washington D.C. as well if the passengers hadn't bravely tried to interfere. This chapter is dedicated to those who lost loved ones in 9/11.

WARNING: A little bit of angst, but not too much

TMNT-TMNT-TMNT-TMNT

POV: Mikey

"Alice, you know it's dangerous. What if you're spotted by the Foot or-"

"Mikey, that's why you're coming with me," the ever-so-stubborn girl replied.

"What, you think no one's gonna notice a giant turtle?"

"That's why you're wearing this," and with that, Alice threw a large trench coat and hat at me.

I stared at her like she was insane. Though she kinda was already. "Alice, why are you being so stubborn?"

She sighed and stared at me with large, teary eyes. Why did I teach her the puppy dog eyes? "Mikey, this day is really important to me. Please?"

I gave a sigh of my own. "Fine. But the second I sense trouble, we're leaving."

"Thank you!" she squealed, hugging me as much as her injuries would allow.

TMNT-TMNT-TMNT-TMNT

We walked for a while before coming to a place I glanced at sometimes during patrol. A large plaza stood nearby, but what caught my attention was the two reflecting pools Alice was leading me to. I noticed names inscribed into bronze panels surrounding the pool. "Alice, what is this place?" I asked quietly as we continued to pass more and more people, unconsciously pulling my coat tighter around my body.

She smiled sadly at me. "This," she started, looking for a name on the panels, "is the National September 11 Memorial. It's dedicated to everyone that died twelve years ago on this day."

I could faintly remember that day; the ground was shaking, my brothers and I were clinging to Sensei like our lives depended on it, and he was telling us it would be alright. But apparently, it wasn't. Before I could ask what exactly happened, I noticed her staring at a name that seemed to stand out. "Who's Jonas?"

"He was my older brother." My eyes widened at the word was.

"You don't have to tell me if you don't want to."

"Thanks."

We just stood there for a while, listened to the calming sound of running water, when I was suddenly shoved.

"Oh, I'm so sorry!" a tall blonde woman apologized. "I-I tripped and-"

I smiled as Alice turned around to see what was wrong. "It's okay. You didn't mean to." She sighed in relief before noticing my friend.

"Oh, your sister is so cute!" she squealed, kneeling down and squeezing her cheeks.

My laughter died in my throat as I blushed at her comment. "Oh, she's not my sister. I'm, uh, babysitting." Yeah, that was a good excuse.

"I'm Jessica, by the way," she said, holding out her hand. I hesitantly shook it, hoping she didn't notice the three fingers.

"Mikey. This is Alice." I gestured towards her, and she waved shyly, blushing slightly. Aw, she was just too cute!

"So, you wanna go out to eat? My treat, since I almost pushed you into the water?"

As if on cue, my stomach grumbled as my cheeks were stained with red. Alice whacked my arm lightly before turning to Jessica. "Yes, we would love to."

I smiled. "And I know just the place."

TMNT-TMNT-TMNT-TMNT

We were at Murakami's place, and I was telling the two ladies beside me about the best thing in the world beside my pizza omelets-PIZZA GYOZA!

"Here you go, Michelangelo-san. Enjoy!" my favorite chef said as he brought the plate towards us.

Alice, after seeing me take a few, quickly reached out with her chopsticks and popped one in her mouth. "Hey, these are better than even your pizza omelets! No offense, Mikey."

"None taken, since you're absolutely right!" I then noticed my blonde companion was a little hesitant. "Hey, just try one. They're the best thing you'll ever taste!" She sighed before slowly chewing on one. I saw her eyes brighten and smirked. "I told~ you."

Later, the three of us were departing. "It was nice meeting you, Mikey. Maybe we could hang out again," Jessica said as she hugged Alice again. "And you should bring your sister too." As I was about to correct her for the thousandth time, she ran off, yelling, "Bye!" over her shoulder. You know what? I give up. Everyone I met thought Alice was my sister for some strange reason, and I'm not correcting them anymore.

"You know what?" Alice's voice brought me out of my thoughts. "After my brother dying without even knowing him, being sold to aliens by my parents, and becoming telekinetic, I think I forgot how to enjoy life and have fun. So, thanks."

I smiled. "All in a day's worth for Dr. Prankenstein, the king of fun!"

And with that, we headed home, sharing stories of our past that no one would know except for us.

TMNT-TMNT-TMNT-TMNT

I hope you guys enjoyed this chapter. Since I don't live in New York, I had to go online for information on the Memorial, so I apologize if I got any details wrong. I tried to make this a bit angsty, but I think I failed. Please Read and Review, and God bless you all.