Hi-ya! Don't really have anything to say here other than hope you enjoy the chapter! Oh! And thanks for the reviews! You guys are awesome!
Chapter 8: Claws of the Dragon
"Ugh. Come on." Fallyn chuckled at April.
"Relax April. We have plenty of time." She huffed.
"Still…" She paused under an overhang of a movie theater. "You guys want to speed it up a little?"
"Are you saying turtles are slow?" Donnie appeared on the far side of the ticket booth. Mikey and Raph were on the side closest to the girls.
"That a hurtful stereotype." A scoff came from Leo, who was hiding next to the wall.
"Trust us April. We are better off keeping a low profile. We find people treat us better when they don't know we exist." The redhead frowned.
"Sorry. I'm just so excited to get you out of the sewer for a change." Raph quirked an eyebrow.
"What are you talking about? We go out all the time." Fallyn snickered.
"Yeah. But tonight you're going to do something besides hitting people." Raph drooped about six inches, groaning in disappointment. Fallyn giggled at him.
"Don't worry. You guys are going to love Murakami-sama's place." Fallyn had taken a job as a cook/server at a local noodle shop. After constant complaints (mostly from Mikey) about her never stopping by the lair anymore (in reality it had only been a few weeks), she had offered to treat them to a meal at her job. Mikey had jumped at the idea, Leo was hesitant but willing, Raph was Raph, and Donatello just went with the group.
Speaking of him, Donnie was currently nervously drummed the counter with his fingers. "And you're sure we'll be welcome?"
"Oh yeah. Murakami-sama1 doesn't care what you look like. In fact, he won't know what you look like. He's blind." Mikey smiled.
"Awesome! OW!" He glanced back at Raph. "I mean, for us obviously." Chuckling, Fallyn motioned with her head for the guys to follow her. However, they had only been walking for about five minutes when Fallyn gasped.
"Fallyn? What's-" Ignoring Leo, Fallyn sprinted down the street. April took off after her sister. "Hey!" The ninjas ran after the girls.
He soon saw what the problem was. Five shadows were moving around behind the windows. They were throwing things, the sound of pottery and glass shattering. "Who are those creeps?" Fallyn growled.
"The Purple Dragons. They're a gang that has been terrorizing these streets for a few years now." April frowned at Fallyn.
"How would you-" A glance of golden eyes gave her the answer.
"How do you think I first met Murakami?" Hearing groans, Fallyn knew Murakami was getting thrown around. Leo looked up at his brothers.
"So much for not hitting people tonight." Raph shrugged.
"Oh well." Fallyn and the guys burst through the door, Mikey yelling his battle cry. The teens got on guard, facing the gangbangers. Fallyn smirked at the surprise on the leader's face.
"Alright! Let him go."
"You don't want any trouble." Fallyn finished Leo's sentence.
"We, on the other hand, do!" The female teen rolled her eyes at Raph.
"Whoa. Those guys were serious. There really are giant turtles!" Fallyn's eyes narrowed slightly.
'What guys?'
"You've heard of us?" Mikey beamed at his brothers. "Dudes! We're famous!"
"That's bad!"
"Oh, right."
"Whatever you are, dis neighborhood is ours. So why don't you slither back to the ocean you came from?" Fallyn growled.
"Like hell." Before anyone could do anything, she had kicked the man into the wall. He groaned as he slid down the brick, glaring at the girl.
"Get them!" The punk with the sledgehammer ran at Leo. He ducked, letting Mikey spring off his shell to roundhouse kick the man. Shaking his head, he yelled, brandishing his weapon. Mikey traded places with Raph. The two circled each other, till Raph backhanded his nose.
Fallyn smirked at the crunch. She and the leader were circling each other in the center of the room. "What are you smiling about, girlie?"
"Oh come on Fong. Don't tell me you don't remember me." His eyes widened in fear. Before he could respond, she hooked punched him square in the jaw. He tumbled over the counter, grabbing a meat cleaver. He accidently hit Leo, prompting a match between the two of them.
Confident he would be busy, Fallyn dragged the two unconscious Dragons out of the shop, flinging the third over her shoulders. Kicking open the door, she unceremoniously dropped them on the cement. Bending over, the third rolled off her shoulders, landing on his two comrades. The impact had woken them up, and they were currently backing away from the girl.
Fong ran out of the shop yelling, "This ain't over Greenie!" He tore down the street, abandoning his fellows. They were still cowering from Fallyn.
"Well… are you going to follow him? Or do you want another butt-whooping?" The men shook their heads, scrambling over each other in their haste to get away from Fallyn. She sighed as she watched them run. "Oh well. There's always tomorrow night." She walked back inside the shop behind April and Murakami.
"Wow! That was great you guys!"
"Thanks April! Did you see when I caught the one guy and flipped him onto the counter? Did it look cool?" Donnie chuckled. "I bet it looked cool." He glanced at her expectantly.
"The coolest!"
"You didn't see it, did you?"
"No I did not." Fallyn laid a hand on the turtle's shoulder.
"My friends." She looked at Murakami. "I am indebted to you. Please, allow me to make you a meal. Free of charge." Raph smirked.
"I think we can allow that."
"What is your favorite dish?" The answer was unanimous.
"PIZZA!" Fallyn laughed, her musical voice flooding the room. She rolled up her sleeves.
"Then let's get started." Murakami smiled.
"Fallyn–chan2, anata ga tasuketaidesu ka 3?" She smiled back, touching his arm.
"Mochiron, Murakami-sama.4" The guys sat at the counter, watching as Fallyn and Murakami moved in perfect sync in the kitchen. She would toss him something, be it a knife, spice, or ingredient. Then he would use it accordingly.
The turtles were star-struck. "Murakami-san. That was awesome!"
"You're like a ninja, but for food." Fallyn smiled, putting the finishing touches on the dish. Turning, she expertly threw the plates at the turtles, each landing perfectly in front of the teens. Murakami smiled broadly.
"Pizza gyoza!" April quirked an eyebrow.
"Pizza gyoza?" Fallyn chuckled, jumping up on the counter.
"Don't judge it until you try it." The guys listened. Each put a dumpling in his mouth. 'Three… two… one.'
"WHOA!" Donnie immediately shoved another into his mouth.
"It's like I got a one way ticket to Flavorville!" April picked up a bowl of undon soup.
"This is really good too you know." The guys just looked at her before turning back to their meal. Glancing out of the corner of her eye, Fallyn noticed Raph was closest to her. As soon as his eyes were closed, she swiped a gyoza off his plate, popping it in her mouth. She gripped the counter in an effort to not moan in delight at the taste. Quickly swallowing, she glanced over at Raphael again. He had never noticed.
Leo swallowed, a blissfully happy look on his face. "Uh, Murakami-san. Do the Purple Dragons come around a lot?" Fallyn froze, looking at her employer as he sighed.
"Yes. They demand protection money, but I refuse to pay." He smiled, reaching out to pat Fallyn's knee. "Things have gotten better since Fallyn-chan came to work for me though. She often teaches them a lesson about bothering us." The girl blushed at the praise, ducking her head.
"Arigatō, Murakami-sama." She covered Murakami's hand with her own. "I still don't get why they came back."
"They only come when you are not here. And they will return." Raph scoffed.
"Well they wouldn't if someone hadn't wimped out." Mikey tapped his chopsticks. Reaching over, he stabbed the last three of Leo's gyoza. The blue-masked terrapin looked down at his plate before glaring at his younger brother. Mikey's only response was to finish chewing and swallow. Fallyn covered her mouth with her hand to stay the giggles. When Leo turned his glare on her, she smiled sweetly back, batting her eyelashes for extra effect. It worked, because a furious blush sprang up on Leo's cheeks.
He cleared his throat. "Thank you for the meal, Murakami-san. But we must be going now." His brothers groaned.
"Do we have too?"
"Yes." The firmness of his voice left no argument. Fallyn leapt off the counter as the turtles made their way to the door.
"Hey Leo?"
"Yeah?"
"Could you take April home? I'm going to stay and clean up." Leonardo nodded.
"Sure thing, Fallyn. Come on April." She walked over to them, waving at her sister over her shoulder.
"See you later sis!"
"Bye April! Bye guys!"
"Bye!" Fallyn watched in amusement as the guys left, springing up the fire escape.
"You hold affection for that Leonardo, don't you?" The girl jumped at Murakami's voice.
"What? Psh. No. He's just a friend." Murakami smiled knowingly.
"Of course he is. Masu tasha ni usode wa naku, anata no chūshin e deki.5 Remember that, Fallyn-chan." She nodded.
"Hai, Murakami-sama." The girl began cleaning the pots. 'I'm not lying to anyone. Leo is just a friend. Yeah… just a friend.' For some reason, the word 'friend' didn't feel right.
複
Fallyn's phone buzzed in her breast pocket. Turning the TV down, she took it out, quirking an eyebrow at the caller. 'Raph?' She and April hadn't stopped by the lair that day. 'Huh. Guess Fruitcake missed me.' She slid the 'Accept' bar, placing the device next to her ear.
"Raph?"
"Hey Fallyn. Um… my brothers and I have a favor to ask." Fallyn's quirked eyebrow rose higher.
"What kind of favor?" There was the sound of a scuffle, accompanied by Raph's "Hey!" A new voice came on the line.
"We need you to find out where the Purple Dragons are. We're going to go after them." Fallyn scoffed, leaning into the couch.
"Mind if I ask why, Leonardo?" On the other side, Leo winced at the use of his full name.
"We want to make sure they don't go after Murakami again. But we can't talk to anyone." Fallyn examined her fingernails, being sure to keep her voice as bored as possible. On the inside, she was bursting at the seams.
"So?" His exasperated sigh almost broke her.
"So we need your help." Fallyn allowed a small smirk.
"Let me get this straight." She leaned forward, holding the phone with one hand while resting the other on her knee. "The great and powerful Leonardo is asking me for help?" She heard snickers coming from Raph, no doubt sparked by a blush on Leo's cheeks.
"Um... yes?" He said tentatively.
"Cool. I'll call back in ten minutes." She hung up, sticking the phone back into its pocket. After French braiding her hair, she pulled on a black sweater over her 'I only date Autobots' shirt. She threw up the hood, left a note for April, strapped on her dual odachi, turned them invisible, and jumped out the window.
~ *.* ~
Chang was sweeping the front of his store when someone tapped his shoulder. Turning he saw a girl standing there, wearing brown boots, dark colored jeans, and a black sweater. A hood covered her face. Glancing around, she leaned towards him.
"I'm looking for the Purple Dragons." Chang's face blanched.
"I… don't know what you're talking about." The girl sighed, stepping closer.
"Cool it, man." She shook her head. "I'm going against protocol telling you this, but I'm undercover for NYPD. We're investigating the Purple Dragons and I was sent out to get some local knowledge." Chang's eyes narrowed.
"You look like your sixteen!" The girl scoffed softly, glancing up at him from under her hood. He gulped at her gold irises.
"That's the point."
"Let me see a badge." Her shoulders drooped slightly in an exaggerated display of disbelief.
"Do you even know the meaning of 'undercover'? If I carried a badge it would blow my whole gig." Chang scratched his temple.
"I suppose that makes sense." In the shadows of her hood, Fallyn smirked.
~ *.* ~
Leo was pacing along a roof. "It's been almost ten minutes. Why hasn't she-" The ringing of his tPhone cut him off. Donnie looked down at his timer.
"Nine minutes, forty-five seconds. Nice." Leo whipped out his phone, pressing it to his ear.
"Fallyn?"
"Yo." Leo sighed in relief.
"So? Did you find anything out?" A scoff was heard.
"Nice to hear you're doing fine too, Blueberry." Leo blushed.
"Oh right. Sorry." He blinked as her last comment registered. "Wait. Blueberry?" Raph slapped a hand over his mouth. It didn't stop his shoulders from shaking though.
'I'm going to have to remember that.'
"Anyways, the Dragons hang out at the Old Chinatown Tattoo Company."
"Thanks." Leo started to hang up when Fallyn spoke up again.
"Hang on! Put me on speaker for a moment."
"Okay…" he did, holding out the phone.
"Raphael?" The red-masked terrapin jumped in surprise. "Don't you dare steal my nickname for Leonardo, or I'll kick your shelled butt all the way to New Jersey." A click signified Fallyn had hung up. The guys just stared at the phone. Raph shuddered.
"Yeesh. She's even scary on the phone." Leo nodded.
"Ditto." He slid the phone back into his belt. "Anyways, let's go."
~ *.* ~
Fallyn groaned as her phone rang for the second time that night. Well, technically it was morning, since it was after midnight. 'Since when did I become so popular?' Taking it out, she did a double take at the caller ID. She quickly accepted the call. "Murakami-sama?"
"Fallyn-chan! Help me! It's – ack!"
"Murakami-sama? Murakami-sama!" Fallyn stared at her phone. April rubbed her eyes, glancing at her sister from her spot on the couch. She had fallen asleep during the last movie.
"Fallyn? What is it?"
"I'm going over to Murakami's." April sat up, still blinking sleep from her eyes.
"Why?"
"Something's wrong. Stay here."
"No way! I'm coming with!" Fallyn sighed.
"April, I appreciate the offer, but you've only been training with Splinter for a few days. If things go downhill, I don't want to have to worry about you." April huffed.
"I'm still coming. Whether you like it or not." Seeing the cocked hip, raised eyebrow, and crossed arms, Fallyn realized April would follow, even if she didn't want her to. The elder girl sighed, kneeling down.
"Hop on." Smirking, April climbed onto her sister's back. "You good?"
"Yeah." Fallyn placed a foot on the window sill, glancing back at her sister.
"Then hang on." With that, the whitette leapt into the night. April gasped, clutching Fallyn's shoulders. They crossed the roofs at blinding speed.
'I never knew how fast she was.'
"There's a lot about me you don't know." April started, staring down at Fallyn's face.
"Since when can you do that?"
"Since you didn't stop me." April opened her mouth to retort, but realized Fallyn needed to focus on running, not bantering. Heart racing, Fallyn made her way to the shop. She skidded to a stop, overlooking the alley. "No."
She unceremoniously dropped April onto the roof. Not even bothering with the fire escape, Fallyn dug her claws into the building's side, controlling her descent. Jumping down, she ran over to the shop, bursting through the door. "Murakami-sama?"
The place was a mess. Stools were overturned, plates were smashed. A note pegged to the wall caught her attention. Walking over, Fallyn felt her heart create a crater in her foot when she recognized the knife. Whipping out her phone, she speed-dialed Leo.
'Pick up. Please pick up Leo.' April walked in, grasping her sister's hand. Silently, she prayed that Murakami was alright.
~ *.* ~
Leo paused halfway through his punch. Raph just smirked at the ringtone. "You gonna to answer that?" Leo frowned, but answered the call anyways.
"Hello?"
"Leo!" Blue eyes widened underneath his mask.
"Fallyn? What's wrong?" Everyone looked at their leader.
"It's Murakami! Someone took him!"
"What!? We'll be right over!" Leo hung up, sticking his device back into his belt. "We have to go." No one questioned the order. As they ran along the rooftops, Leonardo explained the situation to his brothers.
Raph growled, muttering something under his breath. Donnie and Mikey just looked worried. Leo was too, but for an entirely different person. 'I have never heard Fallyn sound so nervous. She almost sounded… desperate.' After what seemed like ages, they reached the noodle shop. Fallyn was pacing in front of the door, her eyes downcast.
Leo jumped down behind her, his brothers following suit. "Fallyn. We're here." She smiled gratefully at him.
"Thanks." She motioned with her head for them to go inside. Leo's heart dropped when he saw the wreck. "The people who took Murakami-sama left this." She waved her hand towards the note on the wall. Mikey fist-pumped.
"Sweet! Free knife." Donatello rolled his eyes.
"The note dummy." He ripped it off the wall, reading it out loud. " 'No more running. If you want the old man, meet us on the roof of the Fortune Cookie Factory.' "
"Well what are we waiting for? Let's bust in there and save Murakami!"
"Not so fast. Think Raphael!" Donnie looked at April.
"There's two words that usually don't go together."
"This is obviously a trap."
"Well what choice do we have?" Leo smiled.
"Maybe we do need to think more like Xever." Fallyn gaped at him.
"Who's talking about what now?" Donnie stepped up next to her.
"But Master Splinter said-"
"I know! But Xever crossed the line dragging Murakami into this. He's gotta learn that we can cross the line too." Fallyn's eyes narrowed minutely.
'No you don't.'
"No more Mr. Nice Turtle." Raph fist-pumped.
"Yes! I never liked Mr. Nice Turtle." Fallyn stepped up.
"I'm coming with." She held up a hand. "Don't! Even. Try Leonardo." She glared at the turtle, silently daring him to push the subject. He just shrugged.
"Kay. April?" She sighed.
"I know, I know. Just… be safe." Fallyn laid a hand on her little sister's shoulder.
"Stay here until we get back. If anything goes wrong, head to the lair." April nodded.
"Alright. Be careful." Leo's gaze softened as Fallyn pressed a kiss to the redhead's forehead. When she pulled back, she searched her little sister's eyes. Fallyn waited till April nodded before looking at the turtles.
"Let's move."
複
Fallyn crouched on the roof in front of Bradford's studio. She growled at the memory. Leo rested a hand on her shoulder. She nodded, still not looking at him. Squeezing her shoulder slightly, Leo turned to his brothers.
"Okay he's strong, so speed and stealth are essential. Okay, everybody know the plan?" Raph and Donnie nodded. They glanced at Michelangelo. "Mikey?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure?"
"Yes."
"Tell me what it is." Fallyn smirked as Mikey began to think. She knew he hadn't been paying attention the whole time, but she hadn't said anything to the others.
"Um… maybe we should go over it one more time?" He chuckled nervously. The others groaned, while Fallyn continued smirking.
Soon enough, Bradford emerged. Raph jumped down behind him, prompting the martial artist to whirl on guard. Leo dropped on his shoulders, while Raph tackled the man. Donnie and Mikey jumped in with ropes and duct-tape.
Fallyn walked up with a trashcan, placing the lid on the ground. Mikey made Bradford kneel on the metal. The man looked up just in time to see the can crash onto his head. Leo and Mikey wrapped it in chains, padlocking them together.
"Gentlemen. And lady. Welcome to the other side of the line." Fallyn snickered.
"I normally wouldn't condone such behavior, but considering who this is," she kicked the can, smirking at the grunts. "I'll make an exception."
"Now I'm definitely going to need a tat-ow!" Fallyn rolled her eyes at Raph.
"Come on kids. Let's go." Mikey and Raph picked up the trashcan. At least, they tried to.
"Dang. This sucker's heavy!" The can dropped, rolling till it collided with a wall. Fallyn snickered again at the groans of pain coming from inside the canister.
"Sorry!"
"Don't apologize to him."
"I mean, sorry I didn't drop you harder!" Fallyn rubbed Mikey's head.
"There you go." Walking over to the can, she looked back to Raph. "How 'bout we do it my way?"
"Which is?" Her smirk became slightly devious, complete with a twitched eyebrow, as she rested a foot on the metal cylinder. Raph reciprocated the expression perfectly. "Oh I like this side of you." Fallyn chuckled, using her foot to roll the can.
"Don't get used to it Fruitcake." Rolling his eyes, Raph helped Fallyn roll the can down the street as they ran.
"Cozy in there?" Groans and muffled words answered him. "Good." Fallyn snickered.
"This is so worth it." She whispered to Raph.
"I'm still going to get you back for that nickname." Was his equally quiet comeback.
"I'd like to see you try. But after we save Murakami-sama." He nodded. After about ten minutes, they finally reached the factory. The teens peeked out from behind a corner.
"Uh-oh you guys." Donnie pointed up. "Look." Murakami was tied to one of the beams, hanging over a thirty foot drop. On top of the beam was Xever, grinning like a clown. Fallyn growled, digging her nails into her palm.
"Dude Xever's a jerk." Fallyn snorted in response. She looked at Leo. When he nodded, she blinked back.
"Be careful, you guys." They nodded. Mikey hugged her before following his brothers. Fallyn watched as they struggled to get the trash can containing Bradford up the fire escape. She wanted to help, but it wasn't her job.
Running to the other side of the building, she stopped short. The girl growled, facing her opponents on guard. 'Sorry Leo. Looks like I'm going to be a little late.'
~ *.* ~
"Sorry. There's been a change of plans." Xever smirked as two Foot Ninja jumped up on the roof. 'What the hell? Where are the others?' He wasn't given time to dwell on the matter.
"Actually, there's been another change of plans." The trashcan was lifted, revealing Bradford. Donnie chuckled as he forced Bradford to look up.
"I love it when a change of plans comes together."
"You let our friend go, and we'll let your friend go." Xever laughed.
"He's not my friend." The guys looked at each other.
'Oops.' Xever walked out onto a beam. He began to cut the rope holding Murakami. Leo's eyes widened.
'Why is Murakami still there? What happened to Fallyn?' He looked at the ninjas. 'I hope I'm wrong.'
Raph leaned Bradford over the edge as Leo tried to give Fallyn more time. "Uh… we're not kidding. Okay? S-stop or we'll toss him."
"Go ahead. It'll save me the trouble." Bradford yelled something from behind the duct-tape. From the tone, it was probably along the lines of a curse. Xever sliced his knife across the rope again.
"Uh… Raph?" The sai-wielding turtle groaned.
"Ah crud." He threw Bradford back onto the roof. Xever chuckled.
"That's what I thought. Attack!" The ninjas, who had suddenly tripled in number, ran at the turtles. The guys split up.
As Raph continued to fight, he heard a roar of pain coming from below. Kicking a ninja out of his face, he glanced into the alleyway. What he saw stabbed him through the heart. 'NO! Fallyn!'
He jumped off the billboard, landing next to Leo. "Fallyn needs help!" The katana wielder jabbed his opponent away.
"She can handle herself, Raph."
"Against fifty ninjas? And wounded?!" Leo glanced at his younger brother in shock.
"She's what!?" Raph deflected a strike.
"You go. We can hold them here." Leo nodded. Running to the edge, he jumped down.
~ *.* ~
The first ninja attacked, slicing at Fallyn's head. She ducked, punching his ribs. Immediately, two others took his place. She dodged their attacks, knocking them into the wall. Hearing feet on metal, she looked up to see four ninjas climbing the fire escape.
Jumping up after them, she kicked one into another, managing to keep two from the roof. Coming back down, she used the men to break her fall. A sick satisfaction churned through her at the crunch of their spines. Rolling, she landed in a crouch, staring down the seemingly endless hoard. Fallyn snarled to herself. 'Dammit! How many of these guys are there?!'
Four attacked. Fallyn dodged, blocked, and struck back, but no matter how many she beat there were always more. Flipping out of the way, she unsheathed one of her odachi, keeping the other hidden. "You punks asked for it!"
Taking on one with a guan do, she sliced the shaft. The ninja looked at his broken weapon, lifting his masked face in time to absorb Fallyn's side blade kick. More ninjas took his place, these with katana blades. The girl just smirked.
When two swung, she caught their blades with her own five foot one. "Wow. You must be desperate if you're attacking in pairs now." Dropping, she planted a foot in each of the men's stomachs, flinging them into their waiting comrades. Fallyn rolled to a standing position, her blade facing the men. "Who's next?!"
They moved as one. Everywhere Fallyn turned, there was some sort of weapon or strike to block. Eventually, she had to unsheathe her second odachi. This made the ninjas take a step back.
"What? Not expecting that?" Fallyn scoffed in amusement. "All the better for me. You're not leaving alive now."
She continued fighting. How long, she didn't know. All she knew was she had to finish these jokers off to get to Murakami-sama. 'Crap! The guys!' Sensing she was distracted, a Foot Ninja struck.
Searing fire shot through Fallyn's left arm. Against her better judgment, she let out a cry of pain. The sound reverberated in the alley, making it sound more like a roar. Taking advantage of her shocked state, the ninja slammed his foot into her back, sending her flying against a wall.
She dropped from the asphalt, coughing. Fallyn stumbled to her feet, her right hand still gripping her odachi. Her left arm hung at her side. She could feel the warm flow of blood trickling down her arm. When she felt an elongating sensation in her mouth, she knew that if she didn't finish this fight soon, something really bad would happen.
Just before the ninjas reached her, they were ambushed from above. Fallyn growled. "Leo! What the hell are you doing?!"
"Saving you that's what!" He yelled. Fallyn jumped over his head, drop kicking three ninjas.
"I'm not the one that needs to be saved!" Leo glared at her out of the corner of his eye. His cobalt eyes widened when he saw the red liquid trailing down her arm.
"Fallyn! You're injured!"
"It's nothing!" Fallyn yelled. "Just go and help your brothers!"
"But-" Fallyn blocked a slice from one of the ninjas, punching his stomach with her left hand. She ignored the pain.
"GO!" Leo's eyes studied her for a moment before hardening. Sheathing his katana, he picked her up bridal style, jumping up the fire escape. "Leo! What the-"
"You'll be able to fight better up here." Fallyn huffed. As soon as they cleared the edge, Leo set her on her feet. "You okay?"
"Would you stop worrying about me?" They looked up to see Bradford and the ninjas had circled Leo's brothers.
"Let's settle the score, pond scum!"
"We're the ones that didn't want to throw you off the roof!" Bradford yelled, running towards Donnie. Leo and Fallyn looked at each other. Nodding, they joined the fight.
Fallyn dodged a ninja, slicing at his chest. She succeeded in cutting all the way through his hakama, but not his skin. It was enough to make him back off though. Hearing a grunt, she looked over to see Bradford kick Mikey into Donnie, who was already collapsed against a wall.
"No!" Brandishing her sword, she ran at her old sensei. He turned, glaring at her. His eyes softened into mocking amusement.
"Aw. Does the little girl want to play kunoichi6?" She snarled at him, baring her fangs. Her golden eyes flashed in anger, though she was slightly relieved he didn't recognize her. "Uh-oh. Looks like the princess is a-oof!" Fallyn kicked his gut midsentence, spinning to slam the hilt of her odachi into his neck.
He stumbled back, shaking his head. He blinked away the stars before glaring at her. "Bad move Princess." She scoffed.
"Says the pompous jerk." Bradford yelled, three ninjas joining him. They traded blows, perfectly in sync. 'I knew it. Bradford did train these punks.' Her ear twitched, catching sliding feet. Turning, she barely had time to block a punch from Xever.
Fallyn's vision started to become narrowed. 'NO! I won't lose control here!' She continued to fight, but there is a limit to what one teenage girl can do against two full-grown men, no matter how well trained she is. That limit was met when both Bradford and Xever kicked her into the wall, her body leaving an imprint. She dropped to the roof, unconscious. Her odachi fell out of her hand, clattering on the concrete surface.
"Fallyn!" Xever chuckled at Leo's pained scream. He watched as the blue-masked ninja crawled over to the girl, drawing her to his chest. The street punk glanced at Bradford.
"You see Bradford? That is how you catch turtles. And next," he flourished his knife. "I'll show you how to filet them."
Leo blocked out Xever as he stared down at Fallyn. Donnie winced as he scooted over to his brother. His reddish-brown eyes widened at the sight of her wound. Leo looked up at his younger brother. "Is she going to be okay?" Donnie just shook his head.
"Not if she stays out here any longer." Leo turned his attention back to the men in front of him. A katana blade appeared. His katana. Looking up, the turtle saw Fong cross his arms, looking nonchalant. Leo smiled. Standing, he gave Fallyn's limp body to Donnie.
"Now if you'll excuse me, it's time to cut these turtles into little pieces." Leo shoved his blade at Xever's face.
"I don't think so." Back flipping, he sliced through the supports of a water barrel. Don tightened his grip on Fallyn, shielding her from the water. Mikey ran to the edge, hooking his kusarigama on the support beam.
Leo and Raph stared over the edge, worry evident on their faces. They relaxed when they saw Mikey holding Murakami. "I got him!"
"Nice save Mikey!" Fallyn moaned in Donnie's arms, slowly opening her eyes. He sighed when her golden irises focused on his face.
"Hey geek." The purple-masked ninja laughed softly, brushing her bangs out of her eyes.
"You must be fine if you've still got your sense of humor. Even if it sucks."
"Says the sewer dweller." She started to get up. "Be a gentleman and help me." Donnie rolled his eyes.
"Yes ma'am." He had just set her on her feet when Murakami was pulled over the edge. Letting Fallyn use him as a crutch, Don slowly made his way over to his brothers. "Look who woke up." The guys turned, smiles splitting their faces when Fallyn smirked back.
"Fallyn!" Mikey flung himself at her. She stumbled back, wincing.
"Ow ow ow ow ow. Arm!" Mikey shot back, his hands raised.
"Sorry!" Murakami shakily stood.
"Fallyn-chan, anata wa daijōbudesuka7?" Fallyn smiled.
"Hai, Murakami-sama. Daijōbun8."
複
"OW! Leo!"
"Sorry! Just hold still!" Fallyn huffed, blowing up her bangs. After the fight, Donnie, Mikey, and Raph had taken Murakami back to his shop. Leo had taken Fallyn to the lair to attend to her wound.
Currently, she was sitting on Leo's bed, letting him stitch up her arm. Thankfully, her sweater had a zipper on the front, so her shirt hadn't ridden up at all when he helped her take it off. Leo had gently peeled the sleeve off her arm, apologizing softly when she flinched. Once it was off, he had placed it on the desk.
Fallyn turned her head to look at the turtle. "Are you sure it even needs stitches? It didn't feel that deep." Leo flicked her temple.
"I told you to hold still. That includes your head. Now look. At. The wall." Fallyn rolled her eyes, but did as he said anyways.
"Just because you can tell the guys what to do doesn't mean that I have to listen to you."
"And yet you are." Leo pulled the thread through one more time, tying off and cutting the string. "Okay. I'm going to wrap it so you don't muss the stitches up getting dressed. Stay there." The turtle stood up, walking over to his lockers. Opening the second door, he reached in, taking out a wad of bandages.
"Are you sure you need that much?"
"No. But better to be safe than sorry." Grabbing two butterfly closures, he sat back down on the bed, gently lifting Fallyn's arm. When she winced, Leo moved it down an inch, resting her hand on his plastron. He pressed it into him with his own hand. "Keep that pressure. It'll make it easier for me to wrap your arm."
Fallyn watched out the corner of her eye. She desperately tried to control her heartbeat when Leo placed her hand on his plastron, pressing it into him. She could only nod at his soft command. 'What the hell is wrong with me? Leo's just looking out for me. That's all.' And yet…
She couldn't stop staring.
She memorized the way his face hardened in concentration, how gentle and yet how strong his hands were. His cerulean blue eyes seemed to glow underneath his mask, its own navy coloring accenting the dark forest green of his face. Even in the minute movements of sewing or wrapping her arm, his muscles convulsed, sending ripples up and down his arms. His plastron was warm, but cooling at the same time against her own white hot temperature. She could feel his powerful heartbeat pounding through her hand, his chest expanding slightly with every breath he took, his abs contracting with every exhale. She vainly tried to not breathe in his surprisingly clean ocean-and-spearmint scent, but it was kind of hard when he was literally an arm's length away. This close, she could count the bruises on his shell.
'Wait. Bruises!?' "Leo! You're injured too!" He huffed, not removing his gaze from her arm.
"They're just bruises. They can wait." Fallyn growled under her breath. "There! Done." Leo admired his handiwork. "Now don't use that arm too much for a few days, kay?"
The girl nodded. She watched as Leo put things away. "Oh! Before I forget," he turned around, grinning. "Close your eyes." Fallyn quirked an eyebrow.
"Excuse me?" Leo chuckled.
"Just trust me." Fallyn huffed. Closing her eyes, she listened as Leo pulled something from behind his back, laying it across her knees. "Okay. Open."
Looking down, Fallyn gasped. Her missing odachi swords lay there, cleaned and shimmering. "How… when…" Leo chuckled.
"I grabbed the first one when I picked you up in the alley. I hid it behind a dumpster so the Foot wouldn't get it while we were fighting. Don picked up the second one after you were knocked unconscious. He gave it to me before we left." Fallyn picked up the swords, admiring them.
"I've never seen them this clean. How did you do that?"
"You forget. I have swords of my own." Fallyn giggled.
"Thank you, Leonardo. This means a lot." She smirked. "And I think I know how to pay you back." It was his turn to quirk an eyebrow.
"Oh really… how?" Fallyn's smirk grew a little. Standing, she sheathed her odachi, walking over to the turtle.
"Your turn to close your eyes." He pursed his lips in a frown.
"Why am I suddenly nervous you're going to do something to me?"
"Ah come on Leo. I did it for you." He sighed.
"Fine." The second he closed his eyes, he was flung onto his bed. "What the hell!?" His eyes flew open at Fallyn's laugh, only to see her straddling him. "Fallyn!?" Leo squeaked. "What are you-"
Fallyn pressed a finger to his lips. "It's my turn to be the doctor. Now shut up." Leo cleared his throat, prompting her to remove her finger.
"So I give you your swords back and you repay me by torturing me?" Fallyn giggled, the sound vibrating into Leo's stomach. This sent the butterflies into overdrive.
"It'll only be torture if you don't behave. Now," She got off him, motioning for him to sit up. He did, his hands behind him, supporting his weight. "Take off your sheaths." Leo blushed at the order.
"Excuse me!?" Fallyn rolled her eyes.
"I can't access the bruises until you take off the sheaths. Now remove them or I will." Leo sighed, unbuckling the sheaths. He laid them on the bed next to him. Fallyn smiled. "Good boy." She cracked her fingers, laying her hands on his chest.
"What are you doing?"
"Sh." Leo gulped at her whisper. "Take a deep breath." He complied, almost immediately wincing as his ribs protested. "I thought your ribs might bruised." Fallyn shook her head. "You should have told me it was this bad, Leo."
"It doesn't hurt that-" She poked him, earning a wince. "Much."
"Uh-huh." Fallyn released the air in her lungs. "Leo. I need you to keep this a secret." He blinked.
"Why?"
"Please Leo." She looked up at him. Leo's mouth felt dry as he stared into her golden pools. "Only Master Splinter and April know about this for sure. I need to know I can trust you." Leo's gaze flickered across Fallyn's face. When he nodded, she visibly relaxed.
"Thank you." She looked back down at his chest.
"What are you going to do?" His voice was barely above a whisper.
"You'll see." Leo followed her gaze to the pale hands on his plastron. He watched as she began to spread her fingers, not breaking contact. The sensation sent shivers down his spine. Then, the area she touched began to grow hotter.
"Fallyn?"
"I'm channeling my body heat into my hands to help stimulate your blood flow." Leo's mask raised on one side.
"Uh… what?" Fallyn chuckled softly.
"I have the ability to control my body temperature. This means I can make certain parts of my body, or my whole body, hotter or cooler as I see fit." Fallyn began to rub her hands up and down his plastron. Leo bit his lip in an effort to not groan. "In this case, I'm heating my hands to help your blood flow get back to normal." She glanced up at him. "I usually only do medical stuff for April, which is why I asked you to keep this a secret."
"So how does Master Splinter know?"
"He figured it out." Fallyn's eyes softened slightly. "He's not a master ninja for nothing, I'll give him that." Her explanation given, the teens lapsed into silence.
As Fallyn continued to work, Leo took the time to examine her, committing every feature to memory. Ever since the first night, he had thought she was extremely attractive. But… this close…
He saw just how stunning she really was.
Her hair reflected the lights in his room strikingly, the natural silver hue and soft yellow light merged wonderfully, making it seem like she wore a halo.
'Like an angel.'
The white strands fell clear to her waist. After seeing her that first night, he had done research about dying hair. He found that you could tell whether or not the hair color was fake or natural by looking at the person's eyebrows. If they were a different shade, the color was fake.
However, if the eyebrows were the same shade, and you were close enough, look at their eyelashes. If those were a different shade, then the others were dyed. In Fallyn's case, the white was entirely natural, for her hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes were the same shade of silver-white. The black stripes, Leo realized, were also natural, for they began at her scalp, and continued through her hair without losing intensity.
It only made her that much more beautiful.
Her body left nothing to be desired either. She had an amazing hourglass figure, not overly skinny, but not bulky with muscle either: perfectly toned. Her shirt was a tight black T, hugging her in all the right places. Leo swallowed as he watched her pale biceps ripple with every movement she made. Her jeans were a looser variety, but were still flattering. Her boots rested next to the bed, revealing her dainty feet in black socks. Swallowing again, Leo brought his gaze back up to her face.
Her cheek and jaw bones were perfectly made, soft around the cheeks, continuing down to end in a soft point that was her chin. Her ears were elfin-like, small and ever-so-slightly pointed at the ends. Small pearl earrings adorned her lobes. Her skin was pale and flawless, not even a freckle or scar. He marveled at how she fought her way through who knows how many ninjas and yet never received a blow to the face. Her nose was small and only just a round point.
A light pink tongue whipped out from in between rose colored lips, wetting them in concentration. Leo gulped, hastily ripping his gaze upwards, focusing on her eyes. They were even more exquisite up close, the coloring of purest gold. The lights shone in them beautifully, making them almost glow under her eyelids. Leo felt himself getting lost in them as he counted the emotions swimming in her golden seas.
'Concern, concentration, anger,' He blinked. "Why are you angry?'
"Because you didn't tell me you were hurt."
"I'm the leader, Fallyn. I can't-ouch!" He flinched when she prodded a soft spot. "Hey!"
"I've said it before. You may be Raphael's, Donatello's, and Michelangelo's leader, but you're not mine. You don't have to be fearless and strong in front of me." Fallyn lifted her head to stare directly into his eyes. "You don't have to be perfect, Leo." She rested a hand on his cheek. "You have to realize that even leaders need someone they can go to when they're hurt, or upset, or anything."
Leo leaned his head into her hand, basking in its warmth. He closed his eyes as he covered her hand with one of his own. "I want to be that person for you, Leo. But you, have to let me in."
The turtle opened his eyes halfway, staring at the girl in front of him. Her whole body radiated sincerity. "Only if you let me in for you." His voice came out in a husky whisper. Fallyn nodded, stroking his cheek with her thumb.
"Okay. You've got a deal." Leo lowered their hands, not letting hers out of his grasp. He looked down at them. Hers seemed to fit perfectly in his palm, like it was made for him.
Fallyn looked down at their hands as well. She noticed the same thing. Out of curiosity, she shifted her hand in his so that their fingers lined up. Leo's fingers twitched, hesitantly closing over hers. Despite her having more fingers than him, they intertwined effortlessly. Fallyn's breath caught in her throat when she lifted her eyes to look at him again
'Is it just my imagination, or is he getting… closer?'
Leo didn't know what he was doing. One second, he was staring at Fallyn, the next, she seemed to be getting closer to him. Or maybe he was leaning towards her. As he continued to look into her eyes, it felt like the rest of the world faded away till it was just them.
'What am I doing? Am I… trying to kiss her?' The thought scared him, but he didn't stop. 'I… I think I am.' Their chests touched just before their foreheads, both staring into the eyes of the other. Her vanilla-and-rose scent permeated Leo's nostrils, giving way to an overwhelming urge to purr. He barely suppressed it, his chest vibrating with the sound.
Fallyn didn't know what was happening. The second her forehead touched Leo's, it was if nothing else existed. She could only hear his heartbeat, his muscles contracting as he gripped her hand. His chest vibrated with a repressed purr, sending shockwaves through her body.
"Fallyn…" Leo's voice made her lose all reason. Her heart was beating so fast she was sure it would explode. Tilting her head, she hesitantly started to close the small gap remaining.
Leo wasn't sure why he said her name. Hell, he wasn't sure of anything anymore. When Fallyn tilted her head, he followed her lead, moving his to the opposite side. They were so close now he could taste her sweet peppermint breath. His eyes closed as his tongue involuntarily started to pass his lips.
"WE'RE HOME!" Fallyn and Leo jumped apart, eyes wide. Fallyn fell off the bed, landing ungracefully on her butt. Leo didn't move to help her though. They just stared at each other, blushing up storms.
"Um… well… I… uh…" Leo cleared his throat nervously.
"Yeah. Uh, I bet April would want to see you." 'IDIOT! Stupid, stupid, stupid! You were about to kiss a girl and THAT is what you say!? BAKA, BAKA, BAKA9!'
"Uh… right. Um… thanks again… for… you know…." Fallyn glanced at her arm.
"Yeah, yeah. No problem. Anytime." The male teen chuckled nervously. Fallyn nodded, turning to practically run out of his room. The second she closed the door, Leo banged his head on the wall. Multiple times.
~ *.* ~
Fallyn walked out of the room, plastering on a fake smile. "Yo!" Mikey ran over to her, his arms wide.
"Fallyn!" He stopped short, comically balancing on his toes. His arms waved for effect. Or he was genuinely trying to regain his balance. "Uh…" Fallyn chuckled, opening her arms. Mikey beamed, closing the distance to wrap his arms around her waist. "I'm so glad you're okay!"
"Why? What happened?" Mikey tensed. He slowly pulled away from Fallyn to face April.
The movement revealed the bandages on the whitette's left arm. April gasped, covering her mouth with her hands. "Fallyn! You're hurt!"
"It's just a scrape. Leo went overboard on the doctoring. No big." Raph huffed.
"That sounds like Fearless. He always was overly cautious." Fallyn chuckled.
"No joke. He was hell-bent on wrapping this." She gestured to her arm. " He practically gagged and tied me down in order to do so." Raph growled.
"He what!?" He began to stomp towards Leo's room. Fallyn shot over to the steaming hothead to place her hands on his chest, stopping him midstride.
"Raphael! Relax!" Fallyn chuckled. "It was just a joke. Besides, I wasn't all that cooperative." The red-masked terrapin huffed.
"Whatever." He looked back at the whitette. "We brought dinner."
"What?" In response, Mikey waved a bag underneath her nose. Fallyn's eyes widened at the scent. "Pizza gyoza? Sweet!" She ran to the kitchen. "I'll grab some plates and chopsticks!"
複
The teens sat in the pit, chowing down on the food. Leo had come running out when he heard what was for dinner. Fallyn noticed he had a new bruise on the side of his head, but she didn't press him for answers. They exchanged a look when she handed him his plate, silently agreeing to not talk about what happened till a later date. 'A much later date.'
Currently, she was sitting in between Leo and Raph, while Mikey sat next to Master Splinter. Donnie was trying to convince April to eat one of the dumplings. "Just try one. Sometimes things that don't seem like they go together actually make a great couple. I-I-I mean food." April sighed in defeat.
"Fine." She closed her eyes, letting Donnie put the dumpling in her mouth. The second she started chewing, her eyes flew open. "Whoa! These are amazing!" She grabbed the plate off his lap, stuffing the remaining in her mouth.
Fallyn giggled at her little sister. Looking down, she was in time to see Raph swipe two of hers. She glared at him, only to be met with his smug grin. "I said I'd get you back for the nickname."
"So how does that justify you taking two?"
"You called me it twice." He waved the gyoza in her face. "Two offences, two gyoza." Still smirking, he popped both in his mouth. He closed his eyes in an exaggerated display of enjoyment, moaning as he chewed. Pursing her lips, Fallyn swiped one of his, throwing it in her mouth. She had just swallowed when the emerald eyes focused on her again.
Fallyn pouted, pretending to be mad. Raph snickered, picking up another dumpling, this time off his own plate. Leo gently nudged Fallyn, who nudged him back. Both exchanged a smirk, Fallyn's triumphant, Leo's knowing.
Splinter smiled too. "You kids showed your strength today." Raph sighed.
"Yeah but we almost got beaten."
"Your strength was mercy. That is why the Purple Dragon helped you." Leo leaned over Fallyn, smirking at his little brother.
"Well? Say it?"
"Okay, okay. You were right." Leo laid a hand on the hothead's shoulder.
"Ah, see? That wasn't so-"
"Your wimpyness might not be totally useless." Leo scoffed, handing his plate to Fallyn. She took it, scooting back from the impending match.
"Oh-ho. I'll show you who's wimpy." Leo pounced. "No mercy!" Raph groaned in surprise, his plate flying off his lap. Fallyn gasped, diving to catch the gyoza. She sat up, watching the brothers wrestle.
Glancing at Splinter, she smiled at his seemingly oblivious demeanor. Turning back around, she cupped a hand around her mouth. "Play nice kids!" She sighed, relaxing. She smirked at the plate of gyoza. "Hey Raph? Are you going to finish these?"
This froze the match in place. Raph ripped himself away from Leo, bolting towards Fallyn. "FALLYN!" Screaming in mock terror, the girl grabbed the plates and bolted. "GET BACK HERE!" Everyone laughed as Raph started to chase Fallyn around the lair, his arms outstretched. Leo joined the hunt when he realized she still had his.
"NEVER! THE GYOZA IS MINE!" shouted Fallyn as she ducked down the tunnel, Raphael and Leonardo still in hot pursuit. Mikey and Donnie keeled over laughing, while April clamped a hand over her mouth, snorting into her palm. Splinter just shook his head.
"Kids shall be kids."
~ *.* ~
Bradford kneeled in front of Shredder. "Bradford? I dismissed you." The man bowed his head.
"I understand, Sensei. But I-" The sound of Shredder's blades unsheathing made the man fear for his life.
"Speak. While you have your tongue."
"I believe that Hamato Yoshi has also taken in one of my old students alongside the turtles." Shredder sheathed his blades, smirking when his protégé visibly relaxed. The hiding of his weapons told of his surprise at the claim.
"What proof do you have for this assumption?" Bradford lifted his face to look at his master.
"When we were fighting the turtles, a young woman came to their aid. She had been fighting the Foot down in the alley." Shredder growled, the sound reverberating on his faceplate. His fingers twitched, considering letting his blades taste blood once more.
"What concern of this is mine?"
"She took out sixty-seven of my finest soldiers singlehandedly." Shredder's eyes widened behind his helmet.
"Are you certain of this?"
"Yes, Master. The able are still bringing in the injured." Lifting his hand, Shredder let Bradford rise. "The reasons I believe she is my old protégé are these: one of the freaks called her 'Fallyn', and she was trained in the ways of dual odachi swords. Though she was a mere eight years old, only one of my students ever had the talent and strength to wield such complex weapons: Fallyn O'Neil." Shredder's eyes widened further at the name and information.
"So she is alive, is she? I see." An unseen sinister grin grew. "Then we must bring the prodigal daughter home."
Fallyn's Revealed Powers: Telekinesis, Enhanced Hearing and Smell, Retractable Claws, Healing
Let me clarify something. Her fangs are not a power. They are simply a side effect of her main power.
I'll let you in on a little secret. (Beckons with finger) Come closer *Waits till only millimeters separate you and me* All of these powers? *Gestures to list* They are all side effects.
"Of what?" you ask. Well, my friends…that is just something you'll have to find out on your own. Don't worry. It will happen before the end of the book.
Translations:
1) In Japanese culture, "sama" is a respectful term used for a superior or elder.
2) Chan is a term of endearment in Japanese culture, typically used for a close female friend. "San" is used for males.
3) Means "Fallyn, do you want [to] help?" in Japanese. (Fallyn、あなたが助けたいですか?) Again, the translation and pronunciation might come out differently.
4) "Of course, Mr. Murakami." (もちろん、村上様 )
5) "You can lie to others, but not to your heart." (ます他者に嘘ではなく、あなたの中心へでき。 )
6) Japanese for "female ninja".
7) "Fallyn, are you okay?" (Fallyn, あなたは大丈夫ですか? )
8) "Yes, Murakami-sama. I'm alright." ( はい。村上様。大丈夫ん。)
9) Japanese for "idiot". (ばか) {This particular kanji translates as 'moron'. Still works. ;)}
Did I really write an almost-kiss scene between Leo and Fallyn? *Goes back and rereads five times* I did. Well that happened. Curse you Erza and Jellal!
If it wasn't clear in the chapter, the underlined font is for those who are talking on the opposite side of the phone conversation that the current point of view is. I'll be using it in later chapters if there are more phone conversations. I would have just italicized it, but I was already doing that for Fallyn and April's link.
Dun-dun-dun! Shredder's coming after Fallyn now! What happens next? Read and find out! Up next, "Family Ties"!
Episode: Never Say Xever
