Raph POV

"I'm not entirely sure if this is such a good idea." I voiced my concerned doubt as April and Casey joined my brothers in prepping the kitchen. "I mean, her birthdays aren't really the best of days for her."

"But it is good for her to create at least a couple of good memories for the day. I mean, it's a girl's chance to get whatever she wants!" April scolded me lightly.

"Yeah, whatever." I brushed her off carelessly with a wave and a turn of the head. "I just don't see why we have to go through such extravagant measures though." I added as I pried at the box of… what were these again?

I was interrupted from reading the box by Casey, who took it out of my hands and opened it to reveal party hats. "Trust me," he added, "I've seen extravagant parties. This is nothing."

"It really isn't," April added, "the mildest party I've ever had was for my tenth, or something another, birthday, we gathered the family and I had a slumber party with my best friend. A little cake and decoration is nothing." She said as she hung up a small banner. "By the way, anybody got anything they want to give her as a gift?"

We all remained silent as we froze in our movements, some even in the middle of tasks. None of us had thought about that.

"To our defense, we didn't exactly know it was her birthday." Donnie reasoned as April gave us a look of disbelief.

"Well, I grabbed something from my closet to give her, even if it is short notice." She said accusingly. "I'd advise you to do something of the like." She suggested.

"Yeah, I'm not even that fond of her and yet even I grabbed something to give her!" Casey agreed, but then revealed his intentions with a quieter statement. "It may be a gag gift, but it's still a gift…"

We looked at him in disbelief, our jaws all dropping almost simultaneously.

Mikey broke the silence with sudden enlightenment. "I know what I'll give her!" He instantly dropped the plates he was holding, nearly allowing them to fall to the floor, and he ran to his room.

What's he thinking? That she wants one of his comic books? I thought as I corrected the tipping plates. I highly doubt she'd care.

"I think I know a book she'll like…" Donnie trailed off in thought as he dumped his hat and apron onto the counter and wandered off, most likely heading towards his lab.

That left me and Leo to decide on our own. We looked at each other, bewilderment beyond a simple confusion reflecting in our eyes.

This was full-on indecision.

"You might want to hurry." Casey warned from over by the stove, sending us a look from the corner of his eye as he messed with some pans. However much he may try to be sincere, we could tell he wasn't serious. His eyes and smile showed that he was laughing at us.

"I would guess that, by now, she's completing her shower. We've got things handled here. Go look for something." April shooed us with a smile as she released the last balloon, letting it hit the roof and jerk slightly at the string.

I held my cool as I walked out, but I took off into a run as soon as I was clear of any onlooking eyes. I raced into my room, nearly sliding past it with so much momentum. I looked around quickly, scanning the contents for something I could present as a gift.

So much crud covered the floors and walls, what was I to give a freaking girl!?

Wait a second… This is Rahzel we are talking about… She doesn't want a skirt or makeup… She'd rather have a weapon or a video game. Unfortunately, those weren't mine to give.

I looked through the comic books, under the crates, and through anything and everything that coated the floor. I came to a single conclusion as I searched: Why is it so damn hard to find a gift!?

Then I saw the scrap of paper on my bedside stand, and I flushed at the thought of giving it to her.

Ever since I saw her draw for the first time, that look on her face hasn't escaped my mind. She's so passionate when drawing, she gets so into it, and I feel as though she pours her soul into each and every detail. Sometimes, when I'm watching over her shoulder, I have to look extra careful or I miss something important.

With all of that on my mind, I curiously took my hand to it and gave it a try. To put it plainly, the end result was a sorry attempt. It isn't all that good, in fact, it isn't good in the least… and, yet, I actually consider giving it to her.

I brushed that idea off as stupid and continued to scan my room for something, anything. I suddenly spotted the old leather bracelet that I loved when I was a little kid but had no use of now. The guys would most certainly call me cute, girly, or something else stupid if I ever decided to wear it again.

Would it be wrong to give her that? Maybe if I wrapped it up in an unused bandanna and gave it to her as a package deal?

It would have to do, for I was out of time, I grabbed the small fabric square and tied it securely around the little bracelet. I think she would indeed like it because it isn't girly and beaded; instead of that, though, it has dyed strands of leather that are weaved intricately together. The bandanna was black and white checkered with each square being about two inches wide and tall. She would like it, I hope.

I finished it nicely but I didn't notice the small slip of paper I had managed to catch in the fabric. And I walked out the door and back to the kitchen where the others awaited the flame haired girl.


I finished my shower and was standing in the doorway to the living room, fully dressed and drying my hair sloppily with a towel. To say the least, I was surprised that there were none in here chilling out.

I had decided against PJs, since it was a little past midday, and had, instead, thrown on a blue jean dress that buttons down the front, with black leggings underneath it, and my boots threw it all together into a more casual outfit.

I noticed hushed voices coming from the kitchen and curiosity overtook my urge to politely mind my own business as I walked up to the door. I peeked it open as I popped a bit of my head in slightly, only to see pitch blackness.

"I know there are people in here, I heard them whispering!" I accused the silent darkness.

Silence.

I stuttered out, "I-I'm not kidding! I'm jumpy to this sort of thing, so it isn't funny! Mikey," I growled, "if this is some kind of joke and, Casey, if you pop out at me, I swear I'll kill you."

Silence.

"Fine!" I shouted with frustration as I threw the door open. "I'll play along." I stepped into the darkness and closed the door behind me. Suddenly the lights flew on and I was bombarded with a variety of bright colors and shouts.

"Happy Birthday!"

I fell down in shock and, after a moment of taking in my surroundings critically, I burst out laughing. Why must I be so paranoid? "I was actually scared there for a second."

April stepped forward. "Well it's a bit of short notice, so we only managed to gather a few gifts, some decorations, and a cake." She said with a tinge of regret in her voice.

I scrunched up my eyebrows in confusion. "Why does it feel like you don't think that that's good enough? It's more than I asked for, that's for sure." I smiled as I took in the decorations. "It's perfect." I whispered as I looked at how my name was written sloppily on the cake and banner. I laughed lightly as I saw the multiple names in different locations, it was almost as if they couldn't decide on what to call me.

Suddenly I felt something land on my head and a string popped under my chin against the sensitive skin. I jumped slightly and blinked away my surprise as I reached up and felt the cone of the birthday hat. I laughed silently at myself for a moment for being so jumpy. Then I looked up to see who had put it in its place atop my head.

I was surprised to see that Casey had snapped it on, yet, I wasn't surprised by how it seemed that the string had stung me as it had been set in place. "Thanks." I muttered with a small scowl as I rubbed my chin lightly.

"No problem." He paused and then smirked. "You'll really be thankful when you see what I got you."

I rolled my eyes but couldn't help but smile.

I then froze as I saw something on the table I hadn't quite gotten a chance to see before: a turtle. A regular one. I stared at it in slight awe as we made eye contact and both cocked our heads curiously. The background noise was droned into useless sounds as I stared, captive in the eyes of the little guy. I took a few steps forwards to the turtle, in a trance of fascination. Its eyes were lazy, yet there seemed to be a sparkle of something that I've learned to recognize in the eyes of silent creatures.

I saw a streak of intelligence.

It was a lazy streak, but it seemed more like it was bored with this scene but knew exactly what was going on. This was something I didn't see very often in Mother Nature's natural nativity. I took note of it as I noticed someone had approached us and was watching me carefully, I looked up.

It was Raph.

"Interesting choice in pet. What's his name?" I asked with a calm grin. I did this as a means of not alarming him with my notion.

He scratched the chin of the turtle fondly. "This is Spike. Spike, this is Rahzel, but it's Zel for short." He addressed in a voice much like I would give a stray along the streets.

"He's definitely an intelligent little thing." I remarked as I leaned down towards Spike. However, my eyes were planted onto Raph's face.

I decided to test the waters.

"How can you tell?" Raph asked idly as he propped himself up on his elbow.

"I can just see it in his eyes, you know? They have that gleam." I grinned, pushing it a bit further.

"Oh yeah?" He asked as he looked back at his turtle, interest flashing his features wildly.

"Yeah—" I was suddenly interrupted as an arm was thrown across my shoulders, commendably ruining my balance. I went from leaning forwards to falling forwards. I braced my knees, desperately trying to change direction and avoid slamming face-first into the island's counter. As changed direction suddenly, still without a way to keep from falling, I threw my hands out grabbing at anything in an attempt to balance myself. I soon caught my balance, and I realized that I had both of my hands on the plastron of Mikey's shell— also known as the shell that nearly made me collapse.

"Geez!" I cried out in exasperation and slight scorn. "Are you trying to kill me?"

He laughed as he helped my back into a standing position. "Sorry, sorry, just excited for your birthday!"

I raised an eyebrow. "Because you want cake?" I asked suspiciously.

"That too." He smiled slightly and scratched the back of his head sheepishly. "But seriously… Dude, Happy Birthday!" He cried as he planted his arms on my shoulders and shook me out of my nonexistent shell. All restraints, such as maturity, being long gone.

I laughed as April began lighting the candles on the most artificial-looking cake that I'd ever seen.

"Wait!" I ran up to her, grabbing the hand holding the candle making all progress in sticking the candle in the thick frosting halt. "Are you sure you don't want to enter this cake in the 'Most Synthesized Cake Contest'?" I asked being extremely sardonic at the moment.

She scowled and waved the candle as she scolded me. "Just be happy you got a cake, Birthday Girl!" She scolded.

I giggled as her stern face gave way to a smile. "But good joke. You're a champ with those sarcastic remarks." She said as she placed the candle in the icing after an awkward little violent shove through the thick coating.

I took a sarcastic bow. "I do try—"

I raised an eyebrow at her struggle and she chuckled innocently. "Alright, you." She began with a small frown, proving that I had a point, and I realized enquiringly that the others had gone silent. "Time to make a wish." She gesture to the cake.

I froze. Why, I didn't need to even think about it. My wish, as simple as wishes come, could only be one thing. I wished that of what a simpleton would.

"I wish that everything could remain just like this." I said under my breath, my lips not even moving as I breathed it. And, as I blew the candles out, my heart swelled at the thought of things never changing. I simply love it here, is that so wrong?

And then Leo was given the kitchen knife so that he could cut the cake into nice little neat squares, he is skilled with the blade after all (I suppose it makes sense, kind of). He handed me the first plate which I instantly stabbed with a fork and plopped a good size piece into my mouth, for I feared Mikey would beat me to it, as he was practically leaning over my shoulder in anticipation.

It was as awful as it looked. The cake was too wet, almost soggy and the Icing was chewy. I truthfully couldn't even swallow the first bite. I politely grabbed a napkin and swiped my mouth, tactfully spitting the crap out and keeping it on the 'down low'.

I watched as Mikey practically swallowed the slice whole and smiled at the innocent joy on his features as I inconspicuously offered him my piece (which he obviously accepted).

I stood off to the side as I watched the others each grabbed a plate of cake, smiling as I suspected that none of them would notice the disgusting textures.

That is, I was smiling until Casey scared the Hibbie-Jibbies out of me when he joined my side, grinning no less.

"So is the cake as awful as I tried to persuade April it was?" He asked, humor dripping off his features as he watched said girl get a slice herself.

"Yeah." I answered.

"I saw that you gave yours to Mikey. You dislike him or something?" He asked, raising an amused eyebrow.

"You know better than that." I scolded lightly. "His tastes are complete opposites of mine for one thing, so I thought he'd like it. And, two, he devoured his first piece so quickly that I almost doubt he had one!" I laughed lightly with a mixed in scowl.

"That so?" Casey said absentmindedly as he stared at said turtle. "Well, I guess I can see it. Anyways," he said as he turned to me and pulled out a small box from his pocket, "Happy Birthday." He said as he offered it to me lazily.

I looked at his face with unamused disdain on my face. I quirked my lips and tucked them to the side as I raised my eyebrows in question.

He broke his stare at the scene of the others before him and looked at me similarly. He waved it obnoxiously before flicking it into the air carelessly. I managed to catch it and held it delicately as I took in the neatness of the wrapping.

He must have put at least some thought into it.

I cautiously pulled end of the ribbon and slid the paper off, ripping it quietly. When I had all of the decorations off and on the floor, I stared in wonder at the fist-sized object in my upturned palm. What I had originally thought to be a box was actually a picture frame, about the size of my hand, and in it sat a very flattering picture of me when I was performing on stage. I looked at him curiously.

"What?" He asked, slight disdain echoing on his face but not was absent in his cracking voice. He frowned and cleared his throat before scratching the back of his head awkwardly. "You were great up there, so you must have enjoyed it at least a little bit. So I thought 'why not a stupid memo from a time she enjoyed?'" He grumbled.

I snorted. "Enjoyed it?" But then I paused and looked at the picture closer, slightly dazed at its... perfection? "Was that what that was?" I asked softly. "Thanks." I said as he walked away, April calling him over to help a choking Leo (It seemed I wasn't the only one who couldn't stand the cake).

"Whatever." He waved, his back to me as he followed the request of the natural ginger.

"Yay! Gift time!" Mikey exclaimed childishly as he grabbed me and dragged me into the living room, calling out to his brothers one last time before the door closed.

I was suddenly pushed down onto the couch and a shadow was thrown over me. I looked up at Mikey, who was holding a music player and a pair of headphones that he was about to place on my head. I grinned at him, curious as to his type of music and thankful for the gift. But what came on was loud and exciting, but was entirely instrumental. I placed either hand on either ear and pressed the headphones closer, wanting it louder. And I just began to tap my foot as I closed my eyes and nodded to the beat, when I realized that the others were still there.

I took off the headphones and opened my eyes, a slight blush on my cheeks as I avoided their gazes. After a quick flick of the eyes, I noticed that they were all just staring at me with either an amused grin or a delighted smile. I rubbed the back of my neck and laughed sheepishly. "Whoops. I… got a little lost in the music." I cringed at how cliché that sounded.

But Mikey's words and smile reassured me, "It's fine. It just means you appreciate the gift!"

I gave him a warm look, "Thanks, Mikey. This is really cool of you."

"I kind of figured you loved music. After that performance April showed us, I guessed that you must love it quite a lot." He grinned even larger… If that was even possible.

"I guess I'll go ahead and give you my gift." Donnie stepped up. "It might not be much, but I noticed you liked reading the technical books and the ones on how things work. So I picked out one of my favorite theoretical books. It has a bunch of articles and they are all written on different topics that typically stump people. And they just name a bunch of possible explanations."

I stared at him as my jaw dropped. "You're serious?" I looked at the book he had in his hands, which he offered to me. I instantly took it and began scanning through the pages. There was stuff on diseases and technological evolvement and adaptations and how species changed; it went from organic materials all the way to technological mechanics to utter magical properties and back again.

"Whoa! Donnie! You are really going to give this to me!? This is a good read! It's a rarity!" I exclaimed as I stared at its cover.

"I've read it so many times, that I've nearly memorized it. You'll love it." Donnie assured as he turned toward his lair— sorry, lab. "Now, if you don't mind, I'm going to go finish some things up.

April literally pushed Leo out of the way as she got in my line of view. "I got us something greater than all of that!" She cried as she dug in her pocket. "I got us-" She shoved them in my face. I took them and moved them away slightly, and then broke out in a grin. Spa tickets.

"Perfect." I winked at her.

"Then it's a date!" She laughed.

Leo walked back up to me and handed me a T-Phone.

I froze, my mind going blank in shock.

"It's yours. Yeah, I know that Donnie made it, and it really isn't mine to give, but I hope it gets my message across. I want you as our ally, you're one of us and we trust you. I want you on our team. Yeah, we may not get always get along, but I really do hope to work with you." He smiled as I took it and looked at it with big eyes.

My heart was lodged into my throat, making many moments quiet and nearly still as I turned it over in my hands in, quiet amazement and shock reverberating throughout my system. "Does this mean..?"

"Yeah, it does." He nodded once, making my chest swell as I suddenly felt overloaded with happiness.

I jumped up and wrapped my arms around his neck tightly in a surprise hug. He stiffened for a moment in surprise and then relaxed and I felt his smile. I whispered tightly into his ear as I clung to him. "Thank you. Thank you so much. I'm grateful beyond anything..."

"Us too." He stopped my rant with confirming words of his own. I wasn't quite sure what he meant but, from the way he said it, I was sure it meant that we were all tied in tightly by fate and trust.

I released him and stared him in the eyes, grinning happily, the smile tearing at my cheeks.

But our happy spurt soon turned to that of nervousness when Master Splinter appeared out of nowhere and asked to speak to me in the dojo.

I sure hope this meant good news.


Silence.

Is this all this man had to offer when he specifically called me here? Man, if he's testing my patience, I've already failed.

Sitting here… on the floor… in silence… it's awful within itself; but, being alone while all of this is in place, would have to be far less painful than this. I watched as Splinter's relaxed face contorts as though he was stuck in a dream. For all I know, he may as well be. His eyes were shut and his body posture gestured far more beyond my own understanding.

When his eyes snapped open abruptly and my name escaped his lips sharply, I was nearly down the hall it startled me so. "Y-yes?" I asked as I settled myself back into a more appropriate seated position.

"I have decided." He paused, and I sweatdropped at the suspense. "That, as my student, I will bestow the weapon you will be responsible for. Yes, I know my understanding of your skills is far in the lag, but I believe I have your intelligence pretty well grasped. In any situation, I hope it serves you well." He said as he bowed his head and used both hands to offer me a blade.

I bowed my head for a brief moment in respect, and gently took hold of the blade, one hand resting on the sheathe another on the hilt. I observed the gentle wave of the coarse black sheathe, and a black leather strap that could adjust to wrap around anything I choose. Honestly, it took my breath away, and I hadn't even looked at the actual blade yet. I then observed the handle, originally searching for its sturdiness and how I could grasp it securely, but I saw some dials that are next to impossible to see, even at such a close proximity. I turned one. And the blade flew out of my hand in surprise as a narrow, needle-like knife jutted out the back abruptly.

"What the Hell?" I muttered, staring at the still sheathed blade on the ground. I then looked at Splinter with similar eyes. "That thing is dangerous. Why would you give me that? Do you trust me that much already? Or do you hope I'll kill myself so that you don't have to worry about it anymore?"

He looked surprised. "My, aren't you paranoid? I would never do that."

I looked at him with narrowed eyes and then back at the black object on the floor. I cautiously reached out and picked it back up. "You know, this isn't very traditional." I stated as I glanced at it and then back at him.

"And you are?" He looked at me curiously, mocking in his eyes, as if he were daring me to contradict him. "It actually is very old," He began after being certain that I would keep my mouth shut, "there are no electrical measures within, and it's entirely made up of levers and such. Just, use caution when turning those dials when you don't understand what they do." He relaxed once again.

I slowly moved back into my respectful position and looked at him eerily, and then I was once again captivated by the weapon in my hands. I twisted the dial I had previously turned and reversed the polarity to where the little blade was extracted back into its respectful position. I then grabbed the handle as I would if I were actually fighting with it, and slid my thumb along the side until it pushed the sheath off, all the way, until it hit the ground with a heavy thunk. The blade instantly bounced upward from the sudden release of the gravitational pull. I felt my breath hitch in my throat of the beauty of it. It was a simple silver in color, but the metal gleamed with such a ferocity that I felt my innards cower slightly. It reminded me less of steel, as I had been informed that it was, and more of liquid mercury, in fact, the way the light bounced off of it seemed as though it was filled like a glass with the stuff. The blade was light and flew through the air with such grace that I envied it.

"Wow." I breathed loud enough for Splinter to hear. "Why would you give such a precious blade to me?" I inquisited.

"You want the truth?" He asked, his voice showing that there was something obvious about this blade that I didn't know. "It is a cursed blade, that whoever wields such blade will be forced to face himself with every use. I once believed it to be just the reflection and guilt that would tear the one who kills apart, but I also think it means something else. I think it makes those who use it must face the fact that nothing is ever pure and beautiful, such as this blade, without having to suffer and be forced to carry dark secrets," He paused and looked at me with such a look that I bolted upright into a standing position, "Such as you."

I stared at him, determined as I gripped the blade roughly at my side. "So you're saying that you bestow this cursed blade upon me because we are similar." I didn't ask this as harsh as you would believe. In fact, it came out more along the lines of a serious inquisition.

"I bestowed all of my sons their weapons in a similar fashion. Donatello, as you know, holds a great intellect. As such, the bow-staff requires quick, rational, and precise movements; Michelangelo, as you said yourself, is a bit fanatical in his style and the nun-chucks allow for movements that flow freely and easily redirect into randomized patterns; Raphael's sais are less blade and are made more to direct strength, and a flow of that strength, to its fullest capabilities; As for Leonardo's, his was a little more of my prediction, which turned out correct, I saw him as caring and responsible and self-sacrificing, basic leadership requirements, and the two blades he wields are there to show that role and that, if he must, he will not hesitate in what must be done. For, when he has both blades drawn, be ready to see the fierceness he so fully capable of." Splinter looked at me with fondness at the thought of his sons.

"You really do love them." I stated as he stood up. "I thought you to be more sensei-like than fatherly, but I see that I was poorly mistaken in that estimation."

"Ah, but you must drop all assumptions within this world, for nothing is ever as it seems." He stated very prophet-like.

"Amen." I agreed as I bent to gather the sheath with my unoccupied hand.

"Well, I believe it about time you join the others who, I have noticed, are still patiently waiting for your return. I believe you have one left gift to receive." His features radiated humor as the cold shock hit me.

"They're partying without me!" I yelled as I ran out, calling a "thanks again" behind me.


Raph pretty much thrust the little black-and-white-checkerboard hankie-wrapped gift into my hands. I blinked in surprise but took it graciously nonetheless. I thanked him respectfully with a quick dip of my head.

Everyone gathered around, curious as to what gift Raph would come up with. Seeing the bracelet probably shocked them, but it must have stuck a chord with his brothers.

"Isn't that—?" Leo began.

"No, it isn't." Raph bit back viciously.

"But it really looks like—" Donnie tried.

"It isn't." Raphael insisted.

"But, dude, it totally is!" Mikey exclaimed. "It's that weird bracelet you made and wouldn't stop wearing when we were kids! You called it your good luck charm, don't you remember?" He asked innocently.

I couldn't help but sputter into laughter at Raph's face; contorted into some mix of anger and flush, his face was near as red as his mask.

"Fine! If you find it so stupid," he reached for my hand that clasped the bracelet, "I'll take it back."

I paused and considered this and then snapped up, placing my hand on his plastron, extending the arm with the bracelet far out of reach. "Now now," I began, "I was simply laughing at how endearing you are. And you try so hard to hide it."

I snickered as he tensed up.

And then he did what I predicted he would, he lunged for the bracelet, hoping my reactions and strength would be no match for him. But, as I said, I had expected as much and, as we all know, my intellect is my best weapon especially when I've been given time to think out my next move. I slid my arm swiftly into the bracelet and ducked, pulling my limbs in tight as he dove over me.

I heard a thunk, but something white on the floor had caught my eye. A slip of paper lie next to the handkerchief, and it seemed to have a drawing on it. Instantly interested, I reached out for it and scanned it. It was very neat work and the artist had some raw talent, but it looked like he'd tried too hard. Honestly, it fascinated me, how someone had caught my likeness with but a few lines. Truly incredible. I reached up subconsciously and grasped my jaw lightly, comparing the feel and the sight.

"Does its justice." I stated as Raph had just sat up from his stumbling over me.

"W-what do you have there?" I asked as he rubbed his head, I almost caught the recognition in his tone, as though he knew what it was but hoped his guess was incorrect.

"Nice drawing." I said as I stood and offered him a hand. "The likeness is truly incredible with such few details." I stated as I handed him the slip of paper.

"What's that? I didn't-" He scowled as he ignored my hand and stood on his own.

"Of course you didn't." I interrupted as I thrust the sheet at him and winked. "But it's good, nonetheless."

He reached out and took the slip, looking at my face in confusion.

"If you're trying to figure me out, staring isn't going to help." I said bluntly as I retracted my hand and place it on my hip coolly. "Trust me, plenty have tried."

I wanted to laugh at his expression but I bit it back, save for my cool demeanor and his remaining pride.

The rest of the night flew by in fits of laughter, loud conversations, and playful banter between me and the brothers. And, to tell you the truth, I kind of forgot about all of the troubles that followed me.

I really wish it could always be this way, honestly and truly.


Unfortunately, the next morning, something felt off. Maybe it was just the aftereffects of being so happy and amused that anything else would feel weird. Or maybe it was the fact that Raph was stomping around the place, as moody and as crabby as ever. He yelled at Mikey for ruining his comic book, which Leo instantly told him to chill out, only for Raph to stress the limits of his irritation before it became something violent. How do I know? Temper, remember?

But Raph's was ridiculous. Maybe it came with being a dude that violence and anger went together so naturally… but I had a sinking suspicion that it was just how he was.

I jumped out of my skin when an explosion sounded from Donnie's lair— lab, excuse me— and when some kind of projectile flew out of the big metal doors, I jumped behind the couch as I realized that there were many little orbs of color that were flying around the room, destroying nearly everything— everything, not quite including me.

I sat on the floor as I heard all kinds of noises. In particular, I heard Raph yell in strangled surprise. I peeked over the couch and saw him diving for little Spike, who was about to be struck by the exploding little light. I reacted instantly and grabbed the remaining cushion on the couch and chucked it so that it blocked the little turtle last minute.

I sighed as I ducked back behind the couch as I heard the bangs and clangs cease. Raph's angry shouts overtook everything. His voice sounded strained and his anger was undeniable, but, if you listened to the words that were coming out, he was mostly scared and concerned for his helpless little companion. I almost wished for the bomb-light thingies more than I wished his mixed attitude.

He shouted and, when he broke off abruptly, not even finishing his statement, I peeked around the couch in confusion. Splinter had gotten to him and Donnie was apologizing like mad.

"Donnie, it is fine, chill out. Nobody is hurt and this is easy enough to fix." I stated as I stood and leaned lazily on the back of the couch.

He gestured to the trashed cushion, looking vulnerable with its stuffing distributed randomly around it.

"Eh, we needed some new ones anyway," I shrugged and then wave a hand over my nose, "they were starting to stink."

"It is not fine!" Raph shouted angrily once he had freed himself from Splinter. "He was close to hurting Spike!"

"Close only counts in horseshoes and hand-grenades." I growled lowly.

"What?" Leo turned to me.

"Nothing." I waved him off. "Anyways, Raph, Spike's fine, I mean, look at the little guy!" I gestured sharply, slowly losing my patience with the loud mouth.

We all did so, only to see said turtle chewing his stupid little leaf dumbly.

Raph said something and stormed off. "And he didn't even help clean up." I said sarcastically as I popped a hip and stared after him.

"That's Raph for ya." Leo began.

"I think he seemed exceptionally crabby though." I said as I picked some things up off of the ground.

"Could be." Mikey stated as he flopped on the couch, 'testing if it was broken.'

I remained silent in thought as I cleaned, only to nearly break a bunch of things after being startled by Raph when he suddenly appeared again with a loud stomp. This time, however, he held a canister of— Mutagen, was it?

He said something about it being too dangerous for Donnie, not forgetting the sarcastically mean name-calling that trademarked his attitude, and took off towards his room with the little spoiled turtle on his shoulder.

I shook my head at the ridiculousness.


"I found another trace of Mutagen!" Donnie exclaimed, either excitement or fear flowing though his mannerisms, I'm not entirely sure which.

From my position lounging on the couch, I stiffened and leaned forward. Mikey had taken the time to explain the Mutagen, or what he knew of it. I had planned on asking Donnie about his position on the matter, mostly hoping for a more scientific identification on the stuff. But I hadn't gotten around to it. But, from what Mikey explained and my own reasoning, I took it that the stuff was some king of mutation radiation, like something that relates to the origins of cancer and similar genetic modifier substances, and that it only reacts through physical contact. It most likely was made up of smaller cells than most organic materials and, when in contact, manages to squeeze between them and pollute the cell membranes, which slowly intoxicates the remaining components of the cell. It also seemed very sensitive to other DNA that penetrates its space, so that the mutation varies strongly depending upon it.

I realize that I had tuned them out and hearing Raph's name had shocked me back to real life. They were bickering, calmly enough so, whether or not they should tell him. And, if so, who was best to go get him. Mikey was the best nomination since it was hardest to stay mad at him on one topic for very long. But that comic book thing may have been a bit much. First off Mikey spilt pizza— Yuck!— on his stuff, and, secondly, when Raph confronted him on it, he dared to lick it. He licked Raphael's comic book, that's a little too much. So, why would they nominate him when there was somebody who has yet to piss Raph off and, better yet, someone he should be thankful to? (I saved Spike). Granted, I don't think they know all of that.

Mikey was fussing about why he had to do it, Donnie was suggesting what a bad idea it was for him to go, and Leo was saying that he isn't exactly the ideal person Raph would want to see at this time. So I lazily raised my hand, not seeing a point to yelling over them, it would only make my growing headache worse.

They faltered and turned to look at me. "I'll do it. The worse he could do is yell."

"Wouldn't you yell back?" Donnie predicted more than asked.

"Most likely, but I haven't done anything for him to yell at me for." I said openly before pausing and, with a piercing frown on my face, I nodded. "The rest of you have."

"She has a point." Leo agreed.

Mikey ignored them all and ran up to me and wrapped his arms snugly around my neck. "You have saved my shell!" He cried dramatically.

"Yeah, I guess." I said halfheartedly as I shoved him off and turned in the direction Raph had headed in. "His room, right?" I asked even though I already knew.

I heard a few grunts in confirmation as they all dispersed to grab their stuff.

"Geez, it isn't hard to figure out which room he's in." I muttered to myself as I came across the door that the angry voice was echoing from. I knocked.

Silence.

I begin to think of the sound of his voice and how I've heard it angry before. It never got that deep. I felt slightly fearful as my heart's pace quickened. "Raph?" My voice cracked, I felt sick. My imagination must be truly wild to make me this scared.

I felt my nerve grow slightly, but this caused my temper to shorten as I banged on the door harder. "Come on! Stop pouting!" I shouted through the door.

"Yeah, yeah, I'm coming." He said, sounding exasperated and... Distracted.

The door opened inwards and on the wrong side, I felt dizzy. I soon noticed a shadow moving behind the familiar scowling turtle. It was a really big shadow too. My mind began reeling, as it did when I was frightened.

"Zel?" Raph's face scrunched up in a confused worry. "What's up?"

I felt my eyes get wider as the pieces began to fit together.

…the extra voice… Raph's flipped attitude… the shadow… Spike… my human DNA… Donnie's lab… the mutagen…

I must have said this out loud because Raph's face instantly looked shocked. "W-what are you talking about, Zel?"

I gave him a look that felt strangely hysterical. "D-don't give me that crap." I stuttered out and then cleared my throat before changing my tone to dangerously demanding of the truth. "What did you do?"

"Nothing." He instantly shot me off.

"Raphael, she doesn't believe you." The rough voice called again, confirming my thoughts. "She's far too perceptive for her own good."

I straightened my back as I peered into the near glowing eyes that stared back at me. I hardened my features into that of complete seriousness. "Spike." Raph opened the door and ushered me in, looking down the hall checking for any other onlookers. I walked in but stood with my back to the now closed door.

"It's Slash now, Honey." His voice switching to a sickeningly-sweet pitch.

"You meddled with the Mutagen." I observed pointedly, my eyes flickering to the broken bottle of it in the corner.

"Exactly, and now I am, indeed, fused with your human DNA. But, you surprised me. You picked up on it rather quickly. I did understand that you were smart from the moment we first met, but this is ridiculous."

I narrowed my eyes. "That so?" I said rather hostile.

"Entirely. The gleam in your eyes said that you saw right through me." The way he said 'gleam' was mocking of the way I had said it to Raph and I noticed said turtle was standing a bit off to the side, horror-stricken. "Maybe you didn't see this coming, but you saw something that put you on edge about me. But it shocked me genuinely this morning when you saved my shell with that cushion."

I remained silent and stared at him. The glimmer in his eyes ever present, but this one was not only intelligent, it was deceitful and, to be perfectly honest, it terrified me.

"You look like a threatened animal. Does my thanks scare you that much, Little Red?"

That sent shivers up my spine but I still managed to speak. "Your devious smirk isn't helping in the least in convincing that you are grateful, neither is your tone. Everything about you is threatening and malevolent."

He chuckled.

But Raph spoke. "He's the only one who understands. That's why he and I are going to go get that Mutagen and prove it that I know what I'm doing."

"How-?" I began.

"I have a real nose for the stuff." The big bastard began.

I backed up until I felt my fingertips graze the doorknob. I did so inconspicuously, as to not grab attention.

But Slash picked up on it almost instantly. His head flew up and snapped in my direction, it only seemed to make him taller, if that was possible.

His scowl was evident and the anger through his veins was evident. It made my blood run cold.

I had the right to be scared as his arm snapped out and his hand wrapped around my neck securely. His grip tightened and I felt my feet leave the ground and my back press snugly to the wall. My air ways were instantly cut off and my hands instinctively wrapped around his wrist, or what they could considering the size of the wrist. I felt my face fill with the pressure of the blood and my toes go numb. But, Slash had a motive in doing this, he leaned close, his lips to my ear as I strained against his hand. Where was Raph, was he just watching? Was he too far lost in his shock that he just stood there as I struggled to breathe?

"Ah, I also have another motive," Slash whispered so low that I barely caught it, "in reality, I wish to become Raphael's only partner, and, to do that, I must erase… a few road blocks." He paused. "You will not say a word else I will kill you along with Raph, just for the Hell of it."

"Why… tell me?" I ground out.

"Because, it'll be far more interesting watching you struggle against your morals." He whispered before he pulled back, and released me.

I hit the ground, hard. I began wheezing, attempting to fill my lungs once again. I lay on the ground, panting, and in a disgraceful appearance before the enemy, but I couldn't help it. I felt as though my lungs were about to cave in on themselves from the sudden, forceful breaths flowing through them. I opened my eyes to see a shocked Raph, standing there, one hand resting on the hilt of a single of his Sais, but only one hand. It was as though what he had just seen wasn't reality and his mind simply refused to accept it.

Screw him, he'd survive this because Slash wanted him to. But, as for the others, he was going to kill them. I can't allow that.

But I can't very well retort while my lungs are crashing, now can I?

Raph seemed to have come to a decision, a passive one at that, one entirely not like Raph. He had decided that running up to me and kneeling to check on my condition was the best choice. He slid a hand to the small of my back and sat me up. I glanced at him and felt my blood run hot, I was angry that he was so blind to it, but I couldn't very well tell him. Not with "Ex-Spike" standing here— maybe not as long as Slash was alive. I was angry, and I was recovered enough that I could stand, and so I did. I shoved Raph's worried hands off of me, glared at him and avoided eye contact with the beast, for a look couldn't even project my disgust with him.

I grabbed the door handle, paused, and threw the door open. I didn't bother closing it as I took off running. I ran into the living room and instantly put up a façade of defeat, all the while scratching the back of my head sheepishly. "Maybe that wasn't such a great idea after all." I smiled weakly. "He's mad enough that he refused to come. Sorry I couldn't get him to do otherwise."

"It's fine, Zel. I doubt we'd want his company when he's like this anyway." Leo smiled as he rested his hand on my back.

And man, he didn't even know how right he was about that.


Well, there's another'n up! ^-^

I'm being surprisingly loyal to this story, despite it being perhaps my least popular... Maybe that will change after a few more chapters, it still is kind of short.

You know the drill by now but I'll say it for good ol' times sake:

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