Radical Transformation
"It's Friday!" Mikey yelled at two of his sleeping brothers, right in their ears. They shot up in bed, eyes wide for a second. Mikey grinned. He had been awake for a few seconds, and then realised what day it was, and decided his brothers needed a wake up call.
"Mikey!" Leo and Raph said angrily, and laid back down, grumbling.
Mikey jumped up and pulled their bed covers off them. They moaned tiredly and groped about for them.
"Mikey, leave us alone," Leo said, face half buried in his pillow.
"C'mon, time to get up, remember what's today?" Mikey questioned them.
"No," Raph answered shortly, and yanked his sheets back, pulling them over his head.
"You don't know?" Mikey asked in disbelief, as though this was the day he had been waiting for, for ages.
"No! Get lost!" His brother shouted and rolled over again. Mikey tapped his chin and pounced on Leo's back, pinning his arms to the floor.
"I'm not letting ya up till you guess what day it is!" Mikey said gleefully.
Leo groaned and rolled his eyes. "Get off me Mike."
"Not until you -" Mikey started to repeat, but was attacked by Raph, who grabbed his leg and pulled him off his brother in blue. "Hey!" Mikey was now pinned to the floor, as Leo flipped over and started to tie his brother up with his own sheets.
"Brother down," Leo and Raph murmured and flopped back down on their beds, snoozing again.
"You guys, untie me!" Mikey moaned, hands bound roughly with the white sheet he used to lay on, and then tied to his body.
"Shut up Mikey," Raph muttered into his pillow, and groped about for Mikey's, which he picked up and dumped over Mikey's face.
"Mmmgh!"
()()()()
"Alright, Baseball!" Donnie said enthusiastically as all four bros, including Matt and Tyson, were walking down the sunny field to the Sports Centre. Their first and second class of Friday was P.E, and Roxanne, whose dad was the P.E teacher, and Head of the P.E Department had just informed them that they were doing Baseball.
"Right, about time we got to hit something," Raph said. Mikey edged away from him. He had still been a little moody since they had got in April's car.
"Hey, it's just a game, just enjoy it," Leo said, then leaned closer and half whispered, "it may be our last game in this school."
"It's just a game, enjoy it," Raph mimicked. "Forget how serious games can be when you play with the wrong people?" Raph side-glanced at Leo, and pretended to bounce a basketball.
"I don't think this can be as serious as that," Leo said. "Besides, we made a deal, and I don't think we will this time. Tooks knows when he's beat." He grinned. (A grin that could make any girl melt because it was too cute!)
"Right on," Mikey agreed, just as Prida walked up behind them, without Mikey noticing. "We're the mean, green fighting machines!"
"Green?" Prida smiled behind them, making Mikey start. "I thought you were orange."
Mikey laughed. "Yeah that too." He glanced at his brothers who were pretty close to biting their lips. Prida studied their faces, before blinking and smiling as Leo glanced at her. He frowned when she turned away.
Roxanne was correct in saying that they had Baseball. After they had all changed into their kit, they were directed onto the field. Many people had excuses to skive off this class, so the boys' numbers were down, and the girls were even less. It seemed more girls skived PE than boys. But since there was a small group of girls, they joined forces with the boys. The two teams included both girls and boys. All four bros happened to be on the same team, along with Prida of course, with TJ, Michael and his girlfriend, and luckily Roxanne, who was about to be placed on the other team. Tooks was of course one of those participating in PE, and was by luck on the other team from them, along with his goonies, though Luke was forced onto Leo and his brothers' team. Mikey had asked the teacher if he could pitch, because he couldn't run very well on his injured foot. The teacher agreed.
"Okay," Mr Johnson shouted over them all and dumping the equipment on the floor. "This team batting," he indicated Tooks' team. "You guys Fielding." He said to the other. They all moved out; the fielding team spread out on the field and guarding the bases.
"Yo Prida," Mikey said with a grin, and winked, making his way into the bowlers box. She smiled back, knowing what he was winking about. He couldn't wait for her to come in that dress tonight, and he had asked how she was having her hair. She had tapped him on the nose and told him to wait until Friday night.
"Okay Mickey," Johnson said to the first kid, a skinny, small kid who held the bat rather shakily.
Mikey was tossed a ball by the teacher. He caught it with one hand, and tossed it into the air a few times, feeling the weight of it. He looked at Mickey, who was eyeing the ball as though it was a deadly snake Mikey was going to throw at him.
"Go!" The teacher called, and stepped back, to the side of the catcher, who was Jay.
Mikey placed once foot behind him to give him the extra force, and threw the ball, a little less harder than what he would have done, but he was going soft of this poor guy who looked terrified he might get knocked out. Perhaps he might have remembered what happened last time they played something with a ball that included the four identical bros playing.
Mickey clamped his eyes shut and brought the bat round as hard as he could, hoping he could at least touch the ball. He did do, and it was a fairly good hit, unfortunately it landed straight in Donnie's waiting hands. He hadn't even moved.
"Sorry, Mickey, you're out." The teacher told him. Mickey handed the bat to Ace, who stepped up, face set, and held the bat ready, knees bent, glaring at Mikey.
Mikey forgot about going easy on this one. He brought his hand back and let the ball fly hard at the batter. Ace barely had time to swing, but he did do and it connected with the ball, making a loud CRACK, and was levitated into the air, aiming for Michael, who was running backwards, hands out. He tripped over his shoelace and the ball went past him; a second later Leo sped past him at about ten miles an hour after the ball.
In that time Ace had managed to run the entire pitch, getting a homerun. He grinned and sat back panting, watching another kid pick up the bat where he had dropped it.
Leo returned the ball to Mikey with a long, high throw, and jogged back to where he was, barely out of breath. Michael sheepishly tied his laces and went back to his spot.
"Well done, Ace," Mr Johnson said, hands on his sides, observing the game with a satisfied face.
After a few more excellent pitches from Mikey, Tooks' turn finally came, and he couldn't have walked into the batting box with an angrier face. He seemed determined to be able to hit this right at Mikey.
And Mikey, who had worked out his face, was ready to duck fast. But before he did, he wound up his arm, tensed the muscles and lobbed it at Tooks, imaging him to be annoying Prida at that moment. It worked pretty well, it was such a good pitch that it could have been mistaken for a small white meteorite, fire an all!
Tooks himself was surprised but managed to bring the bat around and whack it harder that Ace did, and it gave off a sound louder too. The ball was hurled away to Matt, who didn't move quick enough and was struck in the chest so hard people were surprised (later on) that his ribs hadn't cracked.
Tooks had thrown down the bat and ran around the pitch, while all of the fielders and the teacher ran over to Matt, who was flat on his back with his hands on his chest, appearing to be more dazed that in pain.
"Yo Matt," Mikey called to his friend, dropping to the floor. "You okay?"
Mr Johnson crouched next to him, wincing slightly.
"I'm . . . 'A' okay," Matt managed, smiling. "Yowch, man was that hard." He was helped up by Mikey and Leo.
"Do you want to miss out?" Johnson asked, concerned.
Matt frowned. "You kidding, no thanks, I'm staying in." He grinned at Mikey, who was reminded of himself. Actually Mikey's own personality caused Matt to say that. He wouldn't have if he didn't know what Mikey would have said if it was him who was hit.
"Yeah, way-t'-go Matt," Mikey grinned, and everyone made their way back to their places; Tooks looked very smug, but still slightly annoyed that it didn't hit Mikey.
"Okay guys, continue," the teacher clapped his hands, walking back. "Well done Jo, that was an excellent hit." Tooks smiled even more.
Mikey was pretty steamed about Tooks doing that to his friend, and one of his pitches was a bit to hard and hit one poor kid on the head, knocking his out a bit. Mikey was pretty sorry about it, and his next pitch was bad. It was only those two however, and soon that entire team had batted. It was time to swap: Tooks' team was now fielding, while Leo and his brothers' team was batting. Tooks decided to be pitcher.
"Okay, play."
First up batting was Leo, who held the bat tightly, and fixed his eyes on Tooks, ready for the ball. Tooks enjoyed keeping him waiting. Then, without warning he brought his arm back and flung the ball, aiming, just as he tried while batting, for the face.
Leo gritted his teeth as he swung back and then forward, the bat sent a jolt up his arm as it connected with the ball. The ball soared into the air, and Leo dropped the bat and ran, much faster than Tooks. The wind blew his hair scruffy hair back, revealing his whole bandanna. It felt good to be running for fun in open air. He could sense the movement of the fielders as they all ran to catch the ball. Leo passed all the bases, and reached home base, earning his team that score. The teacher praised him, and watched as the ball was thrown back to Tooks, who wasn't looking very happy.
After a couple more batters, having been able to nearly get Mikey out because of his foot couldn't carry him quick enough, Tooks finally smiled when it came to Prida's turn. She didn't seem too thrilled bout him being pitcher, but she held the bat with a steady hand.
Tooks tossed the ball to and from his palms, and then got ready to throw. Unlike the other times when throwing for the bros, he showed when he was about to pitch. Prida grasped the bat firmly, and readied herself for his pitch. He took his arm back, and threw it, smiling sickly at her.
Prida brought the bat back and whacked it with all her force, pretty angry with Tooks and his sick grins. The ball rocketed away - straight back to Tooks and hitting him in the -"
"Oooo!" The whole class, boys and girls said in unison. Most of the boys winced much more, and covered their own.
Raph fell on the ground laughing as Tooks doubled over in pain, clutching his groin. Mikey grinned and winced at the same time, while Donnie and Leo laughed. They couldn't really share the pain, as they had never quite experienced it - or had any reason to.
Tooks' friends ran to his side, along with a worried and wincing teacher. All of Leo's team was laughing or grinning, glad Tooks got what he deserved. Prida, who hadn't moved, was looking at what she had done. Sure she didn't like Tooks because he could be a complete idiot, but she felt bad for him now. But her little sympathy for him vanished as she heard Mikey calling her. She turned her head and looked at him, still holding the bat in the position she had hit the ball in.
"Run Prida!"" Mikey laughed, while Matt shouted, "Thanks Prida!"
Prida shrugged, remembering that Tooks had ran after Matt was hit, and dropped the bat. She flew around the pitch, laughing to herself along with others. She made a full pitch, and ran into a high five with Mikey, who was grinning. Raph was still laughing, sat on the grass.
"Okay Jo, I think you ought to just stay still for a few minutes," Mr Johnson advised Tooks, who was looking pretty humiliated.
But Jo Tooks winced and managed to get to his feet with a, "no, I'm staying in." He glared over at the four bros, who were still grinning, and Prida was actually looking empathetic about what she did. Tooks was slightly surprised he saw it on her face.
"Raph, stop rolling around on the floor," Donnie said, grabbing his brother's arm and heaving him to his feet. "Tooks is back in the game anyway."
Prida bit her lip. She felt pretty bad about what she had done. Sure Tooks was horrible, but she HAD known him for ages, and she knew not many things could humiliate him like that, and she just happened to hit him where it 'hurt' in front of his enemies, the guys.
"Okay guys," the teacher said, clapping his hands to get attention. "Lets go in, we'll choose something else to play, I'll give ya your own choices seeing as how you have exams next week."
Everyone seemed happy about being able to choose what they wanted to do, and rushed inside. Tooks was swept away by his friends, who were all shaking their heads and glaring not at Prida who had caused their friend's pain, but at the guys; maybe because they were the ones laughing the most.
"That moment was priceless," Raph said happily, all were smiling as they walked into the Sports Centre and into the hall. "Way-t'-go Prida!"
Prida grinned. "It was an accident! I never really meant to do that."
"Yeah sure, it's okay, you can tell us you were that steamed you actually imagined it happening and it did!" Mikey said.
"I don't think my images come true," Prida said. "I didn't imagine it anyway, I closed my eyes and whacked the ball. No magic thingy going on. There's no such magic anyway"
Mikey's smiled faded and in its place was a small one. He looked sidelong at his bothers, who looked back. There were such things as magic, and he and his brothers were living proof. That kind of made Mikey nervous. He was still very different from everyone else. In a human body, but kept that way by some magic.
Everyone soon got started in the next part of the double class with choices of Volley Ball, Rowing Machines, Table Tennis, Badminton or a little Basketball. Deciding they had had enough of Basketball, and that they had already played Badminton before in P.E (and that the guys wanted to do something different since they were convinced they weren't going to see a next P.E class), they decided to do something different. Prida and Roxanne both voted for Volley Ball, while Matt was keen on Table Tennis, Leo and Mikey both wanted to try the Rowing Machines, and Donnie, Raph and Michael were undecided.
"Okay," Leo said, taking this into his hands. "We'll do Rock, Paper, Scissors for either Volley Ball or the Rowing Machines, since they both have two voters. Mikey," Leo put a hand on his brother shoulder. "I give you the honour for Rock, Paper, Scissors against them."
"Prida, you go get 'im," Roxanne grinned to her friend.
"'Kay," Prida smiled, and clenched her fist as Mikey had; they stood facing each other as though this were some serious fighting ring or something, looking in each other's eyes.
"Commence," Leo commanded, with a grin.
Both Mikey and Prida bobbed their fists in the air three times, and Mikey came out with his fist flat for Paper; Prida with her two fingers for Scissors.
"Heh, we win," Prida stuck her tongue out playfully.
"Damn, I don't like Volley Ball," Raph moaned, as Roxanne happily ran to the store cupboard and grabbed a ball and a net, while Prida grabbed the posts.
"You've never played Volley Ball - properly, anyway," Donnie pointed out.
"Stop moaning Raph," Leo said, then lowered his voice. "This is probably our last P.E class so enjoy it." Donnie nodded.
The net was quickly set up by Roxanne and Prida and helped by Matt. Then they split up with Leo, Donnie, Roxanne and Michael on one side and the others on the opposite. TJ had disappeared to join someone on the Rowing Machines. The little dude seemed much less shyer than he usually was, and mixed with people more.
Volley Ball wasn't that bad. Prida and Roxanne turned out to be as good at it as they were Basketball, which was excellent, and they both put up good fights against each other, thou soon Leo got in and the scores for his team went up. Michael came at the with a few good hits, but Mikey was there to hit it back. One time he and Matt stumbled over each other, and while they fell to the floor, Raph and Prida went for the ball at the same time, both hitting it and both knocking each other down. The whole of that team was on the floor, and so was the opposite team nearly, from laughing too much. But they did manage to hit the ball back over, and Mikey, who was on his stomach over Matt, stretched out and managed to 'Dig' it back over before jumping back up, followed by Matt, Raph and Prida, all slightly red-faced. In the end, it seemed both Leo and Roxanne's good Volley Ball skills earned their team the winning score, but barely. Prida put up a good fight and earned most of her team's scores. It was a happy end to the class, but Prida glanced over and saw Tooks still looking mad about the Baseball game incident. She put her head back down and walked quickly to the changing rooms.
//
"Was that wicked or what?" Mikey said happily as they walked out into the fresh air outside onto the field. He was referring to the games they had played.
"Wicked," Donnie agreed. He was walking in the middle of Leo and Raph, with Mikey bouncing along in front of them walking backwards. Prida, Roxanne and her brother Dean were behind them, talking about near events, such as the disco. Some of their conversation floated into the ears of the guys.
"Is Prida actually going to this disco?" Leo asked Mikey, who turned around casually so they wouldn't see him grinning.
Mikey shrugged. "I'm not sure. Dunno, she said she didn't want to." He straightened his face and turned around, watching his brothers' reactions. They did look slightly saddened about it, because it could be the last time they spend time with Prida or anyone from this school, but Mikey couldn't wait for their reactions when they see Prida walk in with him . . . Of course he would have to shake his brothers off before he brings Prida in. Man, are those jaws gunna be hanging!
"Oh, well, I thought she might come anyway . . ." Donnie said quietly. "We're still going, right?" He looked at Leo.
"Yeah, we are," Leo replied, nodding. "I'm gunna miss this place . . ."
"Hey, c'mon," Mikey said suddenly. "Don't look so gloomy, we don't know WHEN we're gunna change back, it could be anytime, most likely Sunday if any day, we still got a good day to get through, Saturday."
His brothers smiled a bit, and the four brothers made the rest of the way in silence, listening to the conversation behind them. But when they had reached the lockers, Leo and Roxanne broke away from the little group and talked among themselves. No one could hear what they were on about, but Leo seemed to be blushing slightly.
Their break time went pretty fast for twenty minutes, and their next class, English seemed to zoom by just as fast. Mikey kept saying it was because the disco tonight, and he told his brothers that it would go quick. His brothers didn't seem as enthusiastic as Mikey about the disco, and that was probably because they thought it would only be a little music and some food and drink. They didn't know that Mikey had persuaded Prida to come, and he had made her promise she had to dance with all of them, seeing as how he had told her that he and his brothers would be moving back to LA soon.
Their very fast English class was just as boring as usual, and when the bell rang they all traipsed out, Prida feeling a little more and more nervous as the time seem to disappear.
"Physics, man I hate Physics," Mikey moaned, as the whole gang made their way to the science block. Mikey didn't like English, and certainly didn't like Physics.
"It'll fly by," Prida sighed as they took their seats. Mikey agreed. He just hoped this class went quicker than the last, even though THAT was quick. And Prida was right; the class went fast, and it seemed like they had only just started to write on paper before the end of the class came and they all packed their things and headed to the canteen for dinner.
"Man, better get to the pizza quick Mikey, before time goes too fast and you miss out," Prida grinned. Mikey looked horrified at the thought of missing pizza again for a second lunchtime, and dashed inside the building before anyone else, and was first in the food line.
()()()()
"Last Biology ever! Last PSE ever!" Mikey shouted happily as the school day finished and they were walking out of their form rooms, in which they had had PSE. Leo, Don and Raph followed their hyper brother out of the upper corridors and downstairs to the lockers.
"Whoa Mikey, you wanna like cool it down a bit," Raph said. "You might explode."
"But guys, this'll be our first ever, proper disco with other people, and maybe the last time we might see them again," Mikey said. "I have reason to explode."
"Just make sure you explode after we meet this magic dude," Leo said.
They quickly left school, and made their way home, where Mikey reminded them every ten minutes that the disco will start at seven thirty until ten thirty. He kept counting down the hours and minutes, until his brothers had got sick of him and had locked him in the broom cupboard.
()()()()
Prida burst into her room and flopped down on her bed, spreading her arms out with her hair fanned out around her head. She felt her stomach was doing the twists. Why should she be so nervous about going to a disco. The last one she went to was with Mai and Korey, and that was one where Vanilla Ice played. It was the best party she had been to, others before that hadn't been so great.
She stared at the newspaper clipping above her bed on the wall. The four figures were grinning, three standing up, one kneeling. Their grins were so familiar . . . as well as their eyes, through the bandannas anyway. Prida sighed, then frowned at the picture, staring at it . . . Bandannas . . .
Closing her eyes and sighing again, she thought about the dress that was in her wardrobe, waiting to be used tonight. Mikey was really going to pay for this. Maybe she could still keep in contact with them when they moved back to LA. Of course she would, she wouldn't just let them go with only a goodbye. But when they go she wasn't sure. Mikey had just said that it would be soon.
There was a knock at her door, and her sister popped her head around it.
"Hey, want some help getting ready for this date with Mikey?" Mai asked, eyes glinting.
Prida groaned. "It's not a date, Mai! It's just a little dancing and seeing my friends . . . and yeah you can help me with my hair."
Mai chuckled, and walked into the room, asking what she wanted to eat before she went out in a few hours. Prida was too busy thinking about things to answer, and when Mai went out saying dinner will be pasta, Prida's mind was on something very strange . . . something that fit perfectly together, but still remained confusing, a mystery. Maybe she could get some answers out of the guys before the end of the night. She told herself she would enjoy it, and for one of these times she actually felt she was being true. Wonder if the guys could dance . . .
()()()()
Somewhere dark and hidden, the menacing voice of one feared Ninja Master spoke out into the silence, breaking it. The warehouse was always darker than the surrounding sky, and there were hardly any bright lights to shine in the place. Instead, the occupants saw by means of small, dimly lit light bulbs which hung from the high ceilings, so even the dim light was dimmer as it was raised higher than the weak light could shine. It did not reach the corners, and even the floor seemed shadowed. The black suited figures seemed at home in the dark, and their Master valued it as an ally. Their Master . . . he seemed to be waiting for something, but he had not let on yet. He mostly stuck to one of the office rooms on the higher floors of the warehouse, where only Master Tatsu, second in command, walked without fear. Tonight he made that journey to his waiting Master.
Tatsu bowed after he had entered the dark room. The only light was from the moon, and Tatsu's Master could only been seen as an outline against the floor-to-ceiling window. He was facing the city, his back to Tatsu.
"We are ready," Tatsu said shortly, in his gruff, low voice.
Shredder didn't even turn around. He kept his masked face to the window; nothing moved, not even his cloak.
"Good," he growled softly. "We do it . . . tonight . . ."
"It's Friday!" Mikey yelled at two of his sleeping brothers, right in their ears. They shot up in bed, eyes wide for a second. Mikey grinned. He had been awake for a few seconds, and then realised what day it was, and decided his brothers needed a wake up call.
"Mikey!" Leo and Raph said angrily, and laid back down, grumbling.
Mikey jumped up and pulled their bed covers off them. They moaned tiredly and groped about for them.
"Mikey, leave us alone," Leo said, face half buried in his pillow.
"C'mon, time to get up, remember what's today?" Mikey questioned them.
"No," Raph answered shortly, and yanked his sheets back, pulling them over his head.
"You don't know?" Mikey asked in disbelief, as though this was the day he had been waiting for, for ages.
"No! Get lost!" His brother shouted and rolled over again. Mikey tapped his chin and pounced on Leo's back, pinning his arms to the floor.
"I'm not letting ya up till you guess what day it is!" Mikey said gleefully.
Leo groaned and rolled his eyes. "Get off me Mike."
"Not until you -" Mikey started to repeat, but was attacked by Raph, who grabbed his leg and pulled him off his brother in blue. "Hey!" Mikey was now pinned to the floor, as Leo flipped over and started to tie his brother up with his own sheets.
"Brother down," Leo and Raph murmured and flopped back down on their beds, snoozing again.
"You guys, untie me!" Mikey moaned, hands bound roughly with the white sheet he used to lay on, and then tied to his body.
"Shut up Mikey," Raph muttered into his pillow, and groped about for Mikey's, which he picked up and dumped over Mikey's face.
"Mmmgh!"
()()()()
"Alright, Baseball!" Donnie said enthusiastically as all four bros, including Matt and Tyson, were walking down the sunny field to the Sports Centre. Their first and second class of Friday was P.E, and Roxanne, whose dad was the P.E teacher, and Head of the P.E Department had just informed them that they were doing Baseball.
"Right, about time we got to hit something," Raph said. Mikey edged away from him. He had still been a little moody since they had got in April's car.
"Hey, it's just a game, just enjoy it," Leo said, then leaned closer and half whispered, "it may be our last game in this school."
"It's just a game, enjoy it," Raph mimicked. "Forget how serious games can be when you play with the wrong people?" Raph side-glanced at Leo, and pretended to bounce a basketball.
"I don't think this can be as serious as that," Leo said. "Besides, we made a deal, and I don't think we will this time. Tooks knows when he's beat." He grinned. (A grin that could make any girl melt because it was too cute!)
"Right on," Mikey agreed, just as Prida walked up behind them, without Mikey noticing. "We're the mean, green fighting machines!"
"Green?" Prida smiled behind them, making Mikey start. "I thought you were orange."
Mikey laughed. "Yeah that too." He glanced at his brothers who were pretty close to biting their lips. Prida studied their faces, before blinking and smiling as Leo glanced at her. He frowned when she turned away.
Roxanne was correct in saying that they had Baseball. After they had all changed into their kit, they were directed onto the field. Many people had excuses to skive off this class, so the boys' numbers were down, and the girls were even less. It seemed more girls skived PE than boys. But since there was a small group of girls, they joined forces with the boys. The two teams included both girls and boys. All four bros happened to be on the same team, along with Prida of course, with TJ, Michael and his girlfriend, and luckily Roxanne, who was about to be placed on the other team. Tooks was of course one of those participating in PE, and was by luck on the other team from them, along with his goonies, though Luke was forced onto Leo and his brothers' team. Mikey had asked the teacher if he could pitch, because he couldn't run very well on his injured foot. The teacher agreed.
"Okay," Mr Johnson shouted over them all and dumping the equipment on the floor. "This team batting," he indicated Tooks' team. "You guys Fielding." He said to the other. They all moved out; the fielding team spread out on the field and guarding the bases.
"Yo Prida," Mikey said with a grin, and winked, making his way into the bowlers box. She smiled back, knowing what he was winking about. He couldn't wait for her to come in that dress tonight, and he had asked how she was having her hair. She had tapped him on the nose and told him to wait until Friday night.
"Okay Mickey," Johnson said to the first kid, a skinny, small kid who held the bat rather shakily.
Mikey was tossed a ball by the teacher. He caught it with one hand, and tossed it into the air a few times, feeling the weight of it. He looked at Mickey, who was eyeing the ball as though it was a deadly snake Mikey was going to throw at him.
"Go!" The teacher called, and stepped back, to the side of the catcher, who was Jay.
Mikey placed once foot behind him to give him the extra force, and threw the ball, a little less harder than what he would have done, but he was going soft of this poor guy who looked terrified he might get knocked out. Perhaps he might have remembered what happened last time they played something with a ball that included the four identical bros playing.
Mickey clamped his eyes shut and brought the bat round as hard as he could, hoping he could at least touch the ball. He did do, and it was a fairly good hit, unfortunately it landed straight in Donnie's waiting hands. He hadn't even moved.
"Sorry, Mickey, you're out." The teacher told him. Mickey handed the bat to Ace, who stepped up, face set, and held the bat ready, knees bent, glaring at Mikey.
Mikey forgot about going easy on this one. He brought his hand back and let the ball fly hard at the batter. Ace barely had time to swing, but he did do and it connected with the ball, making a loud CRACK, and was levitated into the air, aiming for Michael, who was running backwards, hands out. He tripped over his shoelace and the ball went past him; a second later Leo sped past him at about ten miles an hour after the ball.
In that time Ace had managed to run the entire pitch, getting a homerun. He grinned and sat back panting, watching another kid pick up the bat where he had dropped it.
Leo returned the ball to Mikey with a long, high throw, and jogged back to where he was, barely out of breath. Michael sheepishly tied his laces and went back to his spot.
"Well done, Ace," Mr Johnson said, hands on his sides, observing the game with a satisfied face.
After a few more excellent pitches from Mikey, Tooks' turn finally came, and he couldn't have walked into the batting box with an angrier face. He seemed determined to be able to hit this right at Mikey.
And Mikey, who had worked out his face, was ready to duck fast. But before he did, he wound up his arm, tensed the muscles and lobbed it at Tooks, imaging him to be annoying Prida at that moment. It worked pretty well, it was such a good pitch that it could have been mistaken for a small white meteorite, fire an all!
Tooks himself was surprised but managed to bring the bat around and whack it harder that Ace did, and it gave off a sound louder too. The ball was hurled away to Matt, who didn't move quick enough and was struck in the chest so hard people were surprised (later on) that his ribs hadn't cracked.
Tooks had thrown down the bat and ran around the pitch, while all of the fielders and the teacher ran over to Matt, who was flat on his back with his hands on his chest, appearing to be more dazed that in pain.
"Yo Matt," Mikey called to his friend, dropping to the floor. "You okay?"
Mr Johnson crouched next to him, wincing slightly.
"I'm . . . 'A' okay," Matt managed, smiling. "Yowch, man was that hard." He was helped up by Mikey and Leo.
"Do you want to miss out?" Johnson asked, concerned.
Matt frowned. "You kidding, no thanks, I'm staying in." He grinned at Mikey, who was reminded of himself. Actually Mikey's own personality caused Matt to say that. He wouldn't have if he didn't know what Mikey would have said if it was him who was hit.
"Yeah, way-t'-go Matt," Mikey grinned, and everyone made their way back to their places; Tooks looked very smug, but still slightly annoyed that it didn't hit Mikey.
"Okay guys, continue," the teacher clapped his hands, walking back. "Well done Jo, that was an excellent hit." Tooks smiled even more.
Mikey was pretty steamed about Tooks doing that to his friend, and one of his pitches was a bit to hard and hit one poor kid on the head, knocking his out a bit. Mikey was pretty sorry about it, and his next pitch was bad. It was only those two however, and soon that entire team had batted. It was time to swap: Tooks' team was now fielding, while Leo and his brothers' team was batting. Tooks decided to be pitcher.
"Okay, play."
First up batting was Leo, who held the bat tightly, and fixed his eyes on Tooks, ready for the ball. Tooks enjoyed keeping him waiting. Then, without warning he brought his arm back and flung the ball, aiming, just as he tried while batting, for the face.
Leo gritted his teeth as he swung back and then forward, the bat sent a jolt up his arm as it connected with the ball. The ball soared into the air, and Leo dropped the bat and ran, much faster than Tooks. The wind blew his hair scruffy hair back, revealing his whole bandanna. It felt good to be running for fun in open air. He could sense the movement of the fielders as they all ran to catch the ball. Leo passed all the bases, and reached home base, earning his team that score. The teacher praised him, and watched as the ball was thrown back to Tooks, who wasn't looking very happy.
After a couple more batters, having been able to nearly get Mikey out because of his foot couldn't carry him quick enough, Tooks finally smiled when it came to Prida's turn. She didn't seem too thrilled bout him being pitcher, but she held the bat with a steady hand.
Tooks tossed the ball to and from his palms, and then got ready to throw. Unlike the other times when throwing for the bros, he showed when he was about to pitch. Prida grasped the bat firmly, and readied herself for his pitch. He took his arm back, and threw it, smiling sickly at her.
Prida brought the bat back and whacked it with all her force, pretty angry with Tooks and his sick grins. The ball rocketed away - straight back to Tooks and hitting him in the -"
"Oooo!" The whole class, boys and girls said in unison. Most of the boys winced much more, and covered their own.
Raph fell on the ground laughing as Tooks doubled over in pain, clutching his groin. Mikey grinned and winced at the same time, while Donnie and Leo laughed. They couldn't really share the pain, as they had never quite experienced it - or had any reason to.
Tooks' friends ran to his side, along with a worried and wincing teacher. All of Leo's team was laughing or grinning, glad Tooks got what he deserved. Prida, who hadn't moved, was looking at what she had done. Sure she didn't like Tooks because he could be a complete idiot, but she felt bad for him now. But her little sympathy for him vanished as she heard Mikey calling her. She turned her head and looked at him, still holding the bat in the position she had hit the ball in.
"Run Prida!"" Mikey laughed, while Matt shouted, "Thanks Prida!"
Prida shrugged, remembering that Tooks had ran after Matt was hit, and dropped the bat. She flew around the pitch, laughing to herself along with others. She made a full pitch, and ran into a high five with Mikey, who was grinning. Raph was still laughing, sat on the grass.
"Okay Jo, I think you ought to just stay still for a few minutes," Mr Johnson advised Tooks, who was looking pretty humiliated.
But Jo Tooks winced and managed to get to his feet with a, "no, I'm staying in." He glared over at the four bros, who were still grinning, and Prida was actually looking empathetic about what she did. Tooks was slightly surprised he saw it on her face.
"Raph, stop rolling around on the floor," Donnie said, grabbing his brother's arm and heaving him to his feet. "Tooks is back in the game anyway."
Prida bit her lip. She felt pretty bad about what she had done. Sure Tooks was horrible, but she HAD known him for ages, and she knew not many things could humiliate him like that, and she just happened to hit him where it 'hurt' in front of his enemies, the guys.
"Okay guys," the teacher said, clapping his hands to get attention. "Lets go in, we'll choose something else to play, I'll give ya your own choices seeing as how you have exams next week."
Everyone seemed happy about being able to choose what they wanted to do, and rushed inside. Tooks was swept away by his friends, who were all shaking their heads and glaring not at Prida who had caused their friend's pain, but at the guys; maybe because they were the ones laughing the most.
"That moment was priceless," Raph said happily, all were smiling as they walked into the Sports Centre and into the hall. "Way-t'-go Prida!"
Prida grinned. "It was an accident! I never really meant to do that."
"Yeah sure, it's okay, you can tell us you were that steamed you actually imagined it happening and it did!" Mikey said.
"I don't think my images come true," Prida said. "I didn't imagine it anyway, I closed my eyes and whacked the ball. No magic thingy going on. There's no such magic anyway"
Mikey's smiled faded and in its place was a small one. He looked sidelong at his bothers, who looked back. There were such things as magic, and he and his brothers were living proof. That kind of made Mikey nervous. He was still very different from everyone else. In a human body, but kept that way by some magic.
Everyone soon got started in the next part of the double class with choices of Volley Ball, Rowing Machines, Table Tennis, Badminton or a little Basketball. Deciding they had had enough of Basketball, and that they had already played Badminton before in P.E (and that the guys wanted to do something different since they were convinced they weren't going to see a next P.E class), they decided to do something different. Prida and Roxanne both voted for Volley Ball, while Matt was keen on Table Tennis, Leo and Mikey both wanted to try the Rowing Machines, and Donnie, Raph and Michael were undecided.
"Okay," Leo said, taking this into his hands. "We'll do Rock, Paper, Scissors for either Volley Ball or the Rowing Machines, since they both have two voters. Mikey," Leo put a hand on his brother shoulder. "I give you the honour for Rock, Paper, Scissors against them."
"Prida, you go get 'im," Roxanne grinned to her friend.
"'Kay," Prida smiled, and clenched her fist as Mikey had; they stood facing each other as though this were some serious fighting ring or something, looking in each other's eyes.
"Commence," Leo commanded, with a grin.
Both Mikey and Prida bobbed their fists in the air three times, and Mikey came out with his fist flat for Paper; Prida with her two fingers for Scissors.
"Heh, we win," Prida stuck her tongue out playfully.
"Damn, I don't like Volley Ball," Raph moaned, as Roxanne happily ran to the store cupboard and grabbed a ball and a net, while Prida grabbed the posts.
"You've never played Volley Ball - properly, anyway," Donnie pointed out.
"Stop moaning Raph," Leo said, then lowered his voice. "This is probably our last P.E class so enjoy it." Donnie nodded.
The net was quickly set up by Roxanne and Prida and helped by Matt. Then they split up with Leo, Donnie, Roxanne and Michael on one side and the others on the opposite. TJ had disappeared to join someone on the Rowing Machines. The little dude seemed much less shyer than he usually was, and mixed with people more.
Volley Ball wasn't that bad. Prida and Roxanne turned out to be as good at it as they were Basketball, which was excellent, and they both put up good fights against each other, thou soon Leo got in and the scores for his team went up. Michael came at the with a few good hits, but Mikey was there to hit it back. One time he and Matt stumbled over each other, and while they fell to the floor, Raph and Prida went for the ball at the same time, both hitting it and both knocking each other down. The whole of that team was on the floor, and so was the opposite team nearly, from laughing too much. But they did manage to hit the ball back over, and Mikey, who was on his stomach over Matt, stretched out and managed to 'Dig' it back over before jumping back up, followed by Matt, Raph and Prida, all slightly red-faced. In the end, it seemed both Leo and Roxanne's good Volley Ball skills earned their team the winning score, but barely. Prida put up a good fight and earned most of her team's scores. It was a happy end to the class, but Prida glanced over and saw Tooks still looking mad about the Baseball game incident. She put her head back down and walked quickly to the changing rooms.
//
"Was that wicked or what?" Mikey said happily as they walked out into the fresh air outside onto the field. He was referring to the games they had played.
"Wicked," Donnie agreed. He was walking in the middle of Leo and Raph, with Mikey bouncing along in front of them walking backwards. Prida, Roxanne and her brother Dean were behind them, talking about near events, such as the disco. Some of their conversation floated into the ears of the guys.
"Is Prida actually going to this disco?" Leo asked Mikey, who turned around casually so they wouldn't see him grinning.
Mikey shrugged. "I'm not sure. Dunno, she said she didn't want to." He straightened his face and turned around, watching his brothers' reactions. They did look slightly saddened about it, because it could be the last time they spend time with Prida or anyone from this school, but Mikey couldn't wait for their reactions when they see Prida walk in with him . . . Of course he would have to shake his brothers off before he brings Prida in. Man, are those jaws gunna be hanging!
"Oh, well, I thought she might come anyway . . ." Donnie said quietly. "We're still going, right?" He looked at Leo.
"Yeah, we are," Leo replied, nodding. "I'm gunna miss this place . . ."
"Hey, c'mon," Mikey said suddenly. "Don't look so gloomy, we don't know WHEN we're gunna change back, it could be anytime, most likely Sunday if any day, we still got a good day to get through, Saturday."
His brothers smiled a bit, and the four brothers made the rest of the way in silence, listening to the conversation behind them. But when they had reached the lockers, Leo and Roxanne broke away from the little group and talked among themselves. No one could hear what they were on about, but Leo seemed to be blushing slightly.
Their break time went pretty fast for twenty minutes, and their next class, English seemed to zoom by just as fast. Mikey kept saying it was because the disco tonight, and he told his brothers that it would go quick. His brothers didn't seem as enthusiastic as Mikey about the disco, and that was probably because they thought it would only be a little music and some food and drink. They didn't know that Mikey had persuaded Prida to come, and he had made her promise she had to dance with all of them, seeing as how he had told her that he and his brothers would be moving back to LA soon.
Their very fast English class was just as boring as usual, and when the bell rang they all traipsed out, Prida feeling a little more and more nervous as the time seem to disappear.
"Physics, man I hate Physics," Mikey moaned, as the whole gang made their way to the science block. Mikey didn't like English, and certainly didn't like Physics.
"It'll fly by," Prida sighed as they took their seats. Mikey agreed. He just hoped this class went quicker than the last, even though THAT was quick. And Prida was right; the class went fast, and it seemed like they had only just started to write on paper before the end of the class came and they all packed their things and headed to the canteen for dinner.
"Man, better get to the pizza quick Mikey, before time goes too fast and you miss out," Prida grinned. Mikey looked horrified at the thought of missing pizza again for a second lunchtime, and dashed inside the building before anyone else, and was first in the food line.
()()()()
"Last Biology ever! Last PSE ever!" Mikey shouted happily as the school day finished and they were walking out of their form rooms, in which they had had PSE. Leo, Don and Raph followed their hyper brother out of the upper corridors and downstairs to the lockers.
"Whoa Mikey, you wanna like cool it down a bit," Raph said. "You might explode."
"But guys, this'll be our first ever, proper disco with other people, and maybe the last time we might see them again," Mikey said. "I have reason to explode."
"Just make sure you explode after we meet this magic dude," Leo said.
They quickly left school, and made their way home, where Mikey reminded them every ten minutes that the disco will start at seven thirty until ten thirty. He kept counting down the hours and minutes, until his brothers had got sick of him and had locked him in the broom cupboard.
()()()()
Prida burst into her room and flopped down on her bed, spreading her arms out with her hair fanned out around her head. She felt her stomach was doing the twists. Why should she be so nervous about going to a disco. The last one she went to was with Mai and Korey, and that was one where Vanilla Ice played. It was the best party she had been to, others before that hadn't been so great.
She stared at the newspaper clipping above her bed on the wall. The four figures were grinning, three standing up, one kneeling. Their grins were so familiar . . . as well as their eyes, through the bandannas anyway. Prida sighed, then frowned at the picture, staring at it . . . Bandannas . . .
Closing her eyes and sighing again, she thought about the dress that was in her wardrobe, waiting to be used tonight. Mikey was really going to pay for this. Maybe she could still keep in contact with them when they moved back to LA. Of course she would, she wouldn't just let them go with only a goodbye. But when they go she wasn't sure. Mikey had just said that it would be soon.
There was a knock at her door, and her sister popped her head around it.
"Hey, want some help getting ready for this date with Mikey?" Mai asked, eyes glinting.
Prida groaned. "It's not a date, Mai! It's just a little dancing and seeing my friends . . . and yeah you can help me with my hair."
Mai chuckled, and walked into the room, asking what she wanted to eat before she went out in a few hours. Prida was too busy thinking about things to answer, and when Mai went out saying dinner will be pasta, Prida's mind was on something very strange . . . something that fit perfectly together, but still remained confusing, a mystery. Maybe she could get some answers out of the guys before the end of the night. She told herself she would enjoy it, and for one of these times she actually felt she was being true. Wonder if the guys could dance . . .
()()()()
Somewhere dark and hidden, the menacing voice of one feared Ninja Master spoke out into the silence, breaking it. The warehouse was always darker than the surrounding sky, and there were hardly any bright lights to shine in the place. Instead, the occupants saw by means of small, dimly lit light bulbs which hung from the high ceilings, so even the dim light was dimmer as it was raised higher than the weak light could shine. It did not reach the corners, and even the floor seemed shadowed. The black suited figures seemed at home in the dark, and their Master valued it as an ally. Their Master . . . he seemed to be waiting for something, but he had not let on yet. He mostly stuck to one of the office rooms on the higher floors of the warehouse, where only Master Tatsu, second in command, walked without fear. Tonight he made that journey to his waiting Master.
Tatsu bowed after he had entered the dark room. The only light was from the moon, and Tatsu's Master could only been seen as an outline against the floor-to-ceiling window. He was facing the city, his back to Tatsu.
"We are ready," Tatsu said shortly, in his gruff, low voice.
Shredder didn't even turn around. He kept his masked face to the window; nothing moved, not even his cloak.
"Good," he growled softly. "We do it . . . tonight . . ."