Man, this sucks!!" Raph complained as he landed on a rooftop with his brothers. Almost falling on his face when he did. "I hate this stupid human body! My balance is all messed up!"
Donnie sighed. "Get used to it, Raph. There's no reversing it." Mikey smiled. "Being human isn't so bad and our new home is awesome!"
"Technically we're not fully human. We still have a couple green scales on our body, and we can make the skin on our backs hard as shells whenever we want. We're still mutants, we just don't look it anymore." Donnie said.
"We did what we had to do. We're ninjas, we adopt, we'll get through this." A bitter voice said, and they looked to see Leo looking in the distance. Raph rolled his eyes. "Geez, what's wrong with you, fearless?"
Leo looked at him. "Nothing." He said before sighing. "It doesn't look like anything is happening tonight, let's go back home."
Little did they know someone was spying on them from a house across from them with binoculars. Their brown eyes widened when they saw the Hamato Clan symbol on Leo's back. "What do you see, Mistress?" A voice asked.
But the person didn't answer, they just stood and ran right for the brothers. Two figures follow close behind. The brothers were talking happily until they landed in front of them, making them grab their weapons.
"Are you by chance, Hamato Clan?" A demanding female voice asked from the shadows. Leo stood in front of his brothers. "Who are you? What do you want?"
Three figures came out of the shadows. One of them was a 12-year-old girl with pink short hair and brown eyes. She was wearing a yellow short skirt and yellow armor. Two grown women stood beside her. They both had black hair that they wore in a high ponytail and brown eyes. They both wore long white shirts with a slit on the side, white crop tops, and a white mask.
"Are you really Hamato Clan?" The girl repeated. Leo blinked and looked at her confused. "Yes. Who are you?"
Before the girl could respond, one of her soldiers stood in front of her, protectively. "She is Emily Anne Camellia, Youngest Daughter of Isabella Marie Camellia, previous leader of the Lioness Clan. We were sent here to find the Hamato Clan and ask for help."
Emily scoffed. "I could have handled this myself, China."
"Forgive me, Mistress but it is my job to protect you and to assure your safety."
Leo looked blankly at the woman. "Well, there is only us, my father, and sister. So, if you're looking for soldiers who can help fight some kind of battle, I doubt that we-
"Oh no, that is not what we are asking for at all." The other soldier said. "We were sent to ask if you would be willing to share some shelter so we can heal some of our wounded. We had just fought a grave battle and we have nowhere to go. Our leader would also like to talk to your's."
Leo looked unsure. "What for?" Emily sighed. "I'm afraid we don't know. She wouldn't say. I understand that you just met us, so if your answer is no then we completely understand."
Leo looked at his brothers who shrugged at him in response and then he looked back at the girls. "Give me a minute." He grabbed his phone and called Splinter.
They all waited patiently as Leo continued to talk with his father. Answering every one of Splinter's questions that seemed to go on forever. He offered the phone to Emily. "My father would like to speak with you."
Emily took the phone and put on her ear. Her soldiers lean in so they can listen. "Hello? Yes...My name is Emily...I'm 12...No... I don't know the details, but she said it was something important...If you would be willing, maybe a month...Yes."
The brothers watched on as Emily talked to their father. Waiting anxiously to see what his answer might be. Suddenly, Emily's eyes lit up. "Really?!...Oh, thank you so much, sir! You have no idea how much this means to us... Yes." She handed the phone back to Leo who took it.
"Hello?...Yes Sensei, I understand...Yes...Ok, bye." Leo hung up the phone and looked at his brothers. "Looks like we'll be having guests staying with us for a month."
"Awesome!" Mikey cheered.
...
Hours later,
Casey was staring at the scene with wide eyes. "No. Way... YOU HAVE A HOUSE FULL OF HOT BABES?!!!" Casey shouted as he stared at the people from the Lioness clan who were all girls.
Raph laughed a little as Casey stared. "Dude, I'm so jealous of you right now." Raph glanced to see Shini hiding in another room, narrowing her eyes. "Uh...Case, maybe you should leave with Shinigami. I heard that she might need help on her mission that she's going on."
He said and winked at Shini who smiled in response. "Why doesn't Harmony go with her?" Casey asked and Raph shrugged. "Well, apparently the children of Hamato Yoshi have to be here for this 'important meeting' and since April is hanging with her dad today, that only leaves you, sorry Pal."
Casey pouted. "Aw, man." He whined a little but then smiled. "Well, at least I get to hang around with one cute girl while busting heads." Shinigami blushed. 'He thinks I'm cute?'
"Yo! Shin, where you at?!" Casey called. "Raph told me you need help, let's go!" Shini immediately went to him. "Coming!" She shouted as they walked out. "Thanks for helping me."
Casey shrugged. "No, problem. Happy to help." Shini looked at Raph and mouthed 'thank you.' Raph just smirked in response. "Raph!" Leo called from the hallway. "Sensei, wants us!"
Raph nodded and headed towards his brother but stopped when he noticed a woman sitting motionless by the living room. She had long pink hair, silver eyes, and she wore a white robe. "Raph?" Leo said and went to him.
"Who is that?" Raph asked while pointing at the lady who was just staring at the wall. "I don't know." Leo answered and Raph cringed a little. "Why is she just sitting there like that? It's creepy."
Leo sighed. "I don't know Raph. Come on, we got to go." He said while grabbing his brother's arm, dragging him to the dojo.
...
In the dojo,
Splinter was blinking in confusion as the Lioness Master sat across from him at the small table. His children sitting cross legged behind him and Emily and another girl sitting behind their Master.
"Is something wrong?" The old woman asked. She had short gray hair, brown eyes, and she was wearing a yellow kimono. Splinter cleared his throat. "Sorry, but you're...you can't be Isabella."
The old woman sighed. "I am not. Sorry to disappoint you. Unfortunately, Isabella suffered a grave injury and won't be able to lead the clan anymore."
Splinter seemed a bit worried. "So, who may I call you?" He asked. "I am Bell River Camellia, Isabella's mother. Nice to finally meet you, Yoshi."
"Wait father. You knew Isabella?" Miwa asked and Splinter nodded. "I met her a few days after we moved here. Now, what is it that you wish to talk with me about?"
Bell paused "Yoshi, have you thought much about how you will keep the Hamato Clan alive? I heard you and your children are the only ones left. How will you continue for the next generation?"
Splinter was not expecting this at all, he wondered where this old woman was going with this. "Well, I will admit it crossed my mind once or twice, but I guess we'll cross that bridge when we get there."
"But that bridge is coming close, Yoshi. Your children are becoming mature. I heard that your daughter has created a clan of her own so she will be unable to make the next generation for the Hamato Clan." Miwa glared a little at this woman, not trusting this conversation at all. "Which leaves your sons or more specifically your eldest son."
Leo and Splinter both glanced at each other as she continued. "You see, every other clan's child has already been taken which leaves your clan. Which is why I want to arrange for my granddaughter Eleanor to marry Leonardo."
Leo's eyes widened. "What?!" Splinter's eyes narrowed. "Bell, I know most clans arrange marriages to ensure the next generation and peace between the clans but I'm afraid my clan is not one of those clans. "I'm sorry but I'm afraid that won't be happening. I will not force my son into an arranged marriage."
Bell seemed to grow angry by this. "Well, what will you do? If you don't arrange for your sons to be married, then how will you continue the Hamato's name!"
Splinter sighed and looked at Eleanor. She had long pink hair that she wore in a low ponytail, brown eyes, and she wore a pink kimono. "Tell me, child, is this what you truly want?" Before Eleanor could answer, her grandmother interrupted. "Of course, it is!"
Splinter glared at her. "I wasn't asking you. Eleanor?" He asked.
Eleanor looked at her angry grandmother then back at Splinter. "Yes, sir, I do. I want to continue my clan's legacy." Splinter didn't look convinced but nodded then he looked at his son. "Leonardo, do you?"
Leo seemed to hesitate a little. "No, Sensei." Splinter nodded and looked back at Bell. "There you have it. Your clan may stay here but my son will not be marrying your granddaughter."
Bell sighs. "I understand but do at least think it over." She said before standing and bowing her head. "We thank you for sharing your home with us." Splinter simply bowed his head in return then Bell and her granddaughters left.
Miwa scoffed. "What an old hag." Splinter looked at her. "Now, Miwa, they are our guests, we must treat them with respect. You children should go wash up for dinner."
They all nodded and left the dojo except for Leo. Splinter noticed his son lost in thought and grew worried. "Leonardo? Are you alright, my son?"
Leo glanced at him and looked back at the ground. "Sensei...I know this seems crazy but what she said makes sense. How will we continue the Hamato Clan if we can't make kids of our own?"
Splinter chuckled at him. "Who says you can't? You are not a turtle anymore son and we are no longer on in our old home. We are now in a world that is full of humans and mutants. Besides, you should not marry someone and have a child just because of the Clan. It should be something you want for yourself."
Leo sighed. "But Father...I doubt I will ever find someone and like Bell said we're maturing. We're not going to be kids for much longer. If I have to do this to keep the clan going, then I-
"Leonardo." Splinter cut him off and put his hands on his shoulders. "Love is not something that can be forced, and you are only 18, there is no rushing things. You will find someone someday, Leonardo but not like this. That girl won't admit it, but I can tell that she doesn't want this either. You don't have to worry about the clan, we'll be fine, we'll figure out some other way."
Leo sighed. "Hai Sensei." Splinter smiled at him. "Leonardo I am not speaking to you as your sensei but as your father, you know that."
"I know..." Splinter frowned slightly. "Is something else bothering you?" Leo shook his head. "No." He answered before looking at him. "Do you think I can skip dinner and take a walk instead? I just want to think about things."
"If it will help you then you may." Splinter said before Leo started leaving.
...
In the village,
Leo sighed as the cold air went through his face, the smell of autumn going in his nostrils, making him frown. He never thought in a million years he would miss the smell of the sewers. He never thought he would miss people screaming in horror when they saw his ugly turtle face. He never thought he would miss being a turtle.
Why was his family so happy? They left their home, the home they grew up in their whole lives! Everything has changed! Except for Splinter which was a huge relief for Leo. He knows it's selfish, but he was glad Splinter refused to be human again when Bishop offered. So many changes were happening, and he didn't want his father's face, the face that he knew his whole life to be one of them.
Leo looked to see children playing and running around, making Leo frown again. Since they moved to the Hidden city, there wasn't much crime going around as there was in New York. His clan wasn't the only one anymore, there were tons of them, professionals! So, when crime did happen one of them would get to it first before he could. Making Leo wonder if he should get a real job and not focus on ninja life as much anymore. He shivered at the thought but what choice did he have.
They're not living in the shadows or the sewers anymore, things don't come for free for them anymore. Plus, he was getting older and since now he has options, he can't live with his father forever. But what job could he get? Would he even like it or be happy with it? Being a ninja is everything to him! How can he just stop that and move on?!
He looked at a window and looked at his reflection. "What's next for you?"
"Ugggghhhh..."
Leo jumped a little when he heard an unexpected sound. He went to the side of the building and nearly jumped out of his skin when he saw a girl passed out on the ground with alcohol bottles all over her.
Leo immediately went to her and lifted her up. "Hey, hey, are you ok?!" He asked, gently slapping her face. The girl opened her silver eyes and scowled at him. She pushed him away, knocking him in the brick wall. "Hey, pal! What's the big idea?!"
Leo rubbed his head and looked at the girl. She had long thick brown wavy hair and silver eyes. She wore a black sports bra, red jeans, and she had a lioness tattoo just next to her bellybutton.
Leo took a closer look at the tattoo and immediately recognized it to be the Lioness clan symbol. "Hey, you wouldn't happen to be in the Lioness clan?"
"Yeah. What's it to Ya? Got a grudge against us or something?" The girl asked while grabbing a bear bottle and chugging it down. Leo shook his head. "No, your clan is just staying at my house right now."
The girl scoffed. "Not surprised that they didn't tell me. Those losers try to ditch me the first chance they get. When I come back, I'll be giving them hell, though." She chuckled a little. "They won't know what hit them."
"Why would they do that if you're a member?" Leo asked, confused. The girl narrowed her eyes on him. "Haven't you guessed? It's because I'm a screw up and I'm not just a member, if I was then they wouldn't care as much. I'm Elizabeth Rain Camellia but you can just call me Liz, I don't care much about being formal."
Leo's jaw dropped. "Y-You're in the Camellia family?!" Liz chuckled at him. "Yeah, not the first time I got that reaction...anyway, do you mind showing me the way?"
Leo stood up and dust himself off. "Yeah, sure." Liz tried to stand as well but then her head got dizzy, and she fell. "You, ok?" Leo asked.
She groaned. "Yeah, guess I party a bit too hard." Leo looked at the pile of bottles then at her. "You think?"
...
"Hey, I appreciate you doing this for me." Liz said as she was being carried on Leo's back. "Not a problem."
They finally made it to the house and Leo set her down. "Ok, here we are." Liz looked to the side embarrassed. "Hey..um...sorry about earlier. About pushing you to the wall, I just thought you were some creep or something."
Leo smiled a bit. "It's fine, it's understandable. I should be apologizing to you, about how I reacting when you told me you were-
"Eh, it's fine. I told ya, it isn't the first time I got that reaction. A lot of people doubt that an 'undignified' girl like me is related to my perfect family."
"No! That's not why I didn't believe you at first. It-It was because you...don't look anything like your sisters."
Liz smirked. "True, I take more from my dad (whoever he is). Nice cover but...I don't believe you." She said before walking in the house, Leo right behind. "I'M BACK LOSERS!!" She shouted.
"Lizzy!" Emily and Eleanor quickly went to her. "You shouldn't be here Liz, if grandmother sees you-
"Pfff! Let that old hag try to kick me out! This isn't her house! My new buddy over here owns it, right?" Liz asked Leo who rubbed his neck awkwardly. "Well, my Dad owns it, I just live here."
Eleanor blushed. "Oh, hello again. I'm sorry if my sister gave you any trouble." Leo shook his head. "No, no trouble at all."
Liz raised a brow and looked at them. "Wait, you two know each other?"
"Barley." Leo answered. "Before I found you your grandmother was trying to get Eleanor and I to marry each other." Liz laughed. "What?! God, she's still on about that?!"
Emily scowled. "It's not funny Lizzy! This is important for the clan!" Liz wiped her eyes and patted her sister's head. "Oh, lighten up, sis. We'll be fine, the old hag is just overreacting...as always..."
"This 'old hag' is not overreacting Elizabeth and you shouldn't be here!" A voice scolded and the group looked to see Bell with a disapproval look on her face. Liz wasn't fazed. "Hello, Abuela . I see you look as cranky as ever."
Bell growled. "You think you're funny Elizabeth? You're an embarrassment to the clan! What would your poor mother think?" Liz shrugged. "She probably would be pissed at you for trying to arrange for my sister to get married and for kicking me out of the clan but what do I know."
Bell glared at her. "Exactly you're kicked out! So why are you here?!" Liz scoffed. "I go wherever I damn please; you don't control my life! I want to be with my sisters and mother and I'm not leaving them just because you want me to! You are not the leader of the clan!"
"No but your mother can't lead it anymore! Therefore, I have to take over until Eleanor gets married and takes her place!" Liz rolled her eyes. "Why does she have to get married to lead the clan?"
"Because it's a tradition that goes back generations!"
"I'm sure I remember my mother saying something about breaking that tradition and having us find love in our own time."
"Well, she's not here anymore! I am and I say that tradition will continue! Now leave! You are not allowed here!"
Before Liz could argue Leo cut in front of her. "I'm sorry Master Bell but she isn't going anywhere." Liz looked at him surprised and Bell looked taken back. "With all due respect, Leonardo, this is my clan, I decide who gets to stay and who doesn't."
"Yes, but this is my house, my family and I get to decide who can stay here and I say she can stay as long as she likes." Leo said calmly and Liz smiled at him.
"Why you-"
"Is there a problem here?" A voice interrupted Bell's protest and they looked to see Splinter coming down the stairs. "Father, this is Elizabeth, one of the Camellia sisters. I found her passed out outside and brought her here. I told her she could stay with her family."
Splinter went to them and bowed his head at Elizabeth. "Welcome to our home, Elizabeth. Please make yourself at home. If you need anything ask me or any of my children."
Elizabeth smiled. "Thanks, Gramps, I appreciate it." Splinter smiled at her. 'At least she's got a unique personality. No doubt that my children will like her.'
Bell looked angry but didn't want to cause a scene, knowing it might cause her and her clan to get kicked out. So, she just left without saying a word. Leo looked at Liz and grabbed her hand. "Come on, I'll show you around."
...
Later,
"And this is the living room. My brother Mikey has it most hours of the day but if you ask, I'm sure he will be happy to share it with you." Leo said as he looked at the TV then looked at Liz and noticed her staring at the motionless woman who was staring at the wall.
"She's been sitting there like that all day." Leo said. "I wonder what she's thinking about."
Liz hung her head. "Nothing. She's thinking about nothing, that's all she can do now since her accident." Leo raised a brow at her. "What do you mean?"
Liz sighed. "That woman over there...is my mother. She hit her head during the battle and now she has dementia." Leo gasped. "Oh Liz, I'm so sorry! I didn't-
"It's ok." Liz cut him off with a smile. "There's nothing anyone can do about it. I just hope I get to spend a couple more years with her before she..."
They stood silent for a while before Liz cleared her throat. "Anyway, what do you say we go get something to drink? You have alcohol here, right?"
Leo raised a brow. "Are you sure you want to do that after what happened to you and with all the adults around here?" Liz looked at him confused. "What do you mean? Are you like 12 or something?"
'Oh right, alcohol law is not the same here as it is up above. Alcohol here isn't dangerous to anyone over the age of 16, it won't cause any damage to your body, just make you feel sick for a while.'
"Oh! You're from surface world, aren't you?" Liz asked and Leo nodded. "Yeah, I drank alcohol there before, almost got arrested. It isn't as good there as it is here."
"What were you doing on up there?"
"Helping those pink aliens find all the mutants and bringing them here."
"Doesn't sound like you were doing much searching."
Liz chuckled. "...I wasn't"
Leo frowned and Liz looked a little concerned. "Hey, are you ok?" Leo nodded. "Yeah, just thinking."
Liz gave a knowing smile. "You're homesick, aren't you? Not a fan of change?" Leo looked at her surprised and she chuckled. "I get it. I used to be the same way when I was younger but then I learned how fun change can be. New possibilities, new adventures, the list goes on and you never get bored."
Leo hung his head. "Yeah, but I went through a lot of changes in just a short amount of time. I used to be a mutant turtle before I became this and every night, we would go out to fight crime. Now, everything's changed. There isn't as much crime to fight anymore and now I might have to get a real job and leave ninja life behind. It just sucks!"
Liz frowned slightly. "You think that now, but you'll find something better and grow to like it here. And who says you have to leave ninja life behind? There is a job for people who like to go on fights every day."
"There is?" Leo asked, with a bit of hope in his eye and Liz nodded. "Yup, bounty hunting! I know it isn't very ninja but it's close enough. You get to go to different planets, fight and protect people, it's awesome! I'm a bounder hunter myself, I can put in a good word for you if you're interested."
Leo thought for a moment. Maybe bounty hunting wouldn't be a bad idea. He definitely had the talent and the skill for it. "Give me time to think it over."
Liz shrugged. "Ok."
"Hey, Leo!" Mikey called from upstairs. "Can you help me out here, bro! I have to move my bed into Donnie's room so these girls will have space!"
"Yeah, be there in a minute!" Leo said then looked at Liz. "Um...I'll see you later."
Liz waved as he left. "Bye." She then went to sit by her mother and looked at her sadly. Her mother was just staring at the wall, making no movement. Liz laid her head on her shoulder.
"You know Mom...I used to hate it when you would nag me non-stop but...now...I'd give anything just to hear your voice again but don't worry about me, I'll be fine. For some reason, after meeting that guy, I get the feeling that everything is going to change for the better."