A/N: I really enjoy writing this. It's fun. Oh, before anyone asks me, this is not gonna be romance story. Maybe some hints of AprilxCasey, but nothing else. Sorry. The first four chapters were originally one, but I thought it'd be easier for you guys if i break it into smaller ones. The real action starts at chapter five. The first ones tell how the Neo Ninjas met, befriended and became part of the Turtles' family. On with the show! R&R!
Chapter 3: Promises.
Mikey took Kimi to his room. They stopped by the door.
Mikey: -Here we are. Hope you don't mind, but it's a bit messy.
Kimi giggled
Kimi: -That's okay. It can't be so bad.
Mikey: -Okay. Ladies first.
Kimi: -Thanks.
Kimi entered in his room and her jaw dropped. Mikey frowned.
Mikey: -Come on, it's not THAT bad... Is it?
Kimi: -Bad?! You kidding me! This place is wicked awesome!
Mikey: -It is?
Kimi: -Sure! You really got style, Mikey!
Mikey's frown turned into a huge grin.
Mikey: -Thanks dudette, I try.
Kimi: -No problem. Say... you do have a lot of comic books here.
Mikey: -Yeah. I collect them.
Kimi: -That's cool! I have a comic book too. Just a minute.
Kimi took a comic book out of her backpack and handed it to Mikey.
Mikey: -The Freedom Fighters? Never heard of them.
Kimi: -It used to be an old TV show. When the show was canceled they published this special edition. Too bad, though. That used to be my favorite show and it was the only one we used to watch together...
Mikey: -We?
Kimi: -Yeah, my siblings. We're pretty different so it's kinda hard to find something everyone likes. We watched that show everyday and Master Akira would watch it with us...
Kimi looked away. She was trying to hold back some tears when she felt a friendly hand on her shoulder. She turned to face Mikey.
Mikey: -You miss him a lot, don't you?
Kimi: -Yeah... Whenever I did something wrong, he would always smile at me and tell me that I could always try again and I would succed if I tried harder.. You know what? Master Splinter and him are very alike.
Mikey: -Alike? Are you sure?
Kimi: -Duh! Not physically, silly. Master Splinter is kind, wise and I'm pretty sure he taught you and your brothers a lot of cool things, right?
Mikey: -Well, that's true. And I'm sure glad he did. I mean, being the way we are, we'd get into a lot of trouble without all the skills he taught us. Training can be a bit boring sometimes, but you know something? I wouldn't have it any other way.
Kimi: -Wow... Mikey, there's really more about you than meets the eye.
Mikey smiled.
Mikey: -That goes for you too, Kimi. For you age, you're pretty smart.
Kimi: -Guess I grew up a bit during this journey. But I'm glad we finally settled down. Having a place to call home and someone caring about you is something the others and I have been wishing for a long time.
Mikey understood. Beneath that happy-go-lucky look, there was a caring, gentle and dedicated girl who just wanted her family and herself to be happy after all they went through. He patted Kimi on her head, smiling sweetly.
Mikey: -Don't worry, Kimi. You and your siblings won't ever have to go through that again. I promise you.
Kimi smiled before hugging Mikey. Mikey just hugged her back.
Kimi: -Thanks, Mikey. You're the best!
Mikey: -I do what I can, but thanks. So, you wanna do something before going to bed?
Kimi: -Can I... take a look at some of your comics?
Mikey: -Sure!
They both smiled. That was the start of a great friendship.
Meanwhile...
Don took Ryan to his room. When the young boy entered, he just stared around in awe. Don raised an eyeridge, confused.
Don: -Is something wrong, Ryan?
Ryan: -Wrong?! No way... This place is mind blowing!
Don: -You really think so?
Ryan: -Sure, Donnie. As far as I can see, either you dig tecnology or you work at a repair shop. I'm not sure wich one though.
Don laughed softly at Ryan's silly joke.
Don: -You might say that, Ryan. I really like tecnology.
Ryan: -That's cool. I like it too. At home, I used to be the one who fixed things. I was always curious and I think that was what got us into this...
Don: -What do you mean?
Ryan: -Being curious, I wandered off to explore the lab by myself. That's when I overheard the two scientists talking about what Doctor Issaken was really planing to do with us. Sometimes, I wish I wasn't so curious... It gets me more in trouble than out of it.
Don: -You shouldn't think that way, Ryan. It was you curiosity that saved you and your siblings that day. Otherwise, you'd only find out the truth when it would be too late and who knows what could have happened?
Ryan: -Maybe... Master Akira always told me that I should never be ashamed of who I am and that I should be proud of my skills...
A lone tear ran down Ryan's cheek. Donnie placed a hand on his shoulder.
Don: -You really miss him, don't you?
Ryan: -A lot... I think that's one of the reasons I've been working so hard on a little project of mine. Master Akira always told me that there was no limit for my abilities so, during our journey, I've been working on special cell phones for me and my siblings in case we got separated or something.
Don: -That's amazing!
Ryan took a gray cell phone out of his backpack and handed it to Don.
Don: -You did this by yourself? That's awesome, Ryan!
Ryan: -Thanks... I call this... The Neo Cell.
Don: -Nice name.
Ryan: -Actually, it was Kimi's idea. Ever since we hit the road, she started calling us the Neo Ninjas. I guess it's because we became more than ordinary ninjas after everything we went through...
Don: -You mean, due your mutation and your journey, you guys changed in a lot of ways?
Ryan: -Yeah, but that doesn't really worry me. I can always study the mutation effects, that is if I have the time I need for it. What really scares me is... What if Issaken finds us? What if he tries to do more experiments on us?
Don understood. Ryan feared he could lost the only family he had just like he lost his master. Although he was amazingly intelligent, he was also just a kid. He hugged the young boy, trying to comfort him.
Don: -It'll be okay, Ryan. He won't hurt you or your siblings. I promise.
Ryan smiled before hugging Don back.
Ryan: -Thanks, Donnie...
Don: -That's okay.
Ryan: -Say... I'm not tired yet. Could you help me with the Neo Cells? I think they might need some repairs.
Don: - Of course! Let me get my tolls.
They both smiled before getting to work.
At Raph's room...
Raph took Chris to his room. The kid just stood by the door, looking around. Raph crossed his arms, scowling.
Raph: -Come on, kid. I know it's bad, but ya don't need to keep staring like this!
Chris: -Bad? Not really. Believe me, I've seen worse. Kimi's room for example. Your is kinda cool. Heck, you even got a puching bag!
Raph smirked.
Chris: -Hey Raph, can I see one of your sais?
Raph: -Are you sure ya can handle it?
Chris took his daggers and started twirling them on his fingers for a few seconds before putting them back on his belt.
Chris: -That answers your question?
Raph: - Okay.... You won. Here.
Raph handed a sai to Chris.
Chris: -Hmm... It's a bit heavier than my dagger but as effective as it. Instead of slashing, it stabs and you can easily trow it to hit long distance targets... That's awesome!
Raph just stared at Chris, totally surprised. Chris laughed before returning his sai.
Chris: -What? Just because I'm a kid doesn't mean I don't know anything.
Raph: -Well, for a kid you know a lot, Chris.
Chris: -I didn't have friends where I grew up. Either the other kids were afraid of me or their parents wouldn't let them play with me. They said that I could hurt them because I was stronger since I was always training.
Raph: -Didn't you fell alone?
Chris: -Not really. When I wasn't training, I'd usually ask Master Akira about ninjitsu. And I always had him and my siblings by my side...
Chris sighed. Raph placed a hand on his shoulder.
Raph: -Ya miss him, don't ya?
Chris: -Yes... Whenever I remember what happened, I feel sad and agry. Sad because I lost the only father I ever had and angry 'cause I couldn't do a thing to help him...
Raph: -Don't blame yourself, Chris. There was nothing ya...
Chris: -Don't give me that crap! I'm sick of hearing this! This doesn't change a thing!
Chris' sudden outburst caught Raph off guard. Chris looked away, sad.
Chris: -Raph... I'm sorry... I didn't mean it... It just... sometimes, I can't control my temper... I always had a bad one, but it only got worse after I lost Master Akira... He used to said that it was okay to get angry sometimes and that no one's perfect...
Raph: -That's okay, kid. I understand how ya feel.
Chris: -Ya do?
Raph: -Yeah. I'm a bit of a hothead myself.
Chris: -No kidding?
Raph: -I'm serious, kid. And what your master said is true: it's okay to get angry sometimes. I'll give ya a hint: try beating the punching back whenever ya're angry or in a bad mood. That helps a lot. Give it a try.
Chris: -Okay.
Chris started punching the bag. At first, he thought it was no big deal, but as he kept punching, he started enjoy it. After several minutes, he stopped. He seemed happy.
Raph: -So? How do ya feel now?
Chris: -Better... I think I chilled out a bit. Thanks, Raph.
Raph: -Anytime, kid.
Chris glared at him before they both started laughing. After they stopped laughing, Chris sighed.
Raph: -Ya okay, kid?
Chris: -Yeah... It's just that... I had forgotten how good is too be with someone ya can trust. And how good is to trust someone, besides my own family...
Raph suddenly understood. Because the way people treated him, Chris never really trusted anyone except for his family and, when he trusted those scientists, they turned out to be bad people and, thanks to them, he had lost his master and had to grow up before the time. He patted Chris on the back.
Raph: -Look, Chris. I know ya've been trough a lot, but I promise you one thing: You and your siblings won't have to worry about that creep ever again. You'll be safe here.
Despite his atittude, Chris smiled and hugged Raph.
Chris: -Thanks, Raph... For being such a good friend.
Raph hugged the kid back.
Raph: -No problem. So ya wanna keep training?
Chris: -Sure. I'm not tired yet. Let's go!
They both grinned at each other before high fiving.
The next day...
Tiff woke up, feeling better. When she realized Leo wasn't in his room, she got off the bed and went to look for her new friends and her siblings.
There was no one at the living room or the other turtles' rooms either.
Tiff: -Hmm... Where is Leo and everybody else? Wait, they must be training. And I bet my spears Chris, Ryan and Kimi are with them.
Tiff went to the dojo and stopped by the door. She was right. Raph, Don and Mikey were training. The only thing she didn't really expect that her siblings would be sparing with them while Leo and Master Splinter were watching. She couldn't help but smile though. Her little siblings were pretty much at the same level that the turtles.
Splinter: -I believe this is enough for now.
The six ninjas stopped. Chris, Ryan and Kimi bowed before smiling. Raph, Donnie and Mikey did the same.
Chris: -Gee, I don't remember the last time I had a good spar like this one.
Don: -I have to admit, I'm impressed. You guys are pretty strong for you size and age.
Ryan: -Well, it's like they say: never understimate the little guy.
Kimi: -Yeah. Chris can prove that.
Chris: -Right... Wait a minute! You ain't that tall to call me shorty, Kimi!
Kimi: -Maybe, but I'm still older than you so bear with it.
Chris: -Very funny... Wait 'til I get ya!
Kimi opened her wings and started flying around the dojo, giggling. Chris took off and started chasing his sister around the place. Ryan rolled his eyes, chuckling.
Ryan: -These two will never change... Kimi always manages to tick Chris off.
Leo: -I've seen this movie before.
Don: -Me too.
Mikey: -What do you mean?
Raph: -Forget it, Mikey. Ya wouldn't understand it anyway.
Mikey: -HEY!
Tiff laughed softly, drawing everybody's atention except for the young ones.
Leo: -Hey, Tiff. How are you feeling?
Tiff: -A lot better, thanks.
Tiff looked sternly at Chris and Kimi.
Tiff: -Okay, that's enough. You two, get down now.
They both frozed in mid air before landing at the same time.
Chris: -I'll get ya next time.
Kimi: -You wish.
Tiff crossed her arms and glared at them.
Tiff: -I said enough!
Chris, Kimi and even Ryan winced. When Tiff used that tone of voice, she was serious. Tiff sighed, shaking her head.
Splinter: -I see you are better, Tiffany.
Tiff: -Yes, Master. I guess I just needed some rest.
Raph: -Ya mean a lot of rest.
Tiff: -I guess so. But now I'm fully rested. Say, you guys wouldn't know where my spears are, would you?
Mikey: -Sure. They're over there.
Mikey pointed to a corner. Tiff's spears were lying there. She picked them up.
Don: -Why did you ask that, Tiff?
Tiff: -Well... It's been a while since I got some time to really practice. So, with Master Splinter's permission and if it's ok with you guys, I'd like to spar with one of you.
The turtles glanced at each other. Kimi raised an eyebrow.
Kimi: -Are you sure this is a good idea, Tiff? I mean, you're still recovering and...
Tiff: -Thanks for worrying, Kimi, but I know what I'm doing.
Splinter: -I believe you are fully healed now, Tiffany. You may train with one of my sons.
Tiff: -Thank you, sensei.
Tiff bowed before facing the turtles. They still looked a bit surprised with Tiff.
Tiff: -Well, which one of you will train with me?
No one was saying a thing at first, then Leo stepped up with his katanas ready.
Tiff: -Will you be my opponent, Leo?
Leo: -If that's okay with you, yes.
Tiff: -Perfect! Let's do it!
They both bowed and got into a defensive stance.
Chris: -This is gonna be good.
Ryan: -You're right. This should be an interesting match.
Leo: -Are you ready, Tiff?
Tiff: -Anytime! Let's go!
Tiff made the first move. She ran up to Leo and tried to hit him with her spears. Leo, however, easily blocked the blow by crossing his swords. He tried to strike back, but Tiff did a flip and dodged it. Even though it was just a friendly sparing section, they were giving everything they got.
Mikey: -Whoa... Tiff's awesome!
Raph: -Never thought a girl could fight like that.
Don: -Yes... She's really skilled.
Leo and Tiff kept sparing and it seemed none of them was willing to stop. Finally, after a while, Master Splinter spoke up.
Splinter: -That's enough for now.
They put their weapons away and bowed, smiling.
Tiff: -You're a great fighter, Leo!
Leo: -Thanks, Tiff. You are very skilled too.
Tiff: -I hope we can train together again some other time.
Leo: -That would be great!
They shook hands smiling.
Kimi: -Hey, now that we're done training, how about getting some breakfast? I'm hungry.
Chris: -Big surprise... Which reminds me...
Chris glared at Kimi who flinched. She knew what was coming. Without saying anything else, she scrambled with Chris close behind her. Tiff rolled her eyes.
Tiff: -Kids...
Ryan: -Don't worry, Tiff. I'll make sure they don't break anything. Well, I'll try it anyway.
Ryan left the dojo.
Don: -Hey, Tiff, you coming?
Tiff: -Yeah. I'll be right over. Just need to catch my breath.
Raph: -Suit yourself.
Splinter: -Leonardo? Are you coming, my son?
Leo: -Yes, master. Just a minute.
Mikey: -Breakfast will be ready in few minutes.
Tiff: -Thanks, Mikey.
Raph, Don, Mikey and Splinter left, leaving just Leo and Tiff.
Tiff: -Hey, Leo, something wrong?
Leo: -I should ask you that, Tiff. You okay?
Tiff: -Sure. It's just that my siblings drive me crazy sometimes. I love those three rascals more than life itself. Sometimes I'm a bit harsh with them, but I only do this because I care about them. Besides, someone has to keep eye on them so they won't get into trouble.
Leo: -I understand how you feel Tiff. After you lost your master, you feel responsible to ensure their protection, am I right?
Tiff: -Yes... But how do you...
Leo: -Like you, I love my family and I'd be more than willing to die for my master or my brothers. Master Splinter is very capable of taking care of himself, but my brothers worry me. I feel that I must be there to compensate for their lack of focus. I guess this may seem a little hard-nosed, but I think you agree that someone has to play the "heavy" sometimes.
Tiff grinned.
Tiff: -I guess you're the most mature of the bunch, huh, Leo?
Leo: -Like you said, someone has to.
They both chuckled. Suddenly, Tiff sighed.
Leo: -Tiff?
Tiff: -I'm fine. Just thinking about something... When we arrived in New York, it was nightime and it was raining pretty hard. It was too dangerous to sleep on the streets so we took shelter in an old warehouse. The kids were hungry, but we had no food left with us, just some money. I went out to buy something for them while they stayed and waited for me. I guess that was the reason I fainted when we first met. Because I was out in the rain for too long. I tried to keep it a secret so they wouldn't worry about me... That didn't do me any good though. I was lucky we met... You made me remember how it fells to have someone taking care of you...
Leo finally understood. Tiff went through a lot of hard times due her master's death. It wasn't easy for a girl like her to take care of three kids while running away from a mad doctor for such a long time. He placed a friendly hand on Tiff's shoulder, and smiled gently at her, as if telling her that it was all right.
Leo: -Everything will be okay, Tiff. I promise you. You and the others will be safe here.
Tiff smiled and hugged Leo. Leo smiled tenderly and hugged her back.
Tiff: -Thanks, Leo... For being there for me.
Leo: -It's okay Tiff. Come on, we'd better get going. Something tells me we're going to have a long day.
Tiff giggled and winked at Leo.
Tiff: -Point taken. Let's go.
They both smiled at each other and left the dojo.