The Saint's Hope
Chapter 2 – 15 years later… (The Prologue Part Two)
Disclaimer: I do not repeat DO NOT own TMNT and crew in any way cause they belong to Kevin Eastman and Peter Laird (Only knows as the Greatest Guys on Earth!) while other characters like Sally and many more that happen in this fanfic rightfully belongs to me and only ME!
Announcement from our writer: Hey guys! This is part two of my prologue. At first, I wanna to put it together but I didn't want to drag it long so I decided to split it.
If you guys noticed Carter's name in the story, well, I am bringing Carter into the story. I enjoyed the character Carter in the 80's cartoon, even though he was only in a season and a half. In this story, he is a Foot Clan member who is both an enemy and ally to the heroes. He still will be smart but not as smart like he was in the cartoon like Donnie here. And there will be a love triangle between him, Sally and Leo. More on that later!
I would have a lot to say but I've been watch Wild n Out on MTV. Great show. The first I've heard of this was reading horsemens who writes fanfics based on TMNT 2014/2016 movie series. I'm still waiting for the update!
(From the old version - Announcement from our writer: Hey guys! I hope you guys like the first chapter of many chapters in this story. Before we move onto the story, I did say (or if I didn't) I will make it into separate stories based on seasons. Plus, I will be working on another story like Sonic the Hedgehog, Sonic Boom, Sonic X, Avatar: The Last Airbender and The Legend of Korra; depending on the time I have.
From the reviews/PMs that I got, I will answer them:
To erica phoenix 16
First of all, I'm looking forward to your reboot. :)
Of course, I have a brand new question for you, since Sally's mom mentioned her father, will he play a big part in the story later on or is he dead?
Anyway, I'm just so glad that you're starting the story up again. :)
THANK YOU! THANK YOU SO MUCH! :)
I hope you are too!
Oh, he'll play a VERY big part in the story. You'll have to just see for yourself!
To dani-curtis-16
Cant wait to see where you take this new story! Worth the wait!
I know! I thank you again for the wait. It's been hard from where I am at the moment.
And thanks for Demon Kirara, FreamPrincess2591, HikariFighter, Niyana Railhyn, dani-curtis-16, Skygirl1997 and erica phoenix 16 for adding me and the story to their favourites. Love to have fans to come around all the time.
With the first part of the prologue done and dusted, let's move on to the second half of the prologue where we travel 15 years later into the future… to where the young heroine's adventure will begin.)
Let's get on with the next part of this story, shall we?
(15 years later – 8:00am)
It has only been a few hours since the sun has risen over the horizon over the Big Apple. A new day has just begun. The birds are chirping as they get the worm, the cars and buses are honking and the sound of alarm clocks have been set off to wake their owners. Almost everyone has risen from their slumber to begin a new day.
And so does these particular beings.
Below the concrete surface of the city, lies another world that no-one knows. Through the sewers is a small burrow. And inside the small burrow, is what appears to be a makeshift interior. At one end of the den has the kitchen. May not be state of the art but at least it was a bit spot-less, and the certain family member spends most of her time cleaning the area. Although, she doesn't get any help from her brothers.
Not far from the kitchen is the living room. With discarded car seats as the couch and the TV pretty small, each family member spends their quality family time; watching their favourite programs. It is one of their favourite places in the lair – just as along they don't fight over the television remote.
In another part of the lair is the bathroom. Just like lair, it's pretty small for a big family but they manage to work together by making a time of each teen to use his or her time.
Not far from the bathroom are the bedrooms which it is located next to the kitchen with two bunk-beds, a single bed and mattress on the floor. And with six people living here, it may be cramped for them, but hopefully, they will make some more room in the future.
Lastly, right in the middle of the lair acts as training grounds for this particular family. Any specific reason why? Well, believe it or not, but this family –are ninjas. 'Shrike hard and fade away into the night' kind-of people.
This is also known as a home.
And in this small-yet-lovable home, lies a young girl on a soft mattress with the cotton blanket over a big portion of her body while resting on her left side. Her long undone brunette hair that goes along her back was resting with her right arm just resting on her doona and her left hand hidden under her pillow. Breathing in a calming rate, she was just only minutes away from waking up to a new day. A new special day. As she continues to sleep, she does not seem to notice a certain being; tip toeing up to her bed.
"This is bad idea," whisper a concern one. "She's going to be very mad. Especially today." He and a few more would hate to see the girl turning red in a matter of a second.
Another certain being who is not standing with the others, wanted to give the young human an early surprise while the others wanted no part of this. As they already know that if they ever mess with her, she will tear limb from limb in a matter of second.
"Ah, relax, bro. She would already be in a good mood today after I do thhisss!"
He extends his left hand to position a huge water balloon that's the size of a grapefruit. In this family, he was the pranker, the jokester, the easy-going party dude of all time. And he was going to unleash his early surprise to the only female of the group. The others are just ready to run for the hills when he unleashes the sleeping beast. Just one more second and the human herself will be getting a rude awakening and will also be soaking wet. She will be mad but it will be worth it. The funny turtle was just to release his grip in one seco—
Her right-hand shots up and does unexpected wrists strike at Mikey's hand. Thanks to the sudden force of her attack, the water balloon flies out of the turtle's grip and flies upward. The balloon then descends towards the ground…only to land on the Jokester's head!
Inside his head, it would only take a second for the young girl to be soaking wet but instead, it took only a second for him to be soaking wet. And another second for his brothers to burst out laughing.
"Oh man! I totally saw THAT coming!" bellowed another figure in the room. He hates to be the butt end of every joke that his little brother pulls on him but now, he just loves a little payback made by his younger sister.
Why did she see this coming? Because she has the ability to sense anybody within the distance away. So, it was impossible for them to sneak up to her. Ever.
She sits up to face her little brother who poor head was already soaking wet from his little prank. "Oh, I'm already in a good mood anyway, little bro." She wraps her right arm around his head and pulls him in for a playful knuckle sandwich. She's not mad at her little brother or anyone today. Because it was her birthday!
She released the turtle from her grip and stands up. "So, I'm guessing Mikey is not the only one who going to wish me a Happy Birthday, right?"
The closest to her other than the youngest one is the second youngest of the family, has a knack of inventing many things and has an IQ that rivals Einstein himself. Just like his brothers, he was named after a famous Renaissance Master, wields a ninja weapon in a form of a long stick, and wears a purple mask that's wrapped around his eyes. And he goes over to hug his big sister on turning the number 15 today.
"Happy Birthday, Sal," he said.
As the birthday girl, 'Sal' here hugs her genius brother back. "Thanks, Don. Really appreciated."
Next, it was the second oldest of the family. Even though Sal or Sally tends to blow a fuse at times, Raphael here is the mega fuse of the ninja clan – a hothead. He was also the strongest of them all – but Sally tends to be a lot stronger than her brother. But above all that, he is loyal to the fault; always there for his family just when things are starting look bad. He carries around his pair of Sai which are resting in his belt and his trademark colour is his red bandana.
"The big '15'! Proud of ya, sis!" Like what she did with young Michelangelo before, Raphael hooks Sally in and gives her a knuckle sandwich of his own. This went on for 15 seconds which is how old she is turning.
There was only one more turtle left to have his say.
After breaking from the hothead, she looks past him to see the certain turtle that has been waiting with a great deal of patience. And he was known for this trait. Not only he was the eldest of the family, the blue turtle, the Fearless Leader and the de facto leader of the team, he was the birthday girl's best friend – Leonardo.
"Happy Birthday, Sally!" he praised, giving her the biggest smile she ever seen. Sally walks up to him and gives the biggest hug to her closest friend. She breaks apart from him and faces the rest of her brothers.
"Thanks, you guys! This really means a lot." Hearing all these saying from her brothers, has all kinds of warmth inside of her. Spending time with her family really means a lot to her and they are always there for her. When she first came into this family, the four turtles made a pact that they will always be there to protect their new sister and never put her in harm's way.
The youngest one of all was drying himself with a towel from his failed prank as he approached his human sister. "So, what does the birthday girl have planned for us today?" Mikey asked. He was hoping he would get out of training for today.
Actually, she does have something planned. But, the only being that she has ever discuss is nowhe—
"Tanjyoubi omedetou gozaimasu, Salvadora- san."
The five teens turned to the source of that voice. Standing right behind the birthday girl was the guardian of the family, the elder of the group, the father of the teens – the sensei of the ninja clan: Master Splinter.
To them, he was like any other father: Kind, caring, fully responsible for his children, teaching them everything they need to know before they are capable enough to do things on their own. He is also understandable parent, though he is known to be overprotective of his children at times.
To them, their father is A LOT different from any fathers in the entire world. He was a ninja master. Well, any father can be a ninja master, but not all fathers can be a rat. A giant, talking, mutant rat.
His fur was a rough shade of grey while wearing a brown Kimono robe as his attire. He also carries around his walking stick in his hand which acts like a fighting staff. Any reason why he has a stick with him? Well, that's a story for another time.
It turns out that his daughter was not the first human who accepted him as a part of the family. Why is that? That's another story for another time. So, why is a human – an ordinary human who is at the age of fifteen living with this rat and four turtles? It was because he was the same rat who found her years ago when she was left in the sewers when she was a baby. Ever since she was found, Splinter has accepted her into the family and Salvadora has been very courteously of her mutant father ever since then.
The young girl smiles at the rat as she faces him to bow respectfully. "Arigatou-gozaimasu, Otosan," she acknowledges to her Sensei. The rat himself respectfully bows back. Straighten himself up, Splinter approaches his human daughter.
"My dear Salvadora, I am pleased that today is your special day. So, I wish you with all my heart as you enjoy today filled with love and hope," he addresses to her. The young girl was smiling with delight. She loves to hear things like that from her father whom cared for her since she was a little baby. She was hoping for more thoughtful sayings, rather than gifts.
"And for your special day,…" He then pulls out a wrapped parcel out of his robe and extends it towards his daughter. Ok, maybe just one.
Sally's eyes have become like dinner plates as she takes the gift out of her master's hands. The turtles all formed around her to see what their father have given to their sister. Sally carefully unwraps her gift with enjoyment. As she pulls the gift from her father out of the paper, she has become speechless.
It was in a shape of a book. The front cover was decorated with pink blossom with a beige background and a black border. It also came with a pencil with the same design as the cover. Sally opens up the book to see that the inside is empty. It was a diary. To Sally, it was so gorgeous from her point of view.
"A book?" quipped the orange turtle. He looks at his father. "You got her a book? And not a video game like Mutant Zombies?" His little joke was earned a gab in the stomach by his tough brother.
Splinter places his hands behind his back. The diary was not the only bombshell he has in mind. "I thought you would have something to write after your next surprise…"
It took a split second for Sally takes her attention off her present and looks at Splinter. Did her father say what she thinks he means? The dream that she has been waited for all her life?
She remembers the deal that they had many years ago when Sally was about nine years old. When she turns fifteen, she would journey to the outside world by herself. In other words, she has been down in the sewer for all her life. And now, for the first time on her own, she will be going up to the surface!
The birthday girl's face lit up like the Fourth of July and Christmas Day combine together with her birthday as well. Changing her expression from stunned to thrilled, Sally just had to ask her father to make sure. "You mean it?!"
The rat says nothing. His only response was smile and a nod.
It only took half a second for the birthday girl to do a high-pitch shriek; scaring the bajeebies out of the turtle – although Leo was quick and smart enough to cover his ears before it all happen. He knows his best friend too well. After her scream, she rushed over to hug her father.
"OH! Thankyouthankyouthankyouthank-YOU!" she cried. She couldn't believe that her father – the rat that raised her when she was little – to let her go out on her own. There was so much emotion going on inside of her that she can't explain.
Behind her, the four turtles look onto the two other ninjas in confusion. Leo steps forward. "Uh,… are we…missing something?" he asked.
Sally breaks from her hug and looks back at the guys. "Well, if you guys haven't heard already," she looks to her father and back to her brother; grinning from ear-to-ear, "Master Splinter is letting me go up to the surface!"
The guys completely stared at her. Their father, their rat father, is letting their human sister to go up to the surface world – all by herself!
"For reals?" Mikey asked. He was shocked as his brothers are. Sally gives a simple nod; still grinning. They stopped blinking for one second and became thrilled the next.
"No way!"
"You're kidding, right"
"You're really going up-top?"
"Congrats, Sal!"
"My baby girl is all grown-up!"
The turtle was still congratulating her but they are only keeping her from leaving the Lair so she can explore the world above.
"Listen guys, the more I stay down here, the more time I waste on my birthday!" She went off to get her shoes. She manages to put one on when her brother noticed something else.
"Uh,…Sal…"
The girl manages to put her shoes when she turns to her smartest brother. "Yeah, what?"
Don was pretty much uncomfortable with the next statement that he was going to say. "You're…um..still in your…um,… pyjamas…"
Sally manages to wake up from her little world and came back to reality to look down to see that he was right: she was still wearing her usual pjs and her hair is a mess. And her cheeks become a bit brighter than rosy red and placing her hand behind her head.
"Oh right. Don't worry, I'll be ready," she raced to the other side of the home in two seconds flat to grab her things, "in FIVE MINUTES!" Yep, she is more excited than ever.
The five males of the family look on one another, still smiling from the announcement. But deep down, they are pretty jealous that she will experience the chance to explore the outside world without parental supervision or permission. For Sally, she has been waiting for this moment for her entire life. And now,…its finally happening. She grabs the clothes that she needs for the day.
Five minutes have past and Salvadora the birthday girl was all set for her big day! Since living down here in the sewer, Sally doesn't really have many clothes. In fact, she makes most of her clothes while growing up.
She is wearing a loose cyan short sleeve top with a small portion of one side taking over the other. It was her very own make-shift kimono top that she modifies years ago. Over the top is a white sleeve-less apron or "tunic" that goes over the top, along with tight black shorts. There was also a picture of a pink blossom that was painted on and is located on the trim of the blouse and the tunic. To make sure it doesn't fall apart, wrapped around her waist tightly is what appears to be a sash, or an "Obi" that has the same colour as her kimono shirt.
Wrapped from her elbows to the palm of her hands are black sports tapes which are used for protection. Over them is black leather with metal bracers attached to them. They are useful when you want knock somebody's teeth out with a single whack.
Covering from her knees to the tip of her toes – completely – are cyan socks. On her feet are her black shoe but these sneakers are very different from any regular shoes that you see nowhere days. The middle part of the top cap is sew down to make it look Tabi shoes.
Tied around her waist – other than her Obi – is what appears to be a unique-kind of belt. It was also special. The teen herself has customised this belt with retractable gauntlets that criss-cross together where her weapons are stored: a pair of Kodachi.
Her hair was all tied up in a fishtail braid with her cyan-coloured bandana that is tied around her forehead and into her ponytail. She also has short bangs that are resting right above her eyebrows and is styled towards the right side of her face. Just like her blue blouse and tunic, there is a painted picture of a cherry blossom that has overtaken the light blue on the front part of her little headscarf.
Over her clothes is a light-weight dark green jacket. The reason that she is wearing this is because she didn't want to attach too much attention to anyone with her usual clothing. On her back was her black backpack filled with extra money that was found in the sewer, same cookies made by the youngest turtle in the family, one of her favourite books, her own camera that she got for her tenth birthday from the family, a map of the entire city, and of course, her Shell-Cell – the family's own version of a mobile phone.
Now that she is all changed and packed, she is ready – ready for her biggest adventure ever. "Okay! I'm all set!" Salvadora cried out; racing towards the exit. She was just about to head out… almost forgotten another thing.
She looks over to the photo that was hanging on the wall of her home. It was a picture of a Japanese man with a rat on his shoulders. She approaches the framed picture, giving a pleasant smile as she bows.
"Ohayou-gozaimasu, Master Yoshi," she greeted. Throughout her life, she has heard stories about this wonderful man from Master Splinter, as the rat was the same rat in the picture. Before his biggest transformation, Splinter used to be a normal rat that had a normal life as a pet to his beloved owner and master, Hamato Yoshi.
From the stories that she heard, she had always admired the young man and would have dreamed of meeting Master Yoshi. Although she hasn't said this to anyone, but,… she has some kind of connection to the late ninja master, like he was a part of her and she was a part of him. But she will never know as he is no longer part of this world. This has all happened before she was born. Well, that's what her father told her.
After paying her respect to the late master, she takes a step to the door… when the rat is standing right in front of her.
"I think it would be best if you…" The rat holds out his hand. With the gesture of his hand, Sally knows what it means. She always takes her weapons with her. And now, she must leave without them. Just for her first outing.
She unclips the buckle and removes the belt with the gauntlets. She hands her teacher the weapon. Guess the only way to get out of trouble was to rely on her hand-to-hand combat, which she has no problem with that.
Master Splinter steps aside; clearing the way for her to get to the manhole cover. Sally approaches the ladder and grabs onto the bar. But she didn't start climbing just yet. Was she nervous? Scared? Well, actually,… no. She wasn't. She has been waiting all her life for this moment.
Was she excited? No.
Thrilled? No.
Exhilarated. Maybe.
Whether the word is, that's what she is feeling. She looks to her family one last time. Not for the final time because she will come back when the day is done.
"Good luck, my dear. Please, stay safe," the rat urges as the four turtles look on. They wish they could up to the surface world with their sister. But they know that they can't be wondering out in broad daylight. Sally nods at her family before she begins to climb up the ladder; ready to start her first day on the surface. Everyone else was off to make their important meal of the day; only a few stayed behind and stared at the close entrance to the surface world. And they were Master Splinter and the blue turtle himself.
"Do you think she'll be okay, Master Splinter?" the eldest turtle asked his father. For the past fifteen years, Salvadora was always kept down here for most of her life; away from the human world even though she's a human being as well. Although, he doesn't trust his sons completely to go up top by themselves because of what they are. For Salvadora, at a young age, the rat has to be at her side at all times. But now that she is fifteen, he thinks that it was time.
He places his hand on his son's shoulder in a confronting manner. "Do not fear, my son. She may be your sister and you and your brothers do have a right to worry, but have faith in her that she will be alright. Besides, she has waited for this moment for a very long time." The rat removes his hand from the turtle as he walks off to the kitchen for his morning tea.
His master was right. Salvadora has dreamed of going to the surface world forever. He and the others all remember that she talks about it, watches through the grates from the sewer tunnels to watching it from the TV and reading from magazines.
"Yeah, your right. All I hope that she has a great time," the blue turtle agreed. While his best friend is out having fun on her birthday, Leonardo decided to use his usual time for morning meditation. Then, a little while later, he and his brothers will be busy with something else as well.
As the metal covers slides up and scraps off to the right, it became a clear opening for the young girl who is celebrating her birthday to pop her head just enough to see at eye level. Despite the supernatural ability to sense things within a mile away, it wouldn't hurt to have a look around. From her point of view, it looks like she found herself in a dead-end of an alleyway with the smelly dumpster right next to her.
But a bizarre scent in the air made her think that this place seems very familiar. Well, that story is going to be another time, along with many more as well. She continues to climb up until she is completely out of the hole. She slides the manhole cover lid back on. With the cover secure in the hole, the young kunoichi stands up and dust herself off. She looks around the alleyway where in the distance there is bright orange light. Not to mention the sound of cars honking. This must be the streets. For most of her life, she has witnessed the streets from the sewer's point of view and now, she is on the surface to see them for herself. Not to mention she will meet and interact her very own kind: human. Never she has known one, so maybe, today, she will actually get to meet them. So much emotion was building up inside of her!
Which each step that she takes, she is getting closer to seeing the world above her. As she walks out of the alleyway, she comes to a complete halt. Stunned was all over her face. Although she is not moving at the moment, she could only say one thing: "Whooaaa..."
All she sees is the blue sky with a number of buildings and skyscrapers all bunched up in one small area of Manhattan. Not to mention that she was close to a number of certain parks that she would love to check out. Just like seeing from down below, in books or watching them from either a tv show or a movie, her view on the city was in the following sayings.
Striking.
Breath-taking.
Stunning.
Beautiful.
And she was here. And she has a feeling that today was going to be – as they say old school – radicial!
She takes one deep breath and smelt something unfamiliar to her. No, it wasn't the dump. Or sewer that she spent most of her life. It was air. The surface air. It was clean and breathable. It smells so good. She can tell deep-down that she is going to come up to the surface more often.
She also looks around and see something else. People. Actually people! Just like her - walking around! Big, small, tall as her, small as her, people who dress differently than her, people who speak differently, and the list goes on and on! She was expecting giant humanoid creatures like the Turtles to pop up, but no. It turns out, you would find normal animals (not mutant) in shops – pet shops. It was all so strange. Then again, this girl has spent her entire life in the sewers, out of plain sight. She would be scared of all this. But she wasn't. It was amazing. And she loves it.
Before she takes another step forward, she needs to know where to go. Pulling out the map from her bag, she unfolds it to reveal dot-point all over the island. So much to do in so little time. She may know the sewers outline like the back of her hand but when it comes to top-side, she has no clue.
"Hmm… Where to start first?"
Her first stop was the Statue of Liberty. Normally you have to pay to see the sculpture up close, but Salvadora decided to see the view from Battery Park. Thanks to the camera that she got from her previous birthday from her family, she uses the zoom function on her camera to get better shots. She then moved onto the location of where the Twin Towers used to be. Now a memorial attraction, she remembers the rumble that she heard and witness years ago when the world changed forever after terrorist attacked this exact spot, now built as a flowing waterfall monument. Many lives were lost that day. All the young kunoichi could do was to pay her respects.
Next on her tour, she decided to head down to Wall Street; known to the public as the Financial Distract of Lower Manhattan that held a few headquarters such as the New York Mercantile Exchange, the New York Board of Trade, and the Amercian Stock Exchange. Salvadora has a feeling that a certain turtle would love to check this place out since he is great with numbers.
Next was one of the places that she has been dying to go – Chinatown! With the streets filled with the cultural of both China and Japan, Salvadora could tell that feels right at home. She really needs to bring the guys with her next time. They would love it! Using her money, she manages to buy the best dumplings in the world – and then, went back for seconds! Note to self: get the recipe.
Despite not wanting to leave, she has to move on. Her next destination involves getting a ride in a bus. And by getting a ride, in her version, she means hopping on the roof of a bus to avoid buying a ticket (wants to save money) and rides it to the Brooklyn Bridge. Before hopping to another bus that is coming her way, she manages to take a number of pictures of one of the famous landmarks in the Big Apple.
To her next destination, rather than take the train or bus, she decided to go higher. And by higher, she means the rooftops.
Hoping up to the nearest fire escape and jumping from building to building (maybe when it's dark, she could take the guys for an evening stroll one of these days), she makes it to the well-known Madison Square Park. From the bridge to the park is quite a walk, but it was worth it. By the time she gets to the location, her feet were absolutely getting tired. But she didn't care one bit about it. She was haven't too much fun today. So far.
She finally arrives at the MSP, where she noticed on one of the biggest posters. That in a few months' time, there would be the biggest wrestling tournament for one night only. Sally's mouth dropped. She, plus Raphael, would kill to see a main event like this (Well, Sal can. Raph couldn't. Reason? The readers at home should know why!)
After seeing the stadium, she moved on to the next location: Empire State Building. Found not too far from Madison Square Park, Sally greatly admires one of the tallest buildings in the city. She then moved on to the street of Broadway – home to the popular entertainment where there would any musicals/broadway and shows that she or any fan of the theatre would think of. If only she had a sister to enjoy…
Down the lane was another place she wanted to check – Times Square. Known to be a bustling destination in the heart of the Theatre District where the bright lights, shopping & shows are here, Sally appreciates the lights and billboards around the area.
Moving away from the Lights and Cameras, she hits the next destination on her list. Columbus Circle is pretty much the busiest traffic circle that Salvadora has ever since (and probably the only one she has ever seen). The young kunoichi took another photo of the towering monument named after Christopher Columbus. Heading down south again, Sally checks out Rockefeller Centre where she sees the ice rink (which she would love to skate) and where they held the annual Christmas tree (which she would love to see in person).
Sally continues on to the Chrysler Building which it is one of the tallest buildings since the 9/11 attack which makes it second-tallest building in New York. After taking a picture of it, Sally then checked out the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway where she walked a long way to check out a special street located from 100th to 125th: the Cherry Walk. The young kunoichi's breath was taken away to see the beauty of the blossom trees that are blooming in the luminous daylight. She took about 20 pictures before moving on.
Hopping from more building to another, one of the next stops was not too far from where Sally is now. Not to mention, she was only a few more stops before she has completed the list. Taking more photos of the United Nations Headquarters where leaders from all over the world come together to resolve global conflict before heading over to Yankee Stadium. Lucky for her, there was a game in progress and watched a few innings before heading out. Guess she'll have to find out the score late on.
Crossing over back to the island, she checked out the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Since she has enough time, she decided to check out the museum out, while getting a few pics to show to her family.
With everything that she wanted to see crossed off, there was only one place she wanted to check before she decided to call it a day. The one place that she had dreamed of seeing it with her own eyes.
Central Park.
After exiting the museum, she heads out into the heart of the famous area within the city. After walking around the scenic venue, she finds a nice shady tree just near the Reservoir – the biggest lake in the park. Resting her back on the tree, she closes her eyes and takes a deep breath. Her feet were now aching from all the walking around the city and jumping from rooftop to rooftop, now, with most of the sightseeing out of the way, she can finally take it easy for a while now.
She looks up to the sun shining through the swaying tree branches. Looks like it's getting late or something. Better check the time.
She pulled out her Shell-Cell to see how much has passed since she has left the sewer. Gently pushing the sides of her cell for it to open up to reveal the button and a small screen located above the buttons. The time keeps flashing on the screen.
12:39pm
"What? I have been gone for, what, more than four hours and did everything I wanted to do on the list in just a few hours?!" she muttered to herself. She felt like there's more to see but maybe for another time.
It's now lunchtime for the young girl who has just turned 15, and she already seen pretty much…everything on the map, and now, she doesn't know what to do! It took a minute for the birthday girl to figure out what to do next.
Well, better make time by using her new present that Sensei gave to me!
Pulling out her new journal from her bag with the pencil, she flips to the first page for a fresh start. She taps the pencil on her lip; figuring out how to start the first page. After a minute, she connects her pencil on the page as she starts to write.
Day 1
Dear Diary.
My name is Salvadora. Nickname: Sally or Sal. Full name: Salvadora Splinterson. The reason I'm writing today was because today is my BIRTHDAY! YAY! Fifteen today and feeling good! The reason? Well, Master Splinter – my father and sensei – has finally decided to let go up top for the first time ever! Normally, you would mean that I can use public transportation or go on the streets by themselves in their teens. No actually, in my case, I grew up most of my life in the sewers. Down below – for FIFTEEN YEARS! And not once (well, maybe a few times with Splinter and the guys), I had the courage or the permission to go to the surface. You think that's awesome, right?
Well, almost. You see, what I'm about to tell you is what I would consider is a life-changing experience. For all my life, I have always wondered what my past was like before this whole adventure started.
Before coming into this family, I was born to fight with these skills and…these powers for some reason; like a purpose. I don't know why but that's not going to hold me down. Because sooner or later, I WILL find these answers and I WILL find out who I am. No matter what.
This is my story.
As she has finish writing her very first entry out of who knows how many, placing the pencil inside the pages and closes the book. Placing her diary back into her bag, she pulls out her favourite novel. Since she has time before she heads for home, it couldn't possibly hurt if she read a few chapters in the meantime.
"HELP!"
Sally jerks up from her book at the sound of a cry. Closing her book up, she looks to her left and right. Not much people are around here. She continues to look until she heard the same cry again. "Help me, PLEASE!"
Was it all in her head – that scream? She thought it was when the source was coming from a few metres to her left.
There were three kids all huddle together; not far from where Sally was enjoying her book. The birthday girl squints her eyes to get a better look. Hmm, the noise is coming from that small crowd?
Leaning a bit forward, just in the middle of that small crowd is a small object. And it's moving. They're huddling around a moving object that's moves and talks? Weird. Unless this moving object appears to have dark brown hair like Sal's and wears big blue glasses. It's a person amongst in the crowd. A young girl by the looks of it.
These guys… She does not like the looks of those kids. That little girl was getting pick on. And there are three times bigger than her! Blood was already boiling in her system. It's one thing about being tough. But being a bully is another! And the one thing that you should know about the birthday girl, she hates bullies. So much!
Put her book back into her bag and placing on her back again, Sally stands up and starts to walk towards them. Before she left the sewers, she made a promise to never pick a fight with anyone unless engage in battle. But these older kids… The young female ninja thinks that it's time for the bullies to have a little lesson. And boy, are they going to be in a whole lot of trouble. Class is now in session with Miss Salvadora as your teacher.
"Please, leave me alone!" the young girl cried. She was wearing a small blue dress with the small colour as her glasses, with brown sandals, white socks, and a white light-weight cotton coat and has a blue headband in her twin pigtails. She also has a pink backpack with a picture of a yellow pony on the front. She looks just like me…
Sally quickly looks around. Beside them, not much people are around here. Where's the kid's parents? Shouldn't they be near-by or something? She'll have to think about their whereabouts later on. Right now, the kid needs help. Sally was now standing right behind and was ready for a lesson. In pain.
"Not unless you give us your snack, wimp," one of the older teens demanded the child. Picking on little kids in broad daylight? Not cool, boys.
In disgust, he grabs the little girl by the collar and throws her to the ground; earning a nasty hit when made impact on the ground. Sally was taken back by this behaviour that these tyrants are giving to this defenceless girl. Angry over takes her face and her hands are now formed into fists. Not cool at all.
The one, who threw her to ground, now kneels down to her height. "So how about you—"
"About you pick on someone your own size?"
The three bullies all turned around to see their interferer. Sally takes a good look at the troublemakers. One appears to be tan, has a pink Mohawk while wearing a pair of sliver shades, a bright blue jumpsuit and has a number of stud earring; covering a big portion of both his ears and two more on his bottom lip. Talk about a fashion nightmare! There were also two more with him. One has shaved black hair and looks appear to be an African-American, wears a green shirt with the words "DUDE?" in black, dark grey cargo pants and wears a bright red/white baseball cap. The other one looks like he just got back from living inside all his life with his skin all pale, his hair and dress head to toe all black. He is also wearing huge amount of black make-up that you have to go to discount stores to get them. All three looked around Sally's age and the kid looked about five or six. They all ignored the little girl, whom stops crying for a second, and have now focused their attention on the tall girl.
"How about you buzz off, girly? We got some issues to deal with our friend here," the mohawk teen spitefully replied; pointing his thumb at the poor victim.
Sally looks over their shoulders. The young girl looks past the teens to see the petrified little girl. Her face was cover in dirt and small bruise was forming on her cheek with the tear-streaks. The young teen turns her attention back to the trios. "Since when do you punks have the rights to give your friend a hard time? She's not exactly having the time of her life, thanks to the way you guys are acting towards her! Plus, she seems too young to be your friend."
The black kid steps forward; pointing his finger at Sally. "Oh, YEAH! What are goin do about it, GRANDMA?" mocked the kid. If Raph was here, he would blow a fuse in a split second. But I'm not goin to sink that low.
Sally raised an eyebrow as she smirks. "Grandma? Seriously? That's the best you can come up with? That's pretty weak and I have a big brother who does it better in his sleep," she scoffs while folding her arms over; proving her statement that no-one - not even them - can faze her.
She's spent her entire life witnessing her turtle brother's trash talk and has always find ways to counter it. Just like a single punch. While these boys look like they just came out from a bad hip-hop music video and think they know everything. And speaking of punches, it looks like the one talk down on her was about to throw one.
The kid with the big mouth cracks his knuckles; ready for a beat-down. "I'LL SHOW YOU WHO'S BETTER! I'LL BREAK YOUR BONES FOR THIS!" he growled while giving off the meanest smirk ever. Throwing his right fist towards Sally's face is the one thing he is going to regret. With no trouble and with lightning speed, the young kunoichi manages to block the attack with her forehand. When the hand makes contact, a loud clank was made. But that wasn't the only loud that was made if you count the sound of shattered bones.
His mean smirk disappeared in a second and was now replaced with the most painful look. He quickly retreats his sore hand and wraps his other hand around it while at the same time wailing as a big baby that he is. So, instead of breaking her bones, he easily broke his. It felt like he just hit a metal pole. The young kid who was still on the ground, winces at the sound. It didn't sound good in her opinion. Even the bullies thought so too.
"Ohhhh…yeah. I should have told you that I was wearing this," she pulls down the sleeve that she was wearing metal – on her gauntlet. Shaking his sore hand off, the same teen goes in for another one. But instead of blocking, she uses her hand, grabs it by the teen's wrist and flips him onto his back with ease. He was now on the ground with an aching back from the impact.
The one with the Mohawk decided to take the shot and finish what his friend couldn't finish. Reaching for something inside his jacket, he is bringing something more than just fist-fight. He pulls out a metal pipe in the size of a baseball bat. He taps his rod in his right open hand; preparing to hit the melon off her head; for meddling in their little…session.
Normally when it comes to weapons, Sally would often use her swords in fights like this. But she doesn't have them with her, so, she'll have to do them in the old fashion-way. As a swing come to her head, Sally easily steps to the side and knees her opponent in the guts; knocking the amount of air in his lungs before crashing to the floor. Two knuckleheads down, one to go.
With Sally looks up to see the last member left. And by the look on his face, he does not want to get his butt kicked by a girl. But he has to try.
Sally spoke to the last but now-terrified member. "Listen, if I were you, I would split if you don't wanna end up like your friends here." She pointed to his fallen friends.
It's too he wants to run away; to avoid getting hurt, but he knows that his teammates will never live this down. The goth looks around and finds a rock at his feet. With the rock at the size of a baseball, it would actually kill someone with enough force when made contact. Found his choice of weapon, he picks up the rock and throws it at Sal. Heading towards her face and just when it is about to hit the skin of her nose, the skilled fighter herself catches the rock…with the palm of her hand.
Both the goth, and the young girl, gasped at this. The younger teen smirks at this. And what he did next, the attacker will be wetting his pants. Using her strength, Sally simply crushes the softball-rock into a thousand small bits of dirt. As she releases the dirt from her grasp, the goth himself was really wetting himself. Sally could actually see the wet spot forming in his crotch area of his pants. Scared out of his wits; the third attacker crouches down to pick up his comrades while looking scared at Sally. The two other goons are brought back to reality and were picked by the lone fighter. Realized that they are no match for her, the goons decided to ditch the fight and run off in the distance like cowards. With them gone, the kid was safe.
The young girl, who was watching the entire fight, was amazed by this. A few minutes ago, she was just one punch away for a major trip to the hospital but was saved by a totally stranger. Now that danger is out of the way, Sally needs to make sure that the kid is alright.
"Those boys better thing twice if they ever mess with someone who can fight. Especially if that fighter is a girl." The teen approaches the child and kneels down to her height. "Are you okay?" she asked.
The poor little kid was using the sleeve of her jacket to push her glasses up and wipe the tears away – while not making eye contact at her saviour. Guess she must be still scared after that fiasco.
Indeed, she was. The little kid was still worried that this girl must be a whole lot worse. Sally can sense the tension inside of her. She has a knack of this. First off, in order to gain trust in someone, you have to give your word or do your part to help. Since this girl was in danger, Sally did her part to save her from danger. Was it enough?
Taking her bag off and putting it on the ground, Sally pulls out a water bottle that she brought earlier and her pink hanky. From being tough to having a gentle side, the kunoichi opens the lid of the bottle and carefully puts out the objects towards the sniffing child.
After seeing the bottle and hanky in front of her, the little girl stops rubbing her eyes and looks up to Sally. She then looks at the items in front of hand. Back to Sally. And then, to the objects once more. She was now starting to get the feeling that the teenager is not going to hurt her. Removing her hands from her face, she takes the bottle and hanky from Sally's grasp. She removes the lid and takes a big sip. After a mouthful, she uses the hanky to wipe her snotty nose. Her eyes were all puff up from the crying. Poor kid…
"My name is Sally," the teen introduces herself; letting a cheerful smile. "What's your name?"
The little kid does a sniff before looking up. "M-m-my name i-is E-eri-ica," she muttered. Still scared.
"Are you hurt?"
Erica nods a bit. She opening up to me a bit. Not bad for talking to a human for a first time. And that's a lot from growing up with four humanoid turtles and giant talking rat. She might hurt her back from the fall made by them. Erica gives the bottle back which Sally puts the lid back on and puts it back into her bag.
Sally has another important question she needs to know. "So, where's your mum and dad?"
After wiping her nose with the borrowed hanky, Erica opens her mouth. "I-I think they might be—"
"ERICA!"
Erica's ears perk up and look over to her left. Sally also turns her head to the source as well. Only about a hundred metres from where the battle formally took place are two much older people. One appears to be wearing glasses and the other has a long dress on. It seems that they are searching for something. Or someone…
Sally turns back to Erica, who ironic has the same name that was called out. It has to be them. "Your mum and dad, I presume?"
Erica turns to her saviour and nods. Putting her bag back on, Sally stands up. "Well, let's not worry them, shall we?" She extends her hand out to the little girl. Still on the ground, the girl named Erica takes one good look at the hand in front of her. She may be hurt and frightened. But now, she was just hurt. No longer scared.
She stands up, brushed the dust off her dress and takes Sally's hand with her left hand and her right hand for the borrowed hanky. They both walk off towards the concern parents, who are both franticly looking for their child. As the two approaches the couple, one of them sees them coming. It's the one with the glasses, who has short black hair, a grey shirt with dark blue jeans and brown white sneakers. The women besides him has her dirty blond hair all tied up in a messy bun, wears a long black dress with matching sandals.
"Erica!" he cried out. This caused the other one to turn to her husband's direction and it took a spilt second for the mother to see her missing baby. Although they far from each other, tears were starting to form in the older women's eyes.
"ERICA!" she shouted but not too loudly to start a panic. They began to run towards the two girls. Seeing both her mother and father, Erica starts to run towards them. She lets go of her grip from Sally's hand as she runs at top speed towards her family with Sally still walking behind her.
"MUM! PAPA!" the little girl cried out. No longer sad, she runs into her mum's arms in joy. The mother begins to soothe her daughter while rocking back and forth. The father also hugged the two of them; so relieved to see his child once more and comforting his wife as well. The young kunoichi couldn't help but smile at this reunion. It made her feel all good to see the happy moment in front of her.
Sally takes a good look at the couple. They look to be in their late 20's or early 30's which seems like the right age to have a child at 5 or 6 years of age.
The man released himself from the group and approaches the teen. "Thank you so much for finding our daughter. She was with us one second and the next, she was gone!"
"It's ok. Happy to help!" Sally beamed.
"My name is Sean Phoenix." He extends his hand which Sally gives a handshake to. Phoenix, huh? Nice surname. Just like the legendary bird that rises from the ashes. The women release the child from her grip for a second. "And this is my wife, Kimmy."
The relieved mother who goes by the name Kimmy softly grabs Sally's hands in jubilant. "Thank you so much for finding my baby!" she praised.
Still smiling, Sally removes her hand from the lady's grip and rubs the back of her back in embarrassment. "It's alright. She was just lucky because she was being bullied by some bad people. But she is alright now that I came to her aid."
The look on the mother's face was frightened for a second but relieved as well. She places her hand on where her heart is while giving a sign of relief. "Oh, thank goodness. I would never forgive myself if something happens to her."
She was worried for her child. Just like Splinter would be worried for his sons. And me.
Now that the child was safe and sound and back to her family, guess it was time for the birthday gal to leave and get back into her reading. She does not want to waste the family's time today.
"Well, I'm glad you have your daughter back. I got a lot to do for my birthday today, so—"
The two parents were actually taken back of this. "It's your birthday today?" Sean asked just when the teen had her back turned. She turns to face them again and nodded.
"Are you doing anything big today?" the father of Erica asked again. She has just met them and they are asking what she is doing for her birthday? Do people from the surface talk like this?
"Well, my family and I are having a small party tonight," Sally answered. "Although, they do a surprise party every year, I just pretend to be surprise, so, yeah..."
That is when Kimmy had an idea. "Maybe you could have lunch with us."
Sally went quiet for a sec. "Wait, what?" She became a bit speechless of the gesture.
"Well, as a thank you for what you did for our daughter. And to celebrate your birthday, of course!"
The 15-year-old teen could not believe what she is hearing. This has to be the first time in her life that someone has asked her to be involved in something on any occasion. Then again, she has spent her entire life in the sewers with five giant mutants and they always spent time with each other all the time. Not only that but the way that the two parents act. It's true that she grew up with a father, but never had a mother. It was a different kind of feel of warmth which it is somehow kind-of…familiar…
"I'm sure you must be hungry or something, dear?" Kimmy added. Dear… Splinter has called me 'daughter' or by my given name, but… not this…
Sally opened her mouth to speak, but unfortunately, her stomach has already bet her to it. Erica lets out a small giggled. The birthday girl's cheeks started to go red as she nervously smiled. "I guess that's a yes!"
It was a small walk from the family picnic area. On the red checked blanket was a large basket filled with small sandwiches, a platter of any kind of fruit Sally can think of, packets of chips, a bowl of fresh salad with lettuce, tomatoes & cucumber, a small container with a blue lid, and a carton of fruit juice – apple flavour.
As the family sit down on the blanket, Sally politely sits just next to it on the ground. Even though she has just met them just because she came to their daughter's aid, she is very nervous about having lunch with unfamiliar people. Sitting on the ground is more respectful than sitting on a stranger's blanket.
"It's OK to sit on the blanket, sweetie," Kimmy said, placing a comforting hand on the teen's shoulder. The feel of her touch…just like Sensei…but something different…and familiar… Whatever the feel is, she likes it. Kimmy here does have the mother's touch just like how she is caring and sweet to her own daughter. With an attitude like that, she cannot refuse her offer. She moves from her position on the dirt ground to the soft blanket.
"So, I'm guessing Erica was playing nearby when she went off on her own?" she asked the parents.
Sean nodded. "Yeah. We have just arrived for our picnic when little Erica here went off playing. Once we finish setting up, she was gone. This was actually a first for us, so, we had a big scared. You can actually get lost in the Big Apple." He shakes his daughter's head as the mother was going through the basket, looking for something.
Sally nodded. She would understand if she or any of her brothers goes missing. Not just the city itself, but the sewers at home were also huge. And Splinter would be furious but also upset that if any of his children disobey him or very much be worried that his children is missing or probably gone…forever.
"So, who should we thank for finding our daughter?" asked Sean, passing a sandwich to their guest.
The teen takes the food out of his hold. "My name is Sally."
"Well, thank you, Sally, for saving out daughter." Sally smiles at this. She is very welcome.
"Do you have a family, Sally?" the mother asked as she brought out a first-aid kit which it is filled with the basic needs: Band-Aids, bandage, cleansing wipes, medicine, disposable gloves, antiseptic spray, sanitising gel, a small sunscreen bottle – include an ice pack.
"Ah, yeah. Four brothers and a father." More like four turtle brother and a father rat. Sally takes another bite. "Does Erica have any siblings?"
"Well, Erica here is the only child," Kimmy replied while using one of the wipes to clean the dirt off her daughter's cheek. She also notices the bruise already shaped on the cheek. Once the cheek is cleaned, she gets the icepack from the kit and places up against the bruise. "We are planning to have another. We just don't know when."
Sally finishes her piece of her sandwich with one last bite. "So, how long have live in the city for?"
"We just moved here a week ago from San Francisco. We came here to be close to Kimmy's family," Sean explained, while taking a bite of his ham & cheese sandwich. "When I met her family for the first time, her mother told me that I was like a son to her since she never had any, even though I have two younger brothers."
Be close to the family. Sally definitely understands it. She is always with and close to her family for all her life. Even if they are not related by blood.
Putting the ice pack down, Erica pulls out a small plastic container from the basket. She opens the lid to reveal something that made Sally's mouth watered. In the container were appears to be brownies. Brown, chewy, chocolate-filled brownie.
"Do you want one?" Is that a trick question for a delicious treat?
"Honey, food first, then sweets," Kimmy scold Erica. As a mother, she was trying to be all strict but in a friendly way. Sally understands what it is like to have a stern parent. But there were at times where Splinter would allow his children to have what they want. Except for going outside on the surface world, of course.
"That's ok. One bite couldn't hurt." Sally takes the brownie from Erica.
She takes one bite of brownie. As soon she takes the first bite and the flavours touch her tongue, Sally's eyes went so wide, her brain just blew up. Never in her life had she tasted food this a-ma-zing! The chewy-ness of this chocolate treat – the young teen is dying to get her hands on treats.
Sally moans in delightful as she takes another bite. Erica didn't take her eyes off Sally when she gave her the slice as she was waiting for a reaction. "You like it?"
In her mid-chew, Sally faces the little girl. "Like it? I LOVE it!" Sally looks at Kimmy. "Which shops did you get them from?"
Kimmy smiled. "I made them, actually. I'm a cook." Sally looks at the young mother in dazed once more. Scratch that – I am desperate need of this recipe. Hope Mikey can make them. So far out of all her birthdays, this one has to be her favourite one yet.
And for fifteen years, Sally has finally made a few friends. A few human friends, actually. And she was not referring to the three bullies from earlier.
A few hours passed, filled with fun and games, striking up conversations and nibbling away all the heaven divide pleasures known as the brownies, it was time to call it a day.
During their time together, Sally has learned from her new friends that Sean here is a Psychologist and Kimmy is a Head Chef (the young teen had to found out from the brownies that she decided to take home), and Erica is starting her first year in elementary school. After they pack up the picnic gear, the family plus their guest all head for the exit.
"You know, Erica should sign-up for Karate class," Sally suggested. "That way, she can defence herself in the future." Sally did offer to watch Erica from time to time, but she knew that she can't be at her side at all times. She thought that if she learns how to protect herself, she would be able stand up for herself. Plus, seeing those bullies, she is worried that they might come back to finish what they started before.
The two parents nod in agreement. "I think we should look into it," Sean noted.
"Yeah! You should have seen her! She whoop those bad guys' butts like it was nothing! They were all like charging at her, and she took them out like they were…nothing!"
The mother and father all raised an eyebrow at Sally who couldn't help but be either embarrassed or praised.
"Actually, my dad told me that it's better to protect yourself than engage in fights. That way, you'll always win," she pointed out. She also wanted to say that every ninja's goal in life is to come home alive but that might freak the little girl out. I think she might have already freaked them out thanks to Erica chattering up like a storm.
Kimmy giggles at this. "Well, it seems your father is a very smart man." Yeah, a very smart rat you mean?
"Yeah, he did learn from the best!" He did learn from Master Yoshi himself. Until his time was up at such a young age.
They finally make it to the front entrance of the park. And now, it was time to part ways. Since Erica and her family live Upper Manhattan, Sally's home was much further south from their location. But this was hard for the teen here, since these people – these kind people who took her out for lunch because not just it was her birthday but she saved their daughter from sending her a trip to the hospital. She hopes to meet them again in the future. Or meet other people just like them.
"Well, I guess this is where we part ways," Sally pointed out.
When she said that, the youngest person around here was very disappointed. She does not want to split up. She does not to lose a friend that she might never see again.
"I just, uh, want to thank you guys for today. It has been amazing!" Salvadora said.
"Well, you're welcome, Sally. We hope you had a great day!" Kimmy said while holding on to her daughter's hand. Sally looks down to see Erica was not wearing her happy face. Is she sad that she might not see me again? She kneels down to Erica height so she can see the kid's face again.
"Will I see you again?" Erica gloomily asked. She really wants to hang out a lot more with the teen. She was the big sister that she always wanted. To be honest, Sally always wanted to have a sister. It was hard being the only girl in a family of boys. She never had any female sibling or companion to hang out with or talk to. It was hard. She has been having another of girl problems over the years. It was hard to talk to the guys about, because…well, they wouldn't understand it.
Sally smiles at this. "Is that a trick question? Of course, I will!"
No longer has miserable, Erica let out pleased gasp. Letting go of her mother's grip, she jumps into Sally's arms and gives her a big hug. The teen was taking back by the hug. She usually gets hugs by her family or gives hugs to her family. Putting on the sweetest smile on her face, she hugs her new friend back. They both release from their embrace as Sally stands up, hands gripping the straps of her backpack.
A thought came to her mind. How will they or she see them again? Sally's got a way. "I'll give you guys my number. In case you guys need a babysitter or something." She starts to dive into her bag and pulled out a small piece a paper and her pencil. She writes her name and number down on the sheet and passes to Kimmy
The mother takes the paper. "Of course. Thank you." She then steps forward and gives the birthday girl a birthday hug. The young teen was a bit frozen. She has never been hugged by an older woman before. First Erica, whom she considers her first human friend ever and now, her mother. It felt…warm. This made Salvadora feel like what it would have been if she grew up with a mother. Maybe she had one. Or maybe she didn't. Tears started to form in her eyes, but she gets a grip of herself and hugs back. She breaks off from Kimmy and starts to walk the other way.
"I'll see you guys around, ok?" Sally promised and she means it. She would love to see them again. She gives a wave as they wave back before turning around and walks off in the opposite direction, heading towards her next destination.
Home.
Only just a few blocks and the birthday girl will be home-free! To make sure that she isn't losing time, Salvadora pulls out her Shell-Cell from her jacket pocket. She clicks it open to reveal a number of missed calls, text-messages (Donatello must have upgraded the device or something), and plus the time.
5:39pm
Wow! She has gone for almost a full day – thanks to the planned solo tour around the city and the Phoenix family with their fun activities and wonderful conversations.
Today with the family actually made her feel something a lot different any of the days that she had: normal. To her, she was never normal. Not once in her entire life. She has always wondered what it would be like to have a normal life. But how would she know? She could have been dumped in the sewer by terrible people who cast her aside like she means nothing to them. Or maybe she was brought in the sewers by accident? So many theories rattling inside her mind. Although today's event didn't find what she was looking for. Maybe one day, in the future, she'll find her answers. Like she wrote in her new journal, she will find the answers – no matter what.
Like she said to her first human friends, her family at home would already probably be setting up her surprise party. And like always, she has to pretend. But what if this year, they didn't. What if they didn't set up a party? Maybe they are just waiting for her at home. Or they just goofing around like always or doing some training to pass the time.
Or what if the guys have made their way to the surface world and started looking for the lost member of the family who is running late to get to home. No. they would never go up because their father would never let them up at all.
Even if they did set a party up for her, they would need the essentials. And everyone would know what they are talking about: balloons, party steamers, a banner, party poppers, etc. Well, the good news is that they do have already those things from past years. The bad news is the main objective.
With one more block away and the sun about to set in less than a few hours, Sally manages to sneak a look on her left before coming a complete stop. Just across from the street is a small supermarket. She can tell from all the fruit and vegetables that the store members are packing away. And if this is a shop that sells fresh food, it should sell packaged food – both sealed and frozen.
With only some money left, she better hope she has enough to get the particular item that she needs…
Back at home, the family had to use their time without the lady of the group. For most of the day, they did some training in the morning; follow by a session of video games, and a marathon of the guy's favourite movies. But since she hasn't return yet, they still had time to do the one thing that needs to be done.
"Looks like everything all set up." The Fearless Leader was doing a last check on the list before they begin the main event.
All around the lair were rainbow steamers taped on the pillars with three balloons each on each pillar. Not much food was set out on the tables with plastic plates and spoon which are the only cutlery needed for one special item left on the list.
Finally, high above in the centre of the training area is a huge colourful banner that is set along the entire room with the words written in pink bold "HAPPY BIRTHDAY SALVADORA!" The boys have already set the surprise party for their only human sister in the family.
"Do you think that she'll like it? It's kind of similar to last year," questions the blue turtle to his father about the decorations that he and his brothers. He tends to be perfect 24/7 for pretty much everything, from the biggest training that he or his family are training to the small Tai Chi form.
"It may all we have, but, it is not about what the appearance of the venue looks at the moment, it is about the company that we all share and a special occasion to share with the main guest of honour," the elder rat lectures his sons as they continues to put on the finishing touches.
Raphael was climbing down on the ladder from hanging up the last piece of steamers. "Speaking of the guest of honour, when's she coming home? She better not ditch us for what we have to suffer for hours!" He too was curious of when his little sister will get home. Plus, the hours that have passed since she has left for the surface, he as well wanted to go up top and explore the world above. He and his brother have been up on the surface world before, but that was only in the company of their father. That way he can keep an eye on them.
"Don't worry, Raph. Splinter said earlier that she did promise to come back at the designated time like they planned years ago," Donatello explained, who was finishing up with the last of the balloons.
Raph dusts his hands off and joined his older brother, his father and his younger smarter brother with the goofy brother of all right behind him. "Well, I hope she doesn't have too much fun. We got the whole party planned out!" Mikey said. As the party animal of the group, he was wearing a party hat with a few party horns in his grasp. This guy was ready to party, as soon as the birthday gal gets here.
Now, the place is all set, there is only one thing left to do. "Ok, Mikey. Can you get the cake out of the fridge and light the candles? Sal will be here any minute," Leo asked his youngest brother the simplest task. Mikey may be the baby of the family, but he is almost like the Jamie Oliver of the family. He usually cooks for the family for a few years now as it's one of his special talents.
Mikey raised an eyebrow. "Uhhh…the cake?"
"Yes. The Cake. Where is it, bro?"
Mikey's face lit up. "OH! That CAKE! Yeah, I'll go get it…just as soon as I get start making it…"
The rest of the family completely stares at him. Don was the first to speak up. "Uh…Mikey?"
"Yeah, bro?"
"You didn't make the cake, did you?"
Every year they always make the cake but that's when the birthday girl was around and at home. She usually reminds the boys to make the cake which it is pretty simple. But this year, she wasn't around to recap them as she has spent the whole day traveling the outside world. And Mikey's answer was giving a nervous smile and shrugging his shoulder. This earns a glare by each his other siblings and father, whom places his hand on head and shakes it in disgrace.
Normally, the toughest turtle around here would have blown a fuse but he has promise today that he wouldn't lay a beat down on anyone today, especially on Mikey for being the biggest knucklehead on the planet. Instead, he took a deep breath and lets out a sign.
"You had one job, Mikey. ONE JOB!" the second oldest yelled. Although he did promise himself, but unfortunately, this promise was about to be broken as he cracks his knuckles together while advancing towards his younger brother. "In a few seconds when she gets here, the little sis of the family ain't gonna be too happy to find one thing missing from her party!" The youngest turtle was now scared as he put his hands up in defence and is ready to get owned by his big bro.
"At least she was smart enough to have a back-up plan!"
All the turtles and the rat all turned to the sudden voice that was at the entrance of their home. Standing there with the biggest grin on her face was the main guest of honour herself. And she brought home the back-up plan that she was talking about: an ice cream cake with about 15 candles all lit up and the numbers "1" and "5" as well.
The birthday girl has returned. With the cake in tow.
"And don't you worry, Raph. You can mess with Mikey anytime but not today, ok bro?"
"SAL!" the four ninja turtles all spoke up when they saw the human that they all know and love well has just returned from her big day out.
Splinter was the first of the family to approach the human child. "Welcome home, my daughter. I assume you had a wonderful day on the surface?
The girl definitely agrees with him as she enters her home. "Oh yes, Master Splinter. I sure did. And you guys wouldn't believe the day I ju—"
Sally couldn't help but look around the place. Something was different here. And she was not talking about the birthday balloons and steamers. "D-did you," she has the most shocked look on her face. And they know the reason why. "Did you guys clean up the place? For once?"
The teens were all embarrassed now. They did the one thing that she has been dying to ask the guys to do while she was away. "Yeah, we thought we could surprise you by coming home to a clean place," Leo replied.
"Well, we thought you deserve it," Don added.
"Yeah, and Raph didn't do any of the work at all!" Mikey joked. For the second time of the day, this earns a smack upside the head by the red-hot turtle.
"So, anyway, when are ya gonna tell us what happen up there?" Raph asked the very same question that everyone has been waiting for.
"Yeah, how was it?" asked the Fearless Leader.
The guys are in for one heck of a story. "Sure! But first thing first. Any chance I can blow out the candles and then, we all get a piece first? Cause the uh, cake is starting to melt."
Here we are. The second part of the prologue. Now, we can move on to the next chapter of Salvadora's adventure. Find out next time on:
The Saint's Hope: Things Change
Author's Notes: Part two done and dusted. And plenty more to good! I do hope you guys are liking the intro. And what do you think of Sally so far? Cause we are not done yet as the real adventures are about to start.
When I first started this story, it took me a while to come up with this. In my old-old version, the chapter was short and Sally didn't travel to the surface until the next chapter.
I also added Japanese text in this chapter which I think everyone know but if no-one knows, here's the translate version:
Tanjyoubi omedetou gozaimasu – Happy Birthday
Arigatou-gozaimasu, Otosan – Thank you, Father
Ohayou-gozaimasu – Good Morning
If I am wrong, let me know. I'm learning a bit of Japanese for my trip next year. So excited!
I definitely will get half the season done before the year ends. To be honest, I don't know when this story will finish. I got other stories to worry about but I will not (making a mental note) stop this story for any reason. Only if the writer's block will get off my back if it comes back bad and nasty than ever!
Unrelated note, the new Sonic Frontiers game is coming out tomorrow and I cannot wait to play it. It will time my time away from my writing once I start playing. The new Pokémon Scarlet & Violet is coming out very, so,...same thing, cannot wait to play, might lose my writing ability along the way.
So, peace out!
Until we meet again,
TheDragonLord2912
(From the old version - Author's Notes: Sorry for the long wait. So much has happen.
First off, I got back into school as I have only one class to do for the next few weeks. Also, my brother and his girlfriend were down for the weekend. It was actually nice to catch up with them since the last time I saw them was in January. Plus, my sister tears a tissue in her foot when she was at camp. Poor baby! She has to leave her camp early and has spent the entire week at home. At least, she'll be able to go back to school the week after. You think she would have to stay at camp but unfortunately, it is a hiking camp which means, she will be hiking up high mountain and end up having an injury during the hike. For me, I end up having a black-eye, a scrap knee and ….itwasthetimeofthemonthagain. But I manage through with no serious injury for NINE DAYS STRAIGHT! Such an achievement for a fifteen year old girl back then. And then, I get stuck with a stupid cold/hayfever! It really muddles up my mind when it comes to writing stories.
Plus, I think I know the whole reason why I haven't been writing my FanFics lately. It was not just because of a lot happening in my life, it's also that I don't have the transcript for the episodes. I mean, I have the 2012 series – not the 2003 series! But now that they are on iTunes with the closed caption, it will be a lot easier for me now to write my FanFics (and if I have time in my life to write them as well).
Before all that, I have finished uploading the videos with a special announcement as well. It's true. With the software not cooperating with my laptop, I decided to get a MacBook. I used a number of Macs over the years and I thought I could get one for myself. Please, correct me if I'm mistaking – iMovie is used to edit and create movies while Quicktime has a special function that record screen capture. If so, well then, I guess my Let's Watch series will be back in session. If not, I'll have to find something else to work with.
Okay, moving on to the next thing. We got to see a few new characters in the story. First, the couple – Sean and Kimmy. I was going to introduce Sean (just Sean) later on in the series as a support for Sally but - Whoops! Did I just give some plot away or something?! Well, forget what I said. Anyway, I thought it would be nice for Salvadora to meet human for the first time in her life. I know, in the last story, April was the first human she meets but like I said before, I'm redoing this story again and decided to change it a little. So, we might get to see either one of them later on down the track.
The little girl Erica is named after a long-time fan (and currently pen-pal via e-mail) erica phoenix 16. She has been with us since the beginning of my former TSH story and I thought it would be very sweet to add her name in the story since she and I have been in touch for a while now.
Lastly, a couple of weekends ago, it was Pokemon 20th anniversary! We celebrate 20 fantastic years of a very famous video game franchise that kept us gamers entertain! On that particular day, I watch Pokemon The First Movie, Pokemon 2000 and Pokemon 3, and played Pokemon Yellow! Plus, I got myself a Mew and a Celebi via special event! I also got a limited edition Mew stuff toy if you guys know what I'm talking about.
Well, I think that covers pretty much everything. I'll get started on the next chapter which, along with the other chapters, will be uploaded every Monday, so you guys have something to look forward to, okay? But even if I don't get it uploaded on the appointed day, please bear with me, okay? I have a lot on my plate at the moment with me finishing school and getting back into my hobbies and other stuff.
Until we meet again,
TheDragonLord2912)