"The world is a dangerous place, Alexandria. You know this first hand. That's why I would like to teach you ninjitsu. So you can prepare yourself for the future."

"The only person you have to compete with is you."

"Why don't ya join us? You might like it."

"You can help me in the lab. Two heads are better than one, as they always say."

"My name is Michelangelo, but my brothers call me Mikey."

I shoot up in bed.

Looking all around, I get a little worried. The room is large. It's cool and smells nice. It feels safe, but something is very off about it. Almost like I'm being watched. I whip my head all around, trying to figure where I am, what's going on. I don't recognize this place. I don't recognize anything.

Cautiously, I slide out of bed. It's a large one with a fluffy comforter and many pillows. Larger than I feel I'm used to. I'm? Who am I? I hear a knock at the door and whip around to face it, preparing myself in some sort of stance. The door opens all the way as a man peeks in. I can't see him because the light from the hall blocks his face, but I can see enough to tell that he's searching the room for me. When he sees I'm not in bed, he steps in, turning on the light.

I blink out the blinding sight for a moment, fixing my eyes on the man. He gives me a look of untrust that I feel has settled there for many years. I tighten my fists for the defense I fear I'll need. The man's features turn cautious as he asks, "Do you know who I am?"

His voice sounds harsh. Like he gives commands on a daily basis and doesn't take slack from anyone. Like he never takes the time to relax and be calm. Like he looks down on everyone and everything that displeases him. Which, from the feel, happens to be a lot of people and things. I shake my head, "Should I?"

He treads carefully, "Do you know where you are?"

I glare now, "Just tell me."

"My name is Arouku Saki," he says evenly. Coldly, "You are in my home."

I shake my head, "Why?"

He doesn't answer at first. He simply stares like he's not sure what to say. Like he's calculating his moves three turns in advance. While I'm still trying to figure out the game, "Because you are my student. You live here."

I shake my head at this news. I don't know this man. I don't live here. I'd remember if I did. He nods, taking a cautious step forward. I glare and confirm my stance. Though, I'm not even sure I remember how to make an effective blow. Let alone if I've ever even thrown a punch.

"What do you mean by teacher?" I ask. He doesn't give a response. Simply acts. He leans back, kicking out at me. I act on instinct, spinning down low to swing my own leg at his chest. Just as it's about to connect, he grabs my ankle.

"That is what I mean by teacher," he nods. His grip intensifies and he glares, "I am your ninjitsu teacher. I have taken you and another - your sister - under my wing to study with me as my students. In turn, you are my loyal soldiers and do as I ask."

I stare at the foot holding me. I know a fighting style, whatever style that may be. And if what he's saying is true, then it's ninjitsu. I glance up at him, meeting his glaring gaze. He doesn't trust me, "Why can't I remember?"

He releases my foot, "There are those who wish to destroy our name. The Saki foot clan. My foot clan. They are mutated creatures - turtles - and their master - a rat. They are from the Yoshi clan." He pauses at this, to see what I'll do with the news. He says it like this is a normal thing. Like mutated rats and turtles are normal. So they bust be. Though, I have no idea who he's talking about, "You and your sister - Karai - were in a battle against them and they used unfair tricks. They injected you with a serum during the fight. You remember all of your training but have no memories of your life before you woke up."

I look down, trying to comprehend. I'm a ninja. In the Saki foot clan. I take a look around the room once more. No bars on the windows, no chains on the walls, no blood on the carpet. I'm not a prisoner. Just a student who's memories were lost.

"Your name is Saki Alexandria," he explains, "And you are my student. Does this much comprehend?"

My eyes meet his once more before I give him a courteous bow, "Hai, Sensai."

"Episode 2 - ...Is Thicker Than..." is on its way. It's been written and filmed, it just needs to be edited and uploaded. Stay tuned.