Thanks to everybody who reviewed last chapter. I will try to get the next one up as soon as possible. Also, who else is excited for Raph being brainwashed? ; ]

Chapter 3: The Day Things Changed

Noelle savored lunch period.

Next to Art Club, it was the only other time of the school day she could serenely get lost in her drawings. She usually brought a lunch from home and sat outside in the courtyard, basking in the fresh air and sunlight. She always had at least one sketchbook and two pencils with a durable eraser in her bag so she could tune out the world with her music and allow her imagination to roam free on paper.

Her freedom to sit outside wouldn't last forever though. She knew that eventually the changing of the seasons would bring about unpleasant chills that would confine her into the stuffy building, where her solitude would be even more known as she was compelled to isolate herself at one of the round tables or with classmates that would probably just send her nothing more than an brow raise before carrying on with their social life.

It was something she would have to deal with, just as she'd done the past several years.

A hand on her shoulder caused her to recoil away in a unsettled manner. Her eyes flew up and met a pair of bright cerulean orbs peeking out from beneath tangerine colored bangs. A girl with a yellow headband and freckled face held her hands up apologetically. Not wanting to be rude, Noelle quickly paused her music and yanked the earbuds out of her ears.

"Oh, uh hi there. Sorry for interrupting you. I just wanted to tell you that your drawing is amazing. I'm impressed."

Noelle blinked in surprise before bashfully looking away. "You think so?"

"I really do! My name is April by the way. We have Algebra and English Lit. together. I always see you drawing, and I was curious to see how good you really are." April had a sincere smile, and Noelle felt herself relaxing.

"It's very kind of you to say so. Thank you." She'd heard compliments on her art before, but that was usually from her grandma, uncle, or art teacher. For a fellow student to actually approach on her own and admit how impressed she was truly flattered Noelle, but she also wasn't entirely sure how to react except to show expected gratitude.

"Hey yeah, that isn't bad!"

Noelle stiffened as another voice made itself known from behind her, this one belonging to a male. She apprehensively tilted her head up and saw a boy with missing teeth, dark hair, and auburn eyes peeking over her shoulder.

"Casey Jones is my name. I have Algebra with you too. I gotta say, I've never seen you talking to anybody. You a loner or something?"

"Casey!" April slapped his arm and glared.

"Ow! Take it easy Red!"

"Well don't be rude!"

"I suppose he's right," Noelle placidly admitted, causing the two friends to cease their bickering. "I don't mean to be."

Casey rubbed the back of his head, suddenly looking rather ashamed. "Hey look, I didn't mean to hurt your feelings or anything. I'm sorry."

Noelle shook her head. "It's okay. Thanks for the compliment." She felt awkward. He didn't seem like a bad person, just somebody who would say what they were thinking without always considering what negative impact their words might have. She'd heard worse from other people behind her back, so at least he had the audacity to speak to her face and even apologize when there really hadn't been a need to. She wasn't used to it.

"There you two are. What's taking so long?" A bespectacled girl with black and purple hair ambled over and impatiently placed her hands on her hips, her violet lips thinned into a frown.

"Sorry Irma," April apologized. "We'll be right there."

Irma raised a brow before fleetly giving Noelle a look over and turning away. Judging by the irritated groan Casey gave, Noelle easily deduced that Irma was somebody Casey didn't care much for.

"I suppose we should go," April suggested. She and Casey were starting to walk away before she turned around and smiled. "Hey, why don't you join us? You don't have to sit over here by yourself."

Noelle's heart jumped at the fact that somebody actually wanted to eat lunch with her, bringing a small smile to her face. As she thought about the scenario though, she realized she'd have absolutely no idea what to say. She truly wanted to go join them, but something was holding her back.

"I would love to, but I would like to finish this picture before class." She wanted to yell at herself for blowing off the one chance she'd received at making friends again.

"Well how about tomorrow then?" April offered.

"Yeah, we'll save you a seat," Casey chimed in as he revealed a toothless grin.

Noelle beamed, grateful that they were giving her another chance. Yeah, she'd be ready by tomorrow. "Okay."

[][][]

For the first time in what felt like forever, Noelle found herself actually feeling merry during the rest of the school day. She was excited that somebody had actually talked to her, and even invited her to lunch. The happiness dissipated once the chime signaling school was out echoed through the classroom.

Once again, she drifted alone through the crowded hallways, navigating around scant social groups that for some odd reason chose to stand directly in the middle of the corridor. She saw April, Casey and Irma jaunt out of the building together, and for a moment she was tempted to join them. Her nerves got the better of her though, and so she plugged her earbuds in once again to tune out the real world as the sounds of life threatened to drown her.

She needed an escape, and she knew exactly where to go.

[][][]

[American Beauty: American Beauty]

The Subway Station was crowded. People weaved around each other to head towards their destined platforms as they made their journeys home from a long day of work or school. Noelle descended down the station steps and pulled out her Station Card. She swiped the card swiftly through the card reader at one of the mini gates and entered when she heard the beep confirming her access. She shuffled over to Station 2 and patiently stood behind the yellow line.

Within a minute the ground rumbled, and the Subway screeched to a halt in front of her. Doors on both sides opened so those inside the train could safely exit while the ones waiting to board could enter without bumping into each other. Noelle opted to stand in the car, her hand wrapping itself around one of the poles adjacent to the door. The opening slid shut, and off the train shot through multiple tunnels of darkness.

She pressed her forehead against the silver pole, her eyes staring ahead in a trance like state as she continued listening to her music and ignored the way people thudded into her or conversed over her head. It was like she was some invisible person that people could feel but not actually see, and it stung. Of course, the people around her were strangers, so she wasn't expecting any of them to so much as spare her a glance, but it seemed to happen everywhere. School, the public, and even her own home had her feeling like a ghost sometimes. The fact that somebody actually saw her today was incredible, but she didn't know how long it would last.

When would she actually feel visible again?

Her stop at last arrived, freeing her from the sea of cramped passengers. She hastily stepped up the stairs, and indulged herself to breathe in the fresh air of Central Park.

The park was her favorite place to go when it came to wanting to break away from life. She appreciated strolling along the path and eying the widespread verdant fields surrounded by rows of hefty trees that seemed to serve as protection from the city's bustling chaos.

Noelle located one of her favored benches that had an adequate perspective of one of the numerous lakes scattered within the park. She made herself comfortable on the seat and pulled out her sketchbook and some colored pencils from her bag. Once the book was positioned on her lap, she began swiping lines across the crème colored paper. She allowed herself to once again be swept away in her art, barely noticing the shadows that casually crept over the park and the emptying pedestrians that packed up to leave for the day.

The picture was completed just before sunset. Noelle flexed her fingers to get rid of the cramped tension among her joints as she evaluated the work she'd finally finished. Numerous fairies with various colored wings were whirling over a lake's surface, their feet leaving ripples along the azure surface. It was an alluring design, and it had proven to be an ideal distraction, but she still found herself feeling unfulfilled. Art could only occupy her for so long, and once she came off of her high she was hit full force with the realism of existence, which could be rather unsettling.

[+]

Noelle put her supplies away and sighed before lying on her back across the bench so she could stare at the darkening sky. Blended navy blues and amethysts overlaid the celestial sphere looming over her head. Hesitantly, she elevated a hand upwards, envisioning the colors spreading across her fingertips like paint. She pondered what it would be like to make contact with the sky, soaring above the clouds and flying among the stars. It was something she'd often found herself contemplating about, not even concerned about just how impossible the thought really was. She gradually lowered her arm, not even bothering to glimpse around and consider if anybody was staring at her.

After all, she was invisible.

[][][]

By the time Noelle exited the station, the sun had set and left behind the moon in its place. She knew it was dangerous to be unattended in the park so late in the day, but she couldn't help herself. It was such an enchanting place, and she wished she could visit every day and just get obscured in the natural loveliness of it all.

Unfortunately, she had class tomorrow, and she still needed to eat dinner.

She entered one of the alleys she usually used as a shortcut to get to her home faster. Never before had she encountered any problems, nor felt in danger as she infiltrated the cast shadows of fire escapes and dumpsters. It was a brief walk that would lead into her section of the city, and after turning a couple streets, up to the front door of her apartment building. As a safety precaution, she turned her music off so she could be alert.

She hummed quietly to herself as she sauntered between buildings, her eyes glued ahead as she wondered about dinner and if her mom had even bothered to eat. A clanging sound from behind halted her movement, prompting her to reverse her attention as her heart pounded.

Three men with the exact same face were fixated on her with a blank expression. She heard another sound from the opposite end, causing her to focus on the opposite side. Three more men who looked exactly the same blocked off her route, each of them clutching a gun. Fear shot up her spine as she stood directly in the middle of the alley. "I'm trapped! What's happening?" she thought to herself in a panicky voice. Her hands latched tightly around the strap of her bag.

[Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Adolescent Genetically Altered Shinobi Terrapins]

The center one from the group behind her stepped forward, his legs making a strange metallic sound as he did so. "Are you the one known as Noelle Richards, daughter of the one known as Savannah Jackson?" His voice sounded peculiar, almost robotic as he spoke, and he didn't bat his eyes even once.

She felt nauseous at the alarming fact that this perilous man not only knew her name, but her mom's too. "H-how do you know?"

The man drew out his own gun and pointed it at her, the other two behind him following his example. "You are to come with Kraang, daughter of the one known as Savannah." All three walked forward, as did the men on the other side.

Never before had Noelle felt so terrified. Her legs shook as she realized her and her mother's lives were in danger, and she had absolutely no idea what was going to happen to them. There was no way she could take these men on, especially when she was alone and unarmed.

She did the only thing she could do.

"Help!" she yelled out, pushing the limits of her vocal box as far as she could so she could be heard. Two men reached out, each one grabbing one of her arms.

"No! Please! Let me go!"

"Booyakasha!"

The men painfully gripping her wrists were ripped away from her, causing her to plummet on her knees as her assailants were yanked into the shadows. She shielded her ears and squeezed her eyes shut as gun shots were fired all around her.

"Six of you against one girl? That's pathetic, even for you morons!"

Her eyes shot open just as she identified one of the men flying past her and slamming into an open dumpster, its lid falling over her attacker with a heavy slam. She could apprehend people fighting with what sounded like multiple weapons, but she couldn't detect them. She inspected all directions to try and get a glimpse of what was going on, but only saw what appeared to be short bursts of sparks followed by what resembled robots shutting down.

And then there was silence.

"Are you a hurt?" a male voice called out from the shadows.

Noelle remained on the ground, holding herself up with her arms. She couldn't tell where the tone was coming from. She swallowed, trying to wet her dry throat. "I'm okay," she meekly replied.

"Good, now let's get outta here," a gruffer voice suddenly spoke. "I'm bored already."

She perceived the sound of movement, and she realized that she couldn't let her own chance at finding help disappear. "No, please wait!" she blurted.

Their movement halted, and she knew she had gotten their attention. She stared up and saw four pairs of white eyes observing her. She shuddered, but understood she had no choice but to beg. "Those men…they are after my mom! They asked about me and her and since they tried to take me I think they're going after her next!" She would never speak so boldly to anybody, but she was frantic. "I know I shouldn't get you involved, especially after you saved my life, but I'm scared for her. Please…help." The last word came out as a whisper as she hung her head down.

Reticence filled the air for only a few seconds before it was broken.

"I think we should help her dudes."

"Wait! Mikey!"

Something landed in front of her, startling her and causing her to gulp as she timidly tilted her head up. She was only able to make out a dark figure within the shadow.

"My name's Mikey. I'm not going to hurt you. I'm one of the good guys! Just…please promise not to freak out."

She nodded, unsure as to what he could possibly mean.

A lime green turtle materialized out of the darkness.

She should have panicked. When he warned her about his appearance she was expecting to see a deformed person, not a turtle possessing human qualities. She was definitely startled, but as she ogled at his freckled face she saw a friendly smile and a pair of gentle azure eyes peeking out from within the eye holes of an orange mask. They were kind eyes, and she knew that he didn't mean her any harm.

He crouched down in front of her, and held out his three-fingered hand for her to take.

"Let me help you up!" he cheerfully offered.

She paused at the offer of contact before she casually slipped her petite hand into his broad one, permitting him to pull her in one swift movement. His skin was surprisingly soft, and even a little warm. He beamed at her and let go of her hand.

"Yo bros! She's totally okay! Come out now!"

After what appeared to be a moment of hesitation the other three emerged, revealing that they were turtles as well. They each wore a different colored mask; red, purple, and blue.

"These are my bros!" Mikey proudly gestured. "That's Leo, Donnie, and cranky Raph." He pointed at each turtle respectively, earning a gruff from Raph.

"I'll show you cranky!"

"Knock it off," Leo intervened as he stepped forward, his eyes scanning Noelle's face as if he was judging her. "Who are you?"

"I'm Noelle," she shyly answered, her eyes drifting to the ground. "I live in an apartment building on the corner of Etna and Elm Street. I was walking home and these men just grabbed me. I don't know what's going on, but I think they are after my mom." Her voice trembled but she swallowed the knot in her throat. "Can you please help me?"

They were all silent, as if contemplating their decision.

"I think we should. We helped April out and now we're all good friends. This girl doesn't seem bad," Donnie suggested, his reddish brown eyes softening when he saw her saddened features.

"Come on dude! We have to help her! We help people!" Mikey pointed out.

Leo glanced over at Raph, who rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. "Up to you, chief."

The leader finally nodded, nearly causing Noelle to topple over in relief. "Alright, let's go. We'll take the roofs. Mikey, you carry her."

She blinked in puzzlement. "Carry me?"

"You got it bro!" Mikey bent down and patted the back of his shell. "Hop on!"

Feeling a bit awkward and bashful, the blonde teen slowly climbed on. The shell texture was rather rough, but it allowed her to get a good enough grip to secure her position.

"Ready?"

"I-"

"Hold on, dudette!"

She squeaked in surprise as Mikey and his brothers instantaneously leaped several feet off the ground like they weighed nothing. She watched in awe as the ground beneath them increased in distance. She pressed her knees tightly into the side of his carapace as they scaled up the fire escapes with ease until they flung themselves onto the roof and shot forward. Noelle held onto Mikey for dear life while the terrapins vaulted across deep rifts and buildings with amazing agility, seemingly uncaring of the fact that one misstep could send one of them falling to their death. She might've admired the view of the streets any other time, but her primary focus was reaching her home and making sure everything was okay.

When her apartment building came into view, she pointed ahead to her kitchen entrance. "I live in that one over there!" she told Mikey.

"Got it!" He accelerated his speed. "Hey dudes, follow me!"

Without question his brothers pursued, safely landing on the fire escape right outside her kitchen. Noelle hopped off and ran inside.

When she entered the kitchen, she immediately knew something was wrong.

The dining table and chairs were knocked over, as if a struggle had occurred. She dashed down the hall, analyzing the bathroom and bedrooms first before checking the final room. If her mom was anywhere it would be in her office.

The door was marginally ajar. She hesitantly pushed it in.

Her eyes widened and her heart dropped.

She fell onto her knees, dismayed by the scene before her.

Her mother's computer lay with a cracked screen on the ground in front of her overturned desk. Papers were scattered all over the floor and a bookshelf lay toppled over a heap of books. Savannah's coffee mug was in pieces, a puddle of the liquid seeping into wooden floor panels, and scarlet window drapes were ripped and hanging off a bent rod.

The turtles quietly entered in behind her. Mikey and Donnie dismally eyed the scene while Leo shook his head and Raph glowered.

Noelle felt numb and defeated as she knelt on the floor, hands covering her mouth in horror.

They were too late.

Her mother was gone.

[+]