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Chapter 8: A Bright Light in Darkness

The mahogany door swung open after the sharp click of a lock being turned, exposing an outpour of yellow light encompassing a blackened figure. The illuminating effect subsided, and Noelle was able to finally look upon her father after nearly a month and a half of his absence in her life.

Felix hadn't aged as properly as he should have, as years of stress and sleepless nights from work had unkindly caught up with him. His hair was streaked with grey, crow's feet wrinkled pale flesh around his eyes, and he donned unkempt bristles on his chin. He eyed his daughter with fatigue, but nonetheless forced himself to smile.

"Noelle, how are ya doing kiddo? Long time no see." He stepped back to allow her passage into his home before he caught sight of her bags and sheepishly rubbed the back of his head. He groggily descended down the three steps and grabbed the heaviest one to take back inside with him so her load wouldn't be as burdensome.

"Thanks dad." Noelle appreciatively accepted the assistance with a gratuitous smile before she followed him inside the building and shut the door behind her. The smell of Chinese food deliciously wafted through the air, prompting her stomach to grumble from the mouth-watering scent. "The food smells good."

Her dad heavily trudged up the stairs with her bag hoisted over his shoulder like a sack. "Just got here, so it should still be nice and hot." He entered into her nearly barren room and groaned when he plopped her luggage onto her bed, rubbing his back as he straightened his spine. "Definitely not as fit as I used to be."

Noelle bit her lip, overridden with guilt as she lowered her belongings onto the ivory carpet. "I'm sorry dad. I didn't mean to grab so much."

He tiredly waved her concerns off. "Nah, forget about it. Now, let's go eat." Felix ambled past her and down the stairs, leaving her desolate in the modest cerulean-painted room. His behavior was unsurprising to her, but she had at least expected a hug or some concern over her current situation, even if he wasn't one for physical contact. Her shoulders sagged in disappointment as she flipped her bedroom light off and prepared to join her father for an awkward dinner.

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Noelle absently poked a chopstick at her egg roll as she glanced back and forth between the television and her dad He had set trays up in front of his leather couch so they could eat their dinner in the living room. The ample screen was currently displaying a popular detective series that she had seen displayed on magazine covers and painted across a couple billboards, but had never taken the time to watch herself. Felix's eyes were focused on the screen, but there was a distant look in them, as if he was lost in a field of thought.

She bit into the egg roll and chewed thoroughly, waiting to see if he would perhaps initiate a conversation. When he refrained from doing so, she patted her mouth with a napkin and timidly spoke up. "Thanks for allowing me to stay over here. I'm really sorry about all this."

Felix blinked and tiredly viewed her as if he hadn't understood a single word she had said. "Yeah sure," he replied with a yawn, not even bothering to lift a hand to cover his mouth before he stood up and grabbed the empty container Styrofoam containers off of his tray table.

Noelle contemplated her dad's lagging movement with a great deal of concern, his form sluggishly walking into the dimly lit kitchen like he'd just awakened from a nap. She simply couldn't fathom how her parents had allowed themselves to become so immersed in their work that they forgot to take care of themselves. It was unhealthy, worrying, and certainly not worth however much money they made. With a sigh, she gathered up her containers as well and trailed after him into the kitchen so she could dispose of her utensils. He was leaning over the sink and splashing water into his face as if he was trying to force himself to stay awake. The bottom of her stomach churned worryingly.

"Dad, you should go to sleep. You look tired." She wasn't his mother, so she had no right to admonish him, but she had a stern tone in her gentle voice so he would understand how serious she was.

He shrugged, uncaring of her concern, and walked past her into the hallway towards his computer room. "I'll sleep in a few. Don't worry about me."

"Why don't we talk for a little? I can make us some tea if you want. Would that be-"

"Noelle." Felix had halted in his steps and turned back until his eyes bore into hers. She felt like shrinking under his rigid gaze. "I'm sorry but I have to finish a project tonight. We'll talk in the morning. Good night." The door firmly shut behind him, leaving her alone in the dark hallway with the only sound coming from the TV they'd abandoned moments ago. She stood in silence, her eyes glued to the wooden floor as she forced herself to take a deep breath to quell the hurt she felt.

He was acting even more distant than usual, and she didn't know why. She wondered if it was her fault that he was more stressed out, what with her showing up with barely a warning and an undetermined amount of time that she'd be staying, not to mention all the projects he had to work on. She lifted her eyes to stare sorrowfully stared down the corridor towards his work room before she decided to turn the TV off and retreat to her room for the night.

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"So what do you think Noelle's dad is like?" Mikey cheerfully asked as he swung his legs off the edge of the den's bench, a content grin on his face. He and Leo had arrived back about a half hour ago, only to stumble onto a competitive game between Donnie and Raph while Casey taunted them from the sidelines. Eventually they grew bored and went their own separate ways, leaving behind April, Mikey, and Leo. The leader had turned on Space Heroes, enthralled by the sci-fi show and quoting it word-for-word while April typed on her laptop and Mikey observed her.

The redhead shrugged and continued to tap her fingertips against the keyboard buttons. "I honestly don't know too much about her to really make a guess." She almost wanted to inquire why the question had even been brought up, but this was Mikey asking it. He was just a curious teen who easily got bored and decided to examine the world around him without a reason. The first night she'd stayed over he'd bombarded her with questions about her childhood and her aunt. April had found it strange at first, but then realized it was just his own way of getting to know somebody. He was just a naturally friendly person.

"I wonder if he's this big muscular guy who always flexes his muscles and goes-"Mikey jumped up and showed off his biceps while clearing his throat to take on a deep voice,"- 'Don't mess with my daughter, punk' ".

April giggled at his display, her eyes reverting back to the screen. "Yeah, maybe." She scrolled down and stiffened, her eyes taking on a serious intensity as they processed the information in front of her. "Well this isn't good."

Noting the somberness in her voice, Leo muted his show and gave the freckled girl his full attention. "What's wrong?"

"An increased sighting of the men in suits," April responded as she typed furiously. Mikey returned to his position and peeked over her shoulder. "People are posting a lot of pictures, so it looks like the Kraang are everywhere right now looking for Noelle." When her father had originally disappeared, she'd created a site with a message board for people to write about all the strange sightings around New York as a way for her and the turtles to track her dad down. This time, it would be used to help their new friend.

She turned the laptop around so the oldest brother could view all the posts, his brow lowering when he scanned the pictures. Sure enough, the Kraang were parading about in their disguised suits and expressionless faces all throughout the city. Several of the locations were near Noelle's apartment.

"I think we need to go up and start clearing the streets," he conveyed as he shut the TV off and made his way over to the dojo to put on his gear. "I'm going to let Casey and Raph know right now what the plan is. Mikey, go to Noelle's house and make sure she is okay. April-" he turned his head back and saw how the Kunoich had already closed her laptop and crossed her arms as she defiantly glared at him, "- go with Donnie. We'll split up and scour the city." He knew the redhead hated being cooped up in the lair and miss out on the action, and since she had handled the fly fight pretty well, he was certain that she'd be fine. "Oh, and Mikey?"

The youngest brother blinked curiously at his leader. "Yeah?"

"Don't freak Noelle out. She probably isn't used to a giant turtle appearing at her window."

"Can do!" The freckled terrapin gave a thumbs up at Leo's retreating back before he pulled out his T-phone and began texting the blonde. He winked at April, knowing that she was probably overjoyed at not having to be stuck in the lair by herself again.

Not even bothering to hide her excitement, the teenage girl smirked and cantered over to Donnie's lab. "Good luck Mikey!"

"You too!" The orange-masked ninja grinned as he hit the send button, and quickly made his way out of the tunnels and back up to the surface.

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Noelle lay on the twin-sized bed in a red tank top and matching flannel pants, her hair down from its ponytail and draped across her back while she rested on her stomach. She'd gone ahead and made herself a cup of Chamomile tea and stirred in three spoons of honey for the right flavor. She'd taken only a few sips before she became absorbed in wandering thoughts.

The silence of the house was almost overwhelming after her stay in the lair, where the atmosphere had been boisterous and lively. She already missed her new friends, and realized she couldn't wait to see them again.

Her body twitched in surprise when she heard a chiming sound go off next to her. She turned her head until she noticed the back of the T-Phone, and gradually picked it up before she flipped it around and was met with a lit screen that had the name "Mikey" glowing in bright yellow letters. Puzzled and yet elated over the sudden text, she instantly accepted it and read what he had written to her.

" Yo dude! so, Leo wants me to make sure that ur ok bcuz I guess the kraang r around ur old area. Im coming over to make sure ur safe, k? Mikey out!"

A deep fear settled in the pit of her stomach as she reread his words, grateful that her grandma had been moved to someplace safe, and that the Turtles were already working on removing the beings that threatened herself and her mother. Regardless of their assurances though, she still couldn't help feeling guilty that the brothers were putting themselves in harm's way to protect her. After witnessing their fighting skills the night before, she had no doubt that they could take care of themselves.

But what if they grew exhausted or were outnumbered or-

"Hey again!"

Noelle was rather proud of herself for not releasing a shriek as Mikey dropped down to her window, her heart profusely pounding as she nearly fell off her bed from backing away in shock. She placed a hand on her chest and took deep breaths to calm herself down before her shoulders sagged in relief at her friend's arrival. Though they had separated not even two hours ago, she was still rather pleased to see him again.

With a grunt she lifted the window up, making a note to herself to clean the glass and sill as both dirt and dust covered her finger tips. "I'm so sorry!" she hastily apologized as she permitted him access. "I wasn't expecting you to arrive so quickly."

"Nah, it's all good," he waved off her apology and bounced onto her bed, his cerulean orbs trailing around the room and a frown on his lips. "This room isn't nearly as cool as your other one."

She apprehensively rubbed her arm as she sat on the bed next to him, slightly embarrassed over his astute observation. "I know. I don't come over here very often, so I guess I just didn't bother decorating. There really isn't a point."

Mikey stared at her as she attempted to hide her forlorn expression. Knowing that something was bothering her, he sat straight up and gave her his full attention. "Why?"

Noelle bit her lower lip. "My dad is always away on business or too busy working, so I don't really get the opportunity to see him."

Truthfully, Mikey couldn't imagine what it would be like to not see Splinter for a while. He didn't quite understand how Noelle felt, but he wanted to try and make her feel better somehow.

"I see. That's like April's dad and aunt. Her aunt is always working and her dad was mutated, so I think she gets kinda lonely. I tried to tell her that it was okay because our dad was mutated too, and I guess it worked because she laughed. Donnie told me it wasn't the same thing, but I mean, it totally is!" He extended his hand out and spread his three fingers. "I'm mutated, and it isn't so bad! I just look different."

She found it rather ironic that she looked "normal" and could fit in with everybody on the surface, yet was lonely, even with all the people around her. Mikey was considered strange by human standards, and even though he only had his family, April and Casey, he seemed rather content and sociable.

She stared at his hand, and then glanced down at her own, mentally comparing their life styles. Noelle repeated the eye movement a few more times, oblivious to Mikey studying her. He suddenly broke out into a grin and rubbed his hands together like he'd come up with a genius idea.

"Let's make an art piece together to put on your wall!"

The blonde blinked at his sudden request before the corners of her mouth tilted up. "Alright. Do you have an idea of what you want to create?"

Mikey hopped off the bed and bounced on the heels of his feet. "Yeah! Let's get paint and paper!"

Noelle nodded and proceeded to unpack her art supplies until she reached a canvas and one of her bins of paint. She had just set her easel up when she turned around and noticed the terrapin squeezing orange paint onto his left hand. She quickly placed the canvas on the easel and watched as he set the tube down and rubbed his hands together so they were both plastered with the acrylic medium.

"Why are you doing that?"

Mikey stood up and stepped over to her side, appearing rather elated about his mysterious plan. "Watch this!" He flattened both hands firmly on the board before he pulled away and triumphantly gestured at the two orange hand prints. "Ta-dah!"

Noelle wasn't sure why that was what he wanted to do, but she wouldn't question it if it made him happy. She, out of all people, understood that everybody experienced and produced different versions of art, and just because somebody didn't understand the work didn't mean it wasn't creative or beautiful.

"It looks beautiful," she sincerely complimented, promising herself that she would hang it up as soon as she could.

Mikey continued his bouncing and shook his head. "Not yet! What's your favorite color?"

Noelle wondered what else he was planning to add to the picture, and was rather intrigued by his concealed idea. She pondered over the question, as she found something likable about all the colors she used. She finally settled on an answer after hastily running through a list in her mind.

"I like dark blue, specifically midnight blue," she answered. "It reminds me of the night sky, which is why it is really inspiring to me." To prove her point, she went back onto her bed and peered out the window, allowing the night air to caress her loose strands of hair as she pointed at the sky. "It's about that color."

"It isn't midnight though."

She continued looking outside, a blissful look on her features. "It will be, though."

[Meet Joe Black: Walkaway]

Mikey beamed and grabbed one of her wrists, smearing orange paint on her ivory flesh. He slowly pulled her off the bed and towards the canvas before he bent down and grabbed a tube with a dark blue color label on it. He twisted the cap off and gestured his head towards her hands with a nod. She complied, and shyly extended her palms out so he could squirt some of the paint onto her.

"Now rub them together," he cordially directed her before he displayed his own smeared hands. "They have to look like mine!"

Noelle followed his instructions, and felt herself giggling when the cool substance slathered itself over her palms and fingers.

Mikey grinned. "Okay, now here's the cool part." He stepped behind her and innocently encircled his arms around her form so that he could reach her forearms, his plastron pressed firmly against her back. She stiffened up at first from the unfamiliar contact, but then relaxed, her cheeks stained pink from the warmth in her chest. It was a little frightful, but also exciting, as she'd never been able to experience something so personal before.

The orange-masked turtle moved the both of them forward, and then flattened her palms in the center of the board. Once he was sure she'd left a mark, he stepped back and over to her side, his lips pulled back into a smile when he saw the delighted expression on her face.

A set of orange three-fingered hands covered a majority of the piece, but right on top of it was a miniature set of blue human prints. As Noelle studied the artwork with fascination and wonderment, an idea gathered in her head. Mikey witnessed as she lifted a finger up and spelled her name neatly on the board. She stepped back and glanced back at the terrapin, who caught on right away. He nearly bounded forward as he wrote his the shortened version of his name in bigger, sloppier letters, pronouncing one letter at a time until his whole name was on there.

He stepped back, proudly standing next to her as they contently viewed their masterpiece.

"It's magnificent Mikey," Noelle at last breathed out before turning to face him. "Thank you."

The turtle draped an arm over her shoulders and smirked. "Naw. We did it together! That's what's up!" He held raised a hand up, and this time the young artist enthusiastically slapped her palm against his. Speckles of paint splattered onto their faces at the forceful contact, leaving both of the teens silent before they burst out laughing. Noelle covered her mouth to try to keep her laughter quiet, but she only ended up smearing more orange and blue paint on her face. She was embarrassed until Mikey smeared some on his face as well to match her. This only provoked them into even more laughter, until both of them had to sit down to prevent themselves from falling over.

She had never laughed so hard before in her life. Her ribs hurt and her eyes watered as her body shook relentlessly. She was surprised her father didn't hear the commotion, but she was glad he hadn't, otherwise the moment would be ruined.

"We should clean up," she suggested once they both had calmed down, each of them still smiling.

"Aw, really?" Mikey pouted. "I kinda dig the look."

Noelle giggled and ambled over to her door, her hand slipping a little on the knob before she managed to swing it open. "I suppose we can create more art again soon."

The freckled teen brightened at the suggestion, eagerly nodding his head and giving her an orange thumbs-up. "You got it dude!"

The human girl disappeared for only a minute before returning with some wet wash cloths and two fluffy towels. The pair quickly cleaned themselves up, finishing just at Mikey's T-phone began to ring.

[+]

"Aw snap, looks like it's Leo!" he announced to her before answering. "What up bro?"

"Mikey, we finished cleaning the area up. Is Noelle safe?"

The lime-green reptile leaned over to Noelle and poked her face, prompting a curious and timid glance from her. "Yeah dude. She's fine. Yo, you gotta check out our art! It should be in a museum or something!"

He could almost hear Leo rolling his eyes and smirking. "Uh, maybe next time. Meet us at the lair."

"You got it!" He clicked the phone off and turned towards her. "Well, I gotta go. I have to be quiet all the way home, thought."

She tilted her head, worry gnawing in her stomach again as she wondered if something was wrong. "Oh, because you'll get caught? Is everything okay?"

Mikey straightened his posture and cleared his throat so it took on a deeper tone. "Because I'm a ninja and ninjas have to be quiet. Shh! Be quiet. All ninjas must be quiet." He winked. "Do I sound like Leo?"

Noelle clamped her jaw shut to stifle her laughter. "I'm not sure. Does he actually sound like that?"

"Pffft all the time! He isn't as bad as he used to be, but he totally let the whole leadership thing go to his head!"

She chuckled. "I guess it can be very easy to do. He seems like he does a good job though, and that's all that matters, right?"

"Dude, Leo almost died once to save us! It was so cool, well not at the time, but it was bad butt!"

Once again, Noelle had to force back her laughter. "What's a bad butt?"

He rubbed his green head as if he had to think deeply about the question. "I'm not sure, but I heard Master Splinter tell Raph to say that word instead of some other one."

"Makes sense." She watched as Mikey stepped out of her window and glanced back down at her, his eyes glowing as softly as he when he had saved her.

"See ya tomorrow. You'll be kicking Kraang butt in no time!" He punched a fist in the air and then cheerfully waved before he leapt out of her window and down to the streets below. Noelle leaned on the sill and smiled when he reached the man hole and turned around to wave at her once again. When he disappeared into the dismal tunnel, she turned around and focused on the new painting they created. She casually strolled over to it, analyzing it closely with every step she took. Her hand raised itself up and landed on one of the prints she'd created earlier. She compared her size to Mikey's, and realized that his hands were so much bigger than hers, yet he was able to use them to fight and be gentle at the same time. He was a kind soul who she felt beyond lucky to have as a friend.

As she lowered her hand and unknowingly traced their names with her finger tips, she felt a tear sliding down her cheek. Shocked, she reached up to wipe it away, only for another one to fall on the other side of her face. These tears weren't from sadness, but a lightness in her heart that made her feel joy.

These were happy tears.

She'd never experienced crying from joy before, but now she was so grateful to be experiencing the warmth flowing through her chest as she realized that the elation she felt was from sharing something so precious with Mikey that she'd never experienced with anybody else before. He had given her an art piece made of a friendship, and she would never forgive the kindness of that moment.

"Thank you Mikey."