Note: Some parts in this chapter refer to my fics 'Falling inside the Black' and 'United by Fate'.
Chapter Six
As the week past, all the Mutopians who had decided to take part in the Talent Show had practised very hard.
Some had been secretive about their acts, yet some others asked for opinions on their routines.
Tania had been hard at work making costumes as well as arranged make-up and hair sessions with the with those savvier with make-up, so she didn't have to do all the work.
Louie along with Patch, Tyroth and a few other helpers made some delicious food and drinks for the pre and post show and the interval.
Leona, having the skills as a carpenter, along with the help of Cam and Barry had made sure all the props and sets were made both for the decoration of the stage and for those needing props in their acts.
Hacker had taken it on himself to help with stage lighting and technical stuff along with Donatello and Cam and Barry.
Of course, Rattletrap tried to assist, but as all the Mutopians knew how bad he was at his tinkering tried to politely tell him to stay away, yet others had to be more firm with him when he refused to listen.
In the end Tyroth assigned him with some errands to keep the clumsy rat away which helped and by the time he returned, everything was done carefully and safely, yet Jack offered to be a watchdog to keep Rattletrap from trying to as he would put it 'improve things'.
Finally, it was the night of the Show, and Tyroth was going over the last minute checks whilst everyone else either got ready backstage or starting taking their seats in the auditorium, which was in fact the Mess Hall.
"How are the lights, Donnie?" the dragon shouted over to the side.
"Working fine, all rigged up to the different settings needed for each act!" the purple masked turtle called over.
"And the music?"
"All sorted in order of the program!"
"Very good!" Tyroth said then looked over Cam and Barry who were moving some tables so the snacks and drinks could be put out.
"We nearly done there yet, boys?" he asked.
"Just about!" Barry said, "Just got to put two more tables out then we're done!"
"Excellent!" Tyroth grinned "Just like clockwork!"
He looked over to George who was seated at the front of the audience right in front of the stage along with Splinter.
"Looks fantastic Tyroth!" he said, "You've really gone out this year!"
"Thanks Gramps!" Tyroth said proudly.
"And I am especially excited to see the different acts!" Splinter smiled "I wonder what my sons and daughter have planned?"
Tyroth chuckled.
"I'm sure we'll find out soon!" he said.
"And what about you?" George asked to which Tyroth looked over.
"Me?" he asked.
"Yes, what will you do in the show?" George asked.
"Well at first I hadn't thought about it!" Tyroth said in a truthful tone "Since I'm already a producer, but I got something planned!"
Splinter smiled.
"That does please me!" he said.
"Raymond!" a voice soon made the Dragon jump, and he looked over his shoulder to see Richard and Erica along with Hugh.
They had been invited to the Yuletide Entertainment and to the Dragons delight they had accepted.
"Mum! Dad! Hugh!" Tyroth said joyfully going over to his parents and embracing them close then giving Hugh a handshake.
"I'm so glad you could make it!" he said.
"Wouldn't miss it!" Richard laughed "We're very excited!"
"For sure my friend!" Hugh laughed "I got lucky to take time off over Christmas, I justhope nothing too serious happens topside."
"You and me both!" Tyroth agreed as his eyes glazed up to the ceiling wondering what would happen topside.
So far, much to his pleasure there hadn't been too much trouble in the city, apart from the odd burglary or drug dealing.
Even though it was Christmas, he, the Knights and the Hamato Clan still continued their patrols as crime never took a break, even around the holidays.
"Mum! Dad!" Erica and Richard looked over to see Amber and Jake arrive and at once Amber hugged both her parents.
"Hey my baby girl!" Erica smiled and stroked Amber's cheek then looked up at Jake.
"Ah Jake! Hello!" she said as her husband shook Jake's hand.
"Hi Mr and Mrs Ottosen!" Jake answered.
"How have you been my boy?" Richard asked, "I trust you've been keeping Jen…Um, Amber safe?"
"Oh yes sir!" Jake replied "Although I think Amber's the one whose been protecting me! She's the longer serving Knight!"
Amber laughed.
"Well, we watch each other's backs! And everything else!" she said.
"Good to hear!" Richard chuckled then he looked a little solemn "By the way Jake, I know it's been over two years since…well."
"I know." Jake sighed "It's hard, but we get through, and my main concern is making sure that Mutopia is still safe, despite my brothers' antics."
"Well, there's no need to mention him." Amber interrupted "That Raven's got no place here; it's Christmas and we should be having fun!"
"She's right!" Tyroth added "Whatever Diablo's doing, or wherever he is, he's not important, right now, we can focus on our show and our celebrations!"
"Absolutely!" Erica agreed.
"Speaking of which." Tyroth looked at the clock "By Odin, look at the time!" he then coughed and clapped his hands to which everyone in the room stopped what they were doing to look at him.
"Attention please!" he called "Attention!"
"We hear you man!"
"We're listening!"
"What's up?"
Tyroth looked around and when he was confident everyone was listening, he began to speak.
"In about forty minutes, the audience will be taking their seats!"
At once a gasp resonated around the room, both with excitement and nerves.
"So can everyone whose taking part get backstage, get into your costumes, get warmed up! You know the drill!"
At once everyone scattered whilst some either just watching or were not on until later, took their seats in the auditorium.
Leona quickly started to clear up sawdust from some last-minute work she had to do, Donatello finished checking the equipment and Cam and Barrie put the last of the food and drinks on the tables.
"Nearly finished here boss!" Cam called over to which Tyroth gave a thumbs up.
"Curtains closed!" the dragon called over his shoulder and the large red curtains got pulled together ready to open when it was finally showtime.
"Where do you want us son?" Richard asked as he looked around.
"Anywhere you like!" Tyroth said "I better get back with the others and make sure they're getting ready!"
"Me too!" Amber agreed.
"And I!" said Jake then took Hugh and Richard's hands as well as gave Erica a quick hug.
"Good luck!" Richard said.
"Or as they say in show business, break a leg!" Hugh laughed.
"Oh, we've broken a few legs on patrol!" Amber chuckled "Well, not us eh Jakey?"
Jake shook his head and tittered.
"Come on!" he said taking her hand "We better go backstage!"
Amber agreed and after giving her parents a kiss she and Jake quickly went backstage.
Tyroth soon followed them whilst Richard, Erica and Hugh took their seats.
As the Dragon arrived backstage, I saw many Mutopians including some of the Hamato Clan warming up and getting ready to go on stage.
Sonia was standing at the side along with the Geckolings, Pandora and Kemeko, wearing baggy army trousers and a dark green crop top.
Freya and Loki were wearing matching black suits with a different coloured bow tie. Freya's was green whilst Loki's was red.
Kemeko was wearing a sparkling white leotard and tiny tutu and was balancing on one leg with her other leg straight up in the air.
Pandora meanwhile was wearing a red and orange leotard with see through legs and arms and was doing some stretches of her own.
"Oh, Uncle T! I got butterflies in my tummy!" the Chameleon confessed as soon as she saw Tyroth.
"I'm not scared!" Pandora said.
"You are!" Loki teased pointing at the young hybrid "Don't fib!"
"Oh, shut up!" Pandora put out her tongue.
"Settle down kids!" Tyroth said then looked at Sonia.
"It's alright to be nervous Sonia! Don't worry, you're going to be great!"
Sonia smiled, yet the dragon could see it wavering a bit.
He walked up and stroked Sonia's cheek.
"I believe in you kiddo! All of you!" he added to the excited children "Show them what you can do eh?"
"Yes, Uncle T!" the children replied in unison.
Meanwhile Raphael and Monalisa were standing together behind the stage along with Michelangelo and Kate.
The red masked turtle was wearing a smart suit with some sparkling red detail and smart shiny black shoes, and Monalisa was wearing a glamorous burgundy dress with a flowing skirt that shimmered as she moved, she also wore matching stilettos and sparkling make up and some of her hair was done up in a bun whilst the rest tumbled down her back.
Meanwhile Michelangelo and Kate wore forties style clothes, Michelangelo in a grey and black suit and hat, and Kate wore something similar, yet she wore a skirt and they each had roller skates on.
"Think you're ready to roll Mike? So to speak?" the Viper asked with a giggle.
"I think so babe!" Michelangelo replied, "I'm more used to a skateboard, but I'm adaptable!"
"Break a leg little brother!" Monalisa nudged Michelangelo's shoulder.
"Not for real though!" Raphael quipped winking at Michelangelo.
"Thanks bro! Big sis!" Michelangelo said then gripped Kate's hand "Oh boy, am I ready for this!"
So it's almost showtime! And everyones excited and ready to perform! Keep checking back to see what acts will take the stage, who will wow the audience and who will be a snooze, or a stink? Keep your eyes peeled!