A/N: Well hey everyone! So I managed to get the blood pumpin' to the brain, so here is the next chapter. I personally am not happy with this chapter as I am the others, which is odd considering that this chapter was the most vivid of all the ones I had thought ahead of. However, so happy was I to not only sit down and write this, but...well, to actually sit down and write this. :) Rhoda J didn't get to look at this cause she just came back. I figured I'd let her alone for the moment. No worries - I have plenty of things for her to read LOL and for all of you too! Remember, Gina says homework before fan fic!

This is something I call "When Donatello met Dellandra". Translation at the end.

運命が割り当てれば

Yuku Sue Unmei

CHAPTER NINE

The Battle Nexus tournament was always a highlight for the sons of Hamato Splinter, as he himself always enjoyed coming there. The serenity of the place, the feel of nature and the atmosphere all around them; being here brought the aged ninja master a sense of peace he couldn't always feel while in the presence of his sons.

It was many years ago that Splinter had first some across this dimension, with his own Master Yoshi. When the day came for the tournament to come around, Splinter nearly decided not to go. He had just found the baby turtles and he didn't think leaving them, on their own and without his intervention was a bad idea. Donatello had already proven that once he began crawling, there would be nothing to stop him from getting in anything he could.

Luckily, Splinter's return to the Battle Nexus started his great friendship with the Daimyo, despite the fact that his appearance was changed from a mere ordinary rat to what he was now. The Daimyo, though surprised by his appearance, still accepted this unlikely pupil of Hamato Yoshi. It was the Daimyo's staff that allowed Splinter to check on his young wards while he was in the Nexus realm.

It seemed like only yesterday that Splinter was a simple, but beloved pet to his master, that they should both travel to the Battle Nexus universe to compete in their tournament, and where Master Yoshi had been crowned champion two years in a row. The Japanese warrior would have easily gone on to pull in a third, if he had not been killed by the Shredder. But that didn't stop his familiar – in his new, humanoid form, Splinter was also able to continue his master's tradition and was the holder of the championship for two years as well, until Draco injured his leg, and when his young charges began to grow up.

It was the pride of any father to watch as his own sons competed in the Battle Nexus, despite the fact that he had told them not to follow. But they were teenagers and thus, prone to disobeying anything he would tell them. On this occasion, with the Ultimate Ninja and Draco combining to try and bring down the Daimyo, having his sons there was greatly appreciated as they fought these two new enemies.

Today was a special day, as the Daimyo had invited the family to a special dinner, to introduce them to one of those lords in his land. The supreme leader of the lands had thought the introduction was beneficial to the turtles, especially after their new struggles – the cheat of death, Leonardo's anger, the surprise attack from Karai, the knowledge of an even stronger and most evil of Shredders – a sit down dinner with an old friend and possibly a new one was too much of a good thing to pass.

So now, the clan known as Hamato stood within the large throne room of the great Daimyo, with the supreme lord, his servant, and his son standing at the ready to be transported to the land of his friend. "Ah," the supreme lord greeted, once the family of five had arrived and were received by his man servant, Gyoji. "My friends, I'm so glad you could come."

"It is we who are honored," Splinter replied, bowing respectfully. "Our gratitude for inviting us to such a grand dinner."

"It is nothing, my friend," the Daimyo replied. "Ito Roshi is an old friend of mine and truly, it is a mark on my friendship to you and your sons that Roshi's name did not once register with me when I saw you again."

"What do you mean, Daimyo?" asked Leonardo.

The Daimyo only smiled, chuckling slightly. "Perhaps I will leave that to be a surprise," he said. Patting his son on top of his red head, he continued with, "Come! We will go to Lord Roshi's." Swirling his staff, the Daimyo created a large portal that showed a beautiful land much like that of the Daimyo's. Splinter led the procession through the portal, his sons following and the Daimyo bringing up the rear.

The lands were exquisite; well that's what Leo thought. He had always enjoyed coming to the Nexus dimension, if just to bask in the nature and environment of the place. While his home would always be New York, Leo didn't think he would ever mind living in this place. There was a slight breeze in the air, causing the trees and blades of grass to move in their own dance. The sun was overhead, but not so hot that it was cumbersome, and it helped to keep the breeze from being too cold.

"These are the lands of Ito Roshi," the Daimyo replied, gesturing around. He had purposefully placed them on top a small hill overlooking the land, so they could see with their own eyes the beauty. He led them down a path, pointing out various things as they walked on. When they reached the bottom, however, that was where the true magic of the land began. "These lands may seem…unique to your sons, Splinter-son," the ruler continued. Reaching the embankment, the aged rat understood his friend's sentiment.

Before them, were fields of varying flowers and crops that sat alongside a large pond. It wasn't these things that caught their attention; it was the people that were in those fields and in the pond, laughing, splashing, and playing. There were only a handful of them, some picking the crops or flowers, the others having fun within the pond. "Do you guys see what I see?" Mikey asked, his eyes wide at the sight presented before them.

"If you see a bunch of turtles picking flowers, playing in a pond," Raph began, looking around. "Talking and laughing and go about…I'd say you were crazy."

"And seeing it for yourself?" asked Leo.

"I think we're all crazy."

Ito Roshi was a very large turtle, even dwarfing that of his new guests, but he seemed to be the epitome of a gentle giant. He was well over six feet tall and was every bit the description of an alpha male, with a large body that was more muscle than fat. Roshi was certainly distinct as he had a small tuff of hair on his chin, something that peaked Donatello's interest.

He greeted his friend the Daimyo and his young son, giving the boy a small piece of candy, tempting the ever growling stomach of Michelangelo. Upon meeting Master Splinter and the turtles, the patriarch of the lands honored them, bowing in respect to each. "I have heard much about the great Hamato clan," he replied. "Already, four members have been crowned champion within the walls of the Battle Nexus. Not even the best warriors can claim a prestigious title as such."

"You honor us with your words and hospitality," Splinter replied, bowing for their hosts. "You must forgive our…shock at seeing your lands and people."

"The Daimyo tells me that your family are the only ones of your kind," the lord said. "How strange, is it not? That while some can walk the lands unmarred by their appearance, while others must hide."

"You have spoken wisdom on this topic," Splinter chuckled. "May I present my sons? Leonardo, Raphael, Donatello, and Michelangelo."

The turtles bowed to their host, their minds still trying to wrap themselves around the fact that they had just been invited to a land that housed nothing but turtles, not mutant turtles like them…well, not exactly. These beings hadn't come into contact with the Utroms – that they were aware of - which meant that these turtles were the real deal, actual walking, talking, natural turtles.

The knowledge that others like them actually existed, despite being in another dimensional world, was like Christmas in July. It was stunning to see other turtles, especially the pretty, female ones that smiled shyly at them as they walked by. Splinter didn't think his sons had ever been so distracted in their twenty-two years of living.

But the aged rat couldn't fault his sons for looking at those so like themselves. It was a hard life they led, with the knowledge they would be the first and last of their kind, with no apparent way of reproduction, unless they mated with their human counterparts. That in itself would provide to be difficult for sure.

For now, the ninja master followed their host as he showed them his royal, yet modest castle. It wasn't so expansive that it overshadowed his lands, but it was large enough to house a team of loyal and ready servants. It was two stories, with the kitchens, libraries, and entertainment downstairs and personal quarters upstairs. Roshi showed them a large library with a variety of books, especially those detailing science and health.

Needless to say, it was hard to pull Donatello away.

Pointing upstairs, Roshi replied, "Up the stairs are the personal quarters, of course. It also holds an observatory in honor of my beloved wife." The lord's voice took on a wistful tone. "She loved looking up at the sky and its stars," he whispered. "It's something that our daughter has inherited." Looking up at the sounds of footsteps, Roshi smiled widely.

"Speaking of which," he said. "I am honored to present my daughter, the Princess Dellandra of Edo."

Raphael was having a pretty good time. He and his family were sitting around a large table with the Daimyo, his kid, and their hosts, Roshi and his daughter. Upon meeting the great princess, the hot headed turtle knew his brothers were eyeing the girl.

Not to say he didn't think she was good looking, for a turtle, that is. She was just under their final growth spurt of five foot seven – well, his five foot seven – with rather long dark hair and stunning green eyes. She wasn't like anyone they had encountered, forget the fact that she was a walking, talking turtle. Raph knew that he, along with his brothers, had been a bit startled at seeing this young female, who appeared to be around their age.

Dell, as Mikey started calling her, was very polite, not seemingly to be stuck up to laugh at Mikey's jokes or listen to Leo's long winded talks about things that were boring as well. Raph, though he tried paying attention, couldn't help the way his eyes were being drawn to one of the cooks that brought out their food.

What he did notice, however, was the downplayed flirting that seemed to be occurring between Donatello and this princess. They had somehow gotten on the topic of health and medical science, with Donnie displaying all the knowledge he knew on the subject, which seemed to go over the heads of the others, but had gotten the attention of Dell.

So much in fact that it seemed to have spurned a low key argument.

"I'm just saying," Donnie said. "That the idea that 'magic' can heal more than your average science is a bit…far -fetched."

"Your thoughts are noted, Donatello," Dell replied, giving him a coy smile. "However, I must point out the error in your thinking."

Donnie, ever the politest and easy going of the brothers, leaned back in his chair and focused his eyes on this young woman who defied him. "You can point out all the errors you want," he said, a smirk on his face. "I'm still right."

"I delightfully disagree."

"You can disagree with me anytime."

It wasn't a spectacular pick up line by any means, but the way Donnie batted it towards the princess was smooth and suave, as though the brainy turtle was trying to impress the girl without being overt about it. It worked at least towards his brothers, who were equally shocked at the delivery – Mikey swallowed his food wrong, nearly choking to death, while Leo's eyes got wide; Raph managed to chuckle around the piece of meat in his mouth, washing it down with the sake that sat to his right.

If Leo and Mikey thought they could get to know the princess, they were quickly blown out of the water by Donnie.

Donnie was nervous.

He knew he was nervous, in fact anyone in his vicinity could tell he was nervous and while he said he wasn't nervous and he certainly shouldn't be nervous, subconsciously, he was nervous. It wasn't like he hadn't been to Edo before, of course he had, but today's reason seemed to heighten the point of his going.

Today, he was headed to the lands of Ito Roshi. While his brothers were going too, they were headed to different places – both Raph and Mikey wanted to train for that year's upcoming tournament, while Don and Leo were headed to Roshi, though Leo was meeting with Miyamoto Usagi. Don had told Dellandra he would help her set up the observatory, the one that her mother had begun before her death.

Why that was making him nervous, he didn't know.

He could, partially, admit that she intrigued him; a person stuck between the first initial stages of technology, while still backing the mystery of magic seemed complex to him. He found that, after meeting her that first time, he wanted to see her again, debate things with her if possible.

So deep in his current thoughts, he hadn't even been aware that the four had set out, going through the portal and finding themselves within the Battle Nexus. It was only a few minutes after that, he and Leo were standing in the main hall of the castle. Usagi was there to greet them, telling Leonardo that he had spent that morning working on katas in order to defeat the leader in the upcoming tournament.

"Your confidence is uplifting, Usagi," Leo chuckled. "Though you may find it's mislead you; I plan on beating you today."

"Your optimism is good as well, Leonardo-san," the ronin joked. "I apologize in advance for bringing a stop to it."

"Are all warriors so boastful on their accomplishments?"

The three turned, seeing the princess coming towards them, all three bowing as she approached. "Only those warriors that are confident of their abilities, but know the limits of man," spoke Usagi.

"Usagi-san," Dell chuckled. "You are the wisest of the samurai and truthful to add." Turning to look at the turtles, she responded, "It is good to see you both again."

"The pleasure is ours, Princess," Donnie replied, interrupting Leo's own reply. "We are always honored to be in your presence."

"Your compliments honor me."

The ninja and ronin looked at each other in mirth before heading towards the courtyard where they could train in the open. "You kids have fun now," Leo mentioned, throwing out a wink for his brother's annoyance.

"I want to thank you for helping me today, Donatello."

"It's no problem," the turtle said. "And it's…it's Donnie. Or Don. Or whatever you want to call me."

That garnered him a small giggle. "Alright," she whispered. "Follow me, Don."

The princess led the turtle to the second story, to a door which led to a third floor room that was circular in its design. On most of the walls were books or charts, with two desks situated in the middle of the room, with a small telescope pointed outside through a modest window.

"It's not much," Dell replied, entering the room and walking towards the desk. "I'm sure you've seen much more technologically advanced equipment."

"Sometimes, the simplest way is the best," Donnie said, placing his tech bag on the opposite desk. "You can always add on to something." Looking around, Don was surprised at the warmth he felt in the room. Not in temperature, but in the feeling he got from being in there; his gaze locked on a painted portrait that hung on a wall nearest the telescope.

"My mother spent a lot of time up here," Dell whispered. "She used to bring me up here and look out at the stars and the shapes they made."

"You must've been very close."

Dell nodded, slowly. "I don't remember much about her," she said. "But I do remember her love of the stars. She used to make up stories for me as we sat and watched." The young royal sighed, turning to the turtle and grinning. "I brought you up here for help," she said, blushing slightly. "And here I am boring you about my family."

"Oh, it's not bother," Donnie hurriedly assured her. "If speaking of your family doesn't bring you joy, then nothing will."

Dell smiled shyly at the brainy turtle. "No truer words have I ever heard," she whispered. "That was very profound, Donnie."

Don smiled, feeling his cheeks flushing with color. "I do have my moments," he said, leaning against the desk and causing it move slightly, causing him to stumble a bit. "Sorry."

Dell hid a chuckle and a smile behind her hand. Donatello was certainly an…interesting individual. Smarter than anyone she had ever known, especially those suitors her father kept sending her way.

And he was cute to boot.

Princess Dellandra of Edo was a maiden of simple tastes. She wasn't like those other nobles that refused to see things past what they could acquire and have with their wealth and power. Dell had been raised, yes, in a great kingdom, with vast lands that would one day be hers, but she had also been raised to treat her servants as people, despite their lower class status.

Her mother had been a prominent healer in their village and it was her expertise that had attracted a young soldier in the shogun's army. The soldier had been wounded in an attack that they repelled and was rushed to the local health facility. It was in this facility that her mother, Idonna, worked.

This soldier became enamored with his young and beautiful nurse, enjoying the kind way she treated him and talked to him. When he was cleared to go, he came back to see the young nurse, speaking with her, entertaining her with stories of battles and soldier life. By the time the spring turned into summer, the solider and the nurse were inseparable.

Only a few months later, the two were married and the soldier had been granted a few lands for his service. Through the years, the lands would grow, as would the couple's popularity. Soon after their wedding, the nurse, who would still treat those who needed help, became pregnant and a daughter was soon born.

It was this daughter, this Princess Dellandra, whom had reached the age of marriage and, as was tradition, her father looked for a suitable husband for her. While he hadn't been overbearing about it, Roshi had presented several young lords for his daughter's favor, all of whom were turned down by Dell. They were either so full of themselves or so completely ignorant of her interests, they were certainly not someone she felt would be proper for her husband.

She had to admit, after meeting these turtles, she wanted someone like them. While she had never imagined to find a warrior to be of any interest – grown men beating each other didn't sound like something she wanted to be around – the turtles did this as her father once did, to fight for those that couldn't fight themselves.

That was an honorable way for a warrior.

She had only be able to speak to each during dinner, but she enjoyed Michelangelo's unique brand of humor, Raphael's sense of loyalty, Leonardo's confidence, and Donatello's…well, truth be told, Dell especially enjoyed speaking with him. He had such a deep knowledge that seemed to overshadow hers, but yet he didn't act as though her thoughts and ideas were beneath him; though he dismissed the very idea of magic, he couldn't say it didn't necessarily exist – she had been adamant that aliens weren't real and yet, he could prove they were. He had an easy way of speaking to those around him, from his master and father to the kitchen staff.

It had been a few weeks since that first meeting and Dell found herself inviting the turtle engineer over to look at or fix anything she could think of, just in an effort to see him. She had never felt like this before, wanting to spend her time with someone of the opposite gender. Those suitors that had met her found her odd, unused to her free thinking and assertiveness. They looked for the type of wife who would obey their husbands and do as they were told.

Dell was not like those women.

She wanted an equal input into her marriage; she didn't want to just be the little woman who stayed at home, while her husband was off doing whatever it was husbands did. She wanted to continue to study medicine, look up at the stars…and she wanted someone to share that with. She hadn't felt that with any of the suitors her father brought before her. She had felt it though when she had met the turtles and their sensei.

"Donnie's got a girlfriend!"

Michelangelo was in rare form today. He had been up to his old tricks all morning, starting with his favorite target, Raph. It was only on the threat of death that the youngest turtle had backed off; however, that didn't stop him. He did, after all, have two other older brothers that were ripe for the taking. His second target was Leo, who had gotten paintballed and was now a nice orange in color.

Donnie, sensing his time was coming, quickly sought the safety of his room, locking it, and then barricading the door. It was the quick and dirty method of keeping his younger brother out, but it would effective for at least an hour. In that hour, Donnie planned on seeing if his latest invention was working. It had been over a month since he had first met a beautiful princess in a distant land and he found it ironic that he was spending most of his time in the land of Edo.

He certainly didn't mind visiting and spending time with Dell; he looked forward to their meetings. He started leaving early in the morning and not returning until much later in the evening. Dell had taken to showing him around the castle, walks through the garden to view the first starlight…truthfully, Donnie longed for those nights. He was finding it hard to leave her when he did have to go home and he missed her when he couldn't see her.

He wanted to keep in contact with her, but wasn't sure how. Her time was so removed from his own that common communications weren't so common in her time, meaning he didn't think sending her email or texting would actually work. But he was certainly going to try. He had fixed up one of the extra shell cells he had, hoping it would be able to reach through dimensions. It was a big endeavor, but with the help of Leatherhead and Professor Honeycutt, he thought he had something.

The day before he had shown up unannounced, so excited he was at showing her what he had invented. Dell had been surprised, but happy to see the engineer and certainly, being the first to be presented with a technological marvel was sweet; probably the sweetest thing anyone had ever presented to her. It had worked, though the strength was a bit grainy, it still worked well inside and out of her home. Dell, never seeing anything of this magnitude, had wrapped her arms around the turtle's neck in elation.

Don had been in a good mood all that day.

He had wanted to test the signal, try to see if he could speak with her while they were in their perspective worlds. He had to get a call to her, faint, but he could hear her voice. "I wasn't sure if this would work," he said.

"Me either," came her answer. "But I'm glad it did. I'm amazed at the things you can do, Hamato Donatello."

"Sometimes I amaze even myself."

"Such a brilliant mind," she whispered. "Trapped in an unappreciated world."

"Well," he sighed. "Sometimes I do wish I could get a little credit, but again, sometimes the simplest things are the best. I'm just glad I had help and certainly, having April around doesn't hurt."

"Oh."

"Dell?"

"Nothing," came the response. "A little distracted, is all."

"Who ya talking to, bro?"

The third voice nearly gave Don a heart attack, causing him to jump out of his skin and that of his chair. "Mikey!"

"Is that your brother?"

"Hey, is that Dell?" the younger turtle asked, snatching up the cell and placing it near his ear. "Hey, Dell baby, you miss me?"

"Hello, Mikey."

"Will you give me that?" Donnie asked, trying to get his phone back, but as it was regarding Michelangelo, it was harder than it should be.

"How come you got the Don on speed dial?" Mikey asked, clearly hurt. "You don't think I wanna talk to you?"

"It's your brother's new invention, Michelangelo," the princess replied. "He's a…very smart turtle."

"Oh yeah," the turtle in orange replied, dodging his brother's hand. "Donnie's a genius, certifiable and stuff."

"You're certifiable," the brainy turtle huffed, lunging for his brother, only to miss and go flying out the door.

"You should hear him and April talk," Mikey continued. "Major geek fest."

"He…he mentioned her," Dell stammered. "Are…they close?"

"You couldn't get closer to somebody."

The phone went sailing through the air, thankfully landing on Donnie's bed as two turtles went down to the ground. "I don't even care how you managed to get in here," the elder murmured. "But rest assured, little brother, I am going to kill you. I just won't tell you when. And I know our two older brothers would love to have a word with you about your…behavior."

"Just trying to have some fun, bro bro!" stuttered the younger. "C'mon, you know I'm your favorite brother. You couldn't possibly want to hurt me. You're a fascist!"

"Okay first," Donnie replied, bopping his brother on the head. "The word is 'pacifist'; secondly, I don't know where you heard or got the idea that I liked you. Truthfully, I've been trying to find those wolves that left you on the doorstep."

"Silly Donnie," Mikey chuckled. "They were gypsies, according to Raph, and you can't look up gypsies online. They're no…no...Gnomeric."

"Again," Don said, closing his eyes. "The word is 'nomadic' and I can't believe you just used a WoW instance to describe the act of wandering from place to place." Opening his eyes, he looked down at his brother, seeing him smiling stupidly at him. "You are a special little boy, aren't you?"

"Can't get more special than me, yo."

Resisting the urge to either slap his brother or laugh with him, Donnie instantly realized that he had been in the middle of a phone conservation. Pushing off his brother, he quickly scrambled to get the abandoned phone that lay on his bed. "Dell? Dell?" Unfortunately, his party had been disconnected in the tumble or she herself had decided the antics of two brothers weren't worth listening to. "Great."

Turning to look at his brother, who was pulling himself to his feet. "Just what do you have to say for yourself?"

Mikey looked at him before a grin slowly appeared on his face. "Donnie's got a girlfriend! Donnie's got a girlfriend!"

"Something on your mind?"

A week without contact between two young turtles was unbearable to both. Donnie hadn't gotten in contact with Dell again since being able to speak to her via the shell cell and Dell hadn't done much to contact him either. It was strange; her overall feelings told her she missed him and wanted to speak with him, however there was also a small part of her that wanted to know who this 'April' person was.

As ridiculous as it seemed when she actually sat down and thought about it, but she couldn't shake her thoughts. When his brother said he and April were 'close', what did he mean? Were they in a relationship and Don hadn't bothered to tell her? Maybe they had previously been in a relationship, but there were still lingering feelings? Heavens, it was so hard to decipher! She had never had to endure this before and she wasn't sure how to go about it.

It took half the day for her to come to a conclusion – she was not a woman who sat around, mooning over a man. No, she was not. If Donatello had an interest in her, he would have to tell her. She would invite him over and she would ask about this April person and if he lied, she would know. She had always been able to tell if someone lied to her and while it would be sad to think so badly of this turtle, she would not allow his deceit to cloud her judgment.

She had waited with bated breath for the sun to hit the line in the horizon, so that she could have this talk with him in the dark of night, so any hurt she would feel would not be shown to him. She greeted him when she saw him, not showing any emotion, and was polite in answering his questions. As they walked in silence through the courtyard and into the garden, Dell went through what she was planning on saying, eventually taking a seat with him on their usual bench. She of course hadn't expected him to ask what he did.

"Something on your mind?"

"Yes, as a matter of fact."

"Are you going to tell me?"

Dell took a deep breath before facing the turtle. "I've been thinking," she began. "About…well…about you, actually."

"I…hope in a good way," he said and even in the setting of the sun, she could see the blush on his cheeks.

"Well…" she said, feeling her own flush come to her face. "Mostly, yes."

"There's a but coming."

"No, just…"

"Just what?" Donnie moved to place his hand on her arm. "Dell, I know…I know something is wrong and I'm getting the feeling it has something to do with me. Please, Dellandra, if…if I've offended you in any way…"

"You haven't offended me," she interrupted. "Quite the opposite. I mean…" Sighing deeply, Dell finally asked, "Who is April?"

"April?" Donnie asked, a bit confused. Why was she asking about April?

"You've…you've mentioned her several times in our conversations," she whispered. "And Mikey mentioned that you two were…are…close and…"

"Dell…"

"Certainly, Donatello," she continued. "If April is…is your girlfriend or wife, I have no desire to come between you two. I just believe that if this is true, you should be honest with me and…"

"Dell," he said, turning her to face him. "You're absolutely right. I do want to be honest with you and honestly, there is nothing going on with April and I." She gave her a rather skeptical look. Brushing a piece of hair from her face, he continued with, "She's my sister."

"Adopted?"

Raising an eye ridge at her, Don couldn't help but smile. "Are you…" he started. "Are you jealous?"

"What?"

"I mean…" Donnie chuckled. "I wouldn't have expected…"

"You find this amusing?" she asked, clearly not amused herself.

"That you're jealous?" he asked. "I never anyone would be jealous over me. Mikey, definitely; Raph, probably, Leo…well, I guess I'd never really gave it much thought…"

"This…is not going the way I thought it would," the princess murmured.

"How did you expect this to go?"

Dell shrugged. "I figured you and this…April were together," she sighed. "And that you were like the others."

Donnie scooted closer to her. "I told you," he whispered. "There's nothing going on with April and I. Besides, she's happily married to our friend Casey; I was turtle of honor at their wedding."

She went to say something, something about how he was a genius in his time and shouldn't he be pursing that when his statement rang in her ears. "Turtle of honor?" she questioned.

"Well…" Donnie said, shyly. "I am her favorite little brother."

Dell couldn't help but laugh; the idea of a 'turtle of honor' seemed laughable, though the way he explained it, it was a badge of great accomplishment. She bumped her shoulder against him in a friendly manner, not moving away when he leaned in closer. "Were you really worried?" he whispered. "About April?"

"Yes," she said, quietly. "Though I did my best to deny what was staring at me. I was being silly; I'm sorry."

"It wasn't silly."

"I barely know you."

"I…" Donnie stammered. "I really want to know you, better…better than I do now."

"Really?"

The turtle nodded. "If…if that's alright with you."

The princess smiled, lifting her head and looking in the chocolate brown eyes of the engineer. "I believe," she stated. "That would be just fine with me."

Two months seemed so long, but for people in love, it goes by fairly quickly. It was becoming quite clear around the Lair that Donatello was very taken with the Princess Dellandra; he spent three times a week there, always making sure to be at practice in the morning, before heading off and coming back to have dinner with his father and brothers. It wasn't as though Dell hadn't been to the Lair either; the royal had been invited to dinner a number of times, though she could only make a few of those, however these dinners were so vibrant and fun.

Dell, being an only child, didn't know how siblings usually acted. She had thought the overheard fight she had heard between Don and Mike was a bit extreme, but she quickly learned that this was just how they were. Mike once again was her entertainer, Raph her loyal protector, and Leo and Splinter her beacons of wisdom. But it was Donnie who really charmed her – he was sweet, kind, and considerate, not to mention so very intelligent. He could be just as witty as Mikey, have just as much wisdom as Splinter, show his confidence like Leo, and feel strongly protective as Raph.

She couldn't help it, but she began to see a life with Donnie, one that included a family of their own.

He found her easily in the observatory. The small room had some features added – including a chemistry set that Don had given his girl for her birthday. He tried to give her all the parts that were essential without including things that may not be a part of her timeline. She had loved the gift and it wasn't unusual to find the young Princess in the observatory, trying her hand at chemistry. She wasn't on the level the brainy turtle was, but she was learning as she went. For now, she was using the set to combine herbs for medical purposes, especially for those in the household if they became sick.

So far, she had managed to make a herbal dip that would stave off the upcoming colds of the season.

"Someone is busy," he joked, causing the young woman to look up and smile at him.

"I did just come up to read something," she replied, chuckling. "I got a little distracted I guess."

They met each other in the center of the room, smiling shyly at each other. "Hi," whispered the turtle.

"Hi."

"Have something for you."

"You spoil me already," she giggled, moving closer and placing her hands on his plastron. Her smile only got bigger when he presented her with a single orchid flower. "Donnie, it's beautiful. Thank you." She moved her arms to clasp around his neck in a hug and squeezing slightly.

The brainy turtle felt the same warmth spread through him every time Dell was close. He knew he was in the beginnings of a crush after he met her that second time – it was the same feeling he had had around April in the past. Now however, he got these feelings just thinking about Dell; the days after she would come for dinner, her smell hung in the air, driving him crazy when he came in contact with it.

Holding Dell in his arms was literally like Heaven and something he had never experienced before. True, when he thought he was in love with April, he thought he was in Heaven too, but this…this was like nothing he had ever felt in the past. He was quite certain these feelings were actually what he thought they were. "Happy to see me, then?" came her purr, as she looked at him.

Donnie gulped, suddenly realizing the predicament he was now in. "Um…" he stuttered, his face aflame. "Sorry. It's…it's a natural reaction, really. It's called 'fanning' and it's…you know…to prove that a turtle's a male and…"

"I know what 'fanning' is, Donnie."

"Oh."

"And…" Dell whispered, nuzzling his neck. "I'm well aware you are male."

Donnie couldn't help but chuckle.

It was officially official.

Hamato Donatello was head over heels in love with Ito Dellandra.

And he wanted to make her a permanent member of his family.

They had been seeing each other for nearly a year and Donnie had decided their relationship had progressed to the next step. It had been something of an experiment to Don – Dell was his very first girlfriend and he her first boyfriend. They explored the newness and expanding parts of their relationship with each other.

He had kissed her the first time out in the garden while they were watching the stars.

They had been standing in the observatory when she had whispered she loved him. He had told her that she was the only woman he had ever loved and he meant it.

She had invited him to stay with her one night; it was the first time for both of them.

Don felt the more he saw her, the more he wanted her, the more he wanted the life he never thought any of them would ever have. He wanted to marry her, wanted to create little versions of themselves if possible; he wanted to spend the rest of his life with her.

Donnie would never forget the day he had gone to see her, small black box in a side pouch on his belt.

The day that would change everything.

"This isn't fair!"

"Life is not always fair, Pet."

"You know how I feel about him!"

"Yes," the lord sighed. "And while I believe him to be an honorable man, he is still not of noble birth. As…old fashioned as you may think I am, Dellandra, these are our customs. You must marry one of the nobles in our world, to ensure that our lands stay out of the hands of Lord Hebi and Lord Hikiji. You cannot achieve this by marrying the Earth turtle. I'm sorry."

Donnie knew something was wrong when he was directed to the gardens to meet Dell. Not that this was anything odd about this, but usually when he came to meet her, she was either waiting for him or having him sent upstairs. To meet her in the gardens, while perfect to his plans, seemed to be a little odd, especially with the overcast that hovered in the clouds.

He found her quickly, though she was at the far back of the garden, further from their usual place. He stopped to watch her, always loving the way she was presented against the backdrop of the bright sky. She always looked like an angel to him – still did even in this weather – even when she was dressed casually. Today, however, she was dressed in her royal robes, maroon in color with the imperial seal of the shogun on the back of it. She was tense, he could tell from where he stood, and suddenly, he didn't think his idea of proposing was such a good idea today.

Dell could hear him approach, despite the fact that he was a trained ninja. She was apprehensive at seeing him, but she knew she had no choice in the matter. It wouldn't do them any good were he to come at a time when her father was presenting other gentlemen to her. She didn't want this, not at all, but yet her duties…her duties. "Hello Donatello," she said, not turning as he stood behind her. "I'm glad you could come."

"Am I right to assume this is not a social meeting?"

"You are correct."

"Dell," he whispered, putting a hand on her shoulder. "I know something's wrong." He was surprised to feel her tremble and to hear a sob escape her. "Dell, please tell me."

"Donnie," she whimpered, turning to look at him. "I don't know how to say this or even if I can."

"Kore wa nandesu ka?" he asked. "You can tell me anything, you know that. Daisuki desu. Tell me."

The princess sniffed before backing away from him. "I can no longer see you, Donatello."

"What?"

"I'm sorry," she said. "But my life as…as a member of the royal house of Roshi must come before all else. I must marry someone from the land."

Donnie just stood in shock. She…she was breaking up with him? What!? "Is…is this what you want?" he asked, timidly.

"Of course it's not what I want!" she exclaimed. Looking up at the sky, she openly sighed. "I love you, Donnie," she whispered. "I never thought I would actually find someone who would appreciate me for me, who didn't care who my parents were or that I was a princess. I've never really felt like a princess…until I met you." She lowered her head to look at him.

"Wakarimasu ka?"

Donnie nodded, slowly. "Hai," he whispered. "I…I only wish the best for you, you know this."

"I wish I didn't have to do this."

"Me too."

"I won't stop loving you," she replied, determinedly. "I can't and I will not allow my father to take that from me."

"It's going to make getting married a little difficult," Don said, a sad smile on his face.

"I don't care." She stepped closer to him, placing a hand on his plastron. "I love you," she whispered. "I can never love anyone as much as I do you."

Don took the hand that rested on his chest and held it for a moment. His first thought was to place back by her side; why continue to tease him? Instead, he placed a soft kiss on her palm, before bowing in respect. "It was a great honor knowing you, Princess," he said. "I wish you good fortune for your future."

Dell was unsure what to say. His words did nothing to rid the feeling of sadness that overwhelmed her. Future? She was throwing it away as they spoke. Didn't he understand? He was her future! And she had now just cast him aside, all because her father wanted his lands. She knew she was being unfair, but she couldn't help it. While her heart was breaking and her eyes watered, she returned his bow, saying, "Domo arigato, Donatello-san. I…wish you the same. May…may you find love…with someone who isn't as wretched as I."

"Don't say that."

"It's true."

"It's not," he whispered, pulling her close. "I understand, I truly do. I only want for your happiness, always, even if…even if it's not with me."

"I can never know happiness unless I'm with you," she sobbed. "I wish I wasn't a princess."

"If you hadn't been a princess," he said. "I might not have met you." He pulled away from her, wiping her tears away and delivering a chaste kiss to her lips. "I should go."

"Now?"

"It'll be better this way," he murmured. Kissing her one last time, he gave her a smile before turning and walking away. He did his best to ignore her cries in the background, as well as ignoring the tears that fell from his own eyes.

TRANSLATIONS:

Donnie: What is it?/I love you.

Dell: Do you understand?