Ch. 4: Mutation Days and Birthdays
After everyone have finished gathering more snacks or had taken a trip to the little turtles room, both the heroes and villains had returned to their seats and were waiting for the next part of the prologue to start. However there was a slight delay because Jess had disappeared and Mystery was adamant that she wouldn't start the next part without Jess; even if she was sick of waiting herself. As expected, the two Mikey's soon got bored and kept winding up the bad guys and good guys with bad jokes and taunting remarks. Desperate to try and keep the peace, Mystery had an idea to keep the Mikey's distracted. She suggested they try to guess her real name, and if they succeeded she would make them an ultimate banana split packed with ice-cream, strawberries, whipped cream and sprinkles. Obviously, both goofballs agreed. However, soon enough, everyone else had started to join in to try and win this tasty sounding prize… well nearly everyone. Shredder and his minions remained silent throughout the event. Although they listened in with slight interest, and even Karai looked tempted to try to win the delicious frozen treat.
"Hannah?"
"June?"
"May?"
"Eve?"
Mystery shook her head. "Nope."
"Rose?"
"Jane?"
"Racheal?"
"Olivia?"
Another shake of the head. "Uh-uh."
"Grace?"
"Amber?"
"Laurie?"
"Kyle?"
Mystery raised her eyebrow. "Try again."
After what must have been the hundredth attempt, Jess finally popped back into the room, carrying a large popcorn in one hand and a can of coke in the other.
"Ah, the wanderer finally returns," Mystery said, folding her arms. "Where the hell have you been?"
"You sound like my mother. And, as you can tell, I was at the snack bar, getting some stuff for me and you," Jess replied, grinning. "What's going on here?"
"The Mikeys got bored waiting for you to return and decided to try and guess my name; my real name," said Mystery. "So, I decided to turn this name game into a competition. Oh, and there's one on my ultra-special banana splits available for the winner.
"Nice, can I join in?"
"Err…no."
"Aw, c'mon. Why not?"
"Maybe because you already know my name and you would be cheating."
"Aw…
"And don't tell these guys either," Mystery said firmly, a warning look in her eyes.
"Oh, alright," Jess huffed as she grumpily sat down in her seat. "Sorry to spoil the fun but, as you keep saying, we should crack on. Lights! Action!"
The scene starts with Nia waking up and sitting up on her couch bed. There is a strange silence and nobody is around. Curious, Nia walks around the living room, the dojo, even looking by the boys' bedrooms. She knocks on their doors, but there is still nothing. Nia sighed and heads towards the kitchen. When she reaches the kitchen, she rubs her eyes and yawns as she pulls the curtains back.
Nia: Mikey, are you in here? Can I have some j-
Suddenly Leo, Raph and Donnie jumps out from various hiding placed and yell "SURPISE" at the top of their lungs. Nia yelps loudly and jumps a few feet back, clutching her chest as she starts breathing heavily. Leo, Raph, and Donnie were all standing there with smiles on their faces.
Nia: Guys, why? What was that for- Wait…? Where's Mikey?
Mikey: Booyakasha!
Nia looks up in time to see Mikey's smiling face before he lands right on top of her. She falls to the ground and lands on her back with a loud thump, and Mikey lands on her as he wraps his arms around her.
Nia: hugging him Hey Mikey.
Mikey: lifting himself up so his face is hovering over Nia's. Surprise, Nia!
Nia: Surprise? For what?
Mikey: Come on! You didn't forget, did you? You're the one who told us today was your birthday!
Nia: Pauses. …Oh, right, my birthday.
Mikey: Poking Nia's nose. You did forget! You silly, silly girl!
Nia: snorting. I'm not that silly. C'mon, let me up.
Mikey rolls his eyes and finally gets off Nia. Leo holds out his hand to Nia who takes it and is soon pulled up, back onto her feet by Leo.
Nia: Well, Happy Mutation Day, you guys.
Leo: And Happy Birthday to you.
Nia: So, what's for breakfast?
Raph: Sensei's making us eat worms and algae again, and it's leftovers.
"Is he joking?" asked Vanessa.
Nia shook her head. "He's not. That was another thing I learnt while living there. Turns out the guys and Sensei didn't always get to eat human food. In fact, they were lucky if they could manage to find some normal food. Most of the time the only food they ate were worms and algae. At first, I was a bit worried I almost thought I'd have to too, but whenever the guys did have to eat that stuff, Sensei always gave me some normal white rice. Nothing but butter and sat, not worms and algae."
"Sounds like you dodged a bullet there," said Angus.
"I'll say," Nia said in agreement.
"Remind me to never come over your place for dinner," said Vanessa, looking disgusted. "Unless we bring our own food."
"We don't eat that stuff now," Mikey reassured her quickly. "Not since we discovered the delightful taste of pizza."
"Us too!" the other Mikey piped up, excitedly.
"Shhh!"
Nia: Nothing special for your Mutation Day, then?
Donnie: I guess not.
Raph and Leo take their seats at the table. Nia and Donnie pour some glasses of regular milk for everyone. Mikey turns on the stove, puts a pot on the burner, and is busily getting a container out of the refrigerator.
Mikey: I'll just heat this up and it'll be good.
He opened the container, the camera zooms in to what looks like green and blue goop, with tiny pink worms swimming inside it.
"That looks disgusting," April said, revolved.
"You said it girl," Vanessa said in agreement.
"Gee, really? And I thought it was yummy," Jess said sarcastically. "Anybody want a taste?"
As you may have guessed, none of the audience members were too keen on trying this sewer delicacy; not even the turtles who grew up on the stuff wanted to eat it.
"No way!"
"Not unless we have to."
"Nope."
"Pass."
"Maybe next time."
"How about… never again!"
"No way, witch."
"Don't even think about it."
"We'll have the pizza instead."
Jess grinned at the fact that no one wanted to try the algae.
"Well, then I won't need this," she said, waving her wand and conjuring up a small tub of blue and green algae. "Hey Mystery, can you throw this away?"
But Mystery was busy texting on her phone as didn't seem to paying much attention.
"Hey, Mystery?"
Nothing.
"Mystery?"
Silence.
"Ugh, Mystery!"
"Wha—"
Mystery whipped around so fast that she accidently hit the tub of algae, knocking all out. It spilled all over her head, and most of it fell into her mouth. Jess sat there, jaw opened, flabbergasted. Mystery started to gag before leaping out of her seat and running to the back of the room where the snack bar was. The sound of a bin lid opening was heard and the unpleasant sound of someone gagging and spitting out something they didn't like echoed out. Mystery then soon returned from the back with an open can of Fanta soda.
"You okay?" Jess asked gently.
"I will be," Mystery groaned, sipping her soda. "I think I might have swallowed a worm whole."
"Gross! So, uh… what did it taste like?"
"You don't want to know." Mystery said as she returned to her seat. "This mean we're even now, since I slapped you earlier?"
"Yep."
"Good. Now let's get on with the movie."
"That's it?" Karai asked, bewildered. "You slapped her! Then, she unintentionally tries to poison you! And you two just forgive each other?"
"Uh, yeah. Duh," said Jess firmly. "Believe it or not, Karai, that's what friends do. They forgive each other."
Once again, everyone started to stare at the two girls in disbelief. Well, okay, they were completely different to each other and they didn't mind that one bit, but to actually hurt each other and not be phased in the slightest was just unbelievable.
"You too are just crazy," Leonardo stated.
"I think we've already established that," Mystery said, taking a huge gulp of Fanta to take the taste of algae away. "Now, on with the movie!"
Mikey brought the container over to the pot that was already placed on the stove and poured the stuff in. He turned on the stove and stood in front of it with his arms crossed.
Mikey: Oh! Your leftover rice is in the refrigerator, Nia.
Nia reached for the fridge door, Donnie cut in front of her and took hold of the handle to the fridge.
Donnie: I'll get it.
Nia Oh Donnie, no. You don't-"
Donnie. Oh, just let me. It's still your birthday, let me do something for you.
Nia hesitates for a moment, then nods. Donnie smiles at Nia as he opens the fridge door and grabs the container that has the leftover rice in it. Donnie then headed to microwave while Nia grabs the glasses of milk and starts to set them all on the table.
Leo: Thanks,
Nia: Your welcome.
When Nia is finished distributing the milk, she takes her seat across from Leo.
Leo: Hey, Mikey. What was that thing you said when you tackled Nia?
Mikey: Oh, that was my new catchphrase.
Raph: Catchphrase?
Mikey: Yeah. See, people always say "surprise," when surprising someone, right? Well, I wanted to do something new. So, I spent all night coming up with something cool and different to say for when we saw Nia. I can up with "booyakasha." It's so cool I decided to make it my catchphrase."
"What does that mean?" Vanessa asked the orange masked turtle.
"Don't know, but it's fun to yell," the two Mikey's said in unison.
"It's not so fun for us," Raph complained.
"I know, right?" The other Raph said in agreement. "You know what else is annoying? His victory dance when we're still in the middle of a fight."
"Exactly! Does your Mikey keep throwing water balloons at you?"
"Yeah! So stupid!"
"Excuse me," Nia said coolly, raising her voice so she could be distinctively heard by the two Raphs. "If you two are done criticizing Mikey, can we watch the rest of the movie?"
Nia: rolling her eyes and smiling. Cool catchphrase, Mike.
Raph: whispering. Don't encourage him. You'll make it worse.
Nia giggles softly, Raph then smiles at her and Nia smiles back. A few seconds later Raph gets out of his seat and walks around the table. Nia raises her brow as she watches him walk over to her. He pauses, then jumps into the seat that Donnie usually sits in.
Raph: Hey Donnie! Is it cool if I sit here?
Donnie: Huh? Oh, yeah.
Raph: Cool.
Raph folds his arms over the table and looks at Nia, a small grin on his face. Nia grins back, and folds her arms on the table as well. Raph glances down at her arms, then at her face. Then he lifts one of his hands and rests his chin on it. Nia raises her brow again and lifts her hand and puts her chin in it too. Raph drums his fingers against his chin, and after a few seconds Nia does as well. Raph grins a little more as he puts his other hand under his chin. Nia giggles slightly and does the same. This copycat game goes on for a few seconds before Raph raises his brow, a small smirk growing on his face. Then he turns in his chair to face Nia completely, and he covers his face with his hands. Nia did the same, but she keeps her fingers apart and her eyes cracked open. Suddenly, Raph's hands came off his face and he yelled…
Raph: Boo!
Nia gasps and nearly falls out of her seat. After a few seconds, she starts laughing. Raph laughs too.
Raph: Gotcha!
Nia: No fair! You tricked me!
Raph: Duh!
Nia reaches over and nudges his shoulder with her hand. Raph chuckles as he swats it away.
Leo: seriously. Are you guys done?
Raph: Shut up!
Splinter: Having fun, children?
The five children turn, as does the camera, which shows that Master Splinter is standing in the doorway of the kitchen.
Nia: cheerfully. Morning, Sensei.
Splinter: Good morning, Lavinia. Good morning, my sons.
Leo, Raph, Donnie and Mikey: Morning, Sensei.
Sensei walks over to his usual seat at the end of the table and sits down. At that moment Donnie came over to Nia with a small bowl of rice in his hands.
Donnie: Here you go, Nia.
Nia: Thanks, Donnie.
Donnie smiles at Nia before walking over to sit next to Leo. At that moment Mikey head over with bowls of algae in his arms.
Mikey: cheerfully. Algae for everyone!
He sets the slightly steaming bowls of algae on the table in front of everyone else. Leo looks down at his bowl with an eyebrow slightly raised. Donnie looks at his bowl with a look of disgust. Raph simply glares at his bowl.
Raph: You're lucky you don't have to eat this stuff.
Nia: Not my fault I can't eat it.
"You know, won't kill you to eat it once," said Mikey. Algae was never his favorite, but he did enjoy it.
"I think I prefer the rice, thanks," she said, patting his shoulder.
"Girl, I don't blame you," said Vanessa.
"Still seems unfair that she gets to eat rice instead of suffering like the rest of us," the other Raph said grumpily. "I mean, yeah, she's human, but that's no excuse."
Nia hunched over slightly, turning her head away from the grumpy turtle. Raph didn't look too happy at his clone for what he said about Nia, and nearly stood up to say something when the other April spoke.
"Uh, guys," she said, timidly. "Is it just me or does Mystery not look too good?"
Everyone turned to where Mystery and Jess both sat to see for themselves what April meant. She was right. Mystery had started to turn slightly green and she was holding her stomach, she also seemed to be sweating profoundly as well.
"Are you alright?" Nia asked, concerned.
Mystery looked like she was about to answer, but then she suddenly covered her mouth with her hand and looked alarmed. "Excuse me," She mumbled before legging it out of the room as fast as she could.
This sudden departure left the audience, both mutant and human, in silence. Jess looked guilt stricken and uneasy as she rose up from her seat.
"Aw man… I'm gonna check on her. Nia's in charge until I get back."
"Why's she left in charge?" asked Leo. I'm the leader of the group.
"It's her movie, genius," Jess said. "Her movie, her rules."
And with a loud pop, she was gone.
"And that's why I'm glad I never ate algae and worms," Nia stated to the other Raph, smirking. "Now as, Mystery keeps saying, let's move on."
Nia picks up her fork and starts eating her rice. The boys and Splinter also start to eat their algae. Splinter eats his meal calmly and normally and so does Leo, although his eyes do start to squint in discomfort. Donnie starts making disgusted noises every time he takes a bite and Raph keeps stabbing his food and makes angry noises every time he takes a bite. Mike eats his without complaining or without showing any sign of disgust or discomfort. Nia sits quietly and eats her rice without speaking a word.
Mikey: All done! Anybody else want some more?
Raph: Nah.
Leo: I'm good."
Donnie: No thanks.
Splinter: Are you all finished with your breakfast?
"Yeah, Sensei," said Leo.
Splinter: Good. Turns his head to Nia. Lavinia, wasn't there something you wanted to do this morning for the boys?
Nia: Hm…? Oh, yeah!
Nia quickly eats the last few bites of her rice before jumping out of her seat.
Mikey: Nia, where are you going?
Nia ignores Mikey and runs out of the kitchen. She runs over the couch and slides down in front of it. She then reaches her hand underneath the cushion and reaches around for a moment then smiles as she yanks out a small bag. She then opened the bag and looked inside, before standing up and runs back to the kitchen. As she re-enters the kitchen the guys were all there, staring at her in confusion.
Raph: What's in the bag?
Nia grins slightly and looks over at Master Splinter. He too grins, he then stands up from his chair and walks over to stand beside Nia. He places a hand on Nia's shoulder as he looked at the boys.
Splinter: Lavinia has something for you, my sons. Special gifts for your Mutation Day.
The guys make sounds of surprise and glee, leap from their chairs and quickly walk over to Nia. She smiles at them all as she opens the bag.
Nia: Who wants to go first?
Mikey: Me!
He pushes past his brothers and jumps up in front of Nia. Nia smiles as she reaches inside the bag.
Mikey Wait! Covered his eyes with his hands. Okay, now!
Nia giggles at him. She moves her hand around in the bag until l she finds what she is looking for. She pulled out the object but keeps it hidden in her closed hands. She looks up at Mikey who is still covering his eyes.
Nia: Okay Mikey, open up.
Mikey opens his eyes at the same time Nia opens up her hands. Mikey's jaw drops open at the sight of a small, hand size, yellow jeep toy car. The car has a tiny scratch on the left side but it is only small and the car still looks like it is in good condition.
Mikey: A toy car!
"You know, you never said where you found it," said Donnie.
"I found it in a tunnel entrance the first time Sensei brought me out to the sewers," Nia explained, and she turned towards her Mikey. "I saw it and instantly thought of you Mikey, and how you had told me you really wanted another toy car to play with."
Mikey stared at her before his eyes became wide, and he beamed at her.
Nia: Holds the small toy out to Mikey. Go on, take it. It's yours.
Mikey takes the car from Nia's hands and looks at her with a gleeful smile.
Mikey: Nia, you're awesome!
Mikey wraps his arms around Nia and gives another one of his rib-crushing hugs. Nia giggles as she hugs him back.
Nia: Thanks, Mikey.
Mikey beams at Nia before stepping to the side, gazing down at his new toy. Nia reached back inside the bag and grabbed the next item.
Nia: Donnie…?
Donnie blinks, looking surprised. He then walks over to Nia and stands in front of her, his arms held behind him. Nia pulls out his gift, and he gasps. It was a small toy dinosaur. A Diplodocus: the long-necked dinosaur and Donnie's favorite. Its condition wasn't as good as the car was; it had several scratches over its body, way more than the toy car. Donnie slowly reaches for the toy and takes it from Nia's hands.
Nia: I know it's kind of scratched up, but I thought you would like it.
Donnie stares at the toy dinosaur in his hands, not saying a word. He then looks up at Nia, and he has a bright smile on his face that exposes the small gap in his teeth.
Donnie: I love it.
Nia: Smiling. You're welcome.
Donnie smiles more, holding the toy Dino close to his chest. Nia reaches in the bag for a third time.
Nia: Oh, Leo…
Leo chuckles as he walks forward. Nia grins as she grabs his gift from inside the bag.
Nia: I really think you're gonna love this.
Nia slowly pulls the object out, and Leo gasped, his eyes wide. It was a comic book. But not just any comic book; it was the limited first edition of 'Space Heroes.' Not only that, it was still wrapped in its plastic.
Leo: Grabbing the comic in his hands. 'Space Heroes' comic! And it's still in the plastic? How did you…?"
Nia: Found it in the sewers a while back. Someone must've dumped it down here without even reading it.
Leo: Why would someone do something like that?
Raph: 'Cause it's a stupid show.
Leo glares at his brother, but otherwise ignores him. He looks back at Nia with a wide smile on his face.
Leo: Thank you so much, Nia.
Nia: You're welcome, Leo.
Leo smiles more as he leans forward and gives Nia a one-armed hug. Nia hugs him back for a moment before letting him go. She looks over at Raph, and sees he has a smug look on his face, and his arms are also crossed.
Raph: Aw, I get one, too?
Nia giggles, and nods. She opens the bag and reaches inside, but this time, she hesitates.
Nia: Hold out your hand.
Raph shrugs and holds his hand out to Nia. She retracts her hand that is now holding Raph's gift inside. Nia reaches her hand forward, turns it, and drops the item into Raph's hand. There is a small glimmer before Raph closes his hand on the item. Raph brings his hand closer to him and uncurls his fingers. Inside his palm is a round, hand-sized locket without its chain. It is a soft, gold color, and it has a small star carved on the front.
Nia: I just found that the other day in one of the pipes. I couldn't find the chain, though. There's something written inside, too.
Raph didn't say anything for a moment. He messes with the locket and it pops open. In one side is a small sheet of glass to put a picture behind, and the other was plain, except for a small quote carved into the metal. Raph brings it close to his face and he squints his eyes to read the tiny inscription.
"To the world, you are one person. But to one person, you are the world."
After a second he blinks, and his eyes go a little wide.
Mikey: Looking over Raph's shoulder. What's it say?
Raph: Shoving Mikey off him. Back off!
Splinter: Raphael!
"Tut tut… You'll have to learn to control that temper of yours, boys," Fishface said to both Raph's, then he looked at the Raph from Nia's world. "Especially you. You wouldn't want to upset your girlfriend, would you?"
For the first time since Fishface had been teasing and sneering at him today, Raph was speechless. He wanted to yell at the mutant fish, but his throat seemed to have closed up, leaving him incapable of speech. Thankfully, Nia came to his aid.
"You should really mind your own business, fish sticks," she said harshly. "Besides, I'm not his girlfriend."
"That's what you think."
"Excuse me?"
"Oh, nothing at all, pretty girl."
"Shut up, you sushi reject!
"Lavinia, please settle down," her father said in a calming tone. "You have been left in charge since our two friends' recent departures. You must be responsible while being in charge. That also means controlling your anger and remaining calm, even if you are being taunted by our enemies. Now please, sit down."
Lavinia continued to glare at Fishface, before taking a deep breath and taking her seat.
"Hai sensei… I'm sorry," she said apologetically.
Splinter smiled and nodded his head and Nia smiled back at him. From next to them, Raph was sitting slumped in his chair, arms folded. He was glad that Nia had stuck up for him, especially since he had nothing to say, but when he had heard her say very blatantly that she wasn't his girlfriend, it put a sinking feeling in his stomach.
Raph: Yeah yeah, I know. Sorry Mikey.
Mikey: It's cool.
Raph turns away from his brother and looks at Nia. He glances down at the locket in his hands as he closes it up.
Nia: Nervously. Do you…like it?
Raph looks up at Nia, and his face breaks into a grin, and he nods.
Raph: Yeah, I do. Thanks a lot, Nia.
Nia: Blinks and smiles. Well… you're welcome.
Donnie: What now, Sensei?
Mikey: Hand shoots up into the air. Oh, oh! Tell Nia the story, Sensei! The one when we were mutated!
Splinter: Have I not told her that story yet?
Nia: No, Sensei.
Splinter strokes his chin for a moment, obviously thinking it over. He then looks down at Nia.
Splinter: Would you like to hear the story, Lavinia?
Nia: Smiles and nods. Yes, please.
Splinter: Nods. Very well.
Mikey: Yay!
Mikey grabs Nia's wrists and drags her over to sit next to him at the table. Raph sits on the other side of her, and Leo and Donnie sit on the other side. Splinter walks back to his seat at the end of the table and sits down in his chair. He looks at the turtles and Nia before he starts to speak.
Splinter: Many years ago, when I was still human, I had gone to the pet store to buy some baby turtles…
The scenes cuts to a shot of Nia, Mikey and Raph who are all sitting around the television set in the living room. Mikey has a controller near him on the floor, suggesting that he was playing but has died. Nia still has a controller in her hands and is busy trying to defeat an alien boss, with the help and encouragement from the two turtles.
Mikey: C'mon, Nia! Get it!
Nia: I'm trying!"
Mikey: Use your laser gun!
Nia: But I'm out of ammo!
Raph: Use the grenade!
Nia presses a button on the controller that activates the grenade, and her guy on the screen throws it at the alien boss. It hits it right on its giant blue head and it gives a loud screech. Then the whole thing blows up, and the words "PLAYER 2 WINS" comes up on the screen in bright red caps. Mikey jumps to his feet and does an air-guitar move while making loud guitar noises. Raph yells and raises his hand up for a high-three. Nia separates her fingers so that her pointer and middle finger were together, and her ring and pinky finger were together. She then brings her hand to Raph's and gives him a high-three.
Mikey: Sweet!
Nia: Nods. I know, right?
Mikey: Putting an arm around Nia. Dudette, you are awesome! Too bad you didn't beat my high score.
Raph: You still died, dummy.
Mikey: Yeah, but I still got the best score in the game.
Raph: Smirking. Oh yeah? I bet Nia could beat you.
Mikey: Huh?
Nia: shrugging. Maybe. I'm pretty good at this already.
Mikey: Horrified, yet playful. Do you challenge me?
Nia: Giggles. Maybe I am.
Before Mikey could open his mouth Leo, Donnie, and Sensei all walked in at that moment. Splinter walked up behind Nia, Raph and Mikey, and he seemed to be observing the area.
Splinter: And what are you three up to?
Mikey: We were just playing video games, Sensei, and Nia's awesome at it!
Nia: Awesome enough to beat your score.
Mikey: Pfft! Please! Nobody can beat the video game master!
Nia giggles as she glances up at Master Splinter, who rolls his eyes, and a small grin appears on his face. He then leans over and whispers something to Leo. Leo nods, then heads over to Raph and whispers in his ear, too.
Nia: Whispering. What's going on?
Mikey: Dunno. I'll find out. Hops over the couch and walks over to Donnie. Dude, what's-
Donnie quickly covers Mikey's mouth and then starts rapidly whispering into his ear. Mikey's eyes go slightly wide as Donnie moves his hand away from his brother's mouth.
Mikey: Oh, yeah…
Nia: What? What is it?
Nobody said anything, but all the boys had smiles on their faces. Splinter walks up to Nia and holds out his hand to her.
Splinter: Come, Lavinia, my sons and I have something to show you.
Nia: Oh, okay.
Nia reaches up and grasps her Sensei's hand. He helps Nia to her feet and leads her out of the living room, the boys following close behind them. Splinter leads Nia off to the area where the boys' bedrooms were and leads her past them to where a fifth room sat at the end of the hall. Master Splinter didn't stop walking until they were directly in front of the door.
Splinter: Close your eyes, Lavinia.
Nia: Okay.
Nia lowers her head slightly and covers her eyes with her hands. Splinter pushes the door open and the boys move so they are now standing all around Nia. Splinter places a hand on Nia's back.
Splinter. Alright, child. Open your eyes.
Nia lifts up her head, uncovers her eyes, and opens them.
Leo Raph, Donnie and Mikey: Surprise!
Nia stares, then blinks a few times and also rubs her eyes. Inside the room is another bedroom. On one side of the room there is a single-person bed with a dark purple comforter and a yellow pillow on one end. Next to it is a small side table that has a small, battered old lamp on it whose light is surprisingly still working. On the other side of the room is a small dresser and above it, hanging on the wall is a round, slightly dusty mirror. On top of the dresser is a small brush.
"Not bad," Karai said simply. "It's nothing special, but it beats the couch. Am I right?"
Nia didn't mean to but she glanced over at Splinter who looked slightly ashamed. He had always felt a bit guilty for letting Nia remain on the couch for so long. He just wanted to be certain before he and his sons were ready to ask her to join their makeshift family. Grinning at her father for a moment, Nia looked straight faced at Karai and waited a couple of seconds to pass before finally replying.
"For your information, it was a very comfortable couch," Nia replied drily.
Karai looked taken aback slight but she then just shrugged her shoulders.
"Whatever."
Nia glanced over at Splinter again and met his eyes with her own. The smile of his face and the small but visible happy tear in his ear was the one of the most beautiful things Nia had ever seen from him.
Nia blinks several more times and seems unsure at what she is looking at. She glances back over at the bed, and sees four objects lying in front of the pillow. One is Mikey's yellow truck, one is Donnie's dinosaur book and the other two items handmade cards; one was colored is blue crayon and had the Hamato Clan symbol drawn in red, and the other was colored yellow with a star drawn in green.
Nia gulps and turns her head away from the objects on the bed and looks up at Master Splinter.
Nia: What…is this?
Splinter: Gesturing all around. This is your new bedroom, child. My sons and I felt that it was time for you to have your own room, especially if you're going to be staying with us for a while.
Nia: I… I don't know what to say…
Splinter: It is alright, child. Though, this is not all we have for you.
Nia stares at him, eyebrows raised. Splinter takes a few steps towards Nia before kneeling down on one knee so he was eye-level with her. He lifts his hand up and brushes her bangs away from her face, before placing his hand on her shoulder.
Splinter: Lavinia, my sons and I have something we'd like to ask you.
Nia: Gulps. O-okay…
Splinter looks back at the boys, who are all standing by his side, excited looks on all their faces. Splinter smiles at them before looking back at Nia.
Splinter: We have given this some thought, and talked it over many times, and now we are ready to ask you. Takes Nia's hand in his free one and squeezes it gently. Lavinia… would you like be a part of this family?"
Nia takes several long, staggered breaths, trying to keep herself calm. Nia looks over at the guys, who are practically beaming by now. Mikey looks like he is about to burst with excitement as he hops on his feet slightly. Nia gulped once more as she looks up at Splinter.
Nia: Honestly… I kinda thought I already was…
Sensei blinks, and a wide smile appears onhis face. Nia then leans forward and wraps her arms around him and gives him a huge hug. Splinter hugs her back, patting her head softly.
Mikey: Booyakasha!
Nia barley has enough time to back away from Splinter before Mikey jumps on her, tackling her to the ground in a huge hug. Nia laughs happily as she hugs him back, and he lets her sit up while keeping an arm around her.
Mikey: Welcome to the family, dudette!
Donnie: kneeling in front of her. I'm so glad you're staying.
Nia: Why would I ever leave you guys?
Donnie smiles as he opens his arms, and Nia gives him a small, but meaningful hug. He then helps Nia to her feet as Leo walks up to her.
Leo: I was scared you were gonna say no.
Nia: Oh, come on. Reaches up and pinches his cheek. I can't say no to that face?
Leo chuckled, his green cheeks going slightly pink, and he wraps his arms around Nia at the same time she did to him. They hugged for a few seconds before separating at last. Nia looks and sees Raph. He was standing there, looking at the ground, his arms folded in front of him.
Nia: Unsurely. Raph…?
For a moment, it looks like he isn't going to do anything. Then, he slowly takes several slow steps forward, and then suddenly halts in mid step. He scratches his arm for a moment, hesitating. Then he takes about three really quick steps before he was in front of Nia. When he is, he wraps his arms around her shoulders and hugs her tightly.
Raph: Whispers. Happy Birthday, Nia.
Nia pauses, taking a moment for the smile to grow on her face. Then she slowly wraps her arms around his shell.
Nia: Thanks, Raph.
"Now what?" said April.
"All we can do is sit and wait until Jess and Mystery come back," said Nia. "I hope Mystery is okay."
"I am sure she is fine, my child," said Nia's Splinter. "Do not worry."
Nia looked up at him. "Do you really think so?"
"I am sure of-"
"You're too soft with that girl," Dogpound said grumpily. "Just tell her the truth; you don't know what's going on with that strange girl and she could be a whole lot worse than you think."
"Nobody asked you, dog breath!" Nia snapped.
"Since when do I need your permission to speak, brat?"
Dogpound growled as Nia and the rest of the turtles glared at him. The other bad guys remained silent. Fishface looked at the mutant dog for a moment before folding his arms and turning away.
Suddenly, there was a rapid, rippling motion on the shield dividing them. It sparked for a few moments before something popped, and the rippling stopped. The other Splinter slowly moved forward and pressed his hand to where the force field should have been. Instead or rippling or throwing Splinter back, there was nothing.
The shield was down.
"Oh dear…" Vanessa whimpered.
The look of triumph on the bad guys faces was horrifying as they realized that their opportunity to strike had finally arrived.
"Attack!" Shredder shouted.
"Are you sure you're alright?"
"You mean after being forced fed algae and worms and throwing up the entire contents of my stomach… must say I've been better," Mystery called from inside the toilet cubical.
"Look, I'm sorry, alright?" said Jess. "It was an accident, I swear!"
"That's what you say every time."
"But this time I mean it!"
Mystery didn't respond. She grumbled under her breath as she stayed sitting silently next to the toilet. Jess hung her head sadly.
"I'm gonna go check up on everyone. Just… come back out whenever you're ready, okay?"
"Sure…" Mystery mumbled. "It shouldn't be long, now. I'm starting to feel a bit... oh, scratch that…"
Jess quickly left the bathroom as she did not want to listen to Mystery being sick again. She felt super guilty for making her sick like that, even if it was an accident. In all honesty, she should have been paying better attention. What on earth was she thinking, summoning worms and algae like that.
"Stupid…" she groaned, smacking the sides of her head with her own fists.
She sighed. Truth was, she was so busy trying to show off to Nia that she wasn't thinking straight. After all, Nia was her creation; not that she could ever tell Nia that. Could you imagine the poor girl's reaction if she ever found out that Jess basically created her and her unhappy beginning. Jess didn't necessarily like the fact that she had willingly given Nia a horrible childhood, it was just how the story seemed to play out, you know?
Mystery had spoken to Jess about what if Nia found out about this. She had suggested that they keep quiet, and Jess agreed. There was already too much drama going on with the Shredder, his minions and now TWO lots of turtles in the same room. Jess couldn't afford to think about what would happen if Nia found about who she really was.
Speaking of drama…
The white door down the hall burst open, Nia and Mikey shot out before quickly shutting the door. They both seemed to be out of breath, and were slumped against the wall as they slid down on their butts. Suddenly anxious, Jess ran over and knelt in front of them.
"What the hell is going on!?"
"Ultimate showdown!" Mikey answered. "Shredder's Goons vs. The Turtles. Winner takes all!"
"In our defense, they attacked us," Nia said quickly.
"But," Jess shook her head. "I thought Mystery put that stupid shield up to separate you. Wait… don't tell me the damn thing's failed!"
Mikey and Nia nodded.
"Already?!" Jess yelled. "Ugh! I told Mystery that thing was unreliable! But, oh no, she had to go ahead and install it anyway," she sighed, trying to calm down. "Looks like I'm the one who needs to sort out this mess. Come on, you two."
What happened next happened so quickly that most of it was a bit of a blur for Nia. Jess quickly stormed into the screen room and pulled out her wand.
"Depulso!"
To Nia's amazement, every villain she pointed her wand at was pushed back over to their section.
"Accio!"
A similar thing happened with her friends and family, who were pulled back to their side, along with their clones. Jess then raised her wand high, aiming in the middle of the room that separated the good from the bad. She started muttering incantations under her breath, and Nia could just barely see something form where the previous Kraang shield had been. It was obvious that Jess was performing a shield charm, like she had talked about. The shield faded so that it appeared that nothing was there at all, and Jess turned, observing the mess around her.
"I swear, it's like I'm babysitting my nephew."
She raised her wand and started moving all the seats back to their original state.
"That's better," she said. "I hate using technology for this kind of thing; magic is much more reliable. Mystery doesn't agree with me as usual, but I can't blame her. She was never as fond of magic as I am."
"Hey, where is Mystery?" asked Leo.
Just then, there was the sound of doors swinging open. Mystery entered, looking rather pale with small bags under her eyes.
"Hey," Jess spoke up, surprisingly timidly. "Um, how are you feeling?"
"Better," said Mystery. She looked around the room and noticed that there was new tension in the room. "Did I miss something?
"Oh lovely of you to notice," Jess said in a monotone voice. "That Kraang shield you 'borrowed'? Yeah, it ran out of juice, and while we were way, the turtles and the bad guys decided to try and murder each other. It was lucky I decided to check on everyone when I did."
"Well, I'm sorry but I had no choice but to install that shield because someone was busy messing around in the transporter. Which, might I add, was also from some Kraang blueprints, and it works pretty damn well, if the power is not drained, of course."
"That again!" Jess said in frustration. "Look, I said I was sorry. You know one of things I don't like about you Mystery is that you always hold a grudge. I didn't hold a grudge when you slapped me, and I wasn't going to hold one about that goddamn Kraang shield!"
"Okay," Mystery said, sitting down in her seat. It was obvious that she wasn't in the mood for to continue the argument. "If that's can we pop the next episode on? It might make me feel better."
"Sure, whatever."
Jess sat down in her seat without even looking at Mystery and just sat in silence, not saying play or anything. This mean Mystery had to shout play and until the next episode started everyone sat in complete silence. No one wanted to upset these two even more, especially with the power Jess had.
Unknown to Jess, Mystery and everyone else; Nia was feeling depressed in her seat. She only had one job to do and that was to keep things running until Jess got back and she couldn't even do that. Instead a fight broke out and she and Mikey ran away instead of staying and fighting. Some leader she was. She couldn't even keep the peace long enough until Jess and Mystery returned. Nia hated to admit it, but maybe her past father was right… Maybe she was worthless.