Don't Own Ninja Turtles
Chapter: 4
(Yoshi:)
He sensed the presence of Shredder and his Ninja, growing fainter and fainter, until he could feel them no longer. His enemy was gone, his revenge forfeited. But for some reason Yoshi couldn't find it in him to care.
He quickly raced to the little Turtle, as he withered and cried on the ground, in pain and took him into his arms. Trying to comfort him. Even through his weak attempts to continue attacking. Yoshi easily took his hands and stilled him. Telling him it would be okay. But his words felt hollow.
"Paladin."
Yoshi flinched at the loud sound. Then realized that the child had suddenly stopped moving. He looked up in a panic and quickly checked for a pulse. He sighed in relief when he found it. Weak, but still there.
He looked around and found that the two other Turtles he could see, had stopped attacking as well. August appeared from inside the truck and snapped April and Casey from their surprised daze, before they started loading them gently into the truck again.
August rushed over to Yoshi and laid a comforting hand on his shoulder. "It's over Yoshi." He reassured him. "Let's get them out of here." Casey came over a second later and helped Yoshi to his feet and walked him back to the truck.
April was already inside, checking the other three over and trying to make them more comfortable. She immediately rushed over and took the last Turtle from her uncle's arms, so he could help Yoshi as well.
After everyone was situated again. Casey made his precarious way back to the front, having had to walk through the truck itself, just to get into the driver's seat. Yoshi realized absent-mindedly, that the vehicle was mostly buried under a collapsed wall. And Casey had to pray a board from the steering column before he could even sit down.
He thought about asking what had happened. But August didn't look like he wanted to talk about it just yet. And they had much more important things to consider at the moment.
Casey had to perform some questionable moves to finally free the armored behemoth from the carnage. But he eventually managed to plow his way through a half a block of cars, mailboxes and street lamps and get them back onto the street.
The teen took one last look into the back. Making sure everyone was present. Then floored it. More than ready to get the hell out of there, before something else happened.
It took a while for someone to finally speak again. But April relayed the question that was on every ones mind. "What happened?"
"A Control Chip." August stated bluntly.
"A what?" Casey asked from the front. Looking back for only a second, before his attention was abruptly pulled back to the road, when he swapped some more paint with a parked car.
"It's a Control Panel for Blood Stream Nano-Bots." Mr. Perry suddenly explained and everyone looked at him. "It was one of Shredder's – demands." He said slowly.
"Why didn't you say something earlier?" April screamed at him.
"They're too young." He immediately retaliated. "The Shredder wanted them for his army. He knew that activating the Chips would kill them. I didn't think he would –"
"What do you mean kill them?" April demanded before he could finish. Looking back down at the Turtles in her lap, in a fit of panic.
"April." August said suddenly, putting a hand on her shoulder. "Calm down. We stopped it in time."
"What?" She asked, looking at him then back at Perry. "How?"
"It's a Safety Word." Scott explained. "A kind of override command. During testing,we have to be able to shut off the Chips and control the Subjects. In case they become aggressive."
"They're free?" Yoshi asked.
"No." Scott answered simply. "The Chips have only been deactivated. They'll automatically restart when they wake up."
"Then how do we remove them?" April demanded of him suddenly, making him jump away from her.
"They can't be removed." Scott answered after a second of hesitation.
"Why not?" She screamed back.
"Because their attached to the spinal cord." August supplied and April looked at him in horror. "Even if they survived the surgery. They would be paralyzed for the rest of their lives."
…
Yoshi gently soothed the four little Turtles, as he once again checked that they were warm enough. It had been hours. But not one of them had moved since they had been released from Shredder's hold.
After making sure they were alright, April had tended everyone's injuries. Yoshi sported a heavy bandage on his shoulder and had been ordered not to use his hand. Until she could check it more thoroughly.
Thankfully, no one else was seriously injured. At least not physically. Yoshi could tell that everyone's nerves were clearly shot. As the incident had taken a deep toll on their emotions. It went to show just how close they had gotten to these four children in such a short time.
April had retreated to a corner and a few minutes later they heard crying. Her Uncle quickly got up to join her. Trying to comfort her as best he could. She'd cried into his shoulder for over an hour, before her tears finally dried up.
Casey hadn't spoken much either. Just continued to drive. Every once in a while, he tried making conversation. But he always seemed to drift off mid-speech. His thoughts clearly elsewhere.
Yoshi himself couldn't stop searching for reassurance that the children were alive and safe. He was almost in constraint physical contact with them and though it had taken a while to calm himself. He was finally able to search on a psychic level as well. And had managed to locate each of their spirits, but they were dangerously weak.
However, as a Ninja. He knew how to tell he difference between sleep and meditation. And currently the Turtles appeared to be leaning more towards the latter. Which should have allowed him to contact them. But for some reason they remained out of his reach.
…
They'd reached the city border after a few hours and were now on the mostly abandoned freeway. Heading for Massachusetts. Casey's family apparently had an old farm-house there. That had been converted into a safe house over the years.
Outfitted with Radar Jammers and all kinds of other things to keep it undetected. It was the perfect place to hide someone who tended to attract the worst kind of attention. Without putting them into virtual lock-down, that is. And as long as they didn't mind a constant stream of house guests. Courtesy of; 'The Resistance for Mutants' Rights.'
"Mr. Perry?" Yoshi asked, effectively splitting the silence that had fallen over the occupants of the truck; like a veil.
The scientist looked up when he was addressed. "Yes?" He asked.
"Could you explain a little more about these Chips?" Yoshi asked respectfully. He knew information was going to be their greatest ally and asset. Perhaps by gathering all the facts, they would reveal something that had been missed.
"Actually these are a relatively new prototype. We'd only just begun; – testing them." Scott explained, looking nervously at April. "And even then, It was only when The Shredder wanted to see their skills. That we ever activated the Chips at all." Scott continued. "They were just too important to risk hurting them."
"That is understandable." Yoshi agreed.
"So how exactly do these new ones work?" August asked suddenly. "I've seen one activated before. That's how I knew about the Safety Word. But that was only once and that was a long time ago." He admitted.
"They follow the same basics as the original constructs. Only some of the programming has been changed." Scott started, the explained further when everyone else looked confused. "The Control Panel is attached to the Cervical Nerves. Which gives it complete access to the body's Nervous System. As well as the Heart. This allows it to produce Nano-Bots and pump them into the bloodstream."
"However." Scott continued. "These new prototypes have another section that's attached to the Cervical Vertebrae. That produces a special series of Nano-Bots that are infused into the bones."
Yoshi couldn't help wincing. That certainly did not sound pleasant. "Tell me Mr. Parry." He said interrupting the scientist. "Were they – conscious when this procedure was performed?"
"Thankfully no." Scott answered immediately and everyone let out a sigh of relief. "Despite what you may think. I did try never to be intentionally cruel. My fellow colleagues and I also monitored the Shredder's scientists constantly. If we couldn't avoid the experiment altogether, we made sure they were unconscious for it." Scott went a little quite then. "Thou I wont lie. We didn't catch everything."
"That still doesn't excuse what you did to them." April suddenly proclaimed, staring at the man with deadly precision.
Scott looked back at her, before lowering his head. "Yes. I know."
When it looked as though the confrontation was over. Yoshi spoke again. "The Nano Bots." He stated. "They are what control their bodies?"
"Yes." Scott answered. "The Control Chip registers a command and sends signals to the Nano Machines. The subject is usually rendered unconscious while the command is in affect and they retain no memory of when the Chip was activated."
"What do you mean 'usually rendered unconscious'?" Casey asked suddenly from the driver's seat.
"Their have been – incidents in the past, when the subject wakes up during testing." Scott explained.
"So they can fight against its control?" Yoshi asked hopefully.
"Some can." It was August that answered this time. "Sometimes really strong intentions or desires can be imprinted onto the Nano-Bots. Which kind of overwrites their programming and gives the person some semblance of control."
"He's right." Scott agreed. "Though, I wont lie, it's an extremely rare case. I've only seen it happen twice myself and they were both much older. " He explained. "These new Chips were created to instigate a complete control. So these incidents could be avoided."
"So you could destroy their free will, you mean?" April stated more than asked.
"I don't deny what I have done Miss. O'Neil." Scott said, suddenly brave. "True, I was not in a position to refuse. But I intend to take full responsibility for my actions." When he finished they stared at each other for several seconds. Before April looked away, not saying a word.
"Please continue Mr. Perry." Yoshi asked after a minute. In case the tension were to grow too thick.
Scott looked back at him before he went on. "As I said before, these new Chips work by controlling not only the blood, but the bones. Which leaves no room for rejection." He stated.
"But there was rejection." August said suddenly and everyone looked at him. "True they still attacked us. But I can say, without a doubt, that if they wanted to kill us, they could have."
"Are you sure?" Scott asked suddenly interested.
"As the Plague." August stated bluntly.
Scott thought about that for a second before saying. "But they're too young."
"Is it possible that they are fighting against it?" Yoshi asked.
"Yes." Scott said, more to himself then anyone else. "Obviously they still can't fight the control entirely. Most likely it was just a subconscious reaction."
"Or it could be the power of positive influence." Yoshi suggested and Scott looked up at him; a little confused. So he continued. "It would not be the first time in history where positive will conquered over negative."
"True." Scott agreed.
"Then how did The Shredder control them?" Casey basically yelled from the front.
"He used a command sequence." Perry explained. "The Chips were programmed to respond to those numbers and letters as commands. Which would then activate the Nano Bots. Obviously the result varies depending on which command they received. But unfortunately, Shredder is programmed as the only commander."
Yoshi looked up at that. "Are you saying that The Shredder is the only one who can force them to attack?"
"Attack, yield, guard and follow." Scott added. " There's also a fifth; all-propose command. It's used to give details about missions or anything else that doesn't fall under the first four categories." Scott explained before realizing that he had not actually answered his question. "And voice anyway."
"That's new." August revealed.
"Yes." Scott admitted. "It was a protocol Shredder wanted installed."
"But if that's true." Casey thought out-loud. "Then why did they stop when you said that Safety Word thing?"
Scott was about to answer, when the reality of that question seemed to dawn on him. He looked down at the Turtles on the floor and said more to himself then anyone else. "They did stop."
"Mr. Perry." Yoshi asked, getting the man's attention again. "Is it possible that as the creator of the Chips they are still programmed to respond to your voice as well?"
Perry thought about that for a second. "They shouldn't be. Testing on the Chips ended over a year ago. The command codes should have all been reprogrammed to Shredder's voice."
"Well, I'd say Shredder should get his money back. Cause it doesn't look like they were." August revealed.
"I admit it was a new function." Scott said thinking it over. "Perhaps it – didn't work." He stated, thinking it over of a minute. "It seemed that instead of overwriting the codes into Shredder's voice. He was just added him as a commander."
"So if your still programmed as a commander. Then shouldn't you be able to use all of the commands?" August asked.
Scott nodded as he said. "Yes. I see no reason why I couldn't."
"Then could you use the Override command?" August asked and everyone looked up at him in curiosity.
"Override command?" April asked suddenly.
"That sounds promising." Casey admitted.
"Could this be used to free them?" Yoshi asked hopeful.
Scott thought on it for another minute before answering. "I think so. But –"
"On come on dude. No buts! Buts are always bad." Casey ordered.
Scott paused and looked at everyone else, before receiving the nod from Yoshi to continue. "As long as they're unconscious they can't respond to any codes."
"Why?" April asked simply. There was no criticism or condemnation in her voice. Only the question.
"Because they can't hear me." Scott answered her simply.
"Oh." She agreed. "That makes sense."
"That's why I'm so worried.' Scott continued looking down at the Turtles again. "They should have woken up hours ago."
Everyone sat up a little straighter at that. "What do you mean Mr. Perry?" Yoshi asked nervously.
"I mean, they should only have passed out for a few minutes. Maybe an hour at most." Perry stated.
"The – then why haven't they woken up?" April asked apprehensively.
"I don't know." Scott admitted. "But –"
"Not another but!" Casey said sourly. "Alright what is it this time?"
Scott paused for a second, then asked in a whisper. "Is he always like this?" August and April just kind of sighed and nodded in annoyance. Receiving his answer. Perry sat up again and continued where he'd left off.
"It's possible that it's actually the Safety Command itself." He stated. "As The Shredder ordered that this program be rewritten as well. Originally, when the Safety Word was spoken, the subject would just fall asleep for several minutes."
"So then, what does it do now?" August asked.
"It forces the subject to fall into a trance and await orders." Perry explained.
"But why?" Yoshi asked. "Would sleeping not be just as sufficient?"
"The Safety Word was only developed for when we lost control of subject." Scott explained. "The times that I have seen this happen. The Nano-Bots went berserk. The subject actually went mad with pain, before –" He stopped, when he was enthralled in the depths of a particular unpleasant memory. "Before it – destroyed them."
"So the Safety Code was developed as a way to knock them out before the Nano-Bots could cause any lasting damage." August suggested and Scott nodded.
"So why would Shredder change that?" April asked, thinking it through.
"His greed and cruelty have always been his weakest links." Yoshi stated. "It's most likely he made this change because it would suit him better."
"Your right." Scott proclaimed. "He wanted them to fall into a trance instead. So they would be conscious when they received their punishment for disobeying his orders."
"How cruel." April declared. "They wouldn't even be able to fight back."
"No." Scott agreed. "Nor would they be able to scream or cry. Only feel the pain."
"How did this guy get to be so – evil?" Casey asked.
"I have asked myself that many times." Yoshi responded. "I remember as kids, that he had always been purpose driven and somewhat demanding. But never too this extent."
"Kids?" Perry asked suddenly, looking at him. Then he seemed to put the pieces together. "My God. Your him! Hamato Yoish?"
"Yes." Yoshi answered. "I'd imagine if you spent any amount of time with The Shredder. You would have learned a great deal about me."
"That's putting it rather mildly." Scott admitted.
August seemed to see that this was a topic that Yoshi didn't wish to be on. So he quickly brought them back to the issue at hand. "Mr. Perry." He stated, getting the man's attention again. "You said that the Safety Word puts them into a trance?"
"Yes." He answered.
"So shouldn't there be a word to pull them out?" April finished for her Uncle.
Scott opened his mouth to answer, but quickly closed it again in thought. "You make a valid point Miss. O'Neil." He admitted after a minute.
"Are you saying that you programmed a word to put them into a trance. But not one to bring them out?" Yoshi asked.
"No. It would seem that we – didn't." Scott declared, thinking hard about something. "That would certainly explain why this is happening."
"But why would The Shredder want that?" April asked.
"Most likely because he didn't expect them to survived their punishment." August guessed sourly.
"He really doesn't know how to take no for answer does he?" Casey proclaimed. "What's the point of making Super Solders if he's just going to kill them the second something goes wrong?"
"Actually, this may be our fault." Scott admitted and they all looked at him skeptically. "You need to understand. We were forced to make so many weapons for The Shredder. Things you couldn't even imagine in your worst nightmares." He stated, fidgeting with his hands nervously, as he remembered. "When we found loop-holes in his orders. We would try to control the situation."
"You were trying to make his weapons less deadly." August guessed and Perry nodded.
"One of my colleagues likely programmed the Safety Word to do this." Scott explained. "As a way to control the situation. If only a little."
"So. What does that mean?" April asked.
"We knew they were strong." Scott said, looking down at the Turtles again. "They showed a great deal of resistance. Even at an early age. We knew they would likely become the most powerful weapons in Shredder's arsenal." He declared. "And that one day they would fight back."
"So when the day came that they fought against his commands and Safety Word was used." Yoshi started.
"They would remain in the trance." Scott finished. "And under such circumstances. They would no longer be able to follow Shredder's orders. They would be rendered – useless."
"Isn't there anything that can be done?" August asked, though he didn't sound too hopeful.
Scott sat back and took a big breath before speaking. "I could try the Override code."
"Would that work?" April asked.
"If what I suspect is true and one of my colleagues indeed programmed the Safety Word to do this." Scott stated. "Then the Override would be the only way to bring them out of it."
"But what would that do?" April asked looking at her Uncle.
"It would completely wipe the Chips of all programming." August explained. "It would free them from Shredders control."
April almost jumped to her feet. "Then why haven't we tried it yet?"
Scott had to back up so he had enough breathing air to speak. "As I said before. They can't hear me." He explained again and she sat back down in huff, as she remembered that annoying little detail.
"But you believe that it may work now?" Yoshi asked.
"Actually I have no idea." Scott admitted. "I can only guess what my comrades were thinking when they did this. But I know that if I had been in such a position. I would have written the Override to erase all existing programming. So if The Shredder did choose to activate it. They would be free to attack him."
August laughed a little at that. "You would turn his own weapons against him, using his obsession to control them." He laughed again shaking his head at the irony. "That'd certainly put a wild hare up his ass."
Casey burst into hysterics from the driver's seat. And the truck severed dangerously. It wasn't much longer before everyone else had a good-sized grin on their face as well.
…
When they finally reached Northampton, the sun had risen and was close to setting again. Casey now lounged in the passenger seat. Giving August directions through his increasingly, jaw-cracking, series of yawns.
When they finally reached the farm-house. Yoshi couldn't help but verbally complement its integrity. It was a warrior from a forgotten age. That had managed to remain strong and standing through the worst the world could throw at it. And yet still complete its founding mission. To provide shelter and comfort to those within.
However it seemed Casey had come up with a much simpler name. 'The Farm that Time Forgot.' Yoshi had to admit it was a quaint clarification. That certainly provided the place with the sentimentality it deserved.
He, August, April and Mr. Perry each carried a Turtle from the truck. As Casey rushed to the front door. However before he could unlock it, the door swung open nearly taking his head off. And they were greeted by a young lady, sporting purple hair and an hip-hop assortment of clothes and pads.
"What took you so long?" She proclaimed sourly.
Casey just sighed before pushing her aside and let them into the house. "Guys, meet my eternally-annoying little sister. Angel!"
"I didn't know you had a sister." April stated as they gathered in the living room.
"It is a pleasure to meet you Miss. Angel." Yoshi said, politely bowing to the young woman, before turning to Perry. "Where should we place them Mr. Perry?" He asked indicating the Turtle in his arms.
"A strong, flat surface would be best." Scott started. "Preferably off the ground."
"What about the kitchen table?" Angel offered and everyone looked at her in surprise. "Don't look at me like that." She ordered, placing her hands on her hips. "Casey's gone through so much furniture, I had to start making things out of metal."
She then led the way into the kitchen and true to her word the table was indeed made of solid steel. "It also makes a good shield." She proclaimed proudly, fingering what looked to be one of many bullet holes in the surface.
Everyone looked at Scott again, who seemed extremely impressed. "That'll work." He agreed. He quickly started telling him how they should situate the Turtles. Carefully laying them down on their backs and turning their heads slightly so he could check the base of their necks.
He squinted a little in thought, then checked ones pulse. "It appears we were right." He said as he checked another one. "They aren't sleeping."
"Yes, I noticed that as well." Yoshi agreed.
"So that means – what?" Casey asked, pushing his sister roughly from the room.
"It means that they will be able to hear me." Scott explained, before adding. "Subconsciously."
"So what's going on?" Angel suddenly interrupted, forcing her way under her brother's arm, to reenter the room.
Scott paused, looking almost longingly at the girl in front of him. Before turning to Casey. "Mr. Jones. Are there any others in the house?" He asked.
Casey was about to answer, when he realized he didn't know and looked at Angel. "There are two upstairs and another five in a barn." She answered.
"I hate to ask." Scott said. "But could you ask them to leave?"
"Why?" Angel asked confused.
"Because I don't know how they will react to the override." He said nodded toward the Turtles. "They may see everything and everyone as a threat. I would prefer we limit that risk of someone getting hurt."
"Makes sense." Casey agreed, before turning his sister back to the living room and aimed a playful kick at her. "You heard the man. Get everyone out to the barn. That means you too!" He ordered and she turned on him with a glare.
"But –" She started to say.
"Angel that wasn't a request." He finalized.
She just huffed but said. "Fine." Before storming up the stairs.
"Miss. O'Neil." Scott suddenly said and she looked at him. "Perhaps you might consider leaving as well."
"No." She said immediately. "I want to be here when they wake up."
"April." August said putting a hand on her shoulder. "This could be quite – uncomfortable to watch."
"It isn't going to hurt them is it?" She asked, suddenly defensive.
"That's just it. I don't know." Scott admitted. "They will still be in the trance. They wont be able to scream or show any emotion. That's why the Shredder wanted them programmed this way." He explained. "So they would just follow his orders. No hesitation, no emotion, no mercy."
"April." Yoshi stated. "Perhaps you should wait in the barn."
April seemed to consider that for a second then shook her head. "No. I want to be here."
Her Uncle preformed a face-palm and pulled his hand down his face in frustration. "We might as well give up." He said sourly. "She's not going to budge."
Yoshi agreed and turned back to scientist. "What must we do Mr. Perry?" He asked. Scott still didn't seem convinced, but he answered. "First I'll have to activate the Chips again." He started, but was quickly interrupted by April. Which he was starting to expected by this point.
"But you said would kill them." She argued.
"Only if they remain active for long periods of time." Scott explained. "I plan for this process to be over and finished long before we get that close."
"Okay." She agreed hesitantly. "So how is this going to work?"
"I'll active the Chips." He repeated. "Speak several codes and order an Override." He paused to let that sink in. "Hopefully this will wake them up."
"What do you mean hopefully?" April asked with an angry look at the scientist.
He shuffled nervously under her gaze, but answered. "As I said before, these chips are different. I haven't worked with them as long as the others. And I have never overridden one." When he caught the dissatisfied look from April he quickly added. "But they are similar enough that I can base my assumptions on the originals."
April raised an eyebrow at him. "Well that's not vague or anything." She said sarcastically.
"I have faith in you Mr. Perry." Yoshi revealed.
April turned to him with a disgruntled look. "That's all good and kosher, until The Shredder shows up again and we find out it didn't work."
"He wont come for them again." August explained suddenly.
"How do you know?" She asked.
"He's right." Yoshi stated. "He spoke the codes knowing that they would die. He did not know Mr. Perry was there. Or that the Safety Word was still sensitive to his voice." "He thinks they're dead." August finished. "Otherwise his Ninja would have tried to retrieve them again."
"I hate it when you guys do that." April declared sourly.
"What?"
"Make me feel like a complete idiot."
Yoshi and August laughed a little at that. August was about to respond, but Perry beat him too it. "Far from it Miss. O'Neil." He stated and everyone looked at him. "You have an ability to think on your feet and consider things most people wouldn't. You are an intelligent and strong young woman. Admittedly, I am honored to meet you."
April couldn't help the blush that crept over her face, but quickly hid it. "Flattery will get you no where Mr. Perry." She declared, folding her arms, prepared to just ignore him.
"It was worth a try." Scott stated before everyone turned at the sound of people coming down the stairs. Angel arrived in the living room a second later, followed by two Mutants. Casey immediately walked up to his guests. "I'm sorry, I didn't expect to be so booked." He apologized.
One of them nodded, while the other exclaimed that it was fine. Yoshi realized that the one who had not spoken, had bandages around his neck and looked away from the sight. He had; had his voice box removed.
It didn't take long before Casey had them all situated out in the barn and had returned to the kitchen.
"OK." He said cracking his knuckles. "Lets do this."
"I can only assume they will remain in their trance." Scott explained moving around the table to stand over the smart Turtle. "But that may not be the case. You should be prepared for anything."
"And by anything, you mean?" Casey asked, nervously eyeballing the little muscle-bound Turtle.
"They could very well attack us again." Perry stated simply. "But I'll do it one at a time." Perry finished. "Hopefully this will give us a little more control over the situation.
"Alright." Casey agreed, obviously not really convinced.
Scott looked up and received confirmation nods from Yoshi and August. And after a minute April too added her own. He swallowed a deep breath, then leaned down to whisper in the Turtle's ear. "SS4 – Code 600407." He jumped back when the Turtle stiffened and his eyes flew open, to reveal the same pure white as before.
April tried to go to him, but Yoshi held her back. When nothing else happened Scott leaned forward again to finish. "Override Command – 135-2 – Command Code – 8340056 – Subject 6-9-7 – Override." He jumped back again when the Turtle suddenly turned over and curled into a ball.
Scott waited another minute, before looking up at the other occupants of the room. "It's done." He said and everyone sighed. But before any of them could make another move, the Turtle suddenly buckled. Arching his back, his mouth opening and closing like he was trying to scream.
"What's wrong?" April asked running to him, trying to clam his self-harming movements.
"Oh God." Scott said, placing his hands on the Turtle's plastron, trying to hold him down as well. "He's having a Seizure."
Gees. I just can't seem to stop with the cliff-hangers…
{Author's Note}
OK, a lot of information this time. This was why I added Scott Perry as a character, so I'd have someone to explain these things. Also the thing about Angel being Casey's sister. I got the idea from a new episode in the '2012 TMNT' series. "The Good, The Bad and Casey Jones." Casey actually said that he had a little sister in this episode. And I admit, I immediately thought of Angel. (I don't really care if I'm way off.) I always did like the way she looked up to him, as kind of a 'big-brother figure' in the 2003 series. So yeah. I hope you're enjoying my stories. See you next chapter. ^-^
R&R