Gateway-

"Come on, slow poke," Brice called from the top of the ladder. His sister resisted the urge to grumble; it would only reward him. It wasn't like he had to climb his way up. "The coast is clear if you hurry."

As she finally made it closer, he pushed the manhole cover off, floating out ahead of her before he came to rest on the damp pavement. She pulled herself up, trying not to get soaked. It was such a strange gateway between their home and the regular world.

He plodded along beside her, so much less graceful when he walked. His mutations were easy to conceal, though, with a wig and contacts and a little humility.

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Death-

It was raining. Casey was grateful for it, even though he knew she hated the rain; it camouflaged the tears he couldn't hold back, try as he might. April's warm hand slipped into his as they lowered the coffin. Damn his father for not even showing up. Damn them both for not protecting her. Ten years was too short a life, especially for his kid sister. She never did anything wrong. "Love you, Jess," he thought as his heart broke.

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Opportunities-

"Hey, check this out," April said as she leaned over Donnie's shoulder, handing him a newspaper.

"Um, the clerical help wanted section?" he looked back at her quizzically. "I'm pretty sure no one wants me as a secretary."

Scoffing, she pointed to an advertisement for a work from home tech support specialist. "Just an idea," she said with a grin, remembering the way he'd looked jealous when she started working a few weeks before. "I'd be willing to bet it beats waiting tables," she said, kissing him on the cheek just to watch him blush.

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33%-

Karai had become used to helping Mikey with meals. It was almost fun. She'd never been allowed in the kitchen before; such things were below The Shredder's daughter. In many ways, her life was the same. She still trained. She was still in the house of her father. Only this time, there was a warmth she'd never known. Each day she learned some new thing about her parents or her own soul, and yet it still felt like she was mostly a stranger to herself.

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Dead Wrong-

"What the hell were you thinking?!" Raph barked at her.

Val glowered at him, "I was thinking if I didn't get in there those stupid aliens would have killed April!"

"There were twenty of them and two of you. You shoulda called for backup!"

"It was the middle of the day!"

"I'm a ninja; I woulda got in!" he screamed two inches from her face. "I don't need my girlfriend gettin' herself killed cause she's too damned proud to ask for help."

Val's eyes narrowed as she said coldly, "Well, maybe that's the problem. I'm not some breakable doll, and as of this moment, I'm not your girlfriend anymore." On her way out the lair, she dropped the pocket knife on the coffee table.