Over the course of the evening the three brothers explained the mystery of their existence to Hope. As baby turtles they had been exposed to a chemical called mutagen which had transformed them into mutants. Taken in by a mutated rat named Splinter, they had grown into ninjas and trained every day. When they had turned fifteen, Splinter allowed them to go above ground, where they had met their human allies: April O'Neil and Casey Jones.
All of them had trained together for years, saving the city on numerous occasions. Splinter had passed away a few years previously. April and Casey had married and set out on their own. None of the turtles had seen them in years.
"It took us a while to realise that we really needed another human ally, but it was such a difficult task, considering we can't really show ourselves." Explained Leonardo.
"Why me?" Enquired Hope.
"We saw you get attacked a few weeks ago, you were amazing!" Piped up Michelangelo.
Hope's heart skipped a beat. They were there? Was one of them him?
She scanned the brothers' eyes to find some sort of feeling, but none came. Was he someone else? Another person? Another mutant?
"She's looking for him." Said Raphael.
"Who…?" Said Hope, scared for the answer; maybe he didn't exist. Maybe it was her heart playing tricks on her because she was so desperate to find him.
"We'll be right back." Said Leonardo and all three exited the room.
Hope sat back down on the floor, her legs crossed, staring at her hands.
"Hope…?" Said a voice. She didn't have to look up. She already knew. His voice saying her name gave it all away.
A figure appeared on front of her and sat crossed legged, mirroring her. She saw his feet, turtle feet, three fingered hands clasped and elbows resting on his padded knees.
Slowly her eyes traced up his body to meet his eyes beneath his purple mask.
Those eyes.
"It's you." She gasped.
"I'm Donatello." He smiled.
"Thank you. For saving me."
"My pleasure."
The Hope's words failed her.
My One True Love. Is. A. Turtle. She thought.