Happy Labor Day everyone! In celebration of this blessed weekend, here is chapter 14 for you guys!
And I know some of you are waiting for an update to the CharacterXReader TMNT fic. A lot of you have been PMing me about it, so I'll just respond to you here. I know, I know! I'm an a-hole for not updating that sooner! I'm really really really sorry. I'm not ignoring you or the story. I've just been backed up in school and/or otherwise occupied with the curse that is life outside of fanfiction. I said this to one of you before, but I'll just say it again.
It is physically, emotionally, mentally, Hell! it's spiritually impossible for me to willfully ignore people. I love each and one of you. Your PMs and reviews (From American Country Girl, to Ouran Academy Hostess still needs two reviews in order to be updated!) mean the world to me.
Don't get me wrong. Seeing a story that has a lot of views (This one has almost 4.7k by the way! WTF!?) is awesome. And having a PM that says "Please update this story!" is cool. But getting feedback on a story in the form of a review is what gives me the drive to update a story. If I don't get those, I start to think that no one likes it. Just because you can't request right now doesn't mean you can't review.
All that to say, please review my stories. I always make an attempt to respond. And, on that note, responses!
Roxygirl: Yes, yes you are awesome! Seems you are the only one who knows who it was. Or not. Whatevs.
Yes I have seen the season three episodes, and I totally agree. Yeah he went through hell, but still. He's still cool enough to be my favorite turtle though.
That's good to hear. Next update for ya!
grapejuice101: I'm so happy you're loving this. It means a lot to hear that.
SublimeEchos: I admit to nothing, but I may or may not have had you in mind when I wrote that scene. And I'm not worthy of your praises. You are a much better author than I am.
Your support is so appreciated, I can't put it to words.
Now, with that done, here is the next chapter. By the way, this chapter is Fallyn-centric, but it technically takes place in the episode "Mousers Attack!". Also, there is a guest appearance from one of my favorite Original Characters ever created on this site. This chapter was a bit of a collab with the owner of that OC, so I'm actually really proud of this chapter. In any case, please tell me what you think of it!
Chapter 14: A New Friend
Fallyn sat behind Splinter as the boys began their form. She had joined him for his sunrise meditation earlier, and had had a stimulating conversation with him afterwards. It turned out they were much more alike than either had previously thought. Currently, both were a little exasperated as Raph and Leo started fighting… again. Splinter jabbed his finger under each of their jaws, hitting a pressure point. Using it, he dropped them at his feet.
"Competition is an excellent motivator, but not when it turns you against each other." Leo and Raph stood, rubbing their jaws. "So now, you will spar two on two." Leo crossed his arms.
"Okay. I'll take Don-"
"You will take Raphael." Fallyn blinked in surprise as the boys looked at each other. "You two must focus on working together, not competing with each other."
"Okay…" Leo said uncertainly. "So, me and Raph, against Mikey and Donnie?" He chuckled. "Uh, isn't that a little unfair?" As much as she hated to admit it, Fallyn had to agree. Albeit silently.
"Wait. What are you trying to say?" Raph tapped his chin, pretending to be considerate.
"Um… how can I put this gently? We're…" He clenched his fist. "Way better than you guys."
"Psh. At fighting maybe." Raph snickered at Mikey's obliviousness.
"Uh, that's what I meant." Mikey's eyes widened.
"Oh? Fine." A rather large tick mark pulsed on Don's forehead as the four faced off.
"Hajime!" Fallyn winced as Donnie and Mikey were immediately beaten up. Laughing, Raph and Leo clasped hands, spinning in a circle before trading sparring partners. The match was over as soon as it started, with Don and Mike collapsed on the ground with stars above their heads. "Yame!"
'Didn't… really need to say it, Sensei.' Fallyn shook her head at the boys. Raph commented on how working with Leo was fun. 'Probably because you won without breaking a sweat.' Touching her fingers to her forehead, she sighed. 'Something tells me this is going to be one of those testosterone-filled days. I seriously need a break.'
複
Shredder sat upon his throne as Bradford walked in. He had sent the dog mutant out to 'negotiate' with the Purple Dragons about raising their cut on all the robberies. Xever would have gone, but, since he was a fish, it was impossible for him to survive outside the water. Bradford kneeled.
"The Purple Dragon gang agreed to raise our cut to 80 percent." Bradford clenched his fists. "No complaints." Shredder nodded.
"It seems your mutated form has its advantages. But do not forget our primary goal: locating Splinter and the turtles." Xever swam around underneath the platform.
"If I weren't stuck in here, I would have caught Splinter by now." Bradford chuckled.
"But you are stuck in there." He began tapping on the glass. Xever covered his ears, shouting in pain for him to stop. The dog mutant chuckled again.
"I'm sure you'll have your chance to shine one of these days. Master Shredder might get hungry for sushi."
"Why don't you get in the water and say that!?"
"Enough Xever!" Shredder walked down, staring the fish mutant directly in the eyes. "Bradford is right. You are useless to me this way." As Xever swam away, the ninja master turned to his mutated pupil. "I'm counting on you. Find me information I can use…
"Or Xever won't be the only one missing his legs." Bradford bowed, leaving the room. Xever vanished under the platform, swimming to the end of the water. He settled in the darkness of the shadows.
'Shredder would be wise to remember I'm here… the next time he has a doctor's appointment.'
複
Fallyn walked into the dojo. Splinter was practicing with his katana. She waited patiently for him to acknowledge her presence, knowing he would speak to her when he was ready. Surprisingly, she didn't have to wait long. He finished the form, turning to look at her.
"What is it, Fallyn?"
"I was…" Fallyn sighed. "I was wondering if I could go above ground. Alone." Splinter's eyes widened.
"I know you are well on the road to recovery, but I don't think you're quite ready to go on your own." Fallyn sighed.
"I thought you might say that." Splinter put his katana back into his staff. He walked over, resting a hand on her shoulder.
"What troubles you?" Fallyn glanced away for a moment.
"Look, don't take this the wrong way, but…" she took a deep breath. "I need a break." Splinter tilted his head. "I'm not used to being around multiple males 24/7, and, to be honest, it's tiring. Don't get me wrong: I love being around you guys and all, but-"
"I understand." Splinter cut her off. A knowing smile played with his lips. "Be sure you are back before sunrise." Fallyn smiled, her eyes sparkling.
"Thank you Sensei." She started walking away, before turning around to hug him. Splinter tensed, before returning the embrace. Fallyn pulled back, flashing another smile before running out. The rat chuckled.
"Though you have gone through so much pain… you can still find the simple joys in life, and enjoy them to the fullest with no guilt." He sighed, his gaze wistful. "I envy you, Fallyn."
複
Fallyn smirked as she ran across the rooftop. Seeing a gap, she picked up her pace. Waiting till the last moment, she planted a foot on the edge, propelling herself off. Twisting in midair, she performed a quadruple corkscrew, landing in a perfect lunge. She slid back a few feet, allowing her body to come down from the high.
Chuckling to herself, Fallyn stood, walking to the edge of the roof. Resting a foot on the edge, she leaned her arms on her leg while overlooking Manhattan bay. She didn't know how long she had been running, but she was slightly out of breath. In any case, she had been out a while. That, or she was faster than she remembered.
"Training probably has something to do with that." The whitette looked down at her right foot. Since Don had given her the boots, she always wore them. Not only did they support her ankle, they were extremely comfortable. Not to mention adorable and went perfectly with her patrol outfit: the armor, gloves, and mask April had given her and her gi pants with a dark red-and-black-striped sweater over the armor.
Sighing, she lifted her head while her eyes closed, letting the salty ocean breeze blow across her face and through her hair. For once, she had left it down, instead of tying it up in a ponytail. She didn't anticipate getting involved in a fight, but had strapped on her odachi just in case. Her eyes opened to stare at the full moon. While it was true she needed some fresh air to clear her head of the stench of the sewers and to get away from the guys, she also needed it for another reason.
She needed to clear her heart.
Over the past month and a half, Fallyn had noticed her heart in a constant state of confusion. It worsened when Raph or Leo was around. When it was both of them, she found it nearly impossible to concentrate. With moments to herself exceedingly rare in the lair, Fallyn knew that moments like this were to be cherished and used to the fullest.
'Start from the beginning.' Fallyn's head dropped, her eyes closed. 'Search your heart. Find the source… figure out when all this started.' Her answer came in the form of cerulean eyes behind a navy mask, shining above a gentle and caring smile.
"Leo…" Her heart clenched when her lips spoke his name. The kiss they almost shared haunted her day and night. When he trained with her or on his own, she found herself staring at him… wondering what would have happened if their lips had met. If the guys hadn't returned when they had.
Of course, as soon as she started wondering, emeralds shrouded in crimson, as well as a cocky smirk, snuck their way in.
Raph had been there every step of the way while she was healing. The way his strong yet delicate touch guided her through the movements of her latest form, ensuring she could deliver strikes effectively without adding unwanted pressure on her right foot sent shivers through her spine. Even thinking about it… she could swear she felt his hands on her hips, lowering her stance. Involuntarily, her hand drifted up to lightly drag her fingertips over her neck in the spot he had kissed after he and Donnie had saved her from Fong.
Fallyn sighed. Opening her eyes, she stared at her hands. She began elongating her claws, before returning them to their normal length. As she did so, the stripes on her hands appeared and disappeared. While not really necessary, it was her form of pacing or tapping her foot. It helped her think.
"What am I doing?" she said to herself. "Why am I feeling this way?" The faces of both boys flashed through her mind, causing her heart to reach out for them. Her eyes shut forcefully, shoving them aside.
'No. I… I can't. I can't let myself get attached to them any more than I already am. I… I can't.' She bit her lip. 'If I do… I won't be able to protect April.
'I won't let her go through more pain than she already has. I won't let her suffer. Watching her… helping her happiness… supporting her… that's my role in life. I am Fallyn O'Neil, April' sister…
'Her friend…
'Her counselor…
'Her listener…
'Her defender…'
Fallyn opened her eyes again as she stared out over the bay. The waves crashed over the piers. Everything from cargo ships creating massive wakes to jet skis skimming across the water's surface passed her.
"My happiness takes a back seat. I take a back seat." A bitter chuckle passed from her lips. "Fallyn O'Neil… ever the watcher." She snorted, steam laced with sparks flying into the air.
"At least… I can't be hurt that way… and April gets her spotlight." Sounds below her distracted Fallyn from her thoughts. Grateful to whatever was going on, she jumped across two roofs, coming to the source. What she saw surprised her.
A young girl, most likely April's age, was fighting some Purple Dragons. Fallyn's interest was instantly spiked when she saw her using an odachi sword. Her brown hair whipped around as her body evaded the strikes of the men. The girl whirled again, bringing the hilt of her sword down on the man's neck. Thoroughly interested, Fallyn sat on the edge of the roof, pulling up a leg to rest her arm on it. She grinned to herself, lightly biting her pointer finger as she watched.
'She's good.' Fallyn discretely sniffed through her nose. 'Interesting… she's not entirely human, but I don't smell any other distinct scent, animal or Kraang. It's faint, but still there.' Fallyn grinned to herself. 'This'll be fun.' She silently crept down the fire escape, landing behind the girl.
She didn't notice Fallyn's presence. Her entire focus was on the Purple Dragons. Fallyn watched as she deftly finished all of them off. She straightened, turning slightly as she wiped her forehead. From this angle, the moonlight shown on her face, letting Fallyn observe her.
Her skin was a light tan, darker than Fallyn's, but not golden. Her eyes were a light hazel that reflected the light from the moon. Underneath was a splash of freckles that danced across her nose. Her clothing was simple: jeans, boots, a jacket, and a beanie; fitting attire for a chilled New York night, but a stark contrast from Fallyn's. A drop of sweat trailed down the girl's cheekbone to her chin, falling off to splatter on the ground. As soon as it did, Fallyn let out a low growl.
The reaction she got was what she expected. The girl whirled, her blade on guard. Her hazel eyes searched the shadowed alley. Fallyn mentally laughed, considering she wasn't on the ground. The girl slowly began to walk forward, her eyes searching every corner. She even turned around a few times. Fallyn slowly crept along the wall, using her claws to silently dig into the stone.
As soon as she made it to the edge of the alley, Fallyn lightly jumped down, landing silently on the ground. The girl straightened, thinking she had just scared a stray cat or something. When she turned around, Fallyn's shadowed immediately came into her line of vision. She jumped back, stumbling over her feet slightly. When she regained her balance, she grabbed her odachi hilt with both hands, keeping the tip of the blade pointed towards Fallyn.
"Who are you?" she demanded. Fallyn didn't respond. Hazel eyes narrowed as they flicked over Fallyn's form. When her gaze traveled up to meet Fallyn's again, she let her stance relax minutely. "Who are you?" she asked again, albeit in a softer tone this time.
"How long?" She tilted her head.
"What? What do you mean?"
"How long have you been a mutant?" The girl's hazel eyes widened so large that Fallyn was sure they would pop out of her head.
"I am not… a mutant."
"Well you're not human."
"How would you know?" Fallyn stepped out of the shadows, letting the moon shine down on her hair. A soft gasp escaped the girl's lips. Fallyn smirked behind her mask.
"Takes one to know one. I'm Fallyn." After a moment, the girl straightened, sheathing her odachi on her back. Fallyn's eyes widened minutely when it disappeared.
"Alex. So… how did you know?"
"Your scent." Alex lifted an eyebrow.
"Well that's not at all creepy." Fallyn chuckled lightly. She tapped her nose through her mask.
"Like I said, takes one to know one."
"So you're a mutant too? Your hair isn't dyed?" Fallyn shook her head.
"Nah. It's completely natural." Her golden eyes narrowed mischievously. "And you do realize you just admitted you're a mutant." Alex scoffed, crossing her arms. Fallyn placed a hand on her hip. "So… what are you doing all the way out here?"
"I could ask you the same thing." Alex shot back. "Why are you dressed like a ninja?" Fallyn smirked again.
"That's not asking me the same thing."
"Alright, smartass. Tell you what." Alex gestured over her shoulder towards the bridge. "First one to the top of the first pylon has to tell the other what they're doing out here, and what their powers are." Fallyn chuckled.
"Done." Alex smirked. Fallyn's eyes widened when she disappeared. Shaking herself out of it, Fallyn ran towards the bridge. As she ran, she sniffed the air.
'This girl is very interesting. But… turning invisible isn't enough to hide your scent, Alex.' Smirking, she flipped off the building, landing directly in front of the invisible girl. Fallyn's ear twitched when she heard a surprised gasp. Smirking, Fallyn decided to do something she hadn't done in a long time. She began to fall forward.
As she did so, her legs and arms changed so that they were of even length. Her muscles bulged under her armor and pants as they changed to accommodate the new shapes of her extremities. Out of reflex, her claws revealed themselves. Pushing off her back legs, Fallyn sprinted ahead, leaving Alex in the dust.
By the time Alex joined her on top of the bridge, Fallyn was leaning against the cable support, her breathing even. One leg was propped against the cold steel, while her arms were crossed under her arms. Her eyes were closed, but they opened as Alex hauled herself up and over the edge. Fallyn's lips turned up in a hidden smile behind her mask as Alex leaned on her knees, trying to catch her breath.
"Not… fair." Fallyn chuckled, pushing off the steel.
"I just used what I had. Besides, you seemed like you had a hard time believing I was a mutant." Alex looked up at her, her hazel eyes searching Fallyn's golden ones.
"Alright… you win." Alex straightened. "I'm out this far because I needed something to do, and my usual route had nothing to do. As for how long I've been a mutant… I only found out a few years ago, and I'm still trying to find answers."
"Found out? You mean you didn't know?" Alex shook her head.
"My family is dead, so I can't exactly ask them. My uncle was killed four months ago. I'm… I'm here because I figured… since New York is so big…" Fallyn nodded, cutting her off.
"I get it. I'm sorry. I know what it's like to lose your family." Alex tilted her head. Desperate to change the subject, she asked her own question.
"How long have you been a mutant?" Fallyn sighed, walking over to rest her arms on the railing on the edge of the pylon.
"Since I was born I guess. But I got my powers when I was eight. Speaking of which…" Fallyn glanced back at Alex. "You haven't told me what yours are." Alex chuckled.
"How do you know invisibility isn't all I have?"
"Two reasons. One, you smell cold. Two, your sentence just now." Alex sighed in defeat.
"You're good. Fine. I can turn myself and my weapons invisible… and I can do this." Opening her hand, a snowflake appeared in her palm. Throwing it up, Fallyn watched as it exploded, littler snowflakes began to fall down onto the girls.
"Wow… that's so cool." Alex ducked her head.
"Thanks. What about you?" Fallyn smirked. Reaching up, she undid her mask. Letting her hand drop, she blew flames out of her mouth, melting all of the snow still falling.
"That." Alex gaped.
"Okay. That is cool. So you can make fire?"
"And control it sweetheart. I'm willing to bet you can do the same with ice, can't you." Alex nodded.
"So… what was that before?" Fallyn tilted her head. "When you jumped in front of me, you…"
"Changed?" Alex nodded. "That's because I used the other side of my powers." Alex's eyes gleamed.
"You can change into an animal, can't you?"
"Right on the money." Alex looked over Fallyn's form again.
"I'm judging from your hair… a white tiger." Fallyn nodded.
"You're good."
"It's not that hard to figure out." Fallyn chuckled.
"For some people." Alex laughed along with Fallyn, joining her on the railing. The girls lapsed into comfortable silence, watching New York bustle around them. Even though it was nearing midnight, Manhattan still showed no signs of going to sleep. Not that it ever would.
"So what are you doing out here?"
"I needed to clear my head." Alex glanced at her.
"Problems at home?" Fallyn looked down, her thumb stroking her mask softly.
"You could say that." Alex narrowed her eyes slightly.
"You've lost someone too, haven't you?" Fallyn glanced at Alex before returning her gaze to the bay. She didn't say anything for a little while.
"My mother was killed when I was eleven. She died in my arms." Fallyn's grip on her mask tightened. "My father was taken from me five months ago. I've been fighting to get him back."
Alex lifted a hand. After a moment, she rested it on Fallyn's shoulder. She immediately recoiled. Fallyn noticed.
"What is it?"
"You're burning up!" Fallyn's eyes widened momentarily, before closing as she started laughing. Alex glared at her. "It's not funny, Fallyn!" Fallyn wiped a tear away.
"I'm sorry. Your reaction was funny." Sighing, she leaned on the railing. "I'm perfectly fine." Alex narrowed her eyes.
"Perfectly fine my ass!"
"Alex…"
"We need to get you inside!"
"Alex."
"Don't you dare say you're okay because I know you-"
"ALEX!"
"What?"
"My normal body temperature is 113 degrees Fahrenheit. I'm fine." Alex gaped at Fallyn.
"WHAT!?" Fallyn winced, recoiling.
"You don't need to shout. I'm right here."
"Sorry. But… why is it so high?" Fallyn shrugged, turning her attention back to the water.
"It's a side effect of my mutation." She shrugged again. "Comes in handy on nights like this." She breathed out again, little sparks flying around in the steam.
"Oh… wow." Alex leaned on the railing again. "How are you able to control it that high?"
"I don't." Fallyn glanced at Alex. "Same way you don't control yours. A normal human's body temperature is stable at about 98.6 Fahrenheit. Mine just stabilized at a much higher temperature than normal."
"How come?"
"When I was mutated, I was in a very cold area. I had to have a higher body temperature just to survive, with the ability to control it should the need arise."
"So you can make it hotter?"
"Or colder. It depends." Fallyn looked out over the bay again. "Going too high or too low is dangerous."
"Just like a normal human."
"Yeah." Alex sighed, looking out over the bay. "What is it?"
"I was just thinking how nice it is to have someone to talk to." Fallyn smirked.
"Ditto." Her smirk became slightly mischievous. "But I can do better than talk." Alex glanced at her. She smirked as well. Fallyn stumbled back as she was shoved. "Hey!"
"Catch up if you can, kitty-cat!"
"Oh-ho! You're going to regret that, snowflake!" Laughing, Fallyn slid down the suspension cable after Alex, flipping off to land on a passing semi. Alex laughed from atop a taxi in front of her. The girls jumped across the roofs of the cars and trucks on the bridge, laughing at each other and themselves. Fallyn grinned to herself.
'Alex is right. It's wonderful to have someone to talk to. To have someone that understands… outside of family.' The whitette jumped off the car, landing on the lower end of the suspension cable. Alex was already sliding down it. 'Besides… it feels good to act like a kid again. Back when I didn't have a care in the world… other than beating April that is.'
複
Leo and Raph jumped across the alley. They had found the source of the robots that had stolen from the Purple Dragons: Baxter Stockman. He had sprayed them with some sort of red mist, and, after that, the Mousers, as they were called, began chasing them. Hence the reason they were currently running for their lives.
"How are those things tracking us?!"
"It's gotta be that stuff he sprayed us with!" Leo sighed.
"Alright. We better call Donnie." Raph whirled on him.
"You wanna get bailed out by the B-Team!? Forget that!" As they jumped across another alley, Leo's eyes widened. He smirked.
"Maybe we won't have to." He had spied a water tank. Sliding to a stop, he slashed the pipe with his katana. "Whatever this stuff is, we'll just wash it off!" Raph yelped as the water hit his skin.
"Cold!" Leo sighed.
"That otta do it." Unfortunately, it didn't. The Mousers climbed over the edge of the building.
"Of course, we could call Donnie just to say hi." The two climbed up on top of the water tank. Pulling out his tPhone, Leo dialed Donnie's number. It wasn't long before he picked up.
"I'm kind of in the middle of something!" Leo heard Mikey as well. "What's the matter? Oh don't tell me the A-Team needs our help." Leo winced.
"Uh, no." He laughed nervously. "No! Of course not! No, w-w-we're great. I-I'm just uh, you know, checking to see if you guys, need any help."
"We got this. We followed Fong to the defunked Futon factory on Fifth." Mikey chuckled in the background. "Anyway, we've got an awesome plan to get the phone back. How are you guys doing?"
"You know, good… ish." Leo looked down, where Mousers were chomping away at the water tank's supports. "Wah! Whoops! Call waiting, got to go!" He hung up, looking at Raph.
"You were right. We've got to beat these things on our own if it kills us." The boards creaked. "Okay bad choice of words." As he looked up, Leo's eyes caught a glimpse of a girl with white hair jump off a roof. "Was that-"
The water tank collapsed.
複
Fallyn collapsed on the roof, out of breath. Alex collapsed next to her, just as tired. They had raced from the bridge to a business complex. The streets were lined with small businesses and stores.
"I… haven't… had…" Alex swallowed, licking her lips. "That much fun in a long time."
"Same here." Fallyn groaned as she sat up, running a hand through her hair. She sighed, leaning back on her hands as she looked up at the sky. "Hey."
"What is it?"
"Have you…" Fallyn sighed. "I don't know." Alex tilted her head.
"What is it?"
"Have you ever wondered what it would be like if… if you could walk down the street… if you could use your powers in the open… and not be judged for it?" Alex looked at her lap.
"Yeah. All the time." Alex chuckled. "Though I guess it's easier for me, huh?"
"You have no idea." Alex tilted her head.
"What do you mean? It's not like you have to hide your appearance or anything." Fallyn didn't respond, instead averting her gaze to her lap. "Do you?"
"You might as well see." Sighing, Fallyn stood. Alex watched, thoroughly interested. Taking a deep breath, Fallyn closed her eyes. Alex's, on the other hand, widened as she saw what happened.
Fallyn's ears disappeared, her bangs falling around her face, the right side obscuring her eye. Two black stripes appeared on both cheeks, ending halfway towards her mouth. Two triangles appeared on the top of her head, folding out to reveal delicate white and black hairs as well as baby pink skin. When Fallyn opened her eyes again, her pupils had narrowed to vertical slits.
"Fallyn…" The whitette sighed, looking away. "How…"
"This is what I normally look like." Her voice was the same, but had a slight growl to it. "It actually takes a lot of concentration to look like a normal human." Alex stood, walking over to her. Fallyn hesitantly glanced in her direction as she stopped in front of her. Both hands began to rise, causing Fallyn to close her eyes again.
They flew open when her ears were touched.
Fallyn looked in shock at Alex. She was rubbing her thumbs on the inside of Fallyn's ears. Against her better judgement, Fallyn let out a purr. Alex chuckled, her eyes bright.
"Wow…" She let go of Fallyn's ears, dropping her hands back to her side. "Is that all?" Fallyn shook her head.
Lifting a hand, she unsheathed her claws. Alex jumped back slightly. Fallyn smirked. Concentrating, she lit her claws on fire. Alex gaped.
"That is so cool!" She looked all over Fallyn's hand. "How are you able to do that without engulfing your whole hand in fire?" Fallyn shrugged.
"Don't know. Just can. And this." Flinging her hand out, she released the flames. They stuck into the side of the neighboring building, eventually dying out. Alex flinched.
"That would do some damage."
"Oh yeah. I can only use it while I look like this though."
"So why not look like that all the time?" Fallyn sighed, returning her appearance to her human form. She tucked her hair behind her right ear again, letting her hand fall to rub her neck when she was done.
"I have someone to protect. She can't be seen walking around with a mutant. Well, an obvious one anyways. It's bad enough that I'm assumed to be emo or something." Alex nodded.
"I guess you have it worse than I do, huh?" Fallyn chuckled, flicking Alex's forehead. "What was that for?" she whined, rubbing her head.
"Just felt like it." Alex pouted, but that turned into a smile soon enough.
"You know something? You're alright. For a mutant." Fallyn smiled, relief flooding through her body.
"Thanks. You're not half-bad either." Alex rolled her eyes, walking to the edge of the roof. Fallyn joined her. A light breeze blew past them, pushing their hair behind them.
"Sometimes… sometimes I think about it. Your question." Fallyn glanced at Alex. She was staring out over the city.
"Sometimes I think about what it would be like… if I could use my powers in the open. If I could walk down the street with my weapons out in the open, and not be called a freak or arrested. Sometimes I think… that there could be someone who would accept me for who I am, powers and all. But…" Alex sighed, her head tilting down. "It's nothing more than a fantasy." Fallyn nodded.
"The world isn't ready for us. We have to hide in the shadows… we have to hide who we really are." Fallyn chuckled. "I envy my sister." Alex glanced at her. "She's able to walk down the street, knowing beyond a shadow of a doubt that someone could fall in love with her… and not run away."
"Well, sometimes… sometimes it's better to be alone." Alex smiled grimly. "You can't be hurt if you are." Fallyn nodded.
"Yeah. That's true." Fallyn sighed. "But… I don't think… a life like ours… will ever be without pain." Alex chuckled darkly.
"Unless you stop feeling altogether." Fallyn snorted, an amused glint in her eye.
"You're right." She looked down at a beep. Pulling out her phone, she sighed when she saw the time. Alex noticed, looking down at the screen. She sighed too.
"Gotta go?"
"Yeah." Fallyn bit her lip, not ready to leave. She brightened at a thought. "Hey. You got a place to stay here?" Alex shook her head. Reaching inside her sweater, Fallyn pulled out a pad of paper.
"You always carry paper with you?" Fallyn shrugged.
"Great fire starter."
"You can start your own fire though." Fallyn rolled her eyes, pulling out a pencil as well. She wrote something down. Ripping the paper off, she handed it to Alex. She looked down, lifting an eyebrow at the address. "What is this?"
"It's my old apartment. I'm staying with my aunt right now, so it's completely vacant. I drop by from time to time if my patrol route bypasses it, but, other than that, you won't be bothered. Besides, it's only a block away from a great noodle place." Alex smiled gratefully.
"Thanks Fallyn." She held out a hand. "Maybe we'll see each other again." Fallyn clasped her forearm, Alex doing the same.
"I'd like that. That way I'll be able to leave your butt in the dust again." Alex snickered, letting go.
"Not a chance, kitty." She turned around, waving over her shoulder. "See ya, Fallyn."
"See ya, snowflake." The brunette nodded, jumping down the fire escape. Fallyn watched as she walked out into the street. After turning around one last time, she disappeared. Fallyn sighed, walking the opposite way.
'Well… it was fun while it lasted.' She lifted the manhole cover, climbing down the ladder after covering the hole again. 'Maybe we will see each other again.' Fallyn glanced up, looking at the moon through the grate. 'Take care of yourself Alex.'
複
Fallyn peeked around the corner, breathing a sigh of relief when no one was in sight. Silently, she crept across the lair towards Leo's room. The door didn't make a sound as she opened it. Just as she was about to close it behind her, a hand clamped over her mouth, pulling her back towards the bed.
Fallyn let out a muffled grunt as her back landed on the mattress. She looked up, one hand about to connect with her attacker's face. She stopped short when she saw cerulean eyes. Ripping the hand off her mouth, she glared at him.
"What the hell are you doing Leo!? I could have hurt you!"
"Where were you?" She blinked in surprise.
"What?" Leo growled, sitting up so he hovered over her. Fallyn scooted out from underneath him, making her eyes level with his.
"Where… were… you? You weren't here when we got back."
"Wait, you guys went out? What for?"
"Patrol." Fallyn facepalmed.
"Duh."
"You weren't here when we left, either." Leo narrowed his eyes. "So I'll ask again… where were you Fallyn?"
"Out." Leo snorted. Sitting up further, he placed his hands on either side of Fallyn's head. "Leo?"
"Do you have any idea how worried I was?" Fallyn licked her lips nervously. Leo's eyes were filled with anger and concern, his voice forceful, but it betrayed how worried he had been. "Sensei said he had given you permission to go out, but you didn't even bother to tell me." His voice broke as he asked again. "Why?"
"I… I'm sorry." Fallyn looked away, unable to meet his gaze. "I just needed to sort some things out."
"So why not ask me to help?"
'Because you are the reason I'm confused in the first place!' is what she wanted to say. Fallyn couldn't though. It would only hurt him more… and… possibly… give him hope for something that couldn't be. She settled with something relatively safe.
"It's personal." Leo's hand on the right side of her face curled into a fist. "I'm sorry Leo. But I'm not ready to talk about it."
"Why not?"
"Because I'm not sure how I should feel about it." 'I'm not sure how I should feel about you.'
Leo tried to catch her gaze. There was a hidden meaning behind that sentence. He knew it. He couldn't figure out what it was though. He sighed in defeat.
"Fallyn…" She didn't move. "Fallyn look at me." He gripped her chin lightly with his right hand, turning her face towards him. Fallyn met his gaze, but hers was extremely guarded.
"You don't have to tell me now. I get it if you needed some time alone. But please… please let me know the next time you leave. At least leave me a note or something." Fallyn nodded, earning a slight smile from Leo. Leaning forward, he kissed her forehead. Pulling back, he briefly rested his forehead on hers before getting up.
"Get some sleep." Fallyn nodded, yawning as she pulled off her odachi. Leaning them against the wall, she took off her sweater and body armor, leaving her in her light blue tank-top. Yawning again, she curled up on the bed, bringing her knees up to her nose.
"Goodnight, Leo."
"Goodnight Fallyn." Leo watched as she fell asleep, her breathing evening out into deep, even breaths. Sighing, he took off his bandana, katana, and pads, setting them on his desk. Getting up, he gently draped a blanket over her shoulders. Trailing his fingers through her hair, he leaned down, gently kissing her cheek. "I love you."
複
Bradford walked in, holding Stockman by the back of his sweater. The scientist was struggling against his grip, trying to break free. Underneath the platform, Xever swam around furiously. Shredder stood up, walking down the steps as Bradford dropped the scientist.
"Here he is Master." Stockman looked over his shoulder, his eyes widening at the sight of the armored ninja.
"Baxter Stockman." Shredder smirked as the black man cowered in fear. "Your interference has cost me the turtles and Splinter!" He grabbed the smaller man by the front of his sweater, lifting him up to Shredder's eye level.
"You should pay with your life." He lifted his free hand, unsheathing his third blade. It paused inches away from Stockman's face. "Fortunately for you, I may have use for your skills." Stockman grunted as he was dropped again. Looking over his shoulder, he shivered as Bradford growled, flexing his fingers.
'You blasted turtles did this to me. I'm going to get you back for this. If it's the last thing I do!' Swallowing his fear, Stockman looked up at Shredder. "What do you need me to do… Master?"
Fallyn's Revealed Powers: Telekinesis, Enhanced Hearing and Smell, Retractable Claws, Healing, Firebending, Transformation
I own Fallyn, and, to some extent, the plot in this chapter.
Alex is owned by SublimeEchos. If you want to know more about her, read SublimeEchos' stories. THEY ARE AMAZING!
I hate to do this, but I'm going to. I'm going to ask for at least three reviews before the next chapter. So... please review! Together, we can make it. Today, 47 reviews. Tomorrow, the world!
Sorry. I meant 50 reviews.
I love you all, and, again, I'm not ignoring any of you. I'm just really really really busy. College AP takes a lot of time.
See you all next chapter! (Wherever that is.)