Credits to KingJay-Z for helping with the chapter and the future chapters that he will help me with.
Kayla and Leo had agreed to go with Hound who wanted to show them how things work in New York. So after getting ready and Leo insisting that he wears a hoodie, the two met up with Hound at the lobby. Leo fidgeted with the string of the hoodie that Kayla let him borrow as they went out of the apartment complex as Hound took a deep breath.
"Ahh. Gotta love the fresh air of the morning. It's so…" Hound said with a nostalgic smile but was cut off by Leo.
"Fresh?" He questioned which made Hound laugh merrily.
"I was gonna say invigorating." He said with a nod as Kayla smiled before turning to the dog mutant.
"So what is it that we need to learn about New York, Hound?" Kayla asked curiously.
"Oh you'll know it when you see it. Leo, come out, buddy." Hound said before turning to Leo who wasn't stepping out of the door of the apartment complex building.
Leo pouted but complied as he stepped but was blinded by the sun as he covered his eyes.
"Yeah, no can do. See, I'm a mutant turtle. The kind of stuff that scares people. And honestly, I don't get why you want to show us New York. It's doubtful that we'll discover anything new about it. This city has no secrets for…" Leo began only for his eyes to widen at what he saw.
"Whoa! What is that?!" Leo exclaimed in shock and Kayla turned to where he was looking and was shocked as well.
Leo, who believed that New York had no secrets for him since he basically lived in the city, was surprised and shocked at what he was seeing. There were normal humans on the street and surprisingly mutants, people that had powers or looked different, like him and they were all living peacefully, normal kids playing with mutants, adult humans talking with mutants. Leo was in complete disbelief and so was Kayla.
"Are... Are you seeing this?" Leo breathed in shock. He must be dreaming. This has to be a freaking dream!
"Seeing this? Yeah. Believe it? Hardly." Kayla said in equal shock as Hound chuckled at their reaction.
"Well, you better believe it, my friends. This is real. Welcome to New York City 2.0." Hound announced as the two looked at him in confusion. New York City what?
"New York City 2.0?" They both asked in confusion as Hound nodded to their question.
"Yup. The big apple is known to have gone through quite some awesome changes over the years." He explained.
Leo couldn't help his eyes from drinking in the sights of everything. Mutants walking in broad daylight and walking amongst humans and the humans were walking side by side with them or working side by side with them.
"I can't believe it. A New York where… Mutants can walk freely and no one says anything about it." Leo said, a little breathless. It's like he found a haven where mutants can go freely like the Hidden City.
He became a little sad that his brothers weren't here with him to share this feeling but he shook it off.
"I did not expect that at all. How can this be?" Kayla said curiously and in amazement.
"If you think that's awesome, just wait till you guys see the rest. Come, there's a lot more to see." Hound grinned as he began to walk as Kayla and Leo followed him.
"As you can see, this part of this city is calm and lively. Here everyone lives in perfect harmony." Hound told them.
As they walked, Kayla and Leo saw a bunch of kids, humans and mutants alike, playing soccer and were having fun. One of the kids lost control of the ball as it rolled toward Leo's direction. He was able to grab it with his hand. After doing so, he began to play with the ball and then he kicked it to the kids so they could keep playing as they laughed happily.
"Thanks, mister!" One of the kids, a boy with octopus hair waved and ran off to catch up with his friends as Leo smiled.
"It's so amazing to see humans and mutants living like that. It almost feels like a dream." Kayla said in amazement.
'You have no idea...' Leo thought in awe.
"Yup, New York has come a long way. And you kids haven't seen anything yet. Why, you two are perfectly good examples that humans and mutants can live together. I bet that's why you two moved in together right?" Hound said but the last part made Leo and Kayla look at him as if he was crazy.
"What?!" They both exclaimed in embarrassment as they blushed in embarrassment.
"Okay, to be clear we did not move in together. That place is my apartment, and mine alone. I live on my own. Leo was there because I brought him. He was hurt so I let him stay for the night." Kayla hastily explained with a huge blush on her face.
"Yeah, and for the record, there's no way I could ever have something with her. Mark my words, it will never never never happen." Leo said with an equal blush on his face.
"If you say so." Hound said but raised an eyebrow in amusement but he kept on walking.
Leo and Kayla looked at each other before both looked the other way with bright blushes on their faces before they walked to catch up with Hound.
"As we can see, this street has all the necessities; food, medical supplies, and lots of fun too." Hound said as there were some stores that were open and bustling with life.
"Yes, it's quite charming." She said as she saw a family of three coming out of the store.
"You have seen nothing yet, my dear. Come, it's time for you to visit the big city." Hound said as they stopped by a bus stop
A bus stops where Hound, Leo and Kayla are standing as it opens its door they get in. Hound is the first one to pay for his passage before both Leo and Kayla followed but the bus driver stopped the mutant turtle.
"Pay up for your ride, kid." He said and he sounded like a tired old man.
Leo patted his person and winced. He doesn't have any cash in him.
"I don't have any money on me." Leo said as he laughed nervously.
"Sorry but no money, no ride." The bus driver said only for Kayla to stop him.
"It's okay. I'll pay for him." She told the driver.
Kayla takes out her wallet and pays for two tickets for their ride.
"Welcome aboard." The driver said.
Kayla gets to a nearby seat followed by Leo who sits beside her as he gives her a thankful look.
"Thanks." He said as Kayla smiled.
"No problem. And you owe $3." She said as Leo rolled his eyes but nodded.
"Great." He muttered before turning to Hound who was sitting across from them.
"So where are we going now, Hound?" He asked curiously.
"Don't preoccupy yourself with where we're going buddy. Just enjoy the trip." Hound laughed softly as Leo smiled nervously.
The bus began to drive And during the ride, Kayla noticed that Leo was somehow nervous since he kept fidgeting with the hoodie lace and his good legging was moving up and down rapidly.
"You okay there? Your leg is shaking." She asked in concern as Leo looked at her.
"I'm good. It's just… that it's my first time on a bus ride. I mean, not my first time. I've been riding on buses for a while, just never inside." Leo said truthfully. It's true that this was the first time he's rode inside a bus since he and his brothers always hitch a ride on top of them.
"Well, to be honest I'm kind of nervous too. I knew New York was special but I didn't think it was that kind of special." Kayla said honestly as she looked at her hands as Leo looked at her curiously.
"Why? Because where you come from, things are different?" He asked as she huffed out a small bittersweet laugh. That's putting it lightly.
"You'd be surprised. It's so different. That's why I… moved out. I felt like I needed a change. Fresh start, that kind of stuff." She said almost sadly. Leo picked up on how her tone shifted to a sad one and decided not to ask.
"I see. And what do you think of the big apple so far?" He asked curiously.
"Considering that I almost got mugged? I'd say that I've seen worse in my life. Well not as bad as almost getting robbed but still." Kayla said as Leo grinned.
"Yeah, well, you're lucky a handsome hero came to your rescue, your welcome, don't thank me." He said playfully as Kayla laughed.
"I seem to recall that it was I who saved you when I hit that guy who was about to clobber you. Not to mention that it is thanks to me you were able to heal since I brought you to my place. You're welcome, and by the way, that's twice you owe me." Kayla told him playfully as Leo pushed her shoulder playfully and lightly as they shared a laugh.
"Whatever." He laughed before Hound grabbed their attention.
"Hey, guys. You gotta check this out." Hound said as he pointed to something out of the window in front of them.
Both Leo and Kayla looked and saw that he was pointing at a bridge the bus was about to cross on.
"Hey. That's the Brooklyn Bridge." Kayla said in recognition. She only saw the bridge in pictures and magazines and never thought she would be seeing it in person.
"Yup, the one and only." Hound nodded as Leo had a nostalgic smile as he looked at the bridge.
"I remember climbing it once. The view from up there is awesome." He said only for Kayla and Hound to give him weird looks and realized his little slip up.
"I mean, I've always wondered how the view is from up there. If I ever decide to climb the bridge, which I never did because it's so dangerous." Leo coughed nervously as he grinned as Kayla raised an eyebrow at him. What did he mean by that?
"Uh huh. Well, the Brooklyn Bridge sure is great and way bigger than the pictures on the internet. But something tells me we're not just sightseeing, are we, Hound?" She asked as she turned to their tour guide who nodded.
"More or less." He said as Leo noticed something from the corner of his eyes and he looked over before smiling.
"Kayla, look." Leo said as he pointed to something out their window.
"Hmm?" She asked as she turned to the window and smiled.
"Liberty Island. Where the Statue of Liberty is." Leo said as Hound had a smile. Oh, they're in for a surprise.
"Well, you're half right." He said mysteriously as Leo looked at him.
"What do you mean?" He asked before Kayla gasped in amazement.
"Look closer." Hound said as Leo turned back to the window.
Leo looks closer to the island as he sees something surprising and unusual which makes his jaw drop. Instead of only being one statue like there should be, there are two statues, the original Statue of Liberty, and next to it, a statue of a mutant creature as he looked on in amazement.
"Two statues?" He questioned in amazement and shock.
"That's right. It's our way to show the world that our city is a place where people get along, with no difference or discrimination. A paradise for everyone to share." Hound explained with a proud smile.
"Wow." Leo breathed in awe. If only his brothers were here to see that before Kayla noticed they crossed the end of the bridge.
"Hey look, we're entering the city." Kayla pointed out.
"Yup, kids. Welcome to Manhattan. One of the best places to be, next to Brooklyn that is." Hound told them.
The bus drove slowly as Leo and Kayla were able to see how life is in Manhattan. People and mutants everywhere, skyscrapers, restaurants, cafes and lots of parks. There were even people flying in the skies and they even saw a giant lady playing at the park with a bunch of kids playing around her.
"That's so awesome." Leo gaped as he looked starstruck with literal stars in his eyes but Kayla is still confused on how New York came to be.
"I don't get it. How is this possible?" Kayla asked in confusion and Hound has an answer to that.
"Well, believe it or not. Back then, the city wasn't like that. Mutants like me used to live in fear. Those were really bad times. Humans were so terrified of mutants, they thought we were monsters, abominations, freaks of nature that were not meant to exist. But then, humans began to realize that we didn't have any fault about why we looked different or why some of us had powers that were terrifying. And just like that mentalities began to change, but sadly, there are still those who believe mutants don't fit." Hound explained with a solemn look.
As the bus drove by, Kayla and Leo saw through the window, painted messages on walls that said 'Mutants don't belong here' calling them all sorts of names and stuff like that.
"I thought everyone was okay with mutants." Leo said sadly as Hound gave him a reassuring smile.
"It's complicated, kid. Not everyone believes that we all belong here. Fear can make people do crazy stuff." He said gently.
Kayla looked at the painted messages before looking down on her hands because she knows what fear can make people do. Especially those spread by rumors of a certain someone which made her sigh sadly. Leo took notice of her sudden change of emotions and grew concerned and worried.
"Kayla, you okay?" He asked as he put a hand in her shoulder which made her glance at him
"Hmm? Yeah, yeah. I'm good… I'm good." She reassured them.
"You don't sound too good. I can tell. A dog's nose never lies." Hound said, looking concerned as well.
"I'm okay, just a bit tired that's all." Kayla said with a reassuring smile but deep inside, she's still pretty sad.
"Hopefully you'll have some energy left because what comes next is the coolest." Hound said and hoped it would cheer her up.
Leo noticed they were coming towards a familiar area and his eyes widened.
"Hey. That's the…" He said but trailed off.
"Yup, the legendary Times Square. Come on, I'll show you." Hound said excitedly as his tail wagged.
The bus stopped as Hound got off with Leo and Kayla following behind as they looked on with mouths open. They were amazed at seeing Times Square. Leo had seen it back home, even did a dance battle in it against some mutants dressed up as mascots but in this world, Times Square was way different. There was publicity featuring human stars, as well as mutant stars. There's the NYPD department that had a human and a cat looking at a girl guarding the entrance. A bunch of tourists taking pictures and all that, the place was colorful, Leo really had gotten a kick out of that one.
"This is way more awesome than I expected." Leo laughed in amazement and the feeling of nostalgia formed in his heart.
"Wow Times Square. I've dreamed a million times to see this place. I never thought I'd get to see it ever." Kayla said in amazement as she saw some mascots posing for the tourists.
"Looking for a new and welcoming scholarly environment? Well look no more. For U.P.H.S has everything any student could ever dream." They turned to see a lanky and friendly kraken mutant handing out some fliers to some teens who approached.
"U.P.H.S? What's that about?" Leo asked in curiosity. Kayla looked around and noticed that Hound was speaking to what looked like old friends.
"No idea. We should check, it could be something interesting." Kayla said as she looked interested.
Kayla and Leo walk to the announcement table.
"Come on, everybody, if you want a chance to enter U.P.H.S, this is your chance." The kraken mutant said as Kayla and Leo stood in front of the table.
"Excuse me. What's this all about?" She asked curiously as the guy smiled widely.
"Glad you asked. I'm announcing that U.P.H.S admissions have started." He said and Leo saw the name tag on his shirt and it was Dave.
"U.P.H.S?" He asked curiously since the letters seem to be short for something.
"Union Prep High School." Dave explained.
"All this for a school?" Kayla questioned in confusion and curiosity as she saw the flier of the school.
"Not just any school. Union Prep is the very first school to mix humans and mutants. It was founded in 1965. At first it was a school for humans until in 1990 they decided to become the first school to welcome mutants and ever since, the school has struggled to show that humans and mutants can work together in a similar environment." Dave explained as Leo looked surprised.
"A school? For humans and mutants? Really?" He asked in surprise as Kayla smiled.
"Sounds great." She said with a smile. It might be best if she attends it.
"It sure is great. U.P.H.S has so many programs you can choose. Not only that, but we also help mutants who have difficulties with their abilities." Dave explained before a news appeared on screen as a news reporter woman who was a human as well as mutant who's a jaguar was seen in business suits.
"We interrupt this program to bring you the latest news. A few minutes ago, the Avengers faced a few recently escaped convicts from the vault who tried to rob a bank. The perpetrators have been identified as Sandman, Rhino, Doc Ock, Whirlwind, and the Abomination."
Tourists and people gather around to watch the news as pictures of the criminals are shown.
"The avengers under the leadership of Steve Rogers aka Captain America, were able to stop those villains from committing anymore felonies. Now those criminals shall be transported in different prisons so they can all be contained properly based on their capabilities. Rhino and Sandman along with Dr Octopus shall be transported to Raft while The Abomination shall be put in the newly rebuilt Cube prison and Whirlwind shall be placed into the Big House. Tony Stark, also known as Iron Man has reassured the press that they will do whatever it takes to prevent any other villain from ever escaping. Strong words from the man in an armor of steel. And even though these villains escape like they did, the big apple is lucky to have great heroes protecting it." The news lady reported before the jaguar mutant was next as a picture of some thugs were shown.
"In other news, this vigilante group known as the Street Punks has performed a daring robbery against the group known as the Liberty Queens. So far the police haven't been able to capture any members of this vigilante group, but they were able to capture some Liberty Queens members. From the small information we could gather, those members will be interrogated. Pending their trial. We'll be sure to tell you guys anything, as soon as the news arrives." The jaguar reported before the news ended as they showed a perfume ad.
The people around the two talked about it and went about their day but Leo had a starstruck look in his eyes. Did he hear it right? The Avengers. THE Avengers were real here?!
"Whoa! The… The avengers? You mean they're… they're…" Leo said in dumbfounded disbelief and surprise as he was itching to go find them and ask for their autographs as Kayla looked at him curiously.
"They're what?" She asked in confusion before Leo remembered that he almost slipped out in the bus earlier.
"They're, uh… in New York?" He asked as Kayla raised an eyebrow at him curiously. Is he hiding something?
"Well, yeah, ít's where they live. I'm new in town and I knew that already." She said as Leo laughed sheepishly while rubbing the back of his head.
"I knew it too. I just… forgot." He said sheepishly.
"Okay. So, uh, about U.P.H.S. You said something about admissions?" Kayla said as she turned to Dave.
"Oh yeah. The school is accepting new kids, like, every year. If you want, I have sign up forms where you'll have to give your information like name, place of residence, phone number, email, etc. Then all that will be left is for you to send the paper through email at the address written right on top." Dave explained as he handed Kayla the paper as she read through it.
"Oh, it sounds easy." She said.
"Here you go." Dave said as he gave Leo a sign up form.
"Oh, no thanks. I don't think it's a good idea." Leo immediately declined. The last time he went to school, Hypno almost destroyed the whole place and he, Raph, Mayhem and April had to save the whole building.
Dave gave him a confused look.
"Why not? You're a mutant. I mean, you look like the kind of guy that would want to go to a special school." He explained as Leo pursed his lips. It is tempting but school and learning aren't really his specialty.
"Meh, I don't know. I've never been to a school. So." Leo said as Kayla rolled her eyes at him.
"You know what? Give me the paper, I'll hold onto it for him." Kayla said and Dave nodded.
"Sure." He said and handed it to her.
Kayla puts the paper in the pocket of her jacket. Hopefully, Leo would change his mind about the sign up form and attend the school.
"So, uh…, I read the paper and it says that the school is not too far from here?" She asked Dave, who nodded.
"Yup, it's at least 3 streets from here. Maybe you guys should go check it out. It's open for visitors." Dave explained as Kayla was excited.
"Sounds like a good idea." She said as Leo raised a non-existent eyebrow at her.
"Really? Because it sounds like the opposite of a good idea." Leo said warily as Kayla looked at him.
"Come on, Leo. When have you ever visited a school?" She said while Leo shrugged his shoulders.
"Never, and I consider myself pretty… lucky about it." He said as he felt a bit down.
Can you blame him? Having to live in the sewers has its ups and downs. The downside is never getting to attend a human school and learn, especially make new friends until they meet April. So the possibility that he can attend a school here kinda left a bitter taste in his mouth.
Kayla noticed this and grew concerned as her eyes softened.
"You okay?" She asked as Leo sighed.
"Yeah? Maybe… no. I said I felt lucky to never have gone to school… but to be honest. It's not true." Leo said truthfully and Kayla had an idea to hopefully cheer him up.
"Then let's go check U.P.H.S out. Who knows, you might even like it." She said hopefully and Leo couldn't help but smile. Maybe... Just maybe, he can attend school for the first time.
Hound finally found them as they looked at him.
"Hey, guys, what's up?" Hound said as Kayla showed him the flier.
"We're going to visit a school nearby." She said as Leo nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, it's called Union Prep High School. Know anything about it?" He asked curiously and Hound had a glint in his eyes as he smiled.
"Do I. You could say I'm an old alumni from U.P.H.S from the class of 2006-2007." He said proudly as Kayla smiled in curiosity.
"So you went to U.P.H.S?" Kayla asked as Hound nodded.
"Sure did. Best years of my life." He laughed warmly before receiving a notification on his phone.
Hound checked it and his eyes grew a bit serious for a minute as it was a call from an old friend before looking at the two.
"Hey, guys, I'm sorry but this is where we're gonna have to end our tour. I gotta take care of some business. You guys are gonna be okay without me?" He said as Leo gave a thumbs up and Kayla nodded.
"Sure." They both replied at the same time and they both looked at each other in surprise.
"Okay, then I'll see you guys later." Hound smiled as he walked off.
"Right. Let's go." Kayla waved as she turned to Leo.
"Yeah." He nodded as the two were on their way to the school to check it out.
Hound walked through the crowd and started to dial a number. He put it near his ear as it was answered after the first ring.
"Hello? Eagle Eye? I've made contact with them." He said to the receiver.
"What do you think?" The one on the other side asked curiously as the voice seemed deep, secretive and confident from how they talk and Hound glanced to where Leo and Kayla are as the two were walking and Kayla seemed to be laughing at what Leo told her.
"I believe that these two have potential. They're exactly what we need." He said as his eyes moved to Leo who had a bright smile on his face.
"What's more, there is something curious about this turtle Leo guy. I can't put my finger on it but he doesn't seem like much from around here." He explained
"Is that so? I'll have my people investigating that matter. But we'll have to keep an eye on those kids."
"Yes, and for that to happen, we need to get things moving." Hound explained as typing could be heard on the other end.
"Don't worry, I'll get things moving."
Hound nodded before hanging up and putting his phone in his pocket as his bracelet glinted in the sunlight as he walked through the crowd. To some people it may look like a regular bracelet but if you take a look closer it has a faint camouflage symbol of what looked like a bird.
Try and guess who Hound called.