I dashed across the tree's branches. The night sky was my cloak. The darkness was my ally, my commandant. I descended from the forest to land on a tall spruce tree. My weight was light on its branch. My destination wasn't far. I shall retrieve the artifact to prove my worth to the clan.

...Hold on! Who am I trying to prove? What clan? This was sounding like an edge lord character build. I should play along and see where this takes me. I'm curious to see what plays out.

A flash of a shadow rushed out of the trees. No! Our enemy was already on the move! I need to hurry. Shadows, give me speed. My form descended into a dark mist before tailing the assailant. Closer inspection and I came to realize that he was a ninja like me. The ninja threw a kunai my way. I dodged with ease. My misty form took shape as I returned to my original body.

"What's wrong? Can't handle the competition?" I snide with cockiness, "just to be clear, I'll be taking the artifact. You might as well turn back with your tail between your legs."

He said nothing, but he drew his twin katanas and positioned himself to strike. I unsheathed my blade, but I kept my knife secure in my sleeve.

"Let's see who can is faster..." we charged. My opponent was fast as a lightning bolt. I was impressed with their swift and agile movements, steady as a river, ferocious as a tornado. My accuracy couldn't hold a candle against his. I wasn't willing to admit it, especially to an enemy! He managed to knock my sword and readied to strike the final blow. I was not one to lie down on my grave. I was willing to play dirty.

I summoned my shadows blinding him with darkness. I used my hidden dagger to dispose of his weapons. My shadows took the remaining weapons and pouch. It pays to have darkness as an ally.

I pinned him against the tree; he bore no weapons. I had him trapped. My dagger pressed against his neck. I won; I did it! Everyone will be so proud! My older brother, my family, and my clan will see I have potential!

"I guess our game of cat and mouse has come to an end."

My opponent was silent. He glared behind his mask, even though he was aware of his defeat. I surpassed him.

"Nothing to say... what a shame", I said, mockingly, "I was expecting more defiance with how the Hamato clan held their heads up high as if they are above the gods."

His dark eyes sharpened, yet no words come forth.

I smirked. "I struck a nerve, haven't I?" with my free hand, I yanked the face mask off the ninja's head. However, I was struck by the face reveal I encountered. For one, the ninja I was battling was a kunoichi – a female ninja – quite rare in our generation. Second, I was surprised by how young she was or the fact that I never met any woman who can match her appearance. Her light blue hair was pulled back, but it cascaded like a waterfall slipping passed her shoulders. Her dark black eyes – a unique eye color – reminded me of an obsidian gemstone. Her skin was as pale as the full moon. I thought I was meeting Princess Kaguya. Her form shifted into a kappa with a blue mask overlapping their eyes. "Leo...?"

~Lady Ai~

My eyes had difficulty opening. My body didn't want to move. Man, what a strange dream... was I in Naruto? Inuyasha? No. I don't recall those events in the series. What happened last night? What day is today? Let's see what I recall...

My mom called in last night... yes, yes... I go back to school on Monday she said. Oh! That's right! Last night was Friday! I was planning on having a personal Horror Film Festival for the weekend. Leo came over; we had a bet (I wanted to put him in a maid costume); mutant pizza invaded my home; we took down every single one; we cleaned the entire mansion together before sunrise. We were so exhausted we crashed on my bed without putting away the cleaning supplies.

My right side felt heavy. I peeked an eye open. Beside me was Leo laying on my chest without his mask. His red marks are more visible. He's more turtle-like without the mask. He shifted his weight. His body moved closer as his face closed in on mine. His head took its place on my shoulder. His soft breathing tickled my ear followed by a few unnoticeable chirps. I didn't know turtles can make sounds. That's freaking cute.

"Merrill", he whispered, which made my face heat up. Shit! What am I thinking?! Leo ain't that cute! I've dated cuter humans than him! Mutant turtle or not, he ain't my type!

I turned my head and looked at my ceiling staring at the hanging bat lights. I swear Leo knows how to make things confusing without trying. What a predicament I'm in. Maybe I should wake him. I'm certain his family sick with worry, especially after fighting with his brother.

The sleeping turtle moved closer. His arm snaked over me, his leg circling around my waist. My body jolted. Not good! Not good! Abort mission! Abandoned ship! Think sad thoughts, you sexy deviant, think! Grandma Lucy in lingerie! Puppies in cold murder! Drowning zebras! Why wasn't my katana shirking?!

Suddenly, my cell started ringing. Saved by the bell, hallelujah. I reached up with my free arm. I accepted the call without looking at the caller ID.

"Who the fuck is calling me?" I rudely replied.

"Merrill? Why do you have Leo's phone?" Raph's voice echoed over the line.

"Red? Leo's phone?" I took a closer look at the device in my hand. The phone I answered was blue instead off black and missing the Jack Skeleton phone charm. I must have taken Leo's by accident.

"Where's Leo? What did you do to him?" even without the speaker on, Red's voice was loud enough to hear. "Did you already do the nasty?"

My eyebrow twitched and I could feel my vein growing bigger by the second. How low did he think my standards go? "Keep your titis on. We didn't do anything provocative."

"Just give Leo his phone", the snapping turtle snapped.

I rolled my tired eyes. "Whatever." I gently shook the sleeping turtle awake. "Leo, wake up. Your brother is a nagging slut..."

"NO, I'M NOT!!!!" Raph's voice boomed through the speaker.

Leo moaned and moved his hand. Somehow his hand landed on my face. "Not your phone, puta", I softly growled. On command, he removed it. I was relieved until Leo groaned; his eyes fluttered. We made eye contact. He squinted like he was trying on a new pair of glasses. Apparently, his vision had gotten clearer since his expression was hilarious. His eyes widened while his face brightened like a cherry tomato. He yelled as he fell off my bed.

"Leo? Leo! What did you do, Goth Boy?" Raph asked with haste.

I sat up. "Hold that thought..." I laid the phone on my bed while putting a pillow on top of Raph's aggravating voice.

Leo quickly sat up. "Did we...?"

"We didn't have sex", I answered.

"How did we...?"

"We fought against mutant pizzas and cleaned my place the whole night."

"Are you...?"

"Trust me. I would know if we had sex. I would want seconds or thirds with myself."

"Do you enjoy having your ego stroked?"

"Like you're one to talk." Angry cries were heard through the pillow. "Right. Your brother is still on the line. He probably thinks we did 'the nasty'. Seriously, though, does anyone ever say, 'the nasty'?"

Leo sighed and reached for his phone. He avoided eye contact with cheeks filled with deep crimson. "Is there a place I can take this call-in peace?"

"Yeah, you can use the balcony", I said, pointing at the glass panels leading to a small balcony.

"Thanks", Leo went to the balcony in a hurry, "Hello? Raph? Yes, it's me... No, we didn't do anything weird... would you stop exaggerating!" he shut the glass door. I saw him slide against the glass panel.

I plopped back on my mattress. This was getting weird. I must thank Raph for being a cockblocker. Oh, shit! Did Leo notice? I'm so screwed! I glanced at the balcony. Leo was too engrossed in his conversation. I released a heavy sigh. I'm not getting aroused with a mutant turtle! No. Nope!

I'll admit he's cute! There I said it!

Oh, God! I cried in front of him! There goes my street cred! And I'm still labeled as a Goth! WTF!

Leo came back into my room. I sat up. He looked like he went through one hell of a talk. His finger repeatedly tapped his phone case. I could hear the gears churning in his brain. His thoughts weren't loud enough for me to hear. He smirked. "How do you feel about wrestling?"

I lifted an eyebrow. "Wrestling – whether pro or average – is as fake as an action movie."

"Want to come? There's a fight going on at the stadium. Raph insisted we go along to see his wrestling hero take the championship belt. I'd rather have someone I know handle Raph's fanboy gush fest. What do you say?"

"I don't know... I'm dead set on finishing my Horror Movie Fest before heading back to school... or..." I didn't realize I was walking toward Leo. Why do you drive me crazy? I trapped him against the glass. My forearm rested above his head. My heart was beating in my ears. Leo's face turned red. My face was an inch away.

"After all, you lost."

Leo became confused. "What...?"

"Don't tell me you forgot. Our little bet last night? Ring any bells?"

The slider's pupils dilated. His face got redder, including his entire body. "We were attacked by mutant pizzas!"

"Yeah, that's true, but the deal was you go through the whole movie."

"We were near the end! That had to mean something!"

"Whole movie, little Tortuga. As in from start to finish, until you see the end credits." I titled his chin. "I can't wait to have a turtle maid."

Leo slapped my hand away. "Redo!" he challenged, poking my chest, "any movie no matter how R-rated it is. I'll watch it and we'll see who has the last laugh!"

I grabbed his poking hand and lifted it to my lips. "I won't be laughing. I'll be too busy admiring you." I placed a peck on his fingers causing the turtle to let out a chirp. I released his hand while he covered his mouth. Mortified by the sound he emitted.

"Is there a bathroom close by?" he asked with a high pitch squeak.

"Yeah... across the hall."

"Thank you!" he dashed out of my room in a cartoon-like fashion. I chuckled. He's too cute.

'You asshole! I hate you!'

Yeah, yeah.

I went to my wardrobe and pulled out a leather jacket.

Now about that wrestling match...