Merrill and I met my brothers at the stadium. Raph wasn't too happy seeing Merrill, but he pushed it aside instead. He was too excited to see his wrestling hero take on the championship title. I invited Merrill because I wanted to. He's easy to talk to if he's not a complete ass. We were on top of the stadium's scoreboard hovering over the ring. Donnie and Mikey were busy eating pizza. After what happened yesterday, I'd rather get distracted, and what better way to do so than have a wrestling match with my big bro. Merrill was off to the side brooding, I guess.

'Puta, I don't brood. I think.'

I rolled my eyes while Raph and I held in a hand-grip struggle. So says the edge lord.

'I'm gonna take that as a compliment instead of an insult.'

Take it how you see fit, Mr. Cool Guy.

I pulled my focus back to Raph who shoved me back. "Go Ghostbear!" he cheered, ripping his T-shirt that had an orange bear silhouette with '199-0' on it, and underneath was another shirt with the same design but instead it replaced 199 to 200. "He's the greatest ever! He's gonna win number 200 tonight!"

I hopped onto Raph's shoulders. "Buddy, come on. You know wrestling is bogus, they always pull their punches. Even I could beat Ghostbear." I poked Raph and I spit into my hands. Now watch this sweet move! I call this one the Three-Star Hurricane!" I started slapping my brother all over his head, which made Raph irritated.

"I'm with Leo on this one", Merrill said, taking something out of his pocket. We all became shocked to see a cigarette stuck in his mouth. We never met anyone who smokes before or encounter anyone who does. He pulled out a lighter and lit his stick. He puffed a few clouds before continuing, "Wrestling is all show for our entertainment. It's as fake as plastic surgery. They probably chose Ghostbear because he's representing Hispanic heritage. For all we know that overgrown man in orange tights probably cheated his way to the top."

Raph came to me with a snarl. "You take that, Merrill! And get that thing out of your mouth! Smoking is bad for you!"

Merrill is the type of guy who does what he wants.

'Heh, you know it, darling.' I felt my face get hot. I saw Emo inhale a long breath, turned to my big brother, and exhaled the biggest cloud. Raph coughed and rubbed his eyes.

"What do you know, smoking isn't good for turtles either", Merrill smugly said. He went back to smoking.

Wasn't that a bit harsh?

'No one, and I mean no one, is getting between me and my cigs.'

"You jerk!" Raph yelled as he slashed his drink all over his face, "you could've killed me!"

"But I didn't."

Raph's eyes were red; don't know if it was the effect of nicotine smoke in the eyes or he was mad. Before he decided to tackle Merrill, the ringer went off. We looked over the edge. The MC was next to Ghostbear.

"Ghostbear is the last man standing", she announced, "and when I raise his arm, he will officially be 200 and 0!" she started lifting his arm. Raph smugly looked up at me.

"Ha, told ya, Leo", he bragged. I could care less.

"Yay, go figure. Can we leave?" Merrill asked, already wanting to leave.

"Whatever. Ghostbear's just a chump in a costume", I said leaping out of Raph's back. "I could beat him. I could beat any of them." What I didn't realize was that I jumped off the ceiling's screen scoreboard. I heard my brothers and Merrill yelling my name. "AVENGE MEEEEE!" I called, trying to be comical even though I had a touch of fear growing. I landed on top of something and bounced back up like a ball. The lady held my arm. I was sweating! Everyone saw me. It wouldn't surprise me if my face was displayed on the big screen. This was bad.

This was very, VERY bad.

"And the mystery wrestler of the hour, erasing Ghostbear's flawless record, your new champion... this guy!" everyone started cheering as the host dropped the wrestling belt over me. Did I win? Really? A group of paparazzi crowded around me, taking my picture. I smiled and posed. "Wave goodbye to Ghostbear, fans. We'll be right back with more wrestling!"

Who said wrestling was hard?

I was being led backstage by the lady encouraging my victory. "I don't know who you are, but in my league, we turn disaster into stone-cold cash." We shook hands. "I'm Jessica Jaclyn, what do you go by, kid?"

I gave it a thought. Something that screams me. A nice ring to my ears. "Neon Leon?" that sounded good, and it rhymes! Who doesn't love that?

"That's terrible", I pouted, apparently Ms. Jessica didn't agree with me, "we're calling you Primetime now." Ooooh, that's even better! Let's talk costumes! How married are you to this whole turtle situation?"

"Very dedicated, Ms. Jaclyn", we turned around to see Merrill with his hand in his pockets.

"And you are...?"

"Robert Downey, Jr. No affiliations or relations to the actor. I'm Primetime's manager. I would give you my business card, but we are newly born in the wrestling world." Merrill's lie was fluid with no hesitation or pause. I'm impressed. He came up with a lie within a few minutes.

Jessica raised an eyebrow. "Aren't you a little young to be a manager?"

"Yes, yes I am, and aren't you a little young to be wrestling host." His comeback made her giggle like a high school girl. I rolled my eyes.

They shook hands. "I'm sure I would've seen you in the audience, Mr. Downey."

"Please call me Rob; Mr. Downey was my father. Our plan was to spectate and prepare ourselves for Primetime's debut. Unfortunately, not everything went as planned. I apologized on his behalf. I hope we didn't damper your agenda."

Jessica dismissively waved her hand. "Not at all, Rob. We're always looking for new blood to show. If anything, I should be thanking you! Your little wrestler has that pizazz of what we need!" My blood was beginning to boil. I mean – hello! Standing right here!

"I appreciate a strong woman who sees a good opportunity." What irked me more was how he kissed her hand! What the hell!

"Oh, my." Jessica blushed.

Oh, brother...

'Don't hate the player, hate the game.'

We came to a dressing room with Ghostbear's name. Jessica erased it and wrote my new name. remember, you're the champ now. Anything you need, it's yours." She had me on anything. "And get ready. I'm putting you in the next match to defend that belt. Primetime in Primetime!"

"I love your energy, Ms. Jaclyn. It's no wonder you're the perfect woman to MC and host at the same time", Merrill praised.

Is someone trying to get into an older woman's pants?

'Callate, puta. The adults are talking.'

I focus on my dressing room. A throne was the most noticeable thing besides the numerous amounts of flowers.

"Maybe during our next match... I could save you a seat next to mine..." she said in a low husky voice.

"Keep it warm for me?" Merrill matched her voice.

"I'll see what I can do." And with that, she left.

I took a deep breath and said, "Whelp, time to get ready to defend my title!"

"Yeah-no. We ain't staying here", the Emo/Goth boy grabbed my wrist and was heading for the door.

I slipped out of his grip. "Why? This is all for me!"

Merrill shook his head. "No, this is for the person who won the wrestling match –"

"Yeah, which is me!"

Merrill pinched the ridge between his eyebrows. Even without our mental connection, I could tell he was having a headache. He released a long sigh. "You're not fucking getting it", he said with gritted teeth, "you have the belt because you fell on top of Ghostbear. Your win was an accident."

"Accident or not, I'm still the best." I grabbed a rag and started rubbing the belt. "As you said, wrestling is fake! These guys pull their punches. With my skills, I can beat anyone in five minutes!"

"Dios Mio! Get your head out of your ass and smell the sweat and blood! Even if the wrestling is fake, you weren't live for five minutes without me saving your ass!"

I glared at his accusation. "And what the hell is that supposed to mean? Since when I have ever needed your help?"

"The first time we met, I saved you from getting hacked by a mystic soldier; I caught you after you freefell while going through a magical gateway –"

"I didn't need your help!"

"That time you almost became a mutant cannibal's dinner; Albearto was close to shredding you and I carried you away since your legs were temporarily paralyzed; and you almost died being a pizza's veal which yes, I did have a panic attack. And all in a span of what, a week?"

I scowled. Why was he right?

"Because I'm stating facts, pendejo."

"You know what? I don't need you! I can take care of myself! The reason you keep showing up and saving me was that you love to show off how skilled you are!

Merrill's eyebrow twitched. "Are you fucking serious? Are you seriously this self-centered? You know what? I shouldn't be surprised, unfortunately, here I am, shocked to hear those words come out of your mouth! Do you want to die in the wrestling ring? Go ahead! You want to expose yourself to the world your "costume" ain't real? Be my guest! 'Cuz here on out, I'm out! I don't fucking care!"

I felt my heart drop to my stomach. I ignored that feeling and chose to be angry. "Who asks you to care? No one forced you!"

"Fuck you! You're the one you asked me to come to this fucking stadium!"

"You want to leave so badly? There's the door! Don't let it hit you on the way out!"

"Then you should have no problem with that!" Merrill went to the door and yanked it open. On the other side, my brothers stood there. Raph's hand was reaching for the handle. They immediately entered my dressing room. Merrill was standing on the other side. "Oh look, the brother brigade is here. Talk some sense into this mothafuckin' idiota that what he's doing is an example of what a jackass does in their spare time!"

"Go to Hell!" I yelled, throwing a vase with flowers; it smashed beside the door.

"Don't worry I'll save you a seat!" Merrill yelled back before slamming the door. The force drew cracks around the doorframe. I slumped onto a seat next to the vanity with crossed arms and looked away. I was totally not pouting!

"Leo, you need to give Ghostbear his belt back", Raph insisted.

"Save it, Raph", I rudely interrupted him, "I'm not backing out. Whatever you have to say, it won't change my mind."

"This is stupid, Leo! You don't deserve that belt or that title!"

I rolled my eyes while scoffing. "God, you sound like Merrill", I muttered, however, my big brother heard me.

"For once, I'm agreeing with Goth Boy... as much I hate to admit. You need to return the belt."

I stood up and I glared at Raph. "No! Why can't I have this?! I'm not breaking any rules!"

"You don't know what you're getting into!"

"Then you can leave!" Raph paused and so did I.

"Um..." Donnie was getting uncomfortable. "I think we should –"

"Find Merrill and convince him to come back!" Mikey stepped in.

"Every frigging time", Donnie muttered with a heated breath.

"No, you can all leave!" they looked at me like I was crazy. "I mean it! Leave! I need to be alone so I can get ready." I turned away.

"Leo, that belt is messing with your head! Back out now before things get crazier", Raph tried convincing me. It didn't work.

"Why don't you go find Merrill and have a Gothic Tea Party exchanging tips on how to control me? If you're not here to support me, then you can all take a hike!" I turned my back on my brothers. I heard the door opening and two pairs of feet left. There was one missing.

"Leo, you mess with the bull, you gonna get stung." And with that, Raph left leaving my alone with all these gifts as my company. It got really quiet and I could hear my heart beating fast.

I sighed. Why couldn't my bros be happy for me? Why couldn't Merrill be happy for me? I won the championship belt. What's the big deal? It's not like I told the world I'm a mutant turtle. Maybe if I glue a zipper on my plastron. See, problem solved!

I rubbed my plastron. I could feel a heavy ache forming deep inside. I think I'm not feeling too good. I took the belt and stared at my reflection. Did I take it too far? Merrill is an ass, sure, but he's an ass who tells it as it is. I sighed. He is my friend. A friend who isn't tied to my brothers; he is my secret. Merrill means more to me than this stupid belt.

I intended to leave the belt on the throne and leave hoping to ask Merrill for forgiveness until I heard the door opening.

"Seriously, I said I need alone time! What part of it don't you get?" I turned around, expecting my two brothers – or Raph, even – but no, entering my dressing room is none other than Ghostbear slowly shutting the door. I slowly backed away, hoping the big wrestler would leave a bit of space for an escape. "Hey, GB! How's it hangin'? Here for an autograph?" I said with my traditional confident smirk. It didn't help the uneasiness growing in my chest.

"You have something that belongs to me, tortuga", he said, glaring at my small form. He crept closer.

My eyes shifted between Ghostbear and the exit. "Well, unless you want to get the belt back, you must talk with the MC lady since I'm due for my match. Until then, buh-bye!" I dashed for the door only to be caught by Ghost Bear's massive hand grabbing my shell. His snarling face was in my line of sight.

"The belt is mine! I will have it... by any means necessary."

I gulped. Maybe, just maybe, Merrill and Raph might be right.