I returned to my home empty-handed. I was frustrated and infuriated with myself. Lady Karai entrusted me with this mission. My first mission and I failed. How can I look her in the eyes and tell her I lost the artifact to our sworn enemy: the Saki Clan? She would be devastated, crushed, and betrayed all mixed together into one expression! I heavily sighed. It was my chance to fight beside my brothers than waiting on the sidelines as a medic. I have just enough passion and drive as my brothers. With my mission being an absolute failure, Lady Karai will never send me out again!

"Misa!" I looked back at my oldest brother, Rinmaru, running toward me. He was the strongest in our generation and was promised to be the next clan head. I couldn't be any prouder for my brother, and I cannot help but clenched my mask. What was worse than telling the clan leader that you failed? Well, tell your family who had high hopes for you and looked down at you in disappointment. I couldn't bare to look at Rinmaru who came to me concerning my well-being. "Are you alright? Did you get hurt? Did you get the artifact?" I mustered up the courage to stare at his dark brown eyes. His bright red hair stood out in the shades. With a tight lip, I shook my head refusing to let tears stream out. "Oh, no. Lady Karai..."

"I know Rin", I told him, "I am certain the clan leader should be aware by now. She knows everything."

Rin put his large hand on my small shoulder. "I'm certain it's an exaggeration the elders tell us young ones to keep in line.", he reassured me. I knew he tried, however, he doesn't fully understand. Lady Karai knows all and sees all within these walls. It's hard to keep anything a secret. Everyone is afraid of her, even our father.

"Can you escort me to her?" I asked. I might as well accept my punishment beforehand.

"So soon? Can't you wait until you rest, get clean and present yourself to our ladyship?"

"No, I would rather confront her than for her to send someone to retrieve me." Rin and I walked toward her office. Lady Karai is not an easy woman to please. We made it to her door. My chest was tight. I'm not ready, but I must. My brother knocked.

A soft, yet commanding voice spoke beyond the paper doors. "Enter."

Rinmaru entered first. "Lady Karai, if I may –"

"Rinmaru Hamato, my appointment is with your sister. If your visit involves your training strategy for the new recruits, then speak now or dismiss yourself." Rin straightened his back and bowed. He laid a hand on my shoulder giving me a reassuring squeeze before leaving while I stepped into the lion's den. "Misa Hamato, approach my desk." I stepped closer to her. I noticed Lady Karai was in the middle of paperwork. She didn't acknowledge my unpleasant state. Even if she didn't look my way, I know she knows my presence. I knelt in front of her desk. My hands rested on my lap with the mask held firmly in my grasp. She remained working on her paper load. I endured the long silence. It's as though she wanted me to recollect my thoughts and recall my mistakes. After what felt like an eternity of long silence, Karai set aside her paper and stared at me with folded fingers. "You lost the artifact", she stated, bluntly.

"Lady Karai –" the clan leader held her hand up, gesturing me to hold my tongue. I shut my mouth.

"I specifically assigned you to retrieve the artifact, which our family was sworn to collect and protect these dark artifacts to ensure the world will not plague in absolute darkness and decay. Now tell me... why is it you return emptyhanded when you realize how important your mission was?"

I gulped. "I was ambushed... by our enemy clan. I did my best to fend him off, but he was proven to be a formidable opponent. We raced to get the artifact... I was faster, however, he proved to be more prowess than a lone wolf. Overconfident he was. I really did try, Auntie, I swear! If you can bestow me another chance, I will search for the next artifact as soon as it appears itself."

My aunt stood and walked over to her bookshelf. She idly picked a random book. "Do you know why I chose you to be a kunoichi, Misa?"

"Because female ninjas are not as taken lightly as their counter sex."

"That is partially true", she turned through the pages, "I see a strong woman who wants to do more for her family. To make a change. I see a bit of myself in you. Someone willing to take the next step. You are at the age where you are in need to search for a suitor. Many men will flock to you like sheep."

"Auntie... is there a reason you are bringing up suitors?" I asked, bile filling in my throat.

She closed the book and put it back in its place. "Pardon me. I am not only the clan head but a concerned aunt. I am merely overthinking things. For a moment, I thought I heard you complementing our enemy."

I quickly leaped to my feet. "How can you say such a thing? That man is a cheating, arrogant piece of scum who disrespects the Bushido code! Not to mention, he is part of the Saki clan: descendants of the Foot Clan, loyal followers of the Shredder! As if I see anything appealing in a man like that!" I didn't realize how out of breath I was. Perhaps I was too angry that my aunt was insinuating I was enamored of the enemy.

"Apologies. I wanted to see where your loyalties lie." She came close to me and laid her hands on my shoulders. "Maybe it was too soon to send you on a retrieval mission. As skilled as you are on the swords and have a firm grasp on your mystic powers, I am not keen on having my best medic out on the field without backup." I mentally sighed. We have plenty of healers and medics in our clan. The fact that I mastered medicine at a young age spoke volumes. I was considered an asset. In my spare time, I would train my katas. Yet, even with my knowledge of medicine, medicinal herbs, human anatomy, etc., etc., I do not believe any man would want me as their life partner. I can never stay silent; I was not the type to remain docile, and I certainly cannot be as feminine as those porcelain dolls with exaggerated makeup and expensive clothing. I am not like them. Ah, my aunt was speaking to me about my future. "Maybe one day you will settle down with a nice man loyal to our clan and loyal to you..." when did my failure fall to discussing my love life?

"Lady Karai", I stopped my aunt before she starts talking about grandchildren, "may I retrieve the next artifact? I know I failed the first time, but I can promise you I will not fail the second time! Assign me to one of my brothers! Surely, they would not mind assisting me!" I gave her the best pleading eyes I can muster.

Auntie sighed. "I will give it some thought, Misa", I almost leaped for joy, but I contained myself, "if, and only if, you can retrieve the next artifact. The Hamato Clan will do everything in our power to ensure Shredder will not rise."

~Lady Ai~

I stretched my back. I didn't know I fell asleep. I looked at the book on my lap. I was reading the human anatomy and ways to perform acupuncture; one wrong move and I can kill someone with a sting of a needle. I blinked. Did that result in that dream I just had? Whatever dream that was... I shrugged. It was probably one of those passive dreams that come and goes. I checked the time. It just started 4 am. I only slept for two hours.

I put the book aside as I reached for my phone. I'm certain I'm not going to sleep any time soon. Hmm... I wonder if Merrill is awake... I sent a quick text to Merrill.

Me: hey merry pop u awake?

A quick ding later and Merrill replied.

GothBoy: call me that again and im killing u the next time u visit

its as bad as GothBoy

Me: speaking of visiting can i come over?

im bored

GothBoy: u do know its 4 in effin morning right?

The sun isnt even out

Me: says Mr. Emo textin via with a mutant turtle

GothBoy: touché dipshit

sure come over

it didnt stop u b4

Me: k b right there!

I grabbed my mask, strapped my belt, and took my sword. I peeked out my room. Nothing out of the ordinary. My family must be sleeping. I don't blame them. I would be asleep, too, if it weren't for my insomnia. Oh, well, at least Merrill's awake. I held my sword forward. I thought about Merrill and his over-the-top Nightmare Before Christmas bedroom. I smiled. Merrill's a piece of work, but I like hanging out with him. After all, I still need to apologize.

I swung my sword and a portal appeared. I stepped through it. The next thing I knew, I was in his room in complete darkness just the lamination of Merrill's handheld game. He didn't bother looking up or acknowledging me. I laid my sword against his bedside table and sat on his bed. Up close, the screen's brightness showed the dark circles underneath his eyes.

"Couldn't sleep?" I asked.

Merrill shrugged. "Just woke up; couldn't go back to sleep. 'Thought I catch up on some levels; do a lil' grinding on Minecraft."

"Oh..." it was quiet between us. I felt like there should be a conversation here, but none came to mind. I just sat there swinging my legs back and forth. My mind went to yesterday. I have the championship belt hung up on my wall. Merrill should've kept it. He deserved it more. He almost lost without his powers. Wait... powers? "Hey, are you okay?"

"Define okay", Merrill kept playing his game.

"I meant you just had mystic powers come right out of the blue and you're sitting on your bed playing a video game. Aren't you curious?"

"Curious, yes, but I'm not interested. I'll chalk it up to your odachi's ability to give me mystic powers. Plus, adrenaline rush."

"My sword? The one that can create portals?"

"Or you. I have watched BLEACH."

"Still don't know what the show is about."

"I feel sorry for you. Besides, my harness of darkness – which is SO fucking badass – is just temporary. It came out of the spur of the moment. I'm human; I was born human, and I'll die as a human."

Everything that Merrill said did sound logical. Moreover, what Donnie would say, but I can't shake the feeling he's wrong. I decided to change the topic.

"About yesterday..."

"What about it?"

I bit my lip. "I'm sorry for what I said."

Merrill paused his game to look at me. "You shouldn't apologize. I should be the one saying sorry."

I blinked twice. "What? Why are you apologizing? Did you save my life what five times? Okay... I don't mind the save, but I feel like I'm not fighting my battles."

"Exactly. The more I save you, the more reliant I feel obligated to protect you. What if we were separated and placed on the other side of the planet? I'll be worried sick about you. Thinking about the worst-case scenario if I'm not there." Merrill's response was sincere; sincere enough for warmth to grow in my chest.

"Sounds like you enjoy being my knight in shining armor", I joked with a smirk.

"As long as you enjoy being my damsel in distress", he countered matching his with mine.

I frowned. "I won't hesitate to stab my sword into you."

"Oooh, kinky." I rolled my eyes. I was used to his dirty jokes. "Don't act as if you hate them." He turned off his game. "How would you feel about me teaching you some self-defense?"

I blinked again. "Really? Don't you go back to school on Monday?" Not to mention, I trained with my brothers. Candid I usually don't participate.

"That explains a lot. I can multitask, though. It shouldn't be so hard." He waved his hand offhandedly. "As long as you're willing. I don't offer my services if the person I'm teaching isn't putting in the effort."

I nodded, eagerly. "Oh, yes, absolutely! I'll pay attention to whatever you have to say!"

Merrill smirked again. "Try not to lose focus whenever I'm shirtless." He's going to be shirtless?! "Oh, yes. You get to see all the yummy goodness from the waist up." I gulped, which caused him to chuckle. "Which reminds me..." he got out of bed and headed to his wardrobe. He pulled out a bundle of clothes. "I believed I was owed a turtle maid."

My face got hot. "I told you I want a rematch!" I shut my mouth in case anyone was in the house.

"Don't worry, it's Sunday. The housecleaners don't work Sundays so it's just yours truly." He dropped the clothes on my lap along with a sheet of paper. "But if you insist on watching another horror film, I know one with plenty of blood, gore, and jump scares. I'll be next to you with open arms and a shoulder to cry on."

I walked away with the clothes on hand and headed for the bathroom. I swear Merrill knew how to push my buttons. He only said a few words and I get embarrassed. Ugh! I hate being like this! If there's a way to get back at him, I will gladly take it even if it involves sacrificing a bit of my pride. I entered the bathroom. I set aside the list and unfolded the uniform. It was a long black dress that reached above the ankles along with a white apron that stretched to the knees. Not to mention, the frilly cap it came with and white stockings. My face became hot again. It's a good thing my brothers or April aren't here, otherwise, I'll never hear the end of it.

'Hurry up, turtle maid. Don't want to keep your master waiting."

I rolled my eyes. You're enjoying this.

'If it means seeing you flustered then yes, yes it does.' I unstrapped the belt and put on the dress. I was impressed that Merrill had one in my size. I was putting on my stockings when the young master mentally groaned. 'Are you done yet? I'm not getting any younger here.' I strapped the frilly headpiece and grabbed the list. I didn't bother looking in the mirror and went into Merrill's room.

I saw Merrill digging something in his wardrobe again. "All I'm missing are the shoes and I'm officially a maid", I said.

He turned around and pulled out a pair of black flat shoes. "I don't think these shoes would fit. Maybe if I get your measurements, I can probably check the staff's extra pair or I can order... on...line..." Merrill finally looked up and saw me.

Wait a second. Wait for a shell, frigging second. Merrill's flustered. I got the Edge Lord – Goth Boy, Mr. Sexy Lucifer – to blush! Oh, I'm so milking this in! With a smile, I picked up the dress' hems and curtsied. "What can I do for you, Master?"

Merrill instantly dropped the shoes. His hand covered his nose. Blood leaked through his fingers. "You bitch!"

"Ha! In your face! I finally got you to taste your own medicine! How does it feel?"

"I'm tasting my own iron..." he sarcastically remarked. He went to grab a shirt from the laundry bin (which I assume it was) and pressed it against his leaking nostril. "Feeling good there, huh?" I couldn't help myself, but I posed while throwing a kiss. The reaction I got sent me dying; his other nostril burst. I laughed so hard I fell. "You absolute piece of shit! Hijo de puta! I'm bleeding and you're laughing your ass off!"

"Hey, you wanted me as your turtle maid. You gave me the uniform. This is basically your fault."

"I didn't expect you to be so effing hot!" even in his sheer defeat, he managed to get me embarrassed again. "Get started on your chores before I portaled you back to your place – wherever that it." I curtsied again before leaving.

I checked the list. It was a good thing there wasn't much to do on the to-do list. It also listed where the places I need to go and the floor they were located. It was organized. I might as well get started. If I'm not mistaken, there's an elevator nearby. Suddenly, Merrill's bedroom door opened, and he threw the shoes out and slammed the door. I put them on and went to the elevator.

As soon as I got in the elevator, I noticed there were seven buttons: six floors, including a basement. I checked the list. It was chronically organized.

First, dust the office at the bottom floor. Second, the library on the first floor needs to be organized. Third, the bedroom on the fourth floor needs its sheets to be changed and washed; the laundry room is on the same floor. Finally, the conservatory on the sixth floor needs to be watered. Okay, it shouldn't be hard. Not much to go by.

I made my way to the kitchen on the second floor to get the cleaning supply. Let's do this. I went to the basement. I checked each room until I found the office. I took the feather duster and dust on every surface. I even went through the trouble of cleaning the desk with a rag. There were a few pictures on the desk. Two picture frames with young girls; identical twins holding awards for best achievements. Another frame held a little boy with fluffy black hair playing on the piano. I'm guessing that was Merrill.

I went to the first floor of the library which was beyond the living room passing by a room with musical instruments. I went to one part of the library browsing through the books on display. There're various types of books from literature to textbooks to biographies and so much more. There were some books scattered on a desk and some on chairs. I wasn't sure how Merrill wanted me to organize so I just put the books back on the shelves. I finished it off by wiping off the desk and leaving for the next floor.

I managed to get to the third floor and found the bedroom. I checked the closet and took out the spare blankets. I changed the sheets and replaced them. I headed to the laundry room which was closer than I thought. I put the sheets in the washing machine. I poured some detergent and turned the knob to heavy duty.

I finally made it to the sixth floor and was greeted by flowers. It was like walking into a tiny jungle without the heavy humidity. I spotted the watering can next to a faucet. I filled it up before watering the flowers. By far, this had been the most relaxing chore. After I finished, I put aside the watering can and headed outside. The view was amazing. I could see across the harbor to New Jersey. The sun rising. It was breathtaking. It was the perfect time to sip tea or coffee and admire the view. I sat down on one of the chairs and continue watching the sun. I didn't realize I took a quick nap.

I woke up again on a loveseat with a blanket draped over me. I was in another room with many instruments. I spotted Merrill playing violin to the giant curved window. The way he fiddled the strings with a soft, almost melancholy tune was enchanting. I sat up admiring the music he played. His eyes closed as he concentrated the notes between his fingers. It was both depressing and relaxing.

"I did say I'm emo", Merrill said, not stopping his melody.

"You're pretty good", I said, awestruck.

He shrugged as he finished his last note. "Enjoyed your nap?" The emo put the violin in a glass cabinet case along with two others with care.

I rubbed my neck in embarrassment. "I didn't mean to... Your house is bigger than I expected. I got lost a few times."

"It's a mansion and I thought you know the place after we defeated those mutant pizzas."

"I didn't exactly get a tourist experience since I don't know I got eaten by a pizza!"

"Oh, yeah... I'll give you the full tour later if you want."

I looked at all the instruments in the room. "So, is this the music room?" I asked.

"Yup. Helps pass the time whenever I feel motivated." I went up to a big violin-like instrument. "That's known as a Cielo. Think of it as a fusion of a bass guitar and a violin."

"Heh, you even have a banjo", I said spotting a banjo hanging on a wall.

"But of course, who wouldn't."

"Which one is your favorite?"

"Guess. It should be fun." I looked around. "If you guess right, you can get rid of that outfit."

I walked up to the wall of guitars all different shapes and sizes. 'You're gonna need all the luck you can get.'

So, Merrill can play all the instruments here? I went up to a harp and plucked a string. A hum note rang.

An instrument he favors playing... "Piano", I answered. I turned to Merrill who had his eyes widened. I caught him by surprise.

"How...?"

I smiled. "Besides the fact you leaned against the piano and stayed beside it the entire time, I saw a few pictures of you playing the piano as a little kid."

"Smart Tortuga. Alright, you win. You can get out of that costume."

"I would... after you play me something."

Merrill quirked an eyebrow. "Seriously?"

"It's just us unless the Great Merrill is a lil' rusty."

Merrill smirked. "Alright. Challenge accepted, bitch." He sat on the bench and tapped the seat next to it. I sat down smoothing my skirt. Great, I'm so used to wearing the maid uniform. He played one key. Then, his fingers drummed along. His left hand reached for the keyboard. He started playing a tune. The tune became a familiar song at a fast pace.

"Really? 'This is Halloween'?"

"Claro que si. Who wouldn't know this song?"

"I was expecting you to sing and play." He stopped playing. He gave it some thought before he began a slow melody.

"When you feel it in your body, you found somebody who

Makes you change your ways like hanging with your crew

Said you act like you ready, but you don't really know

And everything in your past, you wanna let it go"

I didn't expect him to sing. Okay, he can sing, but hot DAMN, he can SING! Merrill literally streaming with talent. I could tell he was into the music with how intense he sang.

"I've been there, done it, humped around, ha

After all that, this is what I found

Nobody wants to be alone

If you're touched by the words in this song

Then maybe..."

No wonder he went through thirteen relationships. I wondered if any of his exes had ever seen his musical side. Anyone would fall for him in a heartbeat. Not that I'm saying that I AM! The guy could pretty much do anything with the right mindset. Merrill is the perfect guy for anyone...

"You got it, you got it bad

When you're on the phone, hang up and you call right back

You got it, you got it bad

If you miss a day without your friend, your whole life's off-track

Know you got it bad when you're stuck in the house

You don't wanna have fun, it's all you think about

You got it bad when you're out with someone

But you keep on thinking 'bout somebody else

You got it bad"

Merrill stopped playing, realizing he wasn't in the room alone. "Sorry... this was one of my favorite songs."

"You're so good", I said, "I'm surprised you don't have a record deal or something."

The comment made Merrill blush. He played a few keys again. "Believe it or not, I was supposed to be at a performing arts school. I was a music prodigy."

My eyes widened. "Really? Why didn't you? You would've been famous at your age." The brunette stopped playing. His demeanor was dark.

'I wasn't supposed to be alive...'

"What?"

'I survived an accident where in my condition I had a 99.99% chance of death.' He flexed his robotic fingers.

"Merrill..." I wanted to hug him. I don't know if I was overstepping my boundaries. I said something else to brighten the mood. "It's not surprising. You can perfect anything with a single touch. I bet you can do some sick tricks on a skateboard.

Merrill chuckled as he started playing a different tune: a light happy melody. "I don't know how to ride a skateboard."

"WHAT? You can fight, play instruments, sing like a rockstar, smart, and good-looking, and you can't ride a skateboard?"

"Skateboards, bicycles, rollerblades, and scooters."

"And yet, you can ride a motorcycle."

"Don't rub it in."

"Here's the deal: you teach me how to fight and I'll teach you skateboarding."

Merrill nodded. "Okay. I'm down. If it doesn't involve nudity, I'm down."

I rolled my eyes. "Of course, your mind goes down that road."

Merrill stopped playing. "What do you want to do now?"

My face got heated again. "Can you play again? I kind of like it."

Merrill nodded and started playing another song. I bobbed my head to the music. Yeah, I like visiting Merrill. There's always something interesting with Merrill: the boy I DON'T have a crush on.