Soulmate...? Did I hear that right? Merrill said we're soulmates!

The moment I reunited with my emo friend I knew there was something bothering him. Sure, he didn't show it, but with our minds linked his emotions were as clear as transparent glass. I didn't bother bringing it up though. I needed to focus on the oozequitoes which according by Donnie's info were located inside a fancy hotel.

Inside... woof... there were hundreds of Barry's insects buzzing around. We thought everyone evacuated, unfortunately, there was a bellhop hiding behind the reception desk. So... Raph and I had a little disagreement. Raph wanted to capture the oozequitoes before they leave the hotel. I wanted to save the ONE HUMAN before he got stung and mutated. Merrill tried his best to grab onto the slippery dude, but I was surprised he didn't use his speed to get him. Mikey drenched himself in honey; Raph swung his racket around; I was spraying my insect-killing gas; and Donnie... was being Donnie. Everything went too fast and the next thing I knew I was encased in a giant purple ball with my brothers! Raph had the nerve to blame Merrill for the bellhop's mutation.

Before we could escape, the hotel staff rushed out of the elevator and started cleaning up our mess. A woman was being carried by two buffed security guards. She said her name was Big Mama and was the owner of the Grand Nexus Hotel. Also, she said the mutants in disguise weren't mutants but were creatures called yokai. It made me wonder what's the difference. No sooner than later, her son, Xander, joined us. I'll admit... the guy's good-looking for a mature older teenager. I shook his offered hand; he kissed my hand like a proper gentleman, and I felt a storm brewing between Merrill and Xander.

Don't get me wrong. A part of me enjoyed the attention of two guys fighting over me. Another part didn't like the fact two idiots fighting over me and acting like I'm some sort of trophy. Then, Merrill and I had another mental argument. After, Merrill blurted out that we were soulmates! My heart did somersaults and backflips. I knew my face was blushing. Merrill's expression became shocked at his exclamation.

Later, Big Mama gave us a quick tour of her hotel before reaching a secure place to talk. Throughout the tour, we saw different types of yokai. We walked through a floor where it held a bar and giant floating spheres broadcasting a fighting arena. The arena happened to be called the Battle Nexus... the same name as her hotel. Coincidence, I think not! We went in the elevator and throughout the whole elevator ride the tension was thick and sufferable and it was hard to breathe. Raph stayed between us. For once, I accepted my big brother's involvement. I couldn't look my friend in the eye and Merrill was vice versa. He was just as embarrassed as I was probably more.

As we entered her office which was just an entire floor for her, Big Mama explained she would keep the oozequitoes safe in her care. That made me suspicious. Why would she go to the trouble of helping us? It made me more suspicious as I mentioned Baron Draxum and he was the guy responsible for creating the oozequitoes. Big Mama was unfazed mentioning she never heard the name. Either she's a great actress or she really didn't know. I was leaning toward the former. Finally, I looked at my friend hoping he would agree with me my suspicion. I sighed and facepalmed. Merrill went back to having a glare showdown with Xander. I swear this was getting ridiculous. I went over to the fuming emo and pulled him away by his collar.

Anyway, Big Mama provided us with an adhesive to capture the insects. The adhesive she mentioned happened to be a spider web. She transformed into her true self which was a spider yokai and spat out sticky webbing from her mouth. Donnie got caught in her webbing. My twin tried his best not to vomit out of his stomach. Raph agreed for all of us which pissed me off! Was I the only turtle seeing the red flags?! I don't trust the giant spider lady and her son! Yet my brothers were blinded by her generosity and Merrill blinded by jealousy – I mean anger.

We were on our way to the elevator when Xander blocked my path. He wanted to have dinner with me in the restaurant suit. I glanced at Merrill; if his mind wasn't yelling for me to reject the offer then his facial expression spoke for itself. I noticed his shadow shift. I grew anxious. Ever since he unlocked his power, I noticed at times his ability was activated by his emotions. If my friend was getting this angry, I didn't want him to unleash his fury. I was about to decline, but Raph spoke for me and said I would agree.

"We got this!" my big brother encouraged, "Goth Boy is with us. Go and entertain Xander." I was mortified and devastated rolled up in a bad flavor sushi roll! Merrill was angrier than before.

"Are you serious?!" the emo yelled, "you're giving your brother off like a collectible trading card!"

"Not to worry, my prickly human fellow", Big Mama intervened, transforming into her human disguise, "my Xannie is the definition and example of a perfect gentleman. Your blueberry brother is in good hands."

I was still unsettled especially how Xander kept staring at me. Reluctantly, I agreed. It was one dinner if Xander continues to be a gentleman as his mom claimed him to be. Merrill was beyond angry! Pissed! I think furious would describe the emotion. He was getting ready to pounce like a black jaguar if it wasn't Raph who picked him up and dragged him away screaming out curses in different languages. I didn't know he spoke more than English and Spanish! I was amazed!

Minutes later, Xander and I were in the restaurant suite sitting at a table by the window overlooking the city. It was romantic. Every step of the way, Xander was the ideal gentleman his mom mentioned. From pulling and pushing my chair into listening to me with open ears about pop culture. This guy was perfect! Yet..., not the date I wanted to be with.

"Enjoying your meal, darling?" my host charmingly asked. I had to swallow the bile coming up.

"It's great", I replied with a pretty smile, "your chefs are really talented." the food did look delicious, but my stomach didn't agree. I was feeling nauseous. It's not the food I can you that! I really wanted to leave and meet up with my brothers. I would rather be out there catching oozequitoes than a chitchat with Spider-Boy.

"Is something bothering you? You seem... uncomfortable." I blinked. Was I that obvious? I was certain I had a good poker face. "Don't be distraught. Living with my mother, I was taught how to read body language and expressions. Your expressions were superb too perfect for words. Your body language was top notched. However, the atmosphere rather than romantic it's insufferable. I knew you were not as ecstatic as I was."

Whelp, the gig was up. "Listen", I explained, "you're a great guy. Smooth and charming, and I'm sure you have admirers throwing themselves at you, but I don't feel that. You're a guy I just met with a shady mom. No offense."

"None taken."

"You're not my type... I'm sorry..." I stared at Xander's face, studying his expression. His face darkened underneath the lights. I was terrified of what his next move was until a yokai staff approached Xander with a clipboard and whispered into his ear. His expression shifted and grabbed the item.

"Could you excuse me, darling? This requires my utmost attention", he said with a charming smile. I returned a smile as he and the staff went off to the far back.

I finally released a deep sigh. Was it too late to portal out? I still have my sword which I call a blessing. A quick swing and I'll be with my brothers in minutes. That sounded like a good plan. Food was free anyway since I was with the owner's son. I reached my hand before my phone pinged. I took it out and saw a text message from Merrill.

I opened the text.

Goth Boy:

U good?

Did Mama's Boy touch you?

If he did, the secret phrase is "stranger danger"

Please say yes

I'll have Red turn the tank around faster than you can text no

I found his concern adorable. Besides the change of expressions, Xander didn't do anything dangerous... so far. For all I knew, the right-hand man was probably scheming a way to keep me secluded.

Me:

No nothing came out of the ordinary

Date's unbearable

Just hurry back ASAP

How's it going btw

Merrill sent me a selfie which I had to quickly cover my mouth from laughing out loud. It was a pic of him strapped to a gas tank, gas spilling out, and Donnie was riding a hoverbike shooting out web ball laughing maniacally while Merrill was miserable.

Goth Boy:

Red had the dumb idea to tie me onto a gas tank while Don shoots out webbing to the oozequitoes

Also, Don's a terrible shooter

At this rate, we'll be back at the hotel in no time mostly to ask BM to restock

"Was that your human?" a dark voice spooked me. I looked up at Xander whose face appeared grim and hateful.

I raised an eye ridge. "...yeah? He was updating me on their progress", I said, "what's with the sudden hate? I get you both don't like each other, but at least I know him more than you."

Xander sighed with a shook head. "How do I say this nicely? Your human doesn't deserve you." I narrowed my eyes. "He thinks too highly of himself. You deserve someone you can stand on equal grounds with. Dark Boy walks freely while you and your family hide in darkness. He doesn't understand the struggle us yokai have to deal with to adapt to human society."

Now I get why Merrill wanted to punch this guy. He's insufferable. "I'm sorry. Are you talking about yourself?" I spat, "You clearly don't know what you're talking about and news flash, I'm not a yokai, I'm a mutant turtle, you piece of shit! Also, I don't see a problem with our relationship. It's been nothing but friendship. Sure, he's an asshole but it balanced out his sensitive side."

Xander chuckled like I just said a joke. "Sensitive? Of course, he's sensitive. He's human. Humans always let their emotions get the best of them. Another reason why you should be with someone strong."

My blood was boiling as I stood. "Someone like you?" I sneered.

"Yes", he answered with pride. That was the last straw. I wasn't going to stand here and listen to this bastard badmouthing my friend!

"This "date" is over! I'm out!" I marched off heading for the elevator when suddenly strong arms wrapped around me, and I felt a powerful pain in my neck. I broke my arm free and elbowed behind me. I broke free and turned. I saw Xander messaging his stomach while licking the small blood – MY blood – from his lips like a hungry vampire! I touched my neck to massage the throbbing pain. "Did you bite me? You're insane!" I yelled, swiftly taking out my sword.

"I wouldn't move so much if I were you", Xander said smugly, "the effects will kick in momentarily."

"What effects?" I asked. No sooner after I ask, my body was getting heavy! I almost fell if I didn't hold on to the table stabilizing my weight. My legs were falling asleep. "What... what did you... do to me?" I muttered, barely having the strength to speak. I fell pulling the tablecloth with me. Dishes shattered beside me.

"Did you know spider yokai such as tsuchigumo and jorogumo have these delightful abilities?" he lectured as I struggled to lift my body. "My father, a tsuchigumo, can transform at will; my mother, a jorogumo, can spit our strong webbing and produce venom. Being the son of these yokai, I gained both these skills." He walked over to my fallen body and crouched. He lifted my chin. I was losing focus quickly. His voice sounded like echoed murky water. "You are correct. Many admirers were lining up for a chance to be my lover, but they were all boring yokai wanting to get in on my mother's wealth and power. I thought all hope was lost until I laid my eyes on you. I knew there was something special about you. So, I decided I choose you to be my lover. Together, we'll take the Hidden City and the human world, especially with those insects your brothers are naively bringing. The Battle Nexus will be brimming with customers for fresher entertainment." Xander helped me sit. I knew they were bad news! I used every nerve I could to slap this smug fucker's face off, but Xander caught it with little effort. "Don't fight it. Save your energy because the moment you wake up from your slumber, we will be walking down the aisle." Please tell me I didn't hear that right! What's with me and attracting older men?!

"...fuck... you..." I uttered with whatever strength I had left.

"I do admire your tenacity. I will relay the message to your human. After all, he's not worthy to be with you let alone be your soulmate."

Before I could say another word, my body finally gave out. Xander caught me and carried me in his arms. I couldn't move an inch. I couldn't hear him ordering the staff. Probably telling them to set up my room or something. I needed to get away, but unfortunately, my body didn't respond to my brain. My vision was getting darker. My phone and sword were confiscated. I didn't have any way of telling Merrill or my brothers of the conspiracy. Not to mention, Merrill wasn't within hearing range.

As I reached unconsciousness, I only prayed for Merrill to talk some sense into my brothers and stop Big Mama.

Hope was all I can do...