I always wanted to go to school. To be among brilliant minds like me. April is so lucky to be with her peers while I humbly stay hidden in the sewers drinking information like a flavorless juice. True, I could hack my way through anything within minutes; conquer any test professors give out; I could be the most intelligent, high-ranked student the entire school has the pleasure of having, but with my "visage", I am a freak of nature. No one besides April O'Neil will accept us as I or my brothers.

...until encountering Merrill.

The Goth – pardon me, Emo – who didn't give a flying hoot about us whether we be human or not. I somewhat admired him a bit. Be in mind, the dark boy was equipped with state-of-the-art technology I would love to get my hands on! The boy changed course despite saying he wouldn't take part in rescuing April or Mayhem. However, I believed Leo managed to "coerce" him into joining us. Not sure how but Merrill came with us. Since then, Merrill has been involved in most of our adventures. I even managed to get his number through Nardo's contacts. (For future reference, my dear brother should really get himself a journal if he plans on making disgustingly, adorable nicknames for his quote-unquote boyfriend.)

After meeting Merrill, Leo snuck out to hang out with his new friend. Oh, believe me, it didn't go unnoticed under my surveillance. I let it slide. After all, Leo was seeing a "new friend", especially after saving him from getting eaten by Meat Sweats. I told myself Leo was in good hands... I might have made sure to bug his phone in case Merrill was a dastardly tramp as April claims he was. Nevertheless, the emo was a gentleman through and through. So, I stayed silent and let the two of them have their fun.

Apparently, I let them roam free too far. Leo experienced things farther than what either I or our other brothers put together. Leonardo went to school. Leonardo found human friends. Leonardo went to school! Leonardo's new friends accepted him! Leo went to school without me!

Hearing the news, I was... unhinged? Disturbed? No... I was... bothered. Annoyed. Frustrated. Confounded. Well, you get the gist. All those spiraling out of control. I didn't like it. I let myself fume in silence as I watched my brother interact with his human allies as though they had known each other for a long time. Leo was experiencing things without us, without me. He has a group of friends who enjoy his company, went to his first school dance, and went to school.

Leonardo was seen and accepted in the span of two months! How does he do it? Was there a trick I should know? Gameplay I should follow? No. That's not it. Nardo has always been the interactor. The "face man" of our team. The people-pleaser. Most beloved individual. It was a no-brainer Leo attracts people like bees to honey. Maybe it also could apply to Michaelangelo as well.

I felt left behind. Forgotten. Invisible.

When I got the call from April requesting my services to come to her school, I was thrilled! Excited! I was more excited than creating my first battle shell! Even if it was for merely a few minutes, I get to walk and interact with students my age! A new adventure of my own! My nerves hummed like a fan in the computer's console.

April wanted me to check her computer science project until my eyes spotted the most beautiful thing: satin, purple jackets! Three students were working on a simulator wearing matching jackets! April said they are the Purple Dragons, the school's tech club. My goodness. I can see myself in their group wearing the same jacket and having intellectual talks. Oh, what a glorious dream. To have a group of friends. Some place to belong.

So, I did what any turtle in the shell would do: I approached them. Kendra, the team leader, wouldn't accept my admission; said that I need "dish it out". How could I say no to that? I showed my tech-bo and the multitude of tools it carries. The two members were sublimed to my weapon's glory; however, Kendra wasn't pleased. Her eyes were brimming with interest. I accepted that as a start. She wanted to see more. I was willing to show my worth. I activated my three battle shells; they came the moment they were operated. The leader was fascinated by my creations and rewarded me with my own jacket! I was enthralled, ecstatic, and excited! Finally, I have something I achieved on my own!

"Hey, Von Ryan", I looked at Kendra, who gave me a side smirk, "wanna hang? We're planning to ditch the afternoon classes to go to the café. It shouldn't be a problem with us since we're the best minds this school has." Yes! Yes! Sweet Galileo a hundred percent yes!

This was a dream come true! I didn't bother listening to April's warning and went with my new friends.

We walked through the halls. All eyes were on us. Is this what it's like to be seen? The center of attention. Yes, I made the right choice. I have my own friends.

"Donnie!" my body froze. No, no, no! Don't ruin this for me, Nardo! I have let you do your thing! Why can't you let me do mine? I turned around to see my brother tugging Merrill. I heard whispers surrounding us.

"OMG. Isn't that the power couple?"

"OMG. You're right. They look good together."

"Isn't that the same guy who dumped punch on Taylor? Savage."

"Definitely the new school royalty."

"Slay Queen! Tap that vamp's ass!"

Merrill stepped forward, ignoring the eyes lingering in his moves. "We need to talk, Kendra", the boy in black growled.

Kendra simply tossed her hair with her pierced nose in the air. "Sorry to say, but I got plans. Whatever you need to say it can wait", she replied, waving her hand as if she were dismissing his presence. That didn't bother Merrill, though. He stomped his way until he grabbed her wrist. Her two followers were in front.

"The chief said no!" one member, Jeremy - I think, "So back off, punk!"

"Yeah! Back off" the other repeated.

Merrill's expression darkened. "What the fuck did you say?" They immediately crawled back.

"WE DIDN'T MEAN IT!" they exclaimed in unison. I mentally scoffed. What a bunch of chicken.

"What a bunch of spineless twits", Kendra scowled. I couldn't agree more. She was dragged afterward. "Hey, let go, jackass!" Merrill didn't bother to listen and kept dragging her along.

That just leaves...

"Hey, Dee, can we talk?" Leo's presence became unsettling. Flashes of Leo's possession came to mind. My body shivered. If he becomes underwhelmed or overwhelmed with emotions, he could end up like Merrill. I nodded and we ended up on the staircase away from the double doors.

"What do you want to talk about, Nardo?" I asked, stuffing my hands in my jacket pockets. Oh, the texture is soft on my fingertips.

My brother blankly stared. I felt uncomfortable so I let my eyes linger on his outfit. Wow. How can Nardo stand there with that mini-skirt? It barely reached past his thighs. His cat-eared hoodie cut off to his waist. If it weren't for the black leggings with combat boots, the long sleeves, and the scarf, it's an elaborate disguise. It would be a finishing touch if Leo had a pair of gloves to cover his hands.

"Are you sure you're up for this?" His questions brought me back. What nonsense was he speaking of?

"Come again?" I asked raising an eye ridge.

"Are you sure you're up for this, Dee?" he repeated, "This is a big step."

I rolled my eyes. "I made friends, Nardo. I didn't join the mafia."

"I know that. No disrespect, but does it have to be "them", including "her"?" huh, intriguing. From the expression, Leo already encountered the Purple Dragons, especially Kendra. He didn't seem too fond of her. "You already have good friends surrounding you. Katie mentioned they're a bunch of jerks. Why bother?"

How droll. "They seemed to be fine to me. If others cannot stand them, it's because no one understands their intelligence." I looked out the window beyond the city. "Besides, those are "your" friends."

"Wha...? Don, of course, they're your friends, too."

"No, they are your friends. A pact of liked people interested in you. I want friends I find on my own. Not hand-me-downs. This jacket symbolizes my bond with the Purple Dragons."

"Okay... be glad the others aren't around to hear that otherwise, they'll dropkick your battle shell to the recycling bin. Secondly, if you wanted a jacket Alex wouldn't mind making you one."

"Oh, yes, asking one of "your" friends to make me something. How pedantic, but I'm happy with the jacket I was gifted by my new friends. Now if you excuse me, I have a get-together to go to." I walked down the stairs, yet Leo blocked my path. "What now?"

"Did you know your picture is on the school website?" I tilted my head. "Even an article stating that you're dating the leader of the Purple Dragons. Did you know that?" I didn't actually. An article featured in a short amount of time? Peculiar.

I shrugged. "What if I am? Is there a problem?"

My answer wasn't what my brother expected. Good. "Listen. I'm glad you're not fantasizing about a girl who's not fictional, but your standards can't be this low." what standards! A girl talked to me. Sure, Diana was the first, and I hadn't done a background check on her. There's no way I'm telling Leon of my sudden reaction to seeing her first. Or admitting the truth. "I bet there's someone better than Kendra."

"I can take care of myself. You have your friends and I have mine. We mind each other's business." I walked past my stunned brother. "Maybe you should take your own advice." I left him to stand there letting my words sink in.

Now unto another matter. I fished my phone out. Leon mentioned an article starring me... Ah! There it is! It said Kendra and I are "the Purple Couple". I rolled my eyes. I rated their creativity a 3.5 out of 5.

How strange, though. It wasn't too long since I was accepted. This means... someone posted this beforehand. They knew what they were doing. Who was behind this?

I read the gossip tropes posted on the site. Kendra used to date him. She was his first girlfriend. Merrill dumped Kendra. It didn't state why. Saying it was a "disagreement".

Hmm... did Kendra agree because I was linked to her ex? I shook my head. No. There's got to be something else. I was about to read an article about Leonardo dumping punch on some girl when it was blocked by a call; it was from Merrill.

What did he want?

I answered anyway. "Did you want to convince me of my choices, too?" Instead of a lecture, my eyes widened at his request.

~Lady Ai~

I dragged Kendra away from prying eyes. Anyone passing by will meet a heated glare. "People are gonna talk with the way you're acting." Kendra leaned against the lockers all nonchalantly, acting like nothing was wrong.

I planted my hands beside her face, trapping her in place. "Cut the crap, Kendra. What're you after? What's your endgame?"

All she did was look at me like I'd grown a third nose or something. "Why're you making me out like I'm some sort of villain?"

"Honestly, I don't know what to make of you anymore. The Kendra I knew died the moment she hacked my brain. The girl standing in front of me is nothing more than a shell." The violet-haired girl's eyes shifted before hardening.

"Believe it or not, I'm not up to anything. Not everything I do is a hidden agenda."

I scoffed at her accusation. "Oh really?" I took out my phone to show her the article with the picture. "Wanna tell me about this?"

Kendra inspected the article. "Some idiots posted an article. Big whoop."

"Not just any article. An article starring the Purple Dragons recruiting a new member. Since I left, you never once bat an eyelash in replacing me other than your two lackeys hiding the true purpose of the Tech Club. No one in this entire hellhole catches your attention because you said, and I quote, "Everyone here is as dumb as a newborn calf." So, the one reason I can think of for your sudden change of heart is what he brought. That's why you said yes."

The Purple Dragons' leader slowly clapped her hands. "Sherlock Holmes did it again. Solved the case in under 30 seconds. World record." She went under my arms. "But I think you missed a few details in your little "accusation". Sure, the newbie brought something that grabbed our interest, I'll admit. He has a lot of free time judging from his unique inventions. Not to mention, he's kind of a cutie. Almost reminds me of a certain... someone. If so, well, Von Ryan got more points in the looks department. I wouldn't mind getting to know him and that brain of his. He can give the Purple Dragons the credit we deserve."

I rolled my eyes. "Cut the theatrics. You're planning something big, and you're using Do-" I cleared my throat. "Othello Von Ryan's..." Damn it, Don! Why's your alias so damn long! "...inventions to get what you want. Otherwise, you wouldn't be so keen on getting him to join."

"First of all, Von Ryan wanted to join us. He knew what he needed to bring, and he brought it. As for the little gossip on the site, I wouldn't mind dating him. He's obviously better-looking than you. Secondly, the Purple Dragons aren't your business."

"It became my business, especially when it involves you."

She tilted her head up. Her eyes met my judgmental gaze. "What's wrong, Merrill? Upset that I'm not humping your metal legs? That I'm not kissing the floor where you step on like an obedient bitch?"

I clicked my tongue and crossed my arms over my chest. "Nope. Like I give a damn about you. Glad you're moving on, though. 'Heard it's unhealthy to cling onto something possessively." I saw her eye twitch. Point for me. "I'm just going to say this: mess with your new member and there will be Hell."

The violet-haired girl stepped into my personal space. "Is that a threat?"

I narrowed my eyes. "It's a promise." Her eyes went lower. I gulped. I didn't like how hungry her stare hold. She backed away causing me to blink at her action. Kendra laid her hands behind her head.

"For a smart guy, you can be such an idiot." she walked away. "Take care, Sexy Lucifer."

I blinked. What was that? No matter. My concern was her plans. I knew Kendra too long to think she wanted to come clean. With technology on her side, the Purple Dragons will have the world at their fingertips.

And Donnie is going to be her pawn.

A plan formed in my mind. I heavily sighed. I wasn't going to like this. Not one bit.

I took my phone out and called the turtle.

"Donatello, I need you to listen carefully."