- Chapter 102 -

Discoveries

A week passed with no incident. No Foot Clan, no Krang, no Triceratons. It was a week of relative peace. One morning, Kagome woke up and made her way down to the kitchen, where she saw her mother making her morning tea. As she sat down, she stole a glance at the calendar, paying it no mind before doing a double take.

"Hey, Mom…" she began, "what's today's date?"

"November 6th," Kasumi replied. "Why do you-"

Her eyes widened and she and Kagome glanced at the calendar, seeing "Discovery Day" written on that particular date in green.

"Oh Kami, is that today?!" Kasumi ran her fingers through her hair. "How could we have missed this?!"

"With everything that's been going on, I'm surprised we remembered what month it was!" Kagome jumped up. "Okay, let's not panic. We can think of something."

"We should call Yoshi," Kasumi decided. "Perhaps he has something in mind."

Kagome nodded. "Right."

Down in the lair, Splinter was putting on a pot of tea to begin his morning. His children were all still asleep and after everything, he wanted to let them sleep some more. At that moment, the cheese phone rang.

"The cheese phone? At this hour?" Nonetheless, he picked it up. "Moshi moshi."

"Hi, Splinter," came Kagome's voice. "Hope we didn't wake you."

"Not at all. I was just putting on some tea," Splinter poured himself a cup. "How can I help you?"

"Mom and I just caught a look at the calendar this morning. It's November 6th."

"Ah, so it is," Splinter sipped his tea, processing what Kagome said before his eyes widened. He let out a cough, spewing his tea slightly before coughing. "Did you say the sixth?"

"Yeah."

Splinter set his tea down, running his hand along his snout. "Hisako's Discovery Day… Kami, how could I have forgotten?"

"You forgot too?! Crap... Me and Mom were hoping you had something in mind for it!"

"I'm afraid not. We have all been busy aiding in the relief efforts from the invasion."

Kagome sighed. "Okay... let's just stay calm. We can think of something."

"I do not think something extravagant would work given our limited time and resources. Perhaps we should have a smaller party with the clan."

"That'll do."

"I shall rouse my children."

Kagome snapped her fingers. "Oh! We can go shopping with Hisako! She can pick out her own gifts! The staff can help set up for the party while we do."

"Excellent. I will see you then." Splinter hung up at that. "Now to wake up my children."

He headed out into the living room, a gong in hand before ringing it.

"Rise and shine!" he yelled before ringing it again.

There was a cacophony of yells and shouts, everyone running out of their rooms with weapons out. The girls all had their hair in wild messes and both Karai and Hisako were still in PJs.

"What's going on?!" Mikey demanded. "Are we being invaded again?!"

"Calm yourselves," Splinter held up a hand. "I apologize for the rude awakening, but this is a Hamato family emergency."

"Is it Kagome?" Raph asked. "Is everything okay?"

"Did something happen with the clan?!" Leo questioned.

"Are you aware of what the date is?"

"Um…" Vee rubbed the back of her head. "I think it's November?"

"One moment," Donnie checked his T-Phone. "It's November 6th."

Everyone tensed.

"Wait, it's the sixth?!"

Vee's eyes widened. "Oh my God... it's Discovery Day?!"

"Oh wow…" Hisako managed. "Even I forgot."

"How could we forget Discovery Day?!" Mikey clung to Hisako, openly sobbing. "We're the worst!"

"Pipe down, you drama queen," Raph deadpanned.

"We all did," Splinter informed them. "Were it not for Kasumi and Kagome checking the calendar this morning, I would not have remembered either."

"It's all right," Hisako assured. "I've never been one for big productions anyway. I'll be happy with pizza and having you guys."

"We are going to be having a party with the rest of the clan," Splinter said. "You can leave the prep work to the adults. You seven will meet up with Kagome and go find presents for Hisako."

"Just promise me it won't be this big, over-the-top production," Hisako requested.

"Relax, sis," Mikey told her. "This is Kasumi we're talking about. I'm sure she'll keep it low-key."

At the Lee mansion, Kasumi was busy on her cell phone.

"Yes, hello," she said. "Is this Boulangerie Bake Shop? I need a large double chocolate cake ready by noon today. Yes... yes, I know this is last minute. Yes, I am aware... Look, it's my daughter's D- birthday today! Do you have anything? Cupcakes? Yeah, cupcakes will work. I'll pay double for a rush order." She breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you…"

She hung up the phone, practically collapsing at her desk and rubbing her eyes.

"Miss Kasumi?"

Kasumi perked, seeing the younger Irma Langinstein at the door.

"Please, just relax," the girl requested. "You know your daughter won't be upset over a smaller party. If anything, I feel she'd appreciate it more."

"I know, I know."

"Also, help just arrived."

A knock sounded at the door, the clan entering.

"Is this a bad time?" Yukio asked.

"No, not at all," Kasumi stood up. "You're just in time, actually."

"We got a call from Kagome," Seiko said. "Something about a 'Discovery Day'. Is that some sort of Western holiday?"

"No," Kasumi shook her head. "It's essentially Hisako's birthday. The anniversary of the day Yoshi and Kagome first found her. With everything going on with the Triceratons and the black hole generator, I completely forgot about it."

"Ouch…" Oyuki winced. "Forgetting your own kid's birthday. That's gotta sting."

"Don't remind me," Kasumi deadpanned.

"Don't you worry," Seiko smiled. "Let us handle the decorations."

She stepped out of the office and whistled, beginning to direct.

"Do not let this get to you," Yukio assured Kasumi. "Everything will work out. I promise."

"Right…" Kasumi sighed. "Right. In the meantime, Kagome and Yoshi's children are out shopping for gifts."

At his home, Sam stood in front of a full-length mirror, combing his hair and adjusting his coat. Leanne sat on his bed behind him as his fists clenched, shaking.

"I-I'm not sure I can do this," he said.

Leanne sighed. "Oh come on. You've already done it, what, three times already?"

"And each time, she's turned me down."

"But you said she kissed you after that whole invasion thing. So maybe she just needed time to warm up to you. And even if she says no again, what have you got to lose?"

Sam shuffled his feet as she went on.

"Look, just do what you did the last time. Clearly, she likes you if she kissed you. Be bold and daring. Go right up to her, look her in the eye, and ask her out for coffee."

"She hates coffee."

Leanne sighed, rubbing her forehead. "Hot chocolate then, or pizza. Just ask her out! C'mon Sammy, grow a pair and man up!"

She spun him around, pushing him out the door. "And don't come back till you've asked her!"

The door closed behind him, the lock turning. Sam took a deep breath, steeling himself and going along.

"The worst she can do is say no…"

"No," Hisako said bluntly.

The Hamato/Lee family was out in the shopping district, window shopping down one of the various strip malls. Hisako was staring at some outfits in the window of a department store with a look of contempt.

"Absolutely not."

"What's the issue?" Kagome asked. "They're functional and super-cute."

Hisako looked at her. "Are you kidding me? The pattern is far too busy, and the cut is too low. And when would I even wear that?"

Mikey sighed. "You're impossible to buy for, you know?"

"I know, I know."

"Whoa…" a new voice cut in. "Do my eyes deceive me or are the Turtles out in public?"

They perked, turning to see April and Casey approaching.

"Are you guys in clothes?" April questioned.

"What were you expecting, trench coats and fedoras?" Raph deadpanned.

"Those work when we're out on the streets," Vee added. "Not in public places like zoos and shops."

All of the Turtles were dressed in variations of baggy pants and sweaters or hoodies. Those without hoods had hats on. All of them had face masks on as well.

"So what brings you out into the light of day?" Casey asked.

"It's my Discovery Day," Hisako replied.

"Discovery Day?" April perked. "Oh! Your birthday!"

"Yep," Hisako nodded.

"We're trying to find her a gift, but she keeps rejecting everything!" Mikey exclaimed.

"Hey, I'm sorry, but I'm not gonna wear a floral print top that won't even cover my stomach!" Hisako snapped.

"It looks cute!"

"Then you put it on!" Hisako shot back. "Yeah, the outfit looks cute, but are you forgetting that under these sweatshirts and long pants, I'm a walking pile of scar tissue?!"

All of them winced at that.

"Yeah. Thanks but no thanks."

"Well…" Donnie rubbed the back of his neck. "I feel sheepish."

Just then, something darted between them, scampering down the street. Upon seeing it, Midnight, who had been resting on the sidewalk, started barking and taking off. Hisako, who was holding her leash, ended up yanked down the street with a surprised yelp.

"Follow that Lab!" Donnie yelled.

All of them weave through the crowds of people before ducking into a construction zone. There, they see the strangest creature running around in a circle, barking and jumping. It was a dog-like beast with large pointed ears, a red nose, a pair of tusks, maroon eyes, and a fluffy chest and tail with three toes on each paw. His fur was mostly yellow with blue markings on his ears, down his back, and on the tip of his tail. He also had small red markings on his forehead, around his eyes, and a red chest.

"What the hell kinda dog is that?" Mikey questioned.

"Maybe it's some sort of mutant?" Donnie leaned down. "It has a collar."

He took a look, seeing a tag with a strange symbol engraved on it. It looked like an M with a plus sign on the right leg.

"Some sort of logo?"

The dog jumped out of Donnie's grip, running to a brick wall. It was covered in graffiti and when the dog threw itself at the wall, some of the paint began to glow in the form of that same M. Suddenly, all of the graffiti swirled together, forming a demonic-looking face that opened up into a glowing chasm.

"What the flying fuck?!" Raph exclaimed.

The dog thing barked, then jumped through. Immediately, Midnight followed, dragging Hisako with her.

"Yikes!" Hisako cried as she fell through.

"Hisako!" Leo cried.

They went to follow, only for the portal to slam shut.

"Now what?!" Vee shouted.

"Shini," Karai perked. "We need to get Shini. That was mystic power. If anyone can figure it out, she can."

"Right!" Leo stood up. "Let's move!"

"We're really putting the 'Discover' in Discovery Day," Mikey quipped as they took off.

At the 2nd Time Around, Shinigami was at work setting up new knick-knacks. As one slipped, Sam quickly caught it, setting it back up.

"Careful," he cautioned. "I know Mr. O'Neil is a lenient boss, but this would probably come out of your pay."

Shinigami smiled. "Thank you, Sam."

The door was flung open, and the Hamato/Lee siblings, April, and Casey ran in.

"Shini!" Karai cried. "We need your help! Now!"

"Whoa, where did you all come-..." Sam perked. "What are you wearing? And... where's Hisako?"

"They're our street clothes," Mikey said. "When we need to go into stores and whatnot. But that's not important right now! Shini, big trouble came down! There was this weird dog thing, and Midnight chased him, and they and Hisako wound up in this weird place and-"

"Whoa, whoa, whoa!" Shinigami held up a hand. "Mikey, slow down. My brain can't process words that fast. Just take a deep breath, calm down, and tell me what happened."

Mikey did so, relaxing as Raph took over.

"There was this weird colorful dog mutant thing. It opened a swirling portal, jumped in, and Midnight went after it, dragging Hisako with her!"

"Swirling portal?" Sam asked. "You sure it wasn't a transmat or something?"

"Not unless a transmat materializes from glowing graffiti and forms some kinda monster face in the wall," Vee answered.

Shinigami perked. "Monster face? Hang on. This wouldn't happen to be at the construction site off 18th and Rise, would it?"

Donnie thought before nodding. "Yeah, I believe so."

Shini let out a long breath, rubbing her face. "Well, I have good news and bad news. Good news is I know exactly where she is."

"And the bad news?" Karai asked.

"She's in the Hidden City."

Sam perked. "The Hidden City? It's real?"

Shinigami turned to him. "You've heard of the Hidden City?"

Sam nodded. "A few Guardians mentioned it a couple times. The basics I remember is that it's some kinda mystic city, deep underground."

"It is," Shinigami confirmed. "Home to yōkai and other creatures of legends and myth."

Kagome blinked. "Yōkai in New York? Am I hearing that right?"

"They are very real," Shinigami said. "In fact, I believe the dog mutant you encountered is one such yōkai. Likely some form of guardian spirit."

She grimaced. "Unfortunately, I'm not off work until four, and I can't leave the store unattended."

"We can talk to Mortu!" Sam said. "If the Guardians know about it, then maybe they have a way in!"

"Anything's worth a try at this point!" Leo yelled.

They took off.

At the Lee mansion, party preparations were underway. Tai stood atop the banister on the second floor, streamers in hand and a rope around his waist. Mizuki and Erika had the other end of the rope, slung over a rafter to make a pulley.

"Okay," he turned to the girls. "One, two... THREE!"

Mizuki and Erika pulled on the rope, lifting him into the air where he got to work stringing the streamers from the ceiling. Everything was in various shades of green and there was a banner that said "Happy Discovery Day" on it. All the while, Erika and Mizuki strained to keep him aloft.

"Dad's right," Erika wheezed out. "I gotta spend less time reading medical books and more time lifting weights."

"Erika, don't you dare drop me!" Tai shouted.

"Then hurry up, man! I don't know how much longer I can-!"

The rope slipped from her fingers.

"...Shit." was all Tai managed to say before he dropped like a rock, screaming all the way down and landing on a coffee table flat on his back with enough force to rattle the picture frames and shelves on the walls. "Ow! Damn it!"

All of the adults came running in at that.

"Oh Kami, Taiichi!" Kasumi exclaimed. "Are you alright?"

"Oh yeah, I'm fine," Tai deadpanned as he slowly stood up. "Don't worry about me. I only fell two stories."

"Are you sure? You're not hurt?"

"Nothing's broken anyway," Tai winced, rubbing his back. "Next time, I'll have Slash or Leatherhead hold me up."

"Sorry!" Erika called from above. "That's my bad!"

With that out of the way, Kasumi looked over the splintered remains of the coffee table. She took a deep breath, working to control herself. "Just… get this cleaned up. We'll discuss how to deal with it later."

"Right…" Tai grabbed a broom and dustpan. "At least I got everything strung up first."

"Um, yeah…" Erika chimed in. "About that…"

She pointed up at the banner, which was upside down. Tai's jaw dropped at the sight before he scowled.

"Son of a…!" He stopped himself, taking a breath. "Coffee table bits first. Worry about it after."

"Maybe we should call the Mutanimals," Akemi offered. "They could probably help."

"Not a bad idea," Tai remarked as he swept. "I'll let Pete hang the banner. He's the one who can fly."

Makoto already had his phone out. "I'll give them a call."

"By the way, when are the guys gonna get here to help out?" Jade asked. "It's their sister."

"Kasumi said they're out helping Hisako shop for gifts," Hana said as she manned the helium tank, filling and tying green balloons.

"Should we be getting her gifts?" Jade questioned.

Makoto gave her a look. "What do you think this party is? Plus, she doesn't strike me as a material girl. I mean, she wears the same outfit every day."

Jade nodded. "Yeah, that's a good point. Well made."

Meanwhile, the Hamato/Lee family and Sam had made it to TCRI and were explaining to Mortu how Hisako and Midnight had stumbled into the Hidden City.

"The Hidden City," Mortu grimaced. "A dangerous place. We've been keeping an eye on it thanks to the natural resources it provides."

"I don't care if it's the lowest level of Hell," Leo said firmly. "Hisako is down there, and we're going after her."

"I understand," Mortu rose to his feet. "Come."

He led them down into the Utrom base beneath the building, then over to a cabinet. He opened it, revealing a small crystalline device bearing a similar M symbol as the dog creature and the wall.

"This is a mystic artifact that we created long ago to venture to and from the Hidden City," he explained. "Take it to the door Hisako fell through and it will open for you."

Leo took it. "Thanks."

"And be careful," Mortu warned. "The Hidden City is full of dangerous creatures. Ones that have existed on this plane far longer than we have."

They headed back to the construction site, looking over the wall as Leo held out the artifact. Nothing happened.

"Yeah…" Leo sighed. "Maybe Mortu should've told us how to actually make this thing work."

"The dog thing threw itself at the wall," Mikey suggested. "Maybe it needs to touch?"

He took the device and tapped it to the wall, only to get the same result. Raph growled at that.

"C'mon!" he roared. "Open, you stupid wall!"

He snatched the device, preparing to throw it at the wall before Vee grabbed his arm, taking it out of his hand.

"Cool it, you meathead!" she snapped. "We're trying to get Hisako out of there, not strand her!"

She looked at the device, then at the wall. She squinted a bit, then got an idea. She found the paint in the shape of the M and began to trace it. It began to glow with yellow light, and a few moments passed before the same demonic face appeared, opening its mouth and revealing the portal.

"Nice job, Vee," Leo remarked. "Now, we need to be careful and-"

"CANNONBALL!" Mikey charged in, tucking into a ball and leaping into the portal. Leo sighed.

"Why do I even bother?"

One by one all of them jumped through as well, the portal closing behind them.

They fell through a swirling vortex, spinning around for some time before being dropped out. They were on what looked to be a cobblestone road surrounded by black bamboo. There was an archway ahead of them, the path snaking through it. As they all picked themselves up, they looked around confused.

"This is the Hidden City?" Donnie asked. "Looks more like a haunted forest from China."

They stepped through the archway, and then all of them stopped.

"Oh…" Donnie remarked. "Never mind."

Beyond the bamboo forest was a massive city, one that seemed to be a hodgepodge of various historical styles from all over the world. Japanese temples were next to blackened skyscrapers with Roman churches and a smattering of houses ranging from dirt shacks to mansions. Everything was bathed in an eerie red light from a blood moon projected above and a reddened sky.

"Crimson sky of death," Mikey remarked. "Not a good sign."

"C'mon," Leo insisted. "Let's go find Hisako."

"Agreed," Kagome rubbed her arms nervously. "This place gives me the creeps."

As they stepped into the city, there were creatures of all shapes and sizes. They ranged from almost human to completely grotesque. Slowly, the Turtles removed their masks, hats, and hoods, completely stunned.

"Dudes... this is like D'Hoonib all over again," Casey mused. "But this time, no space cops."

"How did my life get to the point where finding a hidden city of yokai under New York is not a strange occurrence to me?" April pondered.

"Around the time five teenage mutant ninja turtles and a psychic girl saved you from being abducted by aliens?" Mikey hesitated for a moment. "...That was rhetorical, wasn't it?"

April gave him a shove.

"On the bright side, this makes blending in easier," Leo remarked. "Don, do our T-phones work down here?"

Donnie pulled his out and shot out a text. All their phones buzzed.

"Perfect," Leo nodded. "We split up into teams and cover the city."

"I'll take Mikey," Donnie said.

"I'll stick with Kagome," Vee remarked.

"Aw come on," Raph lamented.

"You can be with me, Raph," Leo told him.

"Count me in too, Leo," Karai said.

"I'll go with Vee and Kagome," said April.

"Guess I'm on your squad, Donnie," Casey remarked.

"Actually, mind tagging with me?"

They all jumped, turning to see Sam there.

"Dude, I totally forgot you followed us," Mikey remarked.

Sam shrugged. "Hisako's in trouble, and I'm not missing a chance to see the Hidden City with my own eyes."

"Right," Leo got back to business. "Sam, you're with Casey. Spread out, and scour every last inch of this city until we find Hisako and Midnight. We either go home with them or not at all."

"Right!" everyone declared before splitting up.

Meanwhile, back at the mansion, the Mutanimals had arrived. Pete was setting up the banner correctly while Erika gave Tai a medical examination.

"You've got bruises and a scrape here and there, but nothing too bad," she reported.

Tai stood up, putting his shirt back on. "Good thing I'm built like a tank."

"You are fortunate the table broke your fall," Leatherhead remarked.

"Yeah…" Erika winced. "Sorry again, Tai."

Tai waved a hand, dismissing it. "Don't worry about it. I'm just a little banged up. I'm fine. Can't move forward if you're always looking backward."

Erika nodded. "Right. What's done is done."

"Plus, we're both gonna be giving up our allowance to replace it."

"Replace what?"

They turned to see Shinigami at the door.

"Kasumi's coffee table," Erika rubbed the back of her neck. "I... accidentally dropped Tai while we were hanging up streamers, and he took a two-story swan dive onto it."

"Smashed it to smithereens," Tai chimed in.

"Oh, wow," Shini flicked some magic his way, making the pain fade. "Have the guys made it back yet?"

"No, why?"

"Oh, Hisako fell through a portal to a Hidden City filled with Yokai and the guys went after her. I thought they'd be back by now," Silence followed. "Oh, is that punch?"

She walked over to the punch bowl, getting a cup casually as if she hadn't said the most ridiculous thing imaginable.

"Wait, hold it," Mizuki cut in. "Back up. Say that again in full, please."

Shini took a sip of the punch. "Hisako fell through a portal to a Hidden City. The guys went to TCRI for a way to get there so they could go find her. I assumed they'd be back by now."

Makoto looked up from where he was working on a photobook. "A Hidden City? Like the Y'Lyntian place?"

"No," Shini shook her head. "It's more like this massive metropolis full of demons, monsters, spirits. A little bit of every culture mixed into one. It's where I was born."

Now everyone was staring.

"Miss Shinigami, are you saying this Hidden City is home to beings like yourself and your mother?" Asuka questioned.

"Yokai, creatures of legend and myth, the whole shebang."

"Yeah…" Jade ran a hand through her hair. "That sounds just stupid and crazy enough to be right."

"How have our lives gotten to the point that none of us are freaking out about this?" Hana questioned, Jade shrugging.

"The turtles are resourceful, as is Oracle," Leatherhead remarked. "I am certain they will return."

"Yeah," Hob agreed. "With one hell of a story to tell."

At the mention of their children in the Hidden City, Splinter and Kasumi rose to their feet.

"Will you excuse us for a minute, everyone?" Splinter said politely. "We have something... private to deal with."

He and Kasumi headed out the door. As soon as it closed, they got serious.

"The Hidden City, of all places," Kasumi clenched her fists. "Yoshi, if she finds out our kids are down there…"

"I know," Splinter reached under his robe, pulling out a pendant. On it was the same symbol from the dog creature's collar and the device from Mortu. "Which is why we must find them first."

Meanwhile, Leo, Raph, and Karai were looking around the Hidden City for any sign of Hisako and Midnight.

"Seriously…" Karai sighed. "You'd think a girl with blond hair and a black lab would stand out more in this crowd."

"You also forget that Hisako has spent her entire life hiding," Leo pointed out. "If she doesn't wanna be found, she won't be found."

"Though she may be enjoying the sights down here," Raph mused. "I mean look at this place."

Karai nodded. "Can't argue with that. It's amazing. Even the flora down here is different."

She went to sniff some flowers, only to get smacked with a stick.

"Oi! You wanna die?!"

They looked up, seeing a four-eyed creature that looked like a cross between a lizard and a rat, donned in a black hooded robe.

"Those are Ancient Demon flowers!" the creature went on. "Highly poisonous!"

"Seriously?" Karai asked. "Who just leaves poison flowers sitting out?"

The creature pointed to the building the flowers were in front of. An axe hung over the doorway, and a massive sign advertising poison, knives, and traps was in the window. Above the advertisements was a neon sign reading "Murder Shop - Spill Blood The Smart Way!"

"...Oh," Karai remarked after a moment.

"You," the creature remarked. "You smell like blood. You have killed before. And you…" he turned to Leo, "You can fight. Have fought. Fought... to protect. And you…" He finally turned to Raph, "And you. You smell of rage."

"Okay…" Raph began, "Who are you, and why do you creep me out?"

"I am the owner of the Murder Shop. Come in! Come!" the shopkeep pulled them all inside. "Got a selection of good things on sale, strangers!"

"We're actually looking for someone," Karai remarked. "Have you seen a human-looking girl? Blond hair, with green streaks? Has a black-furred dog?"

The shopkeep rubbed their snout. "Hmmm… No. Can't say I have. Is she your target? What did she do?"

"She's our sister, actually," Leo said. "We're not here to kill anybody."

"I see."

As they talked, Karai spotted something on the counter, an engraved box with velvet lining the inside. In it was a pair of chopsticks, topped with golden dragon heads.

"What are those?" she asked. "They look a bit out of place."

The shopkeep smiled, revealing rows of sharp teeth.

"These are Assassin Sticks. They can be used as hair sticks, but…" He pulled one dragon's head off, revealing a hidden blade. "Beautiful and deadly in one."

All three of them exchanged looks.

-X-

Sometime later, they were all walking out of the shop with the box.

"Silver and gold coins," Karai mused. "Luckily there was an exchange office."

"Okay, we got Hisako a good gift," Raph remarked. "Now we just gotta find her and give it to her."

-X-

Not too far away, April, Vee, and Kagome were searching around. April had two fingers to her head, eyes glowing a dull yellow as she felt for Hisako's presence. However, everything felt hazy, like something in the air was polluting the feed.

"You getting anything?" Kagome asked.

April shook her head. "No. It's all... fuzzy."

"That can't be good," Vee remarked. "If you can't use your powers, Hisako likely can't either."

Kagome crossed her arms in thought. "I wonder if there's something in the air. It feels... different from the city."

April perked. "You feel it too?"

Kagome nodded. "Yeah. It's like the air itself is alive."

"Yeah, it's super weird," Vee remarked. "Feel like my skin is buzzing."

"Guess here, magic's literally in the air," Kagome mused.

As they were walking, someone grabbed Kagome by the arm. She whirled around, stopping short when she saw it was a little kid. They looked like some sort of axolotl creature with fins on the side of their head and big beady eyes. They were looking at Kagome in awe.

"Ummm…" Kagome began. "Hi?"

"You look like the pretty girl from Mama's surface books," the kid remarked.

A moment passed before they got it.

"Huh," April remarked. "So apparently, people even buy your magazines down here."

Suddenly, an older axolotl woman came running over, scooping up the child.

"I am so sorry," she began. "Please excuse us." She bowed deeply. "I swear, she meant no harm."

The girls blinked, realizing they had instinctively drawn their weapons before putting them away.

"It's okay," Kagome assured. "No harm done."

The woman remained bowed. "Please allow me to make up for my child's rudeness."

Vee raised an eyebrow. "Uh… okay?"

She led them into a small shop, one that looked to sell clothing. Most of it was Oriental in style, from Chinese robes to Japanese kimonos, all of them simple, but well-made.

"Oh wow…" April let out. "Do you make these yourself, ma'am?"

The woman nodded. "Yes, Milady. I am a humble seamstress."

"These are amazing," Kagome remarked. "Absolutely gorgeous."

The axolotl woman smiled. "You have quite the eye for detail, Milady."

"Mama, she's the pretty lady!" the child exclaimed. "The one from those books you got from the surface!"

The woman perked, taking a good look at Kagome's face for the first time.

"Good Lord…" she let out. "Are you really that girl? Kagome Lee?"

Kagome nodded. "That'd be me."

"Oh my! I didn't think I'd ever run into one of the models from my reference books! It's a pleasure to meet you. What brings you down to the Hidden City?" The woman looked concerned. "You're not in danger, are you?"

"We're looking for someone, actually," Kagome replied. "Have you seen a human girl around my age? Blond hair, gray eyes, and freckles? Dressed in green with a black dog?"

The axolotl shook her head. "Sadly, no. I'm sorry. I wish I could be of more help."

"Hey, look at this one," April cut in.

They turned, seeing her looking over a fancy blue kimono with a gold obi and green-blue butterflies decorating it.

"Oh wow…" Vee remarked. "That one's cute."

"Hisako would love it, don't you think?" April asked.

"Yeah... she would." Kagome smiled before pulling it off the rack. "How much for this one?"

-X-

In another part of the city, Donnie and Mikey were in the midst of their own search.

"Hisako!" Mikey cried out. "HISAKO! WHERE ARE YOU?!"

"Will you keep it down?" Donnie snapped.

"But-!"

"All you're doing is drawing unwanted attention."

Indeed, several yokai were giving them odd looks. Mikey pulled his hood over his head.

"Whoopsie…"

Donnie crossed his arms in thought, tapping the side of his head. "Okay, think. She's gotta be around here somewhere."

"Maybe we could ask around?" Mikey suggested. "Someone down here has to have seen her."

"Right…" Donnie sighed. "If only the trackers in the T-phones weren't getting interference."

"Surface tech. Bah! Useless down here."

They turned to see a massive red-skinned oni, hammering away at an old-fashioned forge.

"What was that?" Donnie asked.

"Surface tech. It's flimsy," The oni hammered away as he went on. "Frivolous. And useless."

Donnie shrugged. "Well, we'll just have to agree to disagree."

Mikey took a more civil approach. He walked over to the blacksmith. "Hey, we're looking for our sister. Have you seen a human girl with blonde hair wearing green clothes? Has a little black dog with an emotional support animal vest?"

"No," the blacksmith said bluntly before getting back to work.

"Okay. Well, thanks anyway."

"I don't have time for the weak."

Donnie's eyes narrowed. "Excuse me? Who are you calling weak?"

"The child you seek. She sounds weak."

"She isn't. She's one of the strongest people we know. Maybe don't shoot your mouth off over something you know nothing about?"

The blacksmith looked up at that.

"D…" Mikey began nervously, "maybe it's a bad idea to piss off the big scary oni with a giant hammer?"

"Is that so?" the blacksmith questioned. "And yet she requires an animal just for her emotions."

"Because she survived ten years of physical and psychological torture before we found her."

The blacksmith blinked at that. "Oh? How old is this child?"

"Seventeen."

"Today's her birthday," Mikey added.

The blacksmith seemed to mull on something. "You said she was a humanoid?"

"Yeah," Donnie nodded. "Why do you ask?"

"I may have something in her size."

With that, the blacksmith stood up, heading into his shop and searching for something. He came back with what looked to be armor in the shape of a turtle shell. It was engraved with what looked to be runes with leather straps on it.

"This is a Xuanwu Pack," he told them, holding it out. "Tougher than steel, but lightweight. It also has enchantments to keep it from growing heavy no matter what you put in it."

The two turtles exchanged looks.

"I respect the strong, and it's clear that the child is strong and has found allies worthy of her."

"Well, we have been having trouble looking for a present," Mikey mused.

Donnie smiled. "We'll take it."

-X-

Elsewhere, Sam and Casey were in the midst of their own search, talking amongst themselves.

"So... between you and me, how'd you ask April out?" Sam asked.

Casey raised an eyebrow. "Why're you asking?"

Sam sighed. "Because I've been planning to ask Hisako out since the Triceraton attack."

"Oh yeah," Casey patted him on the back. "She kissed you, didn't she? Guess she finally decided to take that step."

"Step?"

"Something she talked about with Professor Honeycutt while we were up in space. I don't remember exactly what he said, only that she needed to stop feeling like she wasn't worthy of love."

"I see…"

"So listen, dude. Don't stress. Just go up to her and ask her. The worst she can say is no, and you've taken that rejection like a champ."

"Yeah…" Sam nodded. "Yeah, you're right. As soon as we find her down here, that's what I'm gonna do."

Casey grinned. "Awesome. Proud of you, dude."

As they walked, they heard what sounded like barking. Sam perked.

"You think that's Midnight?"

"If it's not, I'll eat my mask," Casey replied. "C'mon!"

They ran in the direction they heard the barking. As they rounded a corner, they saw Midnight tussling with the strange dog thing from before, and sitting on a bench next to an old, three-eyed yokai woman, was Hisako.

"Hisako!" Casey exclaimed. "There you are!"

Hisako looked up, brightening.

"Casey! Sam!" She jumped up, hugging them both.

"As I said, with patience, what you seek will come to you," the yokai woman said.

"Before you ask, yeah, everyone else is here," Sam told her. "We split up to search this place."

"Not surprised. It sounds like them," Hisako chuckled. "Though I'll admit, this has been quite the eventful Discovery Day."

"Before I forget…" Casey pulled out his T-phone, texting the others. Hisako perked.

"Wait, those work down here?" She facepalmed. "Ugh, I should have tried that."

"Honestly, why didn't we think to try texting her?" Sam questioned.

"Probably because we didn't think she was in a position to text," Casey replied.

"He has a point," Hisako mused. "Getting separated like this rarely ends well."

"So…" Sam looked at the yokai woman, "While we wait for the others, who's your new friend?"

"I am no one of consequence," the woman said. "Merely an observer."

"She's been keeping me company," Hisako replied. "We've been talking about this place. Guess what, my parents were friends of hers!"

"I can believe it," said Sam. "Mortu's how we got the means to follow you here."

"Sweet," Hisako grinned. "I'd love the chance to come back here. Though the air around here does make it hard to use my powers." She pulled her Aeon crystal out from under her shirt. "Not even this helps."

The old woman's eyes all widened at the sight. Meanwhile, Casey's phone blew up.

"Oh, sweet," he remarked. "The guys want to meet in the town center. Near something called the... Crying Titan?"

"Trust me, we won't miss it," Sam told them.

They all prepared to head out, but the Old Woman grabbed Sam's arm. He turned, seeing her looking pale and serious.

"Blackened souls darken all around them," she warned. "Be cautious in the days to come."

Sam raised an eyebrow. "Uh… okay?"

"Sam!" Hisako called. "C'mon!"

Sam followed them at that.

-X-

It wasn't long before the group all met in the town center before a large fountain, in the center of which stood a massive oni statue. From its eyes streamed a familiar neon green liquid.

"Huh," Hisako mused as she looked it over. "So this is where it comes from…"

Before she could muse any further, she was practically tackled by Mikey in a hug. It wasn't long before her other siblings got in on it.

"Guys!" Hisako cried happily.

"We were so worried!" Mikey exclaimed.

"I'm sorry, guys," Hisako told them. "Trust me, I was reprimanding Midnight hard about chasing after this little guy."

Midnight looked down and whined remorsefully. The dog thing, which had followed them, did the same.

"Don't be," Leo assured. "We're just glad you're okay."

April knelt down to the dog thing. "What's your name, boy?"

The dog thing just yipped.

"Agent 64," Hisako translated.

Raph raised an eyebrow. "What, is he some kinda police dog?"

Agent 64 barked again, Hisako translating.

"Apparently not. He works for the City Leaders, and he was trying to get some help," 64 barked once more. "Ah. There's someone down here plotting something and they were sent to warn us, but the portal closed too soon for everyone to go through, and he didn't want to leave me alone."

"Plotting something?" Donnie asked. "Who?"

After another bark, Hisako tilted her head in confusion.

"Um... someone named... Big Mama?"

The Turtles and Kagome's faces immediately went pale at that name.

"Then it would seem our fears were not unfounded."

Everyone perked, seeing Splinter and Kasumi emerging from the shadows.

"Dad!" Hisako cried happily.

"Dad? Kasumi?" Leo let out. "How'd you-?"

"No time," Kasumi cut in. "We need to leave, now."

"Yeah, no argument there," Raph agreed.

"Wait, hold on," April held up her hands. "Who is this Big Mama? And why are all of you acting like we're about to face Shredder?"

"Remember that Battle Nexus thing with that Ue guy before Krang's occupation?" Donnie recalled. "Dad and Kasumi stopped Big Mama from launching a coup and taking it over."

"Big Mama is a big-time crime lord from what I remember," Kagome added. "Imagine Darius Dun as a yokai. That's her."

"It's because of her I hate bugs." Vee shuddered.

"Is it because she's a giant purple spider?" Hisako asked.

"Yeah, but how do you…?" Vee slumped, closing her eyes. "She's right behind me, isn't she?"

A haughty laugh mixed with rapid clicking filled the air. "My my, what a surprise. I never would have thought you would be so brazen as to waltz into my territory. You've grown bold, Yoshi."

They turned to see a massive spider yokai. Her entire body was covered in dark purple with spikes on her abdomen, while her long face was colored in dark teal, with seafoam-green hair, jagged teeth, and six red eyes. She had two pairs of arms; a large pair of black arms with spikes on the forearms and shoulders, and a smaller pair colored in a dark teal, both producing peach-colored claws, along with four black spider legs. The only choice of clothing she wore was that of a purple jabot around her neck, supporting her two-tone red and black amulet with a golden frame, along with red-orange pauldrons on her shoulders. Vee immediately cowered, whimpering in shock and fear as Big Mama looked at her in amusement.

"I suppose I am a bit too much for your limited minds," She shrunk down, taking on the appearance of an attractive, light purple-skinned middle-aged woman with a petite hourglass build, possessing long, wavy silver-white hair styled in an updo with bangs that covered her right eye, two-tone black and red lips, purple eyes with pale yellow sclera, and donned dark blue eyeshadow for makeup. Her attire consisted of a pair of small, teal-framed glasses with blue lenses and an indigo tailcoat, which features spiked shoulder pads and seafoam-green fur trim (reminiscent of her hair in her true form), with her jabot and amulet on her neck. Under her coat, she wore a long-sleeved purple bodycon dress with frilled ends, complete with hale-navy thigh-high, high-heeled stiletto boots. She smirked at Splinter and Kasumi, who had their hands on their weapons. "Hamato Yoshi. Kasumi Lee. It has been a long time, hasn't it?"

The two adults stepped between the woman and their children, blades drawn. Everyone in the immediate vicinity began to give them all a wide berth. Agent 64 joined the two adults, snarling.

"Oh my, seems my men didn't exterminate you," Big Mama mused. "Pity. Well, at least I don't have to worry about lunch plans."

"We didn't come here to pick a fight with you, Big Mama," Kasumi said icily. "Turn around and walk away if you value your limbs."

That made Big Mama laugh.

"Oh Kasumi, you're so cute. Thinking you stand a chance against me," She paced before them, Splinter and Kasumi not taking their eyes off her for a second. "You don't seem to comprehend the position that you're in. I run this town. The Hidden City belongs to me. The people are mine to nurture, or destroy, as I see fit. Did you truly think you and yours could set a single toe down here without me knowing of it?"

"You know…" Raph stepped forward, drawing his weapon. "You remind me of some scumbags that we've pounded into the dirt."

"We may have been helpless kids when we first met…" Leo stepped forward with his swords out, "but that's no longer the case."

"Yeah!" Mikey brandished his nunchaku. "And you're ruining Discovery Day!"

"On the bright side, Hisako can put her birthday presents to use a bit early," Donnie mused.

Hisako perked. "Birthday presents?"

"Yep." Karai nodded.

Leo passed her the box, and Donnie the shell armor. She gasped at them both, grinning as she took them. She slid the shell armor on, then opened the box to reveal the hair stick knives. She took them out, sticking them in her hair.

"We'll save ours for after we squish the spider," Kagome decided.

Big Mama laughed. "Very well then. Let us see how much stronger you've become!"

A hectic fight ensued, the Hamato/Lee family managing to hold their own and keep Big Mama on her toes. Despite her size, she was insanely fast and her webs were as strong as iron. All of them were just barely keeping ahead of her web shots.

"Big, fast, and long-range attacks?!" Casey exclaimed. "This chick is way too OP!"

"If you two had just stayed out of my way on that day six years ago, we wouldn't be having this fight!" Big Mama roared.

"We would never allow it!" Splinter shot back. "The Battle Nexus is a competition of honor, not meaningless bloodsport!"

"And that's why it's BORING! Everyone is always complacent because there's no risk! Bloodsport requires blood! It's much more fun and entertaining when the combatants actually have something to lose! When there's something on the line!"

"No matter what, we will ensure you never get your way!" Kasumi declared.

"Ha!" Big Mama spat. "I have been looking forward to this!"

Realizing that this battle was going nowhere, April and Hisako exchanged looks. Their gazes hardened and their crystals began to glow. They grasped hands, eyes glowing as well as they made a gesture, Big Mama suddenly freezing in her tracks.

"What is this?!" she demanded.

"Sorry, Big Mama," April told her. "But we have a party to get to."

"So kindly get out of our way," Hisako added.

Both of them lifted their hands in sync, then slammed them down as hard as they could. Big Mama was lifted as well, then plowed so hard into the ground that she left a massive crater. Everyone stared.

"Why didn't we just do that sooner?!" Casey demanded.

"Talk later, move now!" Leo snapped. "That's not gonna keep her down forever!"

"Indeed," Splinter held up the pendant he wore, focusing on it. His hand began to glow with white light, and then a swirling portal opened. Quickly, everyone scrambled through. It closed behind them as Big Mama finally pulled herself from her crater. She shrunk down to her human form, adjusting her hair and straightening her clothes.

"So they employ witches, do they?" she mused. "I'll have to remember that. For my plans to work, they'll have to be neutralized."

She laughed to herself, then slipped back into the shadows.

In the garden of the Lee mansion, a large decorative stone began to glow and spark with arcane power. A swirling portal then opened and everyone rushed through. The teens ended up in a big pile, with the dogs on top. A moment of silence passed as everyone got up, taking in their surroundings before Leo turned to Splinter.

"You have the same pendant that Mortu gave us," he realized. "Then... you knew about the Hidden City?"

"Indeed we did," Splinter confirmed.

"There are many scattered about the world, including in Japan," Kasumi added. "The Hamato Clan had business with them often."

"When we came to America, we attempted to establish similar relations," Splinter went on. "However, Big Mama made it clear that was not an option."

"Considering she's Al Capone on eight legs, I can see why," Raph remarked.

"It's a pity," Hisako mused. "That place was awesome."

"Oh yeah," Casey agreed. "Maybe if we keep a low profile, we could try visiting again."

"Let's worry about that later, dudes," Mikey declared. "It's party time!"

"For once, I agree with Mikey," said Vee. "Let's get this party started!"

Everyone began to head inside, but Sam stopped Hisako before she could follow them.

"Hisako, I've been meaning to ask you this all day," he took a deep breath. "Before anything else happens... you wanna go out for hot cocoa sometime?"

Hisako blinked. "Are you... asking me out on a date?"

Sam nodded. "Yeah… yeah, I am. So what do you say?"

Hisako smiled. "Honestly... hot cocoa sounds great." She held out a hand. "For now though, double chocolate cupcakes and all-you-can-eat pizza are waiting for us."

"Oh yeah." Sam took her hand, the two heading inside.

Author's Note:

Hisako had an interesting Discovery Day, and now we delve into Rise of the TMNT material. Stay tuned...

Please R&R. Until next time!