I thought we were done for. Another repeat of the same story. I thought I was going to have to start over in Beauty's room again, but I didn't. Not this time. I was greeted by giant oak doors. Was I in the Beast's castle? I looked around the room I was in. It was brightly lit with sunlight streaming through the colored glass windows. The castle was restored like it wasn't abandoned in the first place. I looked at myself, seeing I was wearing a black tuxedo and matching shoes with a bouquet of red and white roses.

This was new.

"Hello, Blue." I saw my dad. Not Story Dad; my short, stubby, rat daddy who I know and love. He was wearing a black robe. His fur was groomed for my "special day". "Getting cold feet?"

"Yeah", I said, finding my voice. It's funny how he acts like Pops in my world. Was I actually getting married? Who was I marrying? Was it who I thought it was? I bit my lips. "Am I making the right decision? Am I going too fast? Maybe this was a mistake!" My hands clutched tightly on the bouquet's wrapping. Even though it's a fairytale, I didn't expect to marry especially at fourteen. I'm too young for this shit!

"What do you believe?" my dad asked. "If you're not comfortable, we will talk to Madam Mayor and ask to cancel the ceremony."

Yeah... that sounded good. We should cancel. This wasn't worth the ending.

…but…

…but maybe…

Something in me wanted to see through this to the end. I took a deep breath. Muffled music began to play beyond the doors.

"I'm ready", I said, feeling confident.

I glanced at my old man. "No matter what, I'm so proud of you." His warm smile made me stronger than ever.

The doors creaked open...

~Lady Ai~

I opened my eyes to see I was relocated to a courtyard looking at the forest. I was standing underneath an arched pillar made of white roses. It was bright and sunny. I looked behind me seeing the Beast's castle restored. Flower petals floating in the soft breeze. Around me were the villagers seated and waited for the ceremony to begin. I noticed my attire. I wore a white suit with matching shoes, my hair pulled back in a ponytail, and a red rose pinned to my collar.

I tenderly touched the rose. I wasn't a big fan of wearing white. Hell, I think I never wore white in my life. This seemed so surreal.

"Nervous?" I turned to the voice. It was Baron Draxum without his heavy armor crap and instead wore a matching white suit. I should've been disgusted but I found myself somewhat connected to him. Gross. "Understandable. This is your big day."

"My... big day?" I asked. "Wait. Am I getting married?" Have we reached the end sequence?

Barry shifted his gaze to the crowd who were either marveling at the decorations or murmuring to their seating companions before speaking in a hushed voice. "Be honest, Merrill. How much did you drink last night?" It's an appropriate question, but it's a summarized version of "Are you high?" or "How high are you?" Which was followed by me answering a straight no. "I brought in something for an easy sober."

"Um... no. I guess I was daydreaming while standing."

Barry scoffed. "Typical." 'The fuck does that mean?! "I will bring you up to speed. Today is your marriage to Beauty. The ceremony is about to begin. There. Now you are caught up."

"Gee. Thanks."

Big Mama – or rather, Madam Mayor – walked up to the altar. "Good day, Merrill. Are you excited?" she greeted me with her signature smile.

"Confused would be my emotion at this moment", I responded.

"Nevertheless, we are on schedule. I want this marriage to be perfect. Do you hear me? Perfect!" she said, getting too close to my face. "Do you know how many roses we use for this wedding?"

"I can imagine a lot."

Music started to play. Then, it suddenly hit me like a bullet train. I was getting married to Leo! Holy shit! This was FUCKING HAPPENING! I could feel my forehead getting hot. Man, this was getting too fast. I mean, I did tell Leo's rat dad I pictured us having a quiet life, but I didn't expect it to happen sooner than I thought. Hey, I was honest that day!

Everyone gasped hearing the doors open. I remained still as a statue. Why was I so nervous? It was supposed to be like this! This will get us home!

Or possibly remained stuck here. Would it be so bad? I don't have to worry about escaping my life. I could build a new one here. Leo and I could have a happy life together. Quiet. Serene. No shit bothering us. No crazy maniac out to get us. Sure we might need to give up our modern life, but is it bad to forget about it?

Well... I might be willing to turn a blind eye to my life. Am I really, though? I was starting to like it. And what about Leo? He loves his family to death! And his life! I'm not cold-hearted enough to take everything away. That would be the biggest dick move I would've made.

The orchestra began playing "Here Comes the Bride" which made me turn around. Once I saw the red-eared slider, my heart pounded hard against my ribcage. Leo was walking next to his rat dad (not his fake tortoise father). Leo wore a black tuxedo holding onto a bouquet of red and white roses. The sunlight beamed above him casting a halo like the time I woke up in the bathroom with him at the Grand Nexus Hotel. Add in the fluttering petals and it made his entrance hypnotizing. He... looked like an angel. He looked up then smiled seeing me. I felt my face heating up.

I'm so fucking nervous!

Why was I nervous?!

We're heading toward the end. I should be composed. It was meant to happen. Yet, knowing you're marrying your best friend did make my stomach churn.

The slider made it next to me but not without Story Splinter tossing me a hated glare. Yup, it's like I never left home. We turned to Big Mama along a chorus of chairs shifting.

"Dearly, beloveds", the spider yokai began, "We are gathered here today to bear witness to two childhood friends becoming together in matrimony..." Holy shit! This was happening! I'm FUCKING SIXTEEN getting married! Alright. Calm your balls, Merrill. Pretend you're in a rated PG-14 of Disney's Beauty and the Beast. You're cosplaying as Beast. Good, good. I could do that. I'm the King of Cosplay! I got this, bitch! "Now. The couple have prepared vows for each other."

...bitch say what now?!

I flinched which I also caught Leo synchronized with me. We weren't expecting this! I stole a small glance. Leo peaked my way. We were, in a sense, speechless. We were literally put on the spot. Soft murmurs began. We had to say SOMETHING! How was it so awkward?!

Big Mama loudly cleared her throat. "The vows. Before we lose sunlight."

Okay. They want a vow. Fine! I turned to Leo who noticed my movement. "Leo. When I first met you... I thought... you were a piece of shit..." my statement caused Leo to frown with a slight twitch above his eye. "I thought you were this clingy pet that wanted my attention, especially with how much you love coming over to my place just to hang out. You are unbearable; insufferable; intolerable; annoying little shit I have ever met. I thought someone placed a curse on me about how many times you show up. I'm afraid I'll have grey hair growing before I'm eighteen! Not to mention all these wacky adventures I've been pulled along after meeting you..."

"Gee, why don't you tell me how you really feel", the turtle grumbled.

"But! After all the shit we've been through and the Hell we just escaped from... meeting you was the best thing in my life." Leo's eyes widened. I grabbed his hands while tossing aside the bouquet. "I mean it. I was willing to leave my life behind before my eighteenth birthday, but since meeting you I reconnected with my friends. My life, though crazy as it has become lately, was exciting! You're an amazing person! You're smart, and funny, and you sure wear that suit nicely." My comment gained a few chuckles. "You made me want to fight for it... I want to keep my life if it means staying with you... you mean the whole world to me, Leonardo."

Well, damn. I didn't know I had it in me. I just started talking. I didn't realize I was... talking from the heart?

Yeah, I know! Cliché, much?

I studied Leo's glossy, dark eyes threatening to tear up instead he took a step closer. "Merrill..." he started, "You're... a complete asshole. Like seriously, you take dark and gloom to the next level with an otaku vibe. Your room is a shrine to Jack Skeleton. I bet if he was here, you would run over and start dry-humping his bones-"

"Is there a point to this?" I asked.

"Oh, there is. I'm just pointing out some "flaws" you have", Leo responded with an innocent smile. "You're a control freak; overcompetitive, according to Alex; an otaku, which I already know; and don't get me started on your crossdressing kink." This little bastard! Talk about payback. "But! You have a sweet side I get to see. You're kind in your own way. You're smart like detective smart, not Donnie smart we both know that. And... I like being with you... you make me happy... and I... I..." He shuddered then took a deep breath. We locked our gaze again. "I love you", he said, giving me the biggest smile ever.

Those words he spoke... he said it with relief. Like they were lifted off his shoulders.

My heartbeat quickened.

"Those were lovely vows... minus the crude language..." Big Mama said, "Now with the exchange of-"

Suddenly, I pulled my friend and kissed him! His hands touched my shoulders as my fingers cupped his cheeks. A spark hit my nerves buzzing through my lips as I pulled him closer. I didn't think of the whole kissing thing; I just dove in. My instinct kicked in, I guess. Something inside me wanted to do that and just to tease him. Huh. I REALLY wanted to kiss him.

We slowly departed. My focus was on Leo. His eyes fluttered open and gave me a lovely smile. I returned it.

Wow.

~Lady Ai~

"...and they live happily ever af-" I was cut off due to being drenched by a waterfall of tears. Some of the words disappeared due to the rabbit's tears. My eye twitched. "Will you quit it with the waterworks!"

Cuddles sniffed. "Mrs. Cuddles can't help it! Weddings make Cuddles cry! These are HAPPY TEARS!"

I closed the book before more tears ruined the ink and pages. "Why don't you move a hundred meters over there? I have a story to finish."

She tilted her head. "Why? I could see the wedding perfectly from this spot."

"Um... uh... you'll have a better view up close. Better to see from back here."

"Okay!" Cuddles hopped off to the front row. Bless her childish mannerisms.

Where was I? Right!

"As the two lovers gazed deeply into each other's eyes, they knew they were meant to be," I said while writing it down. I never thought I would get any lower other than being mutated to a worm. I'm an anchorman for Pete's sake! Well... FORMER anchorman of the Channel 6 News. Not a fiction author. But this story was long overdue for an ending. Plus, I had enough of this fairy tale to call it quits. I looked over at the couple at the altar. They were happy and in love. I sighed. Once a hopeless romantic, always a hopeless romantic. Just because I couldn't find my soulmate doesn't mean I'm cruel enough to split two individuals who deserve to be together.

"They said their vows of devotion and sealed their kiss before the mayor even said her part", I continued, "Their gaze speaks volumes of longing. The witnesses knew they spoke from their hearts. They applauded and cheered in excitement as they threw rice at the couple. The two smiled gleefully. They knew as long as they were together, they could accomplish any challenge that came their way.

"And they all live happily ever after." Once I punctuated my final sentence, the book floated up with its pages flipping frantically. The words floated out of the pages creating a cyclone. The people were confused by the sudden weather change and started panicking. The villagers ran out of the ceremony for their dear lives.

The powerful gusto didn't have any effect on the bystanders; it effectively worked on the outsiders. Cuddles got sucked into the vortex. Eh, it didn't surprise me until I was the next victim.

All I did was write the ending! That's the last time I played nice!

This better take us home!

~Lady Ai~

We were happy. I was happy. If we were going to stay in the book, who's to say it'll be a redo. What's beyond "happily ever after"? But man, that kiss! Wow! Okay, I kissed Merrill to break his dark mode, but we shared a kiss TOGETHER and that's like "WHOA!" It's like floating on a cloud while listening to New Year's fireworks kind of WHOA! And the best part was Merrill actually kissing me! ME! A mutant turtle! Not a human girl or guy, just me! I couldn't stop being giddy!

It was perfect.

Well... the perfect moment had to end when a giant cyclone had to ruin it. Everyone was running away, but it didn't suck any of them. The only ones who were getting pulled in were the ones who didn't belong there which means me, Merrill, Cuddles, and Warren were getting pulled into the cyclone. It was either taking us home or sending us somewhere else, probably another story. I was hoping for the former.

Me and Merrill held on tightly. It didn't matter. We were pulled in. We were inside the same vortex from the first time we went through. The next thing we knew was back in Merrill's library. I landed on a couch upside down. Merrill crashed into the double doors causing it to open; thankfully they didn't break. Even looking from my position, Cuddles, and Warren toppled over each other.

I looked over the library. Same books. Same furniture. Same fireplace. We're back in the real world. We're in Merrill's place. We're home.

Merrill groaned as I repositioned myself. "Please tell me we're home."

"We're home", I answered.

Merrill squinted his eyes at me. "Now tell me I'm high on weed."

"Oh good. We're actually home."

"And asking if you were high on weed would work why?"

"Sweetheart, it's not the first time I was high. I would know if I was tripping."

"Finally, we're back! And you should be thanking me!" We looked toward the worm who was slithering his way over. "My creative writing paid off! I was the one who saved your butt! Me, Warren Stone! I'll accept any form of gratitude and appreciation as a reward. Cash is highly recommended."

My emo friend's eye twitched. He grabbed Warren. "You want gratitude", Merrill said with a forced smile. He walked over to his bay window and opened a panel. "Thanks for saving us. Now come anywhere near my house again and I will personally experiment with ways to kill you slowly." And with that, he tossed Warren out the window like a baseball.

Feeling awkward, I had to leave. "Um... I gotta leave. Fam's probably wondering where I went to... again", I said inching closer to my odachi. "That was some crazy adventure we went through. I'm gonna head home. Let's call off the movie night."

"Wait. You're leaving?" I turned to Merrill with Cuddles hugging his neck. "I thought we were gonna hang out." I do wanna hang out but now wasn't the time. I gotta sort out my feelings. And Merrill looking at me with those pleading eyes wasn't helping.

"Yeah", I said, mentally cringing at my lie, "But you know my dad; he hates you. Not to mention, Mikey can't hold a secret for more than a minute if Dad decides to interrogate him. I'll call you! Promise!" I gave a short wave as I opened a portal and bounced before our mental link kicked in.

I landed near my sewer home taking deep breaths. I had to compose myself. My heart wouldn't stop beating. I was willing to accept living in a fairytale only to be waking up to reality.

In reality, Merrill's human. He should be with a human. Not a turtle, especially a mutant one. Even though Merrill might find a way to avoid disappearing there's the problem of our current relationship. We're just nothing more than friends...

...and I need to accept that...

No matter how hurtful it makes me feel. I had to accept it and move on. Maybe one day I'll find a nice mutant or yokai who can love and cherish me as I am.

Merrill and I aren't soulmates!

Period!

I managed to calm down and walked into the lair with my flamboyant self. "Guess who's back!" I yelled.

Donnie was at the skate ramp looking through his wristlet. His drawn eyebrows quirked at my approach. "Oh, you left. That was rather quick. He said without a care." Classic Dee monologuing his actions. It's good to be home.

"I could feel the love", I drawled, "Quick question. How long was I gone? Just curious."

My twin gave me a studied look before checking his handy dandy wrist computer. "According to my security footage, you snuck out at 6:15 pm. My guess – well, I'm never wrong – you snuck out to see our self-proclaimed emo ally, Merrill. What baffles me on your sudden return after you left one hour ago." I was gone for an hour? I guess being trapped in a book doesn't affect time in the outside world. "Usually, your secret rendezvous lasted longer."

I shrugged, nonchalantly. "I didn't want Dad to think I was going behind his back again. After all, I'm grounded. Remember?"

"Like that didn't stop you before."

"How's your chat with Diana lately? Are you getting close?" I smirked seeing my brother's face flushed.

"That is none of your concern", he weakly countered.

"You're right. It's none of my business. If you need me, I'll be in my room reading comics." I gave Dee a small wave heading toward my room.

I sighed in relief as I made it to my room without encountering Dad or my other brothers. I was more worried about facing Dad. I walked over to my bed and faceplanted on the bed sheets. I was too exhausted to remove my gear. I'm back on my bed in my home with my real family.

I belong down in the sewers with my family. Merrill belongs on the surface. We're friends, nothing more nothing less. My love is nothing more than a crush.

The "wedding" we experienced was a fairytale.

It was never real.

And so does my love that comes with it.

End of Act 1

~Lady Ai~

AN: Hello everyone! Thank you all for reading Mystic Resonance! Yes, as stated this is the end of Act 1. This story started on September 27, 2022, as an experiment to see how far I can push myself to write. There were tears, stress, and a lot of mental exhaustion with writing and having a full-time job. But I'm not quitting! I've come this far and I'm seeing it through to the end.

This story is taking a one-month hiatus so I can think of ideas for Act 2. There are a lot of things I haven't included such as Misa Hamato X Oroku Saki which were second love interests before Light X Dark which I felt they haven't made much of an appearance. Also, I need to incorporate the Foot Clan searching for the metal pieces to restore their master. Along with some other ideas I have locked away in my brain.

Also, I want to focus on some other stories I haven't touched yet such as Be My Alice and many, many, MANY more (yeah... I have a lot... I have issues...).

So until then, feel free to reread this story or PM me on some ideas. I don't mind the reviews as long as they are appropriate. Be respectful.

Anyway, I will see you all around November! Happy Halloween!

Ja ne!