Kara: "I'VE BEEN FALLING FOR A YEAR!"
I knoooow! I already apologized! I'll hurry up with the chapteeeeer!
After everyone agreed to do their own thing Donnie turned to Kara to ask if she wanted to join him at the Battle Nexus only to freeze when she instead asked Raph to go with him. He felt his heart churn when she asked Brilliance if she could go and watched them leave hand in hand. Not even giving him a second glance. He looked down feeling a hand on his arm to see April's, she giving him a concerned smile, wondering if he's ok. He answered by looking away feeling down.
"I was going to go to Witchtown but I can join you at the Battle Nexus for a bit."
Hearing this made a record scratch in his mind. "Whaaat? You're asking a witch for help on your science fair project?" He asked in a condescending tone.
"Drop it, D." April said, seeing he was back to normal.
"But why not ask me? Mister Scieeeence~!" Donnie sung the last part out loud.
"You want the reasons in chronological order or epicness of fail order?" April asked with a raised brow while bringing out her phone showing evidence of every time he helped her gone wrong.
"Hmm. That must of been the work of another Teenage Mutant Ninja Donnie." Donnie dismissed her evidence with crossed arms and lack of interest.
"I'm going simple this year: The Science of Chairs. But since chairs are boring, I'm hoping a witch will help me bling out my presentation."
"Sounds interesting, April O'Neil. I can take you there. I was just about to head back to check on a friend. You're more than welcome to join me." Brilliance pointed behind her in the direction they came from, a smirk on her face from watching their interactions.
"Sure! If you have any pointers or can help me with my project that'll be great!" April grinned up at her while giving her a thumbs up.
Brilliance nodded to the two and led the way, them following beside her.
"Pffft. As if. Mystic powers could never be more blingy than my sweet, sweet science."
"Let it go, Donnie." April rolled her eyes.
"Let it go? Does she even know me!" Donnie grumbled under his breath.
"Donatello, I'm surprised at you. You've seen a spirit firsthand. How could you still doubt the mystics?" Brilliance kept her eyes ahead of her listening in on the conversation.
"It's not that I doubt it, it just doesn't make logical sense! It's all sparkles and for show while science! Science has a cause and effect! It has rules to it! It. Is. Logical." Donnie threw his arms down in a robotic motion to emphasis his reasoning.
"You do realize that, just like science, magic has rules to it as well?" She questioned Donnie, staring down at his mini squabble. "Alchemy, apothecary, they are no different from the world up top." Noticing she wasn't getting through to him, she tried a different approach, "Much like the laws of physics and thermodynamics, magic has its own set of rules and boundaries it must abide by. An element being casted or manipulated can't be affected by a twist in the wind." She demonstrated by holding out her hand and mist rising from it till a shard of ice formed in her palm in the shape of a crystal. "It has to go through a ritual of sorts, the caster using a catalyst, which comes from the roots of my ancestors, to bring it forth. I can't just flick my wrist and conjure it like stage magic. It takes time, work, and dedication."
Donnie gawked up at her, "You know the laws of physics and about thermodynamics?"
Brilliance smirked at him, "I have lived quite a long time. You learn a thing or two. Ah. Here we are." They stopped at the gate to go into Witchtown, it opening for them, and they walking through.
April looked excited while Donnie, despite Brilliance's words, still seemed skeptical as they wandered through the square watching the yokai at work doing their normal, witchy things. "Woow! So many cool witches to choose from!" April exclaimed after watching some kitten yokai fly past them on a broom.
"I'd hate to disagree. Oh, who am I kidding, I'd love to disagree! So, to reiterate, not a fan of mystics."
Brilliance expression dropped wondering if she even got through to him, or is he stubborn to the core. "He may need someone like him who not only relies on science but magic as well..perfect." A smirk etched her lips realizing she had the perfect being in mind.
"Ok. Donnie. If you're gonna tag along on my day can you just, for once, be a little open-minded?"
"I'm sorry? What was that? I was too busy stewing over how everyone needs to be more like me." April and Donnie got in each other's faces when they suddenly heard a voice speaking to them out of nowhere, "What a joy, strangers!" Purple haze appeared behind them til a plump witch with light purple dress and matching hat came out of the haze, stepping lightly on to the ground and gave them a bow, "I'm Mira, Mayor of Witchtown. Welcome, welcome, welcome." She waved her wand and a chorus of ghostly kittens showed up wearing purple bowties, singing to the three, ~"Good day, hello! Please sign our visitor's log. Do stay, don't go. We pledge not to turn you into a frog."~ All the while giving April a new outfit; an olive-green, long-sleeved robe that was tied at the waist with a belt that had a crescent moon buckle and small pouches, her bat attached as well. Blank pants and brown boots. She stared at herself in amazement while flapping her dark green floor length robe, with her yellow, gloves that reached the middle of her lower arm.
Donnie, on the other hand, was dressed in a frog costume making Brilliance snicker behind her hand, watching as he forced himself out of it. "Smoke and mirrors." He retorted, looking away and crossing his arms with a harumph.
"I apologize for my skeptical friend." April said to Mira, looking apologetic and embarrassed.
"Oh, pushaw. Today is all about making peace, even with our crankiest of neighbors. For today is our peace offering festival started six hundred years ago by our esteemed founder; Abigail the Good. And since you're with Brilliance you are sure to learn some exciting, new things. So you two kids go. Go have some merrily, mystic fun." Mira said happily.
"You know, the feeling of fun is a che-" He wasn't able to finish for Brilliance had grabbed him by the top of his head, this causing his eyes to stick out wide like that of a squishy stress toy. "April, you go find someone to help you with your project. The yokai here are very friendly, esspecially so because of today. If you do need us we'll be in a shop called "Jason's trinkets, gears, and metals repair shop." Have fun. We won't be too far."
"Oh, ok. Thanks, Brilliance!" April waved bye to them as she dragged Donnie off who was stiff as a board from the strength he felt in her hand.
"So, uh, where are you taking me?" Donnie asked, sweat dripping down his head.
"As I told April, to Jason's. He's similar to you in the way he uses his hands to build things, but he also relies on magic. He understands that they can coincide with another to create something beautiful. Actually, he's working on making Kara a new set of wings." She glanced at him to feel he had frozen again, she now letting go of his head, "You seem to care about her. Is that why you seemed upset at her choosing to hang out with one of your brothers instead of you?"
"She's been through a lot, this I know, but I can't stop myself from feeling..odd. Especially with what I know." Donnie walked by her side with his head down.
"Does she know what you know? Females, especially around her age, can be a bit naive with their emotions both revealing and reading. Plus, with her confidence down the way it is, she's going to need a straight answer to get through to her. Ah, here we are." The two stopped in front of Jason's shop but before they could move yelling was heard from inside. Donnie raised a brow at Brilliance who rolled her eyes and walked in, the door unlocking when she grabbed the doorknob and turned it. She gestured for him to follow her and entered inside to see a generic shop with shelves full of trinkets, knick-knacks, and even tools but what caught his attention was the back door where the yelling was coming from. He turned his eyes to Brilliance who didn't seem concerned in the least and walked right to the door, giving it a knock.
The door swung wide to reveal a Yokai that seemed more odd than what he was used to, and admittedly more handsome. A thought came at the back of his mind saying he was definitely different watching him lean against the door and ignore his presence, the Yokai's annoyed eyes on Brilliance, "Bri, you're back WAY sooner than I wanted. I'm good but not that good. What do you want?"
While they were conversing, something caught Donnie's eyes, so he peeked behind Jason to see Kara standing in the center of the room her left side facing them. Hearing talking she turned her head to them and her expression brightened when their eyes met and walked towards them.
He let out a noise catching the adult's attention, his face feeling like it was on fire seeing she was topless, and what's worse is that she didn't seem to mind!
Jason turned around and held his arm out not only stopping her but covering her chest area, "Nee-lah, Tolo. Relax. Who is this?" Acknowledging the flustered Donnie with a raised brow while looking him up and down.
"Wha-What's going on?" Donnie's voice cracked with the question using his hands to block his view of Kara trying so hard not to peek anymore than he already had.
"Teenagers." Jason rolled his eyes while keeping his attention on Tolo who was purring in the kid's direction. With a raised brow he whistled a sharp note causing her to step back and change to her original self. "This is Tolo. She's a shapeshifter and my close companion. She can take the form of anything but beings with a conscious; she has to make a connection with them first." He smiled fondly as she let out another tune while circling his arm, her tail wrapping around it before floating over to Donnie and doing the same thing as well as nuzzling his cheek. "So, once again, who is this?" Jason got close to the kid with squinted eyes not liking him seeing his normal self.
"D-Donatello, sir." With the full attention of Jason and his pet it was hard for him to focus.
"He is one of Kara's close friends. He has..trouble understanding how magic and science can work together so I was hoping you could teach him a thing or two. Perhaps lend you a hand in making Kara's wings." Brilliance held out her hand to Tolo who let out an excited chirp and floated to her shoulder, curling herself in a ball, and falling asleep.
"There's no trouble understanding it's just science is better. No ifs, ands, or buts." Donnie crossed his arms with a harrumph. Jason stared at the two and sighed, "Fine. Perhaps he could be of use here but if you break anything you're buying it." He gestured Donnie to follow him while whistling for Tolo, who woke up immediately and flew back to her master while chirping leaving Brilliance alone. "I've already drawn the blueprints for her wings." Jason pointed to his desk though Donnie was too distracted by all the high techery in his workshop, from the tools to equipment; it was nothing he's ever seen before.
"This-this is incredible! All this tech, the color scheme! You're just like me!" Donnie smiled wide as he zoomed to each area poking and touching everything he could get his hands on, feeling like a kid in a candy store. Seeing him act like this made Jason smile a little and relax his shoulders some. "Huh. You are different." He muttered under his breath making Donnie stand up and look at him while trying on a pair of goggles, "Did you say something?"
"Yes, I did. If you're gonna stay here you're gonna work. Tolo. Change."
Tolo let out a chirp before changing back to Kara's form. When Donnie turned around and saw her shirtless again he let out a startled yell and fell backwards, this getting Tolo to giggle. "Get ahold of yourself." Jason rolled his eyes watching Donnie pick himself up and walk up to Tolo, taking in the detail, amazed at how Kara like she was, when his eyes fell on her scars his brows lowered in sadness, averting his gaze.
"Due to her small stature getting the right measurements has been quite difficult. It would make things easier if I had her wings." With a sigh Jason stood up straight, turning to Donatello, "I understand how she lost them but is there a way to salvage them? Even if they're shredded just getting an idea of their size would be a big help." He stared at the teen nervously. Brilliance spared no detail in retelling the poor girl's tragic loss and knowing he was there to watch-"No. Sometimes you have to do things that make you uncomfortable in order to help those who need it. Can you?" He asked gently noticing he's been quiet for some time.
Closing his eyes, Donnie answered, "There's no need. I know the measurements." With half opened eyes he recalled each memory her wings were at their full length and walked over to the blueprint, writing down the measurements and even drawing over his schematics. When he finished Jason moved so he was in front of the blueprints, squinting his eyes in thought, "Six feet by 14 inches.." He muttered under his breath while rubbing his stubble. "You've helped greatly, Donatello. Now we can really begin."
They immediately got to work, starting with the spine. Jason had Tolo change to a Luna Butterfly to get an understanding of how the wings work, watching in great detail on how they moved. Bending, torching, creating, two artists working for a common goal, it was a sight to see.
Several hours had passed and they had finally created the base. "Now, this is more like it! Two able bodied minds bringing materials together to create something with their hands instead of all those flashy lights and poofy smoke! Breathe in the science!~" While Donatello sang and twirled like a ballerina Jason's brows lifted at how much they resembled bat wings more than her moth; he wasn't sure how she was going to take it but hearing how the kid was amazed at their work he decided to deal with that later. "Don't fanboy just yet, kid, we still have to add the fabric. I've been saving this for something special." He walked over to a corner and pulled out a roll of dark fabric that looked black but glistened blue in the light. "This is from my homewo-hometown. It's light as a feather, silk to the touch but can withstand fire, cuts, and pressure. Plus, it changes color fitting to someone's personality." He wrapped some around his exposed arm, the fabric around his arm changing to a pale aqua, before he held it out in front of himself. "Go ahead, give it a hit." He smirked watching Donatello light up, his staff changing into his rocket hammer, "Oh-ho-ho, you have no idea how long I've waited for this and itstoolatetostopmeee!" The crazed look with the matching smile made Jason audibly gulp but he kept still when his weapon made impact. Smoke engulfed the room, Donatello opening the door to the shop while coughing and when it finally cleared Jason stood in place without a scratch on him, a clear smug grin on his face. "Told ya. It's what I'm wearing now. It's one of the last things I have left of my home. Well, that and Tolo here." At hearing her name Tolo flew over to him, nuzzling his cheek.
"And they doubted me when I said science is superior. I can't wait to show them what science can do! Much better than mystic bumbo jumbo." Donnie crossed his arms with a smug smirk on his face at the thought of teaching the witches and April wrong.
"Speaking of bumbo jumbo, I'm out of a few key ingredients to bring the wings to life."
Hearing another record scratch caused his eye to twitch, "Say. WHAT?"
"She favored her wings as a cloak, which is possible, and to bring our creation to life it needs a power source; something that is quick to make, materials that are easy to find and won't run out of. Something that won't make her feel less of a person than what she already is. While you're getting the ingredients I can adjust the base. Maybe make them thinner." Saying the last part more to himself.
"I am NO ONE'S Errand bo-" Before Donnie could finish his protest he was already standing outside the door, frozen in his stance, with the list in hand. He clenched his fist and teeth before stomping his way towards Witchtown, grumbling the whole way.
He arrived just as the witches were giving their thanks for the years of protection before presenting the cauldron. He stomped next to April, who was holding her science project, watching the scene go down, "So, what did I miss?" He asked with a less than enthused tone.
"Well, I got this awesome spell that'll send you flying through the air! My project is for sure to get a passing grade! Woo!" April held up the little pot with both hands, an excited smile on her face before her attention went back the offering ceremony, the witches bowing in respect to the giant as it leaned in to reach for the cauldron.
Donnie lowered his narrowed eyes to the ground then side while tapping his fingers over his crossed arms. From Jason, who he felt understood his way of thinking to April going to someone else other than him. The more words that came to mind the more frustrated he became til, "April, I'm sorry but I can't take it no longer. You should have selected ME to help you on your project. Science is king and I shall prove it through a scientific combination of biology and physics that I call, SOOOOOOONG~" He brought out his boombox.
April stood there in confusion and embarrassment as he began to make a spectacle of himself with laser lights, "~Let me show you the things that science can do. It's good for me and it's good for-" one of his lights flew right into one of the giant's eyes as he was fixing to drink the offering. He dropped the cauldron as he screamed in pain, squeezing his eye shut while throwing his hand to it and stumbling around, stepping on and destroying their statue of the founder in the process.
All anyone could do was watch in shock.
The giant eventually blinked away the pain before roaring, the hue of his skin changing red, and began to rampage.
Mira and the other witches glared their way, pointing accusingly at him, "Seize him! Seize the scientist!"
April grabbed Donnie and fled the scene as the witches and warlocks shot magic at them til she raced into an alley, gripping her bat close, though luckily the giant attacking the town distracted them from being the main targets.
"We need to help them."
"Yes, we cannot let that thing destroy their town." Donnie agreed.
"Now you're talking!" April looked at him hopefully.
"Because when I defeat him with my TECH, they will HAVE to admit science is better." Donnie poked her chest before flying off before she could stop him. "Occam's razor!" He shouted, getting two hits in before the giant grabbed his rocket and crushed it in his hand, ripped it off his staff, and punched Donnie to the ground, knocking him into April. The crash caused her to drop her pot, the contents flying to her bat causing it to levitate and glow in a greenish flame. "Wow." She was in awe at it til the giant spat a fireball at them. "Look out!" She screamed as she grabbed the bat, getting in front of Donnie, and swung. She struggled with the force of the fireball but soon sent it right back at him, knocking him backwards which gave the witches time to retaliate. "Dang! Witches got game!" April grinned at her new power up but Donnie wasn't too thrilled.
"Lucky mystic swipe." He said, glaring at the ground.
"Oh, admit it already. Sometimes mystic powers aren't all that bad."
"I will not."
"Why?!" April yelled in frustration, "Why are you so obsessed with proving me wrong on this?!"
"Because I'm the science guy..If mystic powers can do everything I can do but better then..why would you guys even need me? Why..would Kara even like me?" He stared down at his broken staff recalling how she didn't even give him a second glance when going off with Raph.
"Donnie...HOW COULD YOU SAY THAT?!" She grabbed his face by the cheeks forcing him to look at her. "You aren't important to me because of your tech. You're important to me because of you. And if Kara was here she would say the same thing! I don't think mystic powers are better than science, if anything, they're stronger together. Just like us, right?" She held out her arm to him.
"Right." He smiled at her, tapping his arm to hers when the roar of the giant got their attention. "In that spirit, might I suggest a science mystic team up?" He and April were getting ready to start their attack when he heard a familiar sound despite the loud chaos. Seeing something far off in the sky his goggles lowered and zoomed in to see Kara free falling towards the town, the town and the giant! "Kara!"
"Kara?!" April shouted in surprise. "We got a huge obstacle between her and us."
"Then we'll do what we do best, hurl ourselves at said obstacle." Donnie smirked at her before he took to the sky while she jumped at him, grabbed hold of his staff. They spun in a circle til they reached the perfect momentum and launched her at the giant while she screamed, "APRIIIIIL O'NEIL! And bat!" She struck the giant, they making quick work with it before they sent their final attack right on his noggin. "I'm going for Kara!" He yelled out to April as she landed crouched on her feet with her hand to the ground and bat raised at her side.
"Kara!" He shouted as loud as he could, watching her figure turn to him, "Donnie!" She screamed, reaching her arms out to him. The closer he got to her, the slower he moved, "Gotta match her speed.." He muttered to himself, putting away his staff and holding out his arms. She was in arms reach, each staring into the other's eyes, hers with hope and his with determination. The second she made contact she wrapped her arms around his neck and he one around her waist and the other under her knees. He dropped down for a moment to balance the momentum and hovered in the air, she crying into his shoulders, her whole body trembling. He gave her a squeeze as he slowly lowered to the ground to let her air it out. "It's ok. I got you now." He whispered.
She had to warn him about Raph being in danger and had to thank him but her body wouldn't listen to her, the adrenaline and fear hindering her from anything but crying. Donnie didn't seem to mind this though for he said nothing until his feet were planted on the ground. He wanted to focus on her but knew he had to make up for his mistake, "Witches of Witchtown, hear me. I was wrong to not be more open-minded. It's just that mystic powers are the one thing I have not been able to solve." He looked down at Kara to see her calming down, "That and one other thing.." He muttered to himself, wiping away a tear as they stared into each other's eyes once more. "As a man of science, it is maddening to finally come across something that you do not understand. Especially when your dumb-dumb brothers totally do and then wave their dumb-dumb weapons in their dumb-dumb hands all the dumb-dumb time!" He squeezed Kara during his apology, getting emotionally frustrated. Hearing her squeak he gently rubbed her back before letting her go and stepping forward looking to the witches, "But..that is just a long way of saying, I am sorry."
It took one second for the witches to give an answer, "Seize him!" Mira shouted. "Seize the scientist!" The crowd roared before grabbing Donnie and April, sending them away.
Kara was left standing in confusion and feeling light-headed. She turned in the direction away from Witchtown and began to wander, not walking in a straight line due to her weak, shaky knees. "I need a break." She muttered as she made her way towards the brightest building in the distance unaware it's a famous resort.
~~Extra~~
When Donnie and April were thrown into prison, they blinked seeing Raph in there a nervous wreck, "Guys! Something bad happened! I was mistaken as a criminal and Kara and I were found out by the real guy and he chased us through most of the Hidden City and he threw Kara in the sky! She could be dead by now!" Tears were streaming down his face from the look she gave him full of fear and panic to when she was thrown away, hearing her screaming.
"So that's how she was-wait, you let her get hurt?!" Donnie practically shouted, shooting straight to his feet, "This wouldn't have happened if she had come with me!"
"Boys, enough!" April shouted, getting between them, "Raph, she's fine. She was falling towards Witchtown. Donnie saved her."
"Is she ok?" Raph asked.
"A little shaken up but she's fine." Donnie crossed his arms, looking away from him.
"Oh, that's a relief." Raph dropped to the bench, hanging his head, his shoulders sagging free of the tension. "She told me some things and I need to get them off my chest." Raph lifted his head looking at Donnie worriedly.
This got Donnie and April's attention, Donnie giving him his attention.
With a sigh, Raph began, "She told me why she went with me and you might not like it." He rubbed the back of his head trying to find a way to not hurt his feelings or upset him, but the hesitation only made it worse.
"Spit it out, Raph." Donnie said more harshly than he wanted which made him lift his brows in worry before closing his eyes with a sigh, "Just tell me what she said."
"She said she went with me because she thinks you don't like her anymore. She's still uncomfortable around Mikey because of her scar and things are awkward with Leo because...he kissed her." Raph stared at him to see his reaction, flinching when Donnie seemed to have froze in time, wide eyes staring at the floor. As soon as he said those words the image came to him clear as day. Without a word he sat down next to the cell bars and closed his eyes, "He did. I saw the whole thing."
April and Raph jumped from where they were in surprise.
"Leo likes Kara?" April whispered to Raph.
"Guess so but does she like him back? She thinks Donnie doesn't like him anymore." He whispered back to her.
His eyes widened having heard them, his train of thought drowning out the rest of the conversation. "What if she doesn't like me anymore."