Love Never Lost

Panic in the Sewers: Part 5/Mousers Attack: Part 1

Brooke's POV:

We see them standing in front of the tanker truck. Next to it, we see a giant fire and the remains of an exploded water balloon. The truck must've leaked chlorosulfonic acid when it fell over. Since the chemical reacts violently to water, hence Shredder's need for it, Mikey threw a water balloon onto the spill, causing it to incinerate itself. Oh man, I am so acing that chemistry exam!

Raph: "Looks like we missed the fireworks."

Me: "I wouldn't say that."

Raph nudges me as I laugh mischievously.

Leo: "Donnie, the go-kart worked great. Nice job."

Donnie: "Thanks, Leo. And it's a patrol buggy."

{Time skip}

Back at the lair, we split a pizza to celebrate tonight's victory.

Mikey: "Nothing says victory like the sweet taste of pizza."

Before I grab a slice of my own, Donnie sniffs his with a hasty look.

Donnie: "This pizza smells kinda funky. Where'd you get it?"

Mikey: "It's the one April threw out."

The guys groan & gag in disgust as they drop their slices back into the box. Mikey turns to us in confusion.

Mikey: "What? We live in a sewer. Now you're clean freaks? Heh, more for me."

I roll my eyes with a playful grin before Donnie turns to me with a curious smile.

Donnie: "So, no more grey suit?"

I shake my head with a soft smile.

Me: "Nah, red's more my style."

Raph puts an arm around my shoulders with a cocky grin.

Raph: "And it suits you, babe. It saves me the trouble of knocking sense into guys like Xever that you're all mine."

I laugh before Leo speaks up with a nonchalant grin.

Leo: "Hey, maybe 'Queen B' can be your hero name now. Not just Mikey's nickname for you."

Me: "Yeah, I like the sound of that."

We look behind us as Splinter calls for our attention.

Splinter: "My students, I owe you my gratitude and an apology."

Leo stands with a confused look.

Leo: "An apology?"

Splinter: "Fear clouded your minds. However, it was not the Shredder who fueled that fear, but me. You overcame that fear, and performed admirably. No training today."

Splinter turns to walk away as the guys all turn and cheer in excitement.

Leo, Donnie, & Raph: "Yes!"

We all turn back to Splinter as he speaks, still facing away from us.

Splinter: "Unless, Michelangelo throws that balloon."

I snicker as we all turn to Mikey, who has his right arm pulled back to throw the balloon, and he hides it behind his back as he laughs nervously with a sheepish grin. The guys all don annoyed looks.

Raph: "You are so gonna get it!"

I laugh as the guys all pounce on Mikey with a collective battle cry.

{Time skip}

Splinter stands before us in the dojo as we slowly demonstrate how to approach an enemy. Except for Raph, who prefers to abandon the proper form and walk faster than the rest of us.

Raph: "Ha! What? Are you fighting a guy in slow motion?"

Leo: "I suppose I could do it faster if I ignored my form, like you."

Raph: "Ignore this form!"

Raph leaps to attack Leo while Donnie & Mikey look on as Splinter walks toward them. I put a hand up with a bow of my head towards Master Splinter before stepping up to Raph & Leo and pinching a nerve in both their necks. They both freeze in place and groan before falling to the ground as I release them. Splinter faces Leo & Raph sternly as they both rub their necks.

Splinter: "Competition is an excellent motivator, but not when it turns you against each other. So now, you boys will spar two-on-two."

Leo crosses his arms with a confident grin.

Leo: "Ok, I'll take Don-"

Splinter: "You will take Raphael. You two must focus on working together, not competing with each other."

Mikey: "What about Brooke?"

Splinter: "She already understands this concept and works exceptionally well with each of you. Both separately and as a team."

Leo: "Ok, so me & Raph against Mikey & Donnie? Uh, isn't that a little unfair?"

Mikey crosses his arms as Donnie sends Leo an offended look.

Donnie: "Wait, what are you trying to say?"

Raph: "Um, how can I put this gently? We're way better than you guys."

Mikey: "Psh, at fighting, maybe."

Raph: "Uh, that's what I meant."

Me: "Guys, no one's 'better' than anyone. Now, play nice. Or do I have to get out the randori stick?"

The guys gulp and shake their heads as Splinter chuckles. I look to Splinter, and he nods. The guys get into battle stances.

Splinter & I: "Hajime!"

On the bright side, Leo and Raph are getting along. The bad news is they're pummeling Mikey and Donnie every chance they get. By the time it's over, Mikey and Donnie are down for the count, groaning in pain.

Splinter: "Yame!"

I rush over to help Mikey & Donnie stand, as well as checking them over for any wounds or bruises.

Raph: "You were right, Sensei. Working together is fun."

I glare at Leo and Raph with a growl while I lead Mikey and Donnie to the kitchen for ice packs.

TO BE CONTINUED