Turtles' Big Sister

Return to New York

Pepper and her siblings were in the living room, watching an episode of Crognard the Barbarian. The show was suddenly interrupted by a breaking news report.

"Ever since the invasion that is known as the invasion of New York, humans want to know what is going on. Everything is...fine. No human is allowed in or out of the city until Kraan--uh, the military allows it. This is Carlos Kraang O'Brien Gambe."

"Hmm, did the news guy seem a little Kraang-y to you?" Mikey asked.

Raph smacked the back of his head with a rolled up magazine. "A little? What, are you on the pepperoni?"

"The Kraang may have the rest of the world fooled, but not us," Raya stated, glaring at the TV. "What's the plan, Pepper?" 

"Step one is: storm the castle walls," Pepper responded. "Donnie? Sammy?"

"It's not as heavily armored as the Shellraiser, but it's more maneuverable, has more weapons, and gets better gas mileage." Donnie spread the blueprints on the table.

"Then let's stop jabbering and build this sucka!" Casey said, shoving Donnie aside to look at the prints.

They got to work reworking the van, adding weapons and various other things, and giving it a new paint job.

Once they finished, Samirah took a step back from the van, grinning. "The new and improved...Party Wagon!"

"It's so awesome!" Nyx said.

Pepper nodded. "Alright, team. Let's do this!"

They all high-fived, quickly going off to gather that they needed and handle any last-minute things before heading off. Pepper headed upstairs for her room and gathered her satchel with her sketchbook, novel, and headphones. As she stepped out into the hallway and closed the door, April approached.

"Hey, we just about have everything we need. You ready?" April asked.

Pepper nodded determinedly. "Been ready for a long time." She grinned jokingly. "Was wondering when everyone else was. You guys are getting slow."

"As if, I was born ready for this, Pepper. You seem to be steps behind at how ready I am." April knocked their shoulders together playfully.

Pepper laughed. "Getting competitive, eh, April? ...You've come a long way from when we first met. I'm really proud of you." She gave the red-head a warm smile.

April smiled in return, giving her a hug. "Thank you. You and everyone else has helped me so much. We're going to get them back. Master Splinter, my dad, Karai, everyone."

Pepper gave her friend a gentle squeeze before stepping back and nodding. "Yeah, neither the Kraang nor Shredder are gonna stop us. Let's go."

As they walked out, Donnie was saying his goodbyes to Doctor Cluckingsworth. Pepper looked up at the farmhouse. Part of her couldn't wait to leave the place behind, along with all the mutants, creatures, and other things that made this place a nightmare. But another part of her was gonna miss this place. There were good memories here; hanging out with her family, having fun and being able to rely on their help as she got back on her feet. This place was the first place that she and Lucian had actually been able to talk and connect as real siblings and allies.

She took a deep breath, smiling softly before turning and climbing into the back of the van.

Mikey shut the door once they were all in. "Hello, New York City!"

With that, Casey started the engine and they were off to take back their home.

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It took a couple days before they reached the Brooklyn Bridge leading straight into the city.