The Turtle Charm

Turtle Fashion

When I first morphed, there wasn't much change to my height, even my body was more or less the same, aside from taking on a more amphibious look. However, the spikey shell did tear the one shirt that came with me from my world, and not only because of the spikes. I mean, it was bulky as fuck too. It was even uncomfortable to wear my shoes because my feet were longer than before. The one thing to survive was my jogging pants, whose stretch was wearing down now, and thank goodness for that because the shell doesn't exactly cover those more private areas.

I knew I wanted clothes and, with things getting colder at a rate I wasn't used to, I was going to need them whether I was warm or cold-blooded, though it wasn't entirely uncomfortable to go without a top while I was still green. But I agreed with Donnie. Now that I was back to looking semi-human, I felt the need to cover up my shoulders at least, though, to me, it was more because I knew I just looked too sexy as a human!

I know it sounds vain, but I'm not oblivious to how I look. It's part of the reason so many people chased after me back home. I was blessed...and cursed with the best genes from two very good-looking people and I wasn't shy to admit it. 

On the average day back home, I would wear something a little on the baggier side to hide my curves, though right now, I didn't have many since most of that section was shell now. What I really needed was something that covered my lower half, front, and arms, though I was okay leaving the spikey shell exposed.

I spent maybe a couple of weeks collecting material and designing my prototype. Borrowing Splinter's sewing machine, I stitched together the fabric of various spandex cutouts, until I had a finished piece.

Afterward, I set out to test it in the wide open space of the ramp room. "Okay Tina," I said taking a deep breath as I spoke into the recorder on my phone, "Here's what we know about morphing: a) It happens whenever one of the guys is feeling something strong and is nearby. Part 1 of b) there seems to be a core emotion and when I feel that myself, I can morph at will like back with the Meatsweats incident. Part 2 of b) If I can understand where this core emotion comes from, part of my original form will be restored like with Donnie at the Mystic Library..."

"Whoa! You look like a superhero!" I turned off the recording and turned to see Raph dressed in human clothes looking like he was ready to go out.

"I do? Well, I guess that's what happens when you wear spandex...I mostly went with it since I'm still figuring all of this out. I don't want them to tear up next time I morph. Where are you heading to this time of day?"

"Teddy Bear Town," he said smiling gleefully, "Today they're rereleasing the Teddy Ghost Bear!"

"Teddy Ghost Bear? Like the guy who almost pounded us all into oblivion a couple of weeks ago?"

"Yeah! I know he's a villain now and swimming somewhere around the Hudson river as a Krang monster, but he's my childhood idol, so I still get excited when stuff like this comes out..."

Thinking back to a favorite author with controversial views, I said, "I guess I get what you mean..."

"Besides, look how adorable this teddy looks," Raph showed me a picture on his phone of what looked like a more friendly version of the pro wrestler, "You know. You should come with me!

"I guess I do have time before work. Plus I do have some fashion questions for you," I looked at the jacket he wore, wondering how his shell wasn't tearing through it.

"Work?"

"Oh, I got a job at Run of the Mill Pizza. I need money for materials at least and it fills out a little of my time...I am wondering though, is the cosplay explanation going to work at a place like Teddy Bear Town? I mean, it sounds like a popular spot for kids like a store in my own world and I imagen it would be uncomfortable if they started crowding you..."

"Oh, that's no problem with this," he pulled out a brooch and attached it to his jacket, and tapped it, taking on the form of a young black man.

"Wait, is that a cloaking brooch?" Raph nodded, "I read about those in my mystic jewels research. If you guys have these, why don't you use them more often?"

"They're a little pricy, so we only got a couple and only use them when we're planning to interact with humans. I'll get the other for you too..."

"Actually, I think I could pass for human if I could cover my shell..."

"What about the eye markings?"

"I'll just say it's eyeshadow if they ask."

On the way to the shop, I asked about how the big guy's shell never ripped his clothes and he told me about lining them with a tougher material like leather like the trench coat he was lending me. "Thanks for the tip. I'm going to keep that in mind for my next piece."

"Won't that get in the way of the stretching though?"

"Well, the spandex is more for when I morph. I'm keeping it backless since it's not the toughest material, but I want to wear something over them, especially since the weather is getting colder..."

"We're here!" said Raph as we arrived at a store's front. 

When we entered, a short plump girl greeted us saying, "Raph! I'm glad you could make it today!" she then lowered her voice to a whisper, "I've made sure to save you a skin just in case."

"Thanks, Lisa!" he said smiling at her, "Oh, I'd like you to meet a friend. This is Tina, and Tina, this is Lisa."

"Oh! It's a pleasure to meet any friend of Raph's!"

"Ditto," I said wondering why the girl looked so familiar and why the name 'Lisa' made me want to ship her with Raph.