Ninja Mutant Turtle Teenagers in New York

How It Began

Tara's POV:

I'm highly skilled, trained by the best, independent, and can hold my own against the toughest opponent. So, why can't I navigate through New York City on foot? Ugh, maybe this whole 'running away' thing wasn't such a great idea. Although it is pretty different from what I'm used to back home. Wait, that's not my home anymore. Where is my home? Well, right now, I have no idea. But, if my ancestors can make a home out of even the worst surroundings, I can surely find a place to belong in a big city.

My thoughts are interrupted when I accidentally step through an uncovered maintenance hole in the middle of a crosswalk leading down into the sewers. I land on my feet and pull out my kusarigama in case of spies or enemies. I quickly turn around as I hear voices behind me.

Leo: "Mikey, you left the manhole open? What were you thinking?"

Mikey: "I was distracted."

Raph: "By what, ninjitsu elves?"

Mikey: "If alligators can live in the sewers, why can't elves?"

Donnie: "Statistically speaking, the odds of that being true are the same odds of someone falling through the manhole."

Mikey: "Well, how else did she get here?"

Me: "If you've got a problem with me, I'd prefer it not be behind my back. Show yourselves."

Raph: "Trust me, princess, you don't want that."

Me: "I assure you, I have seen far worse than the likes of those who live in sewers."

Leo: "Fine, but you can't tell anyone we exist."

Me: "Not a problem. I'm new in town, so I don't know anyone else."

One of the voices steps forward to reveal a tall anthropomorphic turtle with bright blue eyes wearing a gray headband, dark blue shorts, black sneakers, a gray smock, and a nervous smile. I offer a gentle smile and put my weapon away.

Me: "I mean no harm to you or your friends. You have my word."

Leo: "Brothers, actually. We have a father, but he mainly stays home."

I freeze at the mention of parents, fathers especially. The turtle notices this before I don a polite smile again.

Me: "Sorry, I just got lost in thought. I'm Tara."

He smiles with a respectful bow.

Leo: "Leonardo, call me Leo."

Another turtle steps up beside him with a nervous look. While they look slightly similar, this one wears glasses, bears a slightly different build, and has hazel eyes.

Donnie: "Donatello, Donnie for short."

Another steps to Leo's left with a tough demeanor. This one has a larger build and bright green eyes.

Raph: "Raphael."

Finally, the fourth leaps to stand ahead of the other three, this one having blue eyes and a wide smile.

Mikey: "But we all call him 'Raph'. I'm Michelangelo. You can call me Mikey."

Leo: "If you don't mind, we'd like to ask some questions. So that we know who we're dealing with."