No Ordinary Ninjas

Return to NYC

Jennifer's POV:

You'd think my sister would have a slight issue with my dating a mutant turtle. However, to my surprise and relief, she's fully accepting of my newfound happiness. The others don't seem to mind either, but that doesn't mean Mikey doesn't tease the both of us about it. Leo went out for some quiet time in the woods, while Mikey and Donnie play a game of 'Trivial Pursuit' with Raph and I asking each of them the questions.

Raph: "What Russian novel, embracing more than 500 characters, is set in the Napoleonic wars?"

Donnie: "War & Peace."

Right then, Leo bursts through the front door with a proclamation.

Leo: "He's alive! Splinter's alive!"

We all rise to stand as Donnie places a hand on Leo's shoulder.

Donnie: "We know, Leo. Of course he is. We all think he's alive."

Leo: "I don't think. I know."

{Time skip}

That night, Leo has us set up camp in the middle of the woods to try to communicate with Splinter through a collective meditation. Mikey and I start a fire as we all sit in a makeshift circle.

Raph: "Leo, if you dragged us out here for nothing."

Donnie: "Don't worry. I came prepared."

Donnie holds up a bag of marshmallows in one hand, and a stick with five roasting marshmallows in the other.

Leo: "Put those away. Now, everybody close your eyes and concentrate. Concentrate hard."

We follow his instruction, each of us sitting completely still with our eyes closed, when we hear a familiar voice speaking to us in the form of an echo.

Splinter: "I am proud of you, my students. Tonight you have learned the greatest truth of the ninja. That ultimate mastery comes not of the body, but of the mind. Together, there is nothing your five minds cannot accomplish. Help each other. Draw upon one another. And always remember the true force that binds you. The same as that which brought me here tonight. That which I gladly return with my final words. I love you all, my children."

My heart warms at that part. I've always considered him as a father, but neither of us have ever said anything of it aloud. To hear him confirm these beliefs, truly makes me feel a part of the family. I lean my head against Raph's shoulder, who places his atop my own with a hand wrapped tightly around mine. Now, there's only one thing left for us to do. Go back to New York, find Splinter, and stop the Foot Clan. Together, or not at all.

{Time skip}

The next day, we all pack up the bare necessities, pile into Casey's truck, and drive off into New York City. We arrive in the midst of a rainy night, parking in front of a random apartment.

Leo: "Home sweet home."

 We all rush under the awning to get out of the rain.

Raph: "Now I know what it's like to travel without a green card."

Casey: "This isn't bad. Nice place, guys. In fact, I-"

Spoke too soon. Casey turns around to see Mikey lifting a manhole cover in the middle of the street.

Mikey: "You coming or what, dude?"