Of Turtles and Lizards

Until Now

That morning after breakfast April O'Neil came down to the lair to spend the day with the guys. It was Saturday, so no school today. It had been such a long week, and April was exhausted. But she had to go down to the lair for Saturday afternoon training. April wound her way through the sewer tunnels until she reached the entrance to the lair. As soon as she walked in she had a shock: There was a strange mutant in the lair! April drew her fan and threw it at the lizard-creature. The stranger whirled around catching the weapon between her fingers, only inches away from her face. The mutant lunged, knocking April to the ground. The red-head screamed and the sound of running feet filled the lair before the turtles and their sensei burst into the room.

"What the Shell?" said the youngest.

"What is going on in here?" Master Splinter yelled.

Raph looked at Mona, his expression a mixture of pride and confusion. He smirked. "You two having a catfight?"

Mona glared at him, "I was just on my way to the dojo minding my own business when this...girl shows up and throws this bladed fan right at my face!"

The red-masked turtle's eyes widened with surprise before narrowing and looking down at April. "Is that true?"

"Well, how was I supposed to know you had another mutant living with you?"

"What, you just though that we would let a stranger into the lair?" Mikey asked jokingly.

"Uh-Mikey, she kind of is a stranger. I mean, no offense Mona, but we don't know all that much about you." Donnie added.

"No way, bro. Mona Lisa is totally cool." Mikey said putting an arm around her shoulders and pulling her towards him. The orange-clad turtle smirked when he heard his hot-headed brother's quiet growl.

"In case the four of you haven't noticed there's something important that we need to do." The eldest spoke up at last. All four of the mutants turned to him. "First and foremost, Mona back up and let April stand." The lizard mutant looked down at the human with her eyes narrowed before backing off slowly to stand next to Raphael. The red-headed teenager watched them with interest.

The red-masked mutant turned to the brunette and whispered, "You okay?"

"I'm fine. Shaken, but not stirred." She said playfully and Raphael rolled his eyes.

Later that day, Master Splinter approached the lizard mutant where she was sitting on the couch next to Raphael watching Super Robo Mecha Force. "Mona Lisa, you are more than welcome to participate in afternoon training. I take it from the conversation at breakfast that you and Raphael have sparred together before."

"I would be honored to join you, Master Splinter." She stood, giving him a small bow of respect. The four turtles and April O'Neil headed into the dojo.

"Very well. The first match shall be between you and April."

Raphael looked slightly uncertain, "Umm, Sensei? Are you sure you should have her fight April?" All eyes turned to him, including April's. "I mean, it's just that...Mona's had a lot more experience, that's all. And she already beat April once today."

"Do not attempt to predict the outcome of the match Raphael."

"Hai Sensei."

April and Mona stood across from one another in the dojo. Their eyes locked. April lunged and Mona Lisa dodged. Despite April's improvement in hand to hand combat, Mona's speed and agility made it much easier for her to get hits in. Soon April was lying on the ground, the lizard mutant staring down at her with a smirk.

"Donatello." Their sensei nodded towards Mona Lisa.

"Sensei, are you sure about this?" Splinter raised an eyebrow, "I mean, you basically want me to hit a girl?"