The Red Shadow (TMNT)

Creating a Solid Comradery

The next morning Addy was the first to wake up.

"Oh," was all she said. She had forgotten for a half second that she was a turtle. She pulled away the blanket and stared at her pale green legs. They were slightly rough in texture and she rubbed them up and down examining them; then her toes. Her bright pink nail polish still remained intact, and she decided to keep them that way; it was to serve as a reminder of her lost humanity.

She got up and went to the bathroom to wash her face. She was quiet; thinking that she was the only one up. She pulled back her hair and sighed looking over her reflection.

"You wanted this Addy," she reminded herself. "Think about Raph and your future family; it's all going to be worth the sorrow."

"Do you always start your day off talking to yourself?" Came a voice from the hallway and Addy jumped.

Splinter turned the corner and held up his hand in apology for startling Addy so hard.

"I'm sorry my child, I didn't mean.." He started.

"No, no you're fine Splinter. It's just that I thought I was the only one up so hearing someone set me back. She laughed, "really it's no problem, I'm fine."

"Very well then, I must go wake the others to start their training. Today is going to be a difficult day, and I would love if you accompanied us, at least to watch if you do not want to join in. I'm assuming your new status is going to take some getting used to," Splinter said.

"Sweet, thanks!" She exclaimed, "and yeah, but I have to keep reminding myself why I did it." Splinter nodded and turned to leave Addy to finish getting ready.

She brushed her teeth, spat, and then looked up to see Raph behind her.

"Geez Louis!" "You ninjas are so quiet!" "You guys gotta stop scaring me so bad I'm gonna have a heart attack!" She laughed and Raph joined in with her.

"Well hello to you to," he laughed. "How'd you sleep?" He asked with his chin slightly lowered, looking for a positive response. He couldn't help but walk over to her and try and kiss her, but she was wiping her mouth with a towel and didn't seem like she was in the mood. "Everything alright?" He asked.

"Yeah, of course, just haven't fully woken up yet," she said, lying.

Raph couldn't stop staring at her waiting patiently, leaning on the wall and after she was done freshening up; snuck a kiss on the cheek which made Addy blush and look at the ground.

"You're too sweet Raph," thank you for all you do, you're a true friend" she smiled and kissed him back; both of her hands on his biceps.

"Pssh, me??" He laughed, "no way sweetness, you're my little miracle, you saved me in more ways than one."

"We saved each other," she nodded and he nodded back.

"Hey Splinter told me I could watch you guys train today, and maybe even jump in," she said stepping back and getting into a boxing position.

"Awesome!" "Can't wait to show the guys all that I've been teaching you," he said. "They're going to be impressed."

"Let's just hope I remember what you've taught me, and I can still kick butt," she winked.

"Hey Romeo and Juliet!" Leo called from across the room, "come on let's gets started!"

They both looked at Leo and then at each other and shook their heads; they were thinking the same thing, "pushy brother."

Addy and Raph grabbed a piece of bread from the kitchen just to hold them over til lunch and walked into the dojo holding hands. The brothers sat down one at a time, kneeling in their accustomed positions.