The Call (a TMNT fanfiction)

Chapter 1: After the Attack

"Agent Alexandra, what's the status on the Purple Dragons and the Foot Clan?" The voice that fills my earpiece is urgent and much louder than any of other ones that surround me. Agent Serena always manages to do that. Her voice is always written with urgency and authority, unlike any I've ever heard. I suppose that is why she is in charge around here. 

I search through the stacks of papers on my desk, looking for the update, even though I should have been prepared for her to ask. My hands pause when I remember that it's on the computer. I scroll through the files.

"Nothing has changed." I zoom in on one of the images. "It seems like they're still rivals. We've done some further observation on the Dark Angels though."

Serena doesn't respond. I assume she's listening and proceed. 

"We've discovered that their hatred towards Oroku Saki is a facade. They've been feigning a poor relationship towards him in order to gain his respect so that he'll join their side to make their group larger." It used to pain me to say his name. But time can do a lot to a person, and it's become second nature.

"I see. I suppose this information could be an advantage, as long as we can stop them from coming together."

"I'm not sure. Wouldn't it be easier for everyone if we just waited for them to become allies? Once that happens, we could just take them down together. We wouldn't have to search for both of them individually." I force back a yawn, which could be interpreted as disrespect. I feel like this is the same conversation we have had over and over again around here.

"It could," Serena starts, "but I think that that way they would have more power, working together. We would be outnumbered. You know that."

My cheeks flush a little bit in shame when she adds that last part. It reminds me of when I was younger and my mom used to scold me for teasing my little sister, Rose. Mom would offer me the same look of disapproval that Serena gives me now and say, "Lexi, you know better than to do that." 

The hours go by hectically slow; so much going on that it seems to drag on. By the time it's eight o'clock, I'm drained and ready to get out. 

I leave the Headquarters, then walk towards the subway station to wait for the subway to arrive. Normally, I would have my brother Benj or my sister Rose to keep me company, but I stayed a little bit later tonight to finish up some paperwork that I have been procrastinating, so it's just me tonight.

As I stand there waiting, I notice a few people staring at me. Working with an undercover organization where all we do all day is watch the daily lives of New York City's gangs, I've discovered the difference between certain gangs in disguise. It all depends on how they approach you. 

Purple Dragons stand nearby and call you out. They tend to throw some curse words at you and jump out right when you think you might make your escape. They are by no means discreet, and they are sure to let you know that they own the streets. If it's the Foot, they stay hidden in the shadows. Then, when they know that you won't expect it, they attack.

The Dark Angels are the most deadly. They don't need to do much talk to prove it: it's all in their actions. Even the city's strongest gangs fear the Dark Angels. When they sneak up on you, they linger from a distance, but remain close enough to let you know that there's someone watching. It sends a shiver down your spine, but you never move. Because they can always find you. They're like Komodo dragons: they'll bite you once, and no matter how far you run, they'll hunt you down until they finish you off, just for the game of it.