Courting a Salamandrian

Chapter 6: An Unwanted Guest

Night begins to fall. Perfect time for me to be out on the streets again. I leave April's apartment through the window, taking the fire escape - the same way I came in. Before I descend, I look out onto the city. The tall buildings begin to glow and the streets start to light up. New York is beautiful in the evening. The stars compete with the buildings' luminescence. The city is also lovely during the day, too. But sadly, daylight hours are not for my kind. Nightfall is the only time when mutants, and myself, find it safe to venture outside of our lair. It is only then that we have a lower chance of being spotted by humans. Yet sometimes that chance is worth the risk. The taste of the short lived freedom is worth it.

It's a shame we are not allowed to be out during the day. Maybe it's for the best. Bishop created these rules saying it's for our own good. Gosh, the city is more alive during the day! People are everywhere living their lives, crowded streets awake with chatter and activity. Humans of all kinds. I remember Donatello has explained to me that some humans can't accept things that are different. But luckily there are some who do, like April, Casey, and Karai. Perhaps one day, mutants will be accepted by society - and my friends and I can be free from Bishop's laws.

By the time I made it back to the Mutanimals lair, a large abandoned warehouse on the lower east side of Manhattan, it was fully dark outside. Carefully glancing at my surroundings one final time to ensure no humans saw me, I ducked inside.

Dr. Rockwell was checking up on Mondo Gecko, who was lying on an old rundown couch. Mondo was now wearing a cast on his right leg, after his quick loss to Slash in their one on one fight early this morning. Leatherhead was peering over the couch talking with Mondo.

Without looking up, Rockwell says to me, "Welcome back, Y'gythgba."

I walk up to Rockwell and the others. "Hello, Rockwell. How's Mondo Gecko?"

"He's fine." Rockwell answered, "He just needs to rest. He'll feel better in-"

"Nooooo!" Mondo whines, interrupting Rockwell as he grabs his arm. "I-I don't think... I'm gonna..." He coughs, "make it..."

Rockwell rolls his eyes as Mondo continues his over exaggerated performance.

"Mona Lisa," he coughs again, "these may be my last moments here... but maybe a kiss from a lovely lady like yourself will-"

"NO!" I said, giving him a serious glare.

Mondo jerks up from the couch, completely healthy, and shrugs, "Eh, worth a shot."

Leatherhead chuckles at Mondo as he pats him gently on the head.

"I can't believe you're still on this team after all this time," Rockwell mumbles to himself, loud enough for Mondo to hear him, as he packs up the medical supplies. Mondo turns to Rockwell with a shocked yet offended look. Rockwell then gets up and returns to his cluttered desk. It's amazing he gets anything done with so many computer screens and monitors crowding the desktop. Yet, he needs them to patrol the outside of the warehouse. A better security system I have yet to see.

"Oh good, you're back," a gravelly voice interrupts my thoughts. I turn to see my friend and leader, Slash. "How was your time with April?"

"Oh, it was very nice. I always enjoy her company."

"And no one saw you?"

"No, Slash. I was safe."

"Well, you did take a big risk going out," Slash reminded me. "You know we're not supposed to go out during the day."

"Like you're any better," Mondo said, still lying on the couch. "He left a little while after you did, Mona."

"I agree with Jason," Rockwell said. "Slash, I saw you sneak out." He sighs, "I don't understand why you all insist on going out during the day when you know there's rules."