Together As Mutants (Book Six)

Chapter 26: April's Big Day

April towels off her face, sweaty with the exertion of another long training session. She pulls the towel away, letting her see the turtles and Destiny as they put their weapons away. Sarina and Splinter stay near the tree, discussing quietly with one another while Sarina types on her tablet.

"Man, I'm so hungry," Michelangelo groans, rubbing his stomach as he wobbles on his feet.

Raphael rolls his eyes. "You ate before training, Mikey."

"That was, like...a whole hour ago, dude!"

"Maybe you and I can make an after-sparring snack," Destiny suggests as she stretches her arms and wings at the same time, showing off her impressive wingspan.

"Oo, yes please!" Michelangelo squeals.

"I want in on that," Donatello pipes up.

"Same," Leonardo says.

They hurry from the dojo and April sighs, stooping down to grab her water bottle. She's glad she could make it to training today, even though a part of her wanted to stay home and work on her homework. She hasn't been the most dedicated student lately.

The city is quiet, safer than it's ever been for mutants, and April has let herself get distracted. Before, she wanted to learn ninjutsu so that she could protect herself and her loved ones—from the Kraang, from Shredder—but they aren't around anymore. It's given her freedom that she had almost forgotten about.

She takes a sip of water, gazing aimlessly at the ceiling.

"April," Splinter's voice snaps her from her reverie.

She straightens, nearly choking on her water as she whips her head towards her teacher. Sarina lingers behind him, still holding her tablet, face clear of emotion.

"Yes, Sensei?" she asks.

"I wanted to discuss something with you," he says.

Her stomach plunges into her feet and she closes her eyes. She knows what she's about to hear. She's gotten wrapped up in being a normal teenager, focusing on things like friends and her boyfriend and school instead of becoming a full-fledged kunoichi. She's even slipped on practicing her psychic abilities, although those are easier to practice on her own. She's mostly used them for household chores and what-not.

At this point, she won't be surprised if Splinter tells her that Destiny has surpassed her by now.

"I'm sorry, Sensei," she says. "I know I've been absent a lot more recently and my training has suffered for it. I—"

"April," Splinter says, and she notes the laugh in his voice. She frowns, looking up at him, and she senses no disappointment. In fact, there's nothing negative at all. "That isn't what I want to discuss."

Behind him, Sarina offers a confirming nod. "Indeed."

April blinks. "Oh." She clears her throat and lets out a tiny laugh. "So...uh, what...is it, then?"

"The full moon is tomorrow," Splinter says, folding his hands behind his back as he idly glances at the ceiling. Again, Sarina nods.

April purses her lips. She's tired from training and doesn't want to miss out on whatever Destiny and Michelangelo are cooking up, so if Splinter could not play one of his guessing games, that would be great.

"Do you know what usually happens on the full moon?" Splinter asks.

"Werewolves?" April asks. Sarina chuckles softly, making the redhead smirk with pride.

"Yes," Splinter agrees, unperturbed, "but it is also when ninja clans perform a very important ceremony." His russet eyes lock on hers, holding for a second before softening. "It is the time for an initiation, one that welcomes new ninja into a clan."