#it's a fitting song for our bot with something to prove

[doodle-machine]

Screencap redraw from RudyTime's animatic 'Brainstorm's lament' which can be found here!

#maccadam #MTMTE #Brainstorm #idw #space #i sold my soul to be able to draw robot hands #worth it #and i do suggest checking out the animatic #it's a fitting song for our bot with something to prove

[i-cant-sing]

Okay, Moon anon was able to contact me and I'm gonna post their chapters 3-6 here.

Daniel and YN 3 🌗🌗

Rainy days are crazy. Some of YN’s best and worst memories were on a rainy day. It was a rainy day when Daniel was born. His parents overjoyed when he decided to join the world early. The Sunny morning turned rainy when they saw something was wrong. The sky was so dark when the doctored explained that their baby didn’t get enough oxygen in the womb or when he came out. That his brain was impacted by the trauma. It took four years for Daniel’s mother to stop blaming herself, four years for her to understand that she couldn’t have known that something was wrong in her womb. Four years when they had their second child. It was a rainy day when YN and Daniel got lost. Holding each other’s hand, tightly they wandered the Kamino Ward. Hoping that their parents would be right down an alley or around the corner. That was a terrible 6th birthday for YN. The steps Daniel left in the dirt started to get deeper and more burnt. The boy slightly started to tremble. “Daniel.. it’s gonna be ok. Momma and Pop are going to find us we just have to-“ “Are you two lost?” A very tall man in a black suit asked. YN couldn’t remember his face, but his voice was eerily calm and smoothe. His head had snow white hair on it. A look at him would’ve left even the hero All Might scared. “ye…Yes. My brother and I can’t find our parents..” “Oh dear. Well I can help you. They couldn’t have gotten far.” He held his hand to Daniel. And he almost took it had YN not stepped in. “We’re not supposed to touch strangers.” “Oh yes, that’s a very good rule. Well my name is.. Shigaraki. Now what are yours?” “…yn.. and daniel..” “Now we aren’t strangers. Let’s get you two somewhere safe. Your brother’s quirk might level the neighborho-“ “YN! DANIEL!” The relieved voice of their father shouted out. And the two quickly turned away, toward his calls and open arms. Tears running down their faces, swearing to never wander off again. The day was saved. When YN went to turn to Mr Shigaraki to tell him it was fine, he had disappeared into the crowd. But one question lingered in her head. How did he know Daniel’s quirk could be dangerous? It was a sunny day at first when YN and Daniel went out to the park for their Day out. YN had already planned to tell her parents that she wanted to come back here for her 12th birthday in a few months. Daniel kept over-stimulating himself with every single thing that caught his eyes. The anthill, the trees, the way the wind carried the leaves, when he and YN jumped around over the hopscotch drawings. When the rain came down they didn’t want to leave. They wanted to splash in the wetness like a couple of ducks. But Momma was insistent it was time to go back to the apartment. Inside the car YN immediately put on her headphones to listen to nightcore covers of popular songs. It wasn’t until she noticed her mom’s terrified expression and felt her dad’s fear did she take them off. “-I DONT KNOW ITS NOT BREAKING!” “WE’RE GOING RIGHT INTO TRAFFIC! DO SOMETHING!” “..momma?..” “DANIEL! YN GET DOWN!” That was the last thing her mother said to her. The rain hit the car harder. Daniel was quick to cover his little sister as the car swerved towards a large truck. YN felt her brother shield over their bodies. The last thing she heard from her father was a yell. Before they crashed into the truck. Before YN and Daniel were flung out into the side of the road. Scratches beginning to litter their arms and cheeks. YN felt the rain on her face as she tried looking up. Tried finding her parents. It was a rainy day when the last image of her parents was the crushed front end of the car. 🌗🌗

Daniel and YN 4 🌗🌗

The incident at the cafe left a bigger mess then was intended. Of course the waitress didn’t say a word about who caused the mess, still terrified of the threat, but the manager still called the police. At the moment it was being investigated as a break in. It wasn’t until they started to bag the broken vases as evidence did they think to call a hero as they believed this was a terrorist villain trying to strike more fear. When the first cop touch the broken vases he immediately fell over and started seizing. Like someone had sent hundreds of volts up through his gloved fingers and into his blood stream. The second cop tried picking up the glass with prongs so that she wouldn’t get the same effect. But she still felt some pain and volts. Even the glass windows were giving off static. When they were examined no one could find a point of impact. It was almost like they spontaneously exploded. Worse and more confusing yet was the fact that the material seemed to give off radiation spikes. From a computer screen image, it was like a red glow was emanated from the glass. When the police tried to check the cameras, all the footage was either ruined, too melted to gather anything. It left them in a stump. So they had to make a plea to the hero society to get fresh eyes and help on the case. Not expecting any big response. Some heroes wanted to solve the mystery because it stumped them as well. This quirk residue was something unseen before. Calls and emails were left. All saying they would look into it. And it seemed like this would just be a mysterious case left forgotten. That is until the All Might showed up in the station one morning. Along with his protege Deku. They said they wanted to solve the case because if this person left such a dangerous residue after using their quirk, then they were a danger to themselves and others. No on saw the real intentions in their eyes. When they asked about the only other patron in the cafe the police said that they tried tracking them down, but they were gone into the wind. The only other patron at the cafe made their way into a compound. Holding treats meant for a little girl. But first he had to make a stop at his boss’s office. “Hey.. Kai. You won’t believe what Just saw.” Meanwhile in the station two separate rats made calls to two separate people. “Put me through to Shigaraki…. Hello. I have something interesting to tell you. Something that might please you and your Sensei.” “Oh hey there Aizawa. Detective Tsukauchi here. Look I you know about that cafe destruction a week ago? Yea well I think you outta here about this.” Indeed the cafe incident left a bigger mess than intended. 🌗🌗

Daniel and YN part 5 🌗🌗

They’d been gone for at least two months. YN’s feet hurt and Daniel missed his own bed. But they had to keep going, with no intended final destination but a goal to keep away from the previous home they ran from. After the morning at the cafe, YN and Daniel had kept to the shadows for the rest of the day. But they couldn’t keep going like this. They needed to eat today but not at a restaurant. There was only one dreaded… dreaded option. The grocery store. So after they checked in at the latest motel with kitchens in the rooms, the siblings ventured off to the store.YN couldn’t leave Daniel alone yet. He’d panic and probably have a fit. The store was minimally packed. Since it was still early in the day it seemed like they would zip in and out with relative ease. After grabbing the bare essentials, and what she could pack in a backpack without much drag, it was time to go to the candy aisle. It was a long journey thus far, a journey deserving of some sour candies. But of course there had to be another person there. Invading space and looking right at her favorites. She wanted to just grab and go. But her hand and the stranger's hand touched as they reached for the same one. “Sorry. I should’ve watched where I was going heh..” The tall redhead said. A small blush on his face as he rubbed the back of his neck. “It’s fine. Lemme just grab and go here.” She looked back for Daniel, luckily he was close by staring at the varieties of pocky they had. Turning back she noticed his uniform. UA, that might prove to be a complication. But YN was desperate for some kind words and a brief moment to talk to someone her own age. “So you go to UA? Are you a general student or a hero course student?” “Oh hero course definitely! I even have my hero name chosen!” “Wow that’s great. I hope in a few years I get to be saved by…?” “Red Riot!” “Like Crimson Riot?” “Exactly! I really admire him and I hope I live up to his-“ “OI SH**TY HAIR! WE’RE GONNA BE LATE! GRAB YOUR CRAP AND LET’S GO!” A blonde kid shouted down the aisle, also wearing a UA outfit. YN couldn’t place why but she felt like she’d known him before. That volume felt very familiar, but it startled her brother who jumped in fear causing the pocky he saw to fall off the shelving. Time to go now. “I should go anyway. It was nice meeting you.” “Wait, we could walk you and your brother to your school if you guys want?” “We have to go.” The blonde got closer and she could tell something was perpetually up his ass. “Bye.” “Wait! My name’s Eijiro Kirishima. What’s yours?” “YN. Just YN. That’s my brother Daniel.” And before he or his companion could ask anything else the two siblings fast walked toward the checkout and were out the door before they got another chance to talk to them. “YN… huh she was pretty cool right bakubro!” “What ever. Let’s get going before we show up after Deku.” But that name was familiar to him. The girl had long since faded from his mind, but how could anyone forget the day when a quirkless kid tried bashing your head into the dirt. He planned on apologizing the next day for his comments but she was gone. Gone and almost forgotten. It could be possible that this was just someone who shared the same name. But maybe.. possibly.. the universe was giving him the chance to apologize. “YN.” 🌗🌗

Daniel and YN part 6 🌗🌗

YN never really liked her neighbors. She never outright loathed them, but she was uncomfortable with how Inko kept trying to be her mother, and how Izuku had this strange obsessive stare when he looked at her. As long as they stayed in their apartment and never bothered them it would all be fine. But their parents couldn’t watch them all the time. So on days when momma and pop went out Miss Midoryia would graciously watch them. YN never liked pity. So when Miss Midoryia tried to pity and feel sorry about YN’s quirkless status, that just made her dig her heels in longer. She didn’t need people to fuss over her like she was a glass doll. At least with Izuku she could’ve had a companion. She did try to get along with him. But he was so weird. Just because they both were quirkless didn’t mean they’d would be close. “So why are you homeschooled?” “I get into fights.” “Why?” “Because people are mean and they think they’ll have no consequences to their words. I proved them wrong.” “Were they mean because you’re quirkless or because Daniel is… different?” Now obviously he didn’t mean any harm by that. But an emotional 10 year old girl is not someone to mess with. So with a sharp glare to his face the conversation quickly died. In the dining room, Daniel would usually be coloring. Or playing with his legos. Something to stim and distract his mind. Sometimes he’d just pull out a old painting his dad got him, and he’d spend hours looking at the strokes and would mentally add a new feature. Twirling the hair on his head whilst sucking/biting his thumb. “Daniel? Would you like some water?” “No miss. I want momma.” “I know sweetie but she won’t be gone forever. And you call me Inko” Though she’d prefer him to call her something more affectionate. Throughout the night Inko kept trying to mother them. She hovered over YN’s neck and tried petting her head which resulted in a swipe from the little girl. By the time YN’s parents got back, she was relieved and spent the rest of the night complaining to her mom about how she didn’t want to go over to the neighbors anymore and how she felt uncomfortable. Across the hall the two greenettes were enamored with the two kids. Inko adored how sweet Daniel was, how shy he looked to her. Izuku was star struck at this girl without a quirk who was so quick to fight against the norms put in place by a society against them. They'd soon make it a habit to try to talk to the family in the hall, or bump into them on the street. One day, after the family had been gone for a couple weeks, they saw the two with several police officers and a social worker packing away all their belongings. It didn’t take a genius to figure out that something terrible had happened. When Inko offered to watch them, the social worker confirmed the worst and took the children away. Three weeks later, as her son was at school Inko kept trying to find the legal way for her to gain custody of the kids when her door was knocked. Her husband, AFO, on the other side. She tried telling him to go away. Tried saying that he had no part in Izuku’s life anymore. But he had a bigger role than known. “How can you be so cruel my love? Especially now that I’ve opened the door for you to gain what you want?” “What do you mean?” “I’ll help you gain custody of the two children you are craving. I happen to have a fascination with them as well.” “I can’t ever guarantee that we’ll be a whole family ever again.” “Of course not. I wouldn’t expect you to. But let’s try something for now.” So Inko made a deal with the devil, to gain two angels. 🌗🌗

Now that AFO is in the story, I'm like so excited! Great work, Moon anon!

#moon anon

[thorne93]

Unforeseen Chasm (Part 47)

Prompt: Two sisters fall for men that are absolute enemies. The love they have could tear all of them apart, or it could bring them together.

Word Count:1900

Warnings: Language, this part continues through Ultron Movie song for this part: Note: This is by far the longest thing I’ve ever written (including my novels). It’s a collaboration with the amazing @mrs-dragneel-stark-solo​​. It started as a funny “What if…?” and it evolved and got huge. This took two years to write. We are both proud and happy and we hope you enjoy it. It follows from Thor 1 to Endgame in the MCU. Some of the timelines may be off in order to fit certain people, and some characters may show up earlier or in different ways than they have in the movie. But for the most part, it follows the MCU. It also has a bit of crossover with some other Marvel characters throughout the story.

Masterlist for Unforeseen Chasm

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

When you woke up, you were inside the jet. You sat up quickly before Steve calmed you down. 

“What happened? Is Shannon okay? I was with her and--”

Steve put a hand on your shoulder, shaking his head. “She’s fine, she’s fine. We’re all.. Fine. That twin -- she put memories, or… visions in our heads. Things we didn’t want to see.”

You slowly sat up further, a blanket falling off you. “Shit. The vibranium. Ultron. Did you kill him?” 

“No. They got to all of us too fast.” 

“So where are we going?” you asked, looking around. 

“I think Clint is taking us to a safehouse.” 

“Safehouse… wh--” 

“Banner... She unleashed him. Tony had to fight him. Some civilians got hurt. Tony collapsed a building with him. The public isn’t exactly Avengers friendly right now.” 

You shook your head. “So he's getting exactly what he wanted,” you said with a sigh.

“Looks like it. So, until this blows over, we have to lay low somewhere.” 

You nodded and Steve was about to get up before you suddenly grabbed his hand. “I’m sorry…  I’m sorry I got your team involved in this. If I had known it would lead here, I never would’ve…” 

All he did was nod his head and give you a soft smile before you let go of his hand. As he left you, he went to sit down. Everyone was in their own world, in their head. Your eyes traveled to Shannon, who sat across the jet from you, behind Tony, a feeling of fear and guilt strangling you. No one even sat near each other. 

--------------------------------

The jet ride was a long one. You’d fallen asleep twice, only to be woken by turbulence. At one point, Tony sauntered over to you and plopped down. 

“You know, I’ve never been able to figure you out,” he informed. 

Your body was tense with him beside you. You felt like you always had to be on the defensive with him. 

“Before the coo-coo for Loki puff’s thing, you turned down a job at Stark Industries. A job anyone else would kill for. You’ve got the brain, but you didn’t accept a job that paid triple what you were getting paid with Foster.”

You remained silent, wondering where he was going. 

“Then we find out you’re Asgardian. Okay, no big deal. Shannon’s got powers, you’re an alien. Nothing that out of the ordinary.” 

Still silent. 

“Then you throw yourself off the edge of a bridge, into the abyss, for a guy you barely know. Only to show up a year later, and nearly kill your family and friends.” 

“Tony, I--”

He held up his hand. “You move Heaven and Earth just to get to us, only to purposely fail a mission that could end in your death, at the very least imprisonment.  Then, you bend over backwards to prove you’re turning over a new leaf, even trying to join the Avengers. You even backed me up when a bot went rogue.”

“Because you didn’t do anything wrong…” You thought for a moment before saying, “You’ve never done anything wrong. Everything you’ve ever done, or said… I agree with. You have Shannon’s best interest at heart, and you’re always looking out for your family. Your heart has always been in the right place. Despite our differences, despite what you feel about me, you’re a good man, Tony.” 

“I still can’t figure you out…” he mused, eyeing you up and down from the corner of his eye. “But I think in some twisted way… you’ve got the same principles I do.” 

“I believe in protecting my loved ones,” you stated quietly. 

“I know,” he said, a tone of wisdom wrapping his voice. “I just wanted to say thanks…”

He waited a second before getting up and walking back near Shannon. 

-----------------------------------

Finally, you were at the safe house. A farm, in the middle of nowhere. It was Clint’s house, with his wife and kids that none of you knew existed. 

All of you got showers and settled in, about to eat dinner when suddenly Nick Fury walked in. From there, you all pieced together that Ultron was trying to evolve, evolve a form of himself. That could be done with Dr. Cho and her team and he had the scepter, he could do whatever he wanted with her. 

That was the next part of the plan. 

Steve was to infiltrate Cho’s office, determine what he was doing. You, Nat, and Clint were in the jet. Steve found out there was a new body in a cradle, that needed to get to Stark. Shannon was with Steve. Her job was to get the cradle while Steve distracted him. 

Steve was working to fight Ultron, keep him focused on him. Steve was starting to need some help, so Clint sent in Natasha. Your job was to protect the cradle once Shannon got it to you, while Barton flew the jet.

“Little help here, guys,” Shannon said into the coms.

“What’s up?” you asked.

“Ultron has some guards. Need them out of here before I can get the cradle.” 

In any other situation, she could’ve just ripped them apart with her powers, but she couldn’t risk the gem inside the cradle getting jostled and leveling the city. Eventually Nat got to Steve to help.

“Maybe I could draw them out,” you offered, talking to Barton. 

“No, we need you here to make sure my ass doesn't get killed.”

You frowned, worried for Shannon and the rest of the team. You wanted to be more help. You’d had offensive training, now would be a good time to use it.

But you stayed put. You weren’t an Avenger. You were here out of a courtesy, so you obeyed orders. Then Clint went down and shot at Ultron to draw out the bots. It worked, except now you were flipping inside the jet.

“Hang on!” Clint ordered. “Gotta shake these things.” Suddenly he spun the jet like a corkscrew, and you held onto one of the handles inside for dear life. Surprisingly, you didn’t get motion sickness. You thought you would, but maybe your Asgardian form could take it. It knocked them off and they began flying back towards ground. 

“They’re headed back to you, so whatever you’re gonna do, Shannon, do it now,” he advised. 

Suddenly the bots elevated the trailer of the semi and it was flying. 

“Okay, package is airborne,” he said, readying the missiles. “I have a clean shot.” 

“No, don’t. I’m still inside,” Shannon informed.

“What?” you asked, stepping forward beside Clint, looking into the trailer. “Shan--”

“Just… I’m sending the package to you. Get ready.” 

“Ready,” he stated. He angled the jet so that she could let the cradle fall. She held onto it, falling with it. But suddenly Ultron came and grabbed Shannon. You weren’t sure if he was trying to grab her and the cradle or what his goal was -- but he only nabbed her. 

“Shannon!” you screamed as you ran to the edge. 

“Where the hell did she go?” Clint asked. “I don’t have eyes on her. Cap, you got eyes on her?” 

“If you have the package, get it to Stark! Go!” 

“Do you have eyes on Shannon?” 

Nat spoke up. “I don’t see her, Clint,” she said with a sad tone. 

“Go!” Steve ordered. 

You and Clint exchanged a look. He submitted and began to fly off, angrily, he shouted, “Damn it!” 

You sighed as you sat down in the back of the jet, looking at the cradle. “How are we going to tell Tony we lost his wife?” you asked, despair in your voice before glancing to Clint. 

“We didn’t lose her. She can cover herself. We gotta get this back to Stark though.”

You nodded in agreement and all too soon you were back at the tower.

“You actually pulled it off,” Stark remarked as you all got it unloaded and put in one of his labs. “Wait, where’s Shannon?” 

“Tony, I--”

“Ultron took her,” Clint chimed in. You narrowed your eyes at him. 

“He what? How--Am I missing something or were you supposed to be there for more protection?” Tony asked, pointing at you, his face clear with rage. 

“I was, but Tony she was mid-air and I couldn’t get to her. Our mission was to get the cradle--”

“Your mission? First of all, you’re not an Avenger, alright? And you never will be, we don’t exactly let ex-cons into this group. The only reason you even got to go on this little field trip is because my wife -- who is missing now because of you by the way -- begged me. Secondly, your mission was to protect the team. God, I honestly thought you were turning a new leaf, but you couldn’t even follow through with that.”

“I tried, Tony, I did. But the cradle is the most important--”

“Why? Because it’s got that stone in it? The thing that powered the precious scepter. God, have I been right all along? Has this only been about the stone, the power to you?”

“No!” you cried out, tears threatening. “I’m just as upset that Shannon is gone, maybe more, alright? But Steve told us to get back here, that Shannon could take care of herself.”

“Tony, let off the kid, alright?” Clint asked. “We tried to go after her but like she said, Steve told us to get this thing to you. Her mission wasn’t to protect everyone, it was to keep the cradle safe and to keep Ultron off me. She did her job. She obeyed orders.” 

“Glad that’s all she can do,” he remarked. He shook his head and started to walk toward the cradle.

You gave Clint a silent thanks. All he did was eye you up and down in response. “I’m gonna go check the radio frequencies. Try some old-school spy stuff.” 

Then Bruce and Tony began working on the cradle, to dismantle whatever Ultron had built. You tentatively stepped forward. “Is there any way I can help?”

“No, actually, I think you’ve done quite enough.”  

Your gaze cast to the floor as you nodded. “If you uh… don’t need me… I’ll head home then.” 

Bruce glanced to you, but said nothing. Tony ignored you altogether. 

Without another word, you nodded, pressing your lips together before returning home to Loki. 

“How did the mission go, love?” he asked and suddenly you burst into tears. He immediately wrapped you in an embrace, kissing your hair. “Darling, what happened?” 

“Shannon...She was kidnapped. Tony blames me. I blame me… I was no help….” 

“I’m sure that’s not true,” he disagreed sweetly, holding you. 

“Loki--”

“Darling,” he began, pushing you slightly away so he could look at you, “I know you. You’re a fierce, loyal fighter. If there was something you could’ve done for her, you would’ve done it. You did your part of the mission, hmm?”

“Well, yes, I got the cradle but--” 

“Then that’s all that matters,” he assured, his hands on your shoulders. “Shannon is a smart woman. She isn’t your responsibility.” 

But she felt like it.... She was your best friend, your sister. You weren’t supposed to let anything happen to her… But what could you do now? One thing was certain -- she wasn’t dead, or Ultron would’ve been gloating by now, and he wasn’t. 

So she was still safe… for now. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Tag List: @essie1876​ @magpiegirl80​ @letsgetfuckingsuperwholocked​ @iamwarrenspeace​ @marvel-imagines-yes-please​ @superwholocked527 @missinstantgratification​ @thejemersoninferno​ @rda1989​ @munlis​ @thefridgeismybestie​​ @bubblyanarocks3​​ @igiveupicantthinkofausername​​ @kaliforniacoastalteens​ @feelmyroarrrr​​ @kaelingoat-blog​ @friendlyneighbourhoodweirdo​​ @damalseer​​ @heyitscam99​​ @yknott81​​ @sorryimacrapwriter​​ @glitterquadricorn​​ @xxqueenofisolationxx @little-dis-kaalista-pythonissama @bittersweetunicorm​​ @alyssaj23​​ @sea040561​​ @princess76179​​ @thisismysecrethappyplace​​ @sarahp879​​ @malfoysqueen14​​ @ellallheart​​ @breezy1415​​ @marvelmayo​​ @random-fluffy-pink-unicorn @cocosierra94 @hardcollectionworldtrash @capsmuscles @marvelloushamilton @paintballkid711​

Loki: @lostinspace33​​ @ultrarebelheart​​ @lenawiinchester​​ @esoltis280​​ @tngrayson​​ @wangdeasang​​ @harrymewmew @jayfantasyatyourservice​​

UC: @lokis-high-priestess​

#unforeseen chasm #loki x reader #loki fic #Loki Laufeyson #tony stark fic #tony stark #tony stark x ofc #steve rogers #natasha romanoff #clint barton #bruce banner #thor #nick fury #maria hill #age of ultron #the maximoff twins #mentions of bucky #mentions of thanos

[popsicle-writing]

Doki Doki Pretty Cure: Robots in Disguise Chapter 3

It's been a long day on Earth or rather Oogai Town. Ever since the Autobots arrived on Earth, they have been tracking down some escaped prison ship of the Alchemor until they meet with these human girls who has the ability to transform into the legendary warriors, Pretty Cure and called themselves; Doki Doki Pretty Cure and they have been creating a close bond together. Mana and Bumblebee received some quests from Optimus Prime to join forces together and they did. They finally able to meet up each other face to face. With the Pretty Cure's help, they are able to take down their first prisoner; Underbite...except for Grimlock which he is actually in probation. Together, they will work together as a team to re-capture all of these fugitives! Their adventures are about to begin here!

Chapter 3: Strongarm's and Sideswipe's trust! Cure Diamond and Cure Sword vs Steeljaw!

-Location: Oogai Town, Yotsuba's Mansion- Mana and Rikka were walking in the backyard, chatting with each other. "What a tiring day!" Mana began, stretching her body. "It's been a long since we fought that Decepticon yesterday as Pretty Cure, my fighting power is feeling pumped up!" Her friend nodded. "That's right! Ever since the Autobots arrived here and fight alongside us, our Pretty Cure's spirit is increasing!" Their fairy partners then float towards them. "With a lot of trust and teamwork, Pretty Cure power will become more powerful-sharu!" Sharuru hollered. Raquel nods in agreement. "We're unstoppable-quel!" The girl smiled and giggled. Then, Mana just looked at the sky and she wondered...will she ever meet Optimus again? She began to have this same as Bumblebee like before. "Mana, are you okay-sharu?" her fairy partner tries to snapped her to reality. "Eh?" the girl then looked back at them. "No, I'm fine!" she smiled. "If you say so..." Rikka stated in concern before they heard a familiar voice. "Ow! Sideswipe you're supposed to catch me!" yep, that's Strongarm's voice. "That's the whole point of 'trust exercises'!" They looked and the cadet and Sideswipe were doing these 'trust exercise'. Strongarm looked the red bot who doesn't look happy. "Ugh, now my comm unit is busted." "Oh, sorry. Maybe when it was my turn, you shouldn't have let me fall." he spoke up, sarcastically. "Three. Times. In. A. Row!" "That's because you weren't falling correctly!" she argues. The girls spoke up interrupted their conversation. "Um...what are you two doing?" Rikka asked the two bots. "Oh, we're just doing some 'trust exercises'." Strongarm pointed out. Mana blinked her eyes. "Trust exercises?" The cadet pointed out. "It's an exercise where we learn how to trust each other." she then looked at Sideswipe and gave him a death glare. "Which somebot doesn't know how to do it properly." The red bot scoffed. "Well, why don't you demonstrate how to fall the right way, your dictatorship." Strongarm growled and began to hit him but Sideswipe hit her back and they continuously hitting each other like a bunch of kids. "These two really doesn't get along very well, aren't they-sharu?" Sharuru sighed. "Hey, knock it off!" Bumblebee's voice can be heard. "These exercises are important!" They looked with their eyes/optics widened as Grimlock was carrying Bumblebee like a bride. "Yeah, why can't you guys take anything seriously?" the green bot spoke out with a grin. The yellow bot then looked at him and sighed. The two bots tries to contain their laughter while the two girls giggled. Grim then put Bumblebee down. "If we're gonna work together to recapture all the escaped Decepticons, we have to trust each other." "I do trust Sideswipe..." the cadet spoke up with a smug on her face. "...to mess up." Sideswipe frowns at her as they began to fight each other. "Hey, calm down!" Rikka tries to stop them. "Fighting and arguing each other won't solve anything-quel!" but they weren't listening and continued to fight. Bumblebee then sighed. "This is why I can't have nice things..." "I feel you, Bumblebee..." Mana stated, awkwardly. Then, Bumblebee received a call from the com-link. He picke up the call. "Fixit to everyone." Fixit's voice spoke up, getting everyone's attention. "Go ahead, Fixit." "Can you circle back at the garage? There's something I need to show you." Bumblebee nodded. "On our way." he then looked at the others. "Let's see if we can all make it there in one peace." He transformed into his vehicle mode before letting Mana in and drove off. "Don't feel bad." the green Dinobot spoke up. "It's not that easy to be a model teammate like me." The two bots rolled their optics as they transform into their vehicle mode (with Sideswipe letting Rikka in) and drove off. Grimlock was confused at first but without hesitating, he transform into his Dinobot mode and followed them. Not for long, they arrived at the garage. Everything is stacked up like Fixit's supplies and some containment pods for the escaped fugitives. In the garage, there were Alice and Fixit but Makoto is not with them. "Where's Makoto?" Strongarm asked the girl. "Oh, she just practicing her singing." Alice replied with a soft smile. "Wow. She can sing?" the red bot spoke with a fake surprise tone in his voice. "That's cool." The cadet grunts and rolled her optics. Rikka just sighed in disappointment at Sideswipe's attitude. Fixit then spoke up, grabbing everyone's attention. "Search instruments have located a cluster of fugitive signals near here and appears there might be intact stasis pods as well." "Some easy capture devices would be nice." Bumblebee muttered under his breath. Then, they heard a voice from the monitor. It wasn't a robot or rather a Cybertronian's voice. It sounded like a human's voice. "Mayday! Mayday!" "Oh, we're intercepting an Earth based radio signal." Fixit pointed out. He turn on the monitor and as they expected, it's a human who appears to be in the middle of the sea. "This is a captain of oil tanker off coast of Oogai Town. We are under attack by what appears to be a shark, but is bigger than any I've ever seen and it looks to be made of metal!" "Could it be...?" Rikka began. "Decepticons." Strongarm pointed out. The human continued, "My crew has evacuated on the life boats. Please, send assistance immediately!" with that, the monitor shut off. "The Alchemor's prisoner manifest lists of Sharkticon aboard." the Orange Minic-Con stated, opening his Alchemor's database. "There's a Decepticon called Sharkticons-lance?" Lance questioned, curiously. "Sharkticons, Insecticons, Skunkticons, you named it!" he continued. Bumblebee then clears his throat to get his attention. "Oh right! Here's your capture device, sir." he tossed the weapon at him. "It will work this time." "Are you sure?" Bumblebee raises his eyebrow. "Not really." he chuckled, nervously. The yellow bot rolled his optics before turning to Alice. Do you have a boat that Grimlock and I can tow to the water?" he asked. "Yes we have one." she replied with a nod. Strongarm couldn't believe her own optics. "You and the Dinobot?" "Grimlock proved to me earlier today that he can be trusted in a field situation that requires teamwork." he pointed out. "But you're not going alone only two of you." Mana began. Alice continued. "We'll come with you, in case you need some our help." The yellow bot nodded at them before turning to the two bots. "You two with your partners will check out those fugitives signals. Together." "Yeah, work on that teamwork!" the green bot spoke up before following Bumblebee. "Are you sure you two going to be alright?" Rikka asked her two friends. Mana smiled. "Don't worry, Rikka. We have an Autobots partners on our side." "If anything happens, we'll be ready as a Pretty Cure." Alice finished. The blue haired girl paused for a bit before spoke up with a smile. "Alright but be careful out there." the two nodded in promises as they walks away to follow their Autobot guardians. Rikka sighed once more. Fixit spoke up. "The stasis pods are grid 4023 sector 7650." he then turned to the two bots. "Oh, and bring me back something, will you? Like a rock or a soil sample or-" However, Sideswipe ignored him as he transformed into his vehicle mode and opened the door for Rikka. "Get in." "Where to exactly-quel?" Raquel asked him. "Anywhere. Just get in." he replied. Rikka tries to argue with him but she just stay quiet and went inside. With that, Sideswipe drove off. "Hey! We were supposed to-" too late, he already left the mansion. She sighed in frustration, as she looked at Fixit. "Where's Makoto?" "Oh, she's inside, cadet Strongarm." he replied. "Like miss Alice said, she is singing and she has the most beautiful noise-choice-voice I've ever heard!" The cadet nodded and she look around outside the mansion because she is too big to fit inside the mansion, so she tried to search for her through the window until she heard a voice. Strongarm followed the voice and saw her through an opened window, singing her song called "Songbird". Fixit was right! Her voice...so soothing and beautiful just like a voice of an angel. Makoto then finished her singing. "You have the most beautiful voice!" the cadet complimented her. The girl look outside the window and saw her. "Oh, it's you, Strongarm." she spoke up. "Thank you." she then walked to the window. "Where do you learn to sing like that?" her Autobot guardian questioned. "From my hometown, actually." Makoto answered. "Hometown? Isn't this place already your hometown?" The girl shooked her head. "No, actually. My hometown is actually Trump Kingdom." The cadet raised her eyebrow. "Trump...Kingdom?" "It's a long story. You see that's where I was born and raised. That place was full of generosity people until..." her voice dropped. "...the Selfish army arises..." Selfish army? The cadet listened more to her story. "I was chose to become a Pretty Cure and tries to save my hometown. So, I sent here to Earth and began my life as a singer. When I first met Mana, I don't trust them yet as I was chose to be alone..." Strongarm's optics widened. She was chose to fight alone just like her?! And she didn't trust her teammates just like she didn't trust Sideswipe at first! "And it all changes when Mana told me who important it is to trust each other." she smiled at her memories. "That's...the most inspiring story I've ever heard." the cadet admitted, receiving a look from her human partner. "Really?" Strongarm nodded until she paused for a bit before spoke up. "Anyway, the others went on the missions and Sideswipe decided to drive off with Rikka. So, do you want to come?" The girl paused for a bit and then nods. "Alright." the cadet then transforms into her vehicle mode and let her partner in and drove off. -Location: The middle of the forest- Sideswipe keeps on driving through the woods until Rikka spoke up. "Sideswipe, you shouldn't just leave the place like that." she blurted out. He scoffed. "Come on. It's not like you wanting to hear what Mini-Con have to said." "It's not that. It's just...you're supposed to be a team player and learn to trust each other. Especially Strongarm!" Sideswipe groaned. "What? You trust her too, don't you?" The girl stayed quiet before spoke up. "Actually, I don't. Just like how I don't trust Makoto..." The vehicle stopped his track and let her out. He transform into his robot and began to questioned her. "What do you mean? You were okay with each other yesterday." "That was a long time ago before I met Makoto. It's kinda a long story..." "...I'm listening." Rikka sighed and began her story. "You know that Makoto is a singer and Mana admired her so much?" she asked, receiving a confused "yes" from him but Rikka continued anyway. "After Makoto joined our team, Mana has become so close to her that I...feel extremely jealous of her." "Jealous? Why would you feel like that?" "Mana and I were friends ever since we were little. I was pretty shy at first but after I met Mana, she was my very first best friend. She always listened to me, help me and care for me...until Makoto came along. I was afraid that she'll take away Mana from me." Huh. That sounds so familiar to Sideswipe... "But then I realized..." the girl continued. "...that jealousy wasn't the answer. I shouldn't give up our friendship with Mana or Makoto. So, I ended up becoming friends with her and I began to trust her." That sounds like...him and Strongarm! "There you two are!" a familiar voice spoke out and they saw Strongarm and Makoto walking towards them. Sideswipe sighed. "You're never gonna treat me equal, aren't you?" he bluntly asked the cadet. Strongarm glared at him. "And you're never gonna take me seriously, are you?" she crossed her arms. Oh dear... "There they go again-quel." Raquel sighed. "Ugh, I'll com you when I find something!" Sideswipe then transformed into his vehicle mode and opened the door to let Rikka in. The girl look at the cadet and Makoto for a second before sighing and went in. With that, he drove off. "Wait! We can't split up!" Makoto reminded them but they already left...again. "Again-davi?" Dabyi wondered in annoyance. Strongarm tried to com him. "Sideswipe? Sideswipe!" but her com unit is busted. "Ugh, stupid com unit! Come on, let's follow them!" she transformed before letting Makoto in and drove off. -Location: Oogai Town, in the Middle of the Sea- Bumblebee, Grimlock, Heart and Rosetta were in the middle of the sea, were being attacked by the fugitive under the water. The fugitive banged its head on the ship, almost making them lose their balance. Grimlock look under the water and saw a shadowy figure of it. "Excuse me!" he then jumped out from the ship. "Grimlock, wait!" Rosetta tries to stop him but it was too late. He transformed into his Dinobot mode and began to pound the Sharkticon but only to be carried away by him. "This isn't teamwork!" the yellow bot reminded him. He then pulled out his weapon and tries to test if it's working. He about to lose his balance again when the Sharkticon hit the ship and his weapon lose its grip from him. "Rosetta, are you okay?" Heart asked her teammate. "I'm fine." she nodded. They then see Grimlock being sunk into the water by the Sharkticon. "Grim!" Rosetta yelled in worried. Bumblebee then tries to grab the weapon but only to be stopped with the Sharkticon transformed into his robot mode and landed on the ground. The girls readied their fighting stance. However, the Con was a bit bigger than them even Bumblebee. "Kinda wish I was a bigger bot..." he muttered. -Location: Oogai Town, middle of the woods- Strongarm keeps on driving to search for Sideswipe. Makoto just look outside the window until she saw something. "Strongarm, stop!" she alerted, making her guardian stopped. The girl then went outside her as the cadet transformed. They gasped as they witnessed something. They saw some containment pods! And they all looks rusted. "What happened here-davi?" Dabyi asked in shocked. The girl shrugged. "No clue." Suddenly, they heard a twig snap as Strongarm bring out her weapon while Dabyi transformed to the transformation device. "Stay behind me." the cadet told her partner. They followed the noises as the trees clearing up and up ahead they saw another bot...but with a tail. Strongarm gestures Makoto stay hidden behind the tree and so she did. The view of the bot appears to be a wolf. "Prepare for freedom, brother." the bot spoke up with a very soothing voice as he raised his claws to strike the pod. "Claws in the air!" the cadet from behind him orders, pointing her weapon at him. He turned around and saw Strongarm. However, without raising his arms...or claws, he just casually walked up to her. "Hello, sister." he spoke again. "Did you fall out from the sky too? I'm so glad we found each other." Sister? What is he going on about? "Decepticon fugitive! By ordering from Cybertronian code section 305, you are hereby-" the cadet tries to orders him but was cut off. "Of course. You're confused." he somehow told her. "I wasn't a prisoner on that ship. I was a guard." A guard? "Fixit never said anything about a guard being on the Alchemor." Strongarm pointed out at him, confusedly. "Fixit, yes..." he pretend to remember the Orange Mini-Con's name. "Well, he wouldn't have known. I was in stasis also. My pod programmed to wake in case of a riot." Makoto just watched them behind the tree and she gasped quietly as she saw a Decepticon logo but with some scratches on it. He has a Decepticon logo but why was it scratched? "And why would you have the Decepticon logos?" Strongarm questioned him. "You've been well trained, asking excellent questions." he chuckles. "Something tells me, he's up to something-davi..." Dabyi whispered to the girl. "The logo meant to confuse the others-" he stopped his sentence before try to attack the cadet but she dodge immediately. Strongarm tries to use her com-link. "This is Strongarm! I am under attack!" she then tries to use her leg to kick her but only to be stopped by the Con's blocking it. "My postion is-!" He then swing her around and slamming her to the ground before throwing her to the rock, knocking her out. The Con then walked up to her. "Strongarm!" Makoto gasped. He heard her voice and but as soon he turned around in alert, he saw nothing. The girl is still hiding behind the tree, didn't make any moves or noises. "That Decepticon looks fierce with claws-davi." Dabyi spoke up with a low voice at her. "We should head back and call for back up-davi." The girl nodded in agreement as she began to creep away without making any noises. -Location: Oogai Town, Yotsuba Mansion- Sideswipe and Rikka has come back from the patrol. Rikka climbed out from him as her guardian transformed back to his robot mode. "Ah, you're back!" Fixit exclaimed. "Listen, I have a very serious news to-" Rikka then look around. "Strongarm and Makoto aren't back yet, are they?" "I'm pretty sure they're fine." the red bot spoke up, not caring of what happens to them. But Rikka looked at him and glared. "Sideswipe!" the girl tries to argue with him but Fixit cut off. "Actually, cadet Strongarm called in and sound like she was in rubble-trouble! But it was too hard to hear and I figured that her comm unit is malfunctioning and I can't track her." the orange Mini-Con explained. "Wait, Makoto was with Strongarm!" the girl then gasped. "That means..." "They're both in trouble-quel!" Raquel alerted. Rikka then glared at him. "I told you to trust Strongarm but you weren't listening!" Sideswipe paused for a bit, realizing his mistake. Maybe Rikka was right about trusting Strongarm. What if she get hurts? All of this is his fault. "Scrap..." "I'll notified Bumblebee immediately!" Fixit pointed out. But the red bot denied the offers. "No! We'll handle it!" -Location: Oogai Town, in the Middle of the Sea- Bumblebee and the Sharkticon were still fighting with each other. "You have forced me to walk on two legs. How dare you?!" the Sharkticon then charged at him but Rosetta appeared in front of him just in time and create her Rosetta Wall. The Sharkticon collided with the wall, only to bounce him back where he came from. Heart then leaped up in the air, grabbing his left arm and flings him to the ground. "Thanks, you two!" Bumblebee thanked them. The girls smiled. "That's why we trusted you, Bumblebee." Heart winked at him. The Sharkticon then stand back up to his feet. The girls reunited by Bumblebee's side with their fighting stance on. "Listen here, Sharkticon." the yellow bot pointed his gun at him. "My name is Hammerstrike. Cybertron most feared pirate." There's a pirate on Cybertron? "And soon the ruler of all in this planet sees!" Bumblebee rolled his optics. "Yeah...okay, whatever. Surrender now or these brave warriors and my Dinobot partner will taking a beating then surrender." Hammerstrike then throws a bunch of boxes at them but Rosetta created her Rosetta Wall again to block them. But one of the boxes hit Bumblebee's hands, making him lose the grip of his gun as well. "Scrap..." "Surrender the light's of you." the Con laughed. "I will never been fend in the gorgeous depth again!" he then tries to claw him but Heart stopped him. "Unhand me, you foul creature!" he then tries to claw her face instead. "Don't be...selfish!" she then used her leg to kick him back. Rosetta then looked at the water in worried. "Anytime now, Grimlock." he was still underwater. Hammerstrike then charge at Heart, making her fall back but Bumblebee catches her in time. "Are you alright?" the Cure nodded in replied. The Sharkticon then jumped out from the boat and began to transform into his shark mode. "He's getting away-sharu!" but the fugitive run away. "We almost had him-lance..." Lance spoke out in disappointment. Rosetta looked at him. "It's alright, Lance. We'll get him next time." With that, Bumblebee com-link Grimlock to see if he can get to shore. -Location: Oogai Town, Yotsuba's Mansion- Bumblebee has arrived back to their base. "Where's everyone? Rikka and Makoto?" Mana asked. "Oh, that. Well..." Fixit chuckles nervously. "Well...?" Alice waited for him to response. "Cadet Strongarm, Sideswipe and their partners are out for their alignment-assignment!" not wanting to bring up the subject, he then saw Grimlock was all soaking wet. "What just happened?" "It's a...long story." Alice reassured him. "Fixit, where are the others?" the lieutenant asked him in a very serious tone. "Well..." the Mini-Con chuckles nervously again. -Location: Somewhere around the woods- Sideswipe was strolling around a small building which happens to be an abandoned cabin. Inside, Rikka was crossing her arms with an angry expression. The red bot sighed. "Rikka, don't take this so seriously..." The girl didn't responds as Sideswipe stopped his track and spoke up again. "Look, I'm sorry. You were right about to trust Strongarm. It was all my fault that I abandoned her...and your friend..." He had a sad tone in his voice. Rikka looked at him. Was he feeling guilty now...? "Sideswipe..." "I get it. If you're mad at me, go ahead and yelled at me." "I'm not mad at you, Sideswipe. You're my guardian, my teammate, my friend." she pointed out. "Friends aren't supposed to mad at each other. And I'm sorry for lashing my anger at you either. I was just so worried about my friends that I ended up worrying you instead..." "Heh. No worries." he chuckles. "From now on, we're in the real team right?" receiving a nod from her. "Hey, look-quel!" Raquel grabbed their attention. They look and saw Makoto was running towards them. "Makoto?!" Rikka then climbed out from the car. "Makoto?! What's going on?! Where's Strongarm?!" Makoto tries gasped for air. "She's got beat up by a Con!" "A Con?! Where is she now?" Sideswipe asked. "Right there-davi!" Dabyi pointed where she and Makoto came from. "Alright, climb up!" he then opened the doors for the girls climbed in and drives off. Not for long, they arrived at the same place where Makoto and Dabyi came from. "There they are-davi." she whispered. They saw Strongarm being chained up by the same wolf like Decepticon. "I don't trust him. He looks cool." the red bot blurted out. "Kinda reminds me of someone..." "What do we now-quel?" Raquel asked in worried and concern. "If I was a half criminal Strongarm think I am, I just walked away." he replied bluntly. Rikka sighed. "Sideswipe, this is not the time to-" she paused her sentence. "I have an idea! Follow me!". The others followed her. "But giving you a second chance isn't up to me." Strongarm told him. "I'm just a cadet. My surperior officer would have to be the one to-" "I would love to meet your squadron. How many of you are there? Where are your base?" the Con questioned. "We're just over-" she paused for a second. "Wait, how do we know this isn't a trick?" "I see you've found a couple of Autobots." a mysterious...yet a similar voice can be heard from behind. The two look and saw a bot coming from the tree. Strongarm take a closer look at the bot and she realized it's Sideswipe! He has a glow Decepticon logo on his chest. "Can I get in on a little payback?" The Con looked at him and smirks. "Greeting, brother. I'm Steeljaw." So, this wolf Con named is Steeljaw. "And you are?" "Oh, I'm...Grim...bee!" Sideswipe stutters. Really? Grimbee? A combination name of Grimlock and Bumblebee? "I'm glad you are free, Grimbee." the Con, who is now revealed to be named Steeljaw, offered him to join him. "Step into the light and join me." Sideswipe then look at his logo. "But uh, what happened to your mark then, brother...?" "I destroyed it and its tracking mechanism." he explained. Aha, that explain everything. "The Autobots mustn't capture me before I can prove to them I've reformed. I want to live here now, peacefully. As I'm sure you do too." Strongarm then saw Rikka and Makoto were sneaking towards her. "Makoto, Rikka, what are you doing? Get out!" the cadet whispered to them. Makoto shook her head. "I'm not leaving you, Strongarm." The two then tries to unchained her but not until Steeljaw heard the noise behind him and turned around. "We've been spotted-davi!" Dabyi alerted. The Con growled. "What are you? Besides strange?" "Look who's talking-quel!" Raquel yelled at him. "Don't go near them, brother!" Sideswipe warned him. Steeljaw scoffed. "Treachery. How like you...Autobots." "If you want the Autobots so much, you'll have to get through us first!" Rikka and Makoto then hold out their transformation devices. "Pretty Cure, Love Link!" the girls then 'draw' the letters L-O-V-E on the screen. The middle flashes three times and trigger the transformation. It first show Rikka with the hair ornaments appeared and the light trigger her body, creating the dress. Makoto's transformation also the same but instead of her dress shows up first, her arm warmers show and then her dress. The yellow light created Rikka's shoes while Makoto's Lovely Commune is shown on her pelvis. Rikka then spin around before landing on the ground and introduced herself. "The Light of Wisdom! Cure Diamond!" Makoto also does the same. "The Blade of Courage! Cure Sword!" The Con stepped back in shocked and surprised. "With the blade of courage, I, Cure Sword, will cut off your careerism with the sword of love!" Sword hollered. Using her hand, Sword slashed the chain on Strongarm, making them break with ease. The cadet was freed from the chain. "What?!" the Con optics widened in anger. "Sideswipe!" Diamond called out. The red bot then wiped off his fake Decepticon logo from his chest as he leaped up while Steeljaw growls and leaped up as well but Sideswipe dodge his attack and landed on the ground. The Con growled more and charged at him but only to be kick in the stomach by Strongarm, making him flying and then Diamond and Sword charge at him and grabbed each of his arms and flung him to the tree. He got slams into a tree. However, it about to fall on Diamond and Sword. Strongarm then transform into her vehicle form and scooped both of them in before the tree fall. "Thanks, Strongarm." Sword thanked her. "No problem." she replied. Sideswipe then walked towards them. Diamond noticed that the Con has disappeared. "He's gone..." "I have a bad feeling we're gonna see that Con again." the red bot pointed out. The cadet nods. "I hope so." she reassured. "But from now on, let's head back." Sword suggests. -Location: Oogai Town, Yotsuba Mansion- The two vehicles made it back to the base. Mana, Alice and Fixit greeted them. "You're back!" Mana then went to hugged her friends. "We were so worry about you." "We're fine, Mana." Rikka told her. "Why wouldn't they be okay?" Bumblebee spoke up with Grimlock, holding a barrel. Inside that barrel was Hammerstrike. They somehow managed to capture him. "Sideswipe and I were having a communication difficulty earlier, Lieutenant. Nothing serious." the cadet explained. "Anything to report?" the yellow bot asked. "Well, we found some open pod, sir." Strongarm replied. "And a Decepticon." Rikka added. "He said his name is Steeljaw." Makoto continued. Sideswipe spoke up. "Says he wanted to live peacefully on this with like minded Decepticons, but he got unpeaceful with us real quick." "Sounds like a very selfish ways to do it." Alice commented. Grimlock walked over with a barrel. "Can't wait to meet him. I'll go put this one away, and I'll do it gently." then, Hammerstrike muttered something very angrily inside the barrel but Grimlock punch the barrel to make him quiet. "If he's lying about going straight, we could be looking at a Decepticon army trying to take over this planet." Strongarm continued. Bumblebee nods. "It's all the more reason to wrap these fugitives up fast. I'll have Fixit prep a report on Steeljaw's list." he then continued to walk away. "Good intel, newbies. Apparently, I can send you into the field together." Strongarm then looked down at Rikka and Makoto. "Thanks, you two. You really saved my spark out there." she smiled. "You're welcome." Makoto smiled back at her. Sideswipe groans. "What?! I put my gears on the line for you too, you know!" he began to walked away. "Sideswipe..." Rikka sighed, still disappointed on his attitude. The red bot waved his hand. "Fine! You're never gonna-" he then slipped on the mud and almost fall down. But Strongarm catches him in time. "Thanks." she gave him a smug look. "And don't get too cocky." she then let him go and walked away. "Now, do you trust her?" his human partner asked him. The red bot looked at her before spoke up. "Yeah, I think I trust her. A bit." he let out a soft smile. The girls then giggled at each other as the sun is about to set. It was indeed a tiring day for them.

END OF CHAPTER 3

#crossover #dokidoki pretty cure #precure #pretty cure #dokidoki pretty cure x transformers robots in disguise (2015) #transformers robots in disguise #transformers rid #full chapter #Haunter's writing

[justmyluckff]

Chapter 43:Discover

*2 months later* Amber and I have been hanging tough since she reached out to me. She still hasn’t had a conversation with our father and I would like her to because I’m certain his days are limited.

“Do you like this mini skirt riri?” Amber places a skirt up to her thick waist. Me and Amber are looking for outfits for her up and coming birthday bash. This will be her first public appearance in months.

“It’s cute sis go try it on.”

“I’m big as fuck though. I may not be able to fit this.”

Amber frowns and places it back on the rack. She’s been getting bigger lately. I guess the time away from the limelight gave her healthy weight.

“Try it on babe you might fill out nicely in it.”

“I don’t care let’s go get something to eat I’m starving.”

She forcefully grabs my arm dragging me out of the department store. Talk about agressive

“What do you want to eat fat mama?” I tease her rubbing her belly.

“I want some Chinese food let’s go to my house and order it.” I nod my head agreeing with that notion.

In no time we were stuffing our faces with egg rolls and sesame chicken.

“Oh my god this is so good.” Amber moans as she bites into her rice.

“Slow down fat ass.” I tease her

“This is so go--” She stops mid sentence and vomit erupts from her mouth. She places her hand towards her mouth to try to stop it.

“Are you ok Amber?”

“I’m not sure maybe I have a stomach virus or something?”

“MMmhuh.” I say lowly

She runs to the restroom to clean herself off. I go to the cabinet to get carpet cleaner and wet wash cloths. I attempt to scrub and scrub, I’m able to get the vomit up but it left a mark. She'll have to call Stanley steamer or something..

“I don’t know what came over me.”

Amber walks back into her living room I look at her suspiciously mentally placing two and two together. She’s been gaining weight constantly, being a fat ass and extra moody lately.

“Are you pregnant?” I blurt out looking at her sideways

“How would I be pregnant?”

“Amber you think I’m stupid? Place two and two together.”

“I can’t be pregnant I just can’t. I haven’t had sex with anyone.” I lie through my teeth

A while ago me and Chris had a slip up which led to me keeping my distance from him once again. I’m scared.

“Amber I know about you and Chris. I’m no fool.”

I just stand there staring into space I don’t know what I’m going to do if I’m with child. We are still working on us. I’m just uncertain

“Fuck I’ll take a test to prove to you I’m not pregnant.”

“Ok hold on for a second.”

She walks to her purse and pulls out three or four tests.

“Who the hell carries shit like that around?” I stare at her wide eyed

“You never know sis?”

I snatch the boxes out of her hand in nervousness. In my route to the bathroom she begins to follow me.

“No you stay here. I don't need any more pressure.” I shoo her away with my hands.

She disregards my wishes following me down the hall anyway.

“Ill just wait out here.”

I lock the door to ensure she wouldn't barge in on me. I release a cool breath in the air praying for the results I want. This will change my life forever.

I peed on each stick one by one hoping that my outcome would be negative yet each one read the same thing “Pregnant”

I feel like that hopeless eighteen year old all over again, yes the circumstances are different now but I’m not sure if we’re ready for a child.

“Do you need some help in there?” Rita calls out to me I unlock the door and she races to hug me.

“I’m going to be an auntie I knew it.” She cheers

“This isn’t good Ri.” I say somberly with my head low.

“Girl that man loves you. This isn’t like it used to be. Don’t get too caught up in your own thoughts. Sometimes your mind wanders and you make up scenarios don’t exist.”

“ I just need some time to myself to think about this. I’ll call you later.”

“Fine I know where I’m not wanted. Just remember to tell your baby daddy .”

I begin to bawl my eyes out once I’m alone. I know he will be a great father that’s not the question we just have been too unstable for so long.

“This time she’s really out my life. I know I gotta get her back. Just need one night to hit it right but I can’t her alone nooooo.”

I’m laying down one of the tracks I want to put on my next album I haven’t thought of a title or anything yet. This specific song makes me think about Amber and the way she pushes and pulls me.

Mijo walks in the room causing me to the leave the booth.

“What’s up brodie?”

“Nothing much Brown I’m just exhausted. Tianna is always busy and I’ve been trying to sit down and talk to here.”

“She’s in medical school nigga. She graduated undergrad early and now she’s in med school. I’m sure things aren’t easy for her. She’s in school and working at the hospital.”

“Well damn its fuck how I feel huh?”

I didn’t mean it that way. I’m just thinking he needs to look at both sides. What Tianna does isn’t easy

“Nah I didn’t mean it like that. Just remember love is about compromise and it wont be easy. You guys are engaged. You are an a&r for Cbe. You’re always scouting talent. Just sit down and talk and incorporate each other in you two work schedules.”

“Damn where is Chris and what have you done with my brother?” He jokes

“Man I’m damn near 25 and I’ve made enough mistakes in love I've learned my lesson.”

“Is that right lover boy? SO what’s going on with you and little bit?”

“We haven’t spoken she’s running from me. We had sex one night and I told her I was ready to try us again. Of course she said no because she enjoys running from me.”

I really love Amber Giselle Thomas but the back and forth drives me insane.

“Think about all the things you two have been through bro. It’s understandable why her guard is constantly up. She went through that shit with you just to end up in an abusive relationship. She was humiliated publicly. She’s been through so much think about her whole life.”

I sigh taking in his wisdom he’s right, but one thing I feel gets swept under the rug is since the beginning I made my life all about her and never released a complaint from my mouth. So it annoys me when she questions my love for her. My phone is ringing near the switchboards,

I walk over to answer and to my surprise it’s a picture of Rita on the screen. The whole sister bombshell freaked me out a little Originally it was a weird thing to get past but we all are in different spaces. Rita is a great friend and we talk casually.

“Hey yellow mellow do you have some time to talk?”

“Yes what’s up Rita bot?” I tease her

“I don’t know how to tell you this but fuck it. My big sister is too damn stubborn. She’s pregnant Chris and I’m certain it’s yours. I know she’s hard headed so i’m telling you.”

“Damn are you serious? How you know?”

“I was there with her when she took several tests. I just don’t want what happened last time to take place again out of fear.”

I cringe at the thought of her aborting my child and breaking my heart once again. I refuse to feel that pain again.

“Damn Imma call you back.” I quickly end the call in frustration.

“Why the long face Chris?”

“Apparently Amber is pregnant and Rita was worried. I can’t go through what I did last time man. I’ll kill my fucking self.”

[preciouslilpitches]

Apritello Oneshot: “For You”

I’ve never posted my writing on here before, but I just had this huge inkling to write this. I got my inspiration from a movie called “Blue Jay” featuring Sarah Paulsen and Mark Duplass. It’s also named after a song by Gavin James, which I happened to listen to the ENTIRE time I wrote this. Anyway, here goes nothing: 

When Donatello woke up face down at his desk for the sixth time that week, he took the protective goggles off of his head and wiped the drool from his arm. A small light was the only thing illuminating the lab, casting dark shadows over all of his forgotten projects. When he stretched, the joints in his arms popped, and he felt himself blinking to adjust his eyes to the room. His head pounded, reminding him. Need caffeine. The turtle shuffled to the door, which he pried open slowly. Though quiet, the entirety of his family occupied the lair. Michelangelo sat, playing video games, and Splinter read a newspaper on the couch beside him, thick glasses resting on the bridge of his nose. Raphael relentlessly punched and hit their training dummy; Leonardo was in the kitchen, preparing a kettle for tea. Next to the sink, a small contraption hissed and gurgled with the makings of a large pot of coffee. Zombie-like, he walked over to it.

“Morning, Don,” his brother said.

He sighed, but said nothing. He opened a cupboard and pulled out a sizeable mug, placing it on the counter rather harshly. He knew what was coming. You missed training again. You can’t keep staying up late. Blah, blah, blah. Once his coffee was poured, he took a gulp, not caring that he’d singed a few taste buds.

“Morning,” he grumbled.

He brought the mug up to his lips again.

“Mike made some muffins. Blueberry. They’re in a plastic baggy in there.” He pointed to the small place they kept the bread. “There’s also some fruit cut up in the fridge.”

He blinked.

No lecture?, he thought.

“Don…”

Spoke too soon.

“We have to talk.”

He nodded, praying to whatever’s out there to make it quick and painless. He had projects to attend to, after all. Important ones. Some that would even benefit his family. (Like fixing the air conditioning…) His brother got up and began to walk. He followed. Just then, his T-Phone buzzed in his pocket. He’d patched into the police network, and wired the system to give them notifications when something happened. It was the only thing that made his phone go off these days, besides when Michelangelo sent him pictures of cats, or science memes. He ignored it; there was nothing worth going out for anymore. In fact, it’d been almost two weeks since the last time they went up top as a group. As they walked, Donatello felt the pounding in his head begin to subside. They stopped at the entrance of the dojo. No way. I’m not even done with my first cup of coffee yet. Leonardo slid the door open, allowing the turtle in purple to go through first. He rolled his eyes, and the phone vibrated again.

“I’m getting worried about-”

The phone buzzed again, and he pulled it out of his pocket.

Shit.

“Leo, we have a problem.”

“What is it?” he asked, striding over to him in two steps.

“Foot bots. Possible sighting. At the docks.”

That night, they took to the rooftops.

He had to admit that he was relieved to get out of the confines of the lair. He saw it in his brothers, too. There was a sort of freedom about it, despite them being on their way to “keep the streets clean” or whatever Leo liked to call it now. He especially saw it in Raph. He didn’t think he would ever see him smile again. Of course, there was also the possibility that they would be destroying some foot bots… Which would explain the shit eating grin that split his face when they arrived at the docks.

The gangs had quieted down. After The Shredder was defeated, Karai attempted to bring honor back to the name of the foot clan, but it was all for naught. The Purple Dragons, along with two other small gangs, didn’t take to her severing ties with them too well. Instead, they started an all-out gang war. They wanted what they deserved; what Oroku Saki wouldn’t give them. And they were ready to take it. The battle between them lasted almost six years. The Purple Dragons ended up getting the largest portion of the land, the Foot the next biggest. After headquarters was blown up, Karai fled the city.

Much to their father’s dismay, that was the last time any of them heard from her.

And that was upwards of four years ago.

Tiger Claw took over for the Foot, but kept it on the down low. It’d been months since there were any reports of disturbances from any of them, until two weeks ago. This was the second report of foot activity, and they had to be cautious.

“Over there,” Mike whispered, jutting his chin to a shipping container on the opposite side of the dock. It was decorated with yellow caution tape, and it smelled as if there had been a fire. They snuck closer, and that’s when Donatello saw it.

“Holy shit,” he said, gaping at the wide open doors.

An assortment of drug paraphernalia littered the inside. Or at least what was left of it. He followed the damage to the center of the thing, where the blaze started. Leonardo and Raph rooted through what didn’t fall apart at the touch.

“Guys, someone deliberately lit this thing up.”

“How do you figure that?” Raphael asked.

“See how it starts in the middle, and goes out? They must’ve- aha! Here!”

With a pair of tweezers, he picked up a match from beneath the ash.

“Why would The Foot get involved in this?” Michelangelo asked.

“‘Cause their leader’s a good-for-nothin’ pussy cat.” Mike fist bumped him, and he rolled his eyes, before reciprocating the gesture.

“That’s definitely a contributing factor. But it’s probably for financial reasons. The more money you accrue in the city, the more power you accrue in the city. People pay millions for this stuff. I’m not sure why though. It’s highly addictive nature is extremely detrimental for your body. Not to mention all the brain cells-”

“I call bullshit! Don, don’t be a hypogriff-”

He smacked his forehead and sighed.

“It’s hypocrite. A hypogriff is a creature from-”

“Whatever! All I’m saying is, you know your way around a bong.”

Raphael howled with laughter and smacked Mike’s arm, as Donatello’s face reddened. Leonardo spun around, looking confused and angry. They’d agreed to never tell him of their endeavors in recreational marijuana with Casey. Donnie just happened to be patrolling with them the night he first tried it. He’d smelled them when they came home before, but he thought nothing of it. As long as they came home safe, there was no reason to panic. Leo and Splinter were oblivious.

He was obviously repulsed at first; drugs compromised your judgement... Blah, blah, blah. Needless to say, Casey and his brothers basically bullied him into trying it. Don side-eyed his younger brother, who looked contrite. His heart softened a little. I really was being a bit two-faced. He smiled slightly up at him, and he nodded.

“Raph! Shut up! Dangerous mission, remember?” Leo eyed the other two skeptically. “We’ll talk about that later,” he said. The turtle in purple grimaced. Aren’t we a little old now, for you to play this holier than thou shit?, he thought. He hated the way Leo acted like their father. Like he was so morally sound. The truth was, his katana spilled blood too.

“Guys, I’ve got something,” he said. Reaching behind a charred box, he pulled out a shuriken embedded with The Foot emblem.

“So this wasn’t their shipment- it was someone else’s?

“Why would they sabotage someone’s shipping container? They’re already the toughest gang out there.”

“To prove a point,” Donatello and Leonardo said, simultaneously.

Outside, a voice could be heard barking orders.

“Salvage all that you can. The Boss lost a lotta dough for this, and he’s pissed. And if I catch you pocketin’ any of it, I’ll wear your fingers as a necklace.”

Immediately, the turtles vanished into the shadows.

“Aw shit, man. Look at this. There’s maybe one kilo here that’s any good.”

Leonardo noted that there were three inside, two out. His nose wrinkled at the smell of cigarettes and body odor. He glanced down and saw guns holstered to their hips. Stealth would be their friend, this time. He removed a hand from the wall and held a finger up to his lips, finding Raphael’s eyes in the dark. He signalled the others. Before they could even pick up a crate, they were knocked unconscious in near silence. By the time the others realized there was trouble, Leonardo swung down from the ceiling and struck them both.

They took the long way home, “in case of emergencies”, in Leo’s words. But they all knew he wanted to stay up top as long as possible. It was a gorgeous summer night. And with Splinter’s age, he needed their help more and more. Donatello reminded himself to run some more tests on him when they got home. They passed Kirby’s apartment on the way, and his heart sank. Until a familiar sound reached his ears.

He would know that laugh anywhere.

He skidded to a halt, peering over the edge of the building. His brothers stopped a few yards ahead, realizing he was gone, and ran back to him.

There she was.

Her hair was long. To her shoulder blades. Her skin was sun-kissed, her body as fit as the last time he saw her. He gulped when he realized the luggage she was hauling out of the trunk was the same luggage that-

Kirby ran down the steps and greeted her, throwing his arms over her shoulders. He smiled. The opposite door of the taxi opened, and his eyes went wide. His stomach dropped. No way, he thought spitefully. No fucking way.

“Is that- with a- holy shit,” Mike exclaimed behind him.

Raph stood beside him and stared, too.

“C’mon, guys. Sensei’s gonna start to get worried.”

“Dude… It’s eight o’ clock. He’s probably watching Days of our Lives re-runs.”

“He watches The Young and the Restless.”

“Who cares!” he said, leaping over the edge of the building and onto the fire escape. Raphael followed, as did Leonardo. He stared still, as they entered the apartment complex, and his family snuck around to the back.

“No fucking way,” he whispered, before vaulting over the edge as well.

April had to admit that she wasn’t surprised that Mike tapped on the window. She’d texted them that they were visiting. Then again, she supposed she wasn’t in the T-Phone network anymore. They began to pile in the window, and she almost felt relieved that she didn’t see him. But she searched anyway. When Raph came in, they locked eyes, and he shook his head. Her face blazed as bright as her hair, and her gaze fell to the carpet. She turned away, to Michelangelo, who was barreling toward her with his arms wide.

“April! How are you?!” He practically yelled in her ear, as he wrapped his arms around her. She grinned; she’d missed his big bear hugs.

“I'm good, Mike. What about you? How's Ice Cream Kitty?” His face dropped. “Oh… oh, no. I'm so sorry.”

“It's all good… She was old. She’s not in pain anymore,” he said. His lip quivered a little and she cursed at herself in every language she knew how. “I'm trying to convince Leo to let us get a puppy…” Mike raised a browridge at his brother. He rolled his eyes and stepped up.

“I told him it wouldn’t be fair at all to keep a dog in the sewers… But enough about us, how are you?”

She blinked.

No one had asked her that in a long time. Not since-

“We’re great,” Casey said, smiling. She spun around to see he had her in his arms, swaddled in a blanket. Her eyes peeled open and she yawned.

Michelangelo practically squealed.

“I thought I saw you with a carseat, but I- oh my goodness, she’s so cute! What’s her name?!”

April smiled and took the baby.

“This is Mae,” she said. Raphael stifled a laugh, and Leonardo gave him a look. “It was Casey’s idea. And I was so doped up, I didn’t really notice. But it grew on me.” She stroked the child’s head and smiled. “You wanna hold her?”

“Do I?!” Slowly and carefully, she placed Mae in his arms, watching as she snuggled up to his plastron, and closed her eyes. “Wow, April- she’s beautiful.”

“Thank you.”

Leo peeked his head around Mike’s shoulder and gazed down at her.

“She looks so much like you… She’s wise, like you,” he whispered.

Tears stung her eyes.

They stood there, for awhile, just staring. Even Raph came over and peered skeptically down at the baby. She saw his eyes soften though, and he stroked her cheek with a finger. Mike pulled out his T-Phone and snapped a quick photo of her. April realized how tiny she looked next to them; how small she looked in his massive hands. Kirby broke the silence.

“You guys wanna stay for a late dinner? We were just gonna have some pizza delivered.”

“Oh, no… That’s fine,” Leo said, still looking at Mae. “We should get back to Splinter anyway… Thank you though, for the offer, Mr. O’Neil.”

“Oh, please, call me Kirby. I insist.”

He nodded.

Just then, the baby’s face turned down in a frown and she started to cry; a piercing wail, causing them all to flinch. Mike tried to bounce her, console her, but she was past that. It was full-blown fit time. Raph stepped away, made uncomfortable by the noise, and Leonardo glanced over guiltily.

“She’s probably hungry. She hasn’t eaten since before we got into the city. I’ll take her. Case? Can you grab the diaper bag? I might as well change her too; she should be getting to bed soon.”

“Yeah, babe. Hold up.”

“Well, we oughta hit the road,” Raph said.

“It was so nice to see you!” April shouted over the child wailing. “Tell Splinter and D-” She gulped. “ Don that I said hello, would you?”

Mike nodded, walking over to plant a kiss on her cheek and the baby’s head.

“I’ll tell ‘em.”

He winked and they were gone.

Donatello woke to a pain in his shoulder. He was face-down at his desk once again, feeling the overwhelming need to ingest caffeine. When he glanced over at his T-Phone, a slough of messages littered the screen. They were from his brothers.

M: Hey, we’re gonna hang @ Mondo’s crib. Wanna come?

R: Slash will be there. And Leatherhead.

L: It would be good to go see them. Get out of the lab.

R: Or don’t. It’s whatever. We’re going anyway.

M: Ya never know, dude, there might be some hot mutant chicks there. ;P

L: Or you can see your friends you haven’t seen in years... That’s good, too.

R: Yo… you coming or not?

M: Guys, I just tried to wake him up. I thought he was dead! He’s def not coming with us.

L: Just to let you know, Sensei’s going  too. So you’ve got the lair to yourself. Maybe you could load the dishwasher? Vacuum the dojo? Thanks.

Truthfully, Leonardo’s comment would’ve made him mad any other day, but he figured it was the least he could do, after sleeping through a day with friends. Don made a mental note to send them a quick apology text. He did feel a little guilty, but… Well, for starters, things never really sat well with he and Mondo. And Leatherhead was just uncomfortable around him, after the last time he had an episode and they were together… Don reckoned he still had the scars around his neck… And then there was Slash. Who’d apologized relentlessly about his behavior. But he couldn’t help being suspicious. When someone tries to kill you, and then suddenly changes their game, there’s reason to get skeptical. His joints popped as he got up, and he shuffled to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. After his first two cups, he loaded the dishwasher and took the trash out, where they would pick it up for patrolling the next time they were up top. He thought back to last night- how great it felt to feel the fresh summer air against his skin. To finally feel like he was doing something worthwhile. Until… He remembered her slim figure. Her long legs, her freckled skin, and her long hair. The glint of the wedding ring in the light- the luggage. Casey fucking Jones getting out of the cab with a car seat. A baby… She had a baby. He shook his head. He knew it was wrong of him to be angry; it was her life. And she was happy. Isn’t that what he’d wished for?

Donatello grabbed the vacuum and started working in the living room area. He forgot how long it took to clean the place- which is why they always did it together. The first Saturday of every month. He turned on Beethoven’s 5th, focusing his thoughts on the music and the tasks at hand. It was three hours before he finished cleaning the entire lair, including his own room, which had grown messy from his nights in the lab. He kept the music going as he began to organize his lab. Certain sized washers, nuts, bolts, nails, etc, in different buckets, putting all of his projects together… He was welding some pieces together for a part for the Shell Raiser when he heard a noise. His hand instinctively went to his bo, and he slid the welding helmet up. Quietly and carefully, he clicked to the security cameras on one of his monitors, but they showed nothing. He unsheathed his weapon and creeped to his door, which was ajar. When he saw a shadow approach, his eyes went white and he melted into the darkness of the wall. The footsteps got closer, and he jumped out, ready to strike.

Only it wasn’t an intruder.

“April?!”

“Oh! Don! I’m so sorry! I just-”

“You scared the shit out of me! What-what are you doing here?”

He took off the helmet and sheathed his bo.

She stared at the ground.

“I… Honestly, I don’t know… I wanted to… I should-I should leave.”

“No! No, stay.”

“I can go. I should go.”

She turned to leave and he put a hand on her shoulder.

“No. April. Please. I insist.”

She smiled.

“Okay…”

“Coffee?”

“Oh God, yes please,” she said. The two made their way into the kitchen, and he pulled out the beans to grind them. She cleared her throat and went to the sink. Above it, was a cabinet, where they kept all the mugs. She grabbed two, and put them on the island. He looked over at her, and she realized what she’d done. Her face went hot with embarrassment.

“I’m sorry… I…”

“No, I… I just couldn’t believe you remembered where they were.”

“Had you forgotten that my Dad was kidnapped by the Kraang? And then turned into a giant, mutant bat? I spent a lot of time down here,” she said, smiling. Donatello laughed softly.

“You’re right. You did practically live here for a couple years. How is Kirby?”

“He’s alright… He’s been… Seeing a doctor. Getting mutated twice really took a toll on him. He’s better, though. Not like before, with the night terrors and the wandering…”

“That’s good. I’m glad he’s doing better.”

“Yeah, thanks… He’s been having nightmares lately. Calling me late at night. I mean, I’m usually awake anyway, but… I’m kinda worried about him.”

“Oh… I mean, if your Dad can get through all of that, he can get through this. He’s strong… How’s your job, Professor?”

“It’s fun, actually. My students are all pretty enthusiastic. They actually want to study Biology. It’s not like when I was interning at the high school and the kids just wanted to look down my shirt. It’s really cool to see how passionate they are about it… But what about you? How have you been?”

“Uh… I mean, nothing’s really changed. Ice Cream Kitty passed away. That was pretty hard on Mike… I started an online business. Basically, people pay me to update their websites and fix any viruses. It doesn’t pay much, but it helps for when the washer breaks or the place floods.” She blinked.

“Yeah… That’s happened a couple times. Once, there was at least three inches of sewage in here…”

“Oh my God. That’s disgusting.”

“Yeah… It took a really long time to get the smell out… It hasn’t happened in a couple years, though… Other than that… No big changes here.”

“Mike told me about Ice Cream Kitty last night… I’m so sorry.”

“I mean… She was mostly his, but she was nice to have around…” The room went silent for a bit, as the liquid poured into the pot.

“Why didn’t you come by last night?”

He froze.

“I… didn’t think I’d be welcome…”

“Oh… Don, of course you are. Always.”

“W-what’re you doing in the city, anyway? Don’t you live upstate?”

“Yeah, actually… We renovated the farmhouse. We were gonna get an apartment closer to the university, but then I found out that I was-” she stopped. His shoulder twitched.

“It’s okay,” he said.

“Pregnant. That I was pregnant... And we decided to buy the house. And it’s nice, ya know, raising my daughter in the house I grew up.”

Donatello felt a pang in his chest.

April has a daughter.

“That’s so great. I’m really happy for you… What’s her name?”

He grabbed the mugs and began pouring.

“You’re gonna laugh…”

“What? Why?”

“It’s Mae… With an ‘e’.”

He smiled, taking a sip of his coffee to hide it.

“I know, I know… I’d said that I never wanted to name my child that… And people always suggested it as a joke… But there were some complications with her birth, and I was so doped up… The doctors were asking for a name, and Casey just said it… But it grew on me, ya know? She’s such a sweetheart. Big, brown eyes… Red hair, though, surprisingly. Though, she’ll probably grow out of it. Here, I’ll just…”

He set her cup in front of her, and she brought out her phone. When she clicked on the button, her screen popped up. Behind the time, was a photo of a beautiful rosy-cheeked baby, grinning with half a tiny fist in her mouth.

“Oh… Oh, wow… April, she’s…”

He blinked away tears.

“W-what’s wrong?”

“What? Nothing… I dunno, it’s this new thing… where I cry… Old age or something.”

She smiled uneasily.

“God, we are getting old, aren’t we?” When she looked down at her cup, she gasped. April looked up at him with that look; the kunoichi smile. He felt his stomach stir.

“You made it black…”

“Y-yeah… That’s how you always took your coffee…?”

“I just… Casey always puts creamer in mine… But you remembered…”

“Oh…”

The room fell silent again, and the two sipped from their mugs.

“I know this is weird, but… Would you wanna see some of my projects?”

“Dude, yes! I would love to!”

She began following Donatello, who was already rambling on about an article he read about thermodynamics and quantum shortcuts, and she couldn’t help but feel an impending sense of dread at the thought of his solitary life below the city.  He was so damned smart. He was lightyears ahead any of her peers at the University. He could've taught their courses at the age of sixteen. He’d played a part in saving the world more times than he could count on both hands.

And yet, they would never accept him.

She’d been there when they called him “freak”. When they put up signs reading “We don’t serve mutants.” When he pulled a woman’s baby from a fire and she screamed and ran away. She was there, dressing his wounds as he held back the tears and the anger at his own form. She knew what he was thinking: If only I were human… Donatello single handedly created a retromutagen for not only her father, but the entirety of New York. April had watched as he used his smartphone to hack an entire Kraang data base. But he would spend his life in hiding. Everything he did- even some of the best scientific discoveries of the twentieth century -would go unnoticed. It probably wouldn’t be in their lifetime that some of his discoveries would even be made by the scientists who would actually get credit for it. That was the life of a ninja, was it not? Hiding.

She shoved the thoughts from her head, and wandered about the room, clutching the mug against her chest, knuckles white. He was still talking when she approached his locker. He’d told her that it was all old junk from when they were kids. Pictures, toys, boring stuff. Still… it’d been so long. She reached for the handle and he ran over.

“Wait! Stop!”

“What’ve you got to hide, D?” she asked, raising an eyebrow. Before he could protest again, she flung the door open. He stepped back, rubbing his neck awkwardly with one hand, and she blinked. At her eye-level, was the music box. A thin layer of dust coated it, dulling the glow of the gold heart that decorated the top. She pulled it out, setting her mug down, and opened it. An out-of-tune song could be heard playing, and fifteen-year-old Donnie smiled up at her. Tears stung her eyes, and she shut it.

“You… still have this? Don, I-”

“Yeah, I just… well, you didn’t- I mean, I-”

She ran her hand over it, feeling immense guilt waft over her.

“I'm so sorry,” she whispered. “I’m-”

“Don't.”

She turned to him quizzically. His expression softened and he smiled, taking the box from her, putting a hand on her shoulder. Donatello reached past her, to put it back, and his plastron brushed against her chest. A barely audible gasp escaped her lips as he stepped back, closer than before. His figure towered over her, and she felt her eyes fall to his bobbing throat. They stood in the silence for too long, before he coughed and stepped away.

“Hey, do you… wanna do something fun?”

“Wh-what do you mean?”

“Do you wanna have some fun?”

“I dunno, you're scaring me…”

“Just come with me.”

“I can't believe we’re actually doing this,” April whispered, concealing herself in the shadows of the alley. She knew it was juvenile, but she felt her heart hammer in her chest anyway.

“We’re fine. I’m on the lookout,” Donatello encouraged her, pressing his hand into the small of her back. Six hours ago, she would’ve felt uncomfortable with the contact, but she barely noticed it as she broke out in a nervous sweat. April crept toward the wall of the old building, and pulled the bandana over her face. She rolled and cracked her neck.

“C’mon, you sissy!” he teased, winking when she glanced back to shoot daggers at him. She raised her arm and shook the can, surprised by the rush of joy that warmed her chest. The red paint stained the wall and she grinned beneath her temporary mask. He gave her a thumbs up, and she was ready to laugh when the door swung open. A booming voice cursed at them in Italian, and they booked it around the corner. The two huddled against the wall, and Don stifled a laugh, peering around the edge of the brick. As the man got closer, the shadow of a gun came into view. The man yelled again, brandishing the weapon in the air.

“I’ll get you thugs! I’m not jokin’ this time! No more mista nice guy!” He fired a warning shot in the air, causing them to flinch. Her laughter ceased immediately, as Donatello pressed her into the cold brick, his arms on either side of her head. She watched as his eyes went white, and his left hand twitched toward his bo. After a few minutes, the man walked away, mumbling. April huffed, realizing that she’d been holding her breath.

“Phew! That was-”

“Shh!”

He got even closer, and his breath rolled down her neck. She blushed when she shivered, goosebumps rising on the skin that his breath touched. His nictitating membranes slid back and he relaxed.

“We’re clear,” he said, looking down into her eyes. He blinked a few times, before stepping away, turning his attention to their recent art project. It read:

WERE CUMIN FOR U NEXT, TIGER CLAW!

The red paint corrected every mistake in the poorly written threat. Adding an apostrophe and the rest of the word ‘you’. The word cumin was crossed out and written as ‘coming’. He smiled, thinking back to simpler times, when their grammatical and spelling errors were things that really mattered. When they watched the news cover the story about their graffiti.

“Jesus, you’d think they'd at least know that cumin is a spice…”

“Well, they spelled Tiger Claw right,” she said, tossing the can into a trash bin. She stood next to him, admiring the new and improved message.

“Nice work, professor O’Neil.”

She crossed her arms and leaned against him. Glancing at the time on her phone, she gasped. He looked over, concerned, and she dialed the number. She turned to hold a finger up at him, and walked around the corner.

“Hey, babe… I know I've been out awhile, but- oh. Oh, really? That's… Yeah that would be great. I shouldn't be long. I just ran into… an old friend. Give her kisses for me. There's breastmilk in the fridge. Alright. Bye. L-love you too. See ya.”

He raised an eyebrow when she got back, and she guiltily turned her gaze to the pavement.

“It's almost sunset… you wanna-”

“Yes,” he blurted.

She grinned.

When they finally got to the rooftop, their slurpees were practically melted, but she didn't care. It was the best seat in the house. One of the only places in the city that you could see the entire skyline, without a building obstructing the view. They talked and drank as the light faded away, huddling under a blanket and laying on a few old sleeping bags. He was pointing out constellations to her when she turned to him.

“It’s such a clear night,” he whispered, grinning.

“Can I tell you something?” she asked.

“Of course.”

“I've been… taking anti-depressants.”

His eyes went wide and a browridge furrowed. She gulped.

“Doc says it’s really common in new mothers, but I… I haven't even told Casey. He just thinks that I have it all together. That I have it all figured out, and the truth is, I look at her and I-I feel nothing… Well, not nothing. But I look in her eyes and I just… I’m waiting for the motherly instinct to just sink in, and it… doesn't. How is that fair to her? How can I be a good mother if… if…”

She began to cry. Hard. Sobs racking her body like dry heaves. He pulled her into him. She inhaled his familiar scent, waiting for him to say some scientific facts to make her feel better, but he just held her there, in the crisp night air. She sniffed and pulled away, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear.

“Okay, so I told you something. Your turn.”

“What? No, that's-”

“Rules are rules.”

She wiped her nose with a sleeve of her sweater.

He put his head back, staring up at the stars. Donatello took a deep breath and swallowed.

“Sensei is sick,” he almost whispered. Tears gathered at the edges of his eyes and her gut twisted.

“What?”

“It's… cancer. H-he asked me not to…” His throat worked and his mask stained a dark purple. “Sorry, I… it’s the first time I've said it… out loud. And- God, I'm sorry.” He wiped his eyes with his wrist wraps and looked at her. “He asked me not to tell my brothers. He wants to do it himself.”

She grabbed his hand and squeezed, and they sat quietly for awhile.

“Donnie…”

“Yeah?”

“Will you kiss me?”

He blinked, taking his hand out of her grip.

“April-”

“Please?”

He was hovering above her in an instant, licking his lips. She gulped, wrapping a hand around the base of his skull and pulling him in. She relished in the taste of him, his labored breath against her cheeks. He wrapped a massive hand under her back, and lifted her, wrapping her legs around his torso. Don attached his lips to her neck, and a moan escaped through her teeth. Caught off guard by the noise, she recoiled, and stumbled to her feet, gathering her purse.

“Shit,” she whispered. “Shit, shit, shit.”

He got up too, guiltily rubbing the back of his neck. She kept her eyes to the ground.

“I have to go,” she said.

“April, no, I’m so sorry-”

“God, Donnie! I'm-I’m fucking married!”

“I'm so sorry…”

“I just- I’m married. I h-have to go. I have to go.”

“April, wait! I’m sorry-”

“Would you stop saying that?!”

He blinked.

“But I-”

“Just stop! Stop apologizing!”

“Oh, that's rich,” he spat.

“What the fuck is that supposed to mean?”

“It means that at least I am apologizing, April! I’m trying to-”

“Oh, so you're expecting me to?!”

“YES!” he boomed. “You left! You bailed when it got hard! I was ready to-to-”

“What, to wait for me?! You know that's not what I wanted!”

“No, of course not. You wanted me to just run away with you, and leave my family!”

“I never expected you to do that!”

“No, but you wanted me to! And did you ever think about I wanted?! That I was willing to make it work?! That it wasn't just all or nothing for me?! I was prepared to spend the rest of my life with-” He stopped, jaw working and turned away from her.

“You're the one who broke it off! You-”

He spun around then, storming over, towering above her.

“You gave me no other choice! You wanted ‘normal’! Any sort of normal you could muster up from all the shit that's happened. How could I keep you from having that?! And I don't blame you. I guess I wasn't human enough for you- or, maybe I just wasn't enough asshole-”

“Don't fucking bring Casey into this!”

“He brought himself into this!”

“That's not true, and you know it, Don!”

“He was pining for you since the day you met! And you just- you dangled him in front of me! He was always the more normal choice. The most obvious one. But instead, you chose me. You chose me, April! And no matter how many times I asked, you always told me he wasn't a problem. And then you give me a goddamn ultimatum!”

“I still don't see what he has to do with-”

“He has everything to do with it! Need I remind you of all the girls he brought home?”

“Shut up! He’s not like that anymore! He's grown up. A lot. Which is more than I can say for you!”

“How about what he did to Raph-”

She cut him off with a stinging slap, and he tumbled to the rooftop. April gasped, reaching for him, and he shrunk away, getting himself up. He turned his back to her again, and spoke up, his voice low and wavering.

“That was supposed to be my life.”

“Don-”

“No. Please, just let me say this?” She stayed quiet, waiting as the wind picked up. “All I ever wanted was to be accepted by humans. And all I was ever taught was that they never would. And then, you came along. God, I can still remember the day we met. When against all odds, you took my hand anyway. And that was the first time I ever had a spark of hope that maybe I wasn’t a disgusting freak of nature. Then again, when all odds were against me, you loved me. Me. An accident…” He trailed off, shaking his head. “I would give anything to have what he has.” Donatello faced her, finally, tears staining his mask and her lip quivered.

“Why didn’t you fight for me?” she asked, sniffling.

“We were so young, April, I-I was scared.”

He stepped closer, as did she.

“I was scared too!”

“And how would it be fair of me to ask you to give up your life? To give up any semblance of a normal life?  It would’ve been so selfish of me to ask that of you!”

“So you just… let me go?” she asked, her fist clenched beside her.

He smiled sadly up at April and crossed to her.

“Do you love him?” he asked.

She blinked, and looked at the ground guiltily. Don tilted her face up to his, still smiling, and fresh tears streamed down her cheeks.

“Yes.”

“And you’re happy?”

“Yes I am,” she whispered.

“That’s all I ever wanted.”

April sobbed then, doubling over, clutching a hand over her mouth. Don gulped, and pulled her into a fierce embrace. He kissed her head, tearing up as he realized she still used the same shampoo. He closed his eyes and thought of her daughter; that both her parents would attend her kindergarten graduation. That they both would take her to the park; and out to dinners after her school plays. Mae would have every opportunity he didn’t; graduating high school, college, having a career. A normal family…

Donatello hugged her tighter, and he knew.

He’d made the right decision all those years ago. 

#apritello #april o'neil #donatello #TMNT 2012 #fanfic