Trust in the Shadows

I Think His Name is Baxter Stockman: Part 2

Alyssa's POV:

The next morning, we start our usual training session, but our lack of a full night's sleep has put most of us off our game. The guys either lack the proper stances, fall over too easily, or take too long to defend themselves against their opponent. Meanwhile, I'm used to having a rough night prior to training, so it's somewhat easier for me to keep our secret just that.

Splinter: "Knees higher, Leonardo! Extend, Michelangelo! Raphael, you call that a Koho Tenkai? Because I do not! Yame!"

We walk to kneel before him.

Splinter: "Hmm. Is there something you want to tell me?"

Mikey: "Something we 'want' to tell you? Nope."

Splinter: "You all seem tired."

Leo: "We're not."

Donnie: "Wide awake."

Me: "Up and at 'em."

Raph: "Fresh as daisies."

We all smile widely for emphasis, until Mikey yawns & falls over with a thud.

Splinter: "Hmm. So, you boys would not reject a little Randori."

Mikey: "Well-"

Before Mikey can finish, Splinter whacks them all on the shell with a wooden staff. One of the benefits of not having a protective shell is that, in situations like these, you end up with less bruises. The guys are now sprawled out on the floor, groaning in pain. Splinter walks off to his room, but not before he gives us a final warning.

Splinter: "I hope you have learned, students, that truth isn't the only thing that hurts."

We all head to the living room, except Donnie, who walks to the lab to work on his next project. Leo & I are sitting on the floor close to the TV watching yet another episode of 'Space Heroes', Mikey's sitting on the opposite side of the room reading a comic book, while Raph's on the couch reading 'Modern Ninja Magazine.'

Crankshaw: *onscreen* "Captain Ryan! The rebellion is growing! We have to get off this planet!"

Captain Ryan: *onscreen* "No."

Crankshaw: *onscreen* "But, Captain-"

Captain Ryan: *slaps Crankshaw onscreen* "I said no!"

Captain Ryan & I: "We may have started this rebellion by accident-"

Leo & Captain Ryan: "But by the rings of Nebulon-"

Captain Ryan, Leo, & I: "We are going to finish it on purpose!"

Raph: "Seen this enough time there, kids?"

Leo: "Shh, this is the best part."

Then, Leo groans as the program switches to a 'Breaking News' segment.

Carlos: "We interrupt this program to bring you breaking news. We've received shocking footage of an assault on the T.C.R.I office complex in Brooklyn."

The screen changes to show the man from last night, his suit seemingly upgraded to be more powerful, as he attacks his former co-workers. He then begins a villainous monologue, again. Before he can finish, a worker interrupts him as they recognize him.