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in Daylight", "description": "Donatello and his brothers visit Niccolo Stockman's world to meet his family. There they discover many new challenges. Sequel to \"Don and the Puzzle Box\". \n\nMulti-chapter 2k3", "count": "16", "submission_left_submission_id": "1849839", "submission_left_file_name": "2657283_hummerhouse_walking_in_daylight_part_9.doc", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/2657/2657283_hummerhouse_walking_in_daylight_part_9.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2657/2657283_hummerhouse_walking_in_daylight_part_9.jpg", "submission_left_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2657/2657283_hummerhouse_walking_in_daylight_part_9.jpg", "submission_left_thumb_huge_x": "271", "submission_left_thumb_huge_y": "300", "submission_left_thumb_large_x": "181", "submission_left_thumb_large_y": "200", "submission_left_thumb_medium_x": "109", "submission_left_thumb_medium_y": "120", "submission_right_submission_id": "1933666", "submission_right_file_name": "2784879_hummerhouse_walking_in_daylight_part_11.doc", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_huge": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/huge/2784/2784879_hummerhouse_walking_in_daylight_part_11.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_large": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/large/2784/2784879_hummerhouse_walking_in_daylight_part_11.jpg", "submission_right_thumbnail_url_medium": "https://nl1.ib.metapix.net/thumbnails/medium/2784/2784879_hummerhouse_walking_in_daylight_part_11.jpg", "submission_right_thumb_huge_x": "271", "submission_right_thumb_huge_y": "300", "submission_right_thumb_large_x": "181", "submission_right_thumb_large_y": "200", "submission_right_thumb_medium_x": "109", "submission_right_thumb_medium_y": "120" } ], "description": "Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.\nWord Count: 4,574 multi-chapter 2k3\nSummary: Donatello and his brothers visit Niccolo Stockman's world to meet his family. There they learn the joys of venturing into the daylight and walking out in the open among humans. They also learn about the sacrifices that have to be made in order to earn that freedom and the prejudices that are a continuing battle.\nRatings will vary by chapter from G to NC-17\nSequel to [url=https://inkbunny.net/poolview_process.php?pool_id=35485]Don and the Puzzle Box[/url] \n~~The beautiful and touching preview image was created by the very talented Sherenelle and used with the artist's permission.\nOC's Donovan and Yoshino are the property of Gemi and used with their permission and writing assistance.\nConcurrent works [url=https://archiveofourown.org/series/1318631]Walking in Daylight oneshot series[/url] by Gemi", "description_bbcode_parsed": "Disclaimer: The TMNT are not mine. No money being made.
Word Count: 4,574 multi-chapter 2k3
Summary: Donatello and his brothers visit Niccolo Stockman's world to meet his family. There they learn the joys of venturing into the daylight and walking out in the open among humans. They also learn about the sacrifices that have to be made in order to earn that freedom and the prejudices that are a continuing battle.
Ratings will vary by chapter from G to NC-17
Sequel to Don and the Puzzle Box
~~The beautiful and touching preview image was created by the very talented Sherenelle and used with the artist's permission.
OC's Donovan and Yoshino are the property of Gemi and used with their permission and writing assistance.
Concurrent works Walking in Daylight oneshot series by Gemi", "writing": "\tGetting Niccolo alone after their practice session proved to be a challenge.\n\nThough Donatello meant to have a private chat with his mate, his plan was thwarted as soon as he saw that Dr. Stockman was waiting for Nicco. Father and son excused themselves from the group and took the elevator upstairs.\n\nThe remainder of the turtles met in the kitchen. Annabelle had prepared homemade biscuits early that morning, and they were sitting in towel covered baskets on the counter. Mikey grabbed a plate and helped himself, exclaiming that they were still warm.\n\nSince Novan had filled up on grapes, he was already sitting at the table when Mase and Yoshi came in, having heard voices. Yoshi rushed to his brother and climbed onto Novan's lap.\n\n``What have you been up to this morning?'' Novan asked.\n\n``Had biscuits and peaches and then brushed my teeth,'' Yoshi said, looking into his brother's face as if seeking approval.\n\n``Very good,'' Novan said. ``Did you drink your milk?''\n\nYoshi smiled and nodded. Leaning close, he whispered loudly, ``Mase put chocolate in it.''\n\n``He drank two glasses,'' Mase said with a laugh. Opening the oven door to extract a large bowl and a platter that were being kept warm inside, he added, ``Guys, there's gravy and sausage patties to go with those biscuits.''\n\nSetting the food on the table, Mase sat near Novan. Raph brought the biscuits and Leo the plates to the table and took seats, with Raph choosing one on the farthest end from Novan. Don was the last to the table, bringing glasses and a jug of milk with him.\n\n``Mase examined me,'' Yoshi said in his most somber voice. ``He said I need more iron.''\n\n``He's a little anemic,'' Mase explained. ``Drinking more iron fortified milk will help. I'd prefer to avoid iron supplements. He had some egg yolks with his biscuits.''\n\nNovan made a face and then told Yoshi, ``You forgot to mention the eggs.''\n\n``'Cause I know you don't like them,'' Yoshi said. ``I read a book to Mase. He likes my voice.''\n\n``I like your voice too, cookie-nose,'' Novan said, tweaking Yoshi's beak. ``Want to read to me?''\n\n``Okay,'' Yoshi said enthusiastically, sliding off Novan's lap.\n\nThe pair disappeared into the sitting room. As soon as they were gone, Raph noticeably relaxed.\n\n``Is he getting under your skin, Raphie?'' Mikey asked in a teasing tone.\n\n``Shut it,'' Raph growled at him.\n\nMikey grinned and looked at Mase. ``Novan bested him during practice.''\n\n``Novan practiced with you guys?'' Mase asked incredulously.\n\n``Right at the end,'' Don told him. ``Raph challenged him.''\n\n``Only `cause he wouldn't shut up,'' Raph explained quickly.\n\nMase gave him a speculative look. ``Wasn't being very serious, was he? Novan tends to be a little irreverent. You shouldn't hold that against him.''\n\n``Maybe Raph should hold something else against . . . .'' Mikey began.\n\n``We should probably plan our day,'' Leo said, interrupting his brother before the conversation could get out of hand. ``Hun is not wasting any time in harassing the mutants at the camp so we shouldn't waste any in implementing our counter offensive.''\n\n``That means I should run Mikey over to the camp and see about getting him a teaching position at the school,'' Masolino said. ``Shouldn't be too hard since it pays nothing.''\n\n``Mikey, once there, you'll need to be convincing in your new job,'' Leo said. ``Gain the trust of the children and teacher. Once the children are attached to you, it shouldn't be difficult to engage their parents. Your primary task is to learn as much as you can from the inhabitants.''\n\n``Not just the female ones either,'' Raph said.\n\nNicco walked in just as Mikey was saluting his brothers. ``Have I missed something?'' he asked.\n\n``Just Mikey receiving his orders,'' Don said with a smile as Nicco sat down next to him.\n\nNicco looked at his brother. ``Did you finish running down that license plate?''\n\n``Oh, I almost forgot!'' Mase exclaimed. ``The limited liability corporations all led to different blind trusts, so that the name of the settlor doesn't show up. In each instance, the assets of the blind trust are managed by a different trustee. When I searched through the trustees, it turned out that the trust beneficiaries are all employees of businesses without assets, but . . . .''\n\n``Mase, cut to the chase,'' Nicco said, stopping his brother's verbal ramblings.\n\n``The car is registered to Recycle World,'' Mase said. ``It's the recycling operation that Hun and his brother own.''\n\n``How perfectly cliche and exactly what a shady company [i]would [/i]call itself,'' Raph said with a derisive snort.\n\n``That confirms our suspicions,'' Nicco said. ``By itself, there's nothing about that information that's useful.''\n\n``Except that if you're trying to build a case for the State District Attorney, every piece of information that points towards Hun will come in handy,'' Don said. ``A preponderance of circumstantial evidence can become actual evidence, at least in our justice system.''\n\n``In ours too,'' Mase said. He glanced up at the wall clock. ``In a couple of hours the school will take a break for lunch. We can meet Ms. Kala then.''\n\n``It's Saturday,'' Don said. ``The kids are in school?''\n\nMase nodded. ``They go seven days a week. Saturday and Sunday are shorter days, but it keeps the kiddos out of mischief if they have to attend classes every day.''\n\n``The school has a lunch program as well,'' Nicco said. ``The setup is very helpful to mutant parents who have actually managed to find work.''\n\n``Is Ms. Kala the only teacher?'' Mikey asked.\n\n``Her brothers are also teachers,'' Mase said. ``Ms. Kala, Mr. Dask, and Mr. Zak, which is how they like to be addressed, teach different age groups. You'll probably teach more than one art class each day.''\n\n``What about art supplies?'' Mikey asked. ``Does the school have any?''\n\n``We'll buy some on the way there,'' Mase said. ``Having a bunch of new stuff to play with should add to the kids' excitement.''\n\n``I need a phone too,'' Mikey said, staring at Donatello. ``I've gotta have a way to call in my reports, right?''\n\n``And absolutely not because you have a bunch of women's phone numbers,'' Raph said sarcastically.\n\n``We can probably use our shell cells here,'' Don said. ``I'll have to reconfigure them to utilize the cell phone towers on this world.''\n\n``Or we could buy new phones and add them to our existing phone plan,'' Nicco said, draping his arm along the back of Don's chair. ``Have you forgotten that technically half the diamonds we collected during our adventure belong to you?''\n\n``Have you forgotten that I didn't want them?'' Don countered, gazing lovingly at his mate. ``We will accept the cell phones though. That's a practical expenditure.''\n\n``So how about Don and I go cell phone shopping while Mase and Mikey visit the camp?'' Nicco asked. ``Leo, Raph, do you guys want to come with us? You haven't seen much of the city yet.''\n\nLeo shook his head. ``I'd prefer to spend some time researching Hun and his business. Maybe I can find a hint about his connection to the government and why that land is so important to all of them. We know from what Novan told us that it isn't because Hun wants it as a waste disposal site.''\n\n``I'll just hang here with Leo,'' Raph said. ``Shopping for fancy tech stuff ain't exactly my idea of fun.''\n\n``We're taking the van,'' Mase announced. ``We'll need the room.''\n\n``Donny, it looks like it's time I introduced you to Becky,'' Nicco said.\n\n``Becky?'' Don looked at him, puzzled.\n\n``Nicco's beat up old truck,'' Mase said. ``He refuses to shoot her and put her out of her misery.''\n\n``She runs just fine,'' Nicco shot back. ``What more do you want?''\n\n``Less smoke, fewer backfires, a better paint job, a working ac, seat springs that don't poke you in the ass . . . .'' Mase replied with a grin.\n\n``Point A to point B, jerk,'' Nicco said.\n\n``Good thing Don's already your mate,'' Mase said. ``If he saw Becky before you sealed the deal, he'd have run away.''\n\n``You're just jealous because she doesn't like you,'' Nicco said.\n\n``There is absolutely nothing normal about that truck.'' Mase leaned towards Don. ``I've tried fixing her and she will not cooperate.''\n\n``You call her names,'' Nicco argued. ``Not nice ones. Becky has feelings.''\n\nBy this time the Hamato clan were all laughing. Annabelle walked in while the pair of brothers were still discussing the truck and stood at the kitchen counter smiling at them.\n\nNicco looked up at her and called out, ``The biscuits were perfection, Annabelle.''\n\nFive voices chimed in to add their appreciation, which had Annabelle practically beaming. Still she tried to maintain a certain gruffness as she responded. ``I'm glad you all liked the home cooking so much. Who's cleaning up this mess?''\n\nStanding up, Nicco began gathering plates. Leo followed his example quickly, with Raph and Don in line behind them.\n\n``There's already enough hands in the kitchen,'' Mase said, reaching over to tap Mikey's arm. ``Let's get going. We want to be at the camp when the kids go to lunch.''\n\n``Okay,'' Mikey said agreeably, following Mase out of the house.\n\nOnce breakfast was cleared and the dishes in the dishwasher, Nicco and Don also departed for their shopping trip.\n\nLeft to their own devices, Leo turned to Raph. ``I'm going to use the computer in the basement for my research. Want to join me?''\n\n``Ya' go ahead,'' Raph said. ``I think I'm gonna watch some TV and get a handle on what passes for entertainment on this world.''\n\nLeo contemplated his brother. ``I'm surprised you didn't want to get out of the house when you had the chance.''\n\nScratching self-consciously at his neck, Raph said, ``To be honest, I ain't all that anxious to mingle with a store full of humans just yet. The whole idea takes getting used to.''\n\n``I remember what Don told me about the first time he went outside with Nicco,'' Leo said. ``How he held back because the idea of mingling with humans made him nervous. It's our upbringing. Master Splinter drilled it into us that the outside world was not a friendly place for us. The fear of being seen has become ingrained in us.''\n\n``Pfft, not in Mikey,'' Raph said. ``He's been jumping at every chance to go outside that he's gotten since we arrived here.''\n\nLeo laughed. ``Mikey is in a category all his own. I'll be downstairs if you change your mind.''\n\nLeft to his own devices once Leo was gone, Raph wandered over to the entertainment area. He stood looking at the television but did not turn it on, feeling suddenly restless. The sun shined through the windows and Raph decided it would be nice to sit outside and enjoy the warmth.\n\nRemembering that he'd seen some books in the sitting room, Raph went in that direction, deciding he'd snag one and take it onto the back patio. When he reached the hallway though, he heard voices and stopped in the sitting room doorway.\n\nDonovan was seated on the mattress that had been placed on the floor as a bed for him and Yoshino. His shell was braced against the couch and his little brother was next to him, his head resting on Novan's arm.\n\nThere was a book in Novan's hands and he was reading aloud from it. Raph gathered that the story had something to do with a princess searching for her lost brother and getting help from forest creatures.\n\nNot wanting to interrupt them, Raph decided he'd take the newspaper out to the patio. Still he didn't move other than to cross his arms and lean against the doorframe.\n\nThe cadence of Novan's voice had a soothing quality to it and Raph could see that Yoshi had started to nod off. Raph found that he too was enjoying the melodious tones. He'd been telling himself that Novan was off putting, annoying, and crude, but then the albino would do or say something that surprised Raph in a not so unpleasant way.\n\nNovan's words grew slower, almost hypnotic, and then finally stopped. Raph blinked, pulling himself out of his reverie and saw that Yoshi was asleep. Donovan closed the book and then turned his head enough so that he was looking directly at Raphael.\n\n``Sorry,'' Raph said, keeping his voice low. ``Thought I'd borrow a book but didn't want to interrupt.''\n\nRaph half expected Novan to make some crack about not realizing that he could read, but the albino turtle waved him into the room instead.\n\n``Do help yourself,'' Novan told him.\n\n``He ain't gonna wake up?'' Raph asked.\n\n``You move quietly even when you aren't trying,'' Novan said. ``Yoshi is still trying to recover his strength. He won't wake short of an earthquake.''\n\nStepping into the room, Raph walked over to the small bookcase near the television. He could feel Novan's eyes on him and after making a selection, turned around to face him. Novan had risen from the mattress, tucked Yoshi in, and was sitting on the arm of the couch. It was clear then that Raph wasn't the only one who could move quietly.\n\n``He's a good kid,'' Raph said, tipping his head in Yoshi's direction.\n\n``Oh? Do you have much experience with children?'' Novan asked.\n\n``Some. Not much,'' Raph admitted with a shrug. ``Where I'm from, we don't get that many opportunities to interact with anyone outside our family.''\n\n``How sheltered,'' Novan responded.\n\n``It's okay. Cost of survival,'' Raph said. He frowned as a thought came to him. ``Does Hun know about your brother?''\n\n``He does not,'' Novan stated emphatically. ``None of my clients are acquainted with the fact that I have a brother.''\n\n``Nicco knew,'' Raph said.\n\n``Niccolo is a turtle,'' Novan said, as if that explained everything.\n\n``Did he tell Mase?'' Raph was curious, and Novan seemed in a mood to answer questions without too much hedging.\n\n``We met Masolino independently from Nicco,'' Novan said. ``He and Corius used to volunteer their medical services at the camps. This was during the war, before very many other mutants became trained as doctors.'' He gestured towards Yoshi. ``I am quite capable of caring for him under most circumstances, but sometimes his illnesses are beyond my means.''\n\nIt was easy to see that for Novan, being independent and able to support both himself and his brother was a matter of pride. Raph knew from experience that too much pride could get you into trouble.\n\n``Everybody needs help from time to time,'' Raph said.\n\n``Perhaps.'' Novan's expression seemed to close up and Raph could tell that he was finished sharing. ``Where has everyone gone?''\n\n``Mase took Mikey to the camp to apply for a job.'' Raph grinned, finding that idea funny. ``Nicco and Don took off to do some shopping.''\n\n``What of your brother Leonardo?'' Novan crossed his arms as he asked the question.\n\nRaph didn't know much about psychology and didn't really take a lot of stock in it, but he knew that sometimes a person crossed their arms as a subconscious barricade. It made him even more curious as to why Novan appeared to have taken an instant dislike to Leo.\n\n``In the basement doing research,'' Raph said. ``He's kinda got a one track mind when it comes to tackling problems.''\n\nNovan relaxed enough to lower his hands to his thighs. They were nice hands, Raph noted, despite the claws.\n\n``And yourself? You chose to stay inside rather than joining one of your brothers on an excursion?'' Novan asked.\n\nRaph laughed shortly. ``I ain't exactly the social type. Sitting outside in the sun with a good book sounded like a whole lot more fun.''\n\n``To each his own.'' Novan gestured towards his face. ``As you can see, sitting in the sun is not an option for me. Not unless I am covered in protective layers, which would of course defeat the purpose.''\n\n``Yeah, I guess so,'' Raph said.\n\n``Besides, I am much more of a night person if you know what I mean, darling,'' Novan said, tipping a wink at him.\n\nRaph chose not to acknowledge the innuendo. ``I'm with ya' there. I always have liked the excitement of the nightlife. Moving freely in the dark, finding guys who deserve a good smack down, that's more my speed.''\n\n``We do seem to have that in common,'' Novan said, ``just not exactly in the same fashion.''\n\nYoshi mumbled something in his sleep and rolled over. Both of the older turtles watched him for a moment and then Raph whispered, ``I'll get out of here now before I wake the little guy up.''\n\n``Feel free to come back if you find that book to be boring,'' Novan said. ``I'm sure we can find something to talk about. Or do.''\n\nThe inference wasn't lost on Raph and he flushed slightly. For some reason, Novan always made him feel a little out of balance.\n\nHe left without saying anything else and could almost feel Novan's smirk following him from the room. On the back patio, Raph found a comfortable chair and took his shirt off before sitting down. He would have liked to remove his pants as well, but was afraid Annabelle wouldn't take kindly to that.\n\nIf he was honest with himself, the thought that Novan might wander outside and find him stripped down made Raph feel awkward. There was something about the guy that just got under his skin.\n\nIt took a good quarter of an hour for Raph to focus on the book he'd borrowed. Then he finally started to relax.\n\nxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx\n\nMichelangelo was quivering with excitement when he and Mase pulled into the mutant camp. The trip to the art supply store had been enthralling; Mikey had rarely ever had anything new to draw on, in, or with and just touching a pristine sketch book filled him with awe.\n\nThe clerk, a human woman who had at first been standoffish when Mikey and Mase entered the store, became enthusiastic about helping them when she learned just how much the pair of mutants needed to buy. After they'd left with their purchases, Mase explained that the woman probably received a commission if her daily sales total went over a certain amount.\n\nMase drove around the camp so that he could get the van as close to the school as possible. As he and Mikey hopped out of the van, they saw a line of children streaming from the school tent, all being led by several adult mutants towards the communal kitchen.\n\n``Those are volunteers who help out during lunch period and recess,'' Mase explained. ``The teachers will be inside straightening up and having their own lunch.''\n\n``We're not gonna be bothering them, are we?'' Mikey asked as Mase opened the back of the van. ``I don't want to start off by making a bad first impression.''\n\n``All they have to do is listen to our proposal. It won't interfere with their lunch,'' Mase assured him. He handed several bags to Mikey and then lifted out a large box full of supplies. ``Besides, when we show up with this stuff, they'll probably fall all over us.''\n\nMase led the way to the tent. When they entered, Mikey saw that the large structure had been partitioned off into three separate classrooms.\n\nLong tables served as desks, with mismatched chairs arranged around them to provide seating. At the front of the classroom they'd entered was a chalkboard on a stand and a battered metal desk covered in stacked papers. On the end of the desk was a vase containing wildflowers.\n\nMovement to one side of the space drew Mikey's attention. Coming in from one of the other classrooms was a beautiful female lizard.\n\nMase tipped his head towards Mikey and said in a low voice, ``Ms. Kala and her brothers are blue tegu. She's pretty, isn't she?''\n\nMs. Kala wore a fetching green dress, with touches of blue as accent points. Mikey merely nodded his answer to Mase's question, too riveted to form words.\n\nThe teacher had started erasing the chalkboard when she noticed that she had visitors.\n\n``Masolino! I haven't seen you in a while,'' Ms. Kala said.\n\n``How's the desk holding up?'' Mase asked.\n\n``All of the drawers work perfectly,'' Ms. Kala answered with a smile. ``Whatever you did fixed the problem.''\n\n``Ms. Kala, this is Michelangelo,'' Mase said, setting his box on the floor. ``Michelangelo, Ms. Kala.''\n\nMikey put the bags he was carrying down and moved forward to take Ms. Kala's outstretched hand. It was cool and fit perfectly in Mikey's and when he met her light brown eyes, he felt as though he could swim in them forever.\n\nThe handshake lingered as Ms. Kala stared at Mikey as well. It wasn't until Mase cleared his throat that the pair let go of one another.\n\n``Call me Mikey,'' Mikey said.\n\n``Kala, your lunch is getting cold.'' Another blue tegu came through the flap in the partition and then stopped when he saw the visitors. ``Oh, hey Mase.''\n\n``How are you doing, Dask?'' Mase asked.\n\n``Every day's a gift,'' Dask said.\n\nHis voice was a monotone and from the way Mase had greeted Dask, it seemed that there was no love lost between the two.\n\n``I hear a voice I haven't heard in a while.'' A third tegu appeared and then rushed towards Mase to grasp his hand. ``Hello stranger.''\n\nMase laughed. ``Zak, buddy! Are you staying out of trouble?''\n\n``Nope,'' Zak answered with a grin. ``Who's this?''\n\n``I'm Mikey.'' He held out a hand to shake with Zak and then Dask.\n\n``Mikey is applying for the unpaid position of art teacher,'' Mase said. ``He even brought his own supplies.''\n\nZak squatted next to the large box and rummaged around inside. ``Damn, this stuff is new. You're hired.''\n\nKala laughed, the sound like soft chimes washing over Mikey. He was smitten.\n\n``Can't say I'd complain about having someone taking over my class for a time each day,'' Dask said. ``You okay with giving us three hours per? We'll arrange the schedules so you can teach classes back to back.''\n\n``Sounds good to me,'' Mikey said. ``I can start now if you want.''\n\n``You can have my class as soon as they get back from lunch,'' Dask said. ``That'll be about fifty minutes from now. We give them an hour to eat and run off some excess energy before coming back.''\n\n``Saturdays and Sundays are shorter than usual, so perhaps limit today's sessions to a half an hour each? That will give you enough time to introduce yourself and tell each group what you expect from them,'' Kala said.\n\nMikey chuckled. ``I've got fifty minutes to figure out what that is.''\n\n``We aren't professional teachers either,'' Zak said. ``Like most of the mutants here, we saw a need and filled it. Turned out that the sibling teacher act was a good fit.''\n\n``Mikey and I can go grab a bite to eat and then come back just before the kids do,'' Mase said. ``We don't want to take up your lunch hour, but I do have a quick question. A couple of guys told Nicco and I that there's been some trouble here at the camp. Have you three experienced any problems?''\n\nThe siblings exchanged glances. It was Kala who answered. ``A few days ago Dask found that some of the tent tie downs had been loosened. He double checks everything each day before the children arrive. Since then he's been bedding down here.''\n\n``We know about the fire and the sabotage of the shower drains,'' Dask said. The look he was giving Mase was knowing. ``Is this why we're suddenly hiring an art teacher?''\n\n``I'm just a guy with a lot of talent and a willingness to share my knowledge,'' Mikey said, trying to appear disarming.\n\nZak snorted a laugh. ``You'll fit right in. I can tell the kids will have a blast with you.''\n\nDask tapped the watch he was wearing. ``Lunch you two.''\n\n``Of course,'' Kala said. Her eyes found Mikey's again. ``I look forward to seeing you perform.''\n\nMikey bowed. ``I'll be sure to give you and the kids a good show.''\n\nKala followed her brothers into the next classroom. Just before disappearing from view, she looked back over her shoulder at Mikey and smiled.\n\nAs he left the tent, Mikey felt like he was walking on air. Even the din from inside the communal kitchen couldn't shake the sense of enchantment.\n\nMase wore an air of amused tolerance as they took their food trays and found seats at a small table in one corner of the tent.\n\n``She's unattached,'' Mase said.\n\n``Hmm?'' Mikey hummed, looking at his friend.\n\n``Ms. Kala,'' Mase said. ``No boyfriend.''\n\nMikey's smile was broad. ``That's good to know.''\n\n``You do remember why we're here, right?'' Mase asked, clearly entertained by Mikey's reaction to the school teacher.\n\n``Not to worry,'' Mikey assured him. ``I've got it covered. Ninja spy mode engaged.''\n\n``I'll wait in the van for you while you're teaching,'' Mase said. ``I don't want to draw a lot of attention to you with my presence. It'll be less suspicious that way.''\n\n``Kala and Zak seem pretty open. Not so sure about Dask,'' Mikey said. ``Can't say he seemed thrilled to see you.''\n\n``He fought in the war, but his siblings didn't,'' Mase said. ``He's overly protective of them. He wants what's best for Kala and Zak and that doesn't include any ex-soldiers.''\n\n``Wonder how he'll feel about ninjas,'' Mikey said.\n\nMase chuckled. ``Probably the same. You might want to keep that to yourself for the time being.''\n\nMikey chewed a bite of food and then asked, ``Won't I need some sort of cover story? Something to account for my past when I'm asked about my life?''\n\n``It's best to stick as close to the truth as possible,'' Mase said. ``I mean, you've already got a good origin story. I'd go with that. Tell them your dad was the overprotective type and kept you isolated during the war.''\n\n``I don't want to sound like a coward,'' Mikey said with a frown.\n\n``Then expand on the story a little,'' Mase said. ``You don't want to be an ex-soldier because Dask will close up on you. You could gain his trust though if you tell them you fought your own battles to protect the city without actually joining the war effort.''\n\n``Fighting from the shadows,'' Mikey mused. ``That story won't even be stretching the truth. Tell me about the things that happened here during the war, so I don't trip up on any details.''\n\nFor the remainder of their lunch period, Mase brought Mikey up to date on the city's history during the war. Mikey listened, focusing on the particulars he'd need to be aware of to hold up his end of a conversation.\n\nPart of his mind kept wandering to Kala though. He never thought of himself as a romantic at heart, being too much of a pragmatist. For Mikey, love at first sight usually meant he'd found a really good new video game.\n\nSince meeting Kala, Mikey was more than willing to have his mind changed. After all, this world opened up a lot of possibilities.\n\nTBC...................\n\n", "writing_bbcode_parsed": "\tGetting Niccolo alone after their practice session proved to be a challenge.

Though Donatello meant to have a private chat with his mate, his plan was thwarted as soon as he saw that Dr. Stockman was waiting for Nicco.  Father and son excused themselves from the group and took the elevator upstairs.

The remainder of the turtles met in the kitchen.  Annabelle had prepared homemade biscuits early that morning, and they were sitting in towel covered baskets on the counter.  Mikey grabbed a plate and helped himself, exclaiming that they were still warm.

Since Novan had filled up on grapes, he was already sitting at the table when Mase and Yoshi came in, having heard voices.  Yoshi rushed to his brother and climbed onto Novan's lap.

``What have you been up to this morning?'' Novan asked.

``Had biscuits and peaches and then brushed my teeth,'' Yoshi said, looking into his brother's face as if seeking approval.

``Very good,'' Novan said.  ``Did you drink your milk?''

Yoshi smiled and nodded.  Leaning close, he whispered loudly, ``Mase put chocolate in it.''

``He drank two glasses,'' Mase said with a laugh.  Opening the oven door to extract a large bowl and a platter that were being kept warm inside, he added,   ``Guys, there's gravy and sausage patties to go with those biscuits.''

Setting the food on the table, Mase sat near Novan.  Raph brought the biscuits and Leo the plates to the table and took seats, with Raph choosing one on the farthest end from Novan.  Don was the last to the table, bringing glasses and a jug of milk with him.

``Mase examined me,'' Yoshi said in his most somber voice.  ``He said I need more iron.''

``He's a little anemic,'' Mase explained.  ``Drinking more iron fortified milk will help.  I'd prefer to avoid iron supplements.  He had some egg yolks with his biscuits.''

Novan made a face and then told Yoshi, ``You forgot to mention the eggs.''

``'Cause I know you don't like them,'' Yoshi said.  ``I read a book to Mase.  He likes my voice.''

``I like your voice too, cookie-nose,'' Novan said, tweaking Yoshi's beak.  ``Want to read to me?''

``Okay,'' Yoshi said enthusiastically, sliding off Novan's lap.

The pair disappeared into the sitting room.  As soon as they were gone, Raph noticeably relaxed.

``Is he getting under your skin, Raphie?'' Mikey asked in a teasing tone.

``Shut it,'' Raph growled at him.

Mikey grinned and looked at Mase.  ``Novan bested him during practice.''

``Novan practiced with you guys?'' Mase asked incredulously.

``Right at the end,'' Don told him.  ``Raph challenged him.''

``Only `cause he wouldn't shut up,'' Raph explained quickly.

Mase gave him a speculative look.  ``Wasn't being very serious, was he?  Novan tends to be a little irreverent.  You shouldn't hold that against him.''

``Maybe Raph should hold something else against . . . .'' Mikey began.

``We should probably plan our day,'' Leo said, interrupting his brother before the conversation could get out of hand.  ``Hun is not wasting any time in harassing the mutants at the camp so we shouldn't waste any in implementing our counter offensive.''

``That means I should run Mikey over to the camp and see about getting him a teaching position at the school,'' Masolino said.  ``Shouldn't be too hard since it pays nothing.''

``Mikey, once there, you'll need to be convincing in your new job,'' Leo said.  ``Gain the trust of the children and teacher.  Once the children are attached to you, it shouldn't be difficult to engage their parents.  Your primary task is to learn as much as you can from the inhabitants.''

``Not just the female ones either,'' Raph said.

Nicco walked in just as Mikey was saluting his brothers.  ``Have I missed something?'' he asked.

``Just Mikey receiving his orders,'' Don said with a smile as Nicco sat down next to him.

Nicco looked at his brother.  ``Did you finish running down that license plate?''

``Oh, I almost forgot!'' Mase exclaimed.  ``The limited liability corporations all led to different blind trusts, so that the name of the settlor doesn't show up.  In each instance, the assets of the blind trust are managed by a different trustee.  When I searched through the trustees, it turned out that the trust beneficiaries are all employees of businesses without assets, but . . . .''

``Mase, cut to the chase,'' Nicco said, stopping his brother's verbal ramblings.

``The car is registered to Recycle World,'' Mase said.  ``It's the recycling operation that Hun and his brother own.''

``How perfectly cliche and exactly what a shady company would call itself,'' Raph said with a derisive snort.

``That confirms our suspicions,'' Nicco said.  ``By itself, there's nothing about that information that's useful.''

``Except that if you're trying to build a case for the State District Attorney, every piece of information that points towards Hun will come in handy,'' Don said.  ``A preponderance of circumstantial evidence can become actual evidence, at least in our justice system.''

``In ours too,'' Mase said.  He glanced up at the wall clock.  ``In a couple of hours the school will take a break for lunch.  We can meet Ms. Kala then.''

``It's Saturday,'' Don said.  ``The kids are in school?''

Mase nodded.  ``They go seven days a week.  Saturday and Sunday are shorter days, but it keeps the kiddos out of mischief if they have to attend classes every day.''

``The school has a lunch program as well,'' Nicco said.  ``The setup is very helpful to mutant parents who have actually managed to find work.''

``Is Ms. Kala the only teacher?'' Mikey asked.

``Her brothers are also teachers,'' Mase said.  ``Ms. Kala, Mr. Dask, and Mr. Zak, which is how they like to be addressed, teach different age groups.  You'll probably teach more than one art class each day.''

``What about art supplies?'' Mikey asked.  ``Does the school have any?''

``We'll buy some on the way there,'' Mase said.  ``Having a bunch of new stuff to play with should add to the kids' excitement.''

``I need a phone too,'' Mikey said, staring at Donatello.  ``I've gotta have a way to call in my reports, right?''

``And absolutely not because you have a bunch of women's phone numbers,'' Raph said sarcastically.

``We can probably use our shell cells here,'' Don said.  ``I'll have to reconfigure them to utilize the cell phone towers on this world.''

``Or we could buy new phones and add them to our existing phone plan,'' Nicco said, draping his arm along the back of Don's chair.  ``Have you forgotten that technically half the diamonds we collected during our adventure belong to you?''

``Have you forgotten that I didn't want them?'' Don countered, gazing lovingly at his mate.  ``We will accept the cell phones though.  That's a practical expenditure.''

``So how about Don and I go cell phone shopping while Mase and Mikey visit the camp?'' Nicco asked.  ``Leo, Raph, do you guys want to come with us?  You haven't seen much of the city yet.''

Leo shook his head.  ``I'd prefer to spend some time researching Hun and his business.  Maybe I can find a hint about his connection to the government and why that land is so important to all of them.  We know from what Novan told us that it isn't because Hun wants it as a waste disposal site.''

``I'll just hang here with Leo,'' Raph said.  ``Shopping for fancy tech stuff ain't exactly my idea of fun.''

``We're taking the van,'' Mase announced.  ``We'll need the room.''

``Donny, it looks like it's time I introduced you to Becky,'' Nicco said.

``Becky?''  Don looked at him, puzzled.

``Nicco's beat up old truck,'' Mase said.  ``He refuses to shoot her and put her out of her misery.''

``She runs just fine,'' Nicco shot back.  ``What more do you want?''

``Less smoke, fewer backfires, a better paint job, a working ac, seat springs that don't poke you in the ass . . . .'' Mase replied with a grin.

``Point A to point B, jerk,'' Nicco said.

``Good thing Don's already your mate,'' Mase said.  ``If he saw Becky before you sealed the deal, he'd have run away.''

``You're just jealous because she doesn't like you,'' Nicco said.

``There is absolutely nothing normal about that truck.''  Mase leaned towards Don.  ``I've tried fixing her and she will not cooperate.''

``You call her names,'' Nicco argued.  ``Not nice ones.  Becky has feelings.''

By this time the Hamato clan were all laughing.  Annabelle walked in while the pair of brothers were still discussing the truck and stood at the kitchen counter smiling at them.

Nicco looked up at her and called out, ``The biscuits were perfection, Annabelle.''

Five voices chimed in to add their appreciation, which had Annabelle practically beaming.  Still she tried to maintain a certain gruffness as she responded.  ``I'm glad you all liked the home cooking so much.  Who's cleaning up this mess?''

Standing up, Nicco began gathering plates.  Leo followed his example quickly, with Raph and Don in line behind them.

``There's already enough hands in the kitchen,'' Mase said, reaching over to tap Mikey's arm.  ``Let's get going.  We want to be at the camp when the kids go to lunch.''

``Okay,'' Mikey said agreeably, following Mase out of the house.

Once breakfast was cleared and the dishes in the dishwasher, Nicco and Don also departed for their shopping trip.

Left to their own devices, Leo turned to Raph.  ``I'm going to use the computer in the basement for my research.  Want to join me?''

``Ya' go ahead,'' Raph said.  ``I think I'm gonna watch some TV and get a handle on what passes for entertainment on this world.''

Leo contemplated his brother.  ``I'm surprised you didn't want to get out of the house when you had the chance.''

Scratching self-consciously at his neck, Raph said, ``To be honest, I ain't all that anxious to mingle with a store full of humans just yet.  The whole idea takes getting used to.''

``I remember what Don told me about the first time he went outside with Nicco,'' Leo said.  ``How he held back because the idea of mingling with humans made him nervous.  It's our upbringing.  Master Splinter drilled it into us that the outside world was not a friendly place for us.  The fear of being seen has become ingrained in us.''

``Pfft, not in Mikey,'' Raph said.  ``He's been jumping at every chance to go outside that he's gotten since we arrived here.''

Leo laughed.  ``Mikey is in a category all his own.  I'll be downstairs if you change your mind.''

Left to his own devices once Leo was gone, Raph wandered over to the entertainment area.  He stood looking at the television but did not turn it on, feeling suddenly restless.  The sun shined through the windows and Raph decided it would be nice to sit outside and enjoy the warmth.

Remembering that he'd seen some books in the sitting room, Raph went in that direction, deciding he'd snag one and take it onto the back patio.  When he reached the hallway though, he heard voices and stopped in the sitting room doorway.

Donovan was seated on the mattress that had been placed on the floor as a bed for him and Yoshino.  His shell was braced against the couch and his little brother was next to him, his head resting on Novan's arm.

There was a book in Novan's hands and he was reading aloud from it.  Raph gathered that the story had something to do with a princess searching for her lost brother and getting help from forest creatures.

Not wanting to interrupt them, Raph decided he'd take the newspaper out to the patio.  Still he didn't move other than to cross his arms and lean against the doorframe.

The cadence of Novan's voice had a soothing quality to it and Raph could see that Yoshi had started to nod off.  Raph found that he too was enjoying the melodious tones.  He'd been telling himself that Novan was off putting, annoying, and crude, but then the albino would do or say something that surprised Raph in a not so unpleasant way.

Novan's words grew slower, almost hypnotic, and then finally stopped.  Raph blinked, pulling himself out of his reverie and saw that Yoshi was asleep.  Donovan closed the book and then turned his head enough so that he was looking directly at Raphael.

``Sorry,'' Raph said, keeping his voice low.  ``Thought I'd borrow a book but didn't want to interrupt.''

Raph half expected Novan to make some crack about not realizing that he could read, but the albino turtle waved him into the room instead.

``Do help yourself,'' Novan told him.

``He ain't gonna wake up?'' Raph asked.

``You move quietly even when you aren't trying,'' Novan said.  ``Yoshi is still trying to recover his strength.  He won't wake short of an earthquake.''

Stepping into the room, Raph walked over to the small bookcase near the television.  He could feel Novan's eyes on him and after making a selection, turned around to face him.  Novan had risen from the mattress, tucked Yoshi in, and was sitting on the arm of the couch.  It was clear then that Raph wasn't the only one who could move quietly.

``He's a good kid,'' Raph said, tipping his head in Yoshi's direction.

``Oh?  Do you have much experience with children?'' Novan asked.

``Some.  Not much,'' Raph admitted with a shrug.  ``Where I'm from, we don't get that many opportunities to interact with anyone outside our family.''

``How sheltered,'' Novan responded.

``It's okay.  Cost of survival,'' Raph said.  He frowned as a thought came to him.  ``Does Hun know about your brother?''

``He does not,'' Novan stated emphatically.  ``None of my clients are acquainted with the fact that I have a brother.''

``Nicco knew,'' Raph said.

``Niccolo is a turtle,'' Novan said, as if that explained everything.

``Did he tell Mase?''  Raph was curious, and Novan seemed in a mood to answer questions without too much hedging.

``We met Masolino independently from Nicco,'' Novan said.  ``He and Corius used to volunteer their medical services at the camps.  This was during the war, before very many other mutants became trained as doctors.''  He gestured towards Yoshi.  ``I am quite capable of caring for him under most circumstances, but sometimes his illnesses are beyond my means.''

It was easy to see that for Novan, being independent and able to support both himself and his brother was a matter of pride.  Raph knew from experience that too much pride could get you into trouble.

``Everybody needs help from time to time,'' Raph said.

``Perhaps.''  Novan's expression seemed to close up and Raph could tell that he was finished sharing.  ``Where has everyone gone?''

``Mase took Mikey to the camp to apply for a job.''  Raph grinned, finding that idea funny.  ``Nicco and Don took off to do some shopping.''

``What of your brother Leonardo?''  Novan crossed his arms as he asked the question.

Raph didn't know much about psychology and didn't really take a lot of stock in it, but he knew that sometimes a person crossed their arms as a subconscious barricade.  It made him even more curious as to why Novan appeared to have taken an instant dislike to Leo.

``In the basement doing research,'' Raph said.  ``He's kinda got a one track mind when it comes to tackling problems.''

Novan relaxed enough to lower his hands to his thighs.  They were nice hands, Raph noted, despite the claws.

``And yourself?  You chose to stay inside rather than joining one of your brothers on an excursion?'' Novan asked.

Raph laughed shortly.  ``I ain't exactly the social type.  Sitting outside in the sun with a good book sounded like a whole lot more fun.''

``To each his own.''  Novan gestured towards his face.  ``As you can see, sitting in the sun is not an option for me.  Not unless I am covered in protective layers, which would of course defeat the purpose.''

``Yeah, I guess so,'' Raph said.

``Besides, I am much more of a night person if you know what I mean, darling,'' Novan said, tipping a wink at him.

Raph chose not to acknowledge the innuendo.  ``I'm with ya' there.  I always have liked the excitement of the nightlife.  Moving freely in the dark, finding guys who deserve a good smack down, that's more my speed.''

``We do seem to have that in common,'' Novan said, ``just not exactly in the same fashion.''

Yoshi mumbled something in his sleep and rolled over.  Both of the older turtles watched him for a moment and then Raph whispered, ``I'll get out of here now before I wake the little guy up.''

``Feel free to come back if you find that book to be boring,'' Novan said.  ``I'm sure we can find something to talk about.  Or do.''

The inference wasn't lost on Raph and he flushed slightly.  For some reason, Novan always made him feel a little out of balance.

He left without saying anything else and could almost feel Novan's smirk following him from the room.  On the back patio, Raph found a comfortable chair and took his shirt off before sitting down.  He would have liked to remove his pants as well, but was afraid Annabelle wouldn't take kindly to that.

If he was honest with himself, the thought that Novan might wander outside and find him stripped down made Raph feel awkward.  There was something about the guy that just got under his skin.

It took a good quarter of an hour for Raph to focus on the book he'd borrowed.  Then he finally started to relax.

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Michelangelo was quivering with excitement when he and Mase pulled into the mutant camp.  The trip to the art supply store had been enthralling; Mikey had rarely ever had anything new to draw on, in, or with and just touching a pristine sketch book filled him with awe.

The clerk, a human woman who had at first been standoffish when Mikey and Mase entered the store, became enthusiastic about helping them when she learned just how much the pair of mutants needed to buy.  After they'd left with their purchases, Mase explained that the woman probably received a commission if her daily sales total went over a certain amount.

Mase drove around the camp so that he could get the van as close to the school as possible.  As he and Mikey hopped out of the van, they saw a line of children streaming from the school tent, all being led by several adult mutants towards the communal kitchen.

``Those are volunteers who help out during lunch period and recess,'' Mase explained.  ``The teachers will be inside straightening up and having their own lunch.''

``We're not gonna be bothering them, are we?'' Mikey asked as Mase opened the back of the van.  ``I don't want to start off by making a bad first impression.''

``All they have to do is listen to our proposal.  It won't interfere with their lunch,'' Mase assured him.  He handed several bags to Mikey and then lifted out a large box full of supplies.  ``Besides, when we show up with this stuff, they'll probably fall all over us.''

Mase led the way to the tent.  When they entered, Mikey saw that the large structure had been partitioned off into three separate classrooms.

Long tables served as desks, with mismatched chairs arranged around them to provide seating.  At the front of the classroom they'd entered was a chalkboard on a stand and a battered metal desk covered in stacked papers.  On the end of the desk was a vase containing wildflowers.

Movement to one side of the space drew Mikey's attention.  Coming in from one of the other classrooms was a beautiful female lizard.

Mase tipped his head towards Mikey and said in a low voice, ``Ms. Kala and her brothers are blue tegu.  She's pretty, isn't she?''

Ms. Kala wore a fetching green dress, with touches of blue as accent points.  Mikey merely nodded his answer to Mase's question, too riveted to form words.

The teacher had started erasing the chalkboard when she noticed that she had visitors.

``Masolino!  I haven't seen you in a while,'' Ms. Kala said.

``How's the desk holding up?'' Mase asked.

``All of the drawers work perfectly,'' Ms. Kala answered with a smile.  ``Whatever you did fixed the problem.''

``Ms. Kala, this is Michelangelo,'' Mase said, setting his box on the floor.  ``Michelangelo, Ms. Kala.''

Mikey put the bags he was carrying down and moved forward to take Ms. Kala's outstretched hand.  It was cool and fit perfectly in Mikey's and when he met her light brown eyes, he felt as though he could swim in them forever.

The handshake lingered as Ms. Kala stared at Mikey as well.  It wasn't until Mase cleared his throat that the pair let go of one another.

``Call me Mikey,'' Mikey said.

``Kala, your lunch is getting cold.''  Another blue tegu came through the flap in the partition and then stopped when he saw the visitors.  ``Oh, hey Mase.''

``How are you doing, Dask?'' Mase asked.

``Every day's a gift,'' Dask said.

His voice was a monotone and from the way Mase had greeted Dask, it seemed that there was no love lost between the two.

``I hear a voice I haven't heard in a while.''  A third tegu appeared and then rushed towards Mase to grasp his hand.  ``Hello stranger.''

Mase laughed.  ``Zak, buddy!  Are you staying out of trouble?''

``Nope,'' Zak answered with a grin.  ``Who's this?''

``I'm Mikey.''  He held out a hand to shake with Zak and then Dask.

``Mikey is applying for the unpaid position of art teacher,'' Mase said.  ``He even brought his own supplies.''

Zak squatted next to the large box and rummaged around inside.  ``Damn, this stuff is new.  You're hired.''

Kala laughed, the sound like soft chimes washing over Mikey.  He was smitten.

``Can't say I'd complain about having someone taking over my class for a time each day,'' Dask said.  ``You okay with giving us three hours per?  We'll arrange the schedules so you can teach classes back to back.''

``Sounds good to me,'' Mikey said.  ``I can start now if you want.''

``You can have my class as soon as they get back from lunch,'' Dask said.  ``That'll be about fifty minutes from now.  We give them an hour to eat and run off some excess energy before coming back.''

``Saturdays and Sundays are shorter than usual, so perhaps limit today's sessions to a half an hour each?  That will give you enough time to introduce yourself and tell each group what you expect from them,'' Kala said.

Mikey chuckled.  ``I've got fifty minutes to figure out what that is.''

``We aren't professional teachers either,'' Zak said.  ``Like most of the mutants here, we saw a need and filled it.  Turned out that the sibling teacher act was a good fit.''

``Mikey and I can go grab a bite to eat and then come back just before the kids do,'' Mase said.  ``We don't want to take up your lunch hour, but I do have a quick question.  A couple of guys told Nicco and I that there's been some trouble here at the camp.  Have you three experienced any problems?''

The siblings exchanged glances.  It was Kala who answered.  ``A few days ago Dask found that some of the tent tie downs had been loosened.  He double checks everything each day before the children arrive.  Since then he's been bedding down here.''

``We know about the fire and the sabotage of the shower drains,'' Dask said.  The look he was giving Mase was knowing.  ``Is this why we're suddenly hiring an art teacher?''

``I'm just a guy with a lot of talent and a willingness to share my knowledge,'' Mikey said, trying to appear disarming.

Zak snorted a laugh.  ``You'll fit right in.  I can tell the kids will have a blast with you.''

Dask tapped the watch he was wearing.  ``Lunch you two.''

``Of course,'' Kala said.  Her eyes found Mikey's again.  ``I look forward to seeing you perform.''

Mikey bowed.  ``I'll be sure to give you and the kids a good show.''

Kala followed her brothers into the next classroom.  Just before disappearing from view, she looked back over her shoulder at Mikey and smiled.

As he left the tent, Mikey felt like he was walking on air.  Even the din from inside the communal kitchen couldn't shake the sense of enchantment.

Mase wore an air of amused tolerance as they took their food trays and found seats at a small table in one corner of the tent.

``She's unattached,'' Mase said.

``Hmm?'' Mikey hummed, looking at his friend.

``Ms. Kala,'' Mase said.  ``No boyfriend.''

Mikey's smile was broad.  ``That's good to know.''

``You do remember why we're here, right?'' Mase asked, clearly entertained by Mikey's reaction to the school teacher.

``Not to worry,'' Mikey assured him.  ``I've got it covered.  Ninja spy mode engaged.''

``I'll wait in the van for you while you're teaching,'' Mase said.  ``I don't want to draw a lot of attention to you with my presence.  It'll be less suspicious that way.''

``Kala and Zak seem pretty open.  Not so sure about Dask,'' Mikey said.  ``Can't say he seemed thrilled to see you.''

``He fought in the war, but his siblings didn't,'' Mase said.  ``He's overly protective of them.  He wants what's best for Kala and Zak and that doesn't include any ex-soldiers.''

``Wonder how he'll feel about ninjas,'' Mikey said.

Mase chuckled.  ``Probably the same.  You might want to keep that to yourself for the time being.''

Mikey chewed a bite of food and then asked, ``Won't I need some sort of cover story?  Something to account for my past when I'm asked about my life?''

``It's best to stick as close to the truth as possible,'' Mase said.  ``I mean, you've already got a good origin story.  I'd go with that.  Tell them your dad was the overprotective type and kept you isolated during the war.''

``I don't want to sound like a coward,'' Mikey said with a frown.

``Then expand on the story a little,'' Mase said.  ``You don't want to be an ex-soldier because Dask will close up on you.  You could gain his trust though if you tell them you fought your own battles to protect the city without actually joining the war effort.''

``Fighting from the shadows,'' Mikey mused.  ``That story won't even be stretching the truth.  Tell me about the things that happened here during the war, so I don't trip up on any details.''

For the remainder of their lunch period, Mase brought Mikey up to date on the city's history during the war.  Mikey listened, focusing on the particulars he'd need to be aware of to hold up his end of a conversation.

Part of his mind kept wandering to Kala though.  He never thought of himself as a romantic at heart, being too much of a pragmatist.  For Mikey, love at first sight usually meant he'd found a really good new video game.

Since meeting Kala, Mikey was more than willing to have his mind changed.  After all, this world opened up a lot of possibilities.

TBC...................

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