growing pains (The kids are all grown)

The ocean lightly crashed against the soft sand, the weather was perfect it was a breezy clear summer day at the beach. Sandy and Evelyn were sitting in the sand,bare feet buried in the warmth. Sandy was laying down in her swim suit enjoying the sun while Evelyn read a book, or at least tried to read a book. The two 17 year olds wouls bit have the peaceful day they had hoped for, Evelyn's brother Anton was on the prowl and had the two girls in his sights.

Anton was older than the girls. in his 20's but you wouldn't know it by looking at him. He still looked like a five year old and sometimes acted like it. But most of the time he was able to act his age which also seemed strang seeing a five year old talking like a 20 year old, and he was even old enough to drink! Though their mother never let him. But right now Anton was focus on runing Evelyn and Sandy's day.

He quietly got closer to the two and jumped on Evelyn's back knocking her forward. She let out a scream, Sandy sat up to help her but Anton tackled Sandy back to the ground.

ANTON! GET OUT OF HERE! Evelyn screamed.

Sandy started throwing punches at Anton and landed a hit against his face. That was all it took to trigger the small guy. Anton was like a ticking time bomb and Sandy just light the fuse.

Anton's playfulness changed and he started to scratch and bite at Sandy.

Evelyn grabbed Anton around the waist and tried to pull him off but he was going to crazy. They needed one of the guys here to get this mad man under control!

Abby had grown into a beautiful woman. SHe was older then the rest of the kids at 23, and because she was older she saw herself as the leader. Not everyone agreed with that but she tended to get her way anyway.

Abby was on the porch of her home watching the chaos unfold down at the waters edge.

She wasn't about to get involved in any of that. She was sure one of the boys would come to the rescue soon. Unless they were all out hunting in the forest. She should get Mikko or Gabe. Nah. It was more fun watching the two girls struggle. And maybe one of them would get eaten! That would be exciting. It looked like it would be Sandy who would become lunch.

Logan was unaware of what was happening on the beach. He was out on his own in the forest with a bottle of vodka and weed he stole from Mikko and Gabe. He had his own little hide out that he often stayed in to get away from the others. It was hidden far from the beach and housed everything he needed.

Food, water, entertainment. A comfortable beanbag chair to lay in. Now he was enjoying the spoils of his theviery.

They visited the other young people every now and then. He, Shen and on occasion Jade too.


And well they were old enough to make visits alone without the over protective parents.


Though still whilst their parents visited the others he and Shen usually sort out the others here to say hi and hang for a bit getting along best with those closest their age and best of all Judith. So coming along to a scene like this was not the first time. Urgh.


Shen snorts a little beside him. The pair as per the rules of their hidden colony had spotted from on high in the air over the waters, flew in low some distance away and walked up on the group on the beach.


The eldest two of Leo's hurried forward to intervene. Yoshi gently pushing Evelyn back and then more easily lifting Anton off of Sandy and giving the old boy a light toss away and getting between him and the girls, all three of them. Anton could try to fight him if he liked but Yoshi was after all a trained ninja and had not been afraid of the kid sized adult since ten years old. Now mid teens the youth was almost as tall as his father had been at this age, though more along the muscular build of his UncleDon. ' Geeee Anton seems everytime we pop around to say hi you are trying to eat someone." Somewhat in play, some what in warning to knock it the fuck off for now man - or go find something you are actually allowed to eat.


Shen first knelt to make check on Sandy, " you okay?" siiigh she was always looking forward to seeing the others. And like her brother was all too familiar with this sort of see when ever they showed up. Offering one of her very play green hands down to help Sandy up as long as she wasn't too hurt. She was a bit younger than most these other young women, not mid teens like her brother yet.

Yeah I'm ok. Sandy said annoyed. But realizing that their mutant friends were there to visit cheered her up. She gave a smile and stood up as Evelyn picked up her book and brushed off the sand.

What are you guys doing here? Came alone are did the parents tag along?


Anton rolled his eyes and just walked away to go bother someone else. He knew better then to try to fight the much bigger teen. Of course he didn't leave without flipping everyone off first. Something he learned from Gabe.

A snort and roll of his blue eyes. And whilst he turns his attention to the girls he is mindful of where Anton goes. To say neither Yoshi or Shen trusted him would be an understatement.


As his sister giggles and hops forward relieved her friend was okay and squeezes her then Evelyn in a hug Yoshi offers a hug to each of the girls too politely beaming and nodding, " Yep out on our own - as far as I know. Dad deams me proficient enough as a ninja to defend myself and Shen - omph!" the young mutant looked a lot like his father save the melding of humanish features like his hair which he kept most mohawked with a tail. His aunt Lilo had braided it for this trip. Like she had Shen's thick and long very much like their mothers blond hair. Both had a finger more than Leo and one less than Erica. And his somewhat playfully boastful brag turns into a grunt and snigger cause his sister punched his shoulder.


[color#7FFF00]"And i too am quiet kick butt by now."[/color] Shen chuckles poking tongue at her brothers mock glare. Then a grin " oh it's good to see you guys, everyone else coming down to the beach for a bit?"

Eleven years had passed, and so much had changed. The kids had grown up. Most, now 17. Some slightly older, a few younger. They had moved to Oceanside years ago, and adapted a life near the ocean, depending on the waters to help provide some of their food.

They had remained close to The Turtles and their communities, along with a few other settlements, exchanging seafood, farmed and crafted goods for other supplies. The system worked for everyone, even the Sanctuary, which was now led by Laura who had taken over after Arat's downfall by the hands of Judith. A truce had been made between the once rival communities.


Living by the ocean definitely had its perks. Even though Noah would never hear the crashing waves against the shore, he enjoyed how his mom had explained it to him. And Sandy. He could imagine it in his mind, and every time he watched the waves come in, he would think of what they told him. The calming crash, coupled with the relaxing scent of water and salt..

He spent many nights out on the beach, just watching the tide come in. Watching the crabs scurry almost comically across the sands in their quest for food and shelter, unfazed by how much the world had changed. Such silly little creatures. Noah still found it funny that his father had a fear of the tiny crustaceans.


Though Noah and Logan looked identical, they were polar opposites in personality. Noah stayed clear of drugs and booze, which often labeled him a buzzkill by others. Being deaf, he relied heavily on his other senses, and knew dulling any of his others could be fatal for him. Instead, he spent his time learning self defense, mostly trained by Laz, and on occasion, the Turtles. His weapon of choice had become a bo staff that had been sharpened on one end for spearing fish and crustaceans. Despite his disability, he had become highly skilled.

The teen was away from the others when the chaos happened, spearing fish to help stock the smoke houses. His shoulder length hair tied back with a band. Adorned in only shorts, his slender form waist deep in water when he noticed Apollo, his jet black wolf hybrid pacing frantically at the water's edge, unheard whimpers an indication that something was wrong.

Noah quickly exited the water and grabbed the stringer lined with fish, following tbe frantic animal to the source of the drama. The happenings were already over, but it seemed that Anton was the reason behind the chaos....again. And it seemed the Hamatos had arrived just in time.

Hanging the fish on a nearby tree, Noah rushed over to make sure that the girls were not hurt....

'Are you okay?' He signed to Sandy, trying to check her over...

Sandy didn't know where most of the others were and shrugged her shoulders. I don't know. Usually everyone is outside doing something though. She answered the mutant.

Her attention turned to Noah as he came running over to them. He seemed worried and she figured he seen what had happened. At lest the tail end of it. She chuckled a little as he looked her over. SHe loved that he worried so much about her.

I'm fine. Anton just tried to eat me again. But I punched him in the face! She signed back.

Because she wanted him to know that even though she liked having her hero show up, she could totally handle herself.

Yep Mmhmm I'm good too. Evelyn finished brushing herself off and smiled at Yoshi.

Hungry? I think Mom made a pie. Honestly she's not the best cook, but her pies and cookies are pretty good!

Little Beth, named after her late aunt, was only nine years old and she found herself left out a lot from the bigger kids games. Also she didn't think it was fair that her brothers got to go out on their own but she still had to stay inside or have parent supervision. She was a big girl after all!

Beth watched out the window of her home. She saw the whole attack happen with Anton.

Dad! Anton is trying to eat people again! She called out. Can I go out and say hi to our guest?

It was a huge relief to know that she was okay....and Evelyn too. Anton was a danger and everyone knew it...there was no controlling him or talking sense into him.

He smiled softly when she told him that she managed a punch. He knew that she could take care of herself. She wasn't helpless, he just couldn't help but worry.

'I know you're tough.' And a glance at Evelyn. 'Glad you're okay, too.'[/i] And she had to be tough, to live with Anton.

He spared a wave at their guests. Even though the girls were tough, he was glad they had shown up when they had.

You're still my hero. She signed to Noah messed up his hair. Then with a bright smile she leaned in and gave him a quick peck on the lips. It was then that she noticed he had been fishing.

Catch us any big fish?

How long you guys staying? Evelyn asked the turtle siblings. We could do a bonfire tonight.

These people were getting boring. Abby stood up and headed over to Kai's house. If there was one person she loved to bother it was Kai. They were close in age and she didn't hide the fact that she liked the guy. Of course there weren't many boys to chose from.

She knocked on the door and called out loudly.

Ooooooh Kaaaaaaaaai!

they hung back. Then as the mention of fish the youths shake woven bags of grass full of ocean food goodies, crabs and muscles and in Yoshi's baggie a lobster. Shen signing excitedly all their finds to Noah.



Yoshi started saying and his sister translating, he could do it, but he was not quiet as adept or quick and often had to say what he was signing to make it work. " ooooooh if yous are all up for some sea food we had a great hunt out there and along the shore... also if yous have a boat we'll show you guys all something really cool come night out there... Uncle Don made some cool modifications to these recycled three d glasses." he grins.


Neither of the mutant hybrids had a specialised weapons like their uncles or father. Or even their mother who preferred the bow still. They rarely travelled with more than a saxe knife, like a half sword but with a heavy edge meant to act as an axe and a fine sharp bladed side for everything else including defence. Also a spear. Nothing special, just a stout shaft with a fire hardened sharpened end. Why? so that if they loose them it's no big deal they simply make another with their saxe. they were skilled of course, hard to have a Father like Leonardo and Uncles like Raphael, Dontalleo and Michelangelo as well as their own Mother and Ratpa without become efficient in any weapon they picked up. but these simplest tools were the best for the travels to visit their friends. Easiest to replace if lost.


Though they visited and traded the people of Atlanta - Atlantis had become quiet secretive. Moving from the city base and - to who knows where. Well of course Yoshi and Shen did. But they would not tell anyone.


They cam and went in secret. Like ninjas.


But today the pair of mutants really had a spectacular surprise their father and mother showed them previously. So hopefully their young friends had a boat. Or some adult who had one - or a canoe. Soemthing water worthy.

Well at lest they would eat good tonight. But it seemed that Yoshi didn't pick up on her flirting. Maybe she wasn't obvious enough.

Wanting to show her interest Evelyn moved closer to Yoshi and bumped his shoulder.

You wanna be my date for tonight? We have boat, we can go on a boat ride together.

Noah was completely taken aback by the kiss. He completely froze, eyes going wide..she kissed him...on the lips!! There had been the occasional kiss on the cheek before, but this was a first...

..it was quick, but even after it ended, it had an effect. Cheeks instantly turning deep shades of red, it took a moment to register her question about the fish, but he finally nodded, quite proud of his catches. A good haul for the amount of time he had been out in the ocean.

....she had kissed him!!!


..on...the.. lips!!


He tried to gather his composure, but there was no disguising the blushing or the soft smile that wouldn't go away. They had always been close, but as they got older, his feelings for her became something more. He loved her in a completely different way, but was afraid to tell her....

He noticed Shen signing to him, but his head was reeling and it took a moment to catch up. And finally a nod, pointing at the various small boats situated not far, close to the water's edge, flipped upside down to prevent them from filling with water when the rain fell...

Gracie had missed out on all of the 'excitement'. Today was one of those days that she just didn't feel like being around a lot of people. Instead, the sixteen year old was spending her time in the forest, seated on a fallen tree. Her long, curly blond locks flowing in the gentle breeze as her fingers worked at intertwining the stems of wildflowers, forming a well crafted crown of green and yellow. Her bare toes dug into the soil, preferring the the more moist earth over the sandy dryness of the beach. It was peaceful here.

A small smile eased across her lips as she plopped the crown down onto her her head, her only audience the small sparrows that had perched themselves nearby, chirping happily without a care in the world.

....somedays she enjoyed the company of those her age. Somedays, she just wanted to be alone with nothing but nature surrounding her. Somedays she was happy. Somedays the depression was crippling.

...her obsession with bracelets that she always seemed to wear hid the scars, the reminders of her not so good days. The days that were suffocating. Today...today was mutual. Today she wasn't drowning.

She wiped her dirty hands on the fabric of her pastel blue tank top and finally pushed herself up. That's when she heard him. Quickly grabbing her bow and arrow, she took aim, but lowered when she saw a familiar form, but he didn't seem to notice her. Too focused on getting to his destination.

Logan. Oceanside's 'bad boy'. The Rhee's older twin. Another that preferred to keep his circle small. Gracie hesitated, but finally decided that she was curious enough to follow. She did so quietly, even giving him time to settle before making her entrance, clearing her throat to announce her presence.

"What are you up to, Trouble?" Sort of a nickname she had given him. She had tried to keep it a secret that she had a cush on the guy. "Nice hide away you have. "

No one knew where his hideaway was so he was not expecting anyone to walk inside his little cave. He didn't even notice Gracie until she spoke up. He shot up from his bean bag chair and started coughing up a lung from the smoke he just inhaled.

What the hell are you doing here? He asked as he got his coughing fit under control. You spying on me on something? Who sent you?

It was clear that she had caught him off guard, which was kind if amusing. Not that she had intended on startling him, but it was proof that he was being sneaky. He was smoking weed, and there was only one person at oceanside that grew the herb....

"You hittin' up Gabe's stash?" A small, amused grin hinting at the corners of her lips. She had always been fond of Gavriel, ever since the guy's short lived relationship with her father. Now Gave was more like a protective stoner uncle.

"I followed you, duh. You need to work on your stealth." She quietly teased, finally unsholdering her bow and sheath of arrows, leaning them against the cave wall.

"Why so defensive? It's almost as if you're doing something wrong..." Ahe winked at him, preparing herself for him to tell her to go away..she never really felt invited anywhere, but she would stay if he allowed....

********************

Now 18, Kai had moved out from his parents' house the day after his birthday. He loved his mom and adoptive dad, but it was time to be out on his own.

Now a young man, he had many of late father's features... there waa no denying who his father was. Tall, dark hair and his mom's deep blue eyes. He unknowinglyvadapted some of his fatger's mannerisms, too. His quick wit and snarkiness. A flirt, but one thing they differed in, he was selective when it came to women.

Living under his own roof meant sleeping in whenever he wanted, and that waa on the agenda for today. That was, until Abby came knocking at his door.


Clinching the pillow over his head, he hoped that she would go away. Not that he hated her. He actually liked Abby, but at the moment, sleep was important..

...but Abby was unrelenting. With a sigh, Kai gave in, finally rolling out of bed. His dark hair a mess, adorned only in boxers, he finally cracked open the door...


"What..did you set the beach on fire?"

Logan wouldn't send Gracie away though. Instead he sat back down and reached up pulling her on top of him into his lap. He then picked up his joint and offered it to her.

IF yer gonna stay ya gotta smoke with me. I can always sneak us some more if we run out. Got booze too. Let's get fucked up!

Finally he answered the door. Though she didn't know he was sleeping that probably wouldn't have stopped her from knocking anyway.

At his question she grinned and shook her head.

Nah the beach is good. Wanna set it on fire with me? I'm bored and lonely. Were you sleeping? I can come in and snuggle in bed with you. her eyes lit up at that last sentence.

Anton walked inside his hose and slammed the door closed. He's the one that got punched in the face but he gets in trouble for acting out? So not fair.

Mikko had just set a fresh pie on the counter top and Anton dug in before anyone could stop him.

That was for everyone. Mikko said mater of factly.

Anton just shrugged his shoulders and continued eating.

With a sigh, Mikko tossed her hands up and left the room. It was totally Wade's turn to watch the kid...

Gracie was not expecting Logan to pull her down to him, completely caught off guard by the action. She found herself...in his lap! Eeep! Such close proximity to the boy she had been crushing on for as long as she could remember but tried so hard to hide it.

Her heart beat rapidly, checks slightly flushing. She thought about pushing herself up and off of him....but...did she really want to? She was so close, could feel his warmth radiating from him. His unique smell mingled with that of the herb he was smoking, and offering to share with her. She knew that she should have said no. Her dad warned her that drugs and alcohol dulled the senses, making you more vulnerable to attacks by walkers, not to mention....susceptible to bad choices... but...this could get her closer to him...maybe he would like her...

Taking tbe joint from him, she wedged in between her lips, reluctant at first, but then took a biiiig puff...instantly choking on the smoke...

Logan actually half expected her to turn him down and push the joint away. But she took it and then soon started choking. With a laugh he patted her back and took the joint back.

Don't be so eager next time. Take it slow.

He took a hit and reached over grabbing a bottle of home made brew. He took a swig and offered that to Gracie. Here this will go down easier. A grin stretched across his face. Playful, daring her. Take little sips.

Sandy had been wanting to do that for a while now and now just seemed like a good time. OF course she imagined what more than a little peck would be like, but wanted him to make that first move. His light blushing was cute and made her smile even more.

We wanted to do a bonfire tonight. She spoke aloud and signed to him in case there were others who didn't know sign. She kinda wished that no one else but them knew sign language so that it could be their own little secret thing. But of course he needed to communicate with others.

I'll be fun! We can cook up your fish and swim naked in the ocean! That last part was just to tease him. OF course if he was down...But than again it would be hard to get away with that with everyone's parents just feet away.