Meanwhile, in another universe @illunicae - Tumblr Blog

Aug 22, 2024

More Than the Crown

All your life a window never seemed quite big enough for your dreams and the world always seemed so far away. That is until a flirty thief is chased into your life and everything changes. A tangled retelling fit with ROTTMNT characters. (Ao3)

Pairing: Leo x Reader (Female reader for this story)

TWs: If you've seen Tangled you know Flynn gets stabbed at the end so yeah that's pretty much it, and the manipulation and abuse from Gothel

Words: 29,570

In the middle of the woods a lone wanted poster nailed to a large oak tree flapped lightly with the breeze. The poster depicted a turtle yokai grinning deviously as the sharp letters spelling “Wanted” hung above him; “DEAD or ALIVE” printed in red ink underneath.

This is the story of how I died. Don't worry, this is actually a very fun story. And the truth is, it isn't even mine. This is the story of a girl, named Y/n. And it starts with the sun.

Through the thick clouds of nightfall, a single drop of pure light descended toward the ground, landing on a cliff edge overlooking the sea.

Now, once upon a time, a single drop of sunlight fell from the heavens. And from this small drop of sun, grew a magic, golden, flower. It had the ability to heal the sick, and injured.

The golden flower bloomed with pointed petals and a dark center, glowing a little as it grew. In the shadows of the trees, emerging from the underbrush of the forest, an old woman wearing a maroon hood approached the flower. She set her green lantern on the ground as she reached for the flower, greed reflected in the dark of her iris.

Oh, you know that old woman, over there? You might want to remember her. She's kind of important.

Across the water on an island off the coast of the mainland, a large kingdom began to take shape. A large bridge connected it to the mainland and atop the tallest point of the island a large beautiful castle was built. It was a kingdom filled with vibrant life of all kinds, from humans to yokai, and mystic magic embedded in the very stones.

Well, centuries passed and a hop skip and a boat ride away there grew a kingdom. The kingdom was ruled by a beloved King and Queen.

The portrait on the wall depicted two figures with kind smiles and crowns on their brows. The man held his wife lovingly within the painting. That same love had him kneeling by her bedside as the queen breathed heavily in pain. Tears glistened on the King’s lower eyelid as he could do little but hold his wife’s hand tightly and watch her suffer.

And the Queen, well she was about to have a baby, and she got sick, really, sick. She was running out of time. And that's when people usually start to look for a miracle. Or in this case, a magic golden flower.

Commoners and palace guards alike poured off the ships onto the mainland, everyone fanning out to look for the fabled golden flower. It was their last hope. Their only hope.

High up on that cliff edge, the same old woman from before knelt before the faux bush she made to conceal the magic flower. She glanced around to make sure she was alone before setting down her lantern and lifting the bush, revealing the flower.

Ahhh, I told you she'd be important. You see, instead of sharing the Sun's gift, this woman, known to many as Big Mama, hoarded its healing power and used it to keep herself young for hundreds of years. And all she had to do was sing a special song.

Big Mama lowered her now black hood, revealing her thin, shapeless gray hair. She held her hands out to the flower as she started to sing, her voice raspy as one would expect from an old woman.

“Flower gleam and glow, let your power shine. Make the clock reverse, bring back what once was mine, what once was mine~” But as she sang her voice regained its youthful tone. Her frail, wrinkled hands smoothed out to reveal flawless skin with a purple tint. Her thin hair regained its volume and silver shine. Sunken eyes didn’t look so aged as she finished her song with a smile, now looking decades younger.

All right, you get the gist. She sings, she turns young. Creepy, right?

Hearing approaching voices, Big Mama turned to see the lights of the search party getting closer. She quickly put the bush cover back over the flower to hide it and picked up her lantern to run away. However, in her haste, she failed to notice that her lantern knocked the bush over, keeping the flower out in the open.

Big Mama disappeared just as a guard crested the small hill. The guard’s eyes were drawn to the golden glow of the flower. “We found it!” He shouted and a wave of relief washed through the people: their queen was saved.

From the shadows of the trees, Big Mama watched with narrowed eyes as a pair of guards pulled up the golden flower.

Inside the castle the bloom of the flower was turned into an elixir for the queen to drink. Weak with pain, the queen could barely purse her lips as the King held her head in one hand and the bowl in the other, helping her drink.

The magic of the golden flower, healed the queen. A healthy baby girl, a princess was born. With beautiful h/c hair that shimmered like the sun. I'll give you a hint. That's Y/n.

The young child giggled as she stared at the slowly spinning mobile with the kingdom’s sun crest on it. Her bright eyes turned towards her parents, who looked down at her with pure love and adoration.

The queen chuckled as she scooped up the girl, the princess babbling as she grabbed at her mother’s face with her little fingers. Grinning, the queen pressed her forehead to her daughter’s, holding the child close.

Wide eyes stared at her father as the king placed a beautifully jeweled tiara on top of the child’s head. Being too big, the tiara fell to the side a bit but the young princess just giggled.

To celebrate her birth, the King and Queen launched a flying lantern into the sky.

The queen held her daughter in one arm while lifting the lantern together with her husband. Below them the people of the kingdom cheered. The king and queen leaned close together as they watched the lantern float high into the sky, joining the sunset.

For that one moment, everything was perfect. And then that moment ended.

Silver light reflected on the sea below as the door to the balcony to the king and queen’s room slowly opened with a soft click. A shadow grew over the cot the young princess slept soundly in and a raspy voice began to sing.

“Flower, gleam and glow~” In response to the voice, the princess’s h/c hair began glowing a vibrant golden color starting at her roots until her whole head of hair was shining. Big Mama reached out, plucked a strand of hair and held it up with scissors ready to cut. “Let your powers shine, make the clock re–” As she cut the hair she gasped. The strand of hair quickly stopped glowing and returned to its natural color, a duller, diluted version of that color. Big Mama gasped again as her skin, which had smoothed out with her singing, immediately aged and wrinkled again. She stared down at the child, knowing what she had to do.

The shrill cry of a baby woke the king and queen. They sat up in bed only to watch in horror as a cloaked figure clutched their daughter before disappearing over the rail of the balcony.

Big Mama broke into the castle and stole the child. Just like that... gone. The Kingdom searched and searched, but they could not find the Princess. For deep within the forest, in a hidden tower, Big Mama raised the child as her own.

“...save what was lost, bring back what once was mine, what once was mine.~” The young princess sang as Big Mama brushed her glowing golden hair. Magic smoothed out the woman’s skin, returning it to a healthy lilac hue. Big Mama sighed and smiled as she continued brushing the young girl’s hair as it returned to its natural color.

Big Mama had found her new magic flower. But this time she was determined to keep it hidden.

“Why can’t I go outside?” The princess asked.

“The outside world is a dangerous place. Filled with horrible, selfish people. You must stay here, where you're safe. Do you understand, flower?” Big Mama explained.

“Yes, Mommy.” Y/n nodded as she watched the flames dance in the fireplace.

But the walls of that tower could not hide everything.

Well into the night, long after the fire had gone out, the little princess tiptoed down the stairs and snuck past Big Mama’s room, taking only a quick peek to make sure the woman was asleep, before rushing to the large window, her hair trailing behind her on the floor. She quietly as possible undid the latches and opened the window, revealing the trail of lanterns in the sky. The princess sighed as she stared at the beautiful sight across the hills.

Each year on her birthday, the King and Queen released thousands of lanterns into the sky in hope that one day, their lost Princess would return.

18 Years Later

The sun shone brightly on the tall tower hidden within an alcove in the woods. Between a crack in the large doors of the entrance window, a small green chameleon scampered along the ledge before hiding behind a flower pot. The chameleon breathed heavily as he changed color to blend in with the pot.

“Ah ha!” You threw open the doors only to see the ledge was empty. With a narrowed glance toward the flower pots you hummed. “Hmm, Well... I guess Mondo's not hiding out here.” Your voice trailed off as you put your hands behind your back and walked away.

Mondo, from where he was hiding behind the pot, laughed softly thinking he had finally outsmarted you. What he didn’t realize was a strand of your incredibly long hair wrapped around his tail and he was quickly yanked out of his hiding spot.

“Gotcha!” You exclaimed from where you were hanging upside down above the window entrance. Mondo squeaked startled as he started to change back to his normal green color. You flipped down from your spot and lowered Mondo to the ledge, unwrapping the strand from around his tail.

“That's twenty two for me. How about twenty three, out of forty five?” You asked only for your little companion to frown and stare at you completely unimpressed. “Okay, well, what do you want to do?” You asked as you took a seat on the ledge.

Mondo squeaked with joy and turned toward the edge of the ledge, pointing to the world beyond with his tail. You shook your head as you grabbed his tail right before he could take a step off. You lifted Mondo into the air as you swung your legs over to dangle over the edge.

“Yeah, I don't think so.” Mondo sat on your thigh where you set him as you gestured over your shoulder with your head back into the tower. “I like it in here and so do you.” You said while pointing to the little chameleon. Mondo pouted and stuck out his tongue a little, blowing a raspberry at you. “Oh, come on Mondo, it's not so bad in there.” You shook your head as you scooped him up into your hands before spinning yourself back into the tower.

As you raced around the tower, your hair dragged an impossible length behind you, seemingly never ending. You were going to prove to your little friend that life in this tower could be just as exciting. But first you needed more light.

Sure-footed, you climbed the support beams of the tower until you got enough height to easily use your long hair like a lasso and loop it around a lever that opened the skylight at the top of the ceiling. Grinning from ear to ear you leapt off the beam and swung down on your hair like you had done many times before.

7a.m. the usual morning lineup,

Mondo watched you from his spot on the cuckoo clock. When you reached out to him, he quickly crawled into your palms as you walked off to begin the chores for the day.

starting the chores I sweep 'til the floors all clean.

You make quick work of the floors with your straw broom, even lifting the part of your hair that sits between you and the dustpan Mondo is so courteously holding for you. However, as you sweep the dust and dirt into the pan a large amount of it gets into Mondo’s face, covering him. He blinks rapidly as he processes what happened.

Polish and wax, do laundry and mop and shine up.

With the floors all swept, you got the polish out and bundled all your hair up on a side table as you used two hand brushes as skates and a mop as a guide as you glided around the floor, cleaning as you went. You chuckled as you saw Mondo spinning out of control a little on his brush.

Once the floor was dried you started gathering all the laundry into baskets before taking a duster to the various places that needed dusting. Occasionally you’d tickle Mondo with the feathers as he’d laugh.

You washed the few dishes and swept a few missed spots before glancing at the clock, only to huff as it appears only fifteen minutes have passed.

Sweep again, and by then it's like 7:15.

Deciding to take a break from chores you dashed over to the nearly barren bookshelf, pulling all three of the books off the shelf and taking them to your bed to read.

So I'll read a book, or maybe two or three.

When you finished with that, you noticed a perfect spot on the wall to add a new painting, so with impressive dexterity, you strung yourself up with your hair and painted away while Mondo held the palette.

I'll add a few new paintings to my gallery.

As the day progressed you bounced from activity to activity. Finding an old guitar and giving it a strum. Using nearly all your yarn to make a really really long scarf for Mondo. Realizing you have enough ingredients to make a pie and baking the delicious dessert.

I'll play guitar, and knit, and cook and basically.

While sniffing the heavenly pie fresh from the oven, you quickly get distracted by the strange decorative piece above the fireplace. The space and the curtains appear to be the perfect place for a new painting. You stick your thumb out to measure, and Mondo does the same.

Wonder when will my life, begin.

With a grin you set the pie aside to cool before rushing over to grab your paints. You push aside the decorative piece to reveal the unused wall. Smiling wide, you begin to cover the whole wall with a deep blue color, knowing exactly what you want to paint there.

Eventually you must let the first coat dry and you take the opportunity to have lunch and engage in a bunch of other activities, some of which you’ve mastered better than others.

Then after lunch, it's puzzles, and darts and baking. Paper-mache , a bit of ballet, and chess. Pottery, and ventriloquy, candle making. Then I'll stretch, maybe sketch. Take a climb, sew a dress,

Ballet is still a challenge with all your hair constantly getting in the way and Mondo makes for an excellent chess opponent. But even with all these activities, eventually you run out of things to keep you occupied.

and I'll re-read the books. If I have time to spare, I'll paint the walls some more, I'm sure there's room somewhere.

Brush in hand, you stand in front of the mirror and get to work on the task that arguably takes the longest of each day. Brushing every inch of your hair.

And then I'll brush, and brush, and brush, and brush my hair. Stuck in the same place I've always been.

You sigh as you lean against the support beam, brushing out the end of your hair, finally done after all that time.

And I'll keep wondering, and wondering, and wondering... Wondering, just when will my life begin?

Standing in the center of the room with your hair spiraling around the floor you stared at the only walls you’ve known for the past 18 years. Maybe you’re trying to convince yourself more than Mondo that you can be happy here. That familiar yearning was back as you wandered toward the window, looking out at the trees and hills, at the world beyond what little you know.

“Tomorrow night, the lights will appear. Just like they do on my birthday, each year.” Mondo climbed up on your shoulder as you stared out the window before your gaze was pulled back inward toward the painting you did earlier of the very lights. “What is it like out there, where they glow?” You grabbed your paints and added one last detail to the painting. You, sitting below the lights with your hair spilling behind you. “Now that I'm older. Mother might just let me go.”

༻✧༺

Across the sea the kingdom was teeming with morning activity as four figures jumped across the castle rooftop. The leading figure was a turtle yokai with light green skin and a blue shell. Yellow stripes decorated his upper arms and thighs and red crescent moons painted his face behind an old blue mask. He had a satchel strung across his body that bumped against his side as he slid down a steep roof and jumped to the next.

Right behind him were two more yokai, an ogre and a rat. While the ogre yokai with olive green skin and dark blue hair was wearing a ripped blue vest over a black tank top, the tall brown furred rat yokai was sporting a purple pinstripe suit complete with a fedora and all. The two followed quickly behind the turtle, jumping the gap from one rooftop to another as the final figure slid down as well, taking up the rear: a blue-green eel yokai wearing an oversized orange graphic tee.

Deftly the four of them made it around the roof of the castle, seemingly defying gravity as they leapt through the air. Far down below guards partoled, none-the-wiser.

Finally on the right roof, the four stopped. The turtle stepped out around a large decorative structure, hanging on so he didn’t fall as he looked over the edge to make sure there weren’t many guards around. However, he got distracted by the view.

“Wow! I could get used to a view like this.” He said in awe, seemingly forgetting about why he was up there.

“Jitsu, come on!” The rat yokai hissed from where he stood with a rope clutched in his hands while the eel yokai held a panel open and the ogre glared at the turtle.

The turtle dismissed them with a wave of his hands. “Hold on.” He soaked up the view a moment longer. “Yep, I'm used to it.” He placed his hands on his hips as he nodded his head with a grin. “Guys, I want a castle.”

“We do this job, you can buy your own castle.” The ogre yokai growled as he stalked forward and grabbed the turtle by the lip of his shell behind his neck and yanked him back over to the opening. The turtle gasped as he was pulled back.

They made quick work of tying the rope around the turtle’s waist before lowering him into the throne room. The turtle held the satchel in one hand as he got closer to the lost princess’s crown, sitting on a cushion in the middle of the room. About ten guards stood by in front of the crown and the thrones, yet none of them noticed the thief lowering towards the precious item. Briefly the turtle wondered what his brother’s would think if they saw him right then, but he shook the thoughts away. His older brother would probably go into shock if he knew. However, the turtle just couldn’t pass up this job, the money he would get from that crown would be enough to set up himself and his family. He just needed to steal the crown, and what his family doesn’t know can’t hurt them.

Up on the roof, the rat and ogre yokai held the rope, slowing it as the turtle got closer to the stand with the crown. With quick hands the thief slipped the crown into the satchel without making any noise.

In front of him one of the guards sneezed and he just couldn’t resist.

“Oh, hay fever?” He asked.

“Yeah.” The guard responded, glancing back briefly to see the thief leaning on the cushion that once held the crown and smiling smugly. A moment passed before the guard jolted and looked back again only for the turtle to be gone. “Huh?” He looked up to see the thief crawling back onto the roof through the opening. “Wait, what? Hey, wait!”

The alarm was sounded and the four figures on the roof quickly made their exit. They dashed through the streets of the kingdom and across the bridge leading to the mainland, hoping to lose the guards in the forest beyond. As they're running, the turtle couldn’t help but make small talk with a grin.

“Can't you picture me in a castle of my own? I mean, I certainly can. Oh, the things we've seen and it's only eight in the morning. Gentlemen, this is a very big day.” The turtle exclaimed triumphantly.

༻✧༺

Your heart was beating rapidly as you carefully put away your paints. “This is it. This is a very big day, Mondo.” Nerves and excitement tickled your veins as your little friend climbed onto your arm and you closed the chest holding your paints. “I'm finally going to do it. I'm going to ask her.” You nodded determinedly.

“Y/n!” You gasped as you heard your mother’s voice from the base of the tower. “Let down your hair.”

“It's time.” Your smile was bright with hope but you couldn’t help the nerves that danced on the edge. Mondo puffed out his chest a little, a gesture telling you to be brave. As you moved your friend to the wall with the floating lantern painting you laughed. “I know, I know. Come on, don't let her see you.” Closing the curtains over the painting, you quickly jumped off the fireplace to get to the doors.

“Y/n, I'm not getting any younger down here.” Big Mama called as you pulled open the doors.

“Coming, mother.” You responded as you looped your long hair over the hook above the doors. With ease you tossed your hair out the window where it quickly reached the ground for Big Mama to catch the end. Once she created a small loop to stand in, you started to pull her up the tall tower. Your arms burned slightly from the exertion but doing it for years has you pulling her to the top 15 seconds.

Breath coming in heavy pants, you smiled brightly as Big Mama stepped onto the ledge. “Hi, welcome home, mother.” You greeted as she unhooked your hair.

Big Mama threw off her hood as she exclaimed. “Oh, Y/n.” As she descended the few steps she set down her basket and bag. “How you manage to do that every single day without fail, it looks absolutely exhausting, darling.” She hummed as she caressed your hair before resting her fingers under your chin.

“Oh, it's nothing.” You shrugged with a nervous smile.

Big Mama grinned. “Then I don't know why it takes so long.” She tapped your nose a few times before leaning back with a serious expression. Your own smile fell as you thought you did a decent job. Big Mama laughed. “Oh, darling. I'm just teasing.” She grinned as she walked past you, deeper into the tower.

You laughed nervously along as you turned. “Alright.” Briefly you paused before gathering some courage to follow your mother to the mirror. “so, mother. As you know, tomorrow is a very big day–”

“Y/n look at that mirror.” She cut you off as you approached and wrapped her arm around your back as she pulled you closer. “You know what I see? I see a strong, confident, beautiful young lady.” You relaxed slightly as you looked at the two of you reflected in the mirror; a soft smile curled your lips. “Oh look, you're here too!” Big Mama said and started laughing while your smile fell. “I'm just teasing, stop taking everything so seriously.” She nudged you before she leaned in to further look at herself in the mirror.

She’s just teasing, you reminded yourself and shrugged. “Okay.” You took a breath and begin once again trying to explain. “So mother. As I was saying, tomorrow is..”

However once again Big Mama interrupted you. “Flower, mother's feeling a little run down. Would you sing for me, dear? Then we'll talk.”

You jumped excited for the promise to finally sit down to talk and eager to do the thing that makes your mother the happiest. “OH! Of course, mother.” You quickly darted away, grabbing her chair and setting it in front of the fireplace exactly where it needed to be, moving it slightly when it wasn’t quite right. Dashing away again you quickly grabbed your own stool and set it down as Big Mama was about to sit in her chair. You pushed her down into the chair a little to get her to sit faster before racing to get your brush. Shoving it in her hand you barely gave her time to react before you placed your hair in her lap and sat down to sing.

“Flowergleamandglow,Letyourpowershine,Maketheclockreverse,bringbackwhatoncewasmine.Healwhathasbeenhurt,Changethefate'sdesign.Savewhathasbeenlost,Bringbackwhatoncewasmine.”

Singing the song practically in one breath your hair rapidly began to glow and Big Mama’s exclamations for you to slow down went unheard.

“Y/n!” She huffed as she set down the brush and your hair.

You didn’t respond as you practically threw yourself on the arm of her chair, eager to finally tell her the thing you’ve been trying to say since she got home. “So, mother, earlier I was saying tomorrow’s a pretty big day, and you didn't really respond, So I'm just going to tell you. It's my birthday! TADA!” You chuckled softly as you hugged her arm.

Big Mama slowly removed you and you sat back to give space. “No, no, no can't be. I distinctly remember. Your birthday was last year.” She said.

Thinking she was teasing again, you played along with a nervous chuckle. “That's the funny thing about birthdays. They're kind of an annual thing.” With a sigh you sat back on your stool. “Mother, I'm turning eighteen. And I wanted to ask, what I really want for this birthday.” You glanced away, breaking eye contact as you fiddled with a strand of hair and began mumbling nervously. “Actually, what I’ve wanted for...quite a few birthdays now…”

“Y/n please, stop with the mumbling.” Big Mama cut you off. “You know how I feel about the mumbling.” She raised her hand as she mimicked the mumbling. “Blah, blah, blah,...blah. It's very annoying.” Quick as a switch flip, your mother pinched your cheek with a grin. “I'm just teasing, you're adorable. I love you so much, darling.” She tapped your nose once as she stood, leaving you in silence and walking away.

Losing will, you bite your lip nervously as you watch her leave. Hearing a squeak, you turned and saw Mondo urging you on. You tensed up before releasing it all in one breath as you faced your mother. “I want to see the floating lights!”

She paused as she was placing apples in a basket and chuckled confused. “What?”

“Oh,... Well I was hoping you would take me to see the floating lights.” You explained as you stood up on your stool and revealed the painting you made earlier of the floating lights.

Big Mama glanced at it before smiling softly. “Oh, you mean the stars.” She hummed and turned away to continue placing apples into the basket.

You nodded with a smile before you explain. “That's the thing I've charted stars and they're always constant.” Using your hair as a lasso again, you latched onto the handle of a small window and pulled it open to reveal the painted charts of stars along the walls of the tower. “But these, they appear every year on my birthday, Mother. Only on my birthday.” You stated as you gestured to the painting of the floating lights. “And I can't help but feel that they're, They're meant for me. I need see them, Mother. And not just from my window. In person. I have to know what they are.” You sighed.

“You want to go outside?” Big Mama asked amused as she closed the large doors, blocking light from coming in and dimming the tower. “Oh, why Y/n. Look at you, as fragile as a flower.” She approached you and took your hands, spinning slightly. “Still a little sapling, just a sprout.” She patted your head. “You know why we stay up in this tower.”

“I know but…” You tried to say something but she just continued.

“That's right, to keep you safe, and sound, dear.” Big Mama says as she caresses your hair. You sighed. “Guess I always knew this day was coming.” She said slightly dramatically, while closing more curtains to darken the room. “Knew that soon you'd want to leave the nest. Soon, but not yet.” She stopped on the first stair.

Once again you try to interject. “But–”

However Big Mama placed her finger to your lips as she shushed you. “Trust me pet, Mother, knows best.” She grinned as she hit her hip against the wall, causing the skylight lever to flick up again and the whole room be plunged into darkness.

You’re quick to find a match and candle to try to see anything as you still hear your mother’s voice around you. “Mother knows best. Listen to your mother.” You turned only to see her there suddenly with her arms out like a monstrous figure ready to take you away. You shouted as it startled you and jumped back. “It's a scary world out there.” When you looked again she was gone, but you couldn’t search long before something grabbed your hair and started pulling.

“Mother knows best. One way or another. Something will go wrong, I swear.” You dropped your candle to try and pull your hair back only for it to suddenly go slack, causing you to fall back into a spotlight created from one of the smaller skylights. Before you could hit the ground your mother caught you, only holding you for a moment before letting go and disappearing again. “Ruffians, thugs, poison Ivy, quicksand.” As she listed off these dangers, shadows appeared on the floor around you, once again startling you.

“Cannibals, and snakes, the plague.”

“No.”

“Yes.” She grinned as she disappeared once again. “Also large bugs, yokai with pointy teeth.” Something knocked you over and when you landed on the floor you saw a quick painting of a figure with pointed teeth. “And stop, no more, you'll just upset me.” Big Mama pretended to cry as she sat next to the painting on the floor.

“Mother's right here. Mother will protect you.” Big Mama pulled you to your feet and when you tried to hug her, it turned out to be the mannequin. You jumped back wondering where she went. “Darling here's what I suggest. Skip the drama, stay with Mama.” She stood on the stairs with her cloak on as she addressed you. “MAMA!! Knows best!” She laughed as she spun up the stairs, blowing out all the candles with the movement.

Tiptoeing down the line you slowly relit each candle. “Mother knows best. Take it from your mumsy. On your own, you won't survive.” Big Mama said as she pinched out each candle, keeping the room in darkness.

You bumped into something and whipped around, only to be startled by your own reflection in the mirror. Big Mama appeared above the mirror and tilted it down to show your bare feet.

“Sloppy underdressed, immature, clumsy, Please, they'll eat you up, alive.” You tried to cover your feet only for the rug to be pulled out from under you. You fell to the floor and your mother swooped by to roll you up in your long hair. “Gullible, nave, positively grubby. Ditzy and a bit, well, hmm vague.” She stood you up and quickly pulled the end of your hair making you spin fast. Dizzy you stumbled around until Big Mama steadied you with a hand under your chin.

“Plus I believe, getting kinda chubby.” She tapped under your chin a few times as you straightened your posture. “I'm just saying, 'Cause I wuv you.” She grabbed your cheeks and pulled you close. The only light went out and she was gone again. You shouted in panic as you felt around for anything. “Mother understands, Mothers here to help you. All I have is one request.”

A new light came on, revealing Big Mama standing there with her arms out for a hug. Relieved to see her you raced over and threw your arms around her chest. She hugged back tightly and stroked your hair. “Y/n?” She said.

You pulled away and smiled. “Yes?”

“Don't ever ask to leave this tower, again.” She stated sternly.

Disappointed your face fell as you looked at the floor. “Yes, mother.”

Big Mama curled a finger under your chin and lifted your head to look you in your eyes. “Ahh, I love you very much, dear.”

“I love you more.” You responded.

“I love you most.” She caressed around your hair and kissed the top of your head. “Don't forget it.” She pulled back with a grin and tapped your nose. “You'll regret it. Mother Knows best.” You watched her walk away with dashed dreams. Your frown felt heavy as you watched her get ready to leave again. Robotic were your movements as you handed her the basket and hooked your hair for her to use to get down.

“Ta ta! I'll see you in a bit, my flower.” Big Mama called as she slid down your hair.

“I’ll be here.” You muttered as you unhooked your hair and stared at the world that seemed forever out of your reach.

༻✧༺

Deep within the woods four thieves dodged logs and limbs as they sprinted away from the palace pursuers. Taking a brief moment to catch their breaths, the four stopped by a large tree, a tree that happened to have two wanted posters on it.

The turtle with the blue mask leaned against the tree as he breathed heavily. His gaze rose to see the wanted posters and he gasped. “Oh no. No, no no. This is bad, this is very, very bad, This is really bad.” He rambled as the other three glared at him in confusion. The turtle looked up at them distressed and turned the poster around to reveal the smirking portrait with the name Blue Jitsu printed underneath. “They just can’t get my stripes right.” He complained, and true to his word the red stripes that curved like crescent moons on his face, were perfectly straight lines on the poster.

“Who cares?” The ogre asked.

“Well it's easy for you to say.” Blue pouted and gestured to the second poster: a portrait of the three yokai with the name Mud Dogs printed underneath and not a single detail was wrong. “You guys look amazing.” He frowned.

Blue’s pity fest was interrupted by the sound of thundering hoofbeats. The four glanced up toward the cliff to see their pursuers, the palace guard, hot on their trail. Blue quickly shoved the poster into the satchel at his side as the four of them took off running through the woods again. They raced around a bend only to come face to face with a steep rock wall that curved around them, there was no way around.

Thinking fast Blue looked up the height of the rock wall before turning to the group of three behind him. “All right, okay. Give me a boost, and I'll pull you up.” He proposed.

The Mud Dogs shared an unimpressed glance before the ogre yokai, Leonard, spoke up. “Give us the satchel first.”

Blue gasped, offended. “Wha..? I just... I can't believe, that after all we've been together, you don't trust me.” He did an impression of his younger brother’s hurt puppy dog eyes; however, the other three remained stone faced and unmoved. Blue’s face fell to one of equal distaste as Leonard held his hand out for the satchel. “Ouch.” Blue deadpanned and handed over the satchel reluctantly.

With that out of the way, the three yokai climbed onto each other’s shoulders making a ladder of sorts with the eel yokai, Micky, on the bottom, then the rat, Danny, next, and finally Leonard at the top. The three grunted as Blue swiftly climbed up. He reached the top and heaved himself over the edge, using Leonard’s face as a boost for good measure.

“Now help us up, pretty boy.” Leonard said and reached up for Blue.

“Sorry,” Blue huffed. “My hands are full.” He grinned as he revealed the satchel with the crown before dashing away, leaving the Mud Dogs stranded.

“What?” He felt around his body and it was true: the satchel was gone. “JITSU!!” Leonard shouted, his voice echoing from the canyon as Blue ran away.

Blue grimaced as he raced through the forest: that decision totally won’t come back to bite him in the shell later. The thief nearly tripped over his feet when he broke through some trees and saw the guards close by. “Oh boi.” He muttered and quickly ran off, the thudding of galloping hooves following him.

The guards were led by a woman in golden armor atop a yokai horse that was mostly yellow with blue stripes. “Retrieve that satchel with any force!” The captain of the guard, Cassandra, commanded her men.

“Yes ma’am!” They all repeated in unison.

Below her the horse neighed in a similar fashion to the other horses, who all responded with similar enthusiasm. All of the guards lowered their crossbows, taking aim at the fleeing turtle.

Blue slid under a large downed tree right as the bolts flew. Five bolts embedded within the wood right where Blue would have been. Fear flashed in his eyes as he turned and sprinted away. It felt like he was dancing with death as he weaved around trees just barely missing getting impaled by a bolt as they whistled by.

He swung around a corner using a smaller tree before jumping through a gap in a larger tree. The tree caused all of the men to get caught on the other side, but Cassandra managed to make it through, still hot on Blue’s trail.

“We got him now, Mayhem.” Cassandra grinned and Mayhem sped up, gaining on Blue.

Thinking quickly for a way out, Blue noticed a vine hanging in the middle of the path and a very bad idea came to my, but if he didn’t do anything he’d surely be run down in seconds. Blue jumped onto a rock and launched himself toward the vine grabbing it and kicking off a tree to swing around in a wide arc. “I hate this! I hate this!” He shouted as he swung back around right as Cassandra and Mayhem were passing. He used his momentum to kick the captain off her horse and land in the saddle.

Blue laughed as he was somehow unarmed now sitting on the saddle of a charging horse. “Heyah!” He grinned, snapping the reins.

The moment Mayhem noticed it wasn’t the captain on his back he stopped causing Blue to fly forward a bit before righting himself. The turtle shook his head in a daze before glancing at the horse. Mayhem glared at Blue over his shoulder. Sitting up, Blue kicked the horse a little trying to get him to move. “Come on, fleabag, forward.”

Mayhem spotted the swinging satchel in Blue’s hand and zeroed his attention on it before trying to bite it. Blue moved it out of the way.

“No.” Blue said, but Mayhem tried to bite it again. “No, stop it.” Mayhem began running again in a circle-like pattern as he tried to get the satchel, eventually grabbing it at one point and creating a game of tug-of-war between him and the turtle. “Give it to me!” Blue shouted, trying to rip the bag out of the horse’s mouth.

They continued pulling back and forth, fighting over the satchel until it slipped out of one of their grips and sailed through the air. The only thing keeping the satchel and crown from going over the cliff edge was the small branch on the sideways growing tree hanging over the ledge. The satchel dangled precariously over the drop as both boys side eyed each other in surprise.

Blue elbowed Mayhem as he threw himself off the saddle and sprinted toward the tree. Mayhem quickly followed suit, nearly passing Blue but the turtle was quick to grab the horse’s front leg to trip him. Blue jumped to his feet and tried to run past but Mayhem grabbed the wrap around his leg causing Blue to trip. Mayhem jumped over Blue and landed on the tree, balancing as he crossed. However, the thief was determined and tried to jump over the horse by jumping up onto his back and launching over, only he didn’t quite make it over Mayhem’s head and just kind of held on there. That is until Mayhem threw him off and over the ledge.

The yokai looked down in surprise at the limbs clinging to the underside of the branch where Blue was holding on for dear life. Said turtle peeked around the tree and stared up at the horse with wide eyes as well. Mayhem huffed and began stomping on the tree trying to crush the turtle’s fingers under his hives, but Blue was fast as he inched his way across, just barely moving his fingers out of the way in time.

He kept crawling, watching with fear as the satchel began slipping off the branch that held it. Blue grabbed a smaller branch and swung his body closer to the satchel, catching it right before it could fall off the tree.

“HAH!” Blue shouted triumphantly as he held the satchel in front of Mayhem’s face. Said yokai looked beyond unimpressed. The moment was short lived however as the tree they were on cracked. Both jumped in surprise and held their breath.

The tree gave out and snapped. Blue and Mayhem each held tightly to the tree as it plummeted through the air. They glanced at each other a moment before both started screaming. The tree hit a large rock jutting out of the cliff edge and split in two, sending the thief and the palace horse tumbling in opposite directions.

Mayhem rolled down the edge and landed in a heap at the bottom, spitting out leaves as he groaned. He jumped to his feet, his blue mane falling out of the knots it was in previously, and looked around for the thief. Not seeing the turtle anywhere in sight, Mayhem stuck his nose to the ground and began sniffing him out like a bloodhound.

Blue, who had hid behind a rock after his unceremonial landing, popped up and watched the horse go. He slowly backed away as he put the satchel over his shoulder again and reached for the vines behind him, thinking they’d be a place to hide. He wasn’t expecting his hand to fall right through as there was no wall behind them. The noise attracted the attention of Mayhem and the horse neighed.

Scrambling to get behind the vines, Blue made it just as the horse came back with a loud snort and began looking around. Blue hugged the satchel close to his chest as he hid from the horse, waiting for the animal to move on. When Mayhem did finally move on, Blue stumbled further into the cave to explore and look for a place to lay low.

He paused in awe when he saw the tall tower with white stone bricks and a purple roof, vines clinging to the sides. A distant neigh cemented the idea to climb the tower in his mind.

Blue stabbed bolts into the side of the tower as he heaved himself up. His arms burned but if it meant getting away from that crazy horse he’d take it. He huffed as he continued to pull himself up one brick at a time. He was breathing heavily as he threw himself into the tower and slammed the doors behind him. Sighing in relief, Blue took the satchel off his body and opened it to look at the prize inside.

“Alone at last.” He smiled.

CLANG! Blue’s face twisted as he was hit over the back of the head with a frying pan.

༻✧༺

Unconscious, the stranger fell forward, landing on his face as you stood there behind him with a frying pan raised over your head. You yelped and dashed to hide behind your mannequin. Slowly you peeked over the shoulders at the strange turtle yokai who remained still on the floor. The wheels on the mannequin squeaked softly as you ventured closered. Armed with your frying pan you inched closer to the turtle. You poked his head but he didn’t move. When you glanced at Mondo, the little chameleon shrugged. You once again poked the turtle, turning his head to the side a bit. Mondo wandered over to the figure with pointed teeth your mother painted earlier. He sat up, put his fingers in front of his mouth and growled white turning red.

You looked back at the turtle and used the handle of the pan to lift his lip and reveal not pointed teeth. Your shoulders relaxed slightly as you hummed with confusion. Using the handle once again you flicked the tail of his mask off his face and stared at the slightly handsome face with vibrant curled crescents. Taking in the details of his face you got kind of lost in it.

Until his eye shot open and he hummed in confusion. Startled, you brought your pan down on his head again, the loud clang echoing in the room.

Standing still for only a moment you quickly realized you had to stick him somewhere. You made sure the turtle was still knocked out before setting your frying pan aside, but still within reach just in case. Wrapping your hair around the turtle you drag him over to the large wardrobe, the only place here really where you could maybe fit him. He was heavier than he looked as you tried to push him into the closet.

That didn’t work too well.

You tried swinging him in with your hair.

Your hair got stuck in the wardrobe as well when the doors shut.

You got him in but he was upside down and his limbs splayed out in a way that the doors wouldn’t shut.

You got him in, right side up and shut the doors with a triumphant laugh.

As you were walking away the doors swung open and the limp figure fell on you, taking you to the ground.

Trying again, you used a broom to poke him in there and slammed the doors. You winced when you looked up to see his fingers pinched between the doors. You carefully pushed the two fingers back into the closet and ran to get a chair to prop in front of the doors to keep them from opening.

“Okay, okay, I got a person in the closet.” You muttered as you backed up with your pan in your hands. “I got a person in the closet.” Slowly your gaze drifted toward your reflection in the mirror. “I got a person in my closet!” You exclaimed in realization and laughed. “Too weak to handle myself out there, huh Mother?” You grinned as you swept off invisible dust from the frying pan. “Well, Tell that to my frying pan!” You smirked and spun it around only for it to come up and hit you in the temple. You winced in pain and rubbed the spot.

Moment of triumph ruined, your attention was drawn to something glittering in the bag the stranger brought with him. Setting down your pan, you knelt down and picked the thing out of the bag. It was large and circular, decorated with sparkling stones that were somewhat see-through, the three largest stones forming a sort of lotus shape. You stared at it in curiosity before sticking your hand through it. Perhaps it was worn like this?

You shrugged toward Mondo who was watching. He shook his head in disagreement. Instead you just peered through the stones at him. He once again shook his head. Still contemplating the strange item you turned toward the mirror as a thought occurred to you. You slowly lifted the crown and placed it on your head where it seemed to belong. However, Mondo shook his head yet again.

The moment was interrupted by Big Mama calling for you from the base of the tower. “Y/n!” You gasped and quickly pulled the crown off your head and scooped the bag off the floor, tossing both things into a flower pot before dashing toward the doors. “Let down your hair.”

“One moment, Mother.” You responded and hooked your hair up before tossing it down to her.

“I have a big surprise.” Big Mama called up.

You chuckled slightly, kind of giddy. “Uh, I do too.”

“Oh, I bet my surprise is bigger.” Big Mama grinned.

“I seriously doubt it!” You whispered to yourself as you glanced at the wardrobe holding the mystery yokai.

As Big Mama reached the top she sat on the ledge. “I brought back parsnips. I‘m going to make hazelnut soup for dinner, your favorite. Surprise!” She smiled brightly as she entered the room.

“Well mother, there's something I want to tell you.” You started, wanting to get to your surprise.

But Big Mama interrupted you. “Oh Y/n, you know I hate leaving you after a fight. Especially when I've done absolutely nothing wrong.” She hummed as she strode toward the table to empty the stuff out of her basket.

“Okay, I've been thinking a lot about what you said, earlier.” You took a slight step back toward the wardrobe, glancing back at it with a grin.

“I hope you're not still talking about the stars.” Big Mama said.

“Floating lights,” You corrected “and, yes I'm leading up to that.”

“Because I really thought we dropped the issue, sweetheart.” She hummed, her voice getting a slight edge to it.

You tried to explain yourself. “No Mother, I'm just saying, you think I'm not strong enough to handle myself out there.” You glanced at the chair holding the wardrobe doors closed and reached for it.

Big Mama laughed. “Oh darling, I know you're not strong enough to handle yourself out there.” She stated and glanced back at you.

“But if you just…”

“Y/n, we're done talking about this.” Big Mama stated, her smiles turning forced as her voice entered a commanding octave.

“But trust me, I…”

“Y/n.”

“know what I’m…” You grinned as you reached for the chair.

“Y/n—”

“Oh, come on.” You begged your mother you loved to listen just once and she’d see you. She’d see how strong you really were. Instead she blew up.

“ENOUGH WITH THE LIGHTS, Y/N! YOU ARE NOT LEAVING THIS TOWER, EVER!!!!” She shouted.

You startled into silence, your eyes starting to burn as they welled with tears, your hand still resting on the chair. Slowly you let go as the room was plunged into a heavy silence.

Big Mama threw herself into her chair with a huff. “Oh, great. Now I'm the bad guy.”

In silence you looked from the chair holding the closet shut to the painting of you under the floating lights. Never? You were never going to leave the tower? Amidst your dejection the twinkle of an idea floated around in your head.

Your voice was soft as you broke the silence. “All I was gonna say, mother, is that…” You moved yourself to block the chair from view. “I know what I want for my birthday, now.”

“And what is that?” Big Mama asked while leaning in the chair.

“New paint.” You stated timidly while hugging yourself. “That paint made from the white shells you once brought me.”

Big Mama shook her head slightly. “Well that is a very long trip, Y/n. Almost three day's time.”

“I just thought it was a better idea than..the stars.” You explained.

Sighing, Big Mama stood from the chair and walked over to you. “You sure you'll be all right, on your own?” She asked, concerned.

You hugged her with a soft smile and she stroked your hair lightly. “I know I'm safe, as long as I'm here.” You stated and she kissed the top of your head.

In a few minutes you helped her pack some food for the journey: some apples, cheese, and bread. You brought the basket to her as she put on her cloak. She took it with a smile and you hooked up your hair for her to climb down on.

“I'll be back in three days time.” She explained. “I love you very much, dear.”

“I love you more.”

“I love you most.”

You watched as she walked away from the tower, turning to wave goodbye which you returned with a soft smile. Only once you could see her no longer did you turn and sprint back into the tower. You armed yourself with your pan and marched toward the wardrobe. The wardrobe groaned a little as you pulled the chair away.

Taking a deep breath to calm yourself as you hid behind the chair, you nodded in determination and lassoed the handle with some hair, pulling the closet doors open. Nothing happened for a moment, then you watched as the still unconscious yokai tipped forward and fell out of the wardrobe, landing hard on his face. You winced as you watched him slide along the floor as well until he was straightened out.

Keeping a watchful eye on him you tip toed closer, when he didn’t move you glanced around. “Huh.”

It took a few minutes but eventually you got the yokai into the chair and made sure he couldn’t escape by wrapping your hair around him tightly. Then you closed all the windows except the sky light above and drug him into the spotlight.

Mondo climbed up onto the turtle’s shoulder with a determined glare and slapped him. The little chameleon backed up, changing color to blend into the turtle’s shoulder. When the yokai didn’t react, Mondo tried slapping him again twice with his tail then poking him. None of that worked and Mondo squinted at the turtle. He faced the turtle and shot his long tongue into the turtle’s ear canal.

The yokai jolted away, tossing Mondo off his shoulder, and looked around in panic, which turned to confusion as he tried to move and found he couldn’t: he was bound to the chair with hair.

“Wha..? Is this...hair?” He asked no one in particular. He followed the trail of hair up the support beams of the room to see your silhouette hiding within the rafters.

“Struggling...struggling is pointless.” You shouted down.

“Huh?” He squinted confused and watched as you jumped down to the floor, still staying within the shadows.

“I know why you're here. And I'm not afraid of you.” You stated.

The yokai was even more confused. “What?” He tried to get a better look at you through the darkness.

You stood and began making your way toward the light. Stepping into it, you kept your pan raised in case you had to use it again. “Who are you, and how did you find me?” You asked.

“Ah hah.” The turtle just stared seemingly lost in thought.

You raised your pan higher, the threat clear. “Who are you, and how did you find me?” You demanded.

Still staring at you the turtle cleared his throat before speaking. “I know not who you are, nor how I came to find you. But may I just say....” His expression changed to a flirty grin. “Hi.” He raised his non-existent eyebrows toward you. You frowned as you watched him. “How you doing? The name's Blue Jitsu.” Your expression changed to one of confusion as you looked around. “How's your day going, huh?” The turtle, Blue, continued with his flirty tone.

Scoffing, you shook your head and leveled your frying pan at him. “Who else knows my location, Blue Jitsu?” You ask as he leaned away from the pan.

“All right, Chica.” Blue put his hands up as much as he could in a surrender position.

“Y/n.” You corrected him.

“Gesundheit.” He deadpanned before explaining. “Here's the thing. I was in a situation, Gallivanting through the forest. I came across your tower and…” He paused as panic washed over him and he began looking around frantically. “Ho, ho no, where is my satchel?”

With a smirk you crossed your arms. “I've hidden it, somewhere you'll never find it.”

Unamused, Blue looked around before his eyes landed on the flower pot. “It's in that pot, isn't it?” He asked.

Your eyes widened and you smacked him with the pan once again. After hiding the satchel better, Mondo climbed back onto Blue’s shoulder and once again stuck his tongue in Blue’s ear canal.

Blue woke up with less of a start that time, but when he noticed the chameleon on his shoulder he freaked out and rubbed the side of his head against his shoulder after flinging the chameleon away. “Ugh! Would you stop that?!”

“Now it's hidden where you'll never find it.” You nodded with a smirk. Blue narrowed his eyes at you as he hummed. You began circling him, starting the interrogation. “So, what do you want, with my hair? To cut it?”

“What?” Blue asked.

“Sell it?” You point your pan under his chin as he leaned away.

“No! Listen, the only thing I want to do with your hair, is to get out of it. Literally!” He tried to struggle as you continued circling around him.

That made you pause in confusion. “Wait, you don't want my hair?”

“Why on earth would I want your hair? Look, I was being chased, I saw a tower, I climbed it, end of story.” Blue explained.

With narrowed eyes you pointed your pan at him once again. “You’re telling the truth?” You questioned.

“YES!” Blue exclaimed.

You hummed as you stared at him, searching his face for any hint of deception. Mondo appeared on your shoulder and marched down your arm, over the pan, and squinted at Blue as he leaned away with wide eyes. Mondo looked the turtle up and down before squinting and softly growling as you pulled him away.

Turning your back to the yokai, you conversed with your only friend really. “I know. I need someone to take me. I think he's telling the truth, too. He doesn't have fangs! But what choice do I have?” Behind you Blue trying to shuffle his chair toward the window, not making it very far before you sighed and faced him once again. “Okay, Blue Jitsu, I'm prepared to offer you a deal.” You stated and walked toward your painting.

“Deal?” Blue asked.

“Look this way.” You said and pulled your hair which caused the chair to spin, eventually making Blue fall flat on his face. You climbed up onto the fireplace and pulled the curtains aside. “Do you know what these are?”

“You mean the lantern thing they do for the princess?” Blue questioned, his voice coming out a little strained because of how his face is pressed into the stone floor.

You glanced at your painting with glee. “Lanterns? I knew they weren't stars.” Shaking your head to get back on track you pointed to Blue with your pan. “Well, tomorrow evening they will light the night sky, with these lanterns. You will act as my guide, Take me to these lanterns, and return me home safely. Then, and only then, will I return your satchel to you. That is my deal.” You proposed.

Blue groaned and pushed himself onto his side. “Yeah, no can do. Unfortunately, the kingdom and I are not exactly, simpatico, at the moment. So I won't be taking you anywhere.” He shook his head.

You glanced to your shoulder at Mondo, who suggested you give the yokai a beat down. You focused on Blue as you jumped off the fireplace and began pulling your hair to get the chair on four legs again. “Something brought you here, Blue Jitsu. Call it what you will, fate, destiny.” Which each word you stepped closer.

“A horse.” Blue deadpanned with a raised eyebrow ridge.

“So I have made the decision to trust you.” You continued.

“A horrible decision, really.” Blue shook his head.

“But trust me, when I tell you this.” You yanked on your hair causing the chair to tip forward, but before it could fall you caught it with one hand and glared down at Blue. “You can tear this tower apart, brick by brick. but without my help, you will never find your precious satchel.” You threatened.

Blue huffed and cleared his throat. “Let me just get this straight. I take you to see the lanterns. Bring you back home. and you'll give me back my satchel?”

“I promise.” You stated.

Blue doesn’t look convinced.

“And when I promise something, I never ever break that promise.” You added. Blue raised an eyebrow. “Ever!” You enunciated. Mondo nodded from his position on your shoulder.

“All right, listen, I didn't want to have to want to do this, but you leave me no choice. Here comes the 'smolder'.” Blue looked down a moment before looking up at you with pinched brows and pursed lips. When you only tightened your glare, Blue’s “smolder” began to fall apart. “This is kind of an off day for me.This doesn't normally happen.” He admitted. “Fine, I'll take you to see the lanterns.” He relented.

“Really!” In your excitement you let go of the chair causing him to fall forward. He landed harshly on his face once again. “Oops.” You glanced down at him with a wince.

“You broke my 'smolder'.” He groaned from the floor.

Within a few moments you got Blue untied to the chair. He was quick to retrieve his bolts and use them to climb back down the tower. As he’s going he noticed your hesitance at the top.

“You comin, Chica?” He called.

You stepped closer to the ledge, looking down at the world that always seemed just out of reach. “Look at the world, so close and I’m halfway to it. Look at it all, so big do I even dare?” You glanced back into the tower at your painting on the wall. “Look at me, there at last, I just have to do it.” You almost hesitated and stepped back into the tower. “Should I?” But that is quickly dashed by the thought of finally seeing the lanterns. “No. Here I go.”

On your shoulder Mondo appeared and tied some hair around his waist so he wouldn’t fall. Then he gave you the thumbs up. You chuckled and tossed your hair out the window, watching it billow out toward the ground.

Blue watched it happen confused and looked back up at you, only to press against the stones to avoid getting knocked off the tower as you swung past on your hair. You laughed as you felt the wind blow past your cheeks.

But as the ground quickly approached you halted, freezing just inches above the ground, terrified yet thrilled as you stared at the grass. Slowly you lowered your feet to the soft grass and wiggled your toes. A laugh bubbled out as you grinned brightly.

“Just smell the grass, the dirt, just like I dreamed they’d be.” You set down your pan to just lay in the grass, basking in the feeling. “Just feel that summer breeze, the way it’s calling me.” You smiled as the breeze washed over you and you jumped up as it blew some dandelion seeds through the air. With your arm outstretched you chased them. You froze when you stepped in a small stream though, the cool water washing over your feet and ankles. “For like the first time ever, I’m completely free.” You scooped up some water and threw it in the air as you felt the sun shining down.

You turned toward the exit cave that seemed to be calling your name. Slowly you begin running toward it, picking up speed with every word. “I could go running and racing and dancing and chasing and leaping and bounding, hair flying, heart pounding” You bursted through the curtain of vines with a triumphant grin. “And splashing and reeling and finally feeling that’s when my life begins!”

Birds flew all around and exited through the treetops. You watched them with a wide grin. “I can't believe I did this.” You exclaimed to yourself. “I can’t believe I did this.” You repeated as a mumble. “I CAN'T BELIEVE I DID THIS!” You excitedly shouted and jumped around. A thought struck you and your smile fell a bit as you hugged yourself. “Mother would be so furious.”

You’re sitting on a rock in a small lake holding a lotus in your hands, Blue watching behind you. “That's okay though, what she doesn't know won't kill her, right?”

The stone of the cave is cold as you rock back and forth. Blue waited by the entrance. “Oh my gosh, this will kill her.” Your voice echoed around you.

With a bright grin on your face you sprint down the hill kicking a large pile of leaves. “THIS IS SO FUN!” The leaves fell around Blue who shook his head slightly amused as he watched you.

You placed your forehead against the rough bark of a tree, arms hanging limply at your sides. “I am a horrible daughter, I'm going back.”

“I am never going back!” You laughed as you did a cartwheel down a hill which quickly turned to just getting rolled up in your hair as you log rolled down said hill.

Face down in the dirt surrounded by flowers you sobbed. “I am a despicable human being.” Blue looked bored as he sat by your side.

“WAHHOOOOO! Best day, ever!” You shouted as you used your hair like a swing around a large tree. Blue leaned against the trunk of said tree, not really paying much attention.

Face in your hands you cried as you leaned against the large rock by the tree you were just swinging in. Blue approached and cleared his throat as he knelt down by your side.

“You know, I can't help but notice, you seem a little at war with yourself, here.” He stated.

“Really? Where’d you pick that up? The captain’s book on obvious statements.” You snapped through tears as you glanced at him.

Blue shook his head as he stood. “Now, I'm only picking up bits and pieces. Overprotective mother, forbidden road trip. This is serious stuff. But let me ease your conscience. This is part of growing up. A little rebellion, a little adventure. That's good, healthy even.” Mondo crawled up on his shoulder, but Blue wiped him off.

Your expression painted surprise as you stared at him. “You think?”

“I know. You're way over thinking this, trust me. Does your mother deserve it? No Will this break her heart and crush her soul? Of course. But you just got to do it.” Blue stated and crossed his arms.

“Break her heart?” You questioned.

“In half.” Blue plucked a grape off a twig in your hair.

“Crush her soul?” You fiddled with a strand of your hair.

“Like a grape.” Blue crushed the grape between his fingers.

“She would be heartbroken you’re right.” You muttered as you slowly stood, Blue helping you to your feet.

“I am, aren't I? Oh, bother.” He shook his head in mock sadness. “All right, I can't believe I'm saying this, but...I'm letting you out of the deal.” Blue stated as he walked past you.

“What?” You questioned.

“That's right. But don't thank me.” Blue leaned down and picked up both your frying pan and Mondo. “Let's just turn around,and get you home, here's your pan, here's your frog.” He shoved both into your hands as he said it then threw his arm around your shoulder as he began walking you back in the direction of the tower. “I get back my satchel. You get back a mother daughter relationship based on mutual trust and viola! We part ways as unlikely friends.”

You shoved him off you and took a step back, glaring at him. “No, I am seeing those lanterns.”

Blue threw his hands around in anger and groaned. “Oh, come on! What is it going to take to get my satchel back?”

You glared and raised your pan to his face. “I will use this.” You threatened.

The large bush to your left began rustling and you jumped in fear, not knowing what it was. You latched onto Blue’s back, wrapping your arms and legs around him as you tried to aim your pan at the bush. “Is it, ruffians, thugs? Have they come for me?!”

The bush stopped moving and a little brown bunny hopped out. It stared up at you two with big round eyes and a twitching nose.

“Stay calm, it can probably smell fear.” Blue deadpanned.

You chuckled slightly embarrassed as you put your feet back on the ground and stepped away. “Oh, sorry. Guess I’m just a bit jumpy.”

Blue straightened his sash as he looked off in thought. “Probably be best if we avoid ruffians and thugs, though.” He lifted an eyebrow ridge as he glanced at you.

“Yeah, that's probably best.” You admitted and fiddled with your pan.

“Are you hungry? I know a great place for lunch.” Blue grinned as he turned to you.

You blinked at the sudden tone change and shrugged. “Where?”

“Oh, don't you worry.” Blue smirked as he grabbed your pan and began dragging you in an unknown direction. “You'll know it when you smell it.”

Blue led you through the forest, seemingly choosing directions at random, so much so you were starting to think he didn’t actually have an end destination. You didn’t really mind all that much, just happy to explore the world outside of your tower.

“I know it's around here, somewhere.” Blue hummed as he looked down a fork in the road. He turned to the left and spotted it. “Ah, there it is.” He exclaimed and gestured to the little building nestled against a large tree. Moss grew on the purple shingles and the old wood looked like it needed many fresh coats of paint. A little sign on the road had a painting of a little pink unicorn and under it the words Run of the Mill. Blue grinned as he glanced at you. “Run of the Mill. Don't worry, very quaint place, perfect for you. Don't want you scaring, and giving up on this endeavor now do we?” Blue smirked as he placed his hands on his hips.

“Well, I suppose the unicorn is a good sign.” You shrugged with a smile.

“Yay!” Blue exclaimed. He led you to the front door and threw it open, causing the chatter inside to come to a halt. “Hueso, your finest table, please.” Blue shouted.

Taking in the patrons you gasped. This was not the place it appeared to be on the outside, nor what it the snuggly little place Blue painted it as. Men and yokai alike populated the place. The men were decked out with horned hems and various sharp weapons. Some yokai had similar armor pieces and ranged from reptiles to furred beasts, hell even the bartender was a walking skeleton. Said skeleton that shook his head and muttered to himself at the sight of Blue.

As you glanced around the room you took in more details of the patrons. One man with a scraggly beard and large nose grinned with the many rats on his back. A pair of large crab yokai snapped their pinchers while chuckling. A stout bald man revealed his shining hook for a hand. A large pig yokai wielded what appeared to be a large meat tenderizer as he grinned.

Trying to calm your racing heart you took one step back intending to leave but Blue put his arms around you and led you deeper into the restaurant. Your grip tightened on your pan as you’re walked into the crowd.

“You smell that? Take a deep breath through the nose.” Blue dramatically inhaled. “Really, let that seep in. What are you getting? Because to me, it's part man smell and the other part is really bad man smell. I don't know why, but overall, it smells like the color brown. Your thoughts?”

You jolted backward as something grabbed your hair. Gasping you turned around and saw a short man with a domed hemet and thick sideburns holding your hair. You grabbed as much as you could in your arms and quickly back away, pulling it out of his hands.

“That's a lot of hair.” The thug said in a really deep voice.

“She's growing it out.” Blue shrugged. “Is that blood on your mustache? Chica, look at this, look at all the blood on his mustache. Good sir, that's a lot of blood.” Blue exclaimed.

You were backing away so you didn’t really see where you were going until you bumped into a large figure. Whipping around you held out your pan as the very large white bear yokai turned toward you and growled.

“Hey, you don't look so good, Chica. Maybe we should get you home. Call it a day.” Blue said as he approached. He placed his arm around you once again and began leading you back to the door. “Probably better off. This is a five star joint after all. And if you can't handle this place, well maybe you should be back in your tower.”

Before you could get out the door though, it slammed shut, causing both you and Blue to jump. The large man who closed it wore a wide curved horned helmet and dark furs. His hand was over a wanted poster nailed to the door.

“Is this you?” He glared at Blue.

Blue glanced at the poster and moved the man’s finger out of the way as it was covering where his crescents would be. The stripes on this poster were really wavy, almost like double S’s. Blue scoffed. “Ugh, now they're just being mean.”

“Oh, it's him all right.” The stout man with the hook for a hand approached you two from behind. “Greno, go find some guards. That reward is going to buy me a new hook.” The man in the blue shirt nodded and ran off as Hook for a Hand grabbed Blue by the sash across his chest.

A different man pulled Blue away. “I can use the money.” He exclaimed through his bucket-like helmet.

One of the crab yokai grabbed Blue next. “What about us? We’re broke.” He shouted as he and his brother held on to Blue.

The people were quick to descend upon Blue, grabbing whatever limb they could as they fought over him.

“Please, stop!” You shouted, but your voice was drowned out in the noise.

“We can work this out.” Blue tried to bargain as he felt like he was being pulled apart.

You tried to get into the crowd, but it was too thick. “Hey, leave him alone.”

“Gentlemen, please.” Blue begged only to get punched in the face by the man who first pointed out the wanted poster.

“Give me back my guide!!” You shouted as you bashed your pan against the back of one of the horned men, though it did little.

The crowd parted slightly as they all held Blue up. The stout man with the hook reeled back ready to punch Blue in the face. Blue tried to wiggle out but the crabs had his right arm, a bunch of men held his feet, the large man with the wide horns held his left arm and shoulder, and the large pig yokai held Blue’s head in place. You watched on with wide eyes before noticing a branch right above the hook man’s head. You lassoed it with your hair and pulled, bending it more and more.

“Not the face, not the face, not the face!” Blue exclaimed as he struggled.

Just as the hook man was about to throw his punch, you let go of your hair causing the branch to whip back down and slap the man’s bald head. Everyone froze with slack jaws and wide eyes as they stared at the man with the hook. Behind you at the bar you heard a quiet chuckle come from the skeleton bartender.

“Put him down!” You shouted.

Hook for a Hand turned and glared at you.

You huffed as you tried to explain. “Okay, I don't know where I am,” You reached back and grabbed your pan, gesturing to Blue. “and I need him to take me to see the lanterns, because I've been dreaming about them my entire life. Find your humanity! Haven't any of you ever had a dream?!” You asked.

Pulling his ax off his back, Hook Hand stomped toward you as the large man behind him placed Blue on a hook in the wall. Blue just hung there, staring with slight fear for your safety: this was definitely not his intention. You backed up nervously as the man continued to come closer. You put your pan up in front of you hoping it could be some type of protection. You leaned back against the barrel as Hook Hand towered over you.

He glanced away as his glare fell. “I had a dream once.” He stated before throwing his ax across the room. It embedded into the wall above a lone jester sitting on a stool. The jester jumped in fear and began playing his accordion while shaking like a leaf.

Blue looked from the jester to you and Hook Hand utterly confused.

“I’m malicious, mean, and scary. My sneer could curdle dairy.” The man pointed to his face as he said it. “And violence-wise my hands are not the cleanest.” He stepped back and gestured to the chalk outline on the floor. You narrowed your eyes as you peeked down at the floor. Hook Hand started walking toward a little stage and you followed slightly intrigued. You ducked as he effortlessly tossed another man aside. “But despite my evil look and my temper and my hook.” He showed off his hook as a spotlight shone down on him. “I’ve always dreamed of being a concert pianist.” He began playing the piano really well for using just a hook and your guard fell a little as you connected with the man.

“Can’t you see me on the stage performing Motzart? Ticklin’ the ivories ‘til they gleam? Yep, I’d rather be called deadly for my killer show tune medley! Thank you ‘cause way down deep inside I’ve got a dream.” He continued playing the piano really well and you found yourself smiling along.

Everyone else in the place began bouncing with the tune as they joined in. “He’s got a dream! He’s got a dream!” Blue just looked around completely lost for words.

You sat down on a stool next to Hook Hand as he grinned. “See I ain’t as cruel and vicious as I seem.” You duck once again as he threw his hands wide, accidentally slapping the same guy he threw earlier. “Though I do like breaking femurs you can count me with the dreamers.” He winked at you and you laughed. “Like everybody else I’ve got a dream.”

The guy that got hit sat up and started next as you turned to him. “I’ve got scars and lumps and bruises. Plus something here that oozes.” He lifted his arm to show it off. “And let’s not even mention my complexion. But despite my extra toes and my goiter and my nose I really wanna make a love connection.” He handed you a flower as he left and you smiled, your eyes darting briefly to Blue who was still just hanging there unable to get down. You toast the flower toward him and laugh before returning your attention to the man.

Blue softened a little as he watched. He was still beyond confused, but he could help to find you fascinating.

“Can’t you see me with a special little lady?” He sat in a tub of some kind as a little old man opened a small umbrella with a smirk. “Rowin’ in a rowboat down the stream? Though I’m one disgusting blighter I’m a lover not a fighter. ‘Cause way down deep inside I’ve got a dream.” The little old man was put up on a rope and swung around the room as if he were cupid.

“I’ve got a dream.”

“He’s got a dream.”

“I’ve got a dream.”

“He’s got a dream.”

“And I know one day romance will reign supreme. Though my face leaves people screaming, there’s a child behind it dreaming. Like everybody else I’ve got a dream.” He hugged both you and another patron at the table swaying slightly to the song.

“Tor would like to quit and be a florist.” One man showed off his skills using skulls, flowers, and a rat. You were genuinely impressed as you clapped.

“Gunther does interior design.” You watch as the man straightened a sad puppy photo.

“Ulf is into mime.” Said yokai dressed up like a mime smiled as they made a rainbow gesture towards Blue.

“Attlia’s cupcakes are sublime.” The man with the bucket-like helmet offers you a tray of cupcakes that frankly look delicious.

“Bruiser knits, Killer sews. Fang does little puppet shows. And Vladimir collects ceramic unicorns.” The large man that pointed out the wanted poster showed you his two little pink unicorns and tapped them together creating a soft chime sound. The smile on his face was rather infectious as you found yourself smiling along.

“What about you?” Hook Hand asked Blue as everyone turned their attention to him. You looked over as well with a curious glance.

“I’m sorry, me?” Blue questioned.

“What’s your dream?” The lover man demanded as he lifted Blue down off the hook.

“Oh no no, sorry guys. I don’t sing.” Blue stated and crossed his arms.

Everyone in the room pulled their swords out and aimed them at Blue. Now he does sing and he got up on the counter to dance.

“I have dreams like you, no really. Just much less touchy feely. They mainly happen somewhere warm and sunny.” Blue winked and plucked a unicorn out of Vladimir’s hand. The large man glared at the turtle. Blue placed the unicorn on a tiny hill in the stew. “On an island that we own, tanned and rested with my bros.” Blue was yanked off the bar and held between a lot of people. “Surrounded by enormous piles of money.”

The people cheered and tossed Blue into the air. You climbed up onto a center table. “I’ve got a dream.”

“She’s got a dream.”

“I’ve got a dream.”

“She’s got a dream.”

“I just wanna see the floating lanterns gleam.” The patrons cheered. “And with every passing hour I’m so glad I left my tower!” Through the far window Big Mama watched with surprise and horror at the sight of you standing amidst so many people. “Like all you lovely folks I’ve got a dream.”

“She’s got a dream. He’s got a dream. They’ve got a dream. We’ve got a dream.” Blue was leaning against a barrel exhausted only to jolt at the sight of a strange goat near him. However, before he could do anything he was grabbed once again by the front and thrown onto a plank. “So our differences ain’t really that extreme. We’re one big team.” The polar bear yokai that placed Blue on the plank pointed to Vladimir who stomped on the other end of the plank sending Blue flying through the air landing on a barrel which someone kicked causing it to roll. Blue just barely kept his balance as the barrel rolled through a line of men juggling flames back and forth.

“Call us brutal, sick, sadistic, and grotesquely optimistic cause way down deep inside we’ve got a dream.”

“I’ve got a dream.”

Blue ducked as a man flew over his head and crashed through a window.

“Yes way down deep inside I’ve got a dream!” Hook Hand and Lover man lead you to a table and you jumped up as everyone cheered. Suddenly you caught the old man dressed as cupid and stared with wide, bewildered eyes. Where did he even come from? You wondered.

In that moment the door burst open as Greno returned with a grin. “I found the guards!” He exclaimed.

Everyone froze and Blue dashed toward you, grabbing the arm of the old man you were still holding and pulling you back behind the bar.

The captain, Cassandra, pushed Greno out of the way as she and four other guards entered the room. “Where’s Jitsu? Where is he?” She shouted. “I know he's in here somewhere. Find him, turn the place upside down if you have to!” She commanded her team and they began searching.

Blue peeked over the edge at the door hoping it was clear, only to be disappointed as the Mud Dogs were walked in with chains on their wrists. Blue winced as he ducked back down: front door is a no go.

Hueso, the skeleton behind the bar, discreetly got your’s and Blue’s attention. He gestured over to his left and urged you to crawl that way as the guards were fanning out. He made sure no one was watching before he pulled a level, causing a section of the floor with a unicorn painted on it to lower, revealing a secret tunnel.

“Go, live your dream.” He said.

“I will.” Blue smiled with relief.

Hueso frowned. “You need a better dream, Pepino, I was talking to her.” He stated. Blue scoffed and rolled his eyes as he slid down the ramp into the passage.

“Thanks for everything.” You smiled toward the skeleton and quickly followed Blue into the tunnel. The passage shut behind you with a soft thud and you were submerged in the dark. Blue found an old lantern and got it to work, giving you both some light as you made your way through the tunnel, hoping to get as far away as possible.

After a bit of walking Blue broke the silence. “Well, I've gotta say. Didn't know you had that in you back there, that was pretty...impressive.” He complimented.

You smiled brightly. “I know!” As your voice echoed down the tunnel you toned it down a little, trying to play it cool. “I know.” You smirked.

Blue just smiled and shook his head slightly, amused.

“Sooo, Blue. Where you from?” You asked as you sped up a little to walk in time with him.

“Whoa, whoa, sorry hermosa, I don't do back story. However I am becoming very interested in yours. Now I...I know I'm not suppose to mention the hair.” He glanced back at you.

“Nope.”

“Or, the Mother.”

“Nuh uh.”

“Frankly I'm too scared to ask about the frog.” Blue shrugged.

“Chameleon.” You corrected as Mondo narrowed his eyes at Blue.

“Nuance. Here's my question, though, if you want to see the lanterns so badly, why haven't you gone before?” He asked, pausing to turn to look at you, slightly confused.

“Uhh, heh, well…” You stammered trying to think of a way to explain only for a rock to fall from the ceiling and hit you on the head. You winced and looked down as the ground began to rumble. You glanced back behind you. “Uhh, Blue…?” Down the passage you see the palace guards round the corner all carrying torches and sprinting toward you. “Blue!” You shouted nervously.

“Jitsu!” Cassandra’s voice echoed down the tunnel.

“Run.” Blue said and placed a hand on your shoulder as you scooped up as much of your hair as you could carry. “Run!” You two sprinted down the tunnel, the thunder foot falls of your pursuers seemingly getting louder.

Bright sunlight shone down on you two as you exited the tunnel to see a water mill, dam, and what looked to be a quarry with many tunnels. The ledge you were on didn’t seem to go anywhere. You and Blue raced to the edge and looked over at the broken, rickety ladder that would surely take way too long to climb down. Across the quarry at the bottom there was an open tunnel, all you had to do was get there.

A blocked off tunnel was broken down to the left of the exit tunnel and the three angry Mud Dogs glared up at you two when they saw you.

“Who’s that?” You asked Blue.

“They don't like me.” Blue pointed down to the trio.

Fast footsteps approached and you both turned to see the royal guard exiting the tunnel. “Who’s that?” You asked again.

“They don't like me either.” Blue admitted sheepishly.

Mayhem neighed loudly as he too bursted from the tunnel, glaring daggers at Blue. You shook your head in disbelief. “Who’s that?!”

“Lets just assume for the moment, that everyone here doesn't like me.” Blue stated exasperatedly.

You huffed and shook your head. “Yeah I see that. Here!” You tossed down your hair and pushed your pan into Blue’s arms. He exhaled as the pan hit him hard in the plastron. He watched bewildered as you lassoed a broken wooden beam with your hair. Without hesitation you leapt from the edge and swung across the gap to another ledge. Blue’s jaw had dropped a little as he watched, but he couldn’t admire for long as Cassandra chuckled.

Blue whipped around with a gasp as the captain approached, drawing her sword. “I've waited a long time for this.” She grinned.

“Ho boi.” Blue grimaced and glanced at the pan in his hands. He ducked out of the way as Cassandra swung, and he whipped the pan around, hitting her in the head which knocked her out. Blue blocked an attack from another guard and knocked him out too. Slowly Blue built a rhythm and smirked as he fought off all the guards with the frying pan. “Oh mama, I have got to get me one of these.” Blue exclaimed after all the guards were on the ground.

A sword was aimed at Blue and he grinned as he readied his frying pan. “Hah!” He shouted only to balk in confusion seeing Mayhem there with the sword in his mouth. The horse neighed threateningly and lunged. Blue parried and the two went back and forth, the horse appearing to have more skill than all the men. You watched from your ledge both bewildered and nervous.

“You should know, that this is the strangest thing I've ever done!” Blue called out and Mayhem knocked the pan out of his hand. Both froze and watched the pan fall down off the cliff edge. It hit the bottom with a clang and Blue smiled nervously. “How 'bout two out of three?” Mayhem pointed his sword at Blue’s neck as the turtle put his hands up.

“Blue!” You shouted and whipped your hair toward the turtle. It wrapped around his hand and upon seeing it Blue smirked, giving a little salute to the horse he let himself fall off the ledge. Mayhem dropped his sword in shock.

You held tight to your hair but out of the corner of your eye you saw the Mud Dogs. “Blue! Look out!” You shouted as he swung right toward them. Blue scrambled to climb up the hair a bit, but wasn’t getting anywhere. You tightened your grip on your hair and pulled, causing Blue to rise a foot and swing right over the thieves below, missing them by an inch.

“HAH!” Blue cackled in amusement. “You should see your faces 'cause you look…” His sentence was cut off as he slammed fully into a wooden beam from the trough. “Ridiculous…” Blue wheezed.

You winced with sympathy at the painful scene. A heavy thudding caught your attention and you glanced over at the other ledge to see, Mayhem attempting to kick down a support beam for the dam as all the guards regained consciousness. The board came free and created a makeshift bridge spanning from the other ledge to your ledge. Mayhem quickly began crossing it.

“Come on, Hermosa!” Blue called and you looked toward him to see him standing in the trough holding the end of your hair. “Jump!” He instructed.

Trusting Blue, you raced for the edge and jumped just as Mayhem reached your ledge. He just barely missed biting your hair as you swung down. You grinned determined as you reached the bottom and slid along a shallow puddle of water. Glancing over your shoulder you saw the Mud Dogs sprinting toward you and you turned to run toward the exit as Blue let go of your hair.

Up on the trough, Blue used the wooden structure as a water slide of sorts and slid down to catch up with you. When he reached the end though, the old wood began to fall apart as the structure collapsed and he jumped deftly along until he could jump off and land safely on the ground. He picked up the tail end of your hair as he joined you sprinting for the exit.

The ground rumbled violently as the dam collapsed behind you. You tried not to think of the tons of water barreling toward you as you ran as fast as you could toward the tunnel. Rocks cracked behind you and a shadow loomed as a large pillar could not withstand the force of the water and began tipping over. The shadow grew as the large pillar fell more. You were almost there and pushed your legs to run faster. Just in time you made it to the safety of the tunnel as the rock slammed into the ground, but not before Blue could reach back and grab your pan that he had lost.

In the dark of the tunnel you could see the water spilling in and you both scrambled to get away only to discover that to your horror the tunnel was a dead end. The water reached your feet quickly as you pressed your back against the stone. Blue looked at you before diving into the water to look for a way out or something. You glanced around at the walls and began bashing your pan against the rock, hoping to find a weak spot.

Blue came back up and glared at the rock surrounding you. He slammed his shoulder against one side, accomplishing nothing but giving himself a bruise. He moved to the other side and tried to shove against the rock with his hands, only for his left hand to slip and slice his palm open on the edge. Blue gasped in pain and winced, looking down at the large ugly gash. He only paused for a moment though before diving back into the water. You continued your assault against the walls with your pan but nothing was working. The water was up to your waist now.

“It's no use, I can't see anything.” Blue heaved as he came up again and wiped the water out of his eyes. You took some deep breaths as you glared at the water before inhaling and diving in yourself. Blue’s eyes widened in panic and he quickly dived after you to bring you back up. “Hey, there's no point.” He softly removed some strands of hair away from your face. “It's pitch black down there.” He explained.

Your eyes widened in fear as you shook your head and backed against the stone. Your heart beat rapidly, this couldn’t be happening: you were gonna die. “This is all my fault.” You muttered. “She was right, I never should have done this. I'm so…” You sniffed as your eyes burned. “I'm so sorry, Blue.” You sobbed as hopelessness settled heavy on your shoulders.

Blue looked at you with downcast eyes. He sighed. “Leonardo.”

“What?” You sniffed and glanced at him.

“My real name is Leonardo Hamato. Someone might as well know.” He shrugged with a half smile.

You hummed and smiled softly as well. “I have magic hair that glows when I sing.” You admitted.

Leonardo looked bewildered. “What?”

Your eyes widened with realization. “I have... magic hair, that glows when I sing!” You exclaimed only to notice the water is nearly over your neck. “Flower gleam and glow. Let your power shine.” You quickly breathe out before taking a breath and sinking under the water.

Only after a moment in the darkness, your hair slowly began glowing. Leo opened his eyes and nearly shouted under water, almost losing all his air before slamming his mouth shut again. You both watched as the hair lit up all the way to the end and noticed a weak looking area where water seemed to be draining. You both looked at each other before swimming toward it. As your hair dimmed you both began pulling at the rocks, uncovering the exit as your lungs started to burn.

Eventually Leonardo got his hand all the way through the rocks and managed to push enough rocks for the whole thing to start crumbling and you both tumbled out of the tunnel into a river.

You threw yourself up onto the river bank and took in ragged gasps of breath. Both of you felt like you were coughing up a lung. Mondo too took a deep breath of relief.

“We made it.” You sighed.

“Her hair glows.” Leo stated, still bewildered.

“We're alive!” You exclaimed and pulled yourself out of the river. “We're alive!”

“Didn't see that coming.” Leo muttered, rubbing the top of his head.

“Leonardo…” You called but he wasn’t listening.

“Her hair actually glows.” He exclaimed to Mondo who just smirked.

“Leonardo.” You called again.

“Why does her hair glow?” The turtle demanded an answer from the little chameleon. Mondo flinched away as Leo leaned over him.

“Leonardo!”

“WHAT?” Leo shouted and looked at you with wide eyes.

“It doesn’t just glow.” You explained as you heaved more of your hair out of the river. Mondo smirked and glanced toward Leo with narrowed eyes.

“Why is he smiling at me?” Leo whimpered in confusion.

༻✧༺

Deep within the woods where the tunnel lead out, Big Mama waited behind some rocks as she heard coughing. She slowly pulled out her dagger as she inched closer. Except when the door with the unicorn painted on it opened, a soaking wet Leonard stumbled out still coughing up the water.

Big Mama hid behind the rocks again as she watched the three yokai pull themselves up out of the tunnel.

“I’ll kill him! I’ll kill that Jitsu!” Leonard shouted.

Hearing this Big Mama grinned.

“Well cut them off at the kingdom.” Danny stated.

“And get back the crown.” Leonard nodded. “Come on.” He gestured as they all started walking through the woods.

“Bo-oys!...” Big Mama called out and the three froze. They turned and saw the woman standing on the rocks looking down at them. “Perhaps you want to stop acting like wild dogs chasing their tails, and think for a moment.” She produced the satchel and dangled it in front of herself.

Seeing the satchel, the Mud Dogs reached for their weapons and aimed them at Big Mama.

The woman chuckled. “Oh, please there's no need for that.” She tossed the satchel to Leonard, who caught it quickly after dropping his weapon. The boys fought over each other as he opened it and pulled out the crown. They all grinned when they saw it. Seeing it, Big Mama hummed. “Well if that's all you desire, then be on your way! I was going to offer you something worth one thousand crowns, would have made you rich beyond belief. And that wasn't even the best part.” She laughed before turning to walk away. “Oh well, C'est la vie. Enjoy your crown.” She waved.

“What's the best part?” Mickey asked.

Grinning Big Mama turned back to the boys. “It comes with revenge on Blue Jitsu.” She waved the wanted poster in the air.

The Mud Dogs all looked at each other and grinned.

༻✧༺

As the sun sunk down in the sky, you both gathered up wood for a fire and made a makeshift camp while you let your hair dry. Once it was mostly dry you instructed Leo to sit across from you on the thick root of a nearby tree. You held out your hand for his injured one and he hesitated only slightly as he offered it to you. Holding his hand lightly you began to methodically wrap your hair around it.

“So you're being strangely cryptic as you wrap your magic hair around my injured hand.” He mumbled before wincing in pain.

“Sorry.” You grimaced and sighed. “Just don't...don't freak out.” You requested. Leo didn’t say anything as he stared at you. You took a breath and closed your eyes, starting the incantation.

“Flower gleam and glow, Let your power shine,” You sang softly and Leonardo watched with wide eyes as your hair once again began glowing. “Make the clock reverse, bring back what once was mine.” As the glow spread past Mondo, the little chameleon grinned toward Leo and held up his hand, pointing to his palm. Leo looked down at his palm as the glowing spread to the hair wrapped around his hand. “Heal what has been hurt, Change the fate's design. Save what has been lost, Bring back what once was mine.” Leonardo looked at you then over at Mondo who just nodded with a smug grin. “What once was mine.”

You opened your eyes and looked at Leo. He slowly raised his hand and unwrapped the hair. Leo breathed heavily as he stared at his palm and turned it to you with a confused look on his face as he glanced between his healed hand and your face.

He gasped and opened his mouth to scream.

“Please don’t freak out!” You quickly requested.

His stifled scream faded out. “Ahhh'm not freaking out, are you freaking out?” He asked rapidly and placed his hand on his cheek. “No, I'm just very interested in your hair and the magical qualities that it possesses..” He pulled his hand away and looked at it again before shoving his hands under his arms and rocking slightly. “How long has it been doing that, exactly?” He asked with a strained smile.

You chuckled and shrugged. “Uh. Forever, I guess.” Your smile fell as you began to explain more. “Mother said when I was a baby people tried to cut it. They wanted to take it for themselves.” You pulled some of your hair out of the way to reveal the dull strand of hair a lot shorter than the rest of your hair. “But, once it's cut. It turns dull, and loses its power.” You let go of your hair and began playing with a strand. “A gift like that, it has to be protected. That's why Mother never let me...That's why I...I never left and…” You frowned and sighed while looking away from Leonardo.

“You never left that tower.” He finished for you with a concerned glint in his eyes. “And you're still gonna go back?” He asked.

“No.” You stated, “...yes.” You placed your head in your hands as you sighed. “Ugh. It's complicated.” Mondo leaned against your foot offering you comfort. You stayed like that a moment, Leo watching you with a soft expression. Peeking through your fingers, you saw him staring and blushed slightly. You took a deep breath and sat up, running your hand through your hair. “So…” You glanced at him. “Leonardo Hamato, huh?”

“Ah yeah, well. I'll spare you the sob story of poor orphan Leonardo Hamato, it's a little bit ah... It's a little bit of a downer.” He shrugged. You smirked and scooted closer to the yokai, interested to hear his story. Leo laughed softly. He was silent a moment before starting. “There was this book. A book my big brother used to read every night to us and all the younger kids. The tales of Lou Jitsu. Bravest ninja master, richest man alive. Not bad with the ladies, either. Not that he'd ever brag about it, of course.”

You hummed in amusement, enjoying Leo’s storytelling. “Was he a thief too?” You asked.

Leo’s smirk fell. “Ahh, well no.” After a moment he grinned again as he sat up. “Actually, he had enough money to do whatever he wanted to do. He could go wherever he wanted to go.” Leo’s grin fell as he looked away from you, slightly ashamed. “And...and, for a kid, with nothing. I don't know, I... It just seemed like a better option.” He admitted.

You smiled softly as you listened intently.

Leo turned to you. “You can't tell anyone, about this, okay? It could ruin my whole reputation.”

Grinning, you shrugged. “Ahh, you wouldn't want that.” You nodded along.

“Oh, a fake reputation is all that a man has.” Leo said and you laughed softly. Comfortable silence descended around you both as you glanced at Leo. He was staring at you too, with an expression that could almost be read as admiration. Realizing he was staring, Leo cleared his throat and looked away. “Um, well I should uh…” He stood from his spot and began walking away, pointing over his shoulder as he refused to meet your eye. “I, I should get some more firewood.” He said and began walking into the woods.

“Hey.” You called and he paused, turned around and glanced at you. “For the record, I like Leonardo Hamato much better than, Blue Jitsu.”

Leonardo shrugged. “Well, then you'd be the first.” He looked down at his healed palm and rubbed his thumb over the spot where the cut once was. “But, thank you.” He looked up at you with a slight grin before turning and heading off into the woods. You watched him go with a fond chuckle.

Big Mama glared at the yokai as he left, standing in the shadows behind you. “Well, I thought he'd never leave.” She stated.

You jumped at the sound of your mother’s voice and turned around with wide eyes, seeing her walking toward you while pulling down her hood. “Mother?”

“Hello dear.” She grinned.

Mondo camouflage into the wood as you stood up stammering for an explanation you knew you couldn’t really give. “But I, I..I don’t…How did you find me?” You asked as she wrapped her arms around you for a hug you didn’t return.

“Oh, it was easy really.” Big Mama hummed as she stroked your hair. “I just listened to the sound of complete and utter betrayal, and followed that.”

You sighed, ashamed. “Mother…”

She pulled away from you, her hands on your shoulders. “We're going home, Y/n.” She turned, grabbing your wrist to pull you along. “Now.”

You pulled back, not wanting to go and she turned around to look at you. “You...You don't understand. I've been on the most incredible journey. I've seen and learned so much.” You explained with a grin. “I even met someone.” Your voice lowered slightly as you thought of Leo.

“Yes, the wanted thief. I'm so proud.” Big Mama fake grinned. “Come on, Y/n.” She grabbed your wrist again and pulled you harder away from the fire.

“Mother, wait.” You pulled your wrist out of her grip and she froze. “I think... I think he likes me.” You smiled softly at the ground, your heart doing little flips.

Big Mama turned around with a raised eyebrow. “Likes you? Please, Y/n that’s demented.” She shook her head.

“But mother I–”

“This is why you never should have left.” Big Mama threw her arms out to gesture around. She walked past you and placed her hand on her forehead. “Dear this whole romance that you’ve invented, just proves you’re too naive to be here.” She placed her hands on your shoulders and half hugged you from behind. “Why would he like you? Come on now really?” She said as she circled around you. “Look at you!” She held up some of your really long hair. “You think that he’s impressed?” She dropped the hair and walked toward the woods, gesturing for you to go with her. “Don’t be a dummy. Come with mummy. Mother–”

“No!” You snapped.

Big Mama’s grin fell. “No?” She squinted her eyes at you and raised an eyebrow as a smirk pulled at her lips. “Oh. I see how it is.” You slight glare lessened as you watched her take steps toward you. “Y/n knows best.” She sashayed her hips with one hand on them while gesturing to you with the other. “Y/n’s so mature now. Such a clever grown up miss.” She patted you on the head and you flinched slightly. Her fingers caressed your cheek as she continued. “Y/n knows best.” Big Mama turned away and shrugged. “Fine if you’re so sure now. Go ahead, then give him this!” She pulled the satchel out and dangled it in front of you.

You were at a loss. “How did you–”

Your mother pulled out the crown and thrusted it at you. “This is why he’s here! Don’t let him deceive you!” Big Mama threw the crown at you and you caught it. “Give it to him, watch, you’ll see!”

“I will!” You shouted defiantly.

“Trust me my dear.” Big Mama snapped. “That’s how fast he’ll leave you. I won’t say I told you so!” She threw the satchel around your body and spun you around a bit before letting go with a flourish. “Now Y/n knows best! So if he’s such a dream boat go and put him to the test!” She spat and strode away.

“Mother, wait!” You reached for her but she wasn’t stopping.

“If he’s lying don’t come crying, Mother knows best!” Big Mama spun with her cloak, billowing the mist and disappearing, leaving you standing stunned in the clearing.

You glanced down at the crown in your hands. Part of you believed that Leo wouldn’t run off if you gave it to him, but another part whispered the words your mother stated moments ago. Is it really all just in your head?

“So.” Leonardo’s distant voice made you jump. You couldn’t give it to him yet. “hey uh, can I ask you something?” Leo came back to the campsite carrying two armfuls of logs. “Is there any chance that I'm going to get super strength in my hand? Because I'm not going to lie - that would be stupendous.” When he noticed your back to him his face fell to slight concern. “Hey, you all right?” He asked.

You turned around and plastered a grin on your face. “Oh, sorry, yes. Just um, lost in thought, I guess.” You explained.

Leonardo nodded with a hum and leaned over to set the logs down with a grin on his face. “I mean because here's the thing. Superhuman good looks, I've always had 'em. Born with it, but superhuman strength? Imagine the possibilities, I'm just…” Leo continued to speak, though truthfully you heard little of it as you glanced back at the log where you’ve hidden the crown.

Deep in the woods, Big Mama watched from a distance with the Mud Dogs right behind her. Eager for their revenge, Leonard moved to step toward you, but Big Mama held her hand out, halting him. “Patience boys. All good things to those who wait.”

Long after you and Leo fell asleep, the sun rose on a new day. You were bundled up in your hair and Leo was using a rock as a pillow, he actually looked like he was getting decent sleep. A blue butterfly floated past the turtle, and moved out of the way as a drop landed on the yokai’s cheek. A second drop caused the yokai to wake. He blinked and hummed as he looked up to see a drenched Mayhem glaring down at him.

“Well I hope you’re here to apologize.” Leo stated and snuggled back down onto his rock.

Screaming woke you up and you jolted up right, glancing over at where Leo was being dragged away by the wrap on his foot by the angry horse. “No, no put me down. NO, NO!” Leo scrambled for any sort of purchase among the grass but found none. “No. Stop it!”

You raced after them and grabbed Leo’s wrists, pulling him back toward the campsite. Mayhem whinnied as you played tug-of-war with Leo. “Give me him.” You grunted and glared at the horse. The horse shook his head, trying to pull Leo out of your grip. You held tight though, and eventually went stumbling backward when Leo’s wrap/sock was pulled off.

Mayhem shook the sock and upon realizing he didn’t have Leo, glared at you and jumped up, racing forward. You pushed yourself to your feet and stood between Leonardo and the angry horse yokai. “Whoa! Whoa, whoa-whoa-whoa.” You said as you put your hands out.

He tried to move around you but you kept blocking his path to Leo. Said turtle trying to crawl away from the horse, even though his shell was to a large tree keeping him from actually going anywhere. “Easy boy, easy, calm down. Easy boy. Easy.” You tried to soothe the animal.

Mayhem snorted and froze at the sight of Mondo sitting atop your head. “That’s it!” You praised. Mondo lifted his hands and gestured for Mayhem to calm down. “Now sit.” You instructed. Mayhem resisted. “Sit.” You said again and the horse sat.

“What?” Leo exclaimed from behind you in disbelief.

“Now drop the sock.” You instructed, but Mayhem didn’t listen. “Drop it.” You repeated and pointed to the ground. Mayhem spit out the sock while glaring at you. You smiled and leaned back. “Awe, you are such a good boy.” You praised and began rubbing Mayhem’s nose. The horse yokai leaned into the affection while acting more like a dog with a wagging tail. “Yes you are.” You laughed. “You all tired, chasing the bad turtle all over the place?” You asked with a pout. Mayhem nodded.

“Excuse me?” Leo scoffed behind you.

“Nobody appreciates you, do they?” You hugged the horse. “Do they?” You asked again and he shook his head while nuzzling closer to you. You smirked as you pet the large animal.

“Come one, he's a bad horse.” Leo pouted in disbelief as he gestured to Mayhem.

“Aw, he's nothing but a big sweetheart.” You corrected and pet him again. “Isn't that right?” You trailed off and glanced at the seal on his chest while scratching his chin. You read the name with a smile. “Mayhem.”

Mayhem basked in all the attention you gave him as Leo crossed his arms. “You've got to be kidding me.” Mayhem stopped and glared at Leo.

You redirected Mayhem’s attention. “ Look, today is kinda the biggest day of my life.” You explained and backed up toward Leo, helping the turtle to his feet. “And the thing is, I need you not to get him arrested.” Mayhem snorted. “Just for twenty four hours,” You amended, “and then, you can chase each other to your heart's content. Okay?” You looked between them. Leo sighed and held out his hand for a shake. Mayhem looked away disinterested. “And it's also my birthday. Just so you know.” You tacked on at the end with a sheepish smile.

Mayhem sighed and turned back to Leo. He raised his hoof and the boys shook on it.

You grinned at the both of them, before your attention was taken by the sound of bells in the distance. Intrigued, you walked through their handshake and toward the noise. Leo watched you go and didn’t notice Mayhem raising his front hoof. Gasping in pain, Leo clutched his plastron where the horse had kicked him and fell over. Mayhem whinnied in amusement.

Only a short distance through the woods and you came across the bridge to the kingdom. You jumped up and down giddily as excitement flooded your veins. You turned around to Leonardo and exclaimed your excitement before continuing across the bridge.

Leo was close behind you and smiling as well, but that fell when he saw a wanted poster of himself on the bridge wall. He quickly ripped it off the wall and crumpled it into a ball. He was about to toss it when he saw Mayhem glaring down at him. Leo grinned and shoved the paper into the horse’s mouth. Mayhem spit the poster back out and it stuck to Leo’s face: the image with the poorly done face stripes plastered over his own face. Mayhem laughed at the sight.

Scrambling to get the paper off, Leo tossed it away and shoved Mayhem’s head in anger. The horse hit him back and Leo lunged, grabbing Mayhem’s ear as Mayhem bit Leo’s leg.

A squeaking got the boy’s attention and they looked up to see Mondo glaring at them. The little chameleon pointed a threatening finger at them and the boys released each other with matching scowls. Leo elbowed Mayhem, and Mayhem hit back.

During all that you were in your own little world of awe as you stared at the kingdom around you. Yokai and humans mingled, selling and buying. Strings of flags hung over the road between buildings, each one decorated with the kingdom’s sun symbol, as well as garlands of flowers strung up everywhere. A young child on his father’s shoulders glanced at you as they passed and offered a little wave. You waved back with an excited grin.

You tried to take a step forward, but nearly got hit by a speeding cart. Gasping you jumped back only to accidentally run into a woman holding a basket, moving out of the way only caused you to stumble through a line of geese, all of which went squawking away. “Sorry. Excuse me.” You ramble off as you bump into two more people. Your head bent back as people stepped on your hair when you tried to walk. “Ow. Ow. Ow.” You winced.

Leo came running over, scooping up your hair with you to get it out of the way. You didn’t know what to do with all your hair, it felt like an impossible task to wander around the kingdom with it dragging behind you. Leonardo looked around in thought. When he caught sight of a small group of girl scouts braiding each other’s hair he grinned and whistled to get their attention.

The little girls looked up and gasped at the sight of all the hair in your arms. They giggled and raced over to help braid it.

Leaning against a wall, Leo watched with a smirk, ducking to avoid sight when a couple of guards walked by. When he glanced back over at you his expression softened seeing you twirl with your hair braided up so that it wasn’t dragging on the floor.

“Thank you.” You said to the girls as you admired their handy work.

Mayhem leaned in close to Leo and raised his eyebrows in a suggestive way. Leo scoffed and shoved the horse away, causing Mayhem and Mondo to laugh.

Now free to move about without having to worry about your hair trailing behind, you grabbed Leo’s hand and wove up the streets, bouncing between every vendor that caught your eye. Leo went along with it, a soft smile on his face. Though his focus was primarily on you, he couldn’t help but keep a watch out of the corner of his eye for guards or even his brothers. He didn’t know which he wanted to face.

You two kept bouncing around stalls, buying cupcakes from one, but having to hide around a corner to eat them when a pair of guards passed by. You and Leo looked at each other and laughed slightly. Leo brought you to the library and showed you maps and more books than you could count. You both spent hours there.

Making it back outside you continued wandering around, when you noticed a little boy selling flags and trinkets. Leo bought you a small purple flag with the sun crest on it. He smiled as he handed it to you and you grinned brightly as you held it up to compare it to the flags hanging all around.

Eventually, while waiting in line for a snack your eye caught a glimpse of a large mural of the king and queen holding their little daughter with e/c eyes and long h/c hair. You stepped closer in fascination as you watched a little yokai child place a flower in front of the mural.

“It’s for the lost princess.” The child said. You looked up at the mural again, something tugging at your brain as you looked into the princess’s eyes. Your focus was broken, however, when a small band passed by.

Intrigued you followed them, nodding your head to the beat of the song. When the three musicians noticed you they grinned and paused to play while you danced to the new lively tune they started. A turtle yokai with bright yellow spots and an orange bandana around his face joined you in the dance. You both grinned widely as music seemed to play louder.

Having gotten to the front of the line and finally purchased the snacks, Leo turned around only to see you were missing. It didn’t take long for him to notice you dancing in the clearing though. However, his eyes widened when he noticed his youngest brother dancing with you. Not wanting to be noticed by the younger turtle, Leo took a step back, only to bump into the chest of someone a lot taller than him. Leo froze as he glanced over his shoulder and saw his red clad older brother looking down at him with narrowed eyes. Grinning sheepishly, Leonardo offered a small wave. One which Raphael did not return.

The clearing of a throat drew Leo’s attention to his purple loving twin standing beside Raph with a raised eyebrow. Donnie unrolled the wanted poster in his hand for Leo to see. “Care to explain this, Leon?” He questioned.

Leo opened his mouth to respond, but Raph beat him to it. “Where have you been? What’s going on? You haven’t been home in days and then these start showing up around the kingdom! What did you do?” All of the questions fell out in rapid fire succession as Leo stood under the scrutiny of two of his brothers, the third still dancing with you and the crowd you’re pulling in.

“I can explain.” Leo mumbled and tried to think up something to say. His brothers waited in silence as Leo fidgetted. He sighed. “Okay, listen, they were just a couple of jobs. We needed the money.” He justified.

“So you started stealing?” Donnie questioned and crossed his arms, crumpling up the poster in the process.

“It paid the most and made sure we kept a roof over our heads.” Leo explained. “I didn’t mean for it to go this far though.” He admitted.

“This far? Leo what–” Raph froze. “The missing crown.” He hissed. “You did that?!”

Leo flinched. “Look I get it. I messed up and I’ll fix it, just please not now.” His eyes darted over to the dancing crowd, effortlessly finding you still dancing away. “I’m laying low.”

“Laying low? Nardo, you are in the middle of the kingdom.” Donnie exclaimed. “At any moment you could be seen by the guards.”

“I’m being careful! I just…” Leo sighed. “Let me have today and I’ll answer your questions tomorrow.” Once again his eyes found you in the crowd. This time his brothers looked too and upon seeing you they grew confused.

“Who’s that?” Raph asked.

Leo quickly looked away, “Just someone I met. I promised I’d show her the lanterns, that's all.” His brothers shared a glance. It was silent for a moment before Leo heard you call his name. He looked up to see you stumbling out of the crowd for a break from dancing and wandered over with Mikey on your heels.

“There you are!” You grinned only to pause when you saw the two other turtles standing next to Leo. You waved in greeting before glancing at Leo; he had a stiff grin on his face and you turned back to the two strangers to introduce yourself. “Hi, I’m Y/n.” You said.

The tallest turtle with a large spiked shell smiled down at you. “I’m Raphael. You can call me Raph. This is Donnie.” He gestured to the turtle standing next to him that looked about Leo’s height.

“I’m Mikey.” Your turtle dance partner spoke up. You jumped a little, not realizing he had followed you.

Raph put his hand on Leo’s shoulder and the turtle flinched slightly. “Leo here is our brother.”

“Oh!” You grinned. “It’s lovely to meet you.” You could already tell you were going to get along well with Leo’s brothers as you hit it off talking about anything and everything as you asked them many questions about the kingdom. They gave you a short tour, Mikey bouncing around with excitement as he explained everything that caught your eye. You introduced them to Mondo and they met Mayhem and soon your strange little group was wandering around the streets.

Seeing some kids drawing with chalk, you gasped excitedly and raced over. Mikey joined you and together you both created a beautiful piece of art depicting the sun crest with people dancing around it. By the end both your hands were covered in purple chalk. But neither of you seemed to care.

Eventually the music beckoned you back to the dancing and you flowed effortlessly back into the crowd. The boys all watched you float among the crowd. As you reached the edge again you gestured for Leo to join you, but he declined. Unhappy with that, Mayhem pushed Leo, causing him to stumble forward and get swept up by a passing dancer. The turtle glared back at the horse unamused as he was forced to join the dancing. Mondo, Mayhem, and his brother’s laughed as he left.

The music continued and you both switched from partner to partner, dancing along with the crowd. Leo slowly got into the rhythm and began smiling. You both grinned as you were heading toward each other for a dance, but two different partners pulled you away. You laughed softly at the absurdity as you got further apart.

With the sun lowering in the sky some people stepped out of the dancing crowd, though you stayed, and as long as you stayed, Leo stayed, hoping to catch a dance with you. As the song crescendoed, you spun around the center with your eyes closed. Leo took the moment to head toward you and as the last note played across the strings he caught you in his arms. Staring into each other’s eyes you both breathed heavily from all the dancing, soft smiles on your lips.

From the side lines his brothers watched with knowing grins. Mikey had the biggest grin as he bounced on his heels happy for the both of you.

“To the boats!” Someone in the crowd shouted and people began to disperse for the lantern ceremony. Your eyes widened and you looked around before pulling away from Leo with a slight blush to your cheeks.

You said goodbye to Leo’s brothers as you made your way to the docks, the boys were gonna watch the lanterns from a different spot: Raph had to convince the other two to let you both have your private moment.

Leo helped you into the boat and sat down in the back, as he began rowing out to sea he glanced back at Mayhem who was sitting on the dock watching you get farther away. The turtle grinned softly and tossed a bag of apples toward the horse. “Hey Mayhem.” The horse narrowed his eyes as he saw the apples spill from the bag onto the dock. “What? I bought them.” Leo said.

Satisfied Mayhem began to eat.

“Most of them.” Leo added and Mayhem froze.

Leo chuckled as you shook your head. “Where are we going?” You asked as you looked back at him.

“Well, best day of your life. I figured you should have a decent seat.” Leo explained as he helped Mondo off his shoulder and onto the cleat of the boat with the rope tied around it.

As Leo paddled out to the open water the sky darkened around you. From there you could see the whole kingdom. Your heart hammered with nerves as you sighed. The sound caught Leo’s attention and he glanced at you.

“You okay?” He asked softly.

“I'm terrified.” You admitted, glancing at your reflection in the water.

“Why?”

“I've been looking out the window for eighteen years. Dreaming about what it would feel like when those lights rise in the sky. What if it's not everything that I dreamed it would be?” You voiced your concerns as you stared at the sky.

Leo watched you with a soft expression. “It will be.” He declared.

You exhaled and looked toward him. “And what if it is? What do I do then?”

“Well that's the good part, I guess.” Leo looked across the water toward the kingdom. “You get to go find a new dream.” He grinned toward you and you chuckled slightly. Comfortable silence settled around you as you waited for the lanterns to rise.

༻✧༺

Across the water, up in the castle, the queen straightened the metal hanging around the king’s neck. She offered a soft smile but that fell upon seeing her husband’s expression of shame and grief. The queen frowned and placed her hand on his cheek. He leaned into her touch, into her comfort as the grief of the day weighed heavy on his shoulders, on both of their shoulders.

The tears in his eyes slid down his cheek and the queen raised her other hand to wipe it away. She once again offered a small smile, offering him strength. He sighed and they walked together toward the balcony.

The doors opened silently and a single lit lantern with the sun emblem on it waited for them. They reached it arm in arm with somber expressions. Together they lifted the lantern into the sky watching it float higher as they both silently made the same wish they’ve been dreaming for 18 years.

“Let it guide her home.” The queen whispered under her breath, near inaudible.

༻✧༺

The night was tranquil. You couldn’t quite see the stars behind the clouds but that was okay, you had your heart set on a different sight anyway. You could hear the soft splash of water every time you dropped a delicate flower into the sea. Leonardo sat next to you in the boat. He held more flowers in his palm from helping you pull out a few extra. You knew you had plenty weaved into the large braid of your hair.

You grabbed a purple flower from his palm with a soft smile and dropped it into the water just like the previous flowers and it drifted out a little, surrounding the reflection of the kingdom. Because you were so focused on the water and reflection, you immediately noticed the small golden fleck rising from the castle. Your eyes widened in realization.

All those days watching from the windows

You looked up to see the single glowing light drifting higher in the sky.

All those years outside looking in

As the boat drifted, you scrambled to your feet, needing to get a better view. Leonardo fell back, off balance from the sudden movement; the flowers in his hand went flying into the water. You barely stumbled as you raced to the bow of the boat, throwing your arms around the decorative curl to keep yourself from falling as the boat rocked.

All that time never even knowing

As you watched the first lantern rise, a ton more began floating from the base of the castle, casting the area in a warm yellow glow.

Just how blind I've been

You exhaled in disbelief. It was happening. Really happening. You were gonna see the lights you’ve been dreaming about for 18 years.

Now I'm here, blinking in the starlight

Even from the larger boats closer to the docks, you saw hundreds of lanterns being let go. Hundreds of lanterns floating up to replace the stars in the sky.

Now I'm here, suddenly I see

From everywhere in the kingdom lanterns floated freely toward the sky.

Standing here, it's all so clear

I'm where I'm meant to be

In awe you could only stare as the lanterns drifted up on the night breeze.

And at last I see the light

And it's like the fog has lifted

The lanterns were everywhere, and it was more beautiful than you could ever appreciate from your windowsill in that tower.

And at last I see the light

And it's like the sky is new

With a smile on your lips, and a heart pounding in your chest, you leaned against the curl of the boat, your cheek against your hands as you admired the perfect view.

And it's warm and real and bright

The lanterns danced around above you, circling each other and surrounding everything. Warm light illuminating the night.

And the world has somehow shifted

A wish that forever felt out of your reach, suddenly sat in your palm. You got your dream. What now? You looked down slightly in thought, watching the reflections in the water. Your heart twisting slightly as you found yourself thinking about a certain thief who made this dream a reality.

All at once everything looks different

Golden light graced the side of your face. A light a lot closer than any of the other lanterns in the sky. Curious, you turned and saw Leonardo holding two lanterns with the softest smile on his face.

Now that I see you

Your heart skipped a beat and you excitedly moved down from your perch at the bow of the boat to sit across from Leonardo. Humming, you smiled brightly as he offered out the lanterns. Your mind drifted to the satchel you stuck by your spot in the boat.

“I have something for you too.” You admitted reaching over to the hidden bag. With a grin, you produced it and the crown nestled inside.

Leonardo looked slightly surprised to see it, but he blinked that away and looked at you.

“I should have given it to you before, but I was just scared.” You glanced off to the side as you explained. “And the thing is…I’m not scared anymore. You know what I mean?” You asked as you glanced back up to meet his gaze.

His gaze was soft as he reached out and lowered the satchel without ever looking at it, his full attention was on you. “I’m starting to.” He said.

You grinned softly, your heart skipping more beats for the turtle that stole your heart. He handed you one of the lanterns, your fingertips brushing as you moved to cup it. Together you both slowly lifted your lanterns, letting them join the massive amount around you.

All those days chasing down a daydream

You both watched the lanterns for as long as you could as they spun around each other. Until they got lost among the many.

All those years living in a blur

All that time, never truly seeing

Things the way they were

Leo watched the lanterns with awe. Everything around was bathed in golden light. The sea had turned to gold as the light reflected everywhere. It was truly a beautiful sight, but as his gaze dropped his smile settled into a different type of admiration as he stared at the most beautiful woman he ever did see: you.

Now she's here, shining in the starlight

You were leaning over the edge of the boat taking in the light with the brightest smile, the hundreds of lanterns reflected in your eyes making them glitter light the night sky.

Now she's here, suddenly I know

He watched as you looked out across the water and noticed something. You gestured for him to see too before you pointed at what you saw: a lantern different from all the rest with a golden sun decorating it.

You reached across the water as the lantern floated closer. It looked like the thing might get wet, but you managed to brush your fingertips along a bottom edge and guide it back up into the sky. Leonardo was hardly looking at the lantern.

If she's here, it's crystal clear

His eyes dart down to your hands resting against the edge of the boat. He made up his mind and reached for your hand with his.

I'm where I'm meant to go

Leonardo gently cups your hand with his. You glanced toward him with wide eyes. Your heart pounding as you scooted slightly closer to him.

“And at last I see the light.” Both your hands interlocked as the lanterns became backdrop while you stared into each other’s eyes.

“And it's like the fog has lifted.” His voice was melodic.

“And at last I see the light.”

“And it's like the sky is new.”

“And it's warm and real and bright and the world has somehow shifted. All at once, everything is different. Now that I see you.” Leonardo pulled your hands closer to him as you both found yourselves leaning toward each other. His hand let go of one of yours and reached up to brush a few strands of hair out of your face. “Now that I see you.”

His hand came to rest cupping your jaw as his thumb brushed your cheek. His eyes glittered with the golden light and you tilted your head as you both leaned in more. Leonardo seemed to pull you closer. You closed your eyes as you felt his warm breath against your lips. Your heart hammered in your chest and you felt like you were glowing brighter than all the lanterns around you. With bated breath, you waited for him to close the miniscule distance. Oh, how you wanted him to kiss you then.

But he never did.

Leo’s attention was drawn to the three figures on the shore bathed in green light from their lantern: the Mud Dogs. Leonard glared at Leo as the three of them turned and disappeared behind some rocks.

Concerned, you glanced over your shoulder but didn’t see anything. “Everything okay?” You asked Leo, nervous you had misread a sign somewhere.

“Huh? Oh yes.” Leo chuckled nervously as he glanced down at the satchel. “Uh, yes of course. I just…” He frowned as he stared at it before pausing in thought. Leo quickly rowed you to the shore. He jumped out of the boat and pulled it ashore. “I’m sorry everything is fine.” He reassured and picked the satchel up out of the boat. “There's just something I have to take care of.” He explained.

Heart hammering in your chest you glanced from the satchel to his face. Your mother’s words echoing in your mind. “Okay.” You said trying not to sound too nervous.

Leo nodded. “I’ll be right back.” He promised and turned to walk away.

You watched him walk through the fog. Mondo climbed up on your shoulder and squeaked. “It’s alright Mondo.” You reassured, but it felt like it was directed more toward yourself as you watched Leo disappear into the fog.

༻✧༺

After a short walk Leo broke through the foliage to see Leonard sitting on rock sharpening a stick. In the water a boat rocked lightly with the waves. Leo put on a grin as he approached.

“Ahh, there you are.” He chuckled to calm his nerves. “I've been searching everywhere for you guys. Since we got separated. Hey, the mullet’s coming in nice, huh? You gotta be excited about that.” The yokai paused for a moment and gave Leo a rather unimpressed side eye. As the silence hung around them, Leo cleared his throat. “Anyhow, just wanted to say, I shouldn't have split.” He tossed the satchel to Leonard, the crown sliding out as it landed. “The crown is all yours. I'll miss you, but I think it's for the…” Leo turned to leave but ran into Danny, Micky standing beside him, both with matching scowls. “Best.” Leo ended with a nervous breath.

“Holding out on us again? Ey, Jitsu?” Leonard asked with a tilt of his head.

With wide eyes Leo looked back at Leonard. “What?”

Leonard stood up off the rock, flipping his knife as he did. “We heard you found something.” He threw the knife on the ground where it stabbed into the dirt. “Something much more valuable than a crown.” Leonard stated as he walked closer, kicking the crown as he did so. The three Mud Dogs surrounded Leo, blocking any chance for his escape as Leonard approached. “We want her, instead.” The yokai glared.

Leo’s heart hammered in his chest as he tried to think of a way out of there.

༻✧༺

Back by the boat you waited anxiously, continuously scanning the fog for any sign of Leonardo. You felt like he had been gone too long. You breathed a sigh of relief when you finally saw a figure walking toward you.

You smiled. “I was starting to think you ran off with the crown and left me.” However, your expression turned to confusion and fear as the single silhouette split into three different figures.

“He did.” The front figure, an ogre yokai, stated with a grin.

You couldn’t believe it and shook your head. “What? No. He wouldn't.”

The ogre just shrugged and gestured to the water where a boat was sailing away. “See for yourself.”

With a narrowed gaze you watched the three yokai out of the corner of your eye as you approached the edge of the water and stared out at the retreating boat. Your heart plummeted as you made out Leo’s figure in the shadows. “Leonardo?” You whispered in disbelief. “Leonardo!” You shouted for him but received no answer nor acknowledgement.

“Fair trade.” The rat spoke up this time as they circled you. You flinched as you felt the ogre touch your hair. “A crown, for the girl with the magic hair.” Your eyes widened: he had told them about your hair?

You spun around and took a step back trying to put distance between you and the three thugs.

“How much do you think someone will pay to stay young and healthy forever?” The ogre asked with a mocking tone as he pulled out a large sack.

Putting your hands up you backed away. “No, please. Stay back!” You shouted. Thinking fast, you kicked the rat in the shin and used the opening to run away. You heard one of them shout “after her!” and you kept running. You jumped a log only to gasp in pain as your head was pulled back. Your braid had gotten stuck on one of the branches. Trying to break free, you pulled desperately on your hair, fearful that at any moment the thugs would round the corner and catch you.

Three sharp thuds echoed on the shore followed by grunts of pain. Confused, you paused to listen.

“Y/n!?” Big Mama’s voice shouted from around the corner.

“Mother?” You whispered in disbelief and quickly untangled your hair before walking back around the bend.

Big Mama stood over the three thugs with a heavy branch in her hands. All three of the yokai were on the ground out cool. When she saw you, Big Mama dropped the branch. “Oh, my precious flower.”

“Mother.” You sighed and ran to her for a hug.

She held you tight for a moment before checking you over. “Are you alright? Are you hurt?” You pulled away and she caressed your cheek.

“Mother h-how did you?”

“I was so worried about you dear. So I followed you.” She explained. “And I saw them attack you.” She pulled you in for another hug. Looking around, Big Mama began pulling you toward the forest. “Let's go, let's go before they come too.”

You paused and glanced back across the water, Leo’s boat having gotten smaller as it sailed away. You couldn’t even see him on it anymore. Tears welled in your eyes as you stared and hoped he’d turn around or something, that this all was just some cruel dream. He never turned around and you were there standing alone on the shore.

No, not alone.

Glancing over your shoulder you saw your mother standing at the edge of the woods holding a green lantern. She took in your heartbroken expression and set down her lantern. With a sympathetic gaze she opened her arms to you.

You sobbed and raced into her arms. Big Mama stroked your hair as she held you. “You were right, mother. You were right about everything.” You cried.

“I know darling. I know.” Big Mama whispered as she leaned down to pick up the lantern. She held you close the whole walk back to the tower.

༻✧༺

By the castle docks, Leo’s ship silently floated closer until it ran into the stone. The noise caught the attention of the guards. Peering over the edge, the two guards noticed Leo at the wheel and the crown by his hand. “Look! The crown.” The stolen item seemed to distract them from the ropes tied around Leo’s upper body and hands.

Groggily Leo shook his head as he came too. “Y/n.” He mumbled. Upon noticing his predicament his eyes widened. “Y/n!” He called again and glanced back across the sea but there was nothing for him to see.

The thudding of fast approaching boots took Leo’s attention to the four guards racing over and jumping onto the boat.

“No! No, no, no. Wait, wait, wait. Guys, guys.” Mayhem, from his spot on the dock, glanced over confused at the panicked tone of Leo’s voice. He watches as the guards haul Leo out of the boat and force him to move. Leo tried to fight it, looking back at the mainland where he knew you were in trouble. “Y/n!” Mayhem too looked across the mist as he felt something was terribly wrong. He had to get help.

Leo didn’t get any rest as he paced around his cell until the sun rose again. His mind was a whirl of concerns for you. He had to think of a way out of there to save you but every plan seemed impossible. He grabbed the bars of his window. They wouldn’t budge, he had tried pulling them off earlier in the night.

Keys in a lock and a squeaky metal hinge notified Leo of company. He glanced over his shoulder to see the captain of the guard, Cassandra, and two other guards waiting for him.

“Let's get this over with, Jitsu.” Cassandra hissed.

“Where are we going?” Leo asked as he pulled away from the window. Cassandra’s stare only hardened and Leo understood. He reached for his neck. “Oh.”

༻✧༺

You hadn’t said anything since returning to the tower. Big Mama brought you up to your room straight away and began pulling the flowers out of your hair. Once she got the last one, she hummed. “There, it never happened.” She stood from the bed, picking up the basket she collected all the flowers in as she did. “Now, wash up for dinner. I'm making hazelnut soup.” She grinned but upon seeing your crestfallen face still staring at the floor she sighed.

“I really did try, Y/n. I tried to warn you, what was out there. The world is dark, and selfish, and cruel. If it finds even the slightest ray of sunshine, It destroys it.” Big Mama closed the curtains as she left.

You glanced up for a moment then looked back down at your lap. Opening your palms revealed the purple and golden flag Leo had bought you at the festival. The fabric was warm in your grip as you stared at the golden sun in the center. You thought over every moment, wondering where it had all gone so wrong. You never should have left your tower.

At your side Mondo squeaked and turned blue as he leaned against you offering you comfort. You frowned looking back at the flag before holding it to your chest and falling back onto your bed. With a sigh you stared at your ceiling and the many paintings you’ve done over the years.

Something nagged at you as you stared and you narrowed your eyes. Holding up the flag in front of you, you compared it to a silhouette in one of your paintings. As the similarities popped, you sat up. Your gaze darted around various paintings in your room and each one had a sun shape in it. Every single shape seemed to glow golden, brighter and brighter as you stood from your bed.

Deep within the subconscious of your mind a memory flickered. You had seen the golden sun above you once before. A long, long time ago. The sun was accompanied by some blurry faces that your mind instantly filled in with the mural of the king and queen. The similarities between you and the child in their arms blared in your mind like alarms. A newer memory of you putting on the crown you found in Leo’s bag overlaid the memory of the child in the mural: the crown had fit you perfectly.

All of the realization crashed down on your shoulders and you gasped, struggling for breath as you stumbled back into your vanity. Thousands of questions and thoughts flashed within your mind but one stuck out the most.

Who is that woman downstairs?

༻✧༺

A guard each had an arm around Leo’s as they walked him down the corridor. His hands were cuffed behind his back and his mind was racing. He had to save you. He had to find you. There’s no telling what those Mud Dogs would do to you…

Wait.

Leo glared as he saw said thugs trapped behind bars of their own. He needed answers so Leo slammed into the guard on his left, knocking him down. The second guard tried to punch him, but Leo was quicker and headbutted him before jumping over his cuffs to bring his hands to his front. The turtle dashed to the cell and grabbed Leonard’s shirt through the bars. With a snarl the turtle pulled him forward and the ogre hit his head on the bars.

“How did you know about her?! Tell me, now!” He demanded.

“It wasn't us! It was the old lady!” Leonard stammered.

“Old lady?” Leo muttered confused. Who would–His eyes widened in realization just as the guards regained themselves and grabbed Leo. “Wait, no, wait!” Leo called out as the guards forced him to keep moving. “You don't understand, she's in trouble. Wait!” He begged, but no one would listen.

༻✧༺

“Y/n?” The woman called up from the base of the stairs. “Y/n what’s going on up there?”

Your breath came in ragged pants as you grappled with the realization that 18 years of your life had been a lie. Now you had to confront the only one who knew the truth. You pushed apart your curtains, still breathing heavily, and you saw Big Mama near the top of the stairs.

“Are you alright?” She asked with concern.

“I’m the lost princess.” You mumbled, voicing the words sent a strange mix of emotions to your brain.

Big Mama scoffed and rolled her eyes. “Please, speak up, Y/n. You know how I hate the mumbling.” She snapped.

“I am the lost princess!” You state loudly. “Aren't I?” You looked at her as her eyes widened. “Did I mumble, Mother?” You asked as you stepped out of your room, the curtains closing behind you. “Or should I even call you that?” You sneered.

Big Mama stood frozen a moment longer before scoffing a laugh and going up the rest of the stairs. “Y/n, do you even hear yourself? Why would you ask such a ridiculous question?” She chuckled and opened her arms for a hug.

You shoved her away. “It was you! It was all you!”

Big Mama’s gaze turned cool and calculating as she looked down at you. “Everything I did, was to protect you.” She responded. Shaking your head, you shoved her aside and marched down the stairs. “Y/n!” She called after you.

“I spent my entire life! Hiding from people who would use me for my power.”

“Y/n!” Big Mama shouted louder.

When you reached the bottom of the stairs you turned and glared at the woman. “I should have been hiding...from YOU!”

Big Mama narrowed her eyes. “Where will you go?”

༻✧༺

He won’t be there for you.

Leo fought against the guards desperate to get free, but they had strength in numbers.

What did you do to him?

His eyes widened as he passed a window overlooking the gallows, the lone noose waiting for him in the gray light.

That criminal is to be hanged for his crimes.

༻✧༺

You stumbled back and gasped. Leo was going to die? “No.” You whispered, curling in on yourself.

Big Mama circled you. She leaned down as she got in front of you. “Now, now. It's all right. Listen to me.” She soothed. “All of this is as it should be.” She went to pat your head but you intercepted it, grabbing her wrist tight.

“No!” You snapped. “You were wrong about the world!” Big Mama tried to pull her arm out of your grip but couldn’t. “And you were wrong about me! And I will never let you use my hair AGAIN!”

When she got her arm out of your grip she stumbled back, knocking into the mirror which tipped it and caused it to shatter as it hit the ground. Big Mama breathed heavily as she looked at you. You glared right back before turning and marching toward the exit.

“You want me to be the bad guy?” Big Mama stood and followed you with a dark glint in her eyes. “Fine. Now I'm the bad guy.”

༻✧༺

Leo kept trying to free himself from the guard’s hold but they kept their grip tight and didn’t get close enough for him to hit them with his shoulder as he threw his weight around. Escape at this point seemed like an impossibility as Leo stopped fighting. His gaze was drawn to something shiny in a small alcove and he glanced over to see…a ceramic unicorn? His eyes widened when he recognized it.

In front of Cassandra the door suddenly slammed shut. She startled in confusion as the door to their right and the one behind also slammed shut. “What's this?” She asked and started banging on the door. “Open up!” She demanded.

The window slot opened up to reveal a smug grin. “What’s the password?” Mikey asked and slid the window shut again.

“What?” Cassandra asked.

Mikey opened the window and chuckled. “Nope.” The window shut again.

“Open this door!” Cassandra shouted.

Mikey frowned as he opened the window. “Not even close.” The window shut again. Leo chuckled softly under his breath.

“You have three seconds.” Cassandra stated. “One.” She began and the guard next to Leo was lifted off his feet by a hook. The second guard gasped as both he and Leo looked at the ceiling. “Two.” Cassandra continued. Leo looked back at the second guard, who was pointing at the ceiling with his mouth open about to say something when the door behind him opened up and a large hand grabbed him by the face, pulling him into the room. His helmet fell off and clattered to the floor. The noise caused Cassandra to turn around. “Three…?”

Leo offered a small wave with a shit eating grin as he now stood alone in the hall. The door opened behind Cassandra and Attila appeared with a frying pan. He hit her over the back of her head and she fell unconscious.

“Frying pans. Who knew, right?” Leo grinned. However the moment was short lived as the heavy thudding against the back door drew his attention. Behind him a bunch more guards broke down the door.

Leo hadn’t even noticed Donnie appeared to remove his cuffs before he was dragged to the right by his twin as Vladimir and Mikey ran the other way. Leo ran behind Donnie and Attila as the guards split up to chase down both groups.

“Stupid. Stupid. Stupid.” Donnie was muttering over and over as they ran.

The three of them ran past Ulf who caused the guards to stop in confusion with his mime routine. The guards watched in confusion as the mime acted like there was an invisible wall there before looking off to his right.

Following the guards looked to their left and saw Vladimir charging at them. They dropped their swords and screamed before Vladimir plowed them over. Ulf made a silent surprised face as he looked off in the distance.

Leo was still following Donnie through the halls. “Wouldn’t get caught you said.” Donnie scoffed.

“Hey I was set up.” Leo argued.

“Whatever, dumb dumb.” Donnie rolled his eyes. They turned and entered a courtyard. Leo froze as he saw the swarms of guards approaching. How was he supposed to escape that?! His thought was cut off by large hands grabbing him around the upper arms. Hook Hand placed him on the edge of the wagon.

“Head down.”

“Head down.” Leo repeated the phrase and movement.

“Arms in.”

“Knees apart.”

“Knees apart.” Leo paused, confused. “Knees apart?” From up on the balcony Raph jumped off the edge landing on the handles of the wagon. “Why do I need to keep my…” Leo’s question was cut off by a scream as the wagon launched him into the air. Leo keeps his position as he flies through the air, screaming all the while until he lands safely on Mayhem’s saddle.

The horse grinned as he looked up at the turtle.

“Mayhem. You brought them here?” Leo asked as he slowly lowered his arms. Mayhem nodded once. “Thank you.” Mayhem shrugged like it was no big deal. “No really, thank you. Uh, I feel maybe this whole time we've just been misunderstanding one another. And we really just…” Leo paused as Mayhem looked unimpressed. “yeah you're right. We should go.” Leo nodded.

The door behind them was kicked open by a couple of guards and Mayhem whinnied as he took off. The guards shot their crossbows, but none of them hit. More guards came from the other side to cut them off, but Mayhem showed no intention of slowing down as he raced right for the ledge.

“Mayhem?” Leo questioned in concern. “Mayhem!” Mayhem leapt across the gap and Leo screamed all the while. “I hate this! I hate this!” Mayhem slid down another roof and sailed over a young girl who was standing in the road. Mayhem landed, just barely missing a pedestrian and galloped down the road.

Leo glanced behind him, not seeing any guards he grinned. “Okay Mayhem, let’s see how fast you can run.” Mayhem whinnied and picked up speed as they crossed the bridge.

They charged through the woods, following a path Mayhem had once chased Leo until they got to the curtain of vines. By the time they reached the hidden gorge, the sun was hidden behind some thick clouds, dulling everything. Mayhem raced right up to the base of the tower and Leo jumped off.

“Y/n? Y/n! Let down your hair.” When there was no response Leo stepped forward ready to climb the bricks himself. He paused when he heard the door open above. He stepped back as the long hair was thrown from the top of the tower and cascaded all the way down to him.

With a grin on his face, Leo quickly climbed up the tower using your hair. He hauled himself over the ledge and into the tower. “Y/n I thought I’d never see you again.” He exclaimed happily, but his grin fell at the sight of you bound with chains and a gag over your mouth.

You desperately tried to call out a warning to him as Big Mama got behind him. Leo gasped in pain as the blade slipped into his side. He hissed as he took a knee before falling over on his side.

“LEO!” You screamed, your voice muffled by the gag.

“Now look what you've done, Y/n.” Big Mama scoffed as she gestured down at Leo. She shook her head as she glanced back up at you. “Oh don't worry dear. Our secret will die with him.” She stepped over Leo and walked toward you.

You kept pulling at the chains, trying to get over to him. Big Mama unhooked the chains. She held on tight and pulled you back.

“And as for us? We are going where no one will ever find you, again.” She hissed, pulling you toward the open panel in the floor.

“Leo!” You called again, still fighting with all your strength. Mondo raced over and bit Big Mama’s dress trying to help you. Noticing the little chameleon, Big Mama kicked him away and he hit the wall and landed with a soft wheeze.

“Y/N, REALLY! ENOUGH ALREADY! STOP. FIGHTING ME!” Big Mama shouted as she almost had you above the hole. You managed to throw yourself away from the hole in the floor as the fabric around your mouth fell.

You shook your head. “NO! I won't stop. For every minute of the rest of my life I will fight. I will never stop trying to get away from you.” You took a few deep breaths. “But, if you let me save him... I will go with you.” You bargained. Big Mama loosened her hold a little with interest.

By the door Leo looked at you through the pain in his eyes. “No. No, Y/n…”

“I'll never run, I'll never try to escape. Just let me heal him. And you and I will be together. Forever, just like you want. Everything will be the way it was. I promise. Just like you want.” When she doesn’t respond you beg. “Just let me heal him.”

Her calculating gaze lifted a little as she thought about it.

She removed the chains from you and slapped them onto Leo’s wrist. “In case you get any ideas about following us.” She sneered and tossed his arm down before walking away.

Leo coughed in pain as he leaned against the staircase railing. “Leonardo!” You shouted as you scrambled to his side. You placed your hands on his cheeks as he tried to sit up, but fell back down in pain. He hissed in pain as he grabbed his side. One of your hands went to his shoulder while the other grabbed his hand and slowly lifted it away from the wound. Blood was pouring out and dripping onto the floor.

You winced. “Oh, I'm so sorry. Everything is going to be okay, though.” You grabbed a bunch of your hair ready to put it over the wound.

“No, Y/n.” Leonardo wheezed.

“I promise, you have to trust me.” You said and moved to place the hair.

Leo pushed your arms away. “No.”

“Come on. Just breathe.” You said.

“I can’t let you do this.” Leo said as he looked up at you.

“And I can't let you die.” You felt the tears welling up in your eyes. You needed to save him, you didn’t care the cost.

“But if you do this…” He coughed and you shushed him lightly not wanting him to strain himself. “You will die.”

You smiled softly. “Hey. It's gonna be alright.” You whispered.

Leo’s hand fell away from your arm as he stopped fighting you. You took it as an invitation and layed your hair across his abdomen. “Y/n, wait…” Leo groaned and brushed a lock of hair out of your face. He caressed your head and pulled you in slightly. Leaning in your heart fluttered as you believed him to be going in for a kiss. Instead you felt a weight fall off as he thrusted forward and sliced through your hair with a shard from the mirror.

Exhausted, he fell limp and the glass clattered to the ground. He was gonna die either way and he’d rather die in your arms than at the end of a rope.

“Leo, what?” You gasped in disbelief as you grabbed your now short hair, dulled and void of its previous power.

“NOOO!” Big Mama shouted out in anguish. You watched as all your hair began quickly dulling. Big Mama scooped up what was still shining, but that too quickly dulled in her arms. “No...NO! What have you done?!” She gasped as her skin wrinkled and grayed in an instant. “WHAT HAVE YOU DONE?!” Her hair lost its volume and shine as well while Big Mama stumbled toward the shattered mirror. He single reflection was split into multiple as she stared at her rapidly aging face. “No, no, no, NOOO!” She pulled her hood over her face as she hid from the world, from the truth.

As she backed up toward the window, Mondo took the opportunity to pull on some of your hair, stretching it across the way and causing Big Mama to trip out the open window. You watched in horror as she screamed and fell backwards.

Before she even reached the ground, Big Mama’s screams stopped and only her cloak spilled against the grass.

You breathed heavily as you turned away from the window. That was still the woman you’d known as mother your whole life, but that concern quickly washed away when you glanced back at Leo, who was limp on the ground. “No, no, no, no, Leo....” You pulled him into your lap. He coughed weakly but didn’t open his eyes. “Oh, look at me, look at me, I'm right here.” You begged and caressed his face. “Don't go, stay with me, Leo....” You placed his hand on top of your short hair and did the only thing you hoped would work. “Flower gleam and glow let your p-powers shine,” You sobbed out the song. “Make the clock reverse, bring back what once was mine…”

“Y/n…” Leo turned your head toward him.

“What?” You asked softly as your vision swam with tears.

“You were my new dream.” He admitted weakly with a small smile.

You chuckled which turned into a sniffle. “and you were mine.” Leo grinned softly before his expression fell slack and his body limp. He had saved you, he didn’t care the cost.

Tears burned your eyes as you held him in your arms afraid to let go. You brushed the side of his head, your thumb caressing the red moons behind his mask. Grief hung heavy around you.

“Heal what has been hurt…” You continue softly. “Change the fates' design…Save what has been lost...Bring back what once was mine…” Your voice cracked slightly at the end as you pressed your forehead to his. “What once was mine.” You cried softly and closed your eyes causing a tear to slip down your face and land on Leo’s cheek.

The tear stayed there a moment before it absorbed into Leo’s skin, leaving a bright golden light. The light bloomed and swirled before disappearing. Out of the corner of your eye you saw tendrils of light seeping out of the wound. You gasped with wide eyes as the light grew and grew; it swirled around you and lit up the entire room, chasing away the grief and replacing it with hope. The light bloomed in the shape of a flower before disappearing.

You checked the area, not even a scar. Brushing your hair out of your face you leaned over Leo. His eyes flicked and slowly opened as he looked at you.

“Y/n?” He whispered.

You gasped. “Leo.”

“Did I ever tell you I’ve got a thing for short hair?” Leo asked.

You laughed and threw yourself on him, wrapping your arms around his shoulders in a tight hug. “Leonardo!” He was back. He really was back. He hugged you back just as tight, burying his face in the crook of your neck. When you finally pulled away, you laughed some more before you pulled him in by the lip of his plastron and kissed him. You both melted into it as the sun streamed in from the windows.

༻✧༺

In the castle the queen was reading a book while the king stared out the window. The peace was interrupted as a guard threw open the doors. The royals looked over confused. Not saying anything, the guard just nodded with a wide eyed expression. The queen stood from her chair in disbelief.

She raced out the room, the king hot on her heels. They raced up the few steps before the doors to the balcony and paused. They hesitated: it had been so long. The queen looked at her husband and they both took a breath. Together they opened the doors.

You and Leo were standing on the balcony looking out over the kingdom; you turned around when you heard the doors opening. Nervously fiddling with your hands you stepped forward as the king and queen stared at you. Slowly the queen descended the steps and you couldn’t help but notice that she looked a lot like you.

The queen stepped forward until she could cup your cheek. She exhaled softly and smiled with tears in her eyes as she looked at you. Her baby had come home. Your mother pulled you in for a hug and you wrapped your arms around her as well. This felt right.

You opened your eyes to see the king, your father, looking down with tears in his eyes as well. He chuckled and hugged you as well. You were pressed between your mother and your father, love and comfort pouring out of them as they held tight. Together the three of you slowly sank to your knees as the relief of finally being reunited washed over you. This felt like home.

Leo watched with a soft smile from where he stood. The queen opened her eyes and offered him her hand. Thinking she was going to shake his hand or something, Leo took it. Only to gasp in surprise as he was yanked into the group hug.

Well, you could imagine what happened next.

The people danced in the streets as banners were put up and music played loudly. It very much resembled the lantern festival as the people celebrated.

The kingdom rejoiced. The lost Princess had returned. The party lasted an entire week. And, honestly I don't remember much of it.

Hook Hand played the piano beautifully for the party as people around clapped and danced. He grinned as he went to turn the page of music only for his hook to get caught on it. He tried to shake the paper off, while still playing, but instead his hook went flying.

Dreams came true all over the place. That guy went on to become the most famous concert pianist in the world. If you can believe it.

The hook sailed through the air until it hit the Lover guy in the head, knocking his helmet clean off. He looked around in confusion for his helmet only to turn and see it had landed on the head of a beautiful woman. She grinned softly as she lifted the helmet and looked at him.

And this guy? Well he eventually found true love.

Ulf performed some of his mime routine and a group of people watched on slightly confused as he pretended to walk down some stairs that weren’t there.

As for this guy, well, I assume he's happy. He's never told me otherwise.

Mayhem stomped and the lines of guards in front of him lifted their frying pans as he walked under them with a proud grin.

Thanks to Mayhem, crime in the kingdom disappeared almost over night.

Noticing the gap, Mayhem glared as the late guard rushed over. The guard chuckled sheepishly and offered a green apple. Mayhem side-eyed the rest of the guards as he accepted the apology gift.

As did most of the apples.

The little girls that braided your hair for the festival held different fruits up to Mondo. The little chameleon grabbed a grape and turned purple. They offered him and orange slice and he took that too, turning orange. The little girls giggled.

Mondo, never changed.

The girls offered Mondo back to you and he crawled up onto your shoulder. You chuckled at him, glad to see he was getting along with people. Your mother and father approached pulling you in for a hug. Every time they saw you they’d give you a hug, not that you cared because you were finally home.

At last Y/n was home, and she finally had a real family. She was a Princess worth waiting for.

As you pulled away from your parents you began mingling with the people again. The little yokai child that had placed a flower at your mural earlier stood there with a shy grin as she offered you a purple flower. You smiled and took it from her and tucked it behind her ear.

But above all, she led her kingdom with all the grace and wisdom that her parents did before her.

The child grinned and wrapped her arms around you for a hug, which you returned with a smile. Letting go, the child waved as they moved on to enjoy the festivities. You smiled as you waved as well. You did not notice that your crown was no longer perched atop your head.

And as for me, well. I started going by Leonardo again. Stopped thieving, basically turned it all around.

When you felt something missing you reached up: your crown was gone. Shaking your head with a fond grin you crossed your arms and turned to the turtle behind you. Leo pretended to whistle and act natural as you held out your hand.

But I know what the big question is; did Y/n and I ever get married?

Leo held the crown above your hand but when you went to grab it he pulled it out of reach. Your eyes widened as you exhaled a laugh. You jumped up for it and Leo once again held it out of your reach. Smirking, you grabbed the lip of his plastron and pulled him in for a dip.

Well I'm pleased to tell you. After years, and years of asking, and asking, and asking.

You chuckled and rolled your eyes as you leaned in and kissed him. Leo placed the crown back on your head as you both melted into the kiss.

I finally said yes.

From within the crowd, Mikey clapped and cheered with the biggest grin on his face. Both Donnie and Raph also looked happy for their brother as they saw you and Leo embrace.

Leonardo…

All right, I asked her.

And we're living happily ever after.

Yes, we are.

#my writing #rottmnt #rottmnt leo #rottmnt x reader #rottmnt leo x reader #leonardo x reader #tmnt x reader #tmnt leo x reader #tangled

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