Author's Note ๐
I'm really sorry for the delay, my dear readers! I hope you enjoy this chapter as much as I enjoyed writing it ๐โจ Thank you for your patience!
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Malak: "Is there something, Sensei?" I said with worry.
Splinter: "No, my child. I am simply surprised! You look beautifulโlike a Japanese tree full of blossoming flowers. You were right, my sons, when you told me about her!"
The smile didn't leave my face as I looked at him with so much joy.
Malak: "Aww, thank you, Sensei! That's so sweet of you."
Suddenly, he turned around and walked toward the dojo.
Splinter: "Come, Miss Malak. I need to speak with you for a moment."
Malak: "Hai, Sensei," I said politely and followed him into the dojo.
Leo: "Master Splinter likes her so much!!"
Raph: "Yeah! Did you hear what he just said? That's epic!!!"
Donnie: "Leo, did you convince her to live with us?"
Leo: "Yes, I did. And she was so sweet when she agreed!!"
Mikey: "Awesome!!!! I'll order more pizza for the night!!!!"
Leo: "Yes!! The pizza is on my account!!!!"
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Splinter's POV "))
What I saw left me in complete shock.
After all these years...
My daughter... is here?!
I felt my heart ache, even more than when I remember my past... and what happened to my beloved Shen. I can't believe she's still alive... and that I'm her father, standing right in front of herโ
But I can't spill the truth to her.
I took a deep breath to calm myself and whispered in my heart, At least she's alive... safe and sound. Truly, she's become even more beautiful...
And the strange thing is, she wasn't scared by my appearance.
She didn't say anything hurtful. How I wish I could tell her how much I missed her... How deeply I love her, my daughter. I led her to the dojo. She was clearly surprised when she entered.
Malak: "Wow!! This is fascinating! I feel like I'm in Japan or something!"
Splinter: "Yes. I am very influenced by Japanese culture,"
I chuckled softly.
Malak: "What a beautiful feeling... I feel a strong energy when I entered the dojo. It's really strong and powerful!"
Splinter: "Yes, because I train my sons in ninjutsu here. Perhaps I can show you how I train them..."
Malak:"REALLY?!?!"
Splinter: "Yes."
Malak: "Awesome!! I'm so excited!!!!"
When I saw her excited, I felt truly happy. I decided to show her... a side of me as a senseiโand as a father too. And to show her a part of my sons' lives as well. I called out to my sons outside to come to the dojo.
The boys now stood ready, and I led her to sit beside me and watch.
Splinter: "Watch closely and focus. I want you to tell me who will win this combat."
Malak: "Okay,"
She nodded seriously, fully focused.
Splinter: "Hajimeru!"
And the boys began to fight each other. Raph went for Donnie, and Leo went for Mikey. When they defeated Mikey and Donnie, Raph and Leo faced off against each other. I leaned slightly toward her and asked:
Splinter: "Who do you think will win, Malak?"
She was deeply focusedโand suddenly, she answered without hesitation.
Malak: "Raph will win."
She said it with such a confident, serious tone. And to my surprise...
Raph was the winner!
Malak: "Yes!! My guess was right!!"
Splinter: "Well done, Malak. You surprised me. YAMETE!"
The boys stopped and bowed to me as I stood up.
Splinter: "Well done, my sons. Michelangelo, you need to focus and fight with a clear mind. And Donatello... you need to stop overthinking when you fight. Leonardo, you should focus more on your skills than just on winning. And Raphael... congratulations. But it seems like Leonardo was close to winning this time."
Raph: "Yeah, but I wonโand that's what matters! AW AW AWโ!"
I walked behind him and pressed a finger on the sensitive part of his neckโto humble his ego!
Raph: "Okay, okay!! We all win! We're all good! GOOD JOB, EVERYONE!!!"
Splinter: Hehehe...
I chuckled as I saw the rest bursting with laughter. Even she couldn't hold in her laugh! Then they all stood before me and bowed again.
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Turtles' POV "))
We went outside after that intense fight, still catching our breath. But then we saw Malak cheering us up.
Malak: "You all did great, my heroes. Even you, Leo!"
Leo: "But... I lost."
Malak: "So what's the matter?! If you lost, that's even better than winning every time. Because you learn from every moment you fail."
She said that so wisely, like she always does.
Leo: "Yeah, you're right. Thank you for cheering me up, sweetheart!"
Malak: "Anytime, Leo!"
She gave him the warmest smile ever. Then we noticed Splinter walking toward us from behind.
Splinter: "Please, Miss Malak, don't behave like a stranger. This is your home now. My sons told me that you must stay here because it's very dangerous outside. You are welcome in this lair anytime, my child."
Malak: "Thank you, Sensei. That's sweet of you. You all have kind and noble hearts... brave and strong! Thank you for saving my life so many times and letting me stay here with you."
Turtles: "Aww, that's our job!"
Leo: "Yes, and don't worry. We will always be with you, and we will never let anybody hurt you at all!"
Malak: "Aww, thank you. I love you all, my friends!!"
Mikey: "Ahhh, we love you more! FAMILY CRUSH HUG TIME!!!!!!"
We all rushed her into the biggest, deepest, bone-crashing hug ever!!! When we finally pulled away, she went straight to Master Splinter and hugged him tightly. He looked surprised!
Malak: "Thank you, Sensei!"
We didn't know why, but it really looked like Sensei was going to cry now...
Splinter: "You are welcome, my child."
Then, gently, he hugged her back. Now we can finally say it out loud...
Malak became one of this family. For real.
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Author's Note:
That's it for now, my warriors ๐ฅโจ I hope you felt every beat of this chapter like I did while writing it! But hold tight... the storm is far from over. What's coming next? You'll have to wait and see ๐๐ and let me tell you something " these is just the Beginning ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ๐ฅ!!!