Me- Hey everyone, l am really sorry about taking so long to update this, but for starts, my tablet crashed, so l had no way of typing my own story(l was not about to attepmt it on my phone, for the reason that l am terrible at texting) and to make matters even worse, l had to re-type this chapter, because l couldn't find the one l had nearly finished ANYWHERE in my account! '_',...Maybe l can still find it...

*Me starting to randomly rummage through my very messy closet*

Leo: Umm...what are you doing?

Me(rummaging through my closet) : I'm looking for reviews...as well as the ownership rights to you and your brothers.

Raph(walking in) : Yeah...good luck with that!

Me :*pfft*...throws a shoe at him. pulling out and tossing random objects in random directions..."nope...nada...not it...what is this..*holds up some undefinable object, looks at it thoughtfully for a moment, then throws it over shoulder*...nope, still not it!

Mikey: Wow, your closet's worse than under my bed! Just saying...

Me(scowling): Well...I'm not giving up yet!

Donnie: Hey, if you're reading this, please let WOLFJADE know how much you liked it- she would really like that!

Mikey(panickey): Please...before we're all buried alive...

Donnie: Come on Mikey, it can't be that bad...

Me (shouting in alarm): Watch out! Avalanche!

Me and turtles: AAUUUUUGGGGGHHHHHH...

**Everyone gets buried in bunch of closet contents**

Donnie(muffled)- l stand corrected...

Me(muffled voice beaneath closet contents)- Don't...forget...to...review...please...mph...

**Oh, by the way, this chapter goes out to 3...well, 5 people actually, who I'd like to give special thanks to...- RATCHET SCRIBE- Thanks for showing an active interest in me and my stories; l promise to work on 'WISHING STARS' soon...SUNALA- I am having so much fun writing the adventures of Nica and Nala with you...girl, you are an awesome writer with a cool sense of humor...start updating that one, you got lots of material... TEALANA- You have been through a lot, and l think we can all say we wish you the best of wishes...this chapter was made with you, Lachlan, and Aleena in mind...thank you for participating in "HAUNTING MELODY", and l hope you enjoy reading this as much as l enjoy writing them! ^.^**

Tealana POV-

Well, tonight was definitely okay...got to teach a few of those no-good Purple Dragons who not to mess with...though at one point, l thought l had seen four shadows standing on a rooftop. When l blinked, they were gone...strange.

Another thing l noted was that there were some Dragons tied up, with a note attatched that read "Arrest Us" , sitting outside the police station. l had to laugh at the strange sense of humor here...7 points for humor, 3 for creativity, and 7 for effectiveness...17 points...not to shabby...I'd have to keep an eye out for the one behind this...

In the meantime, l have to make sure that my kids aren't driving their babysitter insane...Lachlan and Aleena can both be a handful at times, but they have good intentions. Like the time they both teamed up to make me a special Mothers Day breakfast...and wound up burnng everything to the point where l woke up to the smoke alarms blaring loud enough to wake the entire 23rd floor...well, in the end, we all wound up eating cereal, probably Captain Crunch, since that was Aleena's favorite.

Anyways, waalking into my two-bedroom apartment, l could hear Aleena and Lachlan battling over the remote control, while Xena, their 33-year old nanny tried to get their attention and settle things peacefully. Poor girl looked like she had a rough day.

"Mommy...you're home...can you tell Lachlan it's my turn to pick the show?" Aleena asks, while coming up to give me a big welcome-home hug.

"Hi mom...how was-" Lachlan started, only to be cut off by Xena.

"l am so sorry about the mess in the kitchen Tealana...l didn't quite have time to finish the dishes...but l got most of them out of the way. Lachlan got his homework all done, so l told him he could pick the show..." she trailed off, but l could imagine how the rest went.

"That's okay Xena...it was just a simple error...I've done it several times...you look like you had a long day...why don't you go get some rest? l can have your pay at the end of this week if that's okay..."

"Of course...you three have a good night...feel free to call me if you need to" she said, walking out of the apartment, leaving me and the kids to discuss our day as a family.

Lachlan is the smarter, more brainy type...doing best in the math and science areas, which works great for me, since that was not my strongest area acedemically. Aleena is more like l was at their age- excelling at the more artistic and physical aspects in school. Especially dance and P.E.

Well, it was no secret to them about my nightly endeavors, one in which they themselves wanted to help in. Knowing that it wouldn't happen until l saw they were ready, they both try to go the extra mile to prove themselves, whether it be climbing the rope at gym within a certain amount of time, or mapping the entire city, and routing all P.D pinpoints and routes, they both took an active interest.

l just need to make sure that they can keep his secret from anyone outside our family. The las time a family member got invvolved with the Purple Dragons, they paid with their life...a loss which will never be forgotten, or in vain.

l think they are nearly ready...there is something l need to share with them...about an extraordinary encounter which truly begins my story as a vigilantess. The story of how important it is to stand up and protect those in need of help.

Even those who are not entirely human. Ones like Donatello...though it had been long ago, l remember it as clearly as if had been yesterday...

Tealana flashback-

I was about 11 years old at the time it happened.l can remember watching the clock anxiously, knowing that my father was due from work any minute. l remember that l had ordered pizza for the both of us, knowing he would be exhausted from his long day at work. In the meantime though, l was watching our favorite TV show...American NInja Warrior...

Just as l was setling down, l heard the door click open, and my Father came stumbling in, carrying something wrapped in a canvas-like blanket...it looked kinda heavy...

"Lana...l need you to go get lots of wet washcloths and the medical kit...as well as the antibiotic spray...this little guy just got attacked by Bowser..."

l gasped in horror...Bowser was the alley dog, who was known for being vicious to other neighborhood dogs...but he was usually good around people...so why would he attack an innocent person?

Nevertheless, l rushed to get the items Father had asked for, as he unwrapped the figure in the canvas.

"Don't worry lad...we'll have you cleaned up in no time" l could hear my father say. l was so proud of my Father...he used to work as a doctor when he was in the army, but when he came back, he decided to join the police force.

"Will it hurt?" l could hear a boy's voice ask. He didn't sound much older than me, but what struck me was that he sounded terrified. l hoped the bites left by Bowser weren't that bad...was he afraid of something else.

"Okay Dad, heres the washcloths and First Aid kit...l think the spray is under the sink..." l said, coming into the rom, seeing my dad, and a giant turtle- boy, sitting on the kitchen counter, with his leg held out so Dad could clean out the claw marks that covered his legs...

Needless to say...l was shocked..."Daddy...who is this..." l asked hesitantly.

It was the turtle who answered.

"My name is Donatello...Donnie for short..." he answered reluctantly.

"Well...Donnie...I'm Tealana, or Lana for short, and my Dad and l are gonna help you" l said with confidence as my dad beamed with pride at me.

l can defitely say that it was unusual...Donnie was very shy, but he was sweet...gentle and soft-spoken actually. He kinda made me think of someone holding a glass vase...the almost afraid of the object in fear of breaking it type of reaction. Definitely something l wasn't used to, but hey, l had no clue up until now that people like him even existed...this was so cool, like my sci- fi movies come to life, only this was a nice creature...kind of cute actually...

As my dad dressed Donnies leg and bandaged it, Donnie and l talked about the kind of things we liked to do. How l wanted to be a crime-fighting cop when l grew up, and he talked about inventing things that could help fight crime. l don't even remember what they all were, l just remember they were such an amazing concept to me at the time.

Up until when Donnie was all cleaned up and bandaged, l was enjoying the companionship of this new-found friend.

"Donnie, is there anyway l can contact your Father, and let him know your safe?" Dad asked a nervous-looking Donnie.

"Umm...no...we don't have a phone...but that'll change once l can finish building my latest invetion...the Shell- Cell!"

He held up an object, that looked something like a cell-phone, but it was a lot bigger than any of the ones l had ever seen. Although, if l was gonna be honest, it was pretty cool looking...just not finished.

"As l said, it's not finished yet, but it'll be awesome when l finish it" Donnie said excitedly. l noticed how excited he was, and iit made me smile, seeing him so happy, as opposed to the initial terror he originally had.

"Well, where do you live? Do you know how to get home from here?" Dad asked, as Donnie got a thoughtful look across his face.

"Well, l remember how to get there from Central Park...but l don't know how to get to Central park from here'. he said, pouting his lower lip out slightly.

I lit up at that. l knew exactlly how to get there...it was a walk l did often...but never at night, since Dad always said it was too dangerous...but l knew how to handle myself, and l really wanted a chance to show him that.

"Dad...l know the way...l can take him back..."

"l don't think so Sunny...you know that the streets of New York are no place for a young girl"

This is not the first time we've had this conversation. My dad has been training me in advanced self- defense tactics for awhile now. That's the lasting legacy he wants to pass on to me- is how to defend myself against, and to fight crime. l wanted to be a real cop one day.

Unfortunately, l was beginning to wonder if that day would ever come. l had my own taser, pepper spray, and even a set of handcuffs...now all l needed was a big moment where l could prove that l could use everything l had been taught, to good use.

With any luck, l would be able to do so at age 50, unless...hmmm...

"Would it make you feel better if l brought Sammy? He could help protect us too". l could tell he was about to protest again, but l added "..besides Daddy, you've taught me how to defend myself...how do you know whether l will really be able to use the skills you taught me if l don't face the world head-on? l know l can do this...please, just give me a chance".

Donnie looked at us anxiously, and waited as my dad thought about what l said before he asked. "Who's Sammy?"

Our German Shepherd, Sam, aka Sammy, came running out of the bedroom at the sound of his name jumping up at me, licking my face as a happy greeting.

l looked at Donnie, and he looked scared...then it dawned on me- Donnie just got bit by a dog; he probably thinks Sammy will too!

Hoping to reassure him, l said to Donnie "Don't worry...Sammy's a nice dog...hold out your hand and let him smell you...that's how he gets to know whether you're bad or nice...and whether he likes you or not".

As Donnie held out his hand, eyes tightly shut, Sammy walked up and sniffed curiously at his hands. Licking them, and then nuzzling Donnie's arm, got him to open his eyes in curiosity. Jumping up on him, Sammy lickked Donnies face eagerly.

"I'll take it he likes me then, huh?" Donnie chuckled nervously, but also happy and relieved, which made me laugh.

"Welcome to his wonderful world of friends Donnie...you just got the unofficial friend welcome package, jump, freindly kiss, nuzzle, and if you wait for it...happy slobber!"

Seeing that my dad still hadn't said anything, l looked at him, but just as l was about to say something, he spoke.

And something happened that l was totally unprepared for.

"You got 20 minutes...10 to get there, 10 for the way back...l start after you if it goes even a second later"

Me(relieved sigh)- Phew! l am so glad l finally got this finished! I wanna send a special thanks to anyone and everyone reading and reviewing this...it really is encouraging to hear your feedback...

l don't remember if l remembered to add disclaimers in this story, but just in case..

Me(holding my right hand up) : l, WOLFJADE28, do solemnly, and with a heavy heart swear, that l have absolutely no ownership rights of or to the TMNT franchise, or any of its components...

Raph: Anything else you'd like to add, while we clean up your closet mess?!

Me(chuckling): Would you like a maids uniform to accompany your services? l do believe l saw one over by Mikey a few minutes ago, one which l do believe would complement you very nicely...

Raph(angrily, but turning red): Shut yer pie-hole kid! It's your fault we've been stuck cleaning this mess for shell knows how long!

Mikey(confused): Hey, this is cleaning? l thought it was a game called Master of the Clear-zone?

Me(laughing uncontrollably): it...is...but...hahaha!

Donnie(putting stuffed animals in a toy chest at the end of the bed): Basically, that could be considered cleaning Mikey.

Mikey(pouting): Awww man...l feel like l just got gyped!

Raph: Hello?! You did...

Leo: Look at the bright side Mikey...you were totally doing a great job...way better than l've seen WOLFJADE do...

Mikey: Yeah..l guess so...hey, wait a minute dudes! You're totally right!

Raph(beginning to grin devilishly): Yeah...we just spent a while cleaning her room...why don't we see how well she cleans our rooms? l bet we're way better than her!

Me: Hey! l can clean way better than anyone else here!

Turtles(evident doubt)-Uh-huh, sure...keep dreaming...

Me: l'll prove it...after l get this story written...

Turtles(all too quickly) :DEAL!

Me( 0.0 ): Oh snap! What did l just get myself into?!