AN: This is a two part story. I literally came up with the plot in my sleep, totally dreamed it up. Figured since I got a free plot that I could take full credit for, I might as well abuse it. Yay! I'm also pretty sick with a fever, so I have no idea how well this actually turned out, or if my fever is tricking me into thinking I can write today. Popsicle.

Learning the Ropes

Part 1

There was no patrol that night, and even though April was having a rare overnight stay in the lair, all of the turtles were in their own space asleep before too late. She was the only one who couldn't quite drift off, the anticipation of tomorrow's events had her feeling anxious and excited all at once. She had known for a few days longer than the turtles that they would be facing one of Splinter's tests, and she had been working incredibly hard to be sure she passed. When Master Splinter announced the test to the boys earlier that day, there was tremendous excitement and enthusiasm between them, especially when he declared the reward for the single passing student.

A one on one training session with April, to teach her anything of their choice. However, if it were April who won, they'd all have to have a training session with her as the teacher. On any topic she chose. She found it an odd incentive, and suspected an alternative reasoning behind it, but it added so much excitement to the game she didn't think too much further into it.

All she had known about the test was that it was a rope climb, and when she asked Leo about it, his eyes lit up as he explained. It was a test they were subject to about twice a year. They would each have to climb their own rope to the very top and ring a bell, and once they have rung their bell they have to knock the others from their ropes. They couldn't launch an attack until after their bell had been rung, so it was a mad and desperate scramble to the top. Their ropes got longer every time they were tested. Although each of them had won at some point, Mikey was the best at it, and it was always a scramble to eliminate him from the game as soon as possible.

She didn't know how she was expected to win against the four experienced ninjas, but Splinter assured her that she had a far greater chance than she believed.

"Booyakashaaaa!"

It felt like she had only just fallen asleep when the early morning excitement began. April felt groggy, but she was too eager to be up with the boys to spend any more time laying down. As she pulled on her boots, the smell of breakfast cooking motivated her to hurry to the kitchen. When she joined the turtles, she was practically pulled to the table. They would have a light breakfast, rest, stretch, and then they would begin their test. Lunch would be a reward.

As she rested her chin in her hand, she watched as Donnie impatiently stood over Mikey's shoulder observing his cooking, adding things at different times much to Mikey's displeasure. Raph was already going through the fridge, ignoring a box of leftover pizza in favour of a half filled jug of milk. He eyed the date on it and narrowed his eyes before looking up at Donnie, "How many days past expiry is still good?"

Donnie made a face, "I think term 'expiry date' is pretty self explanatory. Besides, you don't want dairy in your system later."

With a shrug, Raph unscrewed the cap and took a long drink before returning it to the fridge and joining Leo, who was leaning against the far wall, observing everyone with bright eyes. They stood close to each other, shoulder touching shoulder as Raph leaned in to whisper something to him that April couldn't hear. In response, Leo turned so he could lean closer, and subtly pointed to Mikey. Raph nodded as Leo made a twirling motion with his finger and whispered some plan. After a minute to think, Raph leaned close to his brother and whispered another thought, this time pointing to Donnie. Leo shook his head, his thumb pointing to April. Raph's eyes turned to meet her's, and he smirked.

A bowl of oatmeal plunked down in front of her, dragging her attention away from the scheming siblings against the wall. It didn't look nearly as good as it had smelled. Brown eyes looked down at her as Donnie handed her a spoon, "I wouldn't pay too much attention to them, they always break their alliances before they're even halfway done."

"We do not!" Raph's indignant voice rose up from where he was scooping his breakfast at the stove. "Tell him Leo!"

Leo stood silent for a minute, his bowl held empty in his hand, as his eyes rolled upwards in thought "Well, there was that last time..." he mused.

"If you hadn't made your face such an easy target, I wouldn't have wanted to kick it!" Raph muttered, taking another scoop before joining everyone at the table while Leo served himself.

The oatmeal had to have been the most bland thing she had ever tasted, but everyone else finished theirs quickly and April was determined to keep up with them as she ate big scoops. There was no conversation, although looks were exchanged and even faces were made at each other. As soon as everyone was done they went to the Dojo.

Again Leo and Raph went off to the side where they sat right close to each other to plot, almost pressed together as they kept their voices low, their faces sometimes touching as they got focused. For them, it looked like winning was serious business.

April was joined on the rug by Mikey, and Donnie was nowhere in sight. When she asked where he went, Mikey grinned, "Its his turn to help set up the course with Master Splinter." he explained, "So he gets to go early." The smaller turtle twisted in a stretch before his eyes brightened, remembering something, "Oh yeah, Donnie asked me to make sure you were prepared!"

Taking her hand, he began wrapping it with cloth, "The rope gets kinda wet, so you'll get blisters." He informed as he finished with the first and took hold of her second hand, "You have shoes, so I don't think I have to wrap your feet." He motioned to his foot wrappings and wiggled his toes through, what April noticed for the first time, a thick leather wrap. A quick glance at the other two confirmed they all matched.

For the next half hour, Mikey told her stories about his victories, and gave her pointers to make the climb easier. He also couldn't keep quiet about his "secret plan" that would surely lead to his victory, before promising her that he wouldn't come after her until his other brothers were knocked out of the game. She had already figured they'd leave her alone for the most part, which would give her a chance to actually participate. As she opened her mouth to thank him, Leo's words instead filled the silence as he called out that it was time to stretch and head out.

The warm up session Leo was leading was too intense for her, so she stayed off to the side and did her own stretches that she had been taught in her school gym class, and by Splinter. Her muscles burned in protest as she worked them out harder than usual, her desire to perform above and beyond fuelling her to ignore the discomfort. Sweat was already soaking through her clothes, making her wish for a cool shower, but she was sure she'd truly appreciate a hot bath after the test was complete.

Her daydream about relaxation was interrupted by Leo's voice, and when she glanced up he was looking down at her as she stretched her legs, " Are you ready to go?"

The butterflies in her stomach were too numerous to allow her to speak, so she simply nodded as Leo helped her to her feet and led them at a jog out of the lair.

They didn't have to go too far, but she did need to be carried on occasion as they worked their way deeper below into the sewers. She tried to navigate the passageways on her own as much as possible, wanting to prove she could handle it. Even though she slowed them, not one of them asked her to hurry up, and on occasion they'd show her how she could overcome an obstacle more efficiently. Still, she did need their help to get down from high places, or to span longer jumps.

The chamber they entered was massive. It seemed less like part of the sewer and more like an underground cave, although there were still pipes running through. The round room was taller than she could see on the gloomy darkness, and five ropes were set up above a pool of water in the center. April spotted her rope immediately it was the shortest one of course. Even so, it was the longest rope she'd ever been expected to climb. The other ropes were several times longer, reaching up into the darkness beyond view.

As April gaped, Mikey led her to her start point with a laugh. Donnie waved from his own start point, flashing her a knowing smile in greeting. She smiled back nervously. Once the brothers where in their own positions, they crouched down in preparation to start. She mimicked them, not too sure what she should be doing. At the sound of a shout from above, she started and, like the turtles, her gaze shot upwards.

Splinter stood above them in a tunnel opening, and April had to squint to see him. Of course he'd have to be up high to witness the test. She couldn't see what he was doing, so she returned to her gaze to the rope before her, tensing up as she waited for the signal.

There was another shout, a word she didn't understand, but since the four brothers were already on their ropes, beginning their climb, she assumed it was the start signal. She launched herself over the water, her hands reaching out for the rope in front of her. Her heart raced and as her hands connected, gripping tightly as she began to swing. Suddenly, as the swinging slowed, excitement filled her as the adrenaline began to rush. She wanted to win. As she had been taught, she brought the tail of the rope beside her legs and hooked the opposite foot under the rope, bringing it on top of her boot. Using her other foot she stepped down on the rope bridge created and pinched the rope between her feet. Anchored, she reached up the rope as high as she could and got a new grip, before bringing her legs up in an almost crouch and repeating the process. Splinter had specifically instructed Mikey to teach her to climb this way, as opposed to the method she had learned in her gym class. It took more leg strength than it did arm, and as a result she conserved energy. Not only that, she climbed faster and the rope all around was more stable. She still had difficulty keeping the rope around her feet, but despite this, she steadily climbed upwards, her only focus on reaching the bell.

AN: Part 2 is on the way and will hopefully be done within the week :3 Keep checking back!