ROTTMNT - Moths Fly In Packs

Chapter Seven

Alright, Salena. You got this. Just remember: if you're quick and quiet, he won't notice you. 'Tis the rules of ninja stealth mode, baby!

Finally back at school but am I gonna face my problems? Nope! I've decided to take Splinter's advice on just doing things when I'm ready. Even though sometimes I feel like I'll never be ready. Every time I even thought about talking to Jaiden or Zane, I'd find myself getting strangely mad. I know I'll screw things up if I talk with a temper.

But hey! That's not my focus right now, anyway. I've been searching for a good opportunity to finally meet and talk to Draxum today! It turns out the world really is fucking miniature since he works at April's old high school - aka my current one - as that scary mean lunch aid everyone fears to death. Who knew, right? I'm hoping I can make a good impression on him today! And maybe possibly get my very own weapon but that's totally not my first priority at all...

I already planned to skip study hall to try and sneak into the kitchen. I know that lunch is next period but Draxum gets pretty busy when he actually has to work so I'd rather not bother him during those moments. Besides, it's May! I would've spent my study hall sitting there doing jackshit, anyway, so I doubt the teachers care if I'll be missing. There's just one hurdle to my otherwise flawless plan. The reason I'm perched up on top of the fluorescent light trying not to cry from how dirty it is up here instead of in the kitchen by now: Zane's been tailing me all damn morning.

He and I share a study hall so not seeing me there probably prompted him to run out looking for me. Guess I can't blame him too much, I haven't really talked to him or Jaiden so I know he's just worried. But my god, the dude's more annoying than an actual hall monitor right now. I've lost track of how long this little cat and mouse game's gone on.

I watched in agony waiting for Zane to pass by. He stopped, looked both ways, and turned the corner, successfully convinced I wasn't right above him. Man, I knew parkour would come in useful someplace but never have I ever thought that place would be in school.

I victoriously hopped off the pretty bright light and bolted towards the cafeteria, checking behind me to make sure Zane didn't come back this way. I can't wait to finally meet Drax and get my very own weapon! I hope it's something cool! I mean, I don't even know how it's supposed to be picked but holy hell I am so excited and everything's playing out so perfectly right now I genuinely can't believe-

"Oof!"

Of course, I accidentally ran into someone. So much for ninjocity. The poor guy fell to his knees, and rubbed his head, messing up his fluffy black hair.

"Omigosh are you okay!? I am so so so sorry!" I stepped closer to him, reaching out my hand. "Here, let me help you up."

"Argh... yeah, thank y-"

He stopped mid-sentence, wide teal eyes staring right at me. His expression looked strange, it wasn't happy but it wasn't sad either. Or actually, it was a little? He's not saying anything or moving, it seems like he's about to simultaneously laugh and cry.

But maybe I'm reading too deep into it, he could just be in shock or something.

"Um... I hope I didn't bump into you too hard. Are you gonna take my hand...?"

"O-oh, right, sorry! I uh... I spaced out."

"Don't worry, totally get that!" I laughed, pulling him to his feet. "Ya know, I don't recognize you. Are you new here?"

"Yeah, I actually just joined today, tenth grade! My name is Ca-"

"There you are!" A hand grabbed my shoulder from behind.