“A Stroll Along the Shore”

By Azure Turtle

Disclaimer: Azure is my own created character. Please do not use him without my permission. All TMNT characters belong to Peter Laird and Mirage Publishing.

I’m just a fan who wants to express my enthusiasm for the TMNT through fanfics. Please don’t hurt me.

<< Author’s Note: This story takes place after the events of my story, One Fateful Day. If you have the time, please read that before reading the following story. It’ll make more sense that way. Oh, and in case you were wondering, this story isn’t a direct sequel to OFD. It’s just a small story arc that takes place in the same universe. A true sequel will appear sooner or later. =) Thanks for reading, and I hope you enjoy taking A Stroll Along the Shore. >>

It was dark outside. The moon glowed gently in the starless sky, casting tender shadows that playfully danced along the sandy shores. I carefully took in my surroundings, making sure that there were no humans around. All I heard was silence. I bravely ventured out from my hiding place underneath the pier and took in a deep breath of the misty air. I exhaled with delight, the taste of sea salt lingering on my tongue. I gazed at the ocean; its waters were a dark, blue color. The waves gently crashed on the wet sand, and I smiled as the cold, foamy liquid lapped at my feet. I wiggled my toes, enjoying the soft, squishy texture of the sand. Memories of my childhood with Sal were always strong at the beach. Sometimes, if I listened closely, I could almost hear him talking to me over the sound of the ocean’s gurgle.

Look at the ocean, Azure. See how it disappears at the horizon? Amazing how vast it is, yet, even the ocean comes to an end.

But what’s at the end, Dad?

A whole different world. Maybe you’ll be able to cross the sea and visit it someday.

Me? How? People are scared of me.

No, stop thinking like that. Not everyone is small-minded. You’ll find friends. Just keep looking.

How can I tell when I’ve found friends?

Because they’ll love you for who you are, and they’ll be with you through thick and thin.

Wow…

Now promise me one thing.

Okay.

When you do find these friends, promise me that you’ll never let them go.

All right, I promise. Um… Dad?

Yes?

Are friends really important?

Of course! True friends are priceless treasures.

Huh? Y’mean like pirate treasure?

Well… sort of.

Yay! Then I’ll be rich!

Hahaha! Yes, in a sense, you will be rich. Just don’t forget your promise, son.

I won’t.

I continued walking away from the pier, happily sloshing my feet on the wet earth. I remembered Sal’s talk with me word for word, even if our discussion took place a long time ago. I must have been only six or seven years old, but the promise was never forgotten.

I wondered why my new family wished to stay at home. A warm, summer’s night always seemed inviting to me. I was even more surprised that Michelangelo passed up the opportunity to visit the beach. I paused to think for a moment then shrugged. Mikey was probably challenging Leo to some sort of videogame right now. Raph was most likely out and about, looking for trouble. I imagined Don-San hard at work on his computer, researching his vast array of interests. As for Master Splinter, he was probably meditating in his study. Either that, or he was scolding Michelangelo for being too loud as he celebrated his countless victories over Leonardo. Poor Leo… He was never a match for Mikey when it came to Street Fighter.

I grinned as I thought about each of them. I took a seat on a cool mound of sand, and stared at the sea. It was getting late, and everyone was probably worried by now. I decided to head back home in a few more minutes. I took a deep breath and closed my eyes, taking in the essence of the ocean. It felt wonderful being out in the open again, and I let the serenity of the shore wash over me. After a few moments, I opened my eyes, stood up, and stretched a little. I felt relaxed, cheerful, and ready to head back home. I walked back to the pier to fetch my cloak. This time, I decided to walk on the dry sand, thoroughly enjoying the crunch that each of my footsteps created. Once underneath the safety of the pier, I grabbed my cloak and quickly put it on. Now all I had to do was head back to the manhole that sat next to the surf store. Gazing at the ocean one final time, I grinned and silently said good-bye. I turned around and began trudging through the sand, stopping every so often to make sure that there were no humans. The beach was empty. Not a soul in sight. I hummed a happy tune as I approached the surf store that had a giant “closed” sign stuck to its window. I had no idea that I was being watched.