Out of Delusions and Into Reality (TMNT)

Luckily, it doesn't take much to keep all of the girls quiet—the rhythmic clicks and mechanical whirls of the Kraang droids echo ominously through the dimly lit, alien halls. The group huddles together, each of us moving with a sense of urgency, our heads lowered as we navigate the sterile, metallic corridors. The tension in the air is almost palpable, a heavy cloak of anxiety that weighs down on us, mirroring our uncertain fate. Even I can feel the edges of my nerves frying; every so often, I steal a glance at Darcie, an unfamiliar yet fierce protectiveness swelling within me as I mull over the gravity of our situation. I tilt my head slightly, stealing a breath before speaking in a low whisper. "Think we could jump a lone droid for its blaster?" I ask, a playful challenge dancing in my voice, a brief glimmer of levity in this otherwise oppressive atmosphere.

Ms. Pinkie Pie's eyes sparkled with uncontainable joy as they widened, reflecting her excitement like bright stars. She clamped a hand over her mouth, stifling a giggle, her head bobbing eagerly in enthusiastic agreement. As she finally pulled her hand away, a whirlwind of hushed, animated chatter burst forth from her lips, each word tumbling over the next in a flurry of eager questions. "Oh my god... yes...! How would we do it? Just you and me or are we grabbing some of the girls to help? I'm not that strong, got noodle arms— so I'll go for the feet and you can go for the head! Ooh-! Or, we can go for the gut, that's where the Kraang brainy-thingy is! I say let's do it!"

I stifle a quiet snicker at her antics, the corner of my mouth twitching in amusement. Darcie's reaction is exactly what I'd anticipated—eager, impulsive, and brimming with that unshakable call to adventure. As her questions tumble out, I mull over our options, my thoughts weaving through the potential risks and rewards. Bringing the whole group isn't an option, but splitting up could leave us vulnerable. We need a plan—something solid. The answer strikes like a spark catching dry kindling. My gaze sharpens, locking onto Darcie, an idea flickering to life behind my eyes. "Think you can run up front for me?" I ask, my tone low but purposeful. "Tell Kam and Nicole what we're thinking. You three can figure out who's covering the rear and who's comin' with me."

She lets out a quiet huff, clearly less than thrilled at the idea of playing messenger. Her lips curl into a subtle pout, and she points her fingers together, her voice slipping into a playful, mocking impression of Prince Charming from Shrek. "But Pookie..." she begins, dragging out the words melodramatically. "What if I don't want to...?" Her big, exaggerated puppy eyes are impossible to miss, though her usual spark seems dimmed, her energy not quite what it was earlier. "And they're soooo far ahead..." she whines, glancing toward the distant figures with a groan that says she's already resigned to the task.

I let out a quiet chuckle at her soft whining, equal parts amused and annoyed as I roll my eyes with a playful flair. "Then you better get started—who else is gonna guard our flank?" I tease, keeping my tone light as my gaze flickers across our surroundings. A smirk tugs at my lips as I add, "You said it yourself, noodle arms, so go use those legs." She groans dramatically, dragging her feet at first, but eventually starts making her way up to the front of the group. I watch her retreat, a faint smile lingering as I settle into my role at the back, the weight of responsibility settling over me like a quiet shadow. The murmurs of the crowd fill the air, a soft backdrop to my wandering thoughts as we press onward through the dim corridor. How will this platoon of women react to their favorite characters? How am I going to react when that moment arises? Does it even matter? It doesn't take long before I spot Darcie weaving her way back toward me, Kamille and Nicole in tow. My eyes narrow slightly, confusion blooming at the sight of Nicole's irritated scowl and Kamille's concerned, calculating expression. Oh boy... My stomach twists uneasily, but I force a small smile, trying to mask my apprehension.

"Are you serious?! Jumping a Kraang droid for its gun has got to be the most reckless, craziest idea I've ever heard!" Nicole hisses, her tone a mix of frustration and disbelief, her words tumbling out in a hurried scolding. The overwhelmed edge to her voice catches me off guard for a split second before I recover, rolling my eyes as she launches into her rant. I let her vent, arms crossed, watching the blonde lecture her little heart out. "You can't be serious—do you not remember the first episode?" she snaps, her voice rising just enough to remind me of how worked up she is. "Those droids are way tougher than they look, and I'm not about to risk anyone's life for a stupid gun!" She finishes with a sharp huff, crossing her arms with finality as if daring me to argue.