Apritello Interactive Story

>> Picks the purple jacket.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April shrugs and points to the coat. “I guess the purple jacket? It goes with his armor.”

Leonardo hums dramatically, pulling the clothes closer to him and looking over the princess’s selection. “Excellent choice! I must agree that the violet hue would look dashing against Donnie’s emerald skin.”

April smiles awkwardly while Donnie’s jaw drops, one of his eyes twitching. 

Where is he going with this?

The slider continues, “However! I wasn’t lying when I said that I only had enough for one disguise, and unfortunately, I need both of these.” He then turns to his softshell twin with a mischievous grin on his face. “It’s granny time, Donnie!”

“What?! No–get your grubby hands off me!”

April bursts out laughing as Leonardo jumps on his brother, limbs and clothes flying as the twins quarrel. His attempts to get the disguise on Donnie are met with equal resistance. The softshell curses the slider and the other teases him right back. 

The princess watches, delighted by their antics and still giggling. She doesn’t remember when was the last time she had a good laugh. 

After several minutes, the disguise somehow ends up on Donnie. Whether it was because Leonardo managed to overpower his brother or the latter finally relented was up for debate. Nevertheless, a strange-looking turtle granny stood in front of her, annoyance written over every inch of his face.

While the disguise definitely looks goofy, April thinks Donnie manages to pull it off. 

She smiles. “Oh, Donnie, I think your disguise is perfect!”

“I agree, princess! I don’t know why he fought it so much,” Leonardo states, a triumphant smile stretching across his face, “He’s worn a similar disguise before.”

“Yes, but I would have liked to dress myself.” Donnie smooths out the fabric before shooting his twin another glare. “And you could have ripped the stitching! For shame!”

Leonardo shrugs, but says nothing.

The softshell rolls his eyes. “Well, now that I have been forced into this disguise, we should get a move on. The market is only open for so long, and we have to get April back to the castle at some point.”

April agrees, “I definitely don’t wanna waste any more time out here when I could be explorin’ the ‘wares of merchants! Let’s go!”

After ironing out some contingencies and a few other things, the three return to the road. April and Donnie walk to the town together on foot while Leonardo waits behind them. Once a considerable distance is between them—enough for no one to suspect that the trio were travelling together—the slider hops on his horse and follows them, casually strolling on horseback. 

“Gosh, I am so excited!” April comments, a skip in her step as they get closer to town. “I’ve snuck out once or twice, but it’s usually been at night when most shops are closed.”

Donnie turns his head toward her. “You’ve snuck out before?”

“Yup! Gentry or my personal guard, Cass, would usually help me sneak out,” she admits, feeling comfortable with letting Donnie in on her little secret. “There isn’t much to do in my kingdom once the sun goes down, but we still managed to have fun.”

The softshell hums, “Well then, let’s make this outing a fun one, shall we?”

Finally, the town comes into view, with the path into town leading right into the market. April gasps as she takes in the scene before her. The market is bustling with activity. Mouthwatering scents waft from food stalls, beautiful clothing and jewelry are displayed in other stalls, and in the distance, some musicians play their instruments on an elevated wooden stage. 

Donnie leans in close and whispers, “So, where do you want to go?”

>> Get some noms! >> Shop for a new outfit! >> Investigate the musical show!

>> Picks the purple jacket.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April shrugs and points to the coat. “I guess the purple jacket? It goes with his armor.”

Leonardo hums dramatically, pulling the clothes closer to him and looking over the princess’s selection. “Excellent choice! I must agree that the violet hue would look dashing against Donnie’s emerald skin.”

April smiles awkwardly while Donnie’s jaw drops, one of his eyes twitching. 

Where is he going with this?

The slider continues, “However! I wasn’t lying when I said that I only had enough for one disguise, and unfortunately, I need both of these.” He then turns to his softshell twin with a mischievous grin on his face. “It’s granny time, Donnie!”

“What?! No–get your grubby hands off me!”

April bursts out laughing as Leonardo jumps on his brother, limbs and clothes flying as the twins quarrel. His attempts to get the disguise on Donnie are met with equal resistance. The softshell curses the slider and the other teases him right back. 

The princess watches, delighted by their antics and still giggling. She doesn’t remember when was the last time she had a good laugh. 

After several minutes, the disguise somehow ends up on Donnie. Whether it was because Leonardo managed to overpower his brother or the latter finally relented was up for debate. Nevertheless, a strange-looking turtle granny stood in front of her, annoyance written over every inch of his face.

While the disguise definitely looks goofy, April thinks Donnie manages to pull it off. 

She smiles. “Oh, Donnie, I think your disguise is perfect!”

“I agree, princess! I don’t know why he fought it so much,” Leonardo states, a triumphant smile stretching across his face, “He’s worn a similar disguise before.”

“Yes, but I would have liked to dress myself.” Donnie smooths out the fabric before shooting his twin another glare. “And you could have ripped the stitching! For shame!”

Leonardo shrugs, but says nothing.

The softshell rolls his eyes. “Well, now that I have been forced into this disguise, we should get a move on. The market is only open for so long, and we have to get April back to the castle at some point.”

April agrees, “I definitely don’t wanna waste any more time out here when I could be explorin’ the ‘wares of merchants! Let’s go!”

After ironing out some contingencies and a few other things, the three return to the road. April and Donnie walk to the town together on foot while Leonardo waits behind them. Once a considerable distance is between them—enough for no one to suspect that the trio were travelling together—the slider hops on his horse and follows them, casually strolling on horseback. 

“Gosh, I am so excited!” April comments, a skip in her step as they get closer to town. “I’ve snuck out once or twice, but it’s usually been at night when most shops are closed.”

Donnie turns his head toward her. “You’ve snuck out before?”

“Yup! Gentry or my personal guard, Cass, would usually help me sneak out,” she admits, feeling comfortable with letting Donnie in on her little secret. “There isn’t much to do in my kingdom once the sun goes down, but we still managed to have fun.”

The softshell hums, “Well then, let’s make this outing a fun one, shall we?”

Finally, the town comes into view, with the path into town leading right into the market. April gasps as she takes in the scene before her. The market is bustling with activity. Mouthwatering scents waft from food stalls, beautiful clothing and jewelry are displayed in other stalls, and in the distance, some musicians play their instruments on an elevated wooden stage. 

Donnie leans in close and whispers, “So, where do you want to go?”

>> Get some noms! >> Shop for a new outfit! >> Investigate the musical show!

>> Picks the purple jacket.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April shrugs and points to the coat. “I guess the purple jacket? It goes with his armor.”

Leonardo hums dramatically, pulling the clothes closer to him and looking over the princess’s selection. “Excellent choice! I must agree that the violet hue would look dashing against Donnie’s emerald skin.”

April smiles awkwardly while Donnie’s jaw drops, one of his eyes twitching. 

Where is he going with this?

The slider continues, “However! I wasn’t lying when I said that I only had enough for one disguise, and unfortunately, I need both of these.” He then turns to his softshell twin with a mischievous grin on his face. “It’s granny time, Donnie!”

“What?! No–get your grubby hands off me!”

April bursts out laughing as Leonardo jumps on his brother, limbs and clothes flying as the twins quarrel. His attempts to get the disguise on Donnie are met with equal resistance. The softshell curses the slider and the other teases him right back. 

The princess watches, delighted by their antics and still giggling. She doesn’t remember when was the last time she had a good laugh. 

After several minutes, the disguise somehow ends up on Donnie. Whether it was because Leonardo managed to overpower his brother or the latter finally relented was up for debate. Nevertheless, a strange-looking turtle granny stood in front of her, annoyance written over every inch of his face.

While the disguise definitely looks goofy, April thinks Donnie manages to pull it off. 

She smiles. “Oh, Donnie, I think your disguise is perfect!”

“I agree, princess! I don’t know why he fought it so much,” Leonardo states, a triumphant smile stretching across his face, “He’s worn a similar disguise before.”

“Yes, but I would have liked to dress myself.” Donnie smooths out the fabric before shooting his twin another glare. “And you could have ripped the stitching! For shame!”

Leonardo shrugs, but says nothing.

The softshell rolls his eyes. “Well, now that I have been forced into this disguise, we should get a move on. The market is only open for so long, and we have to get April back to the castle at some point.”

April agrees, “I definitely don’t wanna waste any more time out here when I could be explorin’ the ‘wares of merchants! Let’s go!”

After ironing out some contingencies and a few other things, the three return to the road. April and Donnie walk to the town together on foot while Leonardo waits behind them. Once a considerable distance is between them—enough for no one to suspect that the trio were travelling together—the slider hops on his horse and follows them, casually strolling on horseback. 

“Gosh, I am so excited!” April comments, a skip in her step as they get closer to town. “I’ve snuck out once or twice, but it’s usually been at night when most shops are closed.”

Donnie turns his head toward her. “You’ve snuck out before?”

“Yup! Gentry or my personal guard, Cass, would usually help me sneak out,” she admits, feeling comfortable with letting Donnie in on her little secret. “There isn’t much to do in my kingdom once the sun goes down, but we still managed to have fun.”

The softshell hums, “Well then, let’s make this outing a fun one, shall we?”

Finally, the town comes into view, with the path into town leading right into the market. April gasps as she takes in the scene before her. The market is bustling with activity. Mouthwatering scents waft from food stalls, beautiful clothing and jewelry are displayed in other stalls, and in the distance, some musicians play their instruments on an elevated wooden stage. 

Donnie leans in close and whispers, “So, where do you want to go?”

>> Get some noms! >> Shop for a new outfit! >> Investigate the musical show!

>> Town market.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April chews her bottom lip, thumbs rubbing back and forth against the soft leather reins.

While she longs to be back in the safety of her kingdom, her limbs feel heavy at the thought of her father interrogating her. If it wasn’t for the horse, she might have collapsed on the road, causing her loyal knights to panic, no doubt. Everything in her loathes the idea of returning home at this moment.

Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Donnie’s hand drift closer to hers, and she looks over at him. His drawn-on eyebrows furrow as he tilts his head, as if asking what her final decision is.

The princess hums, “Well… I’ve seen enough of these mountains, so the town market sounds nice.” A smile graces her lips as she looked between the two knights. “Think y’all can help me blend in?”

A smug smirk spreads across Leo’s face as he places a hand on his chest. “Of course, princess! We can make you look like a regular ol’ townsfolk in no time.” Leonardo reaches underneath the horse's head to playfully smack his brother’s shoulder. “Right, Dee?”

Donnie glares at his brother briefly before returning his gaze—albeit a lot softer—to April. “Yes, we can assist in making you blend in like a totally normal, regular townsfolk that isn’t the betrothed princess of Old York.”

She giggles. “Well then, let's get going! We’re losing daylight here, and I wanna spend as much time at the market as possible.”

Donnie bows before reaching underneath the horse and punching his twin’s arm. “Lead the way, Nardo.”

“Ow! Hey!” The slider shouts, and the two start quietly bickering underneath their breaths while leading the horse forward. April rolls her eyes with a smile, finding their antics humorous, especially after the last twenty-four hours.

Just before the town comes into view, Leonardo guides his horse off the road and into the trees, saying they need to disguise themselves before getting closer. The trio scouts their surroundings, and after a few minutes, April spots a pile of fallen trees haphazardly lying on top of each other.

“How about that?” She points toward her discovery.

Donnie and Leonardo look at the site before nodding to each other and guiding the horse toward it. Once tucked away and out of sight, Donnie assists April off the saddle while Leonardo starts rooting around in one of his packs.

“While I didn’t come fully prepared for daring escapades, I think I have just enough to make ya blend in.” He pulls out two rolled-up articles of clothing and holds them out to her. “Will you need assistance putting them on?”

April takes the clothes, running her hands across the fabric. It’s not smooth like the silk or velvet she’s so used to wearing, but it’s still soft. She tucks one piece under her arm while she unrolls the other, inspecting it. The top is a nice shade of green, sporting a weaving pattern April didn’t recognize. She inspects the other, unrolling it to reveal a set of large, brown pants she knows won't fit.

“Hmm, well–” she looks down briefly at what she’s wearing “–I think I’ll take just the top.” She hands the pants back to Leonardo. “Alright, I’ll change real quick.”

“Ok!” 

“Sounds good.”

However, neither twin moves, both still looking at April.

April glances between them, tilting her head. “You… you gonna–” She makes a circular motion with her finger “–turn around?”

“Oh! Right.”

“My apologies, April.”

With a blush on their cheeks, both knights turn around, their posture rigid and unwavering as they give the princess privacy to change her top.

April brings a hand up to her mouth to stifle a laugh.

Dumdums.

She shakes her head before focusing on the task at hand. She gets changed, removing what remains of her dress and slipping on the top. It’s a bit baggy, but nothing that a few ribbons and some skillful knotting can’t fix. In no time, April’s sporting a new look and, in her opinion, looking cute.

“Alright! Don’t think anyone will be expecting me to be wearin’ this, though how do I–” she motions to her face “–hide this?”

“Oh, right! Well, lucky for you, I also have–” the slider dramatically pauses to rustle through his bags again and pull something else out “–a hooded green cape! Perfect for a disguise, am I right?”

He hands the cape to April, and she puts it on. It’s a bit large, with the edge of the fabric stopping just short of her ankles. But it covers her from head to toe, so she can’t complain.

“Hey, Donnie! How do I look?” She twirls around, the cape flowing around her. 

He offers a smile. “Like a totally normal, everyday-looking civilian! You’ll blend right in.”

It’s… not the response April was fishing for, but she doesn’t let her disappointment show. “Thanks! Though… what about you two?”

Donnie turns to Leonardo, who blinks and sucks in a deep breath. 

“Riiiight, we all kinda need disguises...”

The slider turns around and rifles through a few more packs. Both April and Donnie look on in curiosity, catching glimpses of what clothes he’s pulling out. He pauses, grumbling and muttering something under his breath. But as his eyes meet his brother’s, a mischievous smile spreads across his face, and he turns around to look at April.

“Soooo, I don’t have enough for two disguises, but I have enough for juuuust for one.” Leonardo holds a garment in each hand. “Princess April, what should Donnie wear?”

The softshell frowns, reaching to take the clothes away. “I think I am more than capable of deciding what disguise I’ll wear.”

Leonardo pulls the clothes away. “Ah-bup-bup! You’re accompanying the princess on her market adventure, so it’s her decision! So princess–” he waves the garments toward April “–what’s my brother wearing?”

She smiles awkwardly. Why does she need to make this decision? He’s up to something if the mischievous glint in his eyes is anything to go by. However, she finds herself more curious than concerned, so she looks over what he’s offering. In one hand is a clean white tunic, while in the other is a simple purple coat.

April… >> Picks the white tunic. >> Picks the purple jacket.

>> Town market.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

April chews her bottom lip, thumbs rubbing back and forth against the soft leather reins.

While she longs to be back in the safety of her kingdom, her limbs feel heavy at the thought of her father interrogating her. If it wasn’t for the horse, she might have collapsed on the road, causing her loyal knights to panic, no doubt. Everything in her loathes the idea of returning home at this moment.

Out of the corner of her eye, she sees Donnie’s hand drift closer to hers, and she looks over at him. His drawn-on eyebrows furrow as he tilts his head, as if asking what her final decision is.

The princess hums, “Well… I’ve seen enough of these mountains, so the town market sounds nice.” A smile graces her lips as she looked between the two knights. “Think y’all can help me blend in?”

A smug smirk spreads across Leo’s face as he places a hand on his chest. “Of course, princess! We can make you look like a regular ol’ townsfolk in no time.” Leonardo reaches underneath the horse's head to playfully smack his brother’s shoulder. “Right, Dee?”

Donnie glares at his brother briefly before returning his gaze—albeit a lot softer—to April. “Yes, we can assist in making you blend in like a totally normal, regular townsfolk that isn’t the betrothed princess of Old York.”

She giggles. “Well then, let's get going! We’re losing daylight here, and I wanna spend as much time at the market as possible.”

Donnie bows before reaching underneath the horse and punching his twin’s arm. “Lead the way, Nardo.”

“Ow! Hey!” The slider shouts, and the two start quietly bickering underneath their breaths while leading the horse forward. April rolls her eyes with a smile, finding their antics humorous, especially after the last twenty-four hours.

Just before the town comes into view, Leonardo guides his horse off the road and into the trees, saying they need to disguise themselves before getting closer. The trio scouts their surroundings, and after a few minutes, April spots a pile of fallen trees haphazardly lying on top of each other.

“How about that?” She points toward her discovery.

Donnie and Leonardo look at the site before nodding to each other and guiding the horse toward it. Once tucked away and out of sight, Donnie assists April off the saddle while Leonardo starts rooting around in one of his packs.

“While I didn’t come fully prepared for daring escapades, I think I have just enough to make ya blend in.” He pulls out two rolled-up articles of clothing and holds them out to her. “Will you need assistance putting them on?”

April takes the clothes, running her hands across the fabric. It’s not smooth like the silk or velvet she’s so used to wearing, but it’s still soft. She tucks one piece under her arm while she unrolls the other, inspecting it. The top is a nice shade of green, sporting a weaving pattern April didn’t recognize. She inspects the other, unrolling it to reveal a set of large, brown pants she knows won't fit.

“Hmm, well–” she looks down briefly at what she’s wearing “–I think I’ll take just the top.” She hands the pants back to Leonardo. “Alright, I’ll change real quick.”

“Ok!” 

“Sounds good.”

However, neither twin moves, both still looking at April.

April glances between them, tilting her head. “You… you gonna–” She makes a circular motion with her finger “–turn around?”

“Oh! Right.”

“My apologies, April.”

With a blush on their cheeks, both knights turn around, their posture rigid and unwavering as they give the princess privacy to change her top.

April brings a hand up to her mouth to stifle a laugh.

Dumdums.

She shakes her head before focusing on the task at hand. She gets changed, removing what remains of her dress and slipping on the top. It’s a bit baggy, but nothing that a few ribbons and some skillful knotting can’t fix. In no time, April’s sporting a new look and, in her opinion, looking cute.

“Alright! Don’t think anyone will be expecting me to be wearin’ this, though how do I–” she motions to her face “–hide this?”

“Oh, right! Well, lucky for you, I also have–” the slider dramatically pauses to rustle through his bags again and pull something else out “–a hooded green cape! Perfect for a disguise, am I right?”

He hands the cape to April, and she puts it on. It’s a bit large, with the edge of the fabric stopping just short of her ankles. But it covers her from head to toe, so she can’t complain.

“Hey, Donnie! How do I look?” She twirls around, the cape flowing around her. 

He offers a smile. “Like a totally normal, everyday-looking civilian! You’ll blend right in.”

It’s… not the response April was fishing for, but she doesn’t let her disappointment show. “Thanks! Though… what about you two?”

Donnie turns to Leonardo, who blinks and sucks in a deep breath. 

“Riiiight, we all kinda need disguises...”

The slider turns around and rifles through a few more packs. Both April and Donnie look on in curiosity, catching glimpses of what clothes he’s pulling out. He pauses, grumbling and muttering something under his breath. But as his eyes meet his brother’s, a mischievous smile spreads across his face, and he turns around to look at April.

“Soooo, I don’t have enough for two disguises, but I have enough for juuuust for one.” Leonardo holds a garment in each hand. “Princess April, what should Donnie wear?”

The softshell frowns, reaching to take the clothes away. “I think I am more than capable of deciding what disguise I’ll wear.”

Leonardo pulls the clothes away. “Ah-bup-bup! You’re accompanying the princess on her market adventure, so it’s her decision! So princess–” he waves the garments toward April “–what’s my brother wearing?”

She smiles awkwardly. Why does she need to make this decision? He’s up to something if the mischievous glint in his eyes is anything to go by. However, she finds herself more curious than concerned, so she looks over what he’s offering. In one hand is a clean white tunic, while in the other is a simple purple coat.

April… >> Picks the white tunic. >> Picks the purple jacket.

>> “So... she's calling you Donnie?”

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Curiosity gets the better of Leo, and with a smirk he leans over and whispers to his twin, “So… she’s callin’ you Donnie?”

Donnie’s drawn-on eyebrows shoot high up on his forehead, his wide eyes darting to meet Leo’s. Less than a second passes before he hastily turns his face away, not saying a word. But that still doesn’t stop the slider from catching a light blush warming his cheeks.

A brief yet tense silence follows as the trio treks through the forest, with April obliviously leading the way while her knights trail behind her.

“She… well…” Donnie takes a deep breath in and straightens his shell. “Losing some formality eased her anxiety and made her feel more comfortable while we were lost,” he explains, attempting to shrug off the question nonchalantly. “And I wanted the future queen of Terrapathia to know her future guard would take her concerns seriously.”

Leo raises a brow, his eyes fixated on his twin’s face. He opens his mouth but thinks better of it and snaps it shut. The conversation he wants to have with his brother is not well-suited for their current situation. 

Especially with the princess within earshot.

“If you say so,” Leo gives his brother a look before turning his attention to April.

He can interrogate Donnie later.

It’s not long before the trio reaches the path, where Leo’s horse waits patiently. As they approach, the steed greets them with a soft whinny.

“Oh, what a beautiful horse!” April exclaims as she walks right up to him. She reaches out to pet its neck and gasps, “Oh, his coat feels so soft.”

Leo gives a small bow. “Thank you, Your Highness. I do my best to take good care of him as a Knight of Terrapathia.”

Before Leo can ask if she needs assistance, Donnie brushes past him and walks alongside her.

“Let me help you, princess,” Donnie insists as he offers April a hand.

She accepts, and the slider watches with wide eyes as his brother leans down, weaving his hands together so that she can step onto them. She gently places her hand on his shoulder as she steps onto the platform he provides, getting incredibly close to him. Donnie counts to three before gracefully boosting her up onto the horse.

Once she’s seated, the softshell hands her the reins, and Leo notices that his brother’s touch lingers on the princess’s hands. 

“Thanks, Dee!” April smiles, giving Donnie a quick nod before taking hold of the reins.

It takes everything in Leo not to stand there staring with his jaw hanging wide open.

She then looks over to the blue-clad knight, still standing off to the side of the road. “You leadin’ the way, Sir Leonardo?”

Leo clears his throat and walks forward. “Yes, let’s make straight for the castle. We shouldn’t keep the King fretting any longer.”

The slider gives his horse a quick pat, and the trio begins the journey back to the castle of Old York. April asks Leo several questions along the way, inquiring about her father’s emotional state and what had occurred during her absence. He answers her questions as best he can, helping ease whatever anxiety she may have been feeling. The princess nods, looking satisfied with his answers. She thanks him for his honesty and turns her sight to the forest, watching the trees pass by as they continue their journey.

Leo glances a few times over to his brother, but Donnie doesn’t catch his gaze. Instead, his softshell twin is alert and focused, his eyes scanning their surroundings.

He wonders what his twin went through while they were separated.

An hour passes as the trio trek through the forest, occasionally making small talk before returning to a comfortable silence. Soon, they reach a fork in the road, and Leo starts guiding his horse toward the left.

“Alright, we’re making good time!” Leo states, flashing a smile. “We’re almost out, and there’s a settlement on the outskirts of the ravine. We can get a few more horses or even a carriage to get you home faster.”

April bites her lip and brings the horse to a stop.

Both mutants turn to look at her, though it’s Donnie who dares to speak up. “Is there something wrong, April?”

Leo’s eyes widen ever so slightly, glazing at his brother quickly. He’s calling her April? Just April?

“I just…” she starts, her face pulled into a frown, “I don’t want to go home just yet. Despite the kidnapping, it has been… nice to be away from home for just a lil’ bit longer.”

The twins looked at each other, lips tight. They had orders to get the princess back home safely, but…

“Well, the path to the right is longer, but it passes by a few scenic spots you might like. Or–” Leo leans in, a mischievous grin plastered on his face, “–my brother and I are experts on sneakin’ around places we shouldn’t. The town just outside the mountain pass has a nice market we could spend a couple of hours in.”

The princess brightens up. “Those aren’t bad ideas.”

“What? No! We can’t just–” Donnie stops as he sees the smile on April’s face fade a little, and he sighs before taking a deep breath, “Princess, while I implore you to consider returning to your kingdom as fast as possible, if taking a different route or going to the market would brighten your day, we’re at your service.”

Leo rolls his eyes at his brother’s dramatics before looking back at the princess. “So April, what’s it going to be?”

>> Scenic route. >> Town market. >> Make haste to the kingdom!

>> “So... she's calling you Donnie?”

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Curiosity gets the better of Leo, and with a smirk he leans over and whispers to his twin, “So… she’s callin’ you Donnie?”

Donnie’s drawn-on eyebrows shoot high up on his forehead, his wide eyes darting to meet Leo’s. Less than a second passes before he hastily turns his face away, not saying a word. But that still doesn’t stop the slider from catching a light blush warming his cheeks.

A brief yet tense silence follows as the trio treks through the forest, with April obliviously leading the way while her knights trail behind her.

“She… well…” Donnie takes a deep breath in and straightens his shell. “Losing some formality eased her anxiety and made her feel more comfortable while we were lost,” he explains, attempting to shrug off the question nonchalantly. “And I wanted the future queen of Terrapathia to know her future guard would take her concerns seriously.”

Leo raises a brow, his eyes fixated on his twin’s face. He opens his mouth but thinks better of it and snaps it shut. The conversation he wants to have with his brother is not well-suited for their current situation. 

Especially with the princess within earshot.

“If you say so,” Leo gives his brother a look before turning his attention to April.

He can interrogate Donnie later.

It’s not long before the trio reaches the path, where Leo’s horse waits patiently. As they approach, the steed greets them with a soft whinny.

“Oh, what a beautiful horse!” April exclaims as she walks right up to him. She reaches out to pet its neck and gasps, “Oh, his coat feels so soft.”

Leo gives a small bow. “Thank you, Your Highness. I do my best to take good care of him as a Knight of Terrapathia.”

Before Leo can ask if she needs assistance, Donnie brushes past him and walks alongside her.

“Let me help you, princess,” Donnie insists as he offers April a hand.

She accepts, and the slider watches with wide eyes as his brother leans down, weaving his hands together so that she can step onto them. She gently places her hand on his shoulder as she steps onto the platform he provides, getting incredibly close to him. Donnie counts to three before gracefully boosting her up onto the horse.

Once she’s seated, the softshell hands her the reins, and Leo notices that his brother’s touch lingers on the princess’s hands. 

“Thanks, Dee!” April smiles, giving Donnie a quick nod before taking hold of the reins.

It takes everything in Leo not to stand there staring with his jaw hanging wide open.

She then looks over to the blue-clad knight, still standing off to the side of the road. “You leadin’ the way, Sir Leonardo?”

Leo clears his throat and walks forward. “Yes, let’s make straight for the castle. We shouldn’t keep the King fretting any longer.”

The slider gives his horse a quick pat, and the trio begins the journey back to the castle of Old York. April asks Leo several questions along the way, inquiring about her father’s emotional state and what had occurred during her absence. He answers her questions as best he can, helping ease whatever anxiety she may have been feeling. The princess nods, looking satisfied with his answers. She thanks him for his honesty and turns her sight to the forest, watching the trees pass by as they continue their journey.

Leo glances a few times over to his brother, but Donnie doesn’t catch his gaze. Instead, his softshell twin is alert and focused, his eyes scanning their surroundings.

He wonders what his twin went through while they were separated.

An hour passes as the trio trek through the forest, occasionally making small talk before returning to a comfortable silence. Soon, they reach a fork in the road, and Leo starts guiding his horse toward the left.

“Alright, we’re making good time!” Leo states, flashing a smile. “We’re almost out, and there’s a settlement on the outskirts of the ravine. We can get a few more horses or even a carriage to get you home faster.”

April bites her lip and brings the horse to a stop.

Both mutants turn to look at her, though it’s Donnie who dares to speak up. “Is there something wrong, April?”

Leo’s eyes widen ever so slightly, glazing at his brother quickly. He’s calling her April? Just April?

“I just…” she starts, her face pulled into a frown, “I don’t want to go home just yet. Despite the kidnapping, it has been… nice to be away from home for just a lil’ bit longer.”

The twins looked at each other, lips tight. They had orders to get the princess back home safely, but…

“Well, the path to the right is longer, but it passes by a few scenic spots you might like. Or–” Leo leans in, a mischievous grin plastered on his face, “–my brother and I are experts on sneakin’ around places we shouldn’t. The town just outside the mountain pass has a nice market we could spend a couple of hours in.”

The princess brightens up. “Those aren’t bad ideas.”

“What? No! We can’t just–” Donnie stops as he sees the smile on April’s face fade a little, and he sighs before taking a deep breath, “Princess, while I implore you to consider returning to your kingdom as fast as possible, if taking a different route or going to the market would brighten your day, we’re at your service.”

Leo rolls his eyes at his brother’s dramatics before looking back at the princess. “So April, what’s it going to be?”

>> Scenic route. >> Town market. >> Make haste to the kingdom!

>> Returns to his horse and continues his search.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Leo blinks as Cassandra disappears into the trees, his mind trailing behind reality.

After a few seconds, it finally catches up. “...Ooookaaaay.”

He turns around and heads back to the mountain path. His brother and the princess are still missing, and unlike Cassandra he can’t waste time goofing around in a forest.

He reaches the road and finds his loyal steed nibbling on some clover that managed to grow in the terrain. After offering his horse a more filling snack of oats, Leo swings back on the saddle and resumes his search.

A couple more hours pass with no sign of them. Or of anyone. He hasn’t encountered any search party, traveler, or merchant. It’s just been Leo, his thoughts, and his trusty steed.

However, as he rounds a bend in the path, he notices two figures in the distance. They’re too far away for Leo to make them out, but he still sits up straight and urges his horse to trot faster.

The two figures suddenly stop, pausing for only a few seconds before darting into the forest. Leo’s brow furrows and he nudges his horses into a gallop, dust flying behind them as they race to the spot where the mysterious duo disappeared.

Leo slows his horse down and hops off, drawing his odachi as soon as his feet touch the ground. He slowly creeps into the forest, each step cautious as his eyes scan his surroundings.

A disturbance in the leaf litter catches his attention, and he briefly stops to analyze the trail. He narrows his eyes—the tracks are a strange mixture of sloppy and discrete.

Leo tightens his grip on his sword and follows the trail, keeping his breath quiet and steady. Every muscle in his body is as tight as a coiled, compressed spring, waiting for the right moment to unleash all the pent-up energy.

He follows the tracks until they abruptly end, with no indication as to what happened to the mysterious duo. Leo looks around, searching high and low for any sign of disturbance.

Nothing.

But they can’t be too far away.

The blue-clad knight narrows his eyes and bites his lip. He doesn’t relax, remaining completely still as he listens to the forest around him. Aside from a few birds chirping in the distance, it’s quiet.

The sound of a snapping twig has Leo reacting before he even processes the noise, whipping around at lightning speed. His odachi collides with a familiar titanium bō, and the blue-clad knight gasps.

“Donnie?!”

Both twins disengage, drawing their weapons back and taking a moment to breathe.

“Jeez, dude. I thought I was about to get got.” Leo resheathes his sword before catching his brother off-guard with a bone-crushing hug. “Thank goodness you’re alive!”

“G-ack! Ahem, well, it’s good to know we weren’t being pursued by someone who meant us harm.” Donnie returns the hug, albeit awkwardly. “We’ve had too many close calls.”

Leo pulls back from the embrace. “Right! The princess! Where–”

“Right here!” Princess April emerges from her hiding spot behind a hollow tree, dusting herself off as she approaches.

Leo quickly bows. “It’s good to see that you’re alright, Your Highness.” He stands up straight again, a mischievous grin on his face. “I hope my brother here didn’t bore you too much with a monologue of his inventions.”

Donnie squawks, glaring at his brother with righteous rage before April interrupts him with a smile. “Actually, Donnie’s tech sounds impressive. I’ll have to see if Prince Raphael can give me a tour of his lab the next time I visit.”

Leo blinks, mildly shocked that she called his brother by his nickname. Without any honorifics.

Oblivious to what she just said, April moves past the brothers, motioning them to follow. “Though my father’s probably having a conniption over my absence, so we better get going. Sir Leonardo, do you have a horse? My legs are killing me.”

“Yes, Princess!” Leo confirms as he jogs to catch up with her, Donnie following. “He’s yours as soon as we get back.”

“Woohoo!” April exclaims, throwing her arms up in celebration. 

As they walk back to the path, Leo’s able to take in more of April’s appearance. The dress she was wearing the day prior is completely missing its skirt, instead wearing a pair of black pants. She also has on a pair of boots that are too big for her, and a strange green bat is strapped to her back.

Strange. 

Curiosity gets the better of Leo as leans over and whispers to Donnie… >> “What happened to her dress?” >> “Where did the green bat come from?” >> “So... she's calling you Donnie?”

>> Returns to his horse and continues his search.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Leo blinks as Cassandra disappears into the trees, his mind trailing behind reality.

After a few seconds, it finally catches up. “...Ooookaaaay.”

He turns around and heads back to the mountain path. His brother and the princess are still missing, and unlike Cassandra he can’t waste time goofing around in a forest.

He reaches the road and finds his loyal steed nibbling on some clover that managed to grow in the terrain. After offering his horse a more filling snack of oats, Leo swings back on the saddle and resumes his search.

A couple more hours pass with no sign of them. Or of anyone. He hasn’t encountered any search party, traveler, or merchant. It’s just been Leo, his thoughts, and his trusty steed.

However, as he rounds a bend in the path, he notices two figures in the distance. They’re too far away for Leo to make them out, but he still sits up straight and urges his horse to trot faster.

The two figures suddenly stop, pausing for only a few seconds before darting into the forest. Leo’s brow furrows and he nudges his horses into a gallop, dust flying behind them as they race to the spot where the mysterious duo disappeared.

Leo slows his horse down and hops off, drawing his odachi as soon as his feet touch the ground. He slowly creeps into the forest, each step cautious as his eyes scan his surroundings.

A disturbance in the leaf litter catches his attention, and he briefly stops to analyze the trail. He narrows his eyes—the tracks are a strange mixture of sloppy and discrete.

Leo tightens his grip on his sword and follows the trail, keeping his breath quiet and steady. Every muscle in his body is as tight as a coiled, compressed spring, waiting for the right moment to unleash all the pent-up energy.

He follows the tracks until they abruptly end, with no indication as to what happened to the mysterious duo. Leo looks around, searching high and low for any sign of disturbance.

Nothing.

But they can’t be too far away.

The blue-clad knight narrows his eyes and bites his lip. He doesn’t relax, remaining completely still as he listens to the forest around him. Aside from a few birds chirping in the distance, it’s quiet.

The sound of a snapping twig has Leo reacting before he even processes the noise, whipping around at lightning speed. His odachi collides with a familiar titanium bō, and the blue-clad knight gasps.

“Donnie?!”

Both twins disengage, drawing their weapons back and taking a moment to breathe.

“Jeez, dude. I thought I was about to get got.” Leo resheathes his sword before catching his brother off-guard with a bone-crushing hug. “Thank goodness you’re alive!”

“G-ack! Ahem, well, it’s good to know we weren’t being pursued by someone who meant us harm.” Donnie returns the hug, albeit awkwardly. “We’ve had too many close calls.”

Leo pulls back from the embrace. “Right! The princess! Where–”

“Right here!” Princess April emerges from her hiding spot behind a hollow tree, dusting herself off as she approaches.

Leo quickly bows. “It’s good to see that you’re alright, Your Highness.” He stands up straight again, a mischievous grin on his face. “I hope my brother here didn’t bore you too much with a monologue of his inventions.”

Donnie squawks, glaring at his brother with righteous rage before April interrupts him with a smile. “Actually, Donnie’s tech sounds impressive. I’ll have to see if Prince Raphael can give me a tour of his lab the next time I visit.”

Leo blinks, mildly shocked that she called his brother by his nickname. Without any honorifics.

Oblivious to what she just said, April moves past the brothers, motioning them to follow. “Though my father’s probably having a conniption over my absence, so we better get going. Sir Leonardo, do you have a horse? My legs are killing me.”

“Yes, Princess!” Leo confirms as he jogs to catch up with her, Donnie following. “He’s yours as soon as we get back.”

“Woohoo!” April exclaims, throwing her arms up in celebration. 

As they walk back to the path, Leo’s able to take in more of April’s appearance. The dress she was wearing the day prior is completely missing its skirt, instead wearing a pair of black pants. She also has on a pair of boots that are too big for her, and a strange green bat is strapped to her back.

Strange. 

Curiosity gets the better of Leo as leans over and whispers to Donnie… >> “What happened to her dress?” >> “Where did the green bat come from?” >> “So... she's calling you Donnie?”

>> Returns to his horse and continues his search.

(Art by @lovelyladylavie)

Leo blinks as Cassandra disappears into the trees, his mind trailing behind reality.

After a few seconds, it finally catches up. “...Ooookaaaay.”

He turns around and heads back to the mountain path. His brother and the princess are still missing, and unlike Cassandra he can’t waste time goofing around in a forest.

He reaches the road and finds his loyal steed nibbling on some clover that managed to grow in the terrain. After offering his horse a more filling snack of oats, Leo swings back on the saddle and resumes his search.

A couple more hours pass with no sign of them. Or of anyone. He hasn’t encountered any search party, traveler, or merchant. It’s just been Leo, his thoughts, and his trusty steed.

However, as he rounds a bend in the path, he notices two figures in the distance. They’re too far away for Leo to make them out, but he still sits up straight and urges his horse to trot faster.

The two figures suddenly stop, pausing for only a few seconds before darting into the forest. Leo’s brow furrows and he nudges his horses into a gallop, dust flying behind them as they race to the spot where the mysterious duo disappeared.

Leo slows his horse down and hops off, drawing his odachi as soon as his feet touch the ground. He slowly creeps into the forest, each step cautious as his eyes scan his surroundings.

A disturbance in the leaf litter catches his attention, and he briefly stops to analyze the trail. He narrows his eyes—the tracks are a strange mixture of sloppy and discrete.

Leo tightens his grip on his sword and follows the trail, keeping his breath quiet and steady. Every muscle in his body is as tight as a coiled, compressed spring, waiting for the right moment to unleash all the pent-up energy.

He follows the tracks until they abruptly end, with no indication as to what happened to the mysterious duo. Leo looks around, searching high and low for any sign of disturbance.

Nothing.

But they can’t be too far away.

The blue-clad knight narrows his eyes and bites his lip. He doesn’t relax, remaining completely still as he listens to the forest around him. Aside from a few birds chirping in the distance, it’s quiet.

The sound of a snapping twig has Leo reacting before he even processes the noise, whipping around at lightning speed. His odachi collides with a familiar titanium bō, and the blue-clad knight gasps.

“Donnie?!”

Both twins disengage, drawing their weapons back and taking a moment to breathe.

“Jeez, dude. I thought I was about to get got.” Leo resheathes his sword before catching his brother off-guard with a bone-crushing hug. “Thank goodness you’re alive!”

“G-ack! Ahem, well, it’s good to know we weren’t being pursued by someone who meant us harm.” Donnie returns the hug, albeit awkwardly. “We’ve had too many close calls.”

Leo pulls back from the embrace. “Right! The princess! Where–”

“Right here!” Princess April emerges from her hiding spot behind a hollow tree, dusting herself off as she approaches.

Leo quickly bows. “It’s good to see that you’re alright, Your Highness.” He stands up straight again, a mischievous grin on his face. “I hope my brother here didn’t bore you too much with a monologue of his inventions.”

Donnie squawks, glaring at his brother with righteous rage before April interrupts him with a smile. “Actually, Donnie’s tech sounds impressive. I’ll have to see if Prince Raphael can give me a tour of his lab the next time I visit.”

Leo blinks, mildly shocked that she called his brother by his nickname. Without any honorifics.

Oblivious to what she just said, April moves past the brothers, motioning them to follow. “Though my father’s probably having a conniption over my absence, so we better get going. Sir Leonardo, do you have a horse? My legs are killing me.”

“Yes, Princess!” Leo confirms as he jogs to catch up with her, Donnie following. “He’s yours as soon as we get back.”

“Woohoo!” April exclaims, throwing her arms up in celebration. 

As they walk back to the path, Leo’s able to take in more of April’s appearance. The dress she was wearing the day prior is completely missing its skirt, instead wearing a pair of black pants. She also has on a pair of boots that are too big for her, and a strange green bat is strapped to her back.

Strange. 

Curiosity gets the better of Leo as leans over and whispers to Donnie… >> “What happened to her dress?” >> “Where did the green bat come from?” >> “So... she's calling you Donnie?”