Oroku Saki stared out of the glass window as the rain droplets splashed against it. Karai—the one he once called daughter—would share these silent moments of observing the dark weather with him. But now she knew the truth. He would now do these quiet moments of solitude alone. At the reminder of Karai, his gloved hands clenched tightly. Anger welled through him, making him punch the glass. It shattered immediately as his knuckles met contact with the reflector.
The large doors opened moments later as he pulled his arm back into the building. Loud, bulky footsteps vibrated through the flooring. Just by the sound of it, Shredder could tell it was his trustworthy second-in-command, Tiger Claw.
"Master Shredder," he kneeled down behind him, bowing his head. Shredder didn't respond. He sustained his gaze on the broken glass wall. Rain splattered on the ground, some even on the armor protecting his leg. He could hear the tiger rising to his feet. "The prisoner has been fed. Bradford's patrol has spotted the turtles on the northern side of the Byrely Building."
Nodding his head, Shredder stared over his shoulder. He stared at the tiger's yellow eyes, forcing him to continue. The tiger was not intimidated by the cold gaze, his voice still clear and loud. "The night before, I have heard the turtles speaking about the girl. The blue one mostly. The others are hesitant to, but he is persistent," Tiger Claw informed.
Shredder had heard much of Leonardo, the leader of the turtles. He had heard that he was the one who fought with the most honor. And more importantly, the most skill. Leonardo was the one who had taken Hamato Yoshi's training seriously. This could mean that the rat was close to this turtle. It would be nice to have another student... Perhaps another child. This gave Shredder the perfect plan.
Tiger Claw made no noise whatsoever. He knew this is what his master does when brainstorming. At last, the man wearing the Kuro Kabuto locked gazes with the tiger once more. "Tiger Claw, I would like the turtle known as Leonardo brought here immediately," Shredder told the tiger, but didn't explain why. At first, Tiger Claw was appalled at such an order. The turtle worked with Hamato Yoshi. The enemy. But he knew better than to question Shredder's order. Giving him a respectful dip of his head, he turned to order the other soldiers.
As the doors closed, Shredder stared out of the window once more. This was the perfect idea.
The turtles jumped from rooftop to rooftop, doing their daily evening patrol. The New York sky was already dark, the stars shining brightly. Most of that light was the light pollution caused by the luminous appearance of Times Square. Loud chants echoed through the air as the brothers stared at it for multiple seconds.
"Alright guys, nothing's happening. Let's pack up and get back home," Leo announced after several more seconds. The brothers sighed in relief, wanting to be out of the cold air. It was quite frigid for such a mild day. They'd expect for their body temperatures to heated as well, since their patrols required brisk movements.
As Leo began to walk to edge of the rooftop, he stopped. "Wait a minute guys..." he crossed his arm over his body to reach for his sword's handle. "I think we're being followed."
At that warning, his brothers took their weapons out. Raph raised his sai in preparation for a fight. This excited him, his blood boiling in enthusiasm. "About time for some action!" he wore a confident smirk, eager to bust some heads.
Footbots surrounded the turtles moments later, their larger weapons raised high. At the sound of Leo's kiai, the brothers separated, slicing, kicking, and attacking wildly. After all these months, the Footbots became an easier target. Leo sliced through one with a large mace. He was given a clear view of the edge of the rooftop. A small growl was heard, then yellow eyes flashed open. Tiger Claw.
The muscular mutant leapt from the shadows, drawing his large sword. He held it sideways as he made a broad stance. Leo crossed both swords into an X shape, gritting his teeth as the adversary. Tiger Claw was one of the most difficult opponents he's ever went against. After all the training he has been through, the tiger still referred to him as "cub".
Now it was time to prove him wrong.
Leo yelled loudly, raising both katana. Tiger Claw roared, running at him. Their swords clashed together. Tiger Claw's greater strength was making it harder for Leo to balance. His arms started to tremble. He had to make a move before the tiger could inflict serious damage.
The one sword forced the turtle to one knee. He groaned, trying to shift the sword at least sideways. But Tiger Claw's greater power was too difficult to overcome. He felt his other knee touch the ground, but Leo gasped and moved it up. His brothers yelled worriedly at him, only for Shredder's other mutants to take them on.
Tiger Claw chuckled darkly at the helpless turtle. "Not only are you skills of a cub, but your strength is too, turtle."
His large knee lifted, knocking Leo's chin. His katanas left his grasp as he collapsed on the rooftop. Blurring yells surrounded him, but he could barely hear as his vision was dimming as well. He shook his head, getting back to his feet. Raising his feet, he narrowed his eyes in concentration.
Tiger Claw sheathed his sword, amused by his condition, yet so intent on becoming victorious. Leo threw the first punch, in which Tiger Claw dodged with ease at his slow attack. The turtle's shell was facing him. Quickly, he back kicked Tiger Claw's spine. He snarled in surprise at the weak turtle's power. At his size, Leo's immediate alley was speed.
As he raced to face his opponent, Leo snatched up one sword. Tiger Claw grabbed his guns, shooting at various directions the turtle ran in. Ice flew straight towards Leo. Gripping his sword, he raised it and blocked. While he was doing that, ice smacked the back of his shell. He hit the ground hard, groaning as he did so.
Tiger Claw snarled, lifting the turtle's arm. The turtle was down. Or so he thought. Flashing his eyes open, he kicked the tiger's face, rolling onto the ground. He ran and attempted to kick at him once more, but Tiger Claw was prepared. He took both of his legs, smacking him into the ground. Pain churned in his body. Leo groaned, but Tiger Claw smacked him into the ground numerous times before Leo was unconscious. The tiger lifted the pathetic turtle up, smirking in satisfaction.
Slinging him over his shoulder, he yelled, "We have what we've came for. Let's go!"
Bradford, Xever, and Baxter obeyed the tiger, following him as he fled with the leader in blue. Raph yelled, "No, Leo!" He growled angrily, turning to his brother. "We have to go after him, guys!"
They were already out of range, many yards away. "Raph, no," he gripped his brother's shoulder. "We can't take on all four of them alone. We're already wore out. Besides, without a leader, we have no plan. We have to go back and tell Splinter."
Raph wanted to smack his brother just for saying that. Why did they want Leo anyway? Shredder could kill him. "No, we have to—"
Mikey looked at his older brother with round, sad eyes. "Donnie's right, dude. We can't just go to Shredder's place without sensei knowing. What if we all are killed?"
Reluctantly, Raph glared at the ceiling. He lifted the fallen katana of his older brother, closing his eyes painfully. Angrily, he slammed his sai down, panting heavily for many moments. Mikey took a step forward, wanting to comfort his brother. But Donnie knew that even the slightest of affection was not what Raph wanted. He tugged on his little brother's shoulder, looking down sadly himself. They were all saddened of the loss. What did Shredder want with him?
Tiger Claw slammed the turtle down. Leo glared at him, his arms tied up in chains. Before him was the Shredder, gazing out of the stormy window. "We have gotten the turtle, Master Shredder," Tiger Claw announced.
Leo stared with frightened eyes. What did they want? As the Shredder turned around, staring at him, Leo narrowed his eyes and snarled. His gauntlet unsheathed, and he rested them under his chin.
"This will hurt only a little, turtle."