[Re-Edited] Hello! This is my first attempt at an on-going story. It takes place in the 4th season of the 2K3 series right after 'Dragon's Rising'. The genre is a dark romance with my favorite pairing: LeoxKarai. It's going to be slow paced for now, so don't expect them to be throwing themselves at each other for another 10 chapters. (They hate each other, remember?)

I'm going to try to stay true to the characters so as not to disappoint all the Leo/Karai fans out there. So if you're willing to stick around for an interesting story, keep reading.

Disclaimer: I do not own TMNT, Leonardo, or Karai.

…

"How many times do we have to get beaten, before you guys wise up and realize this isn't a game!"

Leonardo stared out into the ocean as his own angry words ran threw his head.

He hadn't meant to be so harsh, but he couldn't help himself. His brothers just weren't seeing the big picture and that one slight overlook could cost them their lives. And he couldn't allow that. Even if he caused them pain, even if he caused himself pain, He would not allow failure…especially his own.

Waves crashed against the shore and receded back again, like the anger and guilt fluctuating in Leo's heart.

Cold wind rushed through the air chilling his skin. Closing his eyes, he breathed in deeply and exhaled slowly. When he opened his eyes he did not feel the icy cold air blowing against him. Unclenching his fists, Leo walked away from the edge of the cliff and headed back to the lair, melting into the shadows of the looming skyscrapers of the city.

….

Leonardo stood by one of the tunnels that lead into the sewers. Feet splashing in the moon-reflected water around him, Leo walked over to the gate and lifted his hands to open it when he became aware of a presence.

Two shurikens flew through the air and landed where his head had been only seconds ago.

Bandana rippling in the air as he stepped back, Leo unsheathed his katanas and turned to glare at the figure that was now before him.

Karai's jade eyes glinted coldly as her short raven-black air swirled around her. Her appearance seemed to glow with the moon light shining on her. But it only emanated the feeling of hostility behind her sudden appearance.

Leo gritted his teeth, anger swelling up inside him. Gripping his swords all the tighter, he raised them in stance and spoke. "Karai…so you finally show yourself. If you had any sense, you would've stayed away hiding like the coward you are."

"Your insolence amazes me Leonardo. You, who failed to protect your own family, who almost led them all to their careless deaths!" She retorted, her voice as poisoness as a cobras.

Leo threw himself at Karai, barely giving her enough time to dodge the sword that was aimed for her heart. "You…" he snarled as he clashed swords with her, "It's all your fault! You should've stayed out of our way!"

Karai parried his violent attacks and retaliated just as fiercely. "If you had never come..",
she said as she managed to cut Leo's cheek, "my Father would never have been captured!"

Breaking away, Karai locked eyes with him. "And for that, you and your family will pay dearly."

Leo froze and his heart monetarily stopped. The blinding anger that had consumed him was now replaced with clarity. He knew what he wanted to do, what he must do.

He wiped the blood from his cheek and slowly raised and pointed one of his swords at Karai. "You'll never get the chance, Karai. Because…you will die here."

Karai smiled. "We shall see, Leonardo. We shall see who gets revenge first."

Leonardo lifted his feet and lunged toward Karai; his swords ready to cut into her flesh and drain the life from her.

But in that moment, between two enemies ready to kill each other, time stopped. Leo could see Karai coming toward him in slow motion, her face lit up in anger and determination, her sword drawing near him. But for some reason, his instincts made him look to his right where the sewer gate had suddenly filled with light.

And both Leonardo and Karai were consumed before either could make the finishing blow.

TBC…

Please Review and I'll upload the next chapter as soon as I can.

Thank you!