The turtles gasped. Ari is placing her life on the line to save theirs. They will not allow it. Especially once Shredder realizes that she's immortal; there is no telling what he will do then.
"Interesting proposal my dear. Your life for theirs. You must really care these creatures. I like the idea yet I have one better…" Shredder paused for a moment, glancing back and forth between the Turtles and Nightshadow. "Agree to join the Foot and your brothers' lives will be spared." Nightshadow lowered her head. She would rather die first than join the enemy. Shocked expressions spread across the guys' faces. They will not let her join the Foot and experience whatever horrors Oroku Saki would have in store for her.
"Nightshadow, don't do it!" Leo shouted. His heart lurched.
"It's not worth it! Save yerself!" Raphael added. Mikey and Donnie were too shocked to say anything. Nightshadow sadly looked at her family. She thought for a moment. To join the Foot would dishonor her family yet save them at the same time.
Karai watched from behind Shredder. She grappled with her own feelings. She was appalled that Shredder even suggested such a thing yet it didn't surprise her. With Nightshadow on the side of Foot; he can have her fight the Turtles. She watched the ninja vigilante closely and made a decision. "I will not allow her to join the Foot. I will get her out, no matter what." She thought.
"Well child I am waiting and I am not a patient man." Nightshadow steeled herself. "I accept your offer, Master." She kneeled. "Good girl and as agreed upon; your brothers will be spared." Shredder smiled under his helmet. His plan worked perfectly. Now he has the sister of the Turtles on his side and who better to have fight them than one who trained with them. The guys glared at Shredder; each silently promising to free Ari from Shredder's grasp. "Come ninja, we will spare the creatures tonight and since I am such a good. I will even allow you to say one final goodbye for the next time you see each other; you will be on opposite sides. Karai, you will see Nightshadow back to the tower. She will be your charge." Shredder left with his ninjas. Nightshadow kept her head down. Tears ran down her face. She dared not glance at her brothers.
Karai's heart ached for the young girl. One look into her eyes tells you the kind of life she has lived; she certainly does not have an easy one. Karai slowly made her way over to the vigilante; kneeling in front of her. "Yes Mistress Karai." Ari kept her head down.
"Look at me Nightshadow." Doing as commanded she lifted her head. Tears stained her face and her eyes spoke of fear. Karai softened her gaze. "For one, no need for formalities; it is simply Karai. And secondly; I will get you out of the Foot. It is no place for you. For one so young, you carry great burdens, allow me to carry this one for you. You have done a very honorable act. I just ask that you stay by my side at all times. I will direct you on what to do. Shredder will not go easy on you. But I can help. And don't think for a minute that you are dishonoring your family." Nightshadow nodded in acknowledgment.
"May I speak to my brothers for a moment?"
"Of course." Karai moved enough to let her pass. She slowly made her way over, kneeling in front of them.
"Please forgive me for my dishonorable actions." Leonardo stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "You are not dishonoring us; if anything, shows great honor. You have saved our lives tonight and for that we are grateful. We will find a way to rescue you. Sometimes we must do things we normally wouldn't for honor."
"But Leo I'm joining the enemy. It goes against Bushido. That is not honor, even if it to save your lives. Now all of you will have to fight me and Shredder'll make sure of that." Leo embraced Ari tightly. "That will never happen. You are our sister. Believe me when I am telling you it's not dishonor. We will not fight you and as far as Master Splinter goes. I will explain everything to him. I am sure he will understand. Take care of yourself and I can't believe I'm saying this but listen to Karai. I have a feeling that she will help you."
Mikey had been standing silently. A steady stream of tears falling down his cheeks. He still couldn't believe what happened. His sister a Foot ninja. No matter what; he will not fight her. He rushed forward and tightly hugged Ari. "Please don't do this! It's not too late to say no. Have Karai make something up. Shredder will kill you and I will never fight you. I love ya sis." He choked in between sobs. Ari gently hugged her older brother back. "It's ok Mikey. I'll be fine. I have to do this for you guys." Don dropped his bo-staff and running over to his siblings. He had no words to say; hi genius brain silent for a change.
Raphael stood back; his fists clenched. There is no way he is letting this happen. She maybe one of the best ninjas around but even she isn't a match for the Shredder. Tears spilled from his amber eyes. Ari glanced over in between her brothers. "Guys a moment. They moved to let her pass.
"Raphael." She gripped his hands in hers. "I need you to promise me something and you mustn't tell the others." Amber eyes locked with silver eyes.
"What kinda promise?" Ari didn't want to tell him. She knows he won't agree. "Can't tell ya that. Please just promise me."
"Not without you telling me what it is."
"Please Raph this is hard enough as it is." She begged. "Fine I promise ta whatevah it is that ya want." He relented. He always did have a hard time saying no his youngest sibling. "Good; next time you see me in a Foot uniform. I want you to kill me to atone for my dishonor." Raphael stood stunned. She wanted him to kill her. What kind of insane request is that? He could never harm her in any way shape or form. "No way sis! Are you crazy? I'm not doing that!" He said a bit louder than he should. She quickly shushed him. "Raph." He clenched his teeth. "That is one promise I ain't keeping. One thing is fer sure; I will find a way to get you out. The Foot ain't no place fer ya. Even if I have ta die doing so; then so be it. That is my promise to you and never forget that I love ya Ari; more than a sister. I never thought I'd find someone who could love me but then I found you. Always remember that." She smiled back. I love you too Raphael. You have shown me how to live. One quick thing Raph, in case Shredder puts me in a full foot uniform, look to my weapons." Raphael nodded. "I'm going after Shredder for this. No one tears apart my family and gets away with it." Yer not dishonoring us sis; please listen ta me on that." Ari sadly met his eyes. "I wish I could believe you on that Raph. I wish I could. I..uh.. better get going now. Karai's waiting." They shared one last kiss before parting. Raph gave her hand one last squeeze before reluctantly letting go. She returned to Karai's side.
"I guess we should get going now."
"Yes however I have one more thing to do. Leonardo a word in private please." Confused, Leo walked over to Karai away from the others. "Leonardo, I promise that I will get your sister out of the Foot. It is no place for her. What she is doing is very honorable although I do not believe she feels the same." Leo met Karai's gaze. "You're right on that. I have already told her otherwise and a forewarning; she's very stubborn but please take care of her. I have a feeling that she may listen to you." Leo's eye were full of worry.
"Do not worry. I will treat as a sister and make sure she is taken care of. You have my word. Karai bowed. Leo returned the gesture.
"I will take your word on the Karai. Please do not break it. We are now counting on you to return her safely to us. On behalf of my brothers; I thank you for your assistance and cooperation. The duo headed back to everyone else. The brothers gave their sister one last glance before disappearing into the shadows.
Karai turned towards Nightshadow. "Come Nightshadow. Let us go."
"It's Ari." Karai stopped mid step. "My real name is Hamato Ari
