Here's chapter 4 for your viewing pleasure! This chapter has some Japanese in it. I wrote the english translation in parenthesis. ( this is english ) It's been a couple years since I dabbled with Japanese so let me know if something doesn't sound quite right. Thanks for reading!

Next morning.

"G'mornin turtlette! Sleep well?" greeted the orange masked turtle as he emerged from the bathroom.

The black masked turtle gave him a weak smile as she passed Mikey and entered the bathroom.

"Don't mind Raph. He's like that to everyone."

Karai muttered to herself. Some how I think I'm different.

Mikey's lightbulb went off. "I know! I'll make you my world famous chocolate chip pancakes with marshmallows and whip cream. AND, just for you, I'll make it a la mooooode." Mikey stated emphasizing the mode.

Karai tried to hide a grimace. She wasn't very big on sweets.

Mikey noticed her hesitation. "Haha, it's ok. It's not for everyone. How about banana pancakes?" Mikey asked turning his head to peer up at her with one eyebrow cocked up.

Karai chuckled, "Banana pancakes sounds delicious Michelangelo."

"Great! You go take a shower and do your turtlette thing. Breakfast will be waiting for you!" Mikey winked and dashed off to make breakfast.

She smiled to herself and closed the bathroom door.

Stepping into the shower, she turned on the faucet letting the cool water stream down her jade green skin. She always enjoyed baths, showers, just being in the water. Pondering to herself, I wonder if it's because of the turtle blood in me then shakes the thought away deciding it is soothing to her skin. Her aches and pains washing away in the water taking with it phantom memories of a life long lost.

Karai steps out of the shower feeling rejuvenated and ready to take on the world once more. As she dresses, she thinks about yesterday's events.

Uninvited, the doorknob slowly turns and the door opens slightly to reveal an intruding eye surrounded by red cloth. Raphael's temper cooled off after a night's rest but it was his pride that prevented him admitting any fault last night and it is his pride now that lead him to this door.

Consumed by curiosity, the turtle pushed aside thoughts that it was inappropriate to be viewing one as they dressed. She's a turtle! She has nothin ta hide. We walk around with only our weapons 'n pads. Why does she cover herself completely? Deciding that was a logical reason for his intrusion he pushed the door open slightly wider. There he found Karai almost fully clothed in front of the sink putting on her gauntlets. While she was putting on her left gauntlet he noticed something odd on her left forearm. She had scars there but something about the scars didn't seem right. They were raised, discolored, and seem to cover most of her forearm. Before he could figure out what kind of scar it was he saw her turn her head and with those intense sapphire blue eyes stared straight at him. Panic struck him as he quickly closed the door and rushed off. He was caught.

Leo was lying in bed. He had woken up an hour ago and decided to stay in bed a little longer. A slight flush crossed his face as he thought about last night in the dojo. What was he doing? Leo remembered how he had blushed when April had kissed him on the cheek once. They all had crushes on April in the beginning but that was different. They were young and it was innocent. Sure he was curious about Karai at first but Leo wasn't one to give into lust or let it come between him and his duty. Yes, he had a lot of respect for her. She is disciplined and honorable. It didn't mean that he had feelings for her though. I just want to protect her-just like anyone else. No difference. His subconscious betraying him. Are you sure about that? Was there something more to his draw to Karai? Was there a connection beyond mutual respect? Another reason for why he would loss all composure around her? It was a feeling he did not understand. A sensation he had never experienced before. How do you explain a connection to a total stranger? Leo decided to do what he normally did when he was lost and needs guidance. He would talk with Master Splinter. Ever since Karai arrived in their lair he had been meaning to talk to his sensei. There was no better time then now to go talk to the one person he trusted most to give him direction when he was lost.

Master Splinter poured himself another cup of the steaming hot sencha green tea he had just made. There's nothing like a hot cup of tea to start your morning off right. He brought the tiny cup up to his mouth savory the earthy aroma and the steam that gently tickled his whiskers when a tap came at the door. "Enter," spoke the sensei in a warm but commanding tone. The eldest of his sons stepped into the room. Master Splinter gestured for Leonardo to kneel before him and offered Leonardo a cup of tea which he politely declined. "What brings you here my son?"

Leo took a deep breath in, "It's about Karai, Father. She hasn't been with us long and there are still so many unanswered questions. So much of her still remains a mystery."

Master Splinter nodded, "You wonder if she can be trusted?" He said more of a statement then a question.

"Yes, Master Splinter."

He took a moment before answering, "Her mind is very strong. To have such control of one's thoughts shows great skill and the result of much training. What do your brothers think of her?"

"Everyone seems to get along with her very well. Everyone except Raph." Leo replied grunting the last part.

"Oh?" Master Splinter raised a furry eyebrow.

Leo sighed. " Raph doesn't think we should trust her."

"Do you share these reservations about Karai, Leonardo?"

"Well, no. I mean, yes. It's just that it's not often you meet another mutant turtle. We're kind of a rare species. I can only imagine how lonely it must have been for her all those years not having anyone she could relate with."

Master Splinter smiled a smile only a father could give a son. Master Splinter continued, "You must not disregard your brother's opinions. As leader, you must take in account their views."

Leo nodded in understanding.

The wise old rat ran a finger around the rim of the cup. "There is a part of her mind that she is actively blocking from me. For what reasons I do not know but this is something that can not be ignored. She is in conflict. I allowed her to stay because there is a part of her that seems to be looking for something." He peered up at Leo, "you both share a strong sense of determination and discipline which is why you are drawn to her. Although I do not know her very well I believe you will find you have much in common with Karai."

Leo leaned backward startled that Master Splinter had called attention to the very thing he was thinking about. "I would encourage you to learn more about her my son."

Leo glanced to the side briefly before looking back. "Yes, Master Splinter," he said bowing.

As Leo got up to leave Master Splinter heeded one more word of advice. "My son, do not forgot that above all else Karai is a kunoichi, a female ninja, with her own agenda and you must tread with caution." Leo gestured that he understood and closed the sliding door on his way out.

Casey was watching TV sitting in his beat up sofa chair that had been on the receiving end of his foot one to many times.

"Hey bonehead. Got anythin' betta to do then wastin' away in front of da TV?" called a voice from his windowsill.

Casey jumped. "Raph! Boy am I glad ya here! I was dying of boredom, man! Come on. I think I heard some purple dragons are hanging out on the east side of town." The tall raven haired human hastily replied as he went to adorn his beloved hockey mask.

Raph stepped off the windowsill and stood arms crossed blankly looking at the TV.

Casey halted right before he grabbed his golf bag finally noticing the mood his red masked friend was in.

"Not in the mood to play vigilante tonight eh?"

Raph responded by continuing to stare at the TV as some lady with overly teased hair was trying to sell a product that looked like it would break once you took it out of the box. Taking his mask off, Casey placed a hand on Raph's shoulder causing him to turn his head suddenly. "Come on Raph. Let's go to the roof."

The emerald turtle acknowledged Casey and they made their way up to the roof.

"So you wana tell me wut's up with the emo-mood all of the sudden?"

Leaning against the door they used to get to the roof Raph confessed, "It's 'bout this chick, Karai."

"Karai who?" Questioned the not so bright human being. "Oh! The turtle girl! Yeah, April told me about her. Is she hot?"

"What?!" exclaimed the baffled turtle not believing what he just heard.

"I don't know. I'm not into turtle chicks. I wouldn't know what a hot turtle would look like?"

Raph responded by placing his hand on his head, "No, you moron!"

"No, she's not hot?"

"No! That's not the issue! Don'cha think it's a lil weird sum female turtle shows up one day and on top of that wants revenge on the Shredder?"

"Um, didn't the Shredder like turn her into a turtle? I'd be pretty pissed too, bro."

Raph threw his hands up in the arm in frustration and starts pacing around the roof.

"Hey Raph, what's really the issue here. Is it so hard to believe that anyone else hates the Shredder as much as you do? The guy is the King of all Jerks. He has to have a ton of enemies!"

"It's not that."

"Then what Raph?"

"It's. It's just a feelin' I have. Sumthin' just ain't right about her. It's too easy."

"You got anything to back up this feeling of yours." Casey replied with an overemphasized head bobble.

Raph stopped pacing and walked up to his friend giving him the you're not getting it look. "We ran into da foot da other day. While we were bustin' sum foot heads Karai was no where to be found. She shows up afta we were dun."

"What was her reason for doing that?"

Raph mumbled, "Sumthin 'bout not wanting the foot to know she's in cahoots with us. So we wudn't be involved in her stuff with Shred-head."

"I don't know Raph. That sounds pretty noble of her for not wanting to have you guys be in between her deal with the Shredder."

Raph shrugged then looked down to the street below as a car slowly rolled by. "She spends a lot of time with Leo too. The guy can't tell his left from right around her."

"Sounds like somebody's jealous."

Casey received a glare in return for his response. "Wuteva nucklebrain. You lettin those goons hit you in the head one to many times." Casey just continued to look at him. Raph sighed, "Look I just want Leo to be safe aiite? If this chick messes with his heart and takes off I'm the one who's gona hafta put 'em back together. Plus, she's hiding sumthin, Case. She has scars on her body she's tryin a' hide. What else could she be hidin?!"

"How do you know she has scars?"

Frustrated Raph replied, "Look it doesn't matter. Wheneva I get these feelin's I'm usually right. I don't wana be but it happens."

"Hey, It's coo that you're worried about your bro. You're just being a protective brother. But as for her having secrets. You haven't really seen anything to prove she's a threat yet. Everyone has things they don't wana talk about, Raph. Everyone is entitled to their secrets."

Casey words struck a cord with Raph. Casey wasn't the most astute person Raph had ever met but when he had a point. He had a good point.

Much time had gone by. Karai never left the lair unless it was with someone else. Not once had they seen her calling someone or trying to contact anyone. She would meditate and practice her katas. Sometimes she hung out with the guys and watched TV. Karai had asked Donatello for information about the Shredder's compound. Raph warned Donnie not to tell her too much but Don just replied by telling Raph to relax. Everything he told her could easy be observed.

Leo had been pondering Master Splinter's words for some time now. He wasn't avoiding Karai as much as buying himself time to think. He knew he needed to speak with her but he wanted a clear head before doing so.

Karai was feeling cooped up underground. She missed the open air and woods of Japan. Being underground and under artificial lighting was starting to get to her. Someone had left the TV on and there was a special on Central park. She leaned against a wall starring tentatively at the TV.

Leo walked into the living room and found Karai against the wall looking intently at the TV as if it held what she desired most. He came up beside her. "Anything interesting on TV?"

Mesmerized by the TV, the female turtle was slightly startled by Leo's voice. She smiled softly at him, "Just a special on Central Park. It's very beautiful. It still amazes me how such a place could exist in the middle of NYC."

A picture of the large reservoir in the middle of the park appeared on the TV. It reminded Leo of something. "You know, there is one place in Central Park I bet they don't even know exists. Would you like to see it?"

Not being able to resist a chance to get out of the sewers, Karai eagerly replied, "It would be nice to get some fresh air. The sewers can be a bit drearily after awhile."

Chuckles came from the blue masked turtle. "Even though we lived here our entire lives we still get a little stir crazy too. Let's get you out of here and a change of scenery shall we?" Leo offered.

Karai nodded in reply. "Lead the way. I will follow you."

Leo took her past the pathways that littered Central park into a wooded area. As Karai walked out into the clearing she found herself in front of the large lake she saw on TV. Directly in front of her was a huge boulder that covered them from sight from across the lake but allowed them to survey the glistening water under the moonlight. Leo sat down by a nearby tree and gestured Karai to sit down next to him. She gladly complied enjoying the peaceful environment around her.

"Utsukushii!" (Beautiful!)

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Hai. Doutsukushii" (Yes, it is very beautiful.)

Startled Karai questioned. "Nihongo ga dekimasuka?"(You can speak Japanese?)

"Hai, wakarimasu."(Yes, I understand it well.) Leo smiled at her. "Ituka nihon wo otozure tai." (I'd like to visit Japan one day)

Karai sadly smiled. "Nihon ha subarashii kuni desu." (Japan is a wonderful country.)

Karai continued, " I lived in Japan for a very long time after my mutation. Afterwards I traveled around Asia learning different forms of martial arts but I consider Japan my home."

"That's a long time to be by yourself." Leo stated shifting towards her more.

"I meet people along the way but yes. It was very lonely at times."

Leaning against the tree Leo inquired further. "Do you remember anything about your past at all, Karai?"

She gazed down at her hands. "I remember my Father being a very proud man. I do not remember his face very well but I remember enough to know I tried to make him proud of me."

"You must have a lot of respect for your father?"

Karai nodded. "He was an honorable man." She glanced over at Leo. "The four of your consider your sensei to also be your father?"

"Yes. He adopted us when we mutated into our current form and raised us when everyone else would fear us. I, we, all respect him very much and try to make him proud."

"I'm sure that your sensei is very proud of what you have done Leonardo."

Leo smiled," I try to fill the position he wants me to assume. To be son he wants-expects me to be." Leo chuckled. "My brothers even gave me a nickname. Splinter Jr. It's all in jest but I guess I do strive hard to fulfill my father's wishes."

Karai mused, "You should not be ashamed for your dedication. I'm sure that your father sees your accomplishments." She looks up and stares at the light dancing off the soft waves of the lake. "It's for him, you know? That's why I am doing this. I am fulfilling my father's final wish and bringing him great honor if I am successful. Do you understand that Leonardo?"

Leo gazed upon her tenderly, "I do but Karai don't you think your father would want you to be happy?"

Karai stilled, "Do you believe in destiny Leonardo?"

Leo took a moment to ponder it thoughtfully, "Master Splinter once told us that fate is based on the choices we make. That our destiny is what we make of it."

"I wish I could share your optimism. My path is set for me. I am obligated to complete the task I have been handed. It is my life mission to wash my family of the disgrace that has befallen them. Would you not do the same for your brothers? Would you not sacrifice yourself so that your brothers maybe happy?"

"I would in a heartbeat Karai but the difference is that they would never ask me to do that. You have faint memories of your father and your past. Surely your family would not have wanted you to spend your life plotting revenge in their memory?"

"Those faint memories are all that I have left of them. All that I have left of my life as a human."

They both went silent as a gentle breeze skimmed over them.

Leo was the first to speak. "It's not that bad being a turtle. Mikey constantly says how much he loves being a turtle."

Karai chuckled softly, "It does not bother me much to be a turtle. In a way it saved me."

Leo gave her a puzzled look. "My senses are heightened and I can not say that the protection of the carapace and the plastron provided is not welcomed."

Leo grinned, "You can't beat a plastron of steel!" As he puffed out his chest.

She laughed heartfully at his remark and he joined her laughter enjoying the break from the serious mood.

Lost in thought Karai uttered, "There is more to your brothers then what initially appeared."

Leo smiled at her, "Yeah, they can be a pain in the butt to lead but they're still my brothers. We would do anything for each other."

Karai's face was washed over with a distant look, "the four of you are very close aren't you?"

"We're family," Leo answered.

"Family." The word was so foreign to her. She watched at they would bicker with each other over the most trivial of things then soon afterwards be joking and laughing with each other. Even hotheaded Raph was known to be affectionate with his brothers from time to time. It amazed her how, given that they are outcasts to the world, they somehow found a way to be blissful despite of it. A pain in her chest throbbed as she thought about how open and welcoming they had been with her even though they knew very little about her. They had welcomed her into the family without her really doing anything to deserve it.

They watched at as a leaf departed from its parent tree and slowly floated down to the water making small ripples in the previous untouched surface.

"Ikooka?"(Shall we go?) Leo softly spoke in Japanese like it was a sacred language between the two of them, making the rest of the world seem farther away.

"Dokkoi." (just a minute) Karai dreamily responded sharing the intimacy of speaking Japanese with Leo.

"Hai." The rest of the world can wait. For now, this brief moment in time is their's.