.
TMNT – Crossing the Line – Chapter 11 – Confess
...
(I do not own TMNT.)
Sorry this took SO long to write!
Story's going to be a little more complicated
from here on out, lol.
I hope you enjoy it!
Please let me know what you think.
And, as always, thanks for reading! ^_^
...
...
...
...
"Alright…START TALKING!"
In the safety of the lair, Leo had just turned toward Karai and taken her hands in his to welcome her to their home for the first time.
That was before Raph turned and began stomping toward him like a bull seeing red. Leo dropped Karai's hands and froze.
He almost thought he could see wisps of smoke coming from Raph's ears.
Karai crossed her arms over her chest and shifted her weight, jutting her right hip out. She had been nervous upon their arrival, but now, she bemusedly watched as her soulmate got berated and scolded by his younger brother.
"What were you THINKING, leaving like that without a word, no warning, not even a hint about where you were going…? You went to meet her, didn't you?!"
"Not her…KARAI."
"What if it had been a trap? What if Shredder was out to avenge Tigerclaw? If he'd found you alone…"
"I wasn't alone."
"If he'd found you with HER, do you think he'd have been NICER? You think Daddy-Scissorhands would have been thrilled to find his daughter with his sworn enemy's mutant turtle son?"
"WHOA, WHOA, TIME OUT!" Mikey cut in. He looked a little greener than usual. "Leo, I was making jokes earlier, but I just remembered something…" He swallowed and gripped Leo's shoulders, looking like he was trying hard not to be sick. "Are you telling me that you actually kissed, or maybe even…did you… (urp) …MAKE OUT with…our SISTER?!"
Karai blinked and turned beet red, her mouth agape at the prospect (if what they said was actually true). Leo spluttered. Raph bellowed. Mikey looked like he was about to hurl. Donnie raised a finger in the air.
"Actually, I don't think that's exactly the case."
Eight eyes fixed on him. He rubbed the back of his head nervously. "I mean, technically it was Splinter's human DNA that, combined with the mutagen, turned us into the anthropomorphic beings we are today. But being transformed via mutagen isn't the same as the combining of two sets of human DNA in a zygote."
Everyone blinked.
Donnie sighed. "What I mean to say is that even though Karai has Splinter's DNA from the normal process of gamete fertilization in human reproduction…" He blushed. "…The DNA we received from Splinter has been fused with our original reptilian DNA to form something entirely new. In other words, if you were to compare our DNA to Karai's, the results would NOT show that we are related…in fact, the human DNA in ours would be completely unrecognizable. Mutagen combining two sets of human DNA would be one thing, but morphing reptile and mammal DNA into something totally, and seemingly impossibly new, is another. We're pretty much our own, one-of-a-kind, never-before-seen-on-this-planet, species. I doubt that DNA testing would even show that we're related to Splinter."
Leo, Karai, and Mikey all sighed with relief. Raph shook his head and clenched his fists. "Look, whatever. I don't CARE about that. What I DO care about is our supposed 'leader' ditching us without a word and then showing up a day and a half later with our master's daughter who still doesn't believe that's who she is and getting himself, and us, caught in the middle of a trap set by Shredder to catch his little runaway princess!"
Leo and Karai both scowled at Raph; Leo stepped in front of her and spoke menacingly to his brother. "Raph, I'm warning you, leave her out of this. I'm the one who chose to leave without notice, I'm the one who went looking for her, I'm the one who didn't let you know where I was or what I was doing. Karai and I were both surprised at how quickly those Foot-bots surrounded us before you guys showed up. If she's responsible for anything that's happened tonight, it's teaming up with me; in Shredder's eyes, and yours, I guess, that's what she did wrong. That's all."
Karai smirked and placed a hand on Leo's shoulder, gently pushing him aside. "Thanks, Leo, but if your brother has a problem with me, I can handle him myself." She sauntered closer to Raph, who grimaced at her approach. "I get the feeling you don't like me being here…?"
"I DON'T. Not until I'm sure we can trust you."
"Oh, yeah? What's it gonna take to show you I'm here for Leo, and nothing else?"
Leo's heart did more somersaults than an acrobat in Cirque du Soleil.
"For starters, you can let us check you, and your gear, to make sure you're not carrying some kind of tracking device."
She gave him an impish grin. "By all means; I have nothing to hide. Should I strip down here, or…?"
Raphael turned three shades of red before shouting, "DONNIE! THIS IS YOUR DEPARTMENT! …I'M OUTTA HERE!" He turned on his heel, stomped over to the punch dummy hanging nearby, and began wailing on it with his fists, grunting and growling something unintelligible as he vented his frustration. Karai turned to face Leo and placed a hand on her hip.
"He talks tough, but he's really kind of shy, isn't he?"
Leo chuckled at her shrewd observation. "You have NO idea."
Donnie twiddled his thumbs awkwardly. "Well, I can't really argue with Raph that it would be wise to check Karai and her gear…" Leo glared at him, but he added quickly, "You have to admit, Leo, that even if she didn't bring anything to contact Shredder on purpose, there's still a good chance that he could have planted something on her just in case she ever found our home…"
Leo looked back to her sheepishly. "He's not wrong, Karai. …Would you mind…?"
She shrugged. "I can't blame you for wanting to be sure. I'd do the same to you if our roles were reversed."
"Great – then follow me. This way," Donnie said, motioning toward his lab. Leo snuck a hand out and grasped hers as they left the main living area and entered the large work space. Donnie slid the door shut behind them.
A half hour later, the door slid open and Karai emerged, followed by the two turtles. She was re-fastening her left bracer as she walked; there had been no need for her to disrobe, but she'd had to remove every weapon and piece of armor she wore or carried to allow Donatello to examine each piece, scan them, and then scan her for any hidden metallic objects or radio wave emissions.
"Everything checked out… Karai, and all her gear, is clean," Don announced. Karai looked smugly at Raphael, who was standing near the Space Heroes pinball machine as Mikey tried to beat Leo's high score. He glowered back at her.
"So…" Leo interrupted the building tension, glancing between his two favorite hot-heads, "Has anyone seen Splinter this morning? I'm guessing he's still in the dojo…"
"No, he is not," a voice emphatically replied from the lair's main entrance. All five heads turned toward the sound, and ten eyes went wide with surprise.
"Master Splinter!" Leo exclaimed, suddenly nervous at having to face his sensei after what was probably the most disobedient thirty-six hours of his life. This time, Raphael crossed his arms over his plastron and looked smugly at Karai. NOW we'll see what Splinter has to say.
Karai returned his gaze with defiant composure. If you think I'm going to cower before your master, no matter what he thinks of Leo and me, you've got another thing coming. She smirked directly at Raph while resting her hand on Leo's shoulder, moving closer to him so that her front touched his side. Raphael fumed; Leo gulped.
"Uh, Sensei…I can explain…"
Splinter waved his hand dismissively. "There is no need for that. I know why you left, Leonardo...and what you were doing," he added, glancing at Karai. "I witnessed your battle with Shredder's forces on the roof."
Karai and the turtles gasped. Leo stammered, "B-but…h-how did you…"
"When you did not return or report, I decided to join the search, unbeknownst to your brothers." Hands clasped behind his back, the mutant rat, both stately and somber, calmly strode toward the teenaged ninja. "I found you when you were already engaged in battle…I saw the way you and Karai fought together." Leo blushed; Karai gripped his shoulder a little tighter. "It is quite clear what is between the two of you."
Neither Leo nor Karai knew what to make of this at first. Leo had been prepared to have to explain himself, but here Splinter was revealing that he already knew, in general if not in detail, what he'd been doing since he left. Karai remained silent, but watched Splinter thoughtfully as he moved, spoke. He'd obviously seen her there, with Leo, but seemed too preoccupied and hurried to address her presence in the lair. Leo opened his mouth to speak, but Splinter silenced him with a raise of his hand.
"There is no time. The city and sewers are teeming with Shredder's robotic ninja as we speak. Undoubtedly they are searching for Karai." His gaze suddenly landed upon her with the force of a train; she felt as if a sucker punch had knocked the wind out of her. They regarded each other for several breathless moments. Reddish brown orbs, full of prudent wisdom and honesty, met golden irises filled with suspicion and well-masked fear. Karai's eyes didn't waver, but she wished he'd ask why she was there, or whose side she was one, or do something, anything rather than continue to peer into her mind and soul. Unable to bear it any longer, she shifted her weight uncomfortably.
I don't even know if you're my enemy or not, but I wish you'd either greet me or attack me so I know what to think.
At length Splinter spoke, his tone surprisingly gentle. "Karai," he said, and something inside her stirred at the way he said her name, "You are welcome to remain here in safety, or join us in the fight." She inhaled sharply, shocked by this sign of good faith. "Either way," he continued, "We must venture into the sewers to meet this threat head-on. We should take the fight to them, before they come to us."
Leo and his brothers nodded gravely; Leo turned to face Karai and looked into her eyes.
"Like Master Splinter said…it's your choice."
Karai looked from Leo to his sensei and back again. This is all happening so fast. Aside from being with Leo, wasn't I supposed to come down here to learn something about my past? I guess that will have to wait, for now… She squared her shoulders decisively.
"I'm staying with you."
The infectious warmth of Leo's smile spread to the corners of her own mouth.
"Karai and I will cover the west. Donnie, the north; Raph, east; Mikey, south. Sensei, are you staying to guard the lair?"
Splinter nodded. "I will venture into the sewers, but only those nearby. If any come near our home, or inside it, they will have to face me."
"Alright. Let's try to maintain radio silence, but does everyone have their T-phone in case of emergency?"
"Yes, fearless leader," Raph sneered. Leo ignored him.
"It might take all day, but we don't come back until we've made sure every sewer is cleared. Agreed?"
"I can help with that," Donnie chimed in. "I've been planning to put sensors and cameras throughout the entire sewer system anyway, to help alert us to approaching enemies. Now seems like the perfect time to start using them. After I've cleared my section, and planted the devices, I'll head toward each of yours and do the same."
"Great thinking, Donnie. Let's resupply and head out."
The turtles turned away; Karai and Splinter remained fixed on the spot, silently observing one another. Funny, Karai thought. I've always believed he's my greatest enemy, but now, standing face-to-face with him in HIS home… I don't FEEL threatened… Either he really is that good at deception, or…
"Karai."
She nearly jumped at the sound of his voice. She lowered her chin slightly in response, peering up at him apprehensively through guarded eyes.
"We have but a few minutes before you and my sons leave to defend our home. Will you allow me to show you…something from my past?" Splinter's expression and demeanor were as tranquil as ever, but his eyes revealed a startling depth of zeal and desperation; a quiet longing permeated his gaze and tainted his words. Karai didn't know what to make of it at first, but experience had taught her to trust her instincts, and she felt that (for the present time, anyway) she was in no danger.
She gave a hesitant nod.
Splinter bowed gratefully and turned toward the dojo, leading her to it in a surprisingly unhurried pace, considering the warning he'd just brought of approaching peril. A threat drawn here by me, she frowned to herself. Either he's much more understanding than I thought, or he's luring me into a false sense of safety. Her eyes narrowed as she watched his back.
Her right hand noiselessly gripped the hilt of her sword.
One after another, they walked through a concrete archway and paused just inside the spacious room. Karai stifled a gasp. It was remarkably beautiful, and not at all what she had expected.
The first thing her eyes took in was a large, twisted and yet beautiful tree growing out of the ground on the left side of the room. The square of soil in which it stood had been lined with wood, separating it from the rest of the concrete floor, which was neatly covered with beautiful rugs; some Persian and antique, others modern and less ornate, but all contributing to the resourceful, yet charming atmosphere of the space. The long, harsh brick walls had been carefully covered with wood paneling. The shorter wall to the left was hidden by moveable wood and rice paper screens, and to the right were gorgeous sliding doors, painted with traditional motifs and scenes from ninja and samurai history. Above the doors, panels depicting trees and cranes in flight glowed softly. Karai could tell, at a glance, that Splinter had filled his dojo with everything he loved about Japan.
Although the entire room was peaceful, her eyes were perpetually drawn back to the tree. That strangely familiar tree, whose beautiful blue-green leaves shimmered, illuminated by some unseen sliver of sunlight that managed to penetrate the ceiling from the world above. The beams of light refracted through the still leaves until they stabbed to the floor like…like… Golden blades held between green fingers. Karai gasped.
I dreamed this tree.
Splinter's ears twitched; he paused and looked over his shoulder, studying her face. "Is something wrong?"
Karai closed her mouth and swallowed. It took every fragment of concentration she could muster not to stumble back and grip the wall for support.
How is this even possible? I've never been here before. Is it because of my connection to Leo, or…
Splinter now turned to face her, his eyes full of concern. "Karai…?"
She forced herself to look away and focus on her host's face. She blinked.
"I'm fine. …What was it you wanted to show me?"
Splinter gestured toward a shrine built into the wall on the far side of the room. Karai nodded stiffly and warily walked past him toward it. It seemed typical enough of other shrines she had seen before in Japan. The top shelf, the only one which protruded from the wall, was covered with carefully placed statues, urns, and other artifacts from her homeland; small, brightly burning candles swathed every object with warmth and light.
Cozy.
Karai halted and scrutinized the items. Which of these trinkets could be so important he had to show it to me now, while my father's forces are closing in?
Splinter stepped just past her and reached for a single object on the topmost concave shelf. Holding it to his chest, he turned toward Karai. "This is what I would like to show you. It is one of my two most cherished possessions." He held out a framed photo for her to see. Her heart thundered against her ribs.
Inside the simple wooden border was a formal family portrait. Karai held her breath as she examined the three stoic figures portrayed there in traditional Japanese attire. On the left was a handsome, square-shouldered man with a strong face; in the center, a swaddled baby was held aloft; and on the right, with her raven hair pulled back from her elegant face into a modest bun was…
…My mother.
Karai could have sworn someone just drove a stake through her heart.
This time, no amount of concentration could prevent her from staggering back, arms held out for balance. Tears swelled in her wide, unblinking eyes. Her right hand found the wall and pressed against it for support. Her mind was reeling.
…The man in that picture…is NOT Oroku Saki.
Splinter watched her reaction closely, his eyes gentle and kind. Continuing to hold the framed picture with one hand where she could see it, he reached the other into a hidden pocket that lay against his chest and removed an old, slightly fading, unframed photo. He held it alongside the other, and patiently allowed her to take it in.
Karai nearly choked.
The same couple from the first photo was captured in the second, but instead of traditional kimonos, they wore Western clothing, contemporary of several decades past. Her mother, Tang Shen, looked radiant and joyful in the light of a sunny afternoon. The man was obviously captivated by her warmth and beauty, his spellbound eyes glued to her lovely face, her dark hair flowing over the arm he had protectively wrapped around her shoulders.
Karai wasn't sure if she stared at those two pictures for seconds or minutes, but Splinter patiently and silently allowed her to drink them in for as long as she liked. The tears in her eyes never fell: she would not allow herself to be so vulnerable before him just yet. At length, Karai straightened her stance and let go of the wall. With trembling fingers she unfastened one of the hidden clasps holding the two halves of her breastplate together and reached into a small pocket made where the soft leather lining had begun to pull away from the concave steel.
She pulled out a portion of the same informal photograph; it had been torn in two, but she treasured it as the only picture she'd ever seen of her mother. Karai took a deep breath, turned the photo over so Splinter could see it, and said haltingly, "I…I always believed that the arm around my mother's shoulders in this photo belonged to Oroku Saki…" She looked up at Splinter with eyes so full of pain and sorrow, his heart broke for her on the spot.
"Karai…" he said tenderly. "We both loved your mother. But when she chose me, Saki refused to accept it…"
Her eyelids closed. Several tears finally plunged from her lashes to the floor. Splinter wished he could hold her, tell her how sorry he was to have missed her whole life so far, apologize for being too stupid to realize that Shredder had stolen her from their burning home so many years ago. He quickly replaced the photo inside his robe, slowly reached for her shoulder, and…
"Ahem… Master Splinter? I'm very sorry to interrupt, but…we really need to get going…"
Splinter and Karai both glanced over at Leo. How long has he been standing there? she wondered. Splinter inhaled and exhaled slowly. "You are correct, Leonardo." Looking back to Karai, he bowed apologetically. "Forgive me, but we must get back to the task at hand. Our home is in danger."
When he straightened, he saw that Karai had dried her tears, and her expression had changed from torment and confusion to fierce resolve. "Your home is in danger…because of me." He caught the steely glint in her eyes just before she bowed low and spoke to the floor.
"I won't let them find this place. Please, allow me to fight at your side to defend it…Father."
…
…
…
…
